We made the plunge and bought a “premium” cooler even after our less than ideal test with the Yeti – click here for test results. Read on to see what we chose, why and also our first week’s results with ice.
Our plunge into the RV lifestyle and extended 3 month upcoming adventure needs a cooler to supplement the refrigerator on our Lance 1685 camper. After much deliberation we chose an expensive premium brand. Below are our research results – we had a certain space to fit the cooler into, max dimensions were 29″ long X 17″ wide X no real height restriction. Weight was a consideration since these coolers tend to be very heavy, even empty. SO below are the coolers we considered and also the first several days ice testing with our final choice.
Yukon 50 – 2 strikes, one they don’t make a smaller version and two, we didn’t like the molded on handles, take up more space.
Igloo Yukon 50: 33.6″ long X 17″ wide X 17.6″ high, 32 lbs — $290 on Amazon — size was too big for the 50 which is the smallest they make. We also didn’t like the molded in handles on the ends taking up more space. But it was a nice cooler.
Engel Deep Blue 65, one of our finalists, just a smidge too big.
Engel 65 & 35 3 year warranty, certified Grizzly Bear Proof: 65 dimensions were 29 1/4 X 16 3/4 X 16 3/4, weight 28 lbs — pretty good. $292 on Amazon. Engel 35 dimensions were 25.4″ X 14.8″ X 15.1″, weight 20 lbs $245 on Amazon. Note – the Engel 35 was almost exactly the same size as the Yeti 45, which was confusing.
We talked to a professional fisherman who had both an Engel (much larger than these) and a Yeti. He said the Yeti might have a slight edge, but he was happy with the Engel as well. Our problem was the 65 was a bit too big and the 35 a bit too small.
Yeti 35 5 year warranty, certified Grizzly Bear Proof: 21″ X 16″ X 15 1/2″ 20 lbs. $350 on Amazon (I have no idea why when I wrote this, both the 35 and 45 had the exact same price on Amazon, but I double checked it several times)
Yeti 45 5 year warranty, certified Grizzly Bear Proof: 25 1/2″ X 16″ X15 1/2″ 23 lbs $350 on Amazon
Why is everyone promoting GRIZZLY BEAR CERTIFIED? Who are they kidding? It appears to me that if a griz wanted into any of these coolers, it would be a matter of just a few minutes… maybe. But they are certified for camping outside in grizzly bear country – maybe it’s because there’s no smell that escapes so they don’t attract bears? Who knows…
Pelican: Too big, too heavy, we looked at them, but didn’t seriously consider one. Here are a few on Amazon, they are generally less expensive.
Grizzly Day 2 – ice still OK, block is great.
Which brings us to the star of our show: The Grizzly 40
Grizzly 40, lifetime warranty, made in the USA, certified Grizzly Bear Proof (as we’ve already noted, that’s important): 25 1/2″ X 16″ X 15 1/2″, 22 lbs $270 currently on Amazon, watch for sales, we got ours for $255 with free shipping on Amazon.
Grizzly Day 3 – cube ice is about 50/50 water, but the block is going stong…
The Grizzly 40 is almost exactly the same size as the Yeti 45, but a bit less weight and $100-ish less on the price tag depending on where you find it.
We chose the Grizzly 40 as the best value and space for the money. So how does it perform? About like the Yeti. If we have a block of ice (hard to find sometimes, I might add), the ice block will last 8 days in the Florida Keys springtime. David loves the cooler because he claims it keeps his beer much colder than the boat refrigerator. And we all know that’s the bottom line.
Grizzly Day 5 – block is still good, total water from the cubes. We added cubes and the block made it to Day 10! Since they we haven’t been able to buy a block anywhere. 🙁
Comments, experiences to share? Please leave a comment and let us know! Cheers! Jan
