If you’re looking for the best coolers on the market, a rotomolded cooler is your best bet. Also known as rotationally molded coolers, these coolers keep your contents protected while maintaining cold internal temperatures to the contents as cold as possible.
The process to create a rotomolded cooler involves a heated mold with melted plastic. The plastic is then continuously rotated around the mold. This rotation process ensures the plastic lays evenly and no bubbles, sagging, or other deformities that occur. The result is an ice chest with a thick, continuous wall, rather than seams that can crack or leak from wear and tear.
Rotomolding creates a more durable and seamless product that is free from imperfections and can provide users with long-lasting use.
What is a rotomolded Cooler?
A rotomolded cooler is made using a process called rotational molding or rotomolding. Rotomolding is a manufacturing process that involves heating plastic resin in a hollow mold and then rotating the mold on two perpendicular axes to distribute the molten plastic evenly across the interior of the mold. The mold is then cooled, and the plastic solidifies, resulting in a seamless, one-piece construction.
The rotomolding process produces ice chests that are highly durable and rugged, making them ideal for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and fishing. The best rotomolded coolers have a thick, insulated wall that helps to keep the contents cold for an extended period, and they are resistant to impact, scratches, and other types of damage that can occur during transportation or use.
Rotomolded coolers also typically have airtight seals that prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping, which helps to maximize ice retention. Additionally, they often come with heavy-duty rubber latches, hinges, and handles that are designed to withstand rough handling and frequent use.
Overall, rotomolded coolers are a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts because of their durability, insulation, and ability to keep contents cold for an extended period.
Are Rotomolded Coolers really better?
Rotomolded coolers are generally considered to be better than soft sided coolers for several reasons.
First, rotomolded coolers are highly durable and rugged, thanks to their one-piece construction and thick walls. They can withstand extreme temperatures, impacts, and other types of damage, making them ideal for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and fishing.
Second, rotomolded coolers have excellent insulation properties, which helps to keep the contents cold for an extended period. This is because the thick walls provide more insulation than traditional coolers, which can have thin walls that allow heat to penetrate more easily.
Third, rotomolded coolers often come with airtight seals and heavy-duty latches, hinges, and handles, which help to prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping. This further enhances their ice retention capabilities.
That being said, rotomolded coolers can be more expensive than soft sided coolers. However, many people find that the benefits of a rotomolded cooler, including durability and excellent insulation, outweigh the additional cost.
Ultimately, whether or not a rotomolded cooler is better for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you need am ice chest that can withstand harsh conditions and keep contents cold for an extended period, then a rotomolded cooler may be the best choice for you.
Best Rotomolded Coolers
Grizzly 100 Cooler Review
Grizzly is one of the biggest names in the business. If you look at their products, you’ll understand why. The company boasts some of the strongest materials and construction for its coolers, which are said to even stand up to a bear attack, hence the company name.
Grizzly's 100 qt ice chest is one of the brand’s most popular products. It falls within the $450-$500 range, so it’s better for high budgets, but it also provides virtual indestructibility, which is important for frequent outdoor use. Plus, its huge capacity will hold up to 95 12-oz cans with 30 lbs. of ice.
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Orca 75 Cooler Review
The Orca 75 Cooler is rotomolded in America and guaranteed for life. So even if you do experience an issue with its durability or performance, you can receive free service for a lifetime. Made with durable polyurethane insulation, the Orca 75 Cooler will keep your ice and contents cold, even in high temperatures, for up to 10 days.
This spacious hard cooler is perfect for long trips for large groups who need plenty of space to store food, drinks, or the best catches. Orca guarantees that it is bear-proof, so your contents will remain safe inside, thanks to the heavy-duty latching system.
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ENGEL USA Cooler/Dry Box Review
The Engel USA Cooler is a high-performance cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts who demand rugged durability and excellent ice retention. The Engel USA Cooler is made in the USA with rotomolded construction, which ensures it's tough enough to handle extreme conditions.
