Is Igloo a Good Cooler? – Find Out What the Experts Say

Are you in the market for a new cooler, but not sure which brand to trust? Look no further than the Igloo cooler. But wait, is Igloo a good cooler, you may be asking? 

We’re here to answer that question and more. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the world of igloo coolers to explore their features, benefits, and drawbacks. 

Whether you’re an avid camper, or fisherman, or simply need a reliable cooler for your next outdoor excursion, we’ll help you determine if the igloo cooler is the right choice for you. So, let’s get started and discover if Igloo is truly a good cooler.

1. Things to know about Igloo Cooler Brand

1.1. History

In 1947, Igloo was founded as a metalworking business that made metal water coolers for blue-collar employees. Texas Tennessee Industries (TTI) was formed in early 1960 following the merger of Igloo and the Production Tooling Company. 

The John T. Everett Company, based in Memphis, Tennessee, served as the business’s marketing division. TTI had plans to rename itself Igloo by 1971.

In 1962, James F. Hutchison unveiled the first all-plastic ice chest for the business. Igloo says that approximately three out of every four US households possess an Igloo cooler. Igloo manufactures coolers for both commercial and domestic usage.

Thousands of stores in the US and worldwide sell the company’s more than 500 products, which include full-sized, personal, and beverage coolers.

In 2001, Westar Capital, a private investment company, bought Igloo from Brunswick. In 2008, J.H. Whitney & Company assumed control as the new main owner. 

J.H. Whitney sold Igloo to ACON Investments, a private equity group located in Washington, DC, in March 2014. J.H. Whitney will continue to own a tiny part in the business.

1.2. Main products

Over the years, Igloo Brand has continued to innovate and expand its product line to include other outdoor products such as drinkware, backpacks, and hydration packs. Today, Igloo Cooler is still a leading brand in the cooler industry.

1.3. Popular Models of Igloo Coolers and Their Features

Igloo is a well-known brand when it comes to coolers, and they have a wide range of models to offer. Here are some of the popular models of Igloo coolers and their features:

1. Igloo MaxCold Cooler – This model can keep ice frozen for up to seven days. It has a capacity of 100 quarts and features UV inhibitors in the lid and body to protect against sun damage.
2. Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler – The Marine Ultra cooler is designed to withstand harsh marine environments and keep food and drinks cold for up to five days. It has a capacity of 72 quarts and features UV inhibitors in the lid and body.
3. Igloo Island Breeze Cooler – This model is perfect for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park. It can hold up to 48 quarts and has a swing-up handle for easy carrying.
4. Igloo Playmate Cooler – The Playmate cooler is a classic design that has been around for decades. It’s perfect for a day trip or a small picnic. It can hold up to 16 quarts and has a push-button lid for easy access.
5. Igloo Sportsman Cooler – The Sportsman cooler is designed for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. It can keep ice frozen for up to five days and has a capacity of 55 quarts. It also features a lockable lid for added security.

1.4. Target Customer

The target customer of the Igloo Cooler brand is typically outdoor enthusiasts, campers, fishermen, hunters, and those who participate in outdoor activities such as picnics, BBQs, and tailgating. 

They may also appeal to sports teams and event planners who need to keep large quantities of food and beverages cold. In general, Igloo coolers are designed to be practical and durable, making them a popular choice for those who value functionality and reliability in their outdoor gear.

2. Is Igloo a good cooler?

Absolutely YES. Igloo is a great cooler option, as they offer various sizes and designs to fit the needs of any user. 

Their coolers are made with high-grade insulation for maximum cooling capabilities, plus they come with robust seals that help keep the cold air in and warm air out.

In addition, Igloo offers many features such as a rust-resistant stainless steel lid latch and a leak-resistant drain plug to make for an optimal cooling experience.

Furthermore, Igloo coolers are also affordable and come in a variety of colors so you can choose the one that best suits your style. 

Overall, Igloo is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a great cooler.

3. Pros and cons of using Igloo coolers 

3.1. Pros:

• Good insulation: Igloo coolers are known for their thick walls and insulation, making them great at keeping items cold for longer periods of time.
• Durability: Igloo coolers are also known for being tough and durable, able to withstand rough handling and outdoor elements.
• Variety of sizes and styles: Igloo coolers come in a wide range of sizes and styles, making it easier to find one that fits your specific needs.
• Affordable: Igloo coolers are typically more affordable than some other high-end cooler brands.

