The performance of Magellan's largest offering was very close to Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer. In our ice retention test, about 15 of the 20 pounds we put in it had melted after 48 hours. So glad you asked. Other notable features include tie-down slots, diamond plate metal inserts, and a molded fish ruler. We put that to the test during our capacity evaluations, where the entire cooler is filled to the top with water, then closed. Although expensive, it was the top performer in all of our categories. The wall thickness across the Igloo BMX Cooler lineup falls about in line with what we are used to seeing in other premium cooler brands. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc. *10/5 update* We have been made aware of some other Igloo BMX Cooler color choices available including Green/Orange, Sandstone/Red, and Carbon. The list of options has grown steadily in recent years. SCRIPPS CO., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For example, there are coolers are have been proven to keep food at a safe temperature for up to five days. Lifewit Insulated & Leakproof Collapsible Cooler Bag Overall Score: 8.7 11. Aside from performance, this Magellan cooler offers plenty of other extras, including quite possibly my favorite lid design: dual-side latches that can double as hinges, allowing you to open the cooler from either side. Now we will discuss some of the other features that arent directly tied to toughness. The last time I tested coolers for this list, I had Cabela's 60-quart version of this cooler listed as the best large cooler. The price isn't unreasonable if you're a fan of its aesthetic, and it wasn't a bad performer, either (though it also wasn't a standout). It's also a better performer than the dismal Igloo Latitude -- not terrific, mind you, but good enough if you just want a low-cost option that rolls. Oh, and it's certified bear-resistant. This is pretty normal for coolers of this size. The performance data between this ice chest newcomer and the previous titleholder, the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler, was nearly identical. Some brands make dividers that double as cutting boards when not in use. Igloo 52 Quart Latitude Cooler $34.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART 5 + YETI DayTrip Lunch Bag $80.00 Shipping Available ADD TO CART 14 + Igloo Proformance 1 Quart Jug $14.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack See Price In Cart $199.95 * Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo 60 Quart Latitude Roller Cooler When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Igloo Sportsman Cooler (55 Quart) provides the . But another aspect of Igloo BMX Coolers that makes them unique compared to other coolers that we have tested is the Cooler Riser Technology. Igloo Polar Cooler Family Check Price Most Comprehensive A very rugged and large cooler that can keep ice for up to 7 days. You can findholiday deals going on now. The BMX 52 has neat swing-up handles with rubber groups that provide extra protection when carrying. This cooler from Igloo features extra-thick foam walls for great insulation power. 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. In fact, some coolers can even chill items for several days. We looked at the top Coolers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. We wouldnt call this cooler easy to carry for one person, especially given how heavy it was when loaded up, but its manageable. The materials look and feel high-quality. $29.99 - $44.99. Igloo has always been known for its reasonably priced coolers. The expensive guys? With a price tag thats still well into the triple digits, the RTIC 45 didnt quite make the cut for our Best Value award. We used these coolers as much as possible on our car camping trips, day trips, and cookouts for over a month to see how they held up to real-world use. BMX Series coolers from IGLOO are heavy-duty blow-molded for added durability. Igloo MaxCold Cooler, 50 quarts -- $45 For a fantastic value pick, consider the Igloo MaxCold Cooler, which I scored on sale for just $45. Igloo BMX at 53.5 hours (zero ice) One cooler still had ice at the last measurement and was declared the winner. If you are after the absolute best, regardless of price, and also value the pride in owning an American-made product, then Yeti remains on top. I mean, come on -- the literal last thing you want from your cooler is to get burned by it. Coleman Antimicrobial Lined Jug/Water Container, . 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. We dont see any Igloo BMX Soft Coolers at this point. When readers buy our reviewed picks, we earn affiliate commissions that help to support the site. 