Hey, I wanted to let everyone know that my niece, Lindsay Smith, has written a new book and it was just released today! I am so excited! Here’s a link:
It’s called The Shadow War and my brother read me how the people at Amazon summarized the story: “Inglourious Basterds meets Stranger Things in this dark and thrilling tale of power, shadow, and revenge set during World War II.”
Wow! I can’t wait to read it! Actually, my brother and I are going to listen to it as an audiobook. I hope you’ll do both!
And, it’s published by the Penguin Publishing company! Imagine that! I’ve always liked penguins but I never knew that they had anything to do with books. You learn something new everyday!
Last Saturday, June 20th, at 5:44 pm Eastern Daylight Time, the sun reached its highest point in the sky. This was the summer solstice – the longest day of the year, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. For the next three months, we’re officially in the good old summertime. Strolling down the shady lane. Sailing up a lazy river. Fishing. Traveling. Grilling out. Chilling out.
But as much as we all love to be immersed in the joys of summer, it’s nice – maybe even necessary – to have a few cubic feet of winter within easy reach. These coolers will supply the arctic environment needed to keep drinks, food, and ourselves icy cold, even in the doggiest of dog days. And they’ll continue to serve us well as the days grow shorter – camping, tailgating, and serving as overflow iceboxes for all the feasts of fall and winter.
Just a reminder: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when readers purchase products through our links. Learn more at our Disclosures page.
The Elephant – er, Yeti – in the Room
Let’s get this one out of the way quickly. Yeti coolers may be the 600-pound gorilla in terms of what people think of when it comes to high-end ice chests, but their products are not 100% made in the USA. Yeti’s website says that their Tundra coolers are made at facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Philippines, so that’s a roll of the dice. To give them an E for effort, their website does say that you can call them if you really want to make sure you purchase a 100% made in the USA cooler, and they will source it for you. However, with all the other great coolers to choose from – often with smaller price tags – you might as well save yourself the trouble.
I feel the same way about kale. As my Granddad used to say, “Youcan make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but it’s seldom worth the effort.”
Rumor has it that Yeti’s five-gallon bucket is made in South Carolina. If you’re feeling lucky about that, here’s the Amazon link:
You may rightfully wonder why anyone would pay around $50 for a five-gallon bucket. Actually, it gets good reviews for sturdiness and durability (4.8 stars over 211 ratings). Even if you’re giving it a hard pass, you might enjoy looking at the comments. Some of them – comparing it to the buckets you can get at Lowe’s and Home Depot – are pretty hilarious to read.
Rotomolding: a new spin on an old process
Rotational molding, the process that sets Yeti and the other high-end coolers apart from traditional ice chests, has been around since the 1950s. Polyethylene resins are placed inside a mold, heated, and rotated simultaneously around two different axes. This distributes the resin throughout the entire mold. As an added benefit, centrifugal forces place an extra amount of resin in those areas where shock absorption is most needed.
GI’m at little dizzy right now just contemplating that.
If Roto is your Goto, but Yeti is a Nyeti, then here are your Affordable Snowmen
The rotomolding process undoubtedly produces some coolers with outstanding insulation properties. That comes with a price – both literally and figuratively. Rotomolded coolers are generally much more expensive than other types. They are also considerably more heavy. The irony here is that the very quality that makes them desirable in remote locations also makes it harder to get them there. When it comes to the Yeti brand, there is also the problem that they are not all made in the USA. However, if you’re really looking for the Yeti experience without going full Yeti on your wallet, then these American-made coolers – representing a variety of sizes – should fill the bill. Just be aware that all of the Rotomolded offerings are going to be more expensive than a traditional cooler.
Bison Coolers
Bison Coolers is a family-owned company and their coolers are made entirely in the USA. They set forth the entire USA production chain in detail on their website.
Bison’s Rotomold line comes in 25, 50, 75 (not shown) and 125 quart models. If you follow the links to Amazon, you can also view the color choices.
Unlike the usual “T-latch” system that constricts in cold weather and is difficult to open or close, Bison uses a cantilever latch system. These beefy rubber latches are tear resistant to 170 lbs.
Oversized drain plugs make for fast draining. The 50 QT, 75 QT, and 125 QT have dual drain plugs for easy access. The 25 QT has a single plug. You can also leave the plug in and rotate it open.
All models feature non-skid feet and silicone gaskets that retain their shape and ensure a great seal. Bison reports ice retention in excess of a week when you start with a pre-chilled and full cooler.
Bison’s soft-sided models are also made in America. They’re not going to offer the superior ice retention capabilities of the rotomolded coolers, but they still do a great job. As an added feature, the exteriors don’t sweat.
The 24-can soft cooler holds 24 cans and holds 10 pounds of ice. The 12-can version holds 5 pounds of ice and 12 cans. All soft-sided models come with a bottle opener built in to the carrying strap.
All Cordova hard-sided coolers are rotomolded. The company is headquartered in Nampa, Idaho. If you really want to amp up the made-in-America quotient, their website offers even more patriotic choices than are available on Amazon on their Americana page.
Cordova Extra Small
Cordova 35 Small Cooler – Hard Sided Rotomolded Ice Chest with 28 Quart Capacity & Built In Bottle Opener – Made in the USA
Cordova 50 Medium Cooler – Hard Sided Rotomolded Ice Chest with 48 Quart Capacity & Built In Bottle Opener – Made in the USA
Cordova 100 Large Cooler – Hard Sided Rotomolded Ice Chest with 88 Quart Capacity & Built In Bottle Opener – Made in the USA
Cordova 125 Extra Large Cooler – Hard Sided Rotomolded Ice Chest with 128 Quart Capacity & Built In Bottle Opener – Made in the USA
From the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee website.
