Insulated buckete update: They work, with a suggested modification

Remember my insulated bucket test? I blogged about it and promised to do an update. This is the update -- too bad the season is almost over!

The bubble-wrap bucket works great. I have this bucket and another bucket fitted with a bucket cozy, which cost $40. The insulation properties are comparable, especially considering the bubble wrap bucket has no "topper." But to give my bubblewrap bucket a fair playing field, I cut a piece of cardboard to fit the top 2/3 of the bucket, wrapped it with bubble wrap and duct tape, and voila -- identical performance.  I use the topper when it is under 20 degrees at night.

Another strategy
I like to help with Harv's care when I can, and I usually fill water buckets while the horses are out. On days that are super cold, this does not work so well (water freezes). Then I started filling his buckets with hot water, then covering the buckets with a stadium seat cushion to keep them warm. This works great, and the buckets are still steaming hot when Harv comes in 3-5 hours later.

The cozy has some advantages -- like you can use it on different buckets.  But the bubble buckets are easy-peasy -- easy to handle, easy to clean, lightweight, and of course, cheap.