One of the standout features of the Engel USA Cooler is the ability to keep ice frozen. Engel is designed to keep ice for up to 10 days, depending on the conditions, which is impressive for any cooler. This makes it an excellent choice for extended camping trips, fishing expeditions, and other outdoor adventures where you need to keep food and drinks cold for a long time.
The Engel USA dry box also features heavy-duty latches, hinges, and handles that are designed to withstand rough handling and frequent use. The cooler has an airtight seal, which prevents warm air from entering and cold air from escaping, further enhancing its ice retention capabilities.
Additionally, the Engel USA Cooler is available in various sizes, ranging from 13 to 320 quarts, to meet different needs and preferences. The cooler also has a variety of color options to choose from.
Overall, the Engel USA Cooler is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a premium cooler that can handle rugged outdoor conditions. The cooler is durable, easy to use, and has excellent ice retention, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. We have a great Engel Cooler review where you can learn even more.
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RTIC Rotomolded Cooler
The RTIC Rotomolded Cooler is a premium cooler that is designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions while keeping your food and drinks cold for an extended period. The RTIC cooler is made with rotomolded construction, which means it is incredibly durable and rugged.
One of the standout features of the RTIC Rotomolded Cooler is its ice retention capabilities. The cooler can keep ice for up to 10 days, depending on the conditions, which is impressive for any cooler. This makes it an excellent choice for extended camping trips, hunting, fishing, or any other outdoor activity where you need to keep your food and drinks cold for an extended period.
The RTIC cooler also features rubber latches, hinges, and handles, which are designed to withstand rough handling and frequent use. The RTIC Rotomolded Cooler comes in various sizes, ranging from 20 to 145 quarts, to meet different needs and preferences. The cooler also has a variety of color options to choose from.
Overall, the RTIC Rotomolded Cooler is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can handle rugged outdoor conditions. The cooler is durable, easy to use, and has excellent ice retention, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, it comes at a relatively affordable price compared to some other premium brands in the market.
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Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler Review
The Yeti Tundra Cooler is a high-performance cooler that is designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions while keeping your food and drinks cold for an extended period. The Yeti Tundra is made with rotomolded construction, which means it is incredibly durable and rugged.
One of the standout features of the Yeti Tundra Cooler is its ice retention capabilities. The cooler can keep ice for up to 10 days, depending on the conditions, which is impressive for any cooler. This makes it an excellent choice for extended camping trips, hunting, fishing, or any other outdoor activity where you need to keep your food and drinks cold for an extended period.
The Yeti Tundra Cooler is available in various sizes, ranging from 20 to 350 quarts, to meet different needs and preferences. It also comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
One of the potential drawbacks of the Yeti Tundra Cooler is its higher price point compared to other hard coolers on the market. However, many people find that the Yeti Tundra is worth the investment due to its exceptional durability and ice retention capabilities.
Overall, the Yeti Tundra Cooler is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can handle rugged outdoor conditions. The cooler is durable, easy to use, and has excellent ice retention, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Canyon Cooler Outfitter Series
The Canyon Cooler Outfitter series is a line of high-performance coolers designed for outdoor enthusiasts who demand durability and ice retention. These hard coolers are made in the USA with rotomolded construction, which ensures that they are rugged, durable, and can withstand extreme conditions.
The Outfitter series comes in various sizes, ranging from 22 to 125 quarts, to meet different needs and preferences. The Caynon series features heavy-duty rubber latches, hinges, and handles. These are designed to withstand rough handling and frequent use. Additionally, the coolers have an airtight seal, which prevents warm air from entering and cold air from escaping.
One of the standout features of the Canyon Cooler Outfitter series is their ice retention. These coolers are designed to keep ice for an extended period, and they can maintain ice for up to 2-3 weeks, depending on the conditions. This makes them ideal for extended camping trips, fishing expeditions, and other outdoor adventures where you need to keep food and drinks cold for a long time.
Overall, the Canyon Cooler Outfitter series is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can handle rugged outdoor conditions. These coolers are durable, easy to use, and have excellent ice retention, making them a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
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K2 Coolers Summit 20 Cooler
The K2 Coolers Summit 20 Cooler is a high-performance cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts who demand rugged durability and excellent ice retention. The Summit 20 is made with rotomolded construction, which ensures that the cooler is tough enough to handle extreme conditions.