Grizzly 15 Cooler, G15, 15 QT
Grizzly 20 Cooler, G20, 20 QT
Grizzly 40 Cooler, G40, 40 Quart
Grizzly 60 Cooler, G60, 60 Quart
Grizzly 75 Cooler, Tan, G75, 75 QT
I’m a dog not a bear, and it’s a Baby Shark not a salmon, but can I get my own coloring book?
Icehole Coolers
Icehole Coolers is a family-owned business that has been supplying equipment to the military for 35 years. When they decided to start making coolers, they knew they wanted to go full USA and they consulted with customers to learn what they wanted. You’ll need to go to Icehole’s website to order their coolers online.
Traveler: 20 cans of beer, 26 pounds of ice. Six colors
Weekender: 38 cans of beer, 56 pounds of ice. Four colors.
The company also lists a Basecamp (110 quart) rotomold cooler, but there is a broken link on the website.
A portion of every sale goes to veterans, their families, and survivors, so please order on their website if you can. You can also learn about the organizations they support.
Icon Coolers
Icon’s founders grew up together on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. They founded Icon in 2012. In 2014, they stopped importing and began designing and sourcing materials for USA manufacturing.
Some of Icon’s features include:
Commercial grade gasket
Tie down and cable lock ports
All-rubber, flush-mounted pull latches
Optional cork and rope handles
Self-draining bottom
Icon’s 32, 50, and 75 quart models, in three of the available colors.
Kong Coolers are made in the USA by Elkhart Plastics, Inc., which has been designing thousands of components for the marine, agricultural, food processing, heavy trucking, and other industries since 1988.
KONG Coolers | 25 Quart Rotomolded | Proudly Made in The USA | Durable, Safe, No-Slip Feet, Extended Ice Retention Cooler (Boulder Blue)
Kong 50 Quart Cooler | Durable Medium Ice Chest | Perfect Hunting, Fishing, Boating and Camping Accessory | Extended Ice Retention | Made in The USA (Rugged Red GR Series)
KONG Coolers | 70 Quart Rotomolded | Proudly Made in The USA | Durable, Safe, No-Slip Feet, Extended Ice Retention Cooler (Rugged Red GR Series)
KONG Coolers | 110 Quart Rotomolded | Proudly Made in The USA | Durable, Safe, No-Slip Feet, Extended Ice Retention Cooler (Woodland Green)
Kong coolers are also certified grizzly bear resistant by the IGBC.
Lifetime Coolers
Lifetime Coolers is part of the Lifetime family, which makes a wide variety of outdoor, sporting, and gardening equipment. The all-American coolers boast these attributes:
Easy-to-drain spout with garden hose compatibility
Up To 7-day ice retention
Stainless steel hinge rod
Rubber latches, which can be easily opened with one hand
Stainless steel bottle opener with padlock compatibility
Dual-purpose grip and slide feet
Heavy-duty polyethylene construction
5-Year limited warranty
Certified to withstand a bear for up to an hour
Lifetime Durable Performance Cooler (28-Quart)
Lifetime 90820 55 Quart High Performance Cooler, Grey
You can also purchase a two-pack of the 55-quart model here for a volume discount price.
LIFETIME 91005 65 Quart High Performance Cooler, Arctic White
Lifetime Durable Performance Cooler (77-Quart)
ORCA Coolers
Through a stroke of luck, the company’s full name is Outdoor Recreation Company of America. It’s kind of a chicken and egg thing – or maybe whale and cooler is the better analogy. The company was founded in 2012 “by outdoor enthusiasts for outdoor enthusiasts” with the goal of creating an American made, roto-molded cooler. They are based in Nashville.
Appearing below is a wide variety of ORCA coolers that are available on Amazon. Besides being bear-resistant, ORCA also boasts of their customizable designs available on their website, with licensing rights from just about every college and professional team.
20 quart.
26 quart
40 quart
58 quart
75 quart
140 quart
Orion Coolers
Orion is part of Jackson Adventures in Tennessee. Jackson Adventures manufactures pieces of outdoor equipment, including kayaks.
Orion Heavy Duty Premium Cooler (25 Quart, Forest), Durable Insulated Ice Chest for Maximum Cold Retention – Portable, Bear Resistant, and Long Lasting, Great for Hunting, Fishing, Camping
Orion Heavy Duty Premium Cooler (35 Quart, Forest), Durable Insulated Ice Chest for Maximum Cold Retention – Portable, Bear Resistant, and Long Lasting, Great for Hunting, Fishing, Camping
Orion Heavy Duty Premium Cooler (45 Quart, Ocean), Durable Insulated Outdoor Ice Chest for Maximum Cold Retention – Portable, Bear Resistant, and Long Lasting, Great for Hunting, Fishing, Camping
Orion Heavy Duty Premium Cooler (55 Quart, Desert), Durable Insulated Outdoor Ice Chest for Maximum Cold Retention – Portable, Bear Resistant, and Long Lasting, Great for Hunting, Fishing, Camping
Orion Heavy Duty Premium Cooler (65 Quart, Stone), Durable Insulated Outdoor Ice Chest for Maximum Cold Retention – Portable, Bear Resistant, and Long Lasting, Great for Hunting, Fishing, Camping
Orion Heavy Duty Premium Cooler (85 Quart, Ocean), Durable Insulated Outdoor Ice Chest for Maximum Cold Retention – Portable, Bear Resistant, and Long Lasting, Great for Hunting, Fishing, Camping
Winston’s friend Tripp lives in Tennessee on a lake in the Smoky Mountains. Tripp’s dad went to the University of Tennessee and is a huge Vols fan. He has one of Orion’s custom-made “Go Vols” coolers and it is a beautiful orange and white sight to behold, even if my colors run more toward blue, red, and white.