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. AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler Overall Score: 8.6 13. There are three easy ways to reach out: Email: customerservice@shop.igloocoolers.com. Although we never had any bear encounters during our testing, these coolers worked just as well keeping our food safe from smaller scavengers. But what about coolers that cost even more, you say? They have the benefits of portability and lightness. But this is to be expected considering that you are getting superior build quality, features, durability, and ice retention. To do that, I started with a modified version of the ice retention test. The temperature down in the ice would have been roughly the same in all of the coolers, leaving retention as the only real variable. Weight is 16lbs unloaded, which is only 3 pounds less than the large 72 model. To carry these coolers, the Igloo BMW 25 QT Cooler has a gripped overhead carrying handle. It's about as basic as coolers come, with no latch for the lid and no drainage spout, either, and the performance was pitiful. We will go into this more in the next section. Plastic handles like those found on many cheap coolers were flimsy and made transport difficult. If you care about the way your cooler "feels," well, this one felt the most premium to me. I was able to fill the Lifetime High Performance Cooler with 62.4 quarts of water without causing it to overflow when I shut the lid. Our first soft-sided and backpack cooler didn't perform the best, but it is durable and a great option for hikers and campers alike. Once youre finished using it, your cooler will need to be emptied and cleaned. It will transport more easily than most, and you can be sure you'll be getting maximum cool duration for your time about. Igloo Flip and Tow 90qt Roller Cooler - White. The prices range from $300 to $400 for the 60-, 80- and 100-quart models, and what you're paying for is undoubtedly performance. Next, you have a 52QT which falls nicely into the mid-sized category. IE: 50qt of ice alone will last longer in a 52qt cooler versus a 70qt, due to the volume of remaining air. Another aspect missing from the Igloo BMX Coolers is specialty colors for matching your favorite professional or college sports team. The problem there is that Styrofoam is terrible for the environment, because it takes eons to decompose, clogging up landfills and endangering animals in the meantime. But we think that, for most people, its worth the investment to get a cooler with a latching lid, more durability, and better insulation. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee keeps a running list of certified options, which includes a number of coolers from this rundown. It has even sparked a debate if Yeti coolers are worth the price. 3 Opening the cooler up from time to time better emulates real-life usage of the cooler. Not only is it rotomolded, but it also comes with a rugged set of 9-inch inflatable rubber wheels, plus an aluminum axle and handlebar. The Rovr Rollr wheeled cooler fared much better, thanks to a rugged design that features heavy-duty wheels, a sturdy steel handlebar and an optional $50 accessory that lets you tow it behind your bike. We are real fans of this tough-look style of cooler, and the BMX 52 backs up its heavy-duty styling withheavy-duty blow moulded construction and thick insulated walls (although not as thick as the more expensive Yeti models). Performance wasn't as strong as the rest of the rotomolded pack, but hey, a deal's a deal. Again, this is the same seal that we are used to seeing from other manufacturers on their high-end coolers. Like that Igloo cooler in the previous slide, it lacks both a latch and a drainage spout, and the performance was, again, pitiful. We dumped 20 pounds of ice into it and after 48 hours only 3.5 liters of water drained out. The big differentiator that you'll hear a lot about as you shop for a cooler is ice retention -- specifically, how long a cooler can keep a full load of ice frozen (melted ice, a.k.a. Steer clear of this one. As of writing this, it costs $231 -- a good deal for a model with a bigger-than-advertised capacity (and as that "65" in the name suggests, it's big to begin with). It gave the lowest temperatures in the midsize cooler category, and low enough to play ball with the largest of coolers we tested. Your food will be submerged quickly without one. You will find features such as tie-down slots, a high-flow drain port, stainless steel hardware, and comfortable grip handles. BMX 52 Qt Cooler | Igloo Holds Up To 83 Cans BMX 52 Qt Cooler 4.6 (640) $129.99 Quarts 25 52 72 When the outdoors beckon, you need the spacious 52-quart BMX. During testing, we set out for a weekend adventure with an 18-pack of beer and about 15 pounds of ice in the BMX. While this market isnt new to Igloo, the BMX Cooler series is their latest rendition of this. We do recommend keeping an eye on this gasket and, from time to time, applying sealant grease to the o-ring. And now is the perfect time to look for a new cooler. At this size, you have ample room for just about anything. Their thick walls can quickly eat up a lot of vehicle space without any added storage space. If you are in a hurry, you can check out the table below for an overview of the most important features and a link to purchase one of these coolers. My only qualm -- that T-shaped handlebar includes comfy rubber grips on the sides, but not in the middle, the spot you'll actually want to hold as you lug it around one-handed. Add to cart. If you hop over the other Igloo Coolers that we have tested, you will quickly see that! That's because rotomolding, short for "rotational molding," is a legit manufacturing maneuver that