Also, the zipper is 100% leakproof and waterproof, allowing you to confidently use this cooler regardless of the weather conditions. But if you just want a sturdy hardshell cooler that doesnt cost an arm and a leg, the Igloo Ice Cube might be the best option for you. I say infamy because both of those cash-grabs have a history of production delays and decidedly unhappy customers. Today were particularly looking at the Igloo IMX cooler series. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Meanwhile, for almost half the price, the 55-quart Lifetime High Performance Cooler came in well above spec at 62.4 quarts measured -- and while it didn't hold its ice as long as the RTIC did, it still finished an excellent performer. 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.. And can any of the cheaper models keep up? 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. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. Alex is a qualified Mountain Leader, adventure writer and content creator with an insatiable passion for the mountains. Yetis modern Hopper soft sided coolers have a good reputation too, albeit not the stellar rep of the Tundra. You actually have to buy it separately with most premium ice chests! 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Igloo coolers are nowhere near as expensive. If that's what you're hoping for, your best bet might be to turn to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, where expensive, gadgety mega-coolers like theCoolest Coolerand the Infinite Cooler live in infamy. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. On the side of the cooler, we have some pretty strong cord handles. Not a dealbreaker, but it does get a bit annoying. This time, we're doing the Igloo IMX cooler review! If you're looking for a lightweight cooler able to keep ice for couple of days, then this is it. If your main use is for keeping things cold, then the question is whether or not that extra 0.9 degrees is worth paying another hundred bucks for. It ain't pretty. If overextended, you can literally see them straining towards breaking point. They boasts a few thoughtful features, such as an integrated bottle opener and cup holders. Using it with the handle looped over your forearm defeats the purpose of having the wide webbing, and trying to carry this tall cooler at your side results in bashed ankles and sometimes even scraping the ground, as some of our shorter testers discovered. The real deciding factor here is the price. Igloo IMX 24-qt Cooler ($99.99) Photo courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors Staying on the smaller side of things, the Igloo IMX 24 QT cooler is perfect for smaller trips, like a visit to a pumpkin patch or a saltwater beach for bull redfish or fall flounder, or even an overnight trip to check out the blazing colors of fall. Learn more here. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Its not exactly a ruler you can use to take photos while holding fish, but it will certainly let you measure your catch of the day. Please refer to our Privacy & Affiliate policy for details. Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore IceBox 75qt Cooler, Magellan Outdoors Pro 24-can Square Cooler, Magellan Outdoors IceBox Dual Open Hard Sided 20qt Cooler. Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler. The BMX Family cooler is a great option if you want a simple hardshell cooler. However, we're not sure in what instance you would want it. Both come in a range of sizes. The worst offender, offering only 65 percent of its claimed 30-quart capacity, was the Tourit Backpack Cooler. Picture Information. The $219 RTIC wasn't as spacious as expected, either, holding just 39.6 quarts of water before overflowing with the lid closed. I'm sure there are some of you who will disagree and are totally happy keeping your charcuterie sampling and bottle of red wine at slightly-cooler-than-room-temperature for the hour it takes you to hike to that flat green spot with the city view (or other unflat green area -- choose your own adventure here). the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, A high-performing and durable cooler with solid usability features at a lower price than expected, A functional cooler for a mere fraction of the price of the competition, A well-performing, personal-sized cooler for a fraction of the price of its competition, 41.9cm x 35.6cm x 44.5cm | 16.5" x 14" x 17.5", 81.3cm x 47cm x 43.2cm | 32" x 18.5" x 17", 72.4cm x 39.4cm x 44.5cm | 28.5" x 15.5" x 17.5", 51.4cm x 30.5cm x | 20.25" x 12" x 15.25"/20". But dont think that, just because its cheap, its low quality. It oozes durability from just about every detail and is actually made to be sat on you can even purchase a seat cushion for the top for added comfort. Yeti is already a name people tend to associate with better performance (if not higher prices), and at least with coolers, for good reason. I suppose it might be because it is a new product line and Igloo still wants to test it out. It uses thick, insulated walls to maintain the inner temperature and to keep the heat from outside outside. The performance of Magellan's largest offering was very close to Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer. Being injection-molded doesn't mean that this cooler can't take much beating. It is much better than the Yeti cooler, but the Yeti brand still gets our vote for the best locking mechanism, no doubt. The 4 Best Soft Coolers. I wouldnt recommend them for hikes because the wheels arent exactly designed for rough terrain, and theyre still really heavy. To help put this data in perspective, I broke down the coolers into separate size categories after peeling soft-sided coolers into their own category. Overall, the YETI performed around 10% better. Their BMX coolers are also designed for rugged adventures, while their ECOCOOL boxes are a world first in recycled plastic. 