Are Coleman or Igloo Coolers Better?

When it comes to outdoor adventures and camping that require the use of a hard cooler, there is always one question that becomes the focus of discussion: Which is better – Coleman or Igloo?

Both the Igloo and Coleman brands are classic American brands that have held a significant position in the cooler industry for decades. They offer a wide range of products, suitable for both thrifty families and rugged outdoor sports enthusiasts. In this detailed guide, As the supplier of both IGLOO ice boxes and Coleman coolers, we will delve into their background stories, manufacturing processes, insulation technologies, and specific product series comparisons to help you decide which brand is worth adding to your equipment collection.

1. Igloo & Coleman: Two American Outdoor Equipment Giants

To understand the difference between Coleman and Igloo, we must first look at where they came from.

1.1 The Coleman Legacy: The “Keep It Cold” Pioneer

Founded in 1900 by W.C. Coleman, the company started with gas lamps. However, by the mid-20th century, Coleman became synonymous with the “Great American Outdoors.” Their coolers are built on a foundation of reliability and nostalgia. For many, a steel-belted Coleman cooler is a family heirloom passed down through generations. Coleman positions itself as the all-around outdoor provider, focusing on camping, tailgating, and general recreation.

1.2 The Igloo Story: Innovation in Hydration

Igloo started in a small metalworking shop in 1947. Originally focused on bringing clean water to worksites (their first product was a metal water cooler), they quickly pivoted to plastic ice chests in the 1960s. Igloo is often credited with many “firsts” in the industry, including the first plastic cooler and the first wheeled cooler. Today, Igloo is known for its vast variety, producing everything from small lunch boxes to massive marine-grade chests.

2. Manufacturing and Craftsmanship: Igloo vs Coleman

The manufacturing process and construction of the coolers are crucial factors affecting their performances. Both Coleman and Igloo employ advanced plastic molding techniques, but their focuses are slightly different.

2.1 Injection Molding, Blow Molding and Rotational Molding

Most of the standard models of these two brands are made through blow molding or injection molding. This basically means that the two layers of the box are molded separately and then assembled – rather than the two layers of the box being molded as a single piece at once. Although the ice chests produced by these two processes are not as “unbreakable” as the high-end rotational molding brands like YETI, both Coleman and Igloo have refined these processes to provide both lightweight and durable products, with only half or even lower costs than those rotomolded coolers; some of their high-end models have also started to use rotational molding, but the costs also increase – providing consumers more options to choose based on their actual needs with much lower pricing than YETI.

2.2 Igloo’s Environmental Approach

Igloo has recently taken the lead in sustainable manufacturing. They have launched Thermecool™ insulation material, which is a cleaner and more environmentally friendly foam, with better performance than the old standardized materials. They have also launched the EcoCool series, made from recycled post-consumer resin, attracting environmentally-conscious consumers.

2.3 Coleman’s Robust and Minimalist Style

On the other hand, Coleman focuses on structural reinforcement. The brand’s Xtreme® Technology combines an insulated lid with additional thermal insulation in the bottle walls, delivering ice retention of up to five days under optimal conditions. Their “Have-A-Seat™” lids are a testament to their build quality, designed to support up to 250 lbs, turning your cooler into a functional piece of camp furniture.

3. Performance Comparison between Igloo and Coleman: Ice Retention and Durability

The “Better” cooler is often the one that keeps ice the longest. Let’s look at how they stack up in real-world scenarios.

3.1 Ice Retention

• Coleman Xtreme Series: Frequently wins in the “bang-for-your-buck” ice retention category. These coolers are designed specifically for long-haul camping, often holding ice for 3 to 5 days in temperatures up to 90°F.
• Igloo MaxCold & Marine Series: Igloo’s high-end lines are formidable competitors. The Marine Ultra series is specifically designed for sun exposure, featuring UV inhibitors that prevent the plastic from becoming brittle and yellowing, while maintaining ice for 4-5 days.

3.2 Durability and Hardware

• Latches and Hinges: Historically, this is where the two differ. Igloo often uses plastic hinges on their entry-level models which can wear out, but their IMX and Mission lines feature heavy-duty rubber latches and reinforced hinges. Coleman tends to use integrated plastic hinges that are protected by the lid’s design, reducing the risk of snapping.
• Portability: Igloo excels in ergonomics. Their “Oversized Wheels” on the Trailmate series are legendary for traversing sand and rough terrain—a area where Coleman’s standard wheels sometimes struggle.

4. Product Positioning: Which One Suits You?

4.1 The “Igloo Hard Cooler” Advantage

If you are looking for specialized performance, Igloo is often the winner. Their catalog is segmented into specific niches:

• Marine Grade: Best for fishing and boating.
• Heavy-Duty (IMX/Mission): Competes with rotomolded performance but at a lighter weight.
• Lifestyle/Retro: The “Playmate” series is an icon of American pop culture.

4.2 The “Coleman Classic” Advantage

If you want dependability and multipurpose use, Coleman is the go-to.

• Steel-Belted Series: The ultimate choice for those who value aesthetics and vintage durability.
• 316 Series: A modern update that provides professional-grade ice retention for family road trips. Click and read more: Why Are Yeti Coolers So Expensive?

