The Cool Factor rating system

Last updated: 21 April 2026

Every review on CoolCuration ends with a Cool Factor rating. It is our signature scoring system and the quickest way to see what we actually thought of something. This page explains how the Cool Factor rating works, what each level means, and how we decide.

The five levels

We score out of 5. No half points. No decimals. Just five clear levels.

How we decide a Cool Factor score

The Cool Factor rating is subjective by design. It reflects the overall coolness of whatever we are reviewing, taking into account four things:

• Quality. Is it well made, well presented, or well curated?
• Value. Does it justify its price, ticket cost, or the time it asks of you?
• Originality. Does it bring something fresh, or is it a copy of a copy?
• Enjoyment. Did we actually like spending time with it?

We weigh these together rather than averaging them. A show can nail three out of four and still land a 5/5 if the enjoyment is off the scale. A well-made product can drop to a 2/5 if the value is poor. The score is our honest overall impression, not a spreadsheet.

Why the labels matter

Plenty of sites use stars out of five. The labels are what make the Cool Factor different. A 3/5 "Cool" is a genuine recommendation, not a fence-sit. A 4/5 "Stone cold" is high praise. A 5/5 "Ice cold" is rare and reserved for things we genuinely think are unmissable.

We do not inflate scores to be polite. If something is a 2/5 Lukewarm, we say so.

Cool Factor and editorial independence

The Cool Factor is never influenced by our commercial relationships. If a review includes a referral or affiliate link, that has no bearing on the score. A low Cool Factor is still published. A high one is still earned. For the full detail on how we handle affiliate links and editorial independence, see our affiliate disclosure.

Can a Cool Factor score change?

Occasionally, yes. If we revisit a product, return to an exhibition, or experience a meaningful change in quality over time, we may update a review and adjust the score. Any revised score will be reflected in the review itself along with the reason for the change.

Where to find Cool Factor ratings

Every CoolCuration review displays the Cool Factor score near the top of the post and again in the closing summary. You can browse all our reviews in the reviews archive.

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Reviews and opinions on CoolCuration reflect the personal experience of our writers at the time of publication. They are not professional endorsements and your experience may differ. Scores use our Cool Factor rating system and are given independently of any commercial relationship.

All content on CoolCuration is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations or an endorsement of any product or service. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and do not offer personalised financial guidance. You should always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

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