Ceres Chill Chiller, Boon Frosh Chiller, Momcozy Cooler Comparison

November 10, 2024

When I say I hate doing these comparisons, especially in real life, I mean it. First thing, it literally keeps me glued to my kitchen for hours on end, not like I’m going anywhere but it’s still limiting. More importantly since these comparisons are all super real life I never know what the outcome will be. I’m sure most of you know I’m a die hard Ceres Chiller fan! I’ve been using the Ceres Chiller since 2021, THIS post to be exact- when I first shared my thoughts. I’ve traveled to San Diego and Miami, brought it with to the office for a few years, and everything in between. It's always served me well. So when a knock off comes along it hurts, it’s disappointment to say the least. At the end of the day, variety or volume options and price points are necessary for all. Putting my feeling aside, that’s where my kitchen comes into play. As an active breastfeeding mom with an oversupply I’m able to conduct these real life tests from my kitchen. The other half to this, which is annoying, is the fact that there’s so many variables that play into temperature fluctuating. To this point, these kitchen tests are just that, done in real life to help gauge your final decision, from mom to mom.

On Saturday, November 9, 2024 I donated my time to mom-science. During this time I tested my fresh pumped milk between four chiller options.

Ceres Chiller with loose ice in the inner chamber.
Ceres Chiller with a frozen core of approx 10 ounces of water. The night before I froze the core rather than insert loose ice in this chamber.
The Boon Frosh with loose ice in the inner chamber
Momcozy Portable Cooler with no loose ice as this unit uses two hollow ice packs in which the milk bottles sit within

*All units started with four ounces of fresh pumped breast milk*

In my honest opinion I feel the Momcozy doesn’t really fit in this comparison, as it’s not the same as the other two. However, I don’t regret sharing because it was apparent to everyone watching Instagram Stories this day how effective that cooler really is. Do I think this makes the other chillers look like poor choices? Absolutely, not. Why? My unbiased opinion, because it requires ice packs. Ice packs melt and need time to re-freeze. This isn’t an opinion, it’s a fact. My opinion? The Momcozy Cooler is massive, it's a well insulated vertical cooler. This cooler is maxed out at 20 ounce capacity holding two - ten ounce plastic bottles. But does it keep your milk cold? Yes, it’s undeniable that it’s a powerhouse. I’ll add around 20.5 hours when I finalized my comparison the ice packs weren’t really cold any longer, I’d consider them ready to head back to the freezer for round two. So would I recommend it, is that even a question you may have? Considering the price, capacity, weight and size, I personally wouldn’t want to use this product regularly. If I were traveling without access to a freezer, definitely not. If you’re not opposed to the size and weight of this unit and need to store 20 ounces or less, it’s not a bad choice. The one thing you can guarantee this product will deliver is super chilled milk without the needs of an additional help from ice. But if you’re traveling, this may not be in your favor, you’ll need 12 hours to freeze the cooling tubes. One thing I didn’t care for was the need to turn the cooler 90° sideways to slide the bottles out. Since the bottles and collars are designed to be used with a nipple, the bottle caps aren’t solid or leak proof. I found by the end of my testing I had residual milk at the bottom of my cooler from constantly removing and adding back into the chamber.

Before moving onto the comparison that, in my opinion, is the more true comp, lets quickly chat materials. The Momcozy requires you to use their 10 ounce plastic bottles for milk storage. Can you use other bottles? Based on the inside diameter of the cooler tubes measuring in at 2 3/4", I'd be willing you can fit anything in this cooler. How many can you stack? Well for reference the Momcozy 10 ounce bottle stands 5 1/8" inches tall, so check what you have when comparing. The Boon Frosh uses stainless steel but it is mended to a plastic fitting that cannot be unassembled. The Ceres Chiller also uses stainless steel but threads into a plastic chamber adapter, this simple difference allows you to safely freeze the inner chamber opposed to using loose ice cubes in the inner chamber to chill your breastmilk.

Speaking of inner chambers the Ceres Chill has volume indicators etched on the outside of the chamber, while the Boon Frosh does not. The Momcozy also has volumes on both 10 ounce plastic bottles, both of which I find very accurate.

Now for, what I believe to be more of a comparison, the Boon Frosh and the Ceres Chiller. When comparing the design they are the same exact thing, unfortunately it’s true. But what you don’t see right away are the differences, both good and bad. So let me shed some light on this topic without letting my emotions cloud my unbiased comparison.

First things first, these two chillers are based off the same principles. Either the outer or inside chamber will hold liquid and the opposite will carry the ice to chill the liquid in the opposite chamber. So for face value, they appear to the same, but there are some key factors that will continue to keep them in their own lanes.

The Boon is designed to hold a max of 14 ounces when using the two chamber system, while the Ceres Chiller is designed to hold 27 ounces while using the two chamber system. This may have already been a deal breaker for you if you need max capacity. What will be more obvious while you read through my scanned sheets comparing all test results from November 9th will be the fact that the Boon appears to chill more quickly than the Ceres Chiller. But why would this be the case if they’re so similar in design? Well it’s not the effectiveness of the Chillers themselves.

To kick off this test four ounces of fresh breastmilk was added to each outside chamber. Due to the size of the Boon's chambers there was immediate contact between chambers allowing immediate direct chilling, while the Ceres Chiller did not allow for this because the fresh milk at 4 ounces was not in direct contact with the inner chamber full of ice.

