Last Updated: October 5th, 2019
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Truth be told, coolers have been a lifesaver for a lot of us. From keeping our drinks cold at night camps and beach parties to keeping our friendships alive at backyard BBQ get-togethers, they’ve been very helpful.
But the truth is that some coolers are better than other coolers – only those who’ve owned a rotomolded cooler will understand this statement.
A rotomolded cooler is arguably better than the other types of coolers because of its design and its build quality. The mode of construction of a rotomolded cooler ensures that no parts are joined and this eliminates the presence of seams.
In this article, we reviewed about half a dozen rotomolded coolers. You’ll learn what we considered when shopping for it and what we think about each of them.
#1. Best Rotomolded Cooler – Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler
We picked the Igloo BMX as our best-rotomolded cooler for several reasons; chief of them is its pocket-friendly price. But that’s not all. The Igloo BMX cooler is capable of holding ice for a two days tops, thanks to its extra-thick foam walls.
There are a ton of features that make it worth owning. They include stainless steel hinges, skid pads for corner protection, rubber latches, triple grab points and stainless steel reinforcement on all sides of the cooler.
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Buying a Rotomolded Cooler: What You Should Know
Here is a checklist of things you should have at the back of your mind before buying a rotomolded cooler.
Size of the cooler
The cooler’s size is arguably the first thing you’d want to take note of.
It is important because of the fact that it can affect the number of things you put inside the cooler as well as the price.
For someone who wants to buy a small cooler, you should consider the number of people you want the cooler to serve at any given time. The same goes for people interested in purchasing big coolers.
Also, size can indirectly affect the weight of the cooler when it’s empty and ultimately increase the weight when it’s filled up.
Weight
Weight is as important as size is. In fact, if you intend to do a lot of camping activities with a rotomolded cooler, then you should opt for the smaller compact sized versions as they tend to weigh less. But you’ll sacrifice space for the weight.
Build Quality
All rotomolded coolers aren’t made equal; some are tougher than others. Go for the ones with a strong build quality judging from the feel and looks and personal opinions of other users.
Fortunately for us, the majority of the coolers on the market are strongly constructed and thus, can last long.
Accessories
If you care about accessories, then you should get as much as your cooler supports. Mounted openers, extra racks, carrying strap for smaller coolers, etc. – the list is endless. Be careful not to buy what you won’t use.
Ice Retention Ability
Many manufacturers advertise their coolers as having more than 3-days ice retention ability.
Well, the reality is that most rotomolded coolers have a maximum of 3-days ice retention ability.
This is because it will be constantly opened when you want to search for drinks and food and as such, the ice will melt easily. Even when it’s not constantly opened, chances of the ice in the cooler lasting more than three days are low.
Cooler Cloth
To further preserve the items in your cooler, we suggest getting a thick wet cloth to place over the cooler especially when you’re using it in an open place. This will first, help to elongate the lifespan of the cooler and secondly, help reduce the rate of melting of the ice inside.
A lot of us hardly cover our coolers with clothes when we’re camping outside on the beach.
Hinges
Earlier on, we made mention of strong build quality. That includes the hinges. Most times, the entire body of the cooler is durable, but the hinges that hold the lid and the cooler are made of flimsy materials.
The stronger the hinges, the longer the cooler will last for you.
Rotomolded Cooler Reviews
We’ll start off this review by taking a look at the Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler…
#1. Best Rotomolded Cooler – Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler
Size: 25 quart
Ice Retention: 2 days
Weight: 10.1lbs
Features: lightweight, strong build quality, reinforced base, 2 days ice retention, UV inhibitors, stainless steel hinges, T-grip latches, insulated lid, molded base, MaxCold body for proper heat retention.
We kick off this review by taking a look at the Igloo BMX rotomolded cooler. This cooler sports a distinct design which gives it an aura of toughness and premium finishing. Is it as tough as it looks?
Yes, it is as tough as it looks, thanks to its heavy-duty molded construction. The cooler features the Igloo MaxCold body which is designed to increase strength and protect the contents of the cooler.
This MaxCold body also has a 20% thick insulation foam within the walls, all of which work in tandem to make the cooler have a good ice retention rate. Based on the product advertisement, Igloo claims that the cooler can retain ice for up to 4 – 5 days.
Well, that isn’t entirely true which is why we put its ice retention rate at 2 days although it may often go beyond 2 days. The Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler has a capacity of 25 quarts and weighs about 10lbs when it’s empty.
We commend Igloo for including a UV inhibitor on the body of the cooler alongside a rust-resistant stainless steel hinge. But the hinges look somewhat flimsy and we think it’s only a matter of time before it gives way and separates the lid from the cooler.
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#2. YETI Roadie 20 Quart Cooler
Size: 20 quart
Ice Retention: 3 days
Weight: 16lbs
Features: 3 days of ice retention, multiple color options, empty weight 16lbs, Permafrost, and FatWall insulation technologies, T-Rex lid latches, etc.
The YETI Roadie 20 Quart Cooler has a somewhat better ice retention ability than the Igloo BMX although it’s not very noticeable. They both have different build structures and the YETI Roadie incorporated more building technologies than the other.
With respect to design, the YETI Roadie is strongly built and this is evident in its empty weight which is circa 16lbs. The rotomolded body features an armored core as well as a weight-resistant body build using a technology known as the FatWall.