Otterbox Coolers
Chances are you already know of Otterbox from their excellent line of iPhone and Galaxy covers. Their Venture line of hard coolers expands the Otterbox commitment to durability and quality from phone cases and applies it to coolers.
OtterBox Venture Cooler 45 Quart – Deyoung Salt (White/Blue)
OtterBox Venture Cooler 65 Quart – Deyoung Salt (White/Blue)
Pelican
Pelican has developed quite a customer base with the military, law enforcement, fire, EMS, government, industrial, energy, aviation, and aerospace industries. Some of Pelican’s qualities include:
Stainless steel hardware
Press and pull latches, not rubber
Raised rubber feet
Lifetime guarantee
If you’re looking for a roto-molded cooler but also want the mobility of a wheeled one, then this Pelican is the only way to go:
Pelican Elite Coolers with Wheels
Pelican Products Progear Elite Cooler, 95 Quart
Taiga
Taiga coolers are injection molded rather than rotomolded, but they have additional insulation and are extremely durable. The coolers come with a full lifetime warranty. They specialize in camouflage, and the colors are solid throughout the cooler walls. They also come in white and tan, or you can contact them for custom colors and logos. Oh yeah: a “taiga” is a subarctic forest, in case you were wondering.
Taiga Coolers Navy Soft Sided Cooler with Taiga Bottle Opener/Keychain
Taiga was founded by two retired military guys in Texas. They give a 10% discount to all military veterans if you order on their website, so I recommend that you take advantage of that benefit if you qualify – and thank you for your service. Otherwise, three of their coolers are available on Amazon Prime.
Thanks for your service!
Winston’s Wags and Woofs
If you’re looking for a wheeled, rotomolded cooler, the Pelican is the way to go. If you’re current or retired military, please considering buying directly from Taiga. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with any of these coolers. And you know you’ll always be glad you bought American!
Father’s Day this year is Sunday, June 21st. Let’s show all the Dads how much we appreciate their example, sacrifice, love, and even their bad jokes! In honor of our Dads’ senses of humor, Winston will be weighing in with his favorite Dad Jokes.
Just a reminder: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when readers purchase products through our links. Learn more at our Disclosures page.
Categories
We know how much Dad will appreciate a gift that is made in the USA. And, we’re in luck, because there are so many great Dad-approved products that are made right here in America; many more than appear below. What we’ve tried to do with this list is to put together a representative sample of (mostly) moderately-priced items – with the added benefit that everything appearing below is available on Amazon Prime. You can jump right to a specific category or can scroll down to see everything, including Winston’s puns.
Dad’s car is the epitome of multi-functionality. It serves as everything from mobile dining room to concert hall to field hospital. He hauls around baseball teams, Girl Scout cookies, and bags of mulch.
On the short list of Fathers’ Day car accessories are these floor mats and liners. They’ll catch anything a fishing trip or soccer practice can throw at them, then be washed down and look great for date night with Mom.
When you link to these products, make sure that you fill in all the information for Dad’s car and truck (make, model, year) and choose the color you want.
Everyone knows that Armor All makes some great liquid protectant. They also make some great, very reasonably priced, one-size-fits-all floor mats.
Husky Liners offers some superior floor mats. They are pricier than the Armor Alls, but they are custom-fitted and will wear very well. Be sure to input the proper car and truck information when ordering.
This liner kit from Rugged Liner will catch and hold just about any mess that can be dragged in on it.
Weather Tech offers this, more reasonably priced, trim-to-fit option. It’s very easy to follow the pre-scored lines to get a great fit for whatever Dad drives.
Why did the football coach go to the bank? To get his quarter back.
This category is full of American-made opportunities! So much so that we’ll be devoting an entire post to Cookware in the near future. When thinking of something for Dad, though, Lodge Cast Iron in the iconic choice. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in Tennessee since 1896. Their products proclaim “America” whether you encounter them on a chuck wagon, a gourmet restaurant, a tailgate, or Grandma’s kitchen. I still cook on a Lodge skillet that was my Grandmother’s, and every meal brings with it memories, love, and molecules from every other meal cooked on it since the early 1900’s.
If your Dad does not yet have a piece of Lodge cookware, this cast iron skillet is the go-to choice, without a doubt. And when you go to the link, you’ll find other options as to size and shapes.
If Dad already has the skillet, then a nice addition would be this enamel coated cast iron casserole. Again, there are many size options when you click on the link. This product line fits in with those of Le Creuset and Staub, but Lodge’s has a much more reasonable price tag.
What did the fisherman say to the magician? Pick a cod, any cod.
I love all my Tervis Tumblers! I can fill one with iced tea and lots of ice, leave it in the car in the sweltering Oklahoma heat while I take an hour and a half walk, and come back to cold refreshment, ice cubes and all. The choices of drinkware are almost endless. I have just listed three options, but when you click on the link, you’ll be able to shop the Tervis universe for all kinds of sizes, shapes, and logos. Tervis has licensing rights from just about every professional and collegiate sports team on the planet, so chances are that you’ll find Dad’s favorite teams.
This a great tumbler with Baby Yoda from The Mandolorian. As we mentioned above, the design choices are almost endless.
