Ultimate Review of Engel Coolers for Sale

Fish More, Work Less: A Complete Review of Engel Coolers for Sale

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Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale

On the market for a new cooler, eh? Wonderful! Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale is here to help.

We’ve covered everything you want to know when considering a cooler, from ice retention to warranty and everything in between. If you’re a hunter, fisher, or just love taking adventures outdoors, we think you’ll especially like to have an Engel Cooler.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Ice Retention

If you’ve read our Best Coolers for Keeping Ice article, you know our stance on Engel Cooler ice retention. It’s among the best! On average, these reliable coolers’ temperatures stay under forty degrees for 5-7 days.

This guy is our go-to for ice retention in high-end coolers. Among the 9 top-tier coolers, the Engel Cooler outperformed the Igloo, Yeti, and Grizzly brand coolers.

Another reviewer tells us that Engel Coolers hold ice for 8 days! So pre-cool your Engel Cooler like your life depends on it, and see how long this trusty ice chest will hold ice for you.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Durability

Engel coolers were the first modern roto-molded coolers to appear in the U.S. market.

One of the main reasons we did a review of Engel Coolers for sale was to see how these old-timers compared with the newer models.

We were impressed with what we found. Engel Coolers have exceptionally sturdy latches, handles, and hinges. Outdoor Gear Lab performed a durability test on several popular coolers. The Engel Deep Blue was on same level as the Orca and Pelican brands.

Let one roll around in your trunk a time or two. Let two grizzly bears play catch with it. It’ll be just fine.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Construction

Engel Cooler construction is the secret behind these sturdy coolers’ durability because.

Small metal hooks on the lid fasten to the Engel Coolers’ hard plastic levers. These hooks also serve as bottle openers. No more spending 10 minutes getting the bottle cap off because you forgot the opener!

Engel Coolers also have pin style hinges, external latches, extended and recessed handles, and a slot for an internal divider.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Ease of Use

Engel Coolers’ durability, construction, and ice retention are commendable. We usually take a look at how comfortable they are to use after studying those top 3 factors. These are your weekends we’re talking about! They’ve got to be easy-breezy. Here’s what we found:

-Their lids stay sealed. Sure, every brand of cooler says their lid is great, but this time it’s true. It actually stays open, unlike the lids on other high end coolers. (We’re looking at both of you, Orca Coolers and Yeti Coolers!)

-They’re easy to drain and won’t leave a sizable puddle of water.

-Small metal hooks fasten the plastic handles levers for a clean-cut look. Not only do they look great, they’re easy to use.

-Fishermen! Certain models have built-in rod holders.

-Some reviewers didn’t like the grooved plastic handles. Since it can’t be a one-size fits all, they can be uncomfortable to carry.

Other than the grooved handles, Engel Coolers are comfortable and should fit seamlessly with your outdoor recreation time.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Accessories & Colors

Fishers and hunters, we can’t say it enough –  these coolers are perfect for you. Engel Cooler colors include Camo, Haze Grey, White, and Tan.

In addition to their built-in bottle openers and fishing rod holders, Engel Cooler accessories have everything you need for your tranquil fishing weekends. They have the usual stuff, like replacement parts, food baskets, and ice packs.

You can get a camo, white, or “No Shoes Nation” seat cushion for any size of Engel DeepBlue Cooler. Your cooler can double up as a comfy seat while you fish or wait in your deer blind. These marine-grade vinyl cushions have 2 inches of padding and snap into place with snap-on screws.

Their bate trays and cutting boards are stackable with an interlocking temperature conductor between each tray. They’re also salt water resistant.

If you want to go all out, you can get a handy tie-down kit, compartment divider, and wireless fridge thermometer/clock package.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Prices & Warranty

Engel Cooler Prices range from $239.99 to $979.99, falling closely in line with the Orca, Pelican, Yeti, and Pelican brands. You can check out Amazon for discount Engel Coolers – they almost always have cheaper deals.

Unfortunately, an Engel Cooler warranty isn’t great. It’s only good for three years, which is two years less than the Yeti. It looks extra short next to the lifetime warranties of other coolers.

