Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, a Worthy Pair of Competitors

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers 

It’s time to compare Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, fellow beer enthusiasts!

At Chuggie, we often write about Yeti like coolers. Because we love spending weekends camping, throwing parties on the beach, hunting, and fishing. This includes all the equipment that makes that amazing time possible.

As much flack as we give them, we have much respect for Yeti Coolers.  However, it’s always possible to find a Yeti like cooler but cheaper. Why not see how the other brands compare to the Yeti?

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Overview

Engel Coolers are an excellent option that many people swear by. Still, some Yeti fans have extreme loyalty to their Yeti Coolers.

We’ve compared Engel vs Yeti in terms of ice retention, durability, ease of use, color options, price, and special features. Our side-by-side comparison is designed to help you decide which one to go with!

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ice Retention

These impenetrable ice chests are more than ready to keep your stuff cold!

Yeti and Engel both claim that their coolers can hold ice for 5-7 days. But as you know, this number can’t always be trusted. It’s best to trust people who’ve actually used the coolers.

One experiment designed to observe the ice retention of the Engel and Yeti Coolers for five days found that the Engel Deep Blue Series 50 Quart outperformed the Yeti Tundra 45.

Another user conducted a second experiment comparing the Engel 50 Quart Cooler to the Yeti Tundra 45. This user also used the five day time period, and by the fifth day, the Engel had much more ice than the Yeti.

We wish this proved an easy answer like “Engel Coolers always win ice challenges.”

But another reviewer at the Cooler Box website found that the Yeti held more ice than the Engel. This was a longer test, though, as it lasted for double the amount of time as the previous tests. The results showed that the Engel retained ice for eight days, while the Yeti retained ice for ten days.

The coolers’ ice retention seems to vary from user to user. This could be for a variety of reasons, like if it was pre-cooled or left open for longer periods of time.

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ease of Use

Engel Coolers feature latches that close more easily than Yeti’s ginormous latches. Another advantage is that their lids stay open even when they’re being gently bumped. Yeti Coolers’ lids sometimes slam shut unexpectedly. If you have young children, the Engels probably sound most appealing to you right now!

When transporting coolers, water usually flows down from the top of the cooler. The Engel is different in this aspect, allowing you to stay dry while setting up camp. In the Outdoor Gear Lab’s slosh test, not even a little bit of water found its way outside of the cooler. This is almost unheard of in large coolers.

Draining ice coolers can be a buzzkill. It usually means your beer is gone, which is a double bummer. But it always helps to have a cooler that drains easily! Engel Coolers are easier to drain than Yeti Coolers. They drain faster and don’t leave behind liquid, like you might find in a Yeti Cooler even after draining it.

Both have handles made from plastic with rope strung through them, but the grooves on Engel Coolers’ handles are designed to be easier on the hands. However, some users report discomfort from the grooves and find the smooth handles on Yeti Coolers to be more comfortable. This is just another one of those Engel vs Yeti situations in which there are just about equal opinions.

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Durability

Both Engel and Yeti rigid coolers are certified bear proof and roto-molded for reliable protection from the elements and heavy usage. Like Yeti Coolers, Engel Coolers are made up of durable latches, handles, and hinges.

A lot of users find that Yeti Coolers last longer than Engel Coolers. The better quality of Yeti Coolers is backed up by their five year warranty, as compared to the three year warranty of Engel Coolers.

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Special Features

Engel Coolers come with some awesome features, like bottle openers built into the handles. Another great thing about Engel Coolers is that certain models feature four built-in rod holders. This feature alone might be enough to entice fishers!

One of our favorite Engel Coolers is the Engel BoomBox because it comes equipped with built-in speakers, and these speakers don’t affect the quality of the cooler in any way. The Engel Boombox can hold 30 quarts and shares the excellent characteristics as other Engel Coolers. So if you are a music fanatic, this may be just the cooler for you.

Some add-ons available for Engel Coolers are padded seat cushions, brackets for mounting, and divider trays. You have to pay extra for these though, so take that into account when considering the overall price.

Yeti Coolers share many of the features with Engel Coolers, such as beverage holders, fishing rod holders, and padded seat cushions available at a higher price. Cutting board dividers are also included in most Yetis. One thing Yeti Coolers have that Engel Coolers lack is a built-in ruler.

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Color Options

Yeti Coolers look extra spiffy with their glossy plastic finish that really showcases the color of the cooler’s exterior. Engel Coolers don’t have such a nice finish. The classy exterior earns the Yeti points in the competition with Engel.

Color might seem like an insignificant quality of a cooler, but variety is the spice of life! Especially when you just want to unwind on your days off from work.

Unfortunately, neither coolers offer a wide array of colors. You can choose from White, Ice Blue, or Desert Tan for your Yeti Cooler. Engel Coolers are available in Camo, Haze Grey, White, and Tan.

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: It’s a Tie, Folks

Shared Benefits of Engels & Yetis:

• Excellent ice retention.
• Built-in features for fishermen.
• Durable and built to last for a long time.
• Crafted from high quality material.
• Handy tools built into the cooler itself.

In our opinion, these coolers are tied. We can’t tell you that we think one choice is better than the other. It’s all about your personal needs.

If a lower price is a priority for you or you’re smitten with the idea of a cooler-turned-boom-box, Engel is the obvious choice.

The Yeti is the best choice if you want something that looks classy (hey, if you’re splurging already, treat yourself!). Additionally, if you want the cooler most likely to last for a lifetime, go with the Yeti. Just trust us on this one.

These are arguably the two best coolers on the market today. Reread this article, trust your instinct, and rest assured that either cooler will serve you well.

Happy Trails!