Best Yeti cooler 2024: Quick links
If you love the great outdoors and thrive on picnics and camping with a side of adventure, chances are you’ve encountered sturdy YETI coolers during your escapades.
Whether you’re hauling a mountain of cold drinks or a treasure trove of snacks to the beach, campsite or local park, YETI’s got your back with its trusty cool boxes – the superheroes of keeping things cool under the sun.
These bad boys are like the Swiss army knives of chilling, complete with foolproof rubber and plastic latches for easy access, even for those who may have indulged in one too many cold ones.
Sure, YETI coolers might dent your wallet a bit more than even the best camping coolers from other brands, but think of it as an investment in your chill future. They are built tough and claimed to be leak-proof and waterproof by the legends at YETI themselves.
Need to lug your cooler from the car to the beach? No sweat – some models come with carry ropes and grips, while others boast built-in wheels and trolley handles for a smooth ride. And forget just keeping things cool – flip the script and keep your hot dishes toasty on the go.
In this guide, we’ll break down the coolest contenders in the YETI lineup, helping you pick the perfect partner for your chilling adventures. So sit back, grab a cold one (or a hot meal), and let’s dive into the world of serious chill.
And those wanting to buy a YETI cooler but are on a tight budget, check out T3’s roundup of the best YETI sales and deals right now.
Best YETI coolers to buy right now
Why you can trust T3
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
(Image credit: Gavin Stoker)
While bulkier than your average carry-on luggage, the YETI Tundra 35 Hard Cooler is relatively compact within the YETI range, offering ample space for barbecue essentials and cold beverages for a family of four or about 21 cans of brew, with enough room to accommodate two-thirds of its interior with ice packs as recommended.
A unique feature is the inclusion of a metal-framed ‘dry goods basket’ nestled within the internal ledges, providing a separate space to keep buns cool and dry alongside other perishables.
Performance-wise, the Tundra 35 boasts three inches of insulation, coupled with pressure-injected polyurethane foam in its walls and robust rubber lid locks and latches, effectively maintaining cool temperatures while keeping out the sweltering heat.
Its non-slip base prevents unwanted sliding, ensuring stability whether on deck or in the trunk of your car. For those needing more space, Yeti offers an extensive range of size options, each slightly larger than the last, catering to varying needs and preferences.
Read our full Yeti Tundra 35 review.
Best for easy transportation
(Image credit: YETI)
If you’re looking for the best large YETI cooler for easy transportation, this swanky 48Qt (45-litre) model is a sterling option. Available in eight stunning colours, the Roadie 48 is built like a tank and comes with a robust suitcase-style telescopic handle and big grippy wheels for traversing rough terrain. It also sits on four eraser-like rubber feet so it won;’t shift about when transported on a boat or the back of a pickup.
This model has an ice-retention figure of up to four days though that is dependent on filling the bucket with a lot of ice (YETI suggests a 2:1 ration of ice to contents). We reckon there’s enough capacity here for about 10 x 1.5-litre bottles of water and, crucially, it is also tall enough to accommodate the dimensions of the average full-sized wine bottle. A top choice for car camping, tailgating, boating, beach picnics and other social gatherings.
Best compact
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Similar to its YETI counterparts, the Roadie stands out as a robust and carefully designed cooler available in a variety of colours. It even serves a dual purpose, transforming into a convenient stool with an optional cushion attachment, perfect for lounging at our chosen spot while enjoying chilled beverages.
The Roadie 24’s interior volume, measuring approximately 40cm square and 30cm in height, provides ample space for transporting various items, including upright bottles of wine or two-litre bottles. With no drain plug included, users simply need to tip out excess ice at the end of use.
Operating with plastic latches instead of rubber, the Roadie’s lid can be easily opened with one hand, while the carry handle can be adjusted for convenient access. Our only minor inconvenience was the lack of an adjustable strap, making it tricky to sling over a shoulder or prevent it from bumping against our ankles during transport. Nonetheless, it’s an ideal companion for camping or road trips, better suited to such excursions than casual picnics.