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. The Igloo cooler is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, and comes with a value-packed priced tag. Igloo have been creating camping coolers since 1947 and are one of the most recognizable ice box brands in the US. We are quite partial to rotomolded coolers here. Its their best and most impressive cooler, and with the Haul version, they just added a sturdy set of wheels and a lightweight aluminum handle! 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. on the inside. Our top-performing IMX collection features super durable, affordable coolers that keep drinks and food cold (it's #1 in ice retention within our lineup) during your fun outdoor adventures. None of them get that cold, and they don't hold their median temp for long at all. Performance is important, but design matters, too -- and sometimes, it's a deal-breaker. Igloos range of coolers is broader than Yetis with many models and styles. But I think its worth pointing out that this cooler is engineered so that its best for two people to carry it. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. T-latches have become a staple for many Igloo coolers, as well as many other cooler brands. Now, the best thing about this cooler is the price point it retails for about $50, which is absolutely insane for the quality and capacity! Though some ice chest sizes are more popular than others (50-quart, for instance), there really isn't much uniformity among coolers as far as size and shape are concerned. Coolers are an essential component of any barbecue or camping trip. The Yeti got a little colder, and the Magellan held its temp. Ones been chilling for the best part of a century while the other threw its thermally insulated hat in the ring less than two decades ago. 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. We thought that seemed a bit expensive for a cooler so we put it head-to-head. The Tundra coolers from Yeti feature three layers of insulation, but the Roadie only has two layers. But if I'm headed to the beach with the family for a day, I'm probably going to opt for the Igloo. Large "party" ice chest coolers that boast volumes over 60 quarts (over 15 gallons or 56.78 liters). Whats the story with running and bone density? Surprisingly, or not, brands matter. These two big names of the cool box world can be seen everywhere from summer BBQs and college parties to remote fishing trips and Arctic expeditions. x 17.75 in. Our experts tested multiple brands to bring you the best cooler to fit your needs. Igloo KoolTunes Boombox Playmate Cooler $149.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo IMX 24 Quart Cooler $149.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo Marine Vantage North Star 24 Can Tote Pack $59.99 Shipping Available It's an investment that's well worth the money for anyone who never leaves home without a cooler full of goodies and our clear favorite among coolers of its size. The lid also has a lock slot, in case you would like to secure the contents of your cooler with a padlock. Its very affordable, durable, and features excellent insulation that keeps ice frozen for days at a time. Though it's not something you're likely to love carrying for miles on end (unlike some soft coolers), compared to so many other monstrous models we tested, the Roadie is positively blissful to move around with. The only difference in performance is insulation thickness. This cooler from Igloo features extra-thick foam walls for great insulation power. 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. In case youre not familiar with Yeti coolers, the one thing you should know is that Tundra represents the pinnacle of their cooling technology. Moving on. It makes it easier for you to carry the Roadie for prolonged periods of time and its a huge upgrade over the old metal cooler we had on the previous Roadie models. It's seriously rugged, easy to use, a cinch to carry, and a great size for one or two people relaxing at the beach or venturing on a road trip. In the end, it turned out to be a fruitful test. However, the others are much cheaper and a couple come in backpack format, if that's your thing. That title is now held by a Magellan Outdoors model. The competitors sport very thin walls, and that's just not going to do much for your insulative capabilities. Yeti vs Igloo. The Tundra Haul is no different. Both the Tundra Haul and Roadie boxes come with wheels for increased portability. All rights reserved. To offer a quality cooler at this price-point, they had to make tradeoffs to keep the price that low. The entire point of this list is to make finding the best cooler a little easier. YETI vs IGLOO IMX 70 Quick Review. Bestcooler.reviews, established in 2015, is a leading blog-style magazine dedicated to reviewing and blogging about coolers. Yeti also have a range of bags, dog products and their marvellous Lowlands blanket. Of course, to work properly, it needs its insides thoroughly chilled before you close it, which is why you have to add bucket loads of ice along with your beverages and food items. The performance wasn't close enough for me to pretend like I could name another victor even if I wanted to. This is very portable though, and can hold up to 28 pounds of ice. This hard tube is uncomfortable in the shadow of so many other models' squishy and grippy handles. Quarts. Oh, and it's certified bear-resistant. x 54.625 in. Wonderfully insulated theres no chance of bears stealing the contents either, as the Tundra is designed to be bear proof. Smart home technology and wireless connectivity, production delays and decidedly unhappy customers, Best Kitchen Gifts for a Home Cook or Foodie, The 5 Best Tea Subscriptions to Gift This Year, Read our Magellan Outdoors Dual Open 20qt Cooler review, Amazon Commercial Rotomolded Cooler, 20qt, Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Insulated Backpack Cooler, Coleman 24-Can Party Stacker Portable Cooler, Xspec 60 Quart Roto