Igloo Coolers Review: An In-Depth Look at a Classic Cooler Brand

With summer just around the corner, it‘s time to gear up for all the outdoor adventures and festivities ahead. Whether you‘re planning beach trips, backyard BBQs, camping excursions, or fishing voyages, one essential piece of equipment you‘ll need is a trusty cooler to keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled. And when it comes to coolers, few brands are as classic and iconic as Igloo.

In this comprehensive Igloo Coolers review, we‘ll take a closer look at what makes this brand special, highlight some of their most popular products, and see what actual customers have to say. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if an Igloo cooler deserves a spot on your summer gear list. Let‘s dive in!

About Igloo: An American Original Since 1947

Igloo‘s story began humbly back in 1947, when the company first started making coolers in a small metalworking shop in Houston, Texas. At the time, most coolers were simple metal ice chests. But Igloo wanted to create a product that was more portable, more durable, and more convenient for the post-war boom in road travel and family camping trips.

So in 1962, Igloo introduced the first rectangular, all-plastic cooler – the iconic shape that we still associate with coolers today. Since then, the company has continued to expand and innovate, growing from 27 employees to over 1,200 and becoming the #1 cooler brand worldwide.

From those original metal ice chests to today‘s feature-packed, high-tech coolers in every shape and size, Igloo has always been committed to one goal: making products that enable and enhance the pursuit of happiness in the outdoors. Whether you‘re tailgating at the big game, lounging on the beach, sitting around a campfire, or reeling in the catch of the day, Igloo promises to be right there with you, keeping the good times rolling and the cold ones flowing.

The Igloo Product Lineup: So Many Ways to Keep Your Cool

Speaking of variety, one of the standout features of Igloo is the sheer breadth and diversity of their product offerings. Seriously, no matter what your cooling needs are, Igloo has a product to match. Let‘s break it down:

Hardside Coolers: These are the classic Igloo coolers, the ones you probably picture when you think of the brand. Sturdy, reliable, and capable of keeping ice for days, Igloo‘s hardside coolers come in sizes ranging from a compact 7 quarts all the way up to a massive 165 quarts.

Softside Coolers: For those who prioritize portability, Igloo‘s softside coolers and insulated bags are the way to go. They‘re lightweight, easy to carry, and come in a variety of styles from backpacks to totes to playmate coolers.

Drinkware: Igloo isn‘t just about coolers – they also offer a wide selection of insulated tumblers, jugs, and beverage dispensers to help you stay hydrated in style.

Accessories: To round out your cooler setup, Igloo also makes useful add-ons like cooler dividers, dry storage baskets, ice packs, tie-down kits, and more.

Limited Edition and Custom Coolers: For the collectors and gift-givers out there, Igloo frequently collaborates with beloved pop culture brands on limited-edition themed coolers and tumblers. In the past, they‘ve released products featuring iconic imagery from Star Wars, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Hello Kitty, Disney, and more. Igloo also offers custom logo printing services for companies and organizations.

With so many options to choose from, Igloo truly has a cooler for every occasion, activity, and personality. Whether you want something simple and budget-friendly for a quick day trip, or a high-end, heavy-duty cooler for longer off-grid adventures, Igloo has you covered.

Top Picks from Igloo‘s Best-Selling Coolers

With so many great products to choose from, you may be wondering where to start your Igloo cooler search. To help you out, we‘ve rounded up a few of the brand‘s most popular and highly-rated coolers for a closer look.

Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler

The Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler is a heavy-duty, ready-for-anything cooler that‘s perfectly sized for day trips and overnight camping. With extra thick foam insulation and a secure locking lid, this cooler promises to keep ice frozen for up to 4 days in 90°F heat.

The durable blow-molded construction is built to withstand drops, dings, and general roughhousing, while the oversized hinges, stainless steel screws, and rubberized T-latches are designed to last trip after trip. The cool riser design improves cooling performance by elevating the cooler body away from hot surfaces.

Thoughtful features like the threaded drain plug for easy draining and cleaning, molded side handles for comfortable carrying, and built-in tie-down loops for securing to your truck bed or boat make this cooler as functional as it is tough.

The BMX 25 has a 4.7 star rating from over 2,000 reviews on Igloo‘s website. Satisfied customers rave about the cooler‘s durability, ice retention, and overall value for the price. As one reviewer put it, "It keeps my drinks cold and takes a beating. I‘m happy with it!"

Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Quart Cooler

For big adventures that require maximal carrying capacity and rugged mobility, it‘s hard to beat the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Quart Cooler. This bad boy is built to travel over any terrain with its lightweight yet rock-solid construction, 10-inch never-flat wheels, and glide handle with gear hangers.

But the Trailmate Journey isn‘t just tough – it‘s smart, too. The butler tray lid opens to reveal a food basket that keeps your sandwiches and snacks cold and dry and within easy reach. The dry storage rack and accessory holders are perfect for stashing extras like sunscreen, matches, and bottle openers. And once you reach your destination, the telescoping front and side handles convert into raised legs to keep the cooler elevated.

According to online reviews, users are consistently impressed by how much this cooler can haul while still being easy to wheel across sand, dirt trails, and uneven ground. The Ultratherm insulation and cool riser design also get top marks for ice retention. The only downside noted by a few reviewers is the price tag, but most agree that the Trailmate Journey is well worth the investment for serious adventurers.

Igloo Retro Picnic Basket 25 Quart Cooler

Maybe your idea of a good time is more strawberries and champagne than trail mix and Gatorade. If so, check out the adorable Igloo Retro Picnic Basket 25 Quart Cooler. With its charming vintage-inspired design and pastel colorways, this is a cooler that‘s made to be seen.

But it‘s not just a pretty face – the Retro Picnic Basket is a real workhorse, too. It‘s roomy enough to hold up to 36 cans or a full meal for four, with a removable lid and side swing handles for easy access and transport. The Ultratherm insulation will keep everything nicely chilled, and the triple-snap leak-resistant drain plug prevents messy spills.

Perhaps the best part? The lid is strong enough to double as an impromptu picnic chair, supporting up to 200 pounds. Throw in the tablecloth-esque plaid interior liner, and you‘ve got an all-in-one alfresco dining setup. Bon appetit!

Igloo Cooler Accessories and Add-Ons

Once you‘ve selected your ideal Igloo cooler, don‘t forget to trick it out with some handy accessories. Igloo offers a slew of add-ons designed to level up your cooler‘s performance and convenience factor, such as:

• Cooler dividers and organizers to keep your food and drinks separated and accessible
• Wire baskets and dry storage trays to elevate items out of the ice and minimize sogginess
• Cutting boards and fish rulers that attach to the lid for easy meal prep on the go
• Cup holders, snack trays, and side tables for holding drinks and condiments
• Seat cushions to make your cooler lid more comfortable for sitting
• Wheels, tow arms, and tie-down kits for easier transport and securing in vehicles
• Locks and tie-down cables to prevent cooler theft while camping or tailgating
• Replacement parts like drain plugs, latches, and handles to extend the life of your cooler

With the right combo of accessories, you can customize your Igloo cooler to perfectly suit your needs and really maximize its potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Igloo Coolers

To wrap up this ultimate guide to Igloo coolers, let‘s address a few common questions and concerns that shoppers may have:

Are Igloo coolers rotomolded?
Some Igloo coolers, like the ECOCOOL and Sportsman series, are rotomolded for maximum durability and ice retention. However, many Igloo coolers are made using other methods like blow molding or injection molding, which offer great performance at a lower price point.

Are Igloo coolers bear proof?
While some Igloo hard coolers are quite rugged and feature secure latching systems, the company does not claim that any of their coolers are officially bear proof or bear resistant. If you‘re camping in bear country, it‘s best to store your cooler in a bear locker or use a bear canister for your food.

How long do Igloo coolers keep ice?
This depends on many factors like the size and type of cooler, the amount and quality of ice used, the outside temperature, and how frequently the lid is opened. But in general, Igloo‘s rotomolded coolers can keep ice for 5-7 days, while lighter-duty coolers will hold ice for 1-3 days.

Do Igloo coolers have a warranty?
Yes, Igloo offers a 1-5 year limited warranty (depending on the product) against defects in material or workmanship. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or issues arising from improper use, abuse, neglect, or accident. Proof of purchase is required to make a warranty claim.

Where can I buy Igloo coolers?
Igloo coolers are sold at many major retailers, sporting goods stores, and outdoor gear shops nationwide. You can also order Igloo products directly from the company‘s website, igloocoolers.com, which offers free shipping on all U.S. orders over $100.

We hope this Igloo Coolers review has given you a comprehensive overview of this iconic brand and helped you find the perfect cooler for all your upcoming adventures. Whether you‘re spending a day on the water, a week in the woods, or a lifetime making memories with friends and family, Igloo will be there to keep the drinks cold and the good times going. Happy cooling!