Overall, the YETI performed around 10% better. That's a lot better than the rubber T handles, but make no mistake, Magellan Outdoors still gets my vote for best latching mechanism. Heres how it works. (I already have a precise measurement of each cooler's total volume from the earlier described capacity test.) The Playmate is shaped similarly to a six-pack, the BMX cooler has a ruler on the lid for measuring fish and the Ice Cube has cup holders! There are broadly two types of camping cooler: hard sided coolers that are highly insulating but not all that easy to move around; and soft sided coolers that dont keep everything cold for quite as long but are much more portable. And if you must do that, I would recommend sealing the contents so that the cold air can circulate around the items at the top. But dont think that, just because its cheap, its low quality. To offer a quality cooler at this price-point, they had to make tradeoffs to keep the price that low. This detailed comparison can help you make up your mind! Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. bestcooler.reviews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I guess it made us even more fond of it. Just as its predecessor, the Roadie 24's lid stays open for easy loading and unloading. But the best value doesn't have to mean the least amount of money. Luke has a deep passion for sports and all-things-outdoors. That's all well and good, but I worried that a standard ice retention test on its own wouldn't tell us the whole story. You could tell before the tests were run that this cooler was going to be the better performer. $150.00 + $5.00 shipping. Its one of the most expensive options in this review, and it costs twice as much as any other option from Igloo. It is very lightweight, making it one of the best options on the market for people who need a cooler they can carry for prolonged periods of time. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Igloos coolers are less durable and dont perform as well or for as long as their Yeti counterparts. Overall, the IMX is a great cheap alternative to Yeti, and is a great idea if you dont mind trying something new. Both brands have excellent products in each of these categories and before you can decide which cooler will work best for you, its important to figure out exactly what you need. Whether it is a soft-sided cooler, a hard-sided cooler, one that has foam insulation or a removable liner, I've considered all these and more to come up with the list of best coolers for you. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. The brand really puts performance over all other features, at times even sacrificing convenience and capacity to favor it. It doesn't lock shut and the plastic nub hinges are a total joke. The Igloo cooler is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, and comes with a value-packed priced tag. Overall, the ball seems to make for a tighter shut, but the wings are also pretty good. They offer premium materials, excellent insulation, and incredibly tough construction that will last you years, if not decades. The top handle of the Roadie 24 is more comfortable looped over your forearm, but still a bit awkward when carried at your side and often gets in the way of opening this small cooler. They have a wide array of product lines, each catering to a different kind of customer and a different set of features altogether. First of all, the external dimensions of the Igloo IMX 70qt cooler are quite large and they are 31.11 inches long, 20.32 inches wide and 18.25 inches high, while its interior dimensions are 26.68 inches long, 14.43 inches wide and 12 inches high. Let us know! Quarts. Yeti is already a name people tend to associate with better performance (if not higher prices), and at least with coolers, for good reason. Reviews ethics statement. As a matter of fact, at $220, this cooler is currently the cheapest of any cooler in either our midsize or large cooler category, with the exception of the Igloo BMX 52qt Cooler, which happened to be the poorest performer of the aforementioned categories. Their range of products is broad, with many fashionable and colourful options, as well as the occasional collaboration too, such as Disney and Hello Kitty. x 54.625 in. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Lets start with the most obvious similarity: the T-latches. If you're after the best personal-sized cooler on the market, the Yeti Roadie 24 is our top choice. To make things easier, we have compiled this cooler comparison chart. They allow you to keep anything that doesnt have to be ice cold outside the cooler, so stuff like glasses, can openers, cutlery, etc. The competitors sport very thin walls, and that's just not going to do much for your insulative capabilities. It is financially restrictive to test all the coolers that the readers would like tested. Igloos more colourful, budget friendly options may suit better. How can we improve GearLab? Coolers with removable lids tend to be cheaper coolers that aren't going to perform in the top percentile -- with one exception I've found so far. Specifically, I wanted to track the ambient temperature in each cooler, so I spread the ice in each one I tested beneath an elevated jar of propylene glycol solution (watered-down antifreeze) with a temperature probe in it. You can easily fit 2-liter soda bottles upright in the Roadie 24 cooler, while the quality rotomolded construction guarantees that the durability isnt impacted by the weight reduction. Igloo is one of those die-hard cooler brands that we wont see go away any time soon. Not quite so much. Igloo 24 qt IMX Lockable Insulated Ice Chest Injection Molded Cooler Visit the Igloo Store 445 ratings | 30 answered questions -16% $14354 List Price: $169.99 FREE Returns Color: Blue Ultratherm insulation in the body & lid provides four days of ice retention Holds up to 35 cans Cool Riser Technology improves cooling performance When it comes to insulation, the Yeti Roadie 24 does a pretty solid job for a small cooler with a lot of surface area. Magellan Outdoors, Frosted Frog, RTIC and even the Amazon Commercial coolers are worth a look pretty much across their product offerings based on what I've seen. A new latch style cuts down the amount of effort required to maneuver it without sacrificing how rugged the plastic is or how hardy the rubber seems to be. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Setting up base camp on Everest? Sure, it can get heavy when filled to capacity, but the comfortable handle makes everything a bit easier. It can hold up to 30 cans, or you can fit up to 30 pounds of ice in it. However, this personal-sized box is much less likely to be our top choice for a weekend camping in grizzly bear country anyway, so we don't think it's a significant downgrade to this model. Even though summer is over, it's never too early or too late to grab a reliable cooler. Let's take a pause to dive into hinges and latches a bit more. The IMX ice chest has a single aluminum hinge across the back. The walls feature up to two inches of insulation, which virtually guarantees that ice will stay ice for hours, if not days, in the Tundra coolers. Let's dive in! Both the Tundra Haul and Roadie boxes come with wheels for increased portability. This cooler also features heavy-duty rubber latches and a NeverFail hinge system, for the premium performance of all its moving parts. It would make sense that a fully airtight cooler can be expected to perform even better when it comes to insulation, but alas, the Roadie isn't quite airtight. T-latches have become a staple for many Igloo coolers, as well as many other cooler brands. Our experts tested multiple brands to bring you the best cooler to fit your needs. Tried and True 1.71K subscribers Subscribe 14K views 1 year ago Welcome back to another knowledge drop series video! water, isn't as good at keeping drinks cold). Listen. Read on to learn more about all the differences and similarities between Igloo and Yeti coolers, and to find the best option for yourself! Its got some really rugged plastic all over and a good mix of aluminum and steel for extra reinforcement. It is much better than the Yeti cooler, but the Yeti brand still gets our vote for the best locking mechanism, no doubt. Igloo promises up to 8-day ice retention in a cooler that's 40% lighter than rotomolded ice chests of a similar size. And its remarkably durable for a softshell cooler the exterior of the Hopper is resistant to punctures, abrasions, mildew, and UV rays, making it tough enough for any adventure. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. That's what I wanted to know, so I grabbed the usual suspects -- Magellan Outdoors, Coleman, Orca, Igloo, Frosted Frog, Yeti, Pelican, RTIC, Cabela's and more -- and lugged their most popular models into the CNET test lab. The thickness of the insulation is the main reason why this cooler is so heavy you cant have such great performance without the extra weight. The 4 Best Soft Coolers. The Rovr Rollr wheeled cooler fared much better, thanks to a rugged design that features heavy-duty wheels, a sturdy steel handlebar and an optional $50 accessory that lets you tow it behind your bike. This great mix of plastic and metal serves to make for a very strong cooler that can take just about anything. Additionally, there are cutouts on each side that function as handles, allowing you to pick up the cooler if you just want to quickly move it from one place to another. If overextended, you can literally see them straining towards breaking point. If you're someone who uses a cooler constantly, requires a lot of toughness from your gear, and is willing to invest in serious excellence, the Roadie 24 is worth it. It doesn't sound bad, does it? A major