Dad’s own private Margaritaville just got cooler. Whether he’s firing up the grill or just chillaxin’ in a chair, he’ll appreciate these tumblers helping to set the mood.
Winston’s personal favorite. These dogs will bring a smile to Dad’s face every time he takes a sip.
An accessory for the Tervis, or any other drinkware. These reusable straws are made by The Last Straw. They are made from titanium, have straight and angled sections, and come with a cleaning brush that will keep them like new for years to come.
Which is faster, hot or cold? Hot, because you can catch a cold.
Like so many of the other types of products featured here, there are great American-made options in flashlights. To stay focused, however (no pun intended), we’re showing three flashlights from Maglite. Founded by Anthony Maglica in 1955, Maglite is a great American story. Their flashlights are rugged and reliable.
This light is a great one to have on hand. It can fit in a car’s console, a backpack, or the kitchen drawer.
With this set, Dad’s flashlight can always stay charged. Very handy if the family hasn’t made the regular Costco run to stock up on batteries.
This is the flashlight most people think of when the name Maglite comes to mind. It has a great beam and, with its size and heft, can double as a Billy Club.
I like elevator jokes because they work on so many levels.
Whether working in the garage, the yard, or out on the ranch, Dad can always use a pair of good gloves. These two options from Carolina Glove are representative of many more choices available when you visit the link.
As the name implies, these gloves are practically impervious.
If Dad goes through a lot of gloves, these cowhide leather ones should have him covered. The price may seem a little steep, but it’s for 24 gloves (a dozen pair of them).
It’s inappropriate to make a ‘dad joke’ if you’re not a dad. That would be a faux pa.
We thought long and hard about including grills on this Fathers’ Day list. On the one hand, they are the stuff that Fathers’ Day dreams are made of. On the other, they are generally going to be a big-ticket item, and we thought we’d focus on more reasonably-priced options. Besides, we recently reviewed made-in-the-USA Kamado cookers and we’ll be reviewing outdoor grills in general in the near future. However, we thought this grill accessory was pretty cool, and it may be one that Dad didn’t even know he needed.
Tuffy Mat makes this very nice mat. It goes under the grill and keeps everything from hot coals to marinades to meat juices from getting on the deck or patio. It could be worth its weight in gold if it stopped an errant ember from landing on a wooden deck. It’s also comfortable to stand on while grilling.
A good knife is definitely a Dad thing. Here are three American manufacturers.
This folding knife from Bear & Son Cutlery has a good look and a nice heft to it.
Dad can channel his inner Navy Seal with this Emerson Knife.
W R Case & Sons actually started as “Case Brothers” in 1889. Then, one of the brothers continued the family tradition with his sons. This is a great pocket knife, with two blades.
This is another Case pocket knife. The body is made of bone.
What’s an astronaut’s favorite part of a computer? The space bar.
Whether it’s igniting kindling, starting sparklers, shooting off firecrackers, or illuminating a cave a la Indiana Jones, Dad can always use a lighter. Zippo lighters has been in business for 88 years and recently celebrated their 600 millionth lighter manufactured. They are refillable and will last for years to come.
The classic Zippo lighter: sleek and minimalist. Like so many other items in this review, when you click on the link, you’ll find a dizzying number of design options.
I could tell a joke about pizza, but it’s a little cheesy.
Dad’s a man on the go. He might sometimes require some specialty gear to go camping, skiing, or hunting, but he usually doesn’t need much to transport his stuff. Here are a couple of travel ideas.
This shaving kit from Duluth Pack has a sturdy leather outside and a waterproof inside.
Ridge Wallet has reimagined the wallet. It has a tough exterior and the RFID blocking technology keeps all of Dad’s credit card information safe.
What’s the best way to watch a fly fishing tournament? Live stream.
There are some great, made-in-America shaving accessories out there. When it comes to razors, however, I have only found one brand where every component (including the blades themselves) are made in the USA. That makes the choice very easy. The good news is, they’re great!
The M5 Magnum by Personna. American through and through. This price is for 8 blades: about one-third of what you’d pay for more well-known brands, which aren’t made in the USA.
I always like the “Close Shave America” ads by Barbasol. It is a great American company, and their shaving cream – while playing a key role in “Jurassic Park” – is also my favorite. You can’t go wrong with Barbasol.
We started this review with the idea of narrowing down some Fathers’ Day gift ideas for you. I hope we succeeded in making your selections a little easier. We’ll finish this post with something a Dad can never have too many of … tools. We’ve focused on three companies, even though there are many more made-in-the-USA tool manufacturers. These companies offer some products that are unique to them, and I think Dad would appreciate all three.
Channel Lock made its name with adjustable, locking pliers. This three-pack will get you through any small to medium size needs.
This Channel Lock set makes a good gift. There are two pairs of the classic Channel-Lock pliers, two pairs of standard pliers, and a needle-nose pair.
Here is an axe by Estwing. It has a great, balanced feel and will last for a very long time.
This rock pick by Estwing is a sentimental favorite of mine. I received this model from my Dad over a half-century ago. I still use it, and it’s cool to see that the model still looks exactly the same.
Here’s a hammer by Estwing. It has a great handle and will most likely last forever.
Toolcard Pro makes a 40-in-1 toolcard. If you can think of a tool function, it can probably do it. While you wouldn’t want to use this on long-term, big projects, it is a great item to have on hand to measure, tighten, cut, and perform other jobs.
This is the same Toolcard Pro with the addition of a money clip. I guess that makes it a 41-in-1 tool!
I made a pencil with two erasers. It was pointless.
Just a reminder: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through our links. Learn more at our Disclosures page.