Read our full Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler review.
Best soft cooler
(Image credit: Future)
It won’t double up as a stool, but YETI’s Hopper Flip range of soft coolers is lighter and comfier to tote about than its hard coolers. In fact, it’s super comfy to carry, thanks to an ultra-squishy rubber padding on the removable shoulder strap (that’s just one of a carry options – there are also handles for shorter distances). Available in three sizes, these cool bags are robust, well designed, and high quality as you’d expect from Yeti.
On the outside, a high-density ‘DryHide Shell’ blocks UV rays and repels mildew, and will withstand bumps and scrapes. Beneath this is a thick layer of closed-cell rubber foam to lock in cool air, while the ‘Hydrolok’ zip ensures no leaking melted ice. The entire top opens up to give you easy access to the bag’s contents, and the daisy chain loops down the front and back to give you somewhere to attach any extra bits and bobs.
Best for volume
(Image credit: Yeti)
For anyone who’d like an extra helping hand – or rather pair of wheels – when transporting their cool box, the aptly named Tundra is heaven-sent. Constructed in the same robust moulded plastic as the rest of the range, this one also features the same easy access rubber lid locks as the regular Tundra model – it just adds wheels, in doing so becoming the first and only model in the line-up that can be wheeled along.
Said wheels are manufactured from a solid single piece of plastic that’s both impact resistant and obviously puncture resistant. To pull the whole contraption along we’re gifted a ‘T’ bar design aluminium arm with durable grips, with the set up tracking left or right, in order to avoid the box bumping our ankles when towing it behind us.
Keeping our perishables cool, including two litre bottles stored upright, space for 45 cans of beer in total or 55 pounds of ice, the YETI Tundra Haul one offers two inches of pressure injected insulation. Yet, unlike the regular Tundra, this one doesn’t include a dry goods basket. However, overall, we’d happily trade that omission for the smoother transportation this option provides.
Best water cooler
(Image credit: Gavin Stoker)
Who wouldn’t want to have their very own portable water cooler, so as to enjoy those fabled ‘water cooler’ moments and conversations anywhere and everywhere, even outside the office?
Enter the YETI Silo, a standalone item in its range taking the form of six-gallon water cooler that, on the face of it very closely resembles the YETI Tundra in terms of size and chunky shape. Yet it obviously differs, in featuring a water nozzle secreted in a recess near its base. The idea is not only can you enjoy cool flowing water with a swift pour rate in the heat of the great outdoors, but this water cooler is robust enough to take a tumble or two on the way there.
Construction is, as we say, otherwise very similar to the rest of the extensive Yeti cooler range, in that once again we have an insulated interior lining to the plastic casing that keeps the cool in and the heat out. A steel handle is provided above the plastic nozzle, both as a way to protect said nozzle, and also to provide a spot to grip as the thumb of the same hand presses the nozzle to release its flow. Luckily the nozzle can be removed for cleaning individually, making this one as practical as it is fashionable.
Best for small parties
(Image credit: YETI)
Having a little outdoor get-together? You need an ice bucket that is not only effective at keeping drinks cool but one that screams sophistication. That’s the YETI Rambler. Available in a range of eight luxuriant colours and finished in a tactile matt coating, the Rambler has enough space within its admittedly slim stainless steel wall to accommodate a sufficient amount of ice and up to six bottles of beer or six cans of pop. It has a transparent lid with rubber seal, too, to help keep everything nicely chilled for the duration of an average al fresco lunch or dinner.
The Rambler is superbly built and comprises a steel carrying handle with non-slip rubber grip and a circular rubber ring on the base to ensure it grips any surface like a limpet. It’s dishwasher safe, too. If want to keep drinks cool and impress your guests at the same time, you can’t go wrong with this pretty conversation starter.
