- Paul Kahan
This blog post will compare two popular brands: Igloo Vs Coleman Cooler. Each has its positives and negatives, but we’ll try to help you make an informed decision about which one might be right for you!
The weather is heating up, and summer is coming. With that comes a lot of outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. You’ll want to stay hydrated when you’re out in the wilderness, so finding the best cooler for your needs is important!
We hope this helps with your quest to find the perfect soft cooler for your next outing. Happy Camping!
What Is Coleman Cooler?
Coleman Cooler is a brand of cooler. In the USA, it was established in Texas in 1924 by W.C. Coleman, who started as a garage mechanic and got involved with refrigerators — building his own to meet his needs (same story for Toyota).
His company became one of the most respected names in the coolers industry, producing hard-sided coolers for almost 90 years now: He built an icebox for himself – from scrap materials.
The business took off when he designed an icebox he called The Arctic Ice Chest. He made them out of wood and sold them only on his porch, using that money to purchase truck parts so that he could make more and sell them at reasonable prices. He found a new way to produce those coolers and use a rubber liner to keep the food cold.
Coleman Quart Cooler has also sold many other well-known products such as lanterns, electric fans, portable heaters, charcoal grills, and camping stoves. They even have refrigerators that run on electricity or propane for home use!
Pros:
- It’s a great way to keep food and drinks cold when you’re on the go.
- Coleman coolers are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- They are affordable and won’t break the bank.
- Coleman coolers come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs.
- You can find Coleman coolers with a variety of features, such as wheels and handles, to make them easier to transport.
Cons:
- It is not as durable as other coolers on the market
- It is not leakproof
- The hinges are not as strong as they could be
- The cooler is not as well insulated as it could be
- The handles are not as comfortable as they could be
What Is an Igloo Cooler?
Igloo cooler is also a soft cooler brand and was established in 1947 by David Wigren Sr., younger brother of Ray Wigren. He started Refrigiwear: one of the first companies dedicated to producing insulated clothing.
David’s son Dan joined him in 1964 when they saw an opportunity to create shaped ice chests under their new company name, “Igloo Corporation”. It became a household name very quickly.
The company started by making igloos, but in the ’70s, they switched their focus to soft-sided coolers. Today igloo coolers are made by corporations, quart cooler groups, and outdoor partners. Igloo has been expanding its line of products over the years: Fridges, thermoelectric coolers, ice machines, water bottles, and camping stoves are among some of them.
Igloo now holds a 3% market share in the United States alone! I’ve always thought that it was weird igl0o had “cooler” in their company name — because they make more than just coolers. Coolers have come a long way since it started, though, as igloo now offers a full range of products to match everyone’s needs.
Pros:
- Igloo coolers are very affordable.
- They are readily available in most stores.
- Igloo coolers come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs.
- They are made of durable materials.
- They have a long history of being a reliable brand.
Cons:
- Igloo coolers are not very durable and can break easily.
- They are not very good at keeping things cold for long periods.
- They are not very stylish or attractive.
- They can be expensive.
Coleman Vs Igloo Cooler: Full Comparison
The igloo vs. Coleman debate usually ends up being igloo vs. yeti tundra, though, as igloo and yeti tundra are the best brands in this category.
I hope you find this igloo vs Coleman comparison useful: if you need more information about either of these companies, please read these igloo cooler reviews or Coleman cooler reviews.
Materials
Both igloo and Coleman coolers are made of high-density polyethylene plastic, which makes them durable and light. They are also UV-resistant and have waterproof seals to ensure the temperature inside remains constant for a long time.
Igloo manufactures plastics, while Coleman uses RTP(Relative Thermal Performance) rated plastic from the Interplastic Corporation. This custom blend has very low moisture absorption during production, making it less brittle on impact (so it doesn’t break).
Igloo Cooler is resistant to cracking or scratching due to its thick shell. Still, ice chests are known to crack easier than other hard-sided coolers because igloo manufactures those out of cheaper cold form FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), which igloo then overcoats with polyethylene.