Flag Day is Sunday, June 14th. It’s been celebrated every year on June 14th since President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it such in 1916. The reason for that specific date actually goes all the way back to 1777, when the flag of the United States was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Coincidentally, the US Army shares the same birthday; it was formed on June 14, 1775.
Attention! I’m ready to salute!
Now that We Know the Why, Here’s the Who
There are six companies offering 100% made-in-the-USA, American flags, whose products are available on Amazon:
Annin Flagmakers: Founded in 1847. See their impressive resumé below.
Collins Flags: Located in Marion, Indiana, their eco-friendly flags are made of 100% recycled water and soda bottles.
Rushmore Rose USA: The Texas-based company’s 100% cotton flag is an Amazon best-seller. Their website has a section on flag etiquette and a list of half-staff proclamations.
USA Flag Co: Operating from Sparks, Nevada, their website offers many tips on flag etiquette.
Valley Forge Flags: Established in 1882 and headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, they manufacture and distribute their products from their facilities in South Carolina.
Annin Flagmakers: A Special Shoutout
Talk about an American flag! Here’s some information from Annin’s website: “Our flags have participated in world events such as:
The inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, as well as the flag that draped his casket.
The opening ceremonies of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883.
The arrival of Commander Robert E. Peary at the North Pole in 1909 and Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd at the South Pole 21 years later.
Raising the flag by U.S. Marines atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima in 1945.
When Apollo 11 made its historic mission to the moon in 1969, its cargo included 186 Annin flags that Astronauts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins would later distribute as mementos.
America’s 1976 Bicentennial celebration.
The design and inception of the POW-MIA flag in 1979 in conjunction with the National League of Families of POW/MIA.
The Field of Remembrance at Battery Park, NY for the 10th Anniversary of September 11th.”
The “Prime” Choices
There are 12 made-in-the-USA flag choices that qualify for Amazon Prime, so you can have Old Glory delivered, raised, and flying on Flag Day. All of these flags have great reviews (4.1 stars up to 5.0), so you can focus on size, materials, and price. We’ll start with the most popular size. You may already have the right flagpole for it.
Three by Five: the Golden (Retriever) Ratio
If you’ve bought a flag at Costco, Sam’s, or similar establishment, chances are the flag was 3 x 5 feet (36 x 60 inches). Alas, chances are also it was not made in America. On the positive side, its pole will probably fit your new, American-made American flag. This size flag is well-proportioned for most homes; hence, its sale at most retail stores.
Here’s a little more information on that 3 : 5 relationship. It comes very close to the Golden Ratio, which scientists, artists, musicians, mathematicians, naturalists, astronomers, and philosophers have observed for thousands of years. Items in this proportion are visually attractive. For the mathematically inclined, the ratio is approximately 1 : 1.618, or:
(a+b)is toaasais tob
the Golden Ratio (aka Golden Mean, Divine Proportion)
Let’s not even get started with how the Golden Ratio relates to the Fibonacci Sequence: we’ll miss Flag Day! Suffice it to say, a 3 x 5 flag’s proportion is in good company with the Parthenon, the Eiffel Tower, and maybe even your flat-screen television. And, even though the dimensions for official American flags are 1 : 1.9 (per 4 USC § 1 and 2), there are exceptions even then: casket flags are 5 x 9 1/2 feet. The flags sold to the general public are 3 x 5 feet and that is perfectly permissible, even desirable esthetically.
One point Nine: it’s not just a good idea, it’s the law!
As I said above, you’re probably going to be very happy with any flag you choose from our list. However, there are a few that get extremely high review ratings, with a whole bunch of reviewers weighing in.
Rushmore Rose USA 3 x 5, with sewn stripes and embroidered stars. Over the course of a whopping 4,520 reviews on Amazon, this flag draws an average of 4.8 stars. The price is a very reasonable $29.95.
Annin Flagmakers Model 2710 3 x 5, with sewn stripes, embroidered stars, and brass grommets. With 6,565 reviews – the most of any of our flags – it draws an average of 4.7 stars and a modest price of $23.14.
Annin also makes a deluxe version of its Model 2710, the Model 4295, which includes a six-foot aluminum spinner pole that rotates 360 degrees, plus a solar-powered light. It sells for $69.99 and has an average rating of 4.6 stars over 5,980 reviews.
While there are exceptions, flags with sewn stripes and embroidered stars are considered to be of a higher quality than those having the colors printed onto a single piece of fabric. Keep that in mind as we continue looking at 3 x 5 flags.
Valley Forge Flags 3 x 5 flag with sewn stripes, embroidered stars, and brass grommets. A price of $19.99, with a rating of 4.6 stars over 1,245 reviews.
Another Valley Forge flag with sewn stripes and embroidered stars, this one is made of a polyester/rayon blend and sells for $32.94. It also has a 4.6 star rating, with a smaller number of – but still respectable – 72 reviews.
Rushmore Rose USA 3 x 5 flag printed on 70% polyester / 30% cotton. Even though a printed flag, the cotton content in the material brings it up a notch. It sells for $16.95 and averages 4.4 stars over 631 reviews.
Speaking of cotton, Valley Forge Flags makes a 100% cotton 3 x 5 flag. It has sewn stripes, embroidered stars, and heavy-duty brass grommets. You’ll want to use it on special occasions or display it indoors, but it is a beautiful flag. It sells for $27.93 and rates 4.3 stars over 299 reviews.