The Boon Frosh has a different volume ratio. There is a smaller outside volume at 14 ounces while the inner chamber is 10 ounces for fast cooling. This can go two ways, yes you’ll have immediate cooling, but as I’m finding the ice does melt a bit more quickly. As far as volume goes and cooling time is concerned, the Ceres Chiller has an outside capacity of 27 ounces and the inner chamber holds 12 ounces. There is quite a difference when comparing these two factors, I can’t sugar coat that, it’s in the results from November 9th.

Things to consider for all breast milk included is that fresh milk is considered safe at room temp for four hours at 77°F and 40°F in the refrigerator for up to four days and according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine there’s a note that milk at 59°F is considered safe up to 24 hours. These are a few important figures to consider while digesting the results of the test and how you will continue to ensure your milk is within safe conditions. With both chillers, milk is immediately brought down to safe conditions, especially considering that fresh milk is considered safe for four hours at room temperature.

When comparing the results you see the Boon was able to get the milk down below 40°F after three hours and was able to keep it in this range for the next approx six hours. At this time the ice was completely thawed and the milk temperature began to rise, while according to the ABM note still in a safe range.

The Ceres Chiller also went to work right away but took longer, but still within guidelines, to get with in 1°F of the CDC recommend temperature. Once closer, the Ceres Chiller danced around this recommend temperature. Am I disappointed to share that the Ceres Chiller didn't fall below 40°F, well sure, anyone committed to the Ceres Chiller is thinking, Kristen, just pop a few more ice cubes in there at this rate and it will drop. Because that’s the truth, for both chillers, if I’m being honest.

When the ice begins to melt, the heat from the ice is transferring to cool the milk. This is going to be relevant for both chillers, considering the volume differences between all four chambers between the Ceres Chiller and the Boon, it’s not shocking we are seeing different temperature drops. It’s kind of expected, unfortunately. What is fortunate and something we have in our control unlike anything with an ice pack, we can always replenish ice. This is a sure way to guarantee your milk will always be chilled no matter your choice of chiller.

Hear me out, after using the Boon Frosh compared to the Ceres Chiller directly, I came to a conclusion about the Boon. And yes, I conducted another test the next day. Earlier in this comparison write-up I speak on chamber volumes. This was no mistake, I now believe this was as intended by Boon. Their design does allow for quick maximizing cooling with these ratios between chambers. Their manual is pretty clear that this device when used as the two chamber option is to be used for 10 to 15 hours of chilled milk below the temp of 59°F. Do I think this is a bad thing? Feelings aside, not really. I feel the Boon goes to work real fast, but that’s where you’re left. When compared to the Ceres Chiller as advertised for prolonged storage, considering milk storage guidelines and the true timeline and temperature ranges you’re able to store within, the Ceres Chiller maximizes these suggestions while allowing you to chill more milk for longer.

Is the Boon Frosh ideal for traveling? If you asked Boon they’d say yes, I say no. My reasoning is pretty simple; it’s not due to the storage capacity but based on the actual design of the inner chamber and lid. Since there’s a cute handle you cannot flip the inner chamber upside down to handle your milk with both hands. This is a huge disadvantage, which you may not know it until you’re in the thick of it or have something to compare it to, but still a design function downfall.

The Ceres Chill does more than just chill your milk, and that is where this storage choice will always stand superior in my opinion. Not only are you able to store larger volumes of milk, you’re also able to use this chiller long after your done breastfeeding. You’re able too turn it into a water bottle, tea steeper and even use it to transport popsicles to the park. Before you’re breastfeeding days are up you’re able to also use the Chiller as a baby bottle, single or double pump, high lipase scalding device and bottle warmer for narrow neck (glass or bottles).

Use the cap and chamber adapter with narrow neck nipple to feed on the go

Screw a narrow neck adapter onto the chamber adapter and easily pump right into the inner chamber. You're also able to use this assemble to pump into the cap and go from boob to bottle real easily!

Ceres Chill also offers sipper tops to be added to the inner chamber!

Beyond expansive design functionality, is this chiller ideal for travel? Yes, all day long! Why so confident, Kristen? Well, because unlike the handle top on the Boon, the Ceres Chiller has all flat sides so you can easily flip the inner chamber on its lid to ensure the inner chamber, which is submerged in your milk, will never come into contact with a filthy surface.

At the end of the day this comparison had me sweating, they always do! But I am really glad I followed through because it helps me speak to the facts between all storage options. It’s important to understand what you’re getting with each purchase and how you’re able to apply them to your intended use. Yes, the Momcozy did come in first place when considering temperature- which was the point right? For usage durations where it won't need to be refrozen mid-trip, then it's effective at keeping your milk cold. But if you’re more focused on the flexibility of an ice chamber system then the Momcozy Cooler won’t even be on your radar.

If you’re deciding between the Ceres Chiller or Boon Frosh Chiller, I hope this comparison helps dial in which fits your lifestyle and needs best.

For size comparison in a pumping check out these next three images. All units, surprisingly, fit into the Mini and Pal Radley backback side pocket. Surprising is referring to the Momcozy, I honestly didn't expect it to fit, but it does!