difference between these two is that the Yeti Tundra is rotomolded. Not sure if you should pick up an Igloo or a Yeti cooler? After several weeks of hands-on testing and countless ambient temperature readings, I've separated the winners from the also-rans. The exact type and performance of the insulation in the Igloo cooler are not specified, so I wouldnt expect too much from it. Although Yeti didn't hit the lowest overall temp of the bunch, it did hold its lowest temperature for much longer than its competitors. We tested soft coolers head to head from brands like Yeti, Engel, REI, and more to find which will keep your refreshments cold best. As much as we like its tall internal height when it comes to bringing along those over-sized bottles, its narrow shape makes it more challenging to easily locate small items that have migrated to the bottom of the cooler. On the same spot as the lock slot is a bottle opener so you never have to carry your own bottle opener. I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. High levels of durability is a common factor in Yetis product line-up. As we all know, Yeti runs the show in that regard! That's several quarts less than the 45 quarts they spec. The performance data between this ice chest newcomer and the previous titleholder, the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler, was nearly identical. The expensive guys? The prices range from $300 to $400 for the 60-, 80- and 100-quart models, and what you're paying for is undoubtedly performance. 8 trail running hacks you'll wish youd known sooner, 12 things successful ultra runners are doing, Why and when runners should see a podiatrist, Garmin Instinct 2X: news, rumors and everything we know so far, Technical mountain running vs trail running: know the difference, Trail running essentials: everything you need before you head off road, Google Maps will soon show National Park trails but don't forget your compass, Where to buy the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar. Does it Fit a Wine or 2L Bottle Standing Upright? Privacy | Cookies | Terms. As cool boxes are arguably both brands forte, for the purposes of comparison we've chosen the Yeti Tundra 65 and the Igloo IMX 70 hard sided coolers. Larger YETI ice chests, like the YETI Tundra 45, will generally run you a cool $325. And if you like items that attempt to be more versatile, definitely consider going with an Igloo cooler. While it does slightly outperform the smaller Yetis in this regard, food lasts over a day and a half longer in the Tundra 65 compared to the IMX. The YETI Roadie 24 is a significant improvement over the Roadie 20 in every meaningful way. It is injection molded, and because of this, it's about 30% to 40% lighter than all rotomolded counterparts. Their BMX coolers are also designed for rugged adventures, while their ECOCOOL boxes are a world first in recycled plastic. It has a massive capacity of up to 45 cans of beer, which is really good. This RTIC unit tested with impressively low temperatures. I look at the data. Oh, and I did all of this in one of our appliance lab's climate-controlled test chambers, and I made sure to let each cooler sit open in the room for several hours beforehand to ensure that they all started at room temperature (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit to emulate a good outdoor summertime temp). This is further compounded by the dark blue color we tested, though Yeti also makes this model in lighter hues, which we solidly recommend. Oh, and if you'll be spending lots of time camping in a place where bears are a concern, then you'll probably want to invest in a bear-resistant cooler. If youre in need of a tough as nails cooler that will keep everything chilled for several days, theres no doubt that Yeti is a solid choice. Small or personal-sized coolers that advertise internal volumes of less than 40 quarts (that's less than 10 gallons or 37.85 liters). A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. There are only two available sizes: the 24-quart and the 70-quart coolers. These coolers are currently commercially available from the dozens we've tested over the last few years. Being injection-molded doesn't mean that this cooler can't take much beating. Lets get to it: Yeti vs Igloo. But the Igloo BMX 25 Qt cooler insulates well . It would cost potentially several thousand dollars to test them all. For a YETI cooler, don't expect to spend less than $150 and really, that would be a steal. The Igloo IMX is one of those coolers. I've broken them down into four main categories: Is a bigger ice chest always better? Its actually pretty strong for a cooler of this type, and will easily hold up to anything. However, Yeti's options go way up from there, with its biggest cooler being the Tundra 350, which measures 24.75 in. Luke is a co-founder of bestcooler.reviews, a cooler expert and author of 70+ reviews on this website. Long hours sitting directly in the hot sun seemingly made no difference to this cooler's durability. I've seen this on products like the Xspec 60qt cooler, Amazon's Commercial 20qt cooler and the Lifetime 55qt high performance cooler. The wheels allow you to fill them to capacity without worrying that you will be inconvenienced by their weight. Go Yeti, no doubt about it. Their Playmates coolers are aimed squarely at school children. The Yeti got a little colder, and the Magellan held its temp a little longer. Keep shopping and you'll find coolers on wheels, thermoelectric coolers, coolers with power and even a cooler backpack or two -- truly coolers as far as the eye can see. However, thats probably because this isnt a rotomolded cooler, making it less durable. The Magellan Outdoors model features four hinge latches, two on either side, so you can open the cooler from either side, or remove the lid completely. I also liked that the interior comes with a divider that makes it easy to keep items you don't want getting wet separate from the ice and that you can customize it with different interior liner designs. It features upgraded single-hand latches, tie-downs, and anti-slip feet. If you have to carry it for more than 10 minutes, you either need a softshell cooler or a hardshell option with wheels. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee keeps a running list of certified options, which includes a number of coolers from this rundown. Its Yeti vs Igloo, as we open the lid on the battle between two of the finest camping cooler brands around. This hard tube is uncomfortable in the shadow of so many other models' squishy and grippy handles. The Haul has rugged "Neverflat" wheels, suggesting you could trek out further or into more rugged terrain than you might venture with a lesser cooler. Over the past several years, we've tested dozens of coolers, 40 of which are still commercially available as of this writing. Also, its worth noting that the lid of the Playmate cooler is not insulated, so its best not to put anything above the walls of the cooler. A rubber seal helps trap cool air inside the rotomolded Roadie 24 while a 13" tall interior fits most wine and 2L soda bottles upright. The most notable differences are in performance and price points Yeti coolers are thought to be the better option overall, while Igloo coolers offer better value for money. Not a dealbreaker, but it does get a bit annoying. The Ice Cube cooler is great for people who are tired of carrying heavy coolers in their hands. IMX Coolers. Overall, it wasn't 8 days as Igloo stated but we didn't pre-chill the cooler and also we didn't use any ice packs or block ice, both of which could have impacted retention times in a positive way. But there is a latching mechanism I've seen that is probably a great middle ground between the rubber latches and ones like you'll find on Magellan Outdoors products. And at the time of writing, Yeti backs this product with a five year manufacturer's warranty to help protect your investment in case of any error during the making of or fault of the materials used in this cooler. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Also, they usually have either a shoulder strap or backpack straps, so theyre much easier to carry. We thought that seemed a bit expensive for a cooler so we put it head-to-head. The IMX coolers are their most durable and also feature Ultratherm insulation for the brands longest ice retention. From fishing to hiking, from family camping to solo bike trekking, Luke adores spending quality time enjoying nature, oftentimes checking out new coolers while doing so. We'll show the testing processes, and Andrew and I have a poolside chat about cooler features. Igloos IMX 70 cant compete with the Tundra 65 in terms of ice retention. Tundra Haul features Permafrost insulation that consists of pressure-injected polyurethane foam in the walls and lid. Given that this one costs less than $200, and is so much lighter, we understand why they didn't make this one rotomolded. In the end, it turned out to be a fruitful test. So, if you want great performance with a friendlier price tag than its competitors, you can feel safe picking up this RTIC. I say infamy because both of those cash-grabs have a history of production delays and decidedly unhappy customers. I recommend keeping an eye on other brands we've come to respect that have a more palatable price tag. Yeti coolers consistently perform at the top of the pack. Yeti comes out on top. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. I have to say we were quite shocked that this ice chest could have such good ice retention. It is our pick for the best overall cooler as it has rubber straps to secure the cover. Thats enough space to fit 90 12-ounce cans, so unless youre throwing a fraternity party it should be more than enough for a weekend. It's also worth considering whether or not your cooler is sturdy enough to sit on, something that comes in handy when you're out camping. Like other coolers of its kind made by Igloo, the IMX has a warranty of 5 year. Coolers are an essential component of any barbecue or camping trip. However, if you infrequently use a cooler and need something to keep things cool only a few times per year, the Roadie 24 is perhaps overkill for your needs. Welcome to yet another review on our cooler blog. But, to be fair, my personal opinion is that all soft-sided coolers are bad choices. After 48 hours (72 hours for the largest coolers), I had a nifty graph showing me the temperature inside each cooler on a minute-by-minute basis -- and the difference from cooler to cooler was striking. The lid is secured with rubberized T-latches that seal in the cold, and which are really simple to use. on the outside and 16.75 in. accessoires roadie 20; Refroidisseur de voiturette de golf Yeti; j et m chauffage et air; distributeur d'eau snapdeal; Glacire marine igloo 72 pintes; contrleur rvb cooler master masterliquid ml120l; ides de plats pour un road trip; rfrigrateur conglateur de voiture kings; systme de refroidissement liquide pc; v guard . My favorite is the fact that this cooler has a dry foods basket. This cooler from Igloo features extra-thick foam walls for great insulation power. True to its name, the Yeti Roadie 24 is a great road trip companion. Tundra Haul weighs 37 lbs when totally empty, and I think the wheels are more a necessity than anything else. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Also, the zipper is 100% leakproof and waterproof, allowing you to confidently use this cooler regardless of the weather conditions. Its also half the price of the Tundra Haul and weighs about 25 lbs less, making it the more convenient option for most people. Hard Cooler Comparison: YETI vs RTIC vs IGLOO vs ORCA vs Reyleo The New YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler 1 for 1 lifetime shooting this spare This Honda was Built for Car Camping from Factory - Honda Element $3500 VS $1800 ROOF TOP TENT | WHY DO THEY COST SO MUCH | 23ZERO ARMADILLO X2 VS IRONMAN NOMAD 1300 Do NOT Buy A Yeti Can Koozie! Learn more here. They were actually sturdy and comfortable. The first thing we should say about this ice chest right out the gate is that it isnt rotomolded. Now let's compare that to most of the newer cooler designs on models like Yeti, RTIC, Orca, Cabela's or Frosted Frog that have rubber T-shaped handles you have to stretch to secure the lid. Why elevated? The BMX 25, 52 and 72 are similar to Yeti's Roadie and some of Tundra series, which are the latter's smaller offerings. I didn't plan it this way. Yeah, I know. Plus, it features cup-holders built into the lid, so it can also double as a table on picnics. The real deciding factor here is the price. But if youre prioritizing quality, performance, and convenience over everything else, the Hopper is a great option for you. On the bottom we have raised feet that ensure the base of the cooler is completely raised from the ground, to help with the insulation. Wonderfully insulated theres no chance of bears stealing the contents either, as the Tundra is designed to be bear proof. The performance data between this ice chest newcomer and the previous titleholder, the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler, was nearly identical. For a YETI cooler, don't expect to spend less than $150 and really, that would be a steal. No "sponsored" content. Its not going to fall apart. Oh, and it's certified bear-resistant. Soft-sided coolers, which don't have a specific capacity range, but tend to line up with the same offerings as small or personal-sized coolers. Midsize coolers, where most of your top options seem to land, ranging from 40 to 59 quarts (10 to 14.75 gallons or 37.85 to 55.83 liters). Launched by two brothers who found themselves frustrated at the apparent lack of quality particularly in terms of durability of the coolers on the market, they decided to create a cooler for the serious outdoor enthusiast.. Not only does it allow for four extra quarts of liquid capacity, but it's a few pounds lighter (Yeti says 10%), and performs better on insulation tests (Yeti says 30% better). Available in 24-quart and 70-quart capacities, the IMX has advanced Ultratherm insulation, marine-grade lid latches, lockable lid, stainless . However, the others are much cheaper and a couple come in backpack format, if that's your thing. Chief among them are a rising number of heavy-duty, roto-molded coolers that deliver thick, dense insulation superior to traditional coolers (and which perform better by leaps and bounds than a soft cooler or cooler bag). Go on, read through the comments on the Infinite Cooler's Indiegogo campaign, which blew through a March 2019 ship date with nothing to show for it.