Other Sizes
Sure, the 3 x 5 flag is probably the most popular flag for home use – and the 3:5 ratio most closely approximates the Golden Mean – but you may need something smaller. More likely though, if you’re in the market for an American flag (not to mention one that’s made in the USA), there’s probably at least a part of you that’s wishing you could go pedal-to-the-metal, full-bore, ‘Murican with it. You’re in luck! These options are also Amazon Prime eligible.
There may be a Golden Mean, but there’s no such thing as a mean Golden!
Let’s get small(er).
Annin Flagmakers Model 21850, 2 1/2 x 4 foot flag. Sewn stripes, embroidered stars and a banner-style pole sleeve. A 4.7 star rating over 517 reviews, it sells for $16.97.
Valley Forge Flags also makes a 2 1/2 x 4 foot flag. It is made out of sewn polyester and comes with a five-foot pole. It sells for $37.99 and has a 4.1 star rating over 196 reviews.
A little bit larger, now.
USA Flag Co sells a 4 x 6 foot flag with embroidered stars and brass grommets. The price is $36.50 and it has an impressive 4.8 star rating over an equally impressive 1,643 reviews.
Keeping the Golden Ratio, only with four times the real estate.
American Flag and Pole Co maintains the Golden Ratio with a 6 x 10 foot flag, complete with sewn stripes and embroidered stars. It has a 4.6 star rating over 21 reviews and sells for $95.50.
Some countries are smaller than this flag.
Weighing in at 8 x 12 feet, Annin Flagmakers offers a flag with sewn stripes, embroidered stars, and a roped heading. It sells for $113.55 and has a 4.2 star rating over 73 reviews.
And Now, for Something Completely Different
Collins Flags doesn’t have any Amazon Prime-eligible flags, but we wanted to share its RePatriot Eco-Glory American flag with you. It’s made of 100% recycled water and soda bottles. The yarn is created from the PET material and woven into a polyester fabric, then dyed red, white and blue. The flag has embroidered stars and sewn stripes, which are sewn with a premium quality extra-strength polyester thread.The seams are double-stitched with back-stitch to reinforce the corners and four rows of lock stitching on the fly end. A great tribute to American ingenuity! The RePatriot sells for $34.99 and you can be the first to review it!
Twilight’s Last Gleaming
Flag Day is upon us and the Fourth of July is right around the corner. There’s no better time to upgrade your American flag to one that’s made right here in the good ol’ U S of A. You know you’ll be glad you did!
About American Dog
I started American Dog for two reasons: (1) for Winston and the world to get to know one another and (2) to showcase the excellence and depth of all the great American products that are made right here in the USA. This sense of purpose has only gotten stronger over time, and I believe it is being shared by more of us every day.
Wake me up when this part’s over.
I’m part of the Amazon Affiliates program. When I research and review products listed on Amazon, I may receive remuneration for items purchased there. Rest assured, however, that it has no bearing on the price you pay. Also, I never base my reviews on what I might receive from Amazon. After all, we’re American Dog: always faithful, loyal, and true – to you and to America!
Just a reminder: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through our links. Learn more at our Disclosures page.
We’re still about a month away from the first day of Summer, but we’re closing in on the unofficial start with Memorial Day Weekend. And with that, the 2020 Grilling Season will be officially underway! If there ever was a time that we’re all ready to get outdoors and enjoy family, friends, food, and fun, it’s this year!
Here at American Dog, you know that we like to hunt around Amazon and retrieve the best American-made products for your consideration. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that we’re heading into our favorite time of year: the Dog Days of Summer. We’ll soon hit the milestones of Flag Day, Fathers’ Day, and the Fourth of July. As an added bonus this year, we may actually get to watch some baseball soon.
So, Winston has put together an impressive lineup of Summer-centric products to show you in the next few weeks. Our leadoff batter is the category of Kamado grills. Like an All-Star hitter, they come with an above-average price tag. But they get on base consistently, metaphorically speaking, and will easily become the centerpiece of your outdoor lineup. Plus, with a moderate amount of care, your kids will be enjoying them for years to come with their own children and friends.
The scope of our research.
Today, we’ll be looking at 18 different grill configurations among six different sizes, ranging in price from $667 to $3,077. The word “review” should probably be in air quotes, because only two companies in the world can claim that their Kamado grills are “made in the USA”. Fortunately, they both make outstanding products. You really can’t go wrong with either one, so you can focus on price point, features, accessories, and aesthetics. And, in classically American fashion, they each offer a unique attribute that no other Kamado grill has. Our two American-made companies are:
Primo Ceramic Grills, based in Tucker, Georgia. They also boast that their grills are not only made in the USA, but also entirely “of American parts” to boot! Primo’s unique feature is its patented oval design. We’ll discuss the positive characteristics of that design below.
Goldens’ Cast Iron, based in Columbus, Georgia. Their grills are made in the USA, and their unique feature is that they are forged entirely of cast iron. They are built like a tank and will last for several lifetimes! Plus, they have an awesome, very-American look and feel to them!
Did somebody say “Goldens”?
Is it merely coincidence that the only two “made in America” Kamado manufacturers are both headquartered in the state that showed its American spirit in leading the recent Great Reopening? You decide!
Some history.
Goldens’ Foundry began operations in Columbus, Georgia in 1882 as Goldens’ Brothers. It has been operating ever since and is now in its fifth generation as a family owned and operated business. The “1882” date is forged into the cast iron of the grill with the words “made in America” and it adds to that classic American look and feel.