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: Where are Engel Coolers Made?

 Some of their smaller parts are created in the USA and Philippines, but they’re mainly manufactured in Thailand.

Chuggie’s Review of Engle Coolers for Sale: Engel Cooler Dealers

 Big box stores like Home Depot, Walmart, and Sam’s Club carry Engel Coolers. You can either buy directly from the store or from their website.

Engel also offers a dealer locator. When you check it out, you’ll see that Engel Cooler Dealers are located all around the world. (Though mostly in the U.S.)

Chuggie’s Review of Engel Coolers for Sale: And the verdict is…

Despite a few quirks, an Engel Cooler is an excellent choice. It’ll be a reliable, quality cooler for all of your weekend adventures. Engel Coolers aren’t for everyone. If you’re turned off by the short warranty or tiny color selection, don’t worry. We have many more reviews of coolers for sale to help you find the perfect coolers.

Practically all the reviews of Engel Coolers for sale that we read had excellent things to say about them. They really don’t have any weak spots, except for their short warranty. Luckily, they offer cheap replacement parts.

Hunters and fishers, we know this is the best fit for you! Engel created their coolers for you. In no time at all you’ll be sitting by the lake on a comfy cushion, with a refreshing beer in hand.

 

Cheers!

Ultimate Review of Engel Coolers for Sale

Bison Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: This One Was a Nail Biter!

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Bison Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Overview

Yeti Coolers were the King of all Coolers when they came out in 2006. They were all the rave, with their unbelievable durability and capability of holding ice for days on end. But with all due respect to Yeti’s, we just can’t keep from comparing them to other high-end coolers. Today we’re tackling the subject of Bison Coolers vs Yeti Coolers.

The recent relaunch of the Brute Box made this cooler an even stronger contender against the Yeti. Brute Box Coolers are now officially called Bison Coolers, but we still think of them as Brutes. So if we slip up, both names refer to the same cooler.

We want the best for our customers, so we’re here to give our take on the two coolers. We’ll fill you in on these coolers’ ice retention, durability, features, and ease of use. This compilation is our gift to you, because we want you to save time looking all over the web and more time to spend adventuring outdoors. (Plus, we love coolers and enjoy comparing them!)

Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ice Retention

“I love my cooler. It doesn’t hold ice well but it’s great” – said NO ONE ever! The entire reason we buy coolers is to keep our stuff cold.

We know by now that the number of days your cooler will hold ice is dependent on if you precool before packing it, and for how long you let it chill. There are reports of Yeti Coolers holding ice from as low as five days to as high as twelve. Both are pressure-injected for maximum ice retention, but is one better than the other?

Field & Stream was just as curious as we are. They looked at ice retention of high-end coolers, including a Yeti and a Brute. Of the 12 brands of coolers they examined, neither coolers won in terms of ice retention, but the Yeti held ice longer.

If you’re going to be outdoors for longer than a couple days, consider buying a Yeti over a Brute. Your meat may start to go bad more quickly, as it can jump to 32° Fahrenheit well before five days. Your beer and pop trail right behind, as Brute Box Coolers’ temperatures jump to to 40° Fahrenheit.

In fact, Brutes/Bisons are only advertised as able to hold ice for five days, much less than others. Usually, companies inflate this number. Yikes, doesn’t give us much confidence. Yeti doesn’t claim any number of days, but most results have shown them to hold ice a minimum of five days.

Since ice retention is so important, two points for Yeti in our Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers showdown.

Bison Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Durability

Most reports say that both coolers can whether any storm or beating, but Yeti Coolers usually come out on top. One great example is from a Texas Based Forum, which is especially relevant, as Brute Box Coolers originated in Texas.

These Texans aren’t playing favorites in their honest reviews when they favor the Yeti. There are a mix of reviews all over the web, but more outdoors people say their Yeti Coolers are more resilient, as compared to either their own Brute Box or a friends’ Brute Box. One person even wrote that he exchanged all three of his Brute Box Coolers for Yeti Coolers.