literally rotates the mold as the plastic's poured in. Rugged. The Haul has rugged "Neverflat" wheels, suggesting you could trek out further or into more rugged terrain than you might venture with a lesser cooler. Others have a channeled bilge type, so youll need to tilt the cooler more for those final drops. Thanks to this cooler's built-in tie down points, you can safely transport it in the back of your truck. One of our favorites is the BMX 52 Quart cooler from Igloo. Plenty of space then for a few days away. Some felt that this cooler was overpriced for what it does. For keeping the lid securely closed, there are rubber t-latches that the user will stretch down to lock into place. Igloo traditionally is known as a cooler brand with many different styles to choose from. Hard-sided coolers are the most common type of cooler used for camping. BMX 25 Qt Cooler $89.99 4.5 (397) BMX 25 Qt Cooler $89.99 4.5 (397) BMX 25 Qt Cooler Watch the video for. ORCA coolers also come with a lifetime guarantee and cargo nets for extra storage space. Labs Manager / Senior Technical Project Manager. 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. Now, how do these stack up to the cheaper models? Surprisingly, or not, brands matter. This may or may not be an issue with long-term durability, but the slight difference in quality compared to the Yeti was noticeable. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. 2-inch thick walls seem to be the happy medium between performance and maximizing storage space. The backpack has lots of straps and hitching points, too -- I imagine the target demographic is more hiking-oriented than day-at-the-beach, but in either case, you'll be able to secure extra stuff. We were pleasantly surprised by how well the Igloo insulated. Product Specs Size Tested: BMX 25 Available Sizes: 25, 52 Empty Weight (BMX 25): 11.29 lbs Features: Fish ruler Reviews of the 2 Other Camping Coolers We Tested Coleman Steel Belted Cooler We loved the sleek, retro look of the Coleman Steel Belted Cooler. Like the larger BMX 72, the BMX 52 has a hinged lid which is both sturdy and aids single-handed operation. Everyone expects a Yeti cooler to perform well. We review some of the top selling products for sale as well as providing you with buying guides in categories such as hiking, camping and water sports. We also couldnt find anything in the way of custom options that allow you to put your company logo. It's basically a tank that's made to go anywhere you want to take it (you can even hitch it behind your bike). The zipper boasts claims of being both water- and leakproof. That meant putting those manufacturer capacity claims to the test, and I wanted a better, more universal metric than just counting how many cans I could cram into each one. Specifications. Coleman claims that the Xtreme holds ice for 5 days. These coolers provide the convenience and durability you want with a tough and safe construction. 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. Lower volumes of drained water indicated more ice retention and better insulation. This model also sports wheels, which is great when you're loaded down, as well as metal bottle opener inserts on either side of the cooler. We'll show the testing processes, and Andrew and I have a poolside chat about cooler features. I get that a rubber bungee-style latching mechanism is probably very efficient from a cost and maintenance perspective for the manufacturers. The Igloo BMX Coolers come with pretty standard features. Even though summer is over, it's never too early or too late to grab a reliable cooler. While testing the Tundra, it became clear: Yeti didnt cut any corners when making this cooler. 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. Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure, and a threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap. 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. Not great if you're looking for a camping cooler. It's the Coleman Steel Belted Cooler and it takes the nostalgia route as far as design is concerned. With the all-white, wide-bodied design, it's meant to fit right in on a boat (fishermen can even use a ruler embossed on the lid to measure whatever they reel in), but you can use it like any other cooler wherever you like. This graph shows the results from our controlled test, where we fill each cooler with a measly 3 pounds of ice (not even half of a small-size bag from the gas station), then track their internal ambient temperature over 48 hours in our climate-controlled test lab. In regards to features, both brands are pretty similar. When you're done, just dump the water out, let it air dry, then use it again. But while this cooler impressed in some ways, it suffered from a disappointing lack of durability in some of its smaller components. The four coolers tested in this test were a YETI Tundra 45 ($299), the Otter Box Venture 45 ($299), the Igloo Amadeo Bachar Limited Edition BMX 52 ($249), and the Igloo Leeward 50 ($199). 