Best for large parties
(Image credit: Yeti)
With all of YETI’s branded products built like a tank, it’s no surprise that it actually offers a ‘Tank’ Ice Bucket too – in a choice of ‘Desert Tan’ or plain white. But why would we want to pay a premium price for what’s essentially a plastic bucket? There are a couple of Tank Bucket Cooler options in its manufacturer’s range that are broadly self explanatory in terms of size difference: the YETI Tank 45 will in fact provide space to keep 52 cans of beer or 40lb of ice cool, or a quarter keg of the fizzy stuff. Alternatively there’s the Tank 85, which can hold a whopping 96 cans of beer or 80lbs of ice. Sounds heavy, right?
Fortunately then, ‘DoubleHaul’ handles aid transportation by allowing us to share its weighty load, while a Vortex Drain System allows excess or unwanted water to be released via a stopper near the base, once the party’s over. If we want to make sure our brews remain extra cold when the bucket is baking in the midday sun, it’s possible to buy an optional Tank lid separately.
How to choose the best YETI cooler for you
When selecting the best YETI cooler for your needs, consider factors such as size, insulation, durability, and portability. Assess how much storage space you require for your typical outings, whether it’s for a small family picnic or an extended camping trip with friends. Opt for a size that comfortably accommodates your food and drinks without being too bulky to transport.
Evaluate the insulation capabilities of the cooler, as this will determine how long it can keep your items cold. YETI coolers are known for their excellent insulation, but some models offer thicker walls and additional features for enhanced cooling performance.
Durability is crucial, especially if you plan to use your cooler in rugged outdoor environments. Look for models constructed from sturdy materials like rotomolded plastic, which can withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures.
Consider the portability of the cooler, particularly if you’ll be carrying it over long distances. Look for features like comfortable handles, shoulder straps, and wheels for easy transportation.
Lastly, think about any additional features or accessories you may need, such as built-in bottle openers, cup holders, or dividers to organize your items. Choose a YETI cooler that offers the features and functionality that best suit your outdoor lifestyle and activities.
How we test the best YETI coolers
Testing a YETI cooler involves several steps to ensure its effectiveness and durability. The first step is the temperature retention test. We fill the cooler with ice and monitor how long it keeps items cold. This test evaluates the insulation’s effectiveness and helps determine its ability to maintain low temperatures over an extended period.
Next, we conduct a leak test to check for any potential issues with the cooler’s seals, which involves filling the cooler with water and inspect it for leaks to ensure that the seals are tight, and there are no cracks or gaps in the construction that could compromise its performance.
After assessing its ability to retain temperature and prevent leaks, we perform a durability test. Subject the cooler to rough handling, including dropping it from a short height and applying pressure to the exterior. This test simulates outdoor conditions and evaluates the cooler’s ability to withstand wear and tear.
We also evaluate the cooler’s portability by testing how easy it is to carry when filled with ice and drinks. We assess the handles and straps for comfort and durability, considering how they will hold up during outdoor activities.
Finally, we conduct a cleaning test to evaluate how easy it is to clean the cooler after use. We check for any lingering odors or stains and assess its overall cleanliness.
FAQ
Why is YETI cooler so expensive?
YETI coolers are expensive due to their premium materials like rotomolded plastic and high-density polyethylene, ensuring durability and superior insulation. Rigorous testing and quality control processes contribute to production costs. Their robust construction withstands rough handling and extreme conditions, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. While the initial investment is higher, users value their reliability and longevity, justifying the cost for many.
How long do YETI coolers last?
YETI coolers are renowned for their durability and longevity, often lasting for many years with proper care. While the exact lifespan can vary depending on usage and maintenance, users commonly report their YETI coolers lasting for 5 to 10 years or even longer. The high-quality materials and robust construction contribute to their longevity, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking reliable cooling solutions. Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh impacts, and storing them properly when not in use can help extend their lifespan further.