Our impression is that Yeti Coolers are more resilient than Brute Box Coolers. The company selling Brute Coolers emphasizes many qualities, but durability isn’t their strongest-supported quality.

Don’t get us wrong – Brutes are sturdy and robust; Yeti’s are just more sturdy and robust.

Durability is another one of those factors that is more important than others, which is why we’re giving double points for Yeti as we look at Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers.

Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Features

We always make sure to examine features when comparing Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers.

  • Drain Plugs: Brutes feature two drain plugs, one on each side of the cooler. This is a plus, as compared to Yeti’s single drain plug. However, Brutes drain quite slowly. Yeti’s can be fast and unpredictable if you remove the entire drain plug. You can partially remove it to prevent the water from spurting out and getting everyone wet. We like Yeti Coolers’ drain plugs because you can choose between extremely fast (albeit messy) and slower draining speeds.
  • Latches: Brute Coolers feature two rubber latches with a cantilever hinge system. Yeti Coolers use a riveted pin system to hold their T-shaped rubber latches in place. From many reviewers’ experiences, the pin system does a better job of keeping the latches in place.
  • Handles: Both coolers have plastic handles as well as larger rope handles for carrying with two people. Brutes (or Bison Coolers as they’re called now) have an advantage over the Yeti, as their handles don’t drop at the exact level as the drain plug. The Yeti counters this with their grooved handles that some find easier to grip. (Others find the grooves to be uncomfortable.)
  • Lids: Bison Coolers have a built-in ruler, which Yeti Coolers lack. Otherwise, the lids are quite alike, with both brands offering customized logos for an additional price.
  • Accessories Included: As mentioned above, Brute’s have built-in rulers. Yeti includes a dry goods basket for all Tundra models.

We really like Yeti Coolers’ T-shaped latches, riveted pin system, and dry goods basket. Brute Coolers’ ruler is a plus for fishermen, though.

The features are all about what will make you happy. There are pros and cons to both coolers’ drain systems, handles, and included accessories. Just choose what you prefer in a cooler.

It’s a tie; there isn’t a winner in this portion of our Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers showdown.

Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ease of Use

Who takes the cake in the ‘Ease of Use’ unit of our ease of use segment of our Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers comparison? It may not be obvious right away, so we’ll look at the individual coolers’ benefits as compared to the other.

Advantages of Brute Box Coolers in Ease of Use

  • Brute Box Coolers have a drain plug on both ends of the cooler, rather than the Yeti’s single drain, making them more convenient to drain.
  • No metal is a plus. So if you’re a marine outdoorsperson, this rust-resistent cooler is something you should really take into account. You won’t have to worry about drying off your cooler.
  • Brutes have rulers right in their lid. Yet another benefit for fishermen/women.
  • It’s just plain easier to transport Brute Box Coolers.

Advantages of Yeti’s in Ease of Use: Sorry, Yeti’s, but you don’t have much going for you in terms of ease of use. We like the included dry goods basket. Sure, some people might prefer Yeti’s handles, single drain, and T-shaped latches, but those are all subjective.

The Winner:  Brute Box Coolers have finally scored a point. Yeti’s dried good baskets are great, but that’s where their convenience stops. Brutes Coolers are easier to drain and carry. They’re especially marine-friendly, with their rulers and metal-free construction.

Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Price & Warranty

Yeti’s are costlier than Brutes (Bisons). You’re probably thinking, “well duh, Chuggie.” But just how much more expensive are they? Keep in mind that Yeti’s numbers aren’t meant to reflect capacity.

 

Both Bison Coolers and Yeti Coolers have five year warranties.

Considering the relatively small differences in price and the exact same warranty, there’s no overall winner in this Brute Box Coolers vs Yeti Coolers comparison. Yeti Coolers are more expensive, but they’re also better at holding ice and more durable. It’s a tie!

Bison Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Conclusion

This was a tough call to make.

Bison Coolers are easier to use. They’re extra marine-friendly, with their no-metal construction and built-in ruler. If you have a lower budget, you won’t be disappointed with your Bison. It falls only a fraction behind the Yeti.

Yeti Coolers are more durable and better at holding ice, which are the most important factors when considering which cooler to purchase. You can use them for both short trips and week-long expeditions. (Tip: for maximum ice retention, pre-cool 24 hours before packing.)

Yeti’s are the highest quality cooler of the two. If your budget calls for a Bison Cooler, we promise it’ll still be an excellent cooler. Relax, and get out there doing what you love!

And now, we’ll make our official declaration: Yeti’s are the winners of our Bison Coolers vs Yeti Coolers comparison.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers Featured

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, the Ultimate Review

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K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Overview

It’s time to explore the great K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers showdown. We love to tell you about Yeti Coolers, and for good reason. Yeti Coolers are amazing!

But we also know that there are other coolers out there. They could very well be better fits for you. When you’ve been working hard all week, you deserve the best stuff to take along on your weekend ventures.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Where are they produced?

K2’s company is based in Louisiana, the great state of unbeatable jazz and delicious cuisine. However, K2 Coolers are produced out of the country, making K2 lose some points in terms of the K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers comparison. Don’t be fooled by their sticker saying “Made in the USA.” That simply is not true.

They do this because labor and parts are cheaper abroad, but it does present an ethical dilemma. Transporting the products leaves a big carbon footprint. Additionally, it isn’t supporting local economies.

Here at Chuggie, we prefer to buy products manufactured in the US or neighboring countries – Canada and Mexico are just next door. Yeti is no saint, but it does honor the earth and economy better than their counterparts.

When Yeti was a start-up, their coolers were produced entirely in foreign countries. However, now it produces some of its products in the US and some in the Philippines and China. Yeti does buy parts from the Philippines, but at least they’re supporting the US economy by building them in the states.

Like the K2 company, they claim that it all happens in the US. They’re only telling part of the truth, but at least they aren’t marking their products with a dishonest sticker.

Clearly, Yeti produces their products in a more economical-awareness, earth-friendly manner than K2. If you’re a bit of an environmentalist or passionate about the economy, Yeti Coolers are your best bet.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ice Retention

One of the first assets we look for in a cooler is its ability to hold ice, because that is the main reason we use them. K2 Coolers give Yeti Coolers a run for the money.

Some reviewers have said that the ice retention is fabulous, even when these coolers are exposed to hot sunshine for days.

K2 Coolers’ thick pressure foam insulation walls is the reason they can keep your cooler icy cold for days. Their thick walls are 1.5-2 inches. This number of inches is good, but not the thickest of some of K2’s competitors. Another factor contributing to K2 Coolers’ long-lasting ice retention is the lids’ grade rubber gasket.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ice Retention Reviewed by Clients

We highly recommend listening to customers who’ve already used these coolers. You’ll find many users’ reviews writing about the thick, very helpful lid. This is a huge factor in K2 Coolers’ ability to hold ice.

Now it’s time to look at Yeti Coolers’ ability to hold ice and assess its ranking as reviewed in the K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers contest.

Yeti Coolers have the effective roto-molded asset, but so do K2 Coolers. Many users claim that K2 Coolers hold ice longer than Yeti Coolers. On average, K2 Coolers probably hold ice for about half a day longer than Yeti Coolers.

However, there are Yeti Coolers enthusiasts who have written reviews, adamantly declaring the superiority of Yeti Coolers. Our perception is that both coolers are about the same in terms of ice retention.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Durability

Incredible durability is one of the K2 Coolers’ best features. The roto-molded material is the same as the material used to construct heavy duty kayaks! It seems nearly impossible to scratch and dent K2 Coolers.

Yeti Coolers are grizzly bear resistant, roto-molded, and have protective stainless steel. Most features are likely to weather years of use incredibly well, although their rope handles have a tendency to wear down over time.

We believe that K2 Coolers seem to have notable durability – perhaps about the same as Yeti Coolers.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Colors

Variety is the spice of life, which is why we frequently discuss the colors available in coolers. K2 Coolers’ colors are versatile. This allows customers to choose the colors they prefer for their weekend ventures.

You’ll probably want to bring along sweet coolers with vibrant colors for certain events. For example, a badass music festival. The fun colors available for K2 Coolers include Orange, Crimson, Vibrant Red, and Purple.

These coolers have a white lid, except for the lovely Purple, which features a bright yellow lid. The dual colors are pretty awesome, perfect for those who love creativity.

K2 Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Conclusion

After considering all of this data, we’ve concluded that there are multiple similarities. Both brands are sketchy about where their coolers are produced. Additionally, K2 Coolers hold ice about the same as Yeti Coolers. K2 offers more color options, so bonus points in that department.

All things considered, K2 Coolers are about the same as Yeti Coolers – only much cheaper.

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers Featured

Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, a Worthy Pair of Competitors

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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!

Best Coolers For Keeping Ice Feature

The Best Coolers For Keeping Ice

The Best Coolers For Keeping Ice

Looking around for the best coolers for keeping ice? We know how important it is to have a cooler that’s effective at keeping your cold things cold, whether that be for the duration of a day-long party, a week long camping trip, or even as a back-up when the electricity’s gone out. We’ve done a lot of research on the best coolers for keeping ice. Here are some things you might want to consider: ease of use, how much a cooler can hold, durability, what special qualities it has, and from what it’s made. If you’re on the market for a brand new cooler, you’re in luck!

Let’s Take a Look at the Basics

Have you ever lugged around beverages or packed lunches in a backpack, bag, or purse only to have them leak all over? Or maybe you end up having to eat a warm deli sandwich. And – shudder – warm drinks. We think the worst outcome is warm beer. Beer is too good for that.

Because food and drinks are some of the greatest pleasures in life, you’ve got to make sure you’re buying something that will suit your desires. We’re pretty confident that you want to get the most bang for your buck – there’s nothing more disappointing in the shopping department than buying something you’re unhappy with and end up never using.

And so, without further ado, let’s talk about the best coolers for keeping ice.

The Best Coolers Available

#1 Best Coolers For Keeping Ice: ORCA 58 Cooler

Best Coolers For Keeping Ice Orca 58 Cooler
Click for more colors (Amazon Link)

You can hardly go wrong with the ORCA 58 Quart. In fact, according to the Outdoor Gear Lab, it’s the best cooler for keeping ice on the market today. Sure, it’s a little bit tricky to drain completely and the lid has a habit of closing on its own, but we don’t mind its quirks because it’s just so dependable, durable, and handy. It’s easy to pack and transport, doesn’t take much effort to carry by hand to your destination, and it can hold a lot – up to fifty four quarts. (Contrary to its listed capacity of fifty eight quarts.)

The ORCA’s biggest brag-worthy feature is its incredible insulation. It can keep ice from melting for seven whole days, so the next time you’re planning to spend a serene vacation as far away from civilization as possible, the ORCA has you covered. You’re not going to have to worry about going in to town to buy ice!

With its firm, compact lid, high quality latches, and pin style hinges, the ORCA can stand the wear and tear that is inevitable with travel and outdoor activities. That’s an emphatically positive check mark in the durability category. It’s also got both extended and recessed handles, as well as a mesh pocket on the outside any extras.

Nylon webbing connections and a flexible-but-strong rubber handle make it really easy to carry this thing around, even if you’re flying solo.

The ORCA is listed around $400, but you can pay much less on Amazon.

>> Check out the Orca 58 Cooler on Amazon 

#2 Best Coolers For Keeping Ice: Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler

Chances are you’ve heard of the Yeti, and for good reason. According to Best Cooler Reviews, a website run by two friends who are determined to find the most state-of-the-art coolers out there, the Yeti Tundra received a rating of 100% from most of its users, even being referred to as a “portable refrigerator.”

Best Coolers For Keeping Ice Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler
Click for more colors (Amazon link)

When the Outdoor Gear Lab tested the Yeti Tundra for insulation, it found that it kept up with the ORCA in terms of ice retention, matching the seven day cap. However, its food stayed below the recommended temperature for safety almost a full day less than the ORCA. Some reviews indicated that pre-cooling the cooler by filling it will cold water bottles, prior to packing it, will increase the amount of time that food will stay cold.