3.2. Cons:

• Heavy: Igloo coolers can be quite heavy, especially when filled with ice and drinks.
• Limited ice retention: While Igloo coolers do have good insulation, they may not retain ice as long as some of the higher-end cooler brands.
• Bulky: Igloo coolers can be quite bulky and take up a lot of space, making them difficult to transport and store in smaller areas.

4. Different kinds of insulation material used in Igloo coolers

There are several types of insulation materials used in Igloo coolers, including:

1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
2. Polyurethane Foam
3. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
4. EVA Foam (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate)
5. Polyester Fiber
6. Fiberglass Insulation

Each of these materials has its own unique properties and benefits, and the choice of insulation material will depend on factors such as cost, durability, and insulation performance.

5. How to maintain your Igloo cooler

Here are some tips on how to maintain your Igloo cooler:

1. Clean your cooler after each use: Always wash and dry your cooler after every use to avoid any foul odors or bacteria growth. Use a mild dish soap and warm water, and then rinse with clean water. Allow the cooler to air dry completely before storing it.
2. Avoid using abrasive cleaners: Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the surface of your cooler.
3. Store your cooler in a cool, dry place: Store your cooler in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
4. Check the seals and hinges: Regularly check the seals and hinges on your cooler to make sure they are in good condition and functioning properly. If you notice any damage or wear and tear, replace them as needed.
5. Use ice packs instead of loose ice: Using ice packs instead of loose ice can help prevent water buildup in your cooler and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

By following these tips, you can keep your Igloo cooler in good condition and ensure it lasts for many years of use.

You can also like:

• Does A Wine Fridge Need A Dedicated Circuit?
• How Long does Dry Ice Last in a Cooler? The Ultimate Answer by Professionals
• How Big is 25-Quart Cooler?

6. Alternatives to Igloo Coolers

There are several alternatives to Igloo coolers that you may consider:

1. Yeti: Known for their durability and high-end design, Yeti coolers are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Coleman: A well-known brand in the cooler industry, Coleman offers a range of coolers that are affordable and reliable.
3. Engel: Engel coolers are known for their ice retention and are a popular choice for boaters and fishermen.
4. Pelican: Pelican coolers are built to withstand extreme conditions and are a popular choice for outdoor adventurers.
5. RTIC: RTIC coolers are known for their affordability and ice retention, making them a great alternative to higher-end brands.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other brands and options available depending on your needs and budget.

7. How to select the right Igloo cooler for your needs

We have put together a cooler buyer’s guide to aid with this and to send you in the correct direction. It will set out numerous typical and suggested factors one should undertake while researching a cooler.

The shopping process will be considerably easier if you have a clearer notion of what you are looking for because you can filter out many things that don’t fit your search criteria automatically.

7.1. Size

There are 2 types of wine cooler sizes to bear in mind. They are storage size and cooler’s total size.

• Storage Size

Storage size is the amount of volume that can be kept inside. Remember that both insulated and non-insulated storage rooms may contribute to this volume. In other words, just though a cooler is touted to have 50 quarts of storage space, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that it can hold 50 quarts of products that need to be kept cool.  

For instance, if your 6-quart cooler is too small, a lengthy sandwich that requires 4 quarts of volume might not fit. It is crucial to think about the TYPES of products you will be bringing and confirm that the ice chest you are considering will accommodate them.

Finally, it’s crucial to consider how much room ice or ice packs will require. For many coolers, adding extra ice is a popular and advised practice in order to maximize chilling life, however, this ice consumes some of the valuable insulated space. 

If you are unclear about how much space you require, we usually advise sizing up. Larger coolers could be a little more cumbersome to transport, but this is preferable to not having enough storage space.

• Cooler Size

Soft-sided coolers have the advantage of having easily adjustable dimensions, which allows for more compact storage. Additionally, you can push them down so they barely take up any room if they are empty or nearly empty. 

Hard-sided coolers, on the other hand, always remain the size that they were intended to be, regardless of the contents.

7.2. Material

Surprisingly many different materials are employed in the cooler-making process. To make things simpler, we are just classifying each type of plastic, fabric, and metal into its own category.

• Plastic

Hard-sided coolers almost universally employ this material, which is likely the most popular one. Plastic is resilient, reasonably lightweight, affordable, and water-proof, and it insulates reasonably well.  It follows that it should be the preferred material.