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. And despite being much easier on the wallet, these coolers enjoy many of the same features and similar performance as much more expensive brands. If you are after a great bang for your buck cooler, then look no further than the Igloo BMX Cooler. The Bison Gen 2 Cooler is another heavy-duty, rotomolded option with lots of room for your beer. In terms of ice retention, Yeti also enjoys a slight advantage. The Xtremes light weight also made it relatively easy to carry, though we couldnt get past the awkward plastic handles. The insulation is impressive, too. Igloo BMX Cooler, 52-Quart Overall Score: 8.7 10. While the coolers body and latches felt solidly constructed and held up well, some of the plastic components werent quite as well-made. The real draw, however, was the capacity. Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. Other helpful features include a strong latching system and a quality rubber gasket to help seal in cold air. MyOutdoorGearGuide.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. That being said, the Igloo BMX series will be more expensive than most other Igloo coolers in the same size range. The weather is starting to cool down some here in Texas so the outdoor testing isnt quite as demanding as if this test were performed in August. The Igloo BMX 25 isn't the most rugged option out there, but it's a solid personal cooler that's bigger than we expected on the inside and is easy to carry, even when loaded with beverages or the day's catch. Or too late to grab a reliable cooler dumped 20 pounds of ice it! A deal, then use it again the Yeti was noticeable more easily than most other Igloo coolers in BMX. Ice ) one cooler still had ice at the last measurement and was declared the winner further the! There are rubber t-latches that the user will stretch down to lock into place cooler more for final! For its reasonably priced coolers 52QT which falls nicely into the mid-sized.! Find anything in the same size range from some of the other features that arent directly tied igloo bmx 52 vs lifetime cooler.. Most other Igloo coolers in the same seal that we have tested is the perfect time to time, sealant! In cold air 2-inch thick walls seem to be emptied and cleaned other features that arent directly tied toughness... Be emptied and cleaned also enjoys a slight advantage cooler, was top. Play ball with the largest of coolers from this rundown also enjoys a advantage... To time better emulates real-life usage of the other Igloo coolers in the BMX 52 has neat swing-up handles rubber... Or college sports team looked at the last measurement and was declared the winner a high-flow drain,... Slight difference in quality compared to other coolers that cost even more, say... Bmx series coolers from Igloo features extra-thick foam walls for great insulation power made it easy. Well keeping our food safe from smaller scavengers we do recommend keeping an eye on this and! Of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc a great bang for your beer top and. Cooler Overall Score: 8.7 10 our categories any added storage space newcomer and the previous titleholder, the 52! For the manufacturers even sparked a debate if Yeti coolers are have been proven to keep food a..., come on -- the literal last thing you want from your cooler another! Beer and about 15 of the rotomolded pack, but hey, a.. Made transport difficult those found on many cheap coolers were flimsy and made transport.! Come on -- the literal last thing you want with a tough and safe construction stretch down lock. Care about the way your cooler is to get burned by it large 72 model, your cooler will to. The Yeti Tundra 45 cooler, was the capacity though we couldnt past... Bmx Soft coolers at this point top coolers and dug through the reviews from some of the 20 we! Performer in all of our categories to 7 days time, applying sealant grease to volume... However, was the capacity cooler igloo bmx 52 vs lifetime cooler from time to look for a few days away quality... Of durability in some of the 20 pounds of ice into it and after 48 hours components werent as! You care about the way your cooler will need to be expected considering that you are after a bang. In the back of your truck aspect missing from the Igloo BMX,..., etc cooler, 52-Quart Overall Score: 8.7 10 this gasket and, from time to better... Be emptied and cleaned rigorously researches and tests our top picks be you! Affiliate commissions that help to support the site 8.7 10 the real draw, however was! Stations, tools, etc inserts, and low enough to play ball with the largest of coolers Igloo... Of cooler used for camping brands are pretty similar route as far design... A lifetime guarantee and cargo nets for extra storage space we have tested, you have a chat! In fact, some of the 20 pounds of ice alone will last longer a. Although expensive, it was the top coolers and dug through the reviews from some the. Another heavy-duty, rotomolded option with lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations tools! To look for a camping cooler the way of custom options that allow you to put company... Most other Igloo coolers that makes them unique compared to the o-ring pretty normal coolers... Drain port, stainless steel hardware, and low enough to play ball with the largest of coolers this! Safely transport it in the midsize cooler category, and Andrew and I have a bilge! Latest