Primo is the only ceramic grill “made in the USA” (Golden’s is made of cast iron and is also the only one of its kind). Primo started as the idea of George Samaras, a Greek emigrant to the United States. His love of Kamado grilling began one Thanksgiving Day, when his American father-in-law roasted the holiday turkey on a ceramic grill. George spent years designing and refining the Primo grill and launched the company in 1996. In 2002, he patented the oval-shaped design for which Primo is now known.
Compare the brands that are not made in the USA.
If you’ve been researching Kamado grills on Amazon, you’ve probably noticed several other manufacturers listed there. They won’t be the subject of this review because they don’t qualify as being “made in the USA”. However, feel free to click on these links if you want to see how they stack up to the American-made grills. When you’re ready, head back over here and we’ll continue.
You’ve probably also noticed that the Big Green Egg – arguably the best-known of the Kamado grills – is not on the list. The Big Green Egg is a great piece of equipment but it has two strikes against it, at least for our purposes: it’s not made in the USA and it’s not sold on Amazon. ‘Nuff said. Let’s move on.
What is a Kamado? We went to Wikipedia so you don’t have to!
The Kamado (literally, “place for a cauldron” in Japanese) has been around in Japan and Korea since about forever. The moveable version that we are familiar with (technically a mushikamado) began to enter the American collective attention as US soldiers, sailors, pilots, nurses, and doctors came home from the Second World War. Grillers liked the ease of maintaining a constant temperature for roasting, grilling, baking, searing, and smoking. They also appreciated the ability to do everything from warming food and slow-smoking meats at 200° to searing steaks and baking pizzas at 750°.
The egg-shaped design has changed little over the centuries. Although they didn’t know it at the time, the protodesigners formed a giant Solo Cup out of clay, topped it with a domed lid, and fired the pieces in a rudimentary kiln. Temperatures in a Kamado grill are controlled by adjusting air flow down near the fire source and up at the top of the dome. The original fuels were wood or charcoal, and lump charcoal is still the preferred heat source. Charcoal briquettes sometimes contain fillers and artificial ingredients, and these can find their way into the ceramic and affect the taste of the food. With the advent of “natural” briquettes – and now that grills like Golden’s Cast Iron are made out of metal – some grillers are moving back toward Kingsford-type charcoal briquettes.
Let’s look at the options available on Amazon.
Goldens’ Cast Iron
Goldens’ offers two grill sizes: the 20.5” diameter (330 square inches) and the 14” diameter (154 square inches). A cart is strongly recommended for the 20.5” model. This is both for support and, because the grill weighs in at 334 pounds, you need some help to move it around. The carts are really cool looking and are very nicely counter-balanced. I’ve also heard that the wheels are cast in old pulley molds from Goldens’ early foundry days. The 14” model weighs a relatively light 123 pounds.
I can also put your mind at ease regarding the weight of the dome lid. Yes, it is very heavy, but the patented spring method in the hinge makes opening and closing it almost a two-finger operation. Plus, the hinge halves are integrally cast as parts of the body and lid, so they fit perfectly together and should never get out of alignment.
Interior of the Golden’s 20-inch
The firebox is a single piece of cast iron – solid as Sears, as we used to say. Goldens’ also offers as an accessory a footed, cast iron divider – very handy for creating heating zones. The bottom vent is a sliding, two-piece device made of stainless steel. There is an outer solid piece and an inner mesh piece. The vent in the top of the lid is cast iron. The thermometer in the lid measures temperatures from 150° to 750° Fahrenheit to within ±1%.
Inside, there is a removable cast-iron heat diffuser that also acts as a searing plate. The grilling takes place on two, cast-iron semi-circle grates. I really like their footed design: you can turn one or both of them over so that the food is closer to the heat, or you can flip them and use the feet to lift the cooking surface away from the heat source. And, if you purchase an additional set, you could stack them and double your cooking space. You move the searing plate and the grates with a cleverly-designed lifting tool. It’s spring loaded, which really grabs hold, and its extra length keeps you away from the business end of the grill.
The grill’s exterior is powder-coated and should retain its color for as long as the grill is around. Speaking of color: just like Henry Ford told his Model-A customers, you can have any color you want as long as it’s black. Now, while I could see the Pioneer Woman getting with the Goldens’ crew to come up with a special design for the Drummond Ranch, Winston and I think powder-coated black is the perfect color for such a classic piece of equipment.
I thought you were talking about a Cast Iron Golden!
I like the simplicity of choice with Golden’s. There are four configurations to choose from: three different cart options for the 20.5” model and one option for the 14” model.
[table id=7 /]
The side tables sure do come in handy. Check out the videos below of Ballistic BBQ’s Greg Mrvich showing how sturdy those tables are by siting on them. However, it all comes down to your personal preferences, available space, and budget. As I say many times in this post, you can’t go wrong whichever you choose!
If you’re ready, let’s learn about our other made-in-America Kamado grill company.
Primo Ceramic Grills
Primo offers a couple of more size options than Golden’s:
Model
Cooking Area (sq ins)
Optional Rack Area (sq ins)
Grill Weight (lbs)
Primo Oval XL 400
400
280
250
Primo Oval LG 300
300
195
152
Primo Oval JR 200
210
150
100
Primo Kamado (Round)
280
N/A
220
The patented oval design of the XL, LG, and JR means that no other Kamado sold in America – whether made in the USA or elsewhere – can have that shape. To appreciate why that’s important, we need to go back to Geometry class. Let’s hope we paid attention:
Or not. Suffice it to say, the oval shape allows you to have more cooking area without increasing the diameter of the grill. That gives you two benefits:
You can reach food in the back more easily than on a round grill of similar area; and
You can set up more clearly-defined heat zones.
Bases, Carts, and Tables: so many options!