• Metal

There are a few metal-walled coolers out there, but they aren’t very widespread.  The hardware, hinges, handles, and zippers of the various coolers are where metal is most frequently used.

Metal zippers are rather common, but since metal hardware is much more expensive than plastic, it is usually only seen in higher-end brands.  The price increase does have the advantage of being both more aesthetically beautiful and significantly longer-lasting.

• Fabrics

The majority of the soft-sided coolers we have tested feature exteriors composed of different kinds of fabric.  Each sample will have a different level of strength, waterproofness, insulating capacity, and many other characteristics.  

The fabric of the inexpensive lunch bags, which can be purchased for only a few dollars, is probably quite frail and likely to break. 

However, some of the higher-end brands may include sturdy fabric that frequently has resilient materials like nylon woven into it, which can produce a rather robust wall.  

Again, it’s crucial to understand what your ultimate objective is for a certain ice chest before selecting your textiles.

• Rubber

Rubber will be used in the design of many coolers, but only in specific places.  In order to provide a more airtight barrier between the lid and box, rubber seals may occasionally be utilized.  

Rubber handles to help with grasping, rubber wheels, if the cooler has them, and rubber gaskets on the drain outlet are other locations.  In most cases, the rubber will be regarded as a side material and make up a small portion of the cooler, but it is still a crucial component.

7.3. Carrying Method

A cooler might be difficult to carry, especially when it is full. This may be due to the heavy weight that results from packing a container with a lot of ice and items as well as the sheer size of the container.

Some of the larger coolers can be several feet across, making it challenging for someone to reach both side handles even when the container is empty.

Many coolers provide a variety of carrying or transportation options to help with this.

• Side handles

Probably the most popular style of carrying tool is one with side handles. They are merely handles that have been attached to the cooler’s two sides to make it easier for one or two persons to tote.  

On a smaller cooler, it shouldn’t be a problem for one person to hold both handles, but it could be helpful to have someone on each side of a larger cooler.

These side handles can be made of flexible ropes with plastic grips, built-in cavities that are molded into the side, pivoting plastic handles, and a variety of different materials.

• Lid handle

A lid handle is a single handle on the cooler’s lid that is designed to be used by one person to carry the cooler.  This is advantageous since it frees up one hand and relieves the burden of carrying the cooler in front of one’s body, which can occasionally make walking difficult. 

The single handle is not as robust as most other carrying options, therefore this is often only found on smaller coolers and is only advised for coolers that don’t require a lot of weight.

• Shoulder strap

A shoulder strap makes it possible to carry the cooler over the shoulder, freeing up both hands. Metal zippers are rather common, but since metal hardware is much more expensive than plastic, it is usually only seen in higher-end brands. 

The price increase does have the advantage of being both more aesthetically beautiful and significantly longer-lasting.

• Wheel

The majority of the soft-sided coolers we have tested feature exteriors composed of different kinds of fabric.  Each sample will have a different level of strength, waterproofness, insulating capacity, and many other characteristics.  

The fabric of the inexpensive lunch bags, which can be purchased for only a few dollars, is probably quite frail and likely to break. 

7.4. Insulation Power

This one is crucial because it has to do with how well a cooler keeps things cold, which is what it’s designed to do!  While everyone wants a cooler with the longest possible ice life, some people don’t actually need one with a week’s worth of ice retention. 

More than a few hours is simply overkill and isn’t worth the anticipated increase in size and cost if you are only looking for something to pack your lunch in every day or to take frozen products from the grocery store to home.

When looking for an icebox, one must consider how long it must operate before ice needs to be added. In order to facilitate this, we have outlined a few typical time lapses:

Nearly any reliable device on the market will achieve this in a few hours.  In many cases, the insulation will be able to handle the majority of the work and you won’t even need much, if any, more ice.

• A day: While most plastic and larger coolers should be able to manage this, some of the smaller soft-sided totes and bags may suffer.
• 2-4 days: A small number of larger luxury soft-sided coolers are the only ones that can last this long.  Here too, inexpensive, shoddy plastic coolers will hit their limits.
• 4 to 5 days: These will mostly consist of cooler options in the upper moderate to premium range. The majority will use superior materials, have rotomolded construction, use metal hardware, and have other better-working features.
• 6 days or more: Only a handful of coolers on the market will last longer than six days, and most of them will be rather pricey.  Most will be large-sized or even larger.