Overall Design
These igloo vs Coleman coolers are both available in various sizes, shapes, and colors — perhaps just about any color you could want! Igloo wheeled coolers come in three styles: an igloo ice chest, a freezer, and a sport cooler. The igloos have very rounded corners, while the Coleman models have straight-angled corners.
igl0o also makes their hard-sided coolers almost seem like they’re suspended from a chain due to the way they attached the handles to the cooler’s body — some people find this completely annoying, though, as it results in having to bend over to load the cooler.
Coleman makes wheeled coolers of different sizes with rounded corners, which means they’re easier to load and unload: remember, coolers are usually stocked in places like sports stores.
Igloo also used square corners until recently, but I’m not sure if this is a cost downgrade or igloo’s response to Coleman’s popular rounder lines of hard-side and soft-side super-tough wheeled coolers (which I’ll talk about more in detail shortly).
Igloo ice chest and cole man coolers igloo-wheeled coolers have a hard lid cover that pops open from hinge points, while Coleman has a flip-top lid.
Capacities And Styles
Igloo and Coleman come in many sizes, with igloo ranging from 8 to 50 quarts, while Coleman has sizes ranging from 10 to 100 quarts.
Igloos also used premium insulation inside their larger coolers like marine ultra ice HD series coolers — this is a step up from the R-value of igloo’s typical double-wall design, although both Igloo and Coleman use thick polyurethane insulation.
Igloo marine ultra ice HD cooler has an extra 3 inches of foam between its walls: this gives it an edge over other hard-sided coolers as it provides extra durability against crushing force impact.
Igloo bubble top and Coleman wheeled coolers also have a water-resistant interior that can be wiped clean. In contrast, the marine ultra ice HD series cooler uses an igloo’s premium insulation in its walls.
Igloo marine ultra ice HD cooler is igloo’s biggest hard side cooler with a capacity of 120 quarts and measures (width) 24 inches x (height) 30.5 inches x (depth) 25.75 inches — it only weighs 76 pounds, though!
Coleman has two main styles for their wheeled coolers: cole man wheeled soft cooler cover ice chest, and Coleman wheeled tough products with their low profile rigid lid to keep things cold inside even if the outer shell gets punctured or dented.
Making the igloo vs. Coleman battle much closer: marine ultra ice HD series coolers are insulated with igloo’s dual-layer insulation technology, while the igloo sport cooler is different from other igloos because it has a hard lid that slides into place instead of requiring hinges to open.
Durability
The igloo and Coleman showdown when it comes to durability is pretty even. Igloo and Coleman both make wheeled soft coolers and hard-sided coolers as well as igloos and Colemans in various sizes ranging from small — which can fit in your backpack for hiking or biking trips! — up to big enough to hold 100 cans.
Igloo and Coleman also have some big coolers that can hold a large igloo or Coleman water dispenser inside, which is convenient if you’re planning on having people over for a BBQ or when you plan to go camping.
Weight
The igloo and Coleman guide also shows igloos and Colemans weighing between 33 pounds to 86 pounds — igloo coolers are typically about 50% lighter than Coleman coolers.
Igloos use a mix of polypropylene plastic for the outer shell and foam insulation, giving them that ‘floating’ effect because they attach the handles to the cooler’s body. Igloo wheels on wheeled ice chests can be easily removed if you want your hard-side cooler to become more compact.
Price
The price of igloos and Colemans depends on their size, brand name, and extra features like seats or cup holders included. Igloo ice chests are usually cheaper than Coleman coolers. Still, in general, they aren’t as widely available as the more popular and commonplace Colemans — even igloo coolers that cost a few dollars less tend to either get sold out or be in very old supply.
Igloo’s BPA-free water bottles come in blue, green, and clear colors with 20-ounce capacities, while this has also released a soft-sided cooler for road trips known as the igloo sport cooler.
Ice Retention Versus Hardware
Igloo coolers have a more rounded body shape, and the igloo vs. Coleman showdown shows that igloos are typically longer and taller than conventional rectangular-shaped coolers.
Igloo ice chests are lighter in weight and color with transparent lids, while igloos and Colemans usually come in two colors: white or grey. Igloos also have handles that need to be removed if you want to make the igloo hard-side cooler more compact, while Colemans have hinges on their doors to make them easier to use and harder to close.
