When shopping for a cooler, one big factor to consider is ice retention, which refers to how long a cooler can keep ice frozen. The new, expensive options, such as roto-molded coolers, are designed to excel in ice retention tests, justifying their high price tags. However, ice retention tests may not tell the whole story as they only measure performance after the ice has melted. To get a more accurate picture, a modified ice retention test was conducted with 10% of each cooler’s total volume used to see how well they perform before the ice melts completely.
Ambient temperature inside the coolers was tracked using ice spread beneath an elevated jar of propylene glycol solution with a temperature probe. The test was conducted in a climate-controlled test chamber, with each cooler allowed to sit open in the room for several hours beforehand to ensure they all started at room temperature. After 48 hours, minute-by-minute temperature readings inside each cooler were taken, revealing significant differences between coolers based on size categories. Data on soft coolers was also analyzed, with soft-sided coolers placed in a separate category from hard coolers.
Mobility and durability were also considered during testing, with a focus on the design and features of each cooler. Some coolers, like the Igloo Latitude wheeled cooler, had durability concerns with a lid that doesn’t lock shut and weak plastic nub hinges. However, coolers like the Rovr Rollr wheeled cooler fared better with a rugged design, heavy-duty wheels, and additional features like a sturdy steel handlebar and interior divider. It’s important to consider the intended use of a cooler when assessing mobility and durability features.
Latches and lids play a crucial role in the performance of a cooler, with some coolers featuring good double-latching, double-hinged lids like the Magellan Outdoors model, while others have rubber T-shaped handles that can be difficult to secure. Design matters in addition to performance, and the latching mechanism of a cooler can impact usability. Soft-sided coolers like the Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 offer backpack-style convenience with a leakproof zipper design, making them suitable for hiking and camping trips.
Brands can impact the overall performance and cost of a cooler, with reputable brands like Yeti known for their quality but also their higher price tags. Other brands like Magellan Outdoors, Frosted Frog, RTIC, and Amazon Commercial coolers offer competitive performance at a more affordable price. While some high-end coolers offer additional features like a built-in battery for charging devices or a solar panel, caution is advised when considering backing expensive cooler campaigns on crowdfunding platforms, as they may come with production delays and dissatisfied customers. Stick with reliable cooler options that offer a good balance of performance and price.