7.5. Cooler Life

Let’s face it: we all want products that last forever, but this is simply not possible.  However, there are examples that can last for a very long time, but they are expensive.  

You should think about how long you want this cooler to last when making your next purchase. 

Are you expecting this to withstand being thrown around and exposed to harsh circumstances for years on end?  Or, do you simply need something that will last the entire semester to bring to class for lunch?

As anticipated, these factors would be closely related to the materials utilized and the final cost.

7.6. Waterproofness

Unbelievably, many coolers on the market have trouble with water. This can make it dangerous to expose them to large amounts of melted ice or unexpected water from a rain shower. Will you frequently be carrying this cooler outside to the lake, beach, or on camping trips?  

Are you going to fill it with ice and then need to drain the water afterwards? If so, you need to make sure the fabric can bear it and, if it is soft-sided, that the belly is made of rubber or plastic.  This shouldn’t be a problem for the vast majority of hard-sided coolers.

7.7. External Storage

One problem we frequently notice is that after buying a cooler, clients discover that they also have a lot of non-chilled products that they wished they could keep.  Accessories like towels, sunscreen, chips, wallets, sunglasses, and car keys are quite popular.  It can be difficult to simply store items in the heated regions for a number of reasons:

• These things occupy insulated storage space that could be precious and scarce.
• Opening the lid to get to these things will release cold air and reduce the ice’s shelf life.
• These objects could be harmed by melted water, which could also influence their functionality (towels being wet, phones breaking, etc.).
• Since the chilled and unchilled things can quickly become mixed up, getting a certain item is significantly more difficult.

Some people would be better off purchasing a cooler with additional external or non-insulated compartments that are distinct from the insulated ones due to these factors.  Although some hard-sided products also have these features, soft-sided products tend to have them more frequently.

8. FAQs

Is Igloo an American company?

Yes, Igloo is an American company that manufactures and distributes coolers, drinkware, and other outdoor gear. It was founded in 1947 and is based in Katy, Texas.

Is an igloo cooler as good as a Yeti cooler?

While both Igloo and Yeti coolers are popular and effective at keeping items cold, there are some differences between the two. 

Yeti coolers are known for their durability and ice retention ability, thanks to their high-quality materials and construction. 

Igloo coolers are also effective at keeping items cold, but they may not be as durable or have the same level of insulation as a Yeti cooler. 

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and budget.

How long does ice last in an Igloo?

The length of time ice will last in an Igloo depends on various factors such as outside temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the ice blocks used to build the Igloo. 

In general, ice can last from a few hours to several days in an igloo, but it will eventually melt as the temperature rises.

How long does an igloo last?

As for how long an igloo will last, it depends on the quality of the construction and the weather conditions. A well-built igloo can last for several weeks or even months if it is properly maintained. 

However, if there are strong winds or heavy snowfall, the igloo may collapse or be buried, reducing its lifespan.

Are igloos eco-friendly?

Igloos, when made of snow, can be considered eco-friendly as they are made of natural materials and don’t require any additional resources to construct. However, if made of man-made materials like plastic, they may not be as eco-friendly.

Can you sit on an igloo cooler?

Yes, you can sit on an Igloo cooler. The coolers are designed to support weight and have sturdy construction.

Can you put hot water in an Igloo cooler?

No, you should not put hot water in an Igloo cooler. These coolers are designed to keep things cold, and hot liquids can damage the cooler’s insulation. You should use a different container specifically designed for hot liquids.

How do you clean an igloo cooler?

To clean an Igloo cooler, begin by emptying any remaining contents and wiping down the interior with a damp cloth. If there are any stubborn stains or odors, you can use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to scrub the interior. Rinse the cooler thoroughly and let it air dry before storing it. 

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, after conducting research and analyzing the features of igloo coolers, you can have an answer to your question “Is an Igloo a good cooler?”.

Igloo coolers have been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for over 70 years and are known for their durability, insulation, and portability. The brand offers a wide range of coolers that cater to different needs and budgets. 

Igloo coolers also come in different sizes and shapes, making it easy to find one that fits your needs. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a week-long camping adventure, an igloo cooler will keep your food and drinks cold and fresh. 

Therefore, if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality cooler, Igloo is definitely worth considering.