One of the standout features of the K2 Coolers Summit 20 Cooler is its ice retention. The cooler is designed to keep ice for up to 5 days, depending on the conditions, which is impressive for a cooler of its size. This makes it an excellent choice for weekend camping trips, day trips, and other outdoor adventures where you need to keep food and drinks cold for a short time.
Additionally, the K2 Coolers Summit 20 Cooler is available in various sizes, ranging from 20 to 120 quarts, to meet different needs and preferences. The cooler also has a variety of color options to choose from.
Overall, the K2 Coolers Summit 20 Cooler is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can handle rugged outdoor conditions. The cooler is durable, easy to use, and has excellent ice retention, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Summit 20 is also relatively affordable compared to some other premium coolers, making it a great value for the price.
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Pelican Elite Cooler
The Pelican Elite Cooler is similar in price to the Yeti Tundra and other higher-priced rotomolded coolers. However, it’s clear to see why when you examine its construction. A quick glance at the rotomolded, rugged exterior and you can see why it stands out as one of the most popular coolers of its type.
Pelican designed the Elite Cooler to last a lifetime, from its stainless steel hardware to its two-inch thick insulation and freezer-grade seal. Pelican is so confident in this cooler’s longevity that it provides a lifetime guarantee. Check out our full review of Pelican 70 quart Elite Cooler to learn more.
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Igloo Sportsman 55 Cooler
Igloo is perhaps one of the most well-known cooler names, providing some of the best coolers to outdoor enthusiasts since 1950. The Igloo Sportsman 55 Cooler is among its current most popular coolers. Its huge 55-quart capacity is great for long trips and large groups and will stand up to consistent wear and tear.
At about $250, its price falls a little below many other coolers of similar size and quality. It also comes with a 5-year warranty providing you with peace of mind with your purchase. The Igloo Sportsman 55 Cooler currently comes in white or tan and can be used with Igloo ice blocks or substitutes for maximum cooling potential.
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Nash Sub Z Cooler Review
Nash Sports’ Sub Z Cooler series may not be a household name like Yeti or Igloo, but it’s creating quite a splash for hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts. This rotomolded cooler comes in 23 or 48-quart sizes and is rugged enough to double as a seat when used with the optional seating accessory. Nash's Sub Z cooler is quickly gaining some ground against more popular coolers because of its strong construction and versatility, especially for campers. Check our detailed review of the nash sub z cooler to learn even more.
This cooler uses both a heavy foam insulation and a tight-sealing lid gasket to help hold in the cold for days. The lid locks in two locations for added security to prevent critter entry and spills. Optionally, you can choose one of the larger coolers with wheels, for an additional cost, for easier portability with heavy loads.
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Other types of Coolers
There are several types of coolers available on the market besides rotomolded coolers.
Soft coolers
Soft coolers are lightweight and portable coolers that are made from soft materials like fabric or nylon. They are designed to be more compact and easier to transport than traditional hard-sided coolers. Soft coolers are typically smaller in size and capacity than hard coolers, making them ideal for short trips, day trips, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
Soft coolers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from small lunchbox-sized coolers to larger backpack coolers that can hold a day's worth of food and drinks. They are usually equipped with a shoulder strap or handles for easy carrying and often have additional pockets for storing accessories like utensils, napkins, or ice packs.
Soft coolers are insulated with materials like closed-cell foam, which helps to keep food and drinks cold for several hours. However, they are not as efficient at retaining ice as hard-sided coolers, so they may not be the best choice for extended trips or for storing perishable items for long periods. One popular type of soft sided coolers are is the backpack cooler.
Overall, soft coolers are a great option for anyone who needs a portable and lightweight cooler for short trips or outdoor activities. They are easy to carry, and some models are even designed to be worn as a backpack, leaving your hands free for other tasks.