5. Model Showdown: Igloo BMX vs. Coleman Convoy

To present the differences more intuitively, a reviewer selected the two most popular 50-quart models on the market for in-depth comparison: Igloo BMX 52-Quart and Coleman Convoy Series 55-Quart.

1. Liner and hygiene: The antibacterial advantage of Coleman
In terms of internal design, the Coleman Convoy series performed exceptionally well. It is equipped with a special Antimicrobial Liner. This lining effectively prevents the growth of odors, mold, and fungi, providing higher hygiene protection for users who frequently store fresh ingredients or need to store water for a long time. In contrast, Igloo BMX does not have a dedicated antibacterial coating.

2. Ice retention performance: Igloo’s tightness
In the core ice retention challenge, Igloo BMX demonstrated strong capabilities with its thick foam walls and insulation cover, maintaining ice for up to 5 days.

• Drainage plug comparison: Igloo uses a threaded sealing drainage plug, which can effectively prevent leakage and lock in the cold air.
• Detail differences: Although Coleman Convoy also has excellent sealing latches, according to user feedback, its drainage plug may have a slight leakage risk in extreme situations, which to some extent affects its ultimate ice retention performance. Therefore, in terms of pure ice retention durability, Igloo BMX is slightly superior.

3. Design and usability: Industrial style vs. functional style

• Igloo BMX: It features a heavy-duty blow-molded shell, with a steel-reinforced handle covered in rubber, which is not only durable but also comfortable to hold. The top cover also comes with a fish ruler (Fish Ruler) and four tie-down points, making it ideal for fishing and pickup truck transportation.
• Coleman Convoy: The design is more concise, featuring rope handles (Rope Handles). Although equally sturdy, in terms of overall texture and multi-functional expansion, BMX’s industrial design often appeals more to modern outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Portability and capacity

• Space: Coleman Convoy has a slightly larger capacity (55 quarts), with a more spacious interior that can accommodate more supplies.
• Weight: Igloo BMX is lighter in weight, making it more user-friendly for those who need to frequently carry it.

5. After-sales support: the key to user satisfaction
Warranty terms often reflect a brand’s confidence in its products. Igloo offers a 3-year warranty for the BMX series, while Coleman Convoy only offers a 1-year warranty. The additional 2-year guarantee gives Igloo more points in terms of long-term investment value.

6. Key Comparison Table: Igloo or Coleman?

7. What to Consider Before Purchasing A Hard Cooler?

When choosing your next ice box, please focus on the following key factors:
(1) UV protection
If you engage in water activities, UV rays will be the biggest enemy to the ice retention effect of your cooler.

• Igloo’s Marine series is specially treated and can withstand harsh saltwater environments.
• Although Coleman also offers marine models, Igloo offers a wider range of products in this field, meaning you have more options to choose from.

(2) Weight and volume ratio
Igloo’s coolers are usually slightly lighter than the same capacity models from Coleman. If you need to carry the cooler for a long time or move it frequently, weight is crucial. At the same time, you should also consider portability, such as whether it comes with wheels or has ergonomic handles.
(3) Drain plug
Both brands offer leak-proof drainage devices. However, Coleman’s “EZ-Keep” drainage device usually has a recessed design and is slightly inclined, making it easier to drain the last bit of water without the need to tip over the cooler. Click and read more: Complete Guide for Cooler Use

8. The Verdict: Which is better, the Coleman Cooler or the Igloo Cooler?

The truth is, there is no “best & universal” cooler that suits all situations – only the one that best meets your specific needs.

• If you want to choose a reliable and “practical” cooler for camping and outdoor gatherings, then you can choose Coleman. If you need a cooler that can serve as a seat and maintain ice at the best price per quart, Coleman is hard to surpass.
• If you need diversity and special features, then you can choose Igolo. Whether it’s a cooler with large wheels suitable for use on the beach, an eco-friendly recycled plastic model, or an ocean-grade box suitable for fishing boats, Igolo’s innovation offers more tailor-made options.

In recent years, the market has been flooded with various high-end coolers. However, the continuous innovation of Igloo and Coleman has proved that you don’t have to pay exorbitant prices to obtain professional-quality products. By focusing on high-density foam, good sealing, and durable hardware, both brands can offer a perfect combination of performance and cost-effectiveness.

As a reliable hard coolers manufacturer, we can surely say that when you purchase a high-quality ice chest, you are not just buying a container for storing ice; you are ensuring the safety of your food, saving the cost of frequent ice refill, and contributing to a more sustainable outdoor culture by choosing an equipment that can be used for many years rather than just one season.

No matter whether you prefer the rugged style of Coleman or the innovative design of Igloo, both brands offer extremely high value for a relatively low pricing. For your next outdoor trip, consider the duration of your trip, the terrain, and your budget to make the choice that suits you best.

If you still have doubts about which cooler to choose, please contact us – we can recommend the best option for you based on its expected usage scenario, or provide an appropriate quote for your project based on your target customer profile. Whether you want to purchase the same high-quality cooler directly for wholesale, or OEM customize coolers with your unique brand logo, we can provide services for you. Feel free to contact us at sales@kingstarmold.com, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Want to build a great cooler brand like IGLOO or Coleman? Want to purchase some coolers with custom logo for promotional gifting?You are at the right place. KingStar is the top cooler manufacturer in China. We provide OEM/ODM service and free shipping to suit all your needs.