That makes it my top value pick in the cooler category, and an excellent choice if you just want something dependable that won’t break the bank. Igloo’s old design, the Gripper needs a facelift both in terms of performance and looks. What it does have going for it is being extremely mobile and being assembled with high-quality components.
It’s worth a look if the MaxCold is too plain for your tastes. Shop around for a cooler and you’ll find a flurry of new, expensive, “rotomolded” designs from names like Yeti and Orca. With higher-quality materials and extra-thick insulation, each of them promises superior performance, but they cost hundreds of dollars. The difference between these two is the blow-molded construction is typically hollow in the middle while the injection is solid.
This cooler recently went through an update which resulted in a more modern appearance and slight improvements to build quality. We also like the mobility thanks to the wheels and extending carrying handle. However, it is a bit limited in how well it cools and the lid can be a little finicky. This product has good cooling performance and we recommend using ice packs instead of ice for it.
We’ve removed that pick and are continuing to monitor the situation. If you want a backpack cooler, we recommend the Polar Bear Original Nylon Backpack Cooler. Hard-wearing, chill-keeping, strategically sized ice chests that can hold up to the needs of life on (and by) the water. The Igloo MaxCold will give you the most cold for your cash. Igloo Ice Coolers are cool boxes and are definitely worth purchasing. We have used many Igloo coolers over the years and have really enjoyed them.
The company’s first all-plastic ice chest was introduced in 1962 by James F. Hutchison. Igloo makes the coolers for personal and industrial use and claims that nearly three in every four US households own an Igloo cooler. The company’s more than 500 products igloo ice chest (including personal, beverage, and full-sized coolers) are sold through more than 250 retailers in the US and abroad. Since dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, it passes directly from a solid to a gaseous state, meaning no water to deal with as it melts.
They have been around for such a long time they make many more types and sizes of coolers than your new cooler makers. Igloo makes coolers igloo electric cooler for every budget level, size, and with varying weights. The ice life, for the price, is not bad at all and we like the mobility of it.
Rotomolded coolers like YETI’s Tundra above are made out of a single piece of continuous plastic, which is great for durability but means they typically lack built-in features and mounting locations. Tack on a price that undercuts the similarly sized Tundra 65 above by a considerable $135, and the Xspec stands out as a very well-rounded design at a great value. This soft cooler bag has a very good ice life for a semi-affordable soft top. Also, there is plenty of storage and helpful features such as the top-access lid and padded shoulder strap. Our only minor complaint lies with the somewhat weak zippers and sometimes questionable stitching near the shoulder area. Most cooler manufacturers provide a “claimed ice retention” spec in their product listings (YETI is one major brand who does not).