Thermoelectric coolers
Thermoelectric coolers are a type of cooler that uses electricity to keep food and drinks cold. They work by using the Peltier effect, which is a thermoelectric effect that occurs when a temperature difference is created between two dissimilar conductors. In a thermoelectric cooler, a Peltier device is used to create a temperature difference between two sides of a semiconductor material, which results in heat being removed from one side and transferred to the other.
Thermoelectric coolers are designed to be portable and are powered by DC electricity, which can be supplied by a battery or a 12-volt DC outlet in a car or boat. Some models also come with an AC adapter, which allows them to be plugged into a standard wall outlet.
One of the advantages of thermoelectric coolers is that they are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for car trips, road trips, and camping trips. They are also relatively quiet compared to compressor-based coolers and do not require any moving parts, making them less prone to mechanical failure.
However, thermoelectric coolers are not as efficient at cooling as compressor-based coolers or rotomolded coolers, and they may struggle to maintain a low temperature in hot weather. They also require a power source, which may not be readily available in all situations.
Overall, thermoelectric coolers are a good option for anyone who needs a portable and lightweight cooler for short trips or for use in a car or boat. However, they may not be the best choice for extended trips or for use in extreme temperatures.
Metal coolers
Metal coolers are a type of cooler that are made from aluminum or stainless steel. They are known for their durability and their ability to retain ice for long periods of time. Metal coolers are often used for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hunting, as well as for commercial purposes like catering and food service.
One of the main advantages of metal coolers is their durability. They are typically built to withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities. They are also known for their ability to retain ice for long periods of time, which can be helpful when you are away from a source of fresh ice.
However, metal coolers also have some disadvantages. They tend to be heavier and bulkier than other types of coolers, which can make them difficult to transport. They are also more expensive than some other types of coolers, which can be a consideration for some people. The Coleman metal Cooler is a well known metal cooler.
Overall, metal coolers are a good option for anyone who needs a durable and long-lasting cooler for outdoor activities or commercial purposes. They are not as portable as other types of coolers, but they are built to last and can be a good investment for those who need a cooler that can withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures.
Foam coolers
Foam coolers are a type of cooler that are made from foam materials like polystyrene or polyurethane. They are lightweight and typically less expensive than other types of coolers. Foam coolers are commonly used for short-term storage of perishable items like food and beverages.
One of the main advantages of foam coolers is their affordability. They are typically less expensive than other types of coolers, making them a good choice for people who need a cooler for short-term use or for those who are on a tight budget. They are also lightweight and easy to transport, which can be helpful if you need to carry them over long distances.
However, foam coolers also have some disadvantages. They are not as durable as other types of coolers and can be prone to breaking or cracking if they are dropped or mishandled. They are also not as efficient at retaining ice as other types of coolers, which can be a consideration if you need to keep items cold for an extended period of time.
Overall, foam coolers are a good option for anyone who needs a lightweight and affordable cooler for short-term use. They are not as durable or efficient as other types of coolers, but they can be a good choice for simple storage and transport of perishable items
Disposable coolers
These are inexpensive coolers made from foam and are designed for one-time use. They are ideal for camping trips or picnics where you don't want to carry a heavy cooler back home.
Overall, the type of cooler you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. Rotomolded coolers are known for their durability and ice retention, but they may not be the best option for everyone.
Best Rotomolded Cooler Conclusion
Rotomolded coolers are probably the best choice for the extreme outdoor enthusiast that needs an especially durable cooler with thick insulation and a one-piece shell that won’t crack or leak. Since the shell on rotomolded coolers isn’t welded or screwed together, it provides the best protection against warping and leaking to ensure that your cooler will last as long as you need it to.
Of course, the best rotomolded coolers often come at a much higher price point than other types of coolers, but that’s because of the longevity they provide. If you can buy a $300 cooler that can last a lifetime, you’ve gotten your money’s worth over a $50 cooler that you’ll have to replace every year or so. Additionally, many of the higher-priced coolers come with a manufacturer’s warranty to protect your purchase in case something goes wrong under normal use.
These rotomolded coolers are some of the best on the current market. Carefully consider their pros and cons, as well as your budget, to decide which one may work best for your needs.