The handle is a bit on the weak side and the aesthetics are sort of bland but for those on a tight budget and after something basic, this can work. Our new Igloo cooler features THERMECOOL™ foam, a cleaner, eco-friendly insulation, and a push-button lid designed with our CA Dreamin’ sunset. Igloo Products Corp. is an American manufacturer of ice chests, drink containers, and supporting accessories.
Their 40-quart cooler gives premium rotomolded models here a real run for their money. Its flexible side handles make carrying a breeze, and we found the exterior organizer pocket to be a nice addition for storing small items like koozies, kitchen utensils, and a bottle opener. Starting at 20 quarts and going all the way up to 140, there’s an ORCA cooler for just about any activity.
And it is still sized in a way that makes it easy to store. Combine that with solid construction and a reasonable asking price, and you have a true contender. But it does come with some issues, including weak zippers and a smaller-than-desired top access lgloo Cooler point. Another portable solution, the Hard Top Gripper is extremely mobile for those who can make do with the small storage space. Being small does mean that it is very easy to carry and store and the ice performance, despite being little, isn’t too bad.
Coolers are undoubtedly expensive, but having a generous warranty can help ease some of the buying anxiety. And a look at the market reveals a surprisingly wide range of available manufacturer guarantees. At the top end are ORCA and ROAM, which offer lifetime warranties that cover defects, while most others range from one to 10 years. It’s also important to point out that some companies provide different warranties for their hard-sided versus soft-sided offerings. For example, YETI covers its Tundra series with a five-year warranty, while their soft-sided Hopper is only covered for three. In contrast, open-cell foam is permeable to air and water like a sponge (which is why it frequently appears in foam pillows, as it’s squishier and it breathes).
It will let the juices settle and you will be ready to eat a hot meal where ever you stop. One tip that we have enjoyed over the years is to freeze some water bottles and add them to the cooler. The frozen water keeps things cold and then when melted it is ready for you to drink. One important aspect to pay attention to is the difference between the Igloo BMX and the Igloo IMX coolers.