A Note About Prepping Your Cooler
Igloo and Coleman showdown shows that igloos require some assembly for its lid’s latches, and hard-side coolers are a little less user-friendly if you want to compress or flatten your igloo because there’s extra hardware to remove, unlike Colemans.
Igloos also use glue in the seams between the outer shell and insulation to seal things inside, so igloos need time for the glue to dry before it can be filled with ice and kept cold.
Some comparison posts you will like:
- Ice Chest Vs Cooler 2023: What Is The Best For You
- Coleman Xtreme Cooler Vs Yeti 2023: What Is The Best For You
How To Choose The Right Cooler For You?
A cooler is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold when you are out and about. There are many different types and sizes of coolers on the market, so it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a cooler:
1. How Much Space Do You Need?
Think about how much food and drink you will need to fit into your cooler. You won’t need a large cooler if you only go on a short picnic. However, if you are camping or hiking, you will need a bigger cooler to store your supplies.
2. How Long Do You Need it to Keep Things Cold?
Some coolers are better at keeping things cold than others. If you only need your cooler for a short period, you won’t need one that is as insulated as if you will be using it for a longer trip.
3. Do You Need It To Be Portable?
Some coolers come with wheels and handles, which make them easy to transport. If you carry your cooler a long distance or up and down stairs, this might be an essential feature for you.
4. What is Your Budget?
Coolers can range in price from around $30 to $300. Finding one that fits your budget and meets your needs is important.
5. What Other Features Do You Need?
Some coolers have additional features, such as a built-in ice maker, freezer, or drain plug. If you think you might need these features, look for a cooler with them.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you should know what type of cooler you need. There are many great options on the market, so take your time to find the perfect one.
Are Igloo or Coleman coolers better?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on personal preferences. Some people prefer igloo coolers because they are more durable and have a longer lifespan.
Others prefer Coleman coolers because they are more affordable and offer more features. Ultimately, the best cooler for you is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Publican Anker has options available, from the high-end Yeti Tundra coolers down to lower-priced brands like Coleman and Rubbermaid.
If you need help deciding on an option that would work well for your situation, our experts are always happy to chat with customers about how they can find the perfect cooler!
FAQs
What’s the Best Cooler For The Money?
Coleman and Igloo showdown shows igloos are a little cheaper than Colemans, but igloos don’t have the same variety of sizes and colors that you can find in most department stores. Coolers cost more money during summer sales or off-season, so igloos are best for long-term use, and igloos will keep ice frozen even if you don’t think it’s possible.
What is the Best Brand of Coolers?
Igloo vs. Coleman comparison shows that igloo has always delivered quality by innovating with features that make hard-side coolers easier to store, and igloos offer great value for its price point. At the same time, people tend to stick with what they know, especially regarding Coleman vs. igloo.
What Size Cooler Should I Buy?
Many igloo vs Coleman showdown show igloos can be used as lunch boxes, boats, cars, and inside refrigerators — igloos are versatile pieces of equipment that you don’t want to leave home without! Igloo vs. Coleman comparison shows igloos fall between 2 cubic feet and five cubic ft in size.
In comparison, Colemans typically range from 7 cubic feet to a whopping 108 cubic ft and more degrees Fahrenheit (though most people will never use more than two-thirds of their cooler’s capacity).
Is Yeti Tundra Going Out Of Business?
Many igloo vs. Coleman showdown show igloos are rated to last up to 30 years if built properly, while igloos have a one-year warranty.
Igloo coolers will not rust or corrode because igloo coolers are made with plastic shells insulated with foam, and Igloo has been in the cooler business for almost 100 years, so igloos shouldn’t be worried about going out of business anytime soon since igloos know how to make quality products that hold their value over time.
If you like this article on igloo versus Coleman, please comment below and share it!
Conclusion
The Igloo vs. Coleman debate is a hot topic when it comes to which cooler you should buy. Both have their pros and cons, so there’s no right or wrong answer. What’s important for you is finding what best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Publican Anker has options available, from the high-end Yeti Tundra coolers down to lower-priced brands like Coleman and Rubbermaid. If you need help deciding on an option that would work well for your situation, our experts are always happy to chat with customers about how they can find the perfect cooler!
Related post:
