Pimp My Gear: Igloo MaxCold Cooler Review

The 2020 Igloo MaxCold 50 Quart Cooler

I have owned an Igloo MaxCold cooler for over 12 years.  Since I got it, my Igloo MaxCold has been to many, many backyard parties, music festivals, and camping trips including several abroad as checked baggage. I would say it has had heavy use.

I know, I know, Yeti, Yeti, Yeti. Blah, blah, blah. When we bought this cooler the Yeti, its outrageous price tag, and accompanying social status, was not a part of the camping lexicon. However a new kind of cooler claiming to keep ice for several days at 90-degree temperatures, like the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme, was a huge step up from those of the time. We decided to purchase the Igloo MaxCold because of its features, a price that did not break the bank, and the fact that the physical dimensions satisfied the standard checked baggage policy of most airlines.* 

Here is my honest review and suggested “pimps” when considering purchasing this cooler. 

*Please verify the checked baggage policy of your airline before purchasing.

Almost roughing it with the Igloo MaxCold in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, USA

Product Description

According to IglooCoolers.com:

Play, camp, or fish ’til your heart’s content with extended performance coolers

• • Ultratherm® insulation in body and lid holds ice up to 5 days
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with a tie-down loop feature for versatile carrying and loading
  • Snap-fit latch for secure lid closure during transportation
  • Threaded drain plug for optional hose hook up for easy draining

Igloo MaxCold Coolers offer the ultimate cold retention, with all products featuring insulated lids and all full-size coolers retaining ice 5-7 days in 90° F heat. These extended performance coolers are ideal for camping, hunting, picnics, and the beach. Capacity: 50 Qt / 47 L / 72 Cans. Ice retention: 5 days (tested under controlled conditions).

My Review

Features

• The cooler has swing-up handles that are easy on the hand and give plenty of knuckle room. 
• The Snap-fit latch is OK but sometimes pops open so when it matters (on airplanes or around crafty wildlife) we use straps to keep it closed. 
• The threaded drain plug fits tightly and doesn’t leak as long as it was put on correctly. The drain cap eventually did break off and while still usable, losing it would render the cooler unusable. I understand you can drain it with a hose but I never did that. 
• The 50 qt. capacity is ample space for a short trip or backyard party.

Performance

I have not done an actual test to see if the MaxCold really keeps ice up to 5-7 days in summer temps. However, I would pretty much guarantee that the cooler was never opened during this trial. As we know, in a normal use situation, coolers are opened and closed many times allowing the cold air to escape and ultimately leading to melted ice.  While I have been pretty pleased with how long the ice has kept on my outings, especially comparing it to cheaper coolers, I cannot say for sure that Igloo’s claims are true.  It is my experience that the ice lasts two-ish days with normal use and standard precautions. Even Igloo says “tested under controlled conditions”. So there you go.

Durability

When it comes to durability, my cooler has seen heavy use over the years and consequently everything that could break has–latch, hinges, drain plug, and lid cord.  The exception is the body of the cooler itself which, except for yellowing plastic, has stayed remarkably intact.  It should be noted that all of the parts that failed were made of plastic and thus more prone to breakage with heavy use.  Since I have had it over 10 years, I will not call this a fail per se. A big plus, however, is that Igloo offers a cooler repair kit, and all the parts that have broken I have replaced…and replaced again.  Then came the permanent solution.

How We Pimped Our Cooler

The last and final part fail happened on a camping trip to Colorado in 2018. The latch had broken before the trip and instead of replacing it we were keeping it closed with straps for air travel purposes.  Halfway through the trip one of the hinges snapped in half.  We decided to fix it once and for all. No more plastic. At a hardware store we purchased a metal piano hinge and a metal latch.  I am happy to report that this solution has lasted for 2 years so far and it is looking like these repairs will be the last.

All in all, I would buy the Igloo MaxCold again.  Since purchasing this cooler over a decade ago, coolers have evolved.  The Yeti and coolers like it, have really upped the game. However, with this increased performance the cost has gone up exponentially.  I think the Igloo MaxCold balances performance and price tag and is an excellent choice for those who need a dependable cooler on a budget. My one request to Igloo would be to upgrade to metal fixtures where possible. Until this happens I would replace broken plastic parts with metal the first time they break…or maybe even before. 🙂

Cooler Pro Tips & Fun Facts

COOLER PRO TIP #1:

Make blocks of ice or freeze water in 2-liter bottles to include with your regular cubed ice.  If possible, put meat and other food in the cooler frozen when you start out. Keep the cooler in the shade if possible.  Also, placing an insulating light-colored blanket over it will help the ice will last longer.

COOLER PRO TIP #2

If possible, bring two coolers on your camping trip.  Use one to store food and one for beverages.  Coolers lose their temperature every time there are open.  Since the coolers are typically opened most for getting drinks, use a separate cooler for that purpose.

COOLER PRO TIP #3

If you are taking your cooler camping to a destination requiring a flight, make sure the dimensions fit the requirements for standard checked baggage with your airline.  If it is too big, you may have to pay for an oversized item.  Pack the cooler with all your favorite kitchen essentials making that part of roughing it way more comfortable.  Be sure not to pack anything that is banned by your airline. 

COOLER FUN FACT

New Zealanders call a cooler a Chilly Bin where Australians call it an Esky!

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