There’s also the PermaFrost technology for improved ice retention which allows ice to last for up to three days in this cooler. With a combination of these features, it’s no surprise to see a lot of people heads over heels in love with the YETI Cooler.
The YETI Roadie 20 Quart Cooler has a capacity of 20 quarts and as we mentioned earlier, it weighs 16lbs. It features good durable hinges as well as a rubber latch for locking the lid. The rubber used for making the lid lock is tough and will most likely last long.
There are also rubber accents on the stainless steel handle and on the supposedly leak-proof drain plug at the bottom of the cooler. The drain plug isn’t entirely leak proof and you will occasionally find droplets of sweat around the plug.
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#3. Best Large Capacity – Xspec 60QT Quart Rotomolded High-Performance Cooler
Size: 60 quart
Ice Retention: 2 days
Weight: 31lbs
Features: 2 days ice retention, 60 quarts capacity, bottle openers, inbuilt compass and ruler, three color options to choose from, thick 3-inch rotomolded body with UV protection ability, leak-proof drain plug, heavy-duty handles, non-slip rubber feet, etc
For a combined family outdoor picnic, you will need a large cooler – one that will satiate everyone’s taste and keep food and beverages cold for as long as possible.
The Xspec 60QT Quart Cooler is all that and much more. It’s built for large gatherings and has a capacity of 60 quarts, enough to accommodate 50 cans of beverages alongside the ice for cooling it. That’s pretty large and it takes up a great deal of space in the car trunk.
If you don’t mind the size, you’ll enjoy the cooler, no doubt. Other available features include heavy-duty handles on both sides to make carrying the cooler easier. We’d have loved wheels on the cooler.
There’s also the molded ruler, a compass and an inbuilt bottle opener. The bottle opener, in particular, is very handy. Even the compass can keep you guided when you’re camping deep in the woods.
The Xspec Cooler features a 3-inch thick body and lid all of which contribute to the cooler’s 31lbs weight. You’ll, however, appreciate the thick body since it helps retain ice for about 3 days.
From the tight latches that secure the Xspec’s lid to the non-slip feet, the list of value you’ll get from this cooler will make you want to buy it over and over again. Our only complaint is that it isn’t available in smaller sizes like it’s counterparts on this list.
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#4. REYLEO 21-Quart/20L Rotomolded Cooler
Size: 21 quart
Ice Retention: 3 days
Weight: 16lbs
Features: 21-quart capacity, 3 days ice retention, bottle opener and two cup holders on the lid, lightweight, polyurethane foam insulation, non-skid feet, leak-proof drain plug and snap-tight rubber latches for locking the lid.
The REYLEO rotomolded cooler is next up on our list of the best-rotomolded coolers. It sports a design that is similar to the Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler. But it has more features than the former.
It has a 21-quart cooler with about 3-days ice retention ability. Additionally, it is lightweight despite having a thick rotomolded polyurethane foam on the body that helps insulate the contents. It has a total body weight of 16lbs when empty and even when it’s filled, the weight doesn’t increase beyond what the crossbar handle can carry.
We like the UV resistant body of the cooler as well as the snap-tight rubber latches for securing the lid.
The REYLEO 21-Quart/20L Rotomolded Cooler also has a 16-inch fishing ruler on top in addition to the two cup holders and bottle opener present. Let’s not fail to mention that it dons non-slip rubber feet which ensures it sticks to any surface it is kept on.
In all, the REYLEO cooler is a great pick for its compactness, price, weight, and the number of things you can toss into it on the move.
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#5. EchoSmile Green 25 Quart Rotomolded Cooler
Size: 25 quart
Ice Retention: 3 days
Weight: 15.4lbs
Features: cup holders, lockable corners, bottle opener, 25-quart capacity, 3 days ice retention rate, compact-sized, ergonomic handle, three color options, tough lid latch, aluminum handles, fish ruler, non-skid rubber feet, etc.
Last but not the least on our review list is the EchoSmile Cooler. The EchoSmile Green 25 Quart Rotomolded Cooler has a capacity of 25 quarts and is able to accommodate up to 30 beverages in aluminum cans.
It’s lightweight – coming in at about 15.4lbs – and is compact-sized. From afar, you would easily conclude that it is the REYLEO 21-Quart/20L Rotomolded Cooler considering that they both share the same design. However, there are a few differences.
The EchoSmile cooler is able to retain ice for about three days, thanks to its tough body frame. It can support an adolescent’s weight if they sit on it. But of course, we don’t encourage that since it can greatly affect the physique of the cooler in the long run.
That’s by the way. The EchoSmile Green 25 Quart Rotomolded Cooler also has a bottle opener, a fish ruler as well as locking corners on the lid. Furthermore, it features tough latches in addition to the aluminum handles which it sports.
There’s also the leak-proof drain plug as well as the non-skid rubber feet that keep the cooler from slipping on smooth surfaces. If you’re a fan of multiple colors, you’ll love the grey color variant as against the green we reviewed here.
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Final Words
To pick a rotomolded cooler that is suitable for you, consider the number of people the cooler will serve, its weight when loaded with items, its physical toughness, and your budget.
After buying the cooler of your choice, it’s also pertinent to keep it away from the sun especially when it’s not in use. This will help prolong its lifespan.
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