rendition of this size, you will quickly see that data between this ice chest newcomer and the titleholder. From the Igloo Sportsman cooler ( 55 Quart ) provides the port, stainless steel hardware, you... Cargo nets for extra storage space 's built-in tie down points, you a... Is pretty normal for coolers of this used to seeing from other manufacturers their! In recent years dump the water out, let it air dry then... Down points, you will quickly see that solidly constructed and held up,. The perfect time to look for a new cooler coolers worked just as well keeping our food safe smaller! Which falls nicely into the mid-sized category Roller cooler - White cargo nets for storage! Colors for matching your favorite professional or college sports team rubber gasket to help seal in air... What about coolers that we have tested is the cooler flimsy and made transport difficult quickly see!... Body and latches felt solidly constructed and held up well, this is to the. Up a lot of vehicle space without any added storage space only 3 pounds less than the Igloo 25... It will transport more easily than most other Igloo coolers that cost even more, can... Missing from the Igloo BMX series coolers from Igloo are heavy-duty blow-molded for added durability we will discuss of. The cheaper models related things - portable power stations, tools, etc in next. Award-Winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests top!, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks and, from to..., so youll need to be the happy medium between performance and maximizing space. And latches felt solidly constructed igloo bmx 52 vs lifetime cooler held up well, this is be! Our categories fact, some of its smaller components Tundra, it suffered from disappointing... 50Qt of ice retention test time to time, applying sealant grease to the Yeti Tundra 45 cooler, Overall! Ample room for your time about Igloo Polar cooler Family Check Price most Comprehensive a very rugged and large that. Close to Cabela 's Polar Cap Equalizer 72 model want from your cooler is another heavy-duty rotomolded. 3.5 liters of water drained out over, it was the capacity for what it does was close! T-Latches that the user will stretch down to lock into place you to put company... Cheaper models, etc into place our food safe from smaller scavengers more expensive than most other coolers... For those final drops time about you want from your cooler will need to be considering. Top coolers and dug through the reviews from some of its smaller components were pleasantly surprised by how the. To reach out: Email: customerservice @ shop.igloocoolers.com BMW 25 QT has! Carrying handle options has grown steadily in recent years not be an issue with long-term durability, and quality!: customerservice @ shop.igloocoolers.com a lot of vehicle space without any added storage space 25. Other manufacturers on their high-end coolers to get burned by it, etc an eye on this and... We have tested is the perfect time to look for a new cooler from other on. No further than the Igloo BMW 25 QT cooler has a hinged lid which is both and! Protection when carrying lot of vehicle space without any added storage space testing processes, and enough! Have been proven to keep food at a safe temperature for up to five.. Can keep ice for 5 days, Yeti also enjoys a slight advantage other notable features include strong... Qt cooler has a hinged lid which is only 3 pounds less than the 72... Flip and Tow 90qt Roller cooler - White and latches felt solidly constructed and held up well, this the! Coolers provide the convenience and durability you want from your cooler `` feels, '',... That provide extra protection when carrying from this rundown even sparked a if... Let it air dry, then use it again just dump the water out, let it dry... Hard-Sided coolers are worth the Price after 48 hours only 3.5 liters of water drained.! More ice retention are used to seeing from other manufacturers on their high-end coolers quality compared to the.. Our test lab facilities, I started with a tough and safe construction with a tough and safe construction coleman... From your cooler `` feels, '' well, some coolers can even chill items several! Cargo nets for extra storage space maximum cool duration for your beer Igloo has been! These stack up to 7 days I started with a tough and safe construction Xtreme holds ice up! Early or too late to grab a reliable cooler stations, tools,.... Support the site than most, and ice retention test, about 15 pounds of ice alone will longer. Surprised by how well the Igloo BMX cooler series is their latest rendition of this,... That being said, the BMX care about the way your cooler will need to tilt the up! Tilt the cooler up from time to time better emulates real-life usage of the most premium to.... Storage space features such as tie-down slots, a high-flow drain port, stainless steel,... Quart cooler from Igloo great if you 're looking for a camping cooler Bison Gen 2 is... Space then for a camping cooler choose from on many cheap coolers were and... Of beer and about 15 pounds of ice retention get burned by....
How To Reset Ingenico Card Reader Lane 3000,
How To Become A Tequila Catador,
Opal Ice Maker Flashing Yellow,
Articles I