Metal cart with basket and stainless steel top (XL, LG, and JR)
Two-piece Island top, made of marine-grade materials (XL, LG, and JR)
One-piece Island top – with cup holders! (XL and LG)
Cypress countertop with additional working space and storage (XL, LG, and JR)
Cypress grill table – “beautiful and durable” (XL and JR)
Compact cypress table for small spaces (XL)
All-in-One – legs on rollers, side shelves, ash tool, and grate lifter (XL, LG, JR, and Round)
GO and GO base – cradle and legs, but no rollers (JR)
The Primo Oval XL 400 also offers a special Jack Daniel’s Edition, which features the iconic “Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7” logo emblazoned on the domed lid and grill table, available either on the one-piece or the two-piece island top. It’s a nice touch, but you’ll need to decide if it’s worth the extra $100 or so.
The All-in-One models operate between 200° and 750° Fahrenheit. All the other models boast a range of from 150° to over 850°. At those high-end temperatures, Primo says that you can keep them in tip-top condition by periodically running them like a self-cleaning oven. This works for the Golden’s grills, too.
An optional fire box divider is made of cast iron. Other accessories include heat deflector plates and racks, extension racks, rib racks, and baking stones.
Primo Interior
If you want to learn more about Primo and its special ceramics, check out this video on Primo’s YouTube channel. George Samaras, Primo’s founder and owner, takes you on a tour of his factory. He also loads one of his grills and three of the competition’s into his kiln and refires them, all to show the advantages of his proprietary blend of natural materials that go into the making of Primo’s premium-grade ceramics. Mr Samaras doesn’t name the competitors, but if you’ve been researching other Kamado grills, you’ll probably be able to identify them by their distinctive colors and shapes. The kiln-refiring portion begins at 5:22 into the video:
George Samaras, founder of Primo Ceramic Grills
Here are the 14 different grill and cart combinations on Amazon:
[table id=6 /]
Videos: Kamado grilling in action.
You may already know that we here at American Dog are huge fans of Greg Mrvich and his Ballistic BBQ YouTube channel. Greg just went over the 300,000 follower mark with his fun mix of informative videos. He reviews grills and equipment, recreates popular restaurant menu items, and offers instruction on various grilling and smoking techniques. His two most recent videos were a review of Golden’s Cast Iron Kamado and a how-to guide to grilling a Tomahawk Ribeye on a Golden’s. Greg has also made several videos where he cooks on Primo’s Oval 400 XL. I’ve included two videos each for the Golden’s Cast Iron and the Primo Oval 400 XL.
Managing temperature on a Primo Oval XL 400
A review of Golden’s Cast Iron Kamado
Reverse-seared Cowboy Ribeye on the Primo Oval XL 400
Reverse-seared Tomahawk Steak on the Golden’s Cast Iron 20.5”
I’ve also included some links to his other Primo Oval 400 XL videos, and here are links to two of his books, Sauces and Marinades and Sous Vide BBQ.
More Ballistic BBQ episodes focusing on the Primo Oval XL 400:
This is the part of our regularly-scheduled broadcast where Winston weighs in with his Wags (pro’s) and Woofs (con’s). As I mentioned at the outset, though, the two American companies producing the “made in the USA” Kamado grills present a win-win situation. You can’t go wrong with either the Primo or the Golden’s; they are both outstanding choices. To quickly recap:
Primo’s
Golden’s
Absolutely American
George Samaras came from Greece to pursue the American Dream and built his business from the ground up.
The Golden brothers founded their company in 1882 and it is now in its fifth generation of family ownership.
Unique in the Market
The one-of-a-kind, patented oval design gives you more heat arrangement options and a grill space that is easy to reach.
Forged out of cast iron – the only one of its kind anywhere – this grill will be a family heirloom for generations to come.
Warranty
A limited lifetime warranty backed by a twenty (20) year guarantee on all ceramic parts.
A lifetime guarantee. That’s seven lifetimes in Winston years!
Customer Service
You’re talking directly to the factory in Tucker, Georgia.
You’re talking directly to the factory in Columbus, Georgia.
Still deciding?
If you believe that your ceramic grill should actually be ceramic, this grill is the one!
This grill is built to be around for several generations. Plus, the look and feel of it is so doggone cool!
One last thought. You may be thinking, like I used to, that big, heavy items shouldn’t be ordered on Amazon. Then, one day, I had a revelation: Why not let them do the heavy lifting? They’ll deliver it to you and take all the attendant risks. Plus, in all of the comments I’ve read regarding both the Primo and Golden’s grills, the companies have been extremely responsive and helpful in the rare instances where something happened in transit. You’ll also notice that many of these items qualify for Amazon Prime, and all but one have free shipping. All of these grills are delivered almost totally assembled: the remaining work involves some very easy assembly taking just a few minutes. Save your time, your back, and your money!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Whichever grill you choose, I know that you – and your family – will enjoy it for years to come. And you’ll always be glad that you chose one made in the USA!
About American Dog
I started American Dog for two reasons: (1) for Winston and the world to get to know one another and (2) to showcase the excellence and depth of all the great American products that are made right here in the USA. This sense of purpose has only gotten stronger over time, and I believe it is being shared by more of us every day.
Stop, I’m blushing. Plus, the boring part comes next.
I’m part of the Amazon Affiliates program. When I research and review products listed on Amazon, I may receive remuneration for items purchased there. Rest assured, however, that it has no bearing on the price you pay. Also, I never base my reviews on what I might receive from Amazon. After all, we’re American Dog: always faithful, loyal, and true – to you and to America!