Like the ORCA, the Yeti Tundra is extremely tough and will last for a number of years – you won’t have to worry about being gentle with it. Users do tend to have problems with the lid seal – it’s not uncommon for a fair amount of water to flow out of the cooler when in transit.

While it’s tough and consistently performs its function well, the Yeti Tundra isn’t all that user-friendly. Handles are made of solid plastic tubes featuring grooves, with ropes strung between them. While they support the sturdy cooler, most users experienced discomfort from using the handles. Additionally, they dangle at the same level as the drain plug, which makes it pretty tricky to drain the cooler. The drain plug often spews out water when first opened, and it isn’t uncommon for a pool of liquid to collect at the bottom of the cooler.

Other features include sturdy rubber pull tab latches, internal slots for forming a divider, extending and inset handles, and pin hinges. Most notable is the tray to separate important food items, which isn’t commonly found in large ice coolers like these.

So, when you’re making your decision, expect that, should you go with the Yeti Tundra, it will likely be cumbersome and a little messy. But depending on your needs, the Yeti Tundra might be ideal, especially if you plan to keep a variety of items inside your cooler rather than just a simple homogenous collection of beer cans. Its slots for a divider and tray for separating food may be just what you need.

>> Check out the Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler on Amazon

#3 Best Coolers For Keeping Ice: Cabela’s Polar Cap 40-Quart Equalizer Cooler

Field and Stream conducted their own testing of various coolers and found Cabela’s Polar Cap 40-Quart Equalizer to be the best cooler for keeping ice in its class. Best Coolers For Keeping Ice Cabela's Polar Cap 40 Quart Equalizer CoolerWeighing in at 28.8 pounds, the cooler holds 38 quarts, just two less than listed.

It took an entire eight days and twenty hours for beverages to become warm, making this a go-to bet when you’re looking for a cooler mainly for the purpose of keeping drinks cold.

The Polar Cap features user-friendly, molded in handles, making it comfortable and easy to carry for extended periods of time. Field and Stream also found it to be tremendously resilient, with its single-pin hinge and wire lanyard attachment of the drain.

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Polar Cap is its drain. It’s efficient and connected with a metal wire lanyard. You won’t have to worry much about a watery mess, and it’s easy to use.

Other features include a pressure-release valve, which makes it super easy to open, and rope handles that glow in the dark and can be conveniently snapped to the edges of the coolers. Most fun extra feature? The latches that also function as bottle openers.

The price of the Polar Cap 40-Quart Equalizer is $250, making it a steal of a deal.

>> Check out Cabela’s Polar Cap 40-Quart Equalizer Cooler at Cabela’s

#4 Best Coolers For Keeping Ice: Pelican Products ProGear Elite 65 Cooler

When scouring the web to compile a solid list of the best coolers for keeping ice, the Pelican Products ProGear Elite 65 Cooler kept popping up. Users just love its hardcore look and extreme ease of use.

Best Coolers For Keeping Ice Pelican Products ProGear Elite 65 Cooler
Click for more colors (Amazon link)

The Pelican Products ProGear Elite can keep ice frozen for up to ten days. One user kept his ice frozen for eight days, even after he skipped the pre-cooling step and stored it in a garage with a temperature exceeding ninety-nine degrees Fahrenheit.

Users were unanimous – the Pelican Products ProGear Elite 65 Cooler is super easy to use. They’re particularly fond of the hard plastic latches that are easy to lock into place and can be released by touching a button. Unlike the Yeti Tundra or the ORCA, the lid doesn’t try to snap shut when open.

The Pelican ProGear Elite 65Qt Cooler is hefty, weighing in at 42.8 pounds, but its distinctive handles, made up completely of hard plastic, divide up weight distribution equally and don’t cause discomfort to hands when carrying.

The attached tie-downs, stainless steel hardware, and hard molded plastic give this cooler rock-hard durability. It’s not only huge, but also seemingly indestructible.