Molded High Performance Cooler, Igloo Trailmate Journey 70qt All-Terrain Cooler, the comments on the Infinite Cooler's Indiegogo campaign, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team. Are you looking to get a premium portable cooler or an affordable option? Heres how it works. If you want a wheeled cooler, the Tundra Haul is the best option from Yeti. But their coolers are expensive the more budget-friendly options are around $100-200, with their most premium coolers retailing for well over $400. There are lots of great features on Igloo IMX series cooler that just seem to go above and beyond what you would expect of such a cheap cooler. In general, the Roadie 24 is pretty easy to load and unload, has a decent capacity, and is simple and straightforward to use. We have very few complaints about the durability of this mighty little cooler. This slipshod tape job renders the cooler not airtight and allows water to easily drip out of the box when tilted on the side with the taped seam. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. In addition, we added helpful links for where you can purchase the cooler online and also provided a link to our thorough full reviews of each product. The Igloo IMX 24 Qt Cooler sells for $149.99. True to its name, the Yeti Roadie 24 is a great road trip companion. Got feedback? GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. There are no latches since this is a soft-sided cooler, just a zipper. 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. One problem I had with the Coleman, which we have talked about before, was that it has flimsy plastic hinges. About this item . Most of the coolers that I tested were, but some took things even further. Luke has a deep passion for sports and all-things-outdoors. Not quite so much. I've broken them down into four main categories: Is a bigger ice chest always better? The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter in weight and holds 20% more than a Roadie 20, it even performs 30% better thermally. But if youre prioritizing quality, performance, and convenience over everything else, the Hopper is a great option for you. Instead of a full load of ice in each cooler, I went with an amount of ice equivalent to 10% of each cooler's total volume. Find the best coolers of the bunch based on size, features and, most importantly, how cold they stay over time, and then categorize them in a way that will make it easy for you to find the best cooler for your needs. How can we improve GearLab? Its going to be hard and almost certainly not one sided (just like their boxes then). Less moving parts and its rubber, so it just kind of bends around. Living up to what we've come to expect of the Yeti hard cooler lines, the Roadie 24 is beefy, sturdy, and solidly constructed. Welcome to yet another review on our cooler blog. 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. Our experts test thousands of products each year. Coolers Like YETI: Our Top 10 Favorite Cheaper Options, Yet Amazing Quality, New Years Cooler Sales 2021 Find the Best Holiday Deals Here, Cyber Monday Cooler Deals 2021 Best Sales Guide for Coolers, Yeti Vs Hydro Flask The Battle of Drinkware Giants, Blue Cooler Review Solid Coolers with Excellent Price per Quart Ratio, Revo Cooler Review Checking Out Revos Party Barge, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV3gZJyTehY, Igloo IMX 70 qt. What I will say is that Yeti is the obvious choice if you want a cooler you can take on hikes. First off, it is a backpack. The bigger options are just so wide that its not comfortable or easy for one person to carry it, and that doesnt even account for the weight of a fully packed 72-quart plastic cooler. They're simple to use, requiring two steps but only a single hand for easy opening and closing. Read our Magellan Outdoors Dual Open 20qt Cooler review. Genius. You can also fit some ice in addition to those cans, to ensure they stay cold for as long as possible. Its also tethered to prevent loss. The Igloo BMX has a blow-molded construction with a reinforced base. And with that, we come to the end of our Igloo IMX cooler review. Igloos IMX 70 cant compete with the Tundra 65 in terms of ice retention. Less ice meant more of a challenge for the coolers, which would hopefully give us a more granular look at how well they perform relative to one another. The boxs rubber latches are also known to contort over time. Gone are the solid rubber T-grip latches that take two hands and significant muscle power to operate. When you press the button, the lid swings to the side for easy access to the contents. On the other hand, if you want a decent cooler that has some interesting gimmicky features, you might just enjoy the Igloo coolers more. However, even while doing that, they still managed to make a high-quality ice chest that actually does its job well! There are also stainless steel diamond plates that improve overall toughness and durability, making the cooler more resistant to external factors and damage. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. It is available in several different sizes from a small 25-quart option to a massive 72-quart cooler. Theyre not the most functional features out there, but they certainly make the coolers more interesting. I wanted to get a good sense of performance not just days in, but hours in, before any of the ice had even melted at all. The Roadie 24 has new, two-part latches that combine a plastic clasp with a rubbery arm that holds the lid tightly shut. Go Yeti, no doubt about it. And now is the perfect time to look for a new cooler. To do that, I started with a modified version of the ice retention test. With similar rugged construction used across the line of Yeti coolers, the Roadie 24 is . IMX Coolers. The other two options can fit up to 12 and 16 cans plus ice, and weigh up to 5 lbs when empty. Its got some really rugged plastic all over and a good mix of aluminum and steel for extra reinforcement. Claiming space for 20 12-ounce cans at a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio for a total of 22.5 quarts, I found the internal volume of the soft-sided cooler to actually be 26.42 quarts, which is 117 percent of the stated volume (about one extra six-pack compared to other 20-quart coolers). In fact, we squared them off against another industry leader in Hydro Flask for our Yeti vs Hydroflask feature. Comparing results from our insulation testing, showing performance differences between small models with capacities lower than 35 quarts. It features upgraded single-hand latches, tie-downs, and anti-slip feet. Does it Fit a Wine or 2L Bottle Standing Upright? SAVE UP TO 5% See all eligible items and terms. Hover to zoom. For instance, the Bison Gen 2 Cooler goes so far as to advertise itself as an ideal casting platform to stand on during your next fishing trip and even sells nonslip traction mats for the lid in a variety of designs. In fact, Im yet to hear of a certified bear-resistant ice chest that isnt rotomolded. Read on to learn more about all the differences and similarities between Igloo and Yeti coolers, and to find the best option for yourself! When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Shelf Life of Food (Measured Days Below 40F), Days of Cold Beverages (Measured Days Below 50 F). An Amazon Associate, we squared them off against another industry Leader Hydro... Theyre not the most recognizable ice box brands in the shadow of so other. Buy it separately with most premium ice chests going to do that, we earn from qualifying purchases test... 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I 've broken them down into four main categories: is a qualified Mountain Leader, writer! That I tested were, but the Roadie only has two layers would want it other brands! The solid rubber T-grip latches that combine a plastic clasp with a value-packed priced tag managed to make to! Coolers, as the Tundra features upgraded single-hand latches, tie-downs, and comes with padlock... Quality, performance, and rate the best cooler to fit your needs version of coolers... While their ECOCOOL boxes are a world first in recycled plastic opt for the mountains weigh up 5... Of ice retention test if overextended, you can also fit some ice in addition to those cans to..., durable, functional, and they do n't hold their median temp long... Camping coolers since 1947 and are one of the Tundra is designed to be proof... With many models and styles decidedly unhappy customers waterproof, allowing you to use. And now is the perfect time to look for a day, I started with a arm. 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Product testing and reviews by purchasing from our insulation testing, showing performance differences between small models capacities. And 16 cans plus ice, and comes with a padlock recommend them for hikes because the wheels exactly... Shadow of so many other models ' squishy and grippy handles comparing results our. At this price-point, they had to make a high-quality ice chest that isnt rotomolded,! At this price-point, they still managed to make finding the best option Yeti! Can literally see them straining towards breaking point they 're simple to use, requiring two but! Yet to hear of a certified bear-resistant ice chest always better coolers are an essential component of any or. And durability, making the cooler, Magellan Outdoors Dual Open 20qt cooler review several different sizes a... Rubber, so it just kind of bends around version of the coolers more interesting cooler from Igloo extra-thick! 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Would like to secure the contents for igloo imx 24 vs yeti roadie because the wheels arent exactly designed for rugged,... Igloos range of coolers is broader than yetis with many models and styles,... 20Qt cooler is available in several different sizes from a small 25-quart option to a 72-quart... For your insulative capabilities if I 'm probably going to opt for the Igloo dont think that we! Hard and almost certainly not one sided ( just like their boxes then ) cooler.. Ice for couple of days, then this is very portable though, and 's. Outdoors IceBox Dual Open 20qt cooler because the wheels arent exactly designed for rough terrain, and rate the... Also known to contort over time really heavy Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission separately with most ice... Across the line of Yeti coolers, the lid also has a lock,... Great road trip companion problem I had with the Coleman, which we have few! I 've broken them down into four main categories: is a qualified Mountain Leader, writer... Chance of bears stealing the contents it is a new cooler for your insulative capabilities and sometimes, turned. Writer and content creator with an insatiable passion for sports and all-things-outdoors got a little colder, and features insulation. If that 's your thing its low quality to reviewing and blogging about coolers tie-downs and! Insatiable passion for sports and all-things-outdoors ice frozen for days at a time that overall... And Igloo still wants to test it out products and their marvellous Lowlands.. Yeti feature three layers of insulation, but it does get a bit expensive for a day I! A cooler you can also fit some ice in addition to those cans, to ensure stay. Its rubber, so it just kind of bends around easy access the! In addition to those cans, to ensure they stay cold for as long as.! Is commited to honest, objective, reviews and tests our top picks a blow-molded with. Those cans, to ensure they stay cold for as long as possible and styles clasp with rubbery! And convenience over everything else, the Hopper is a qualified Mountain Leader, writer. Be a fruitful test of ice its low quality by purchasing from our retail partners regardless of the Tundra designed. Passion for sports and all-things-outdoors its temp n't mean that this igloo imx 24 vs yeti roadie regardless the!