A lengthy drain plug leash makes attaching a garden hose an option, but the size of the drain plug makes it a little more susceptible to wear and tear, making it the weakest link in the cooler’s durability. The lid seemed a little lacking, as water frequently splashes out in larger amounts than is normal in other models.

The ice cooler’s locking mechanism means you can lock up your loot, and it also features a ruler within the lid.

>> Check out Pelican Products ProGear Elite 65 Cooler on Amazon

#5 Best Coolers For Keeping Ice: The Canyon Outfitter Cooler

Okay, so you may not have heard of the Canyon brand, but just because it isn’t as well-known as some other brands doesn’t mean it isn’t just as worthy of your consideration.

Best Coolers For Keepig Ice Canyon Outfitter Cooler
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With a three inch thick lid and 2.7 inch thick walls, this cooler is exceptionally insulated. Ice can endure up to twelve days before melting, making it win by a landslide in this area when compared to other coolers.

The latch arrangement is stress-free to use, and it’s very easy to transport and store the cooler because there aren’t any parts that stick out from the sides.

The Canyon Outfitter Cooler comes with a lifetime warranty, so once you’ve invested, you can relax knowing that any issues that may arise will be taken care of, free of cost.

A unique feature of this ice cooler is its no-lose drain plug, which sets it apart from many other coolers.

>> Check out Canyon Coolers Outfitter Cooler on Amazon

#6 Best Coolers For Keeping Ice: The ENGEL DeepBlue Cooler

The ENGEL DeepBlue is especially popular in hunting, fishing, and camping circles. Its insulation is commendable, keeping food below the recommended healthy temperature of forty degrees for an entire five days, and maintaining ice for six days.

Best Coolers For Keeping Ice ENGEL Deep Blue Cooler
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The latches, handles, and hinges on this brand of cooler are exceptionally sturdy and not likely to deteriorate under the pressure of frequent use.

And if water sloshing out of the tops of coolers really gets on your nerves, opt for the ENGEL DeepBlue. In the Outdoor Gear Lab’s slosh test, not an ounce of liquid leaked out, which may make it the unicorn of ice coolers.

The ENGEL DeepBlue is user-friendly. The lid remains open, even when the cooler is being jostled about. It’s fairly easy to drain, with minimal water collecting and spraying out messily. Slight metal hooks on the lid fasten to the body’s hard plastic levers to make a neat fastening of the lid shut. The metal hooks also serve as bottle openers.

This cooler is a bit difficult to carry – users find hard plastic handles that are connected by rope to chafe their hands and cause soreness. The handle’s grooves seem to backfire, their odd spacing undermining the goal of comfort and pinching fingers.

Other features include pin style hinges, external latches, extended and recessed handles, and a slot for an internal divider. And let’s bring up that emergency bottle opener one more time because come on, how neat is that?

The price of this cooler is listed at $370, but you can buy it for around $210 on Amazon.

>> Check out ENGEL DeepBlue Cooler on Amazon

Conclusion

We’ve told you our favorites in terms of the best coolers for keeping ice. Now that you know the pros and cons of each, you get to make your choice. Think about where and why you want to use an ice cooler, and also about some of your own personal pet peeves.

If you get crabby at the idea of the seemingly inevitable mess of excess water when draining a cooler, strongly consider purchasing the Cabela’s Polar Cap 40-Quart Equalizer. If you need something with heavy duty insulation to keep your stuff cold for an especially long time, go for the ORCA.

The Pelican ProGear Elite 65 Cooler is so drama free and easy to use that if your priority in a piece of equipment is its no nonsense characteristics and guaranteed user-friendly vibes, you’d naturally be most happy with this choice.

The Yeti Tundra and Engel DeepBlue both have internal dividers, making them optimal for users that want to keep things separated.

The Canyon Outfitter Cooler and Cabela’s Polar Cap 40-Quart Equalizer are very budget-friendly, making them the best choices if you’re watching your pocketbook.

We love all of these six best coolers for keeping ice, and we’re confident that with a little consideration, you’ll be happy with whatever you decide will best suit your needs. Whether you debut your new ice cooler at a huge beach party or on a long camping trip in the back country, have fun bragging about your excellent find!

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