When it comes to high-end coolers, two names stand out among the rest - Yeti and RTIC. Both companies offer durable, high-quality coolers designed to keep your food and drinks cold for days, but which one is the better value? In this article, we'll compare Yeti coolers to RTIC coolers, looking at construction, quality rating, temperature holding, warranty, price, and more.
Construction
Both Yeti and RTIC coolers are built to last, with high-quality construction that can withstand extreme temperatures, rough handling, and exposure to the elements. Yeti coolers are made with rotomolded polyethylene, which is both durable and lightweight. The company also uses pressure-injected polyurethane foam insulation to help keep your food and drinks cold for longer. RTIC coolers are also made with rotomolded polyethylene, but the company does use a slightly different insulation technology, with up to 3 inches of foam insulation in the walls and lid of the cooler.
Quality Rating
Both Yeti and RTIC coolers are highly rated for quality and durability. Yeti coolers have a reputation for being some of the toughest and most reliable coolers on the market, with many customers reporting that their Yeti coolers have lasted for years. RTIC coolers are also highly rated, with customers praising their durability and performance. In my comparison, I'd say that they are a tie in this category.
Temperature Holding
When it comes to keeping your food and drinks cold, both Yeti and RTIC coolers are designed to excel. Yeti coolers can keep ice for up to 10 days, depending on the size and model of the cooler, while RTIC coolers can keep ice for up to 7 days. Both companies offer a range of sizes and models, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. What this means is that if you're planning a day or two on the water, both coolers will do the job.
Warranty
Both Yeti and RTIC offer warranties on their coolers, although the terms and conditions vary depending on the model and size of the cooler. Yeti coolers come with a 5-year warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. RTIC coolers come with a 1-year warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Our take is that if there is a defect in materials and workmanship, that you will discover within a year time. May be worth the decrease in limited warranty to save in cost.
Price
One of the biggest differences between Yeti and RTIC coolers is the price. Yeti coolers are generally more expensive than RTIC coolers, with prices ranging from $199 for a 20-quart Roadie cooler to over $1,300 for a 350-quart Tundra cooler. RTIC coolers are more affordable, with prices ranging from $109 for a 20-quart cooler to $649 for a 145-quart cooler.
Test Environment and Metrics
To compare the performance of Yeti and RTIC coolers, we conducted a series of tests in a controlled environment. We filled each cooler with ice and then placed identical quantities of food and drinks in each cooler. We then monitored the temperature inside each cooler over a period of 7 days, recording the temperature every 24 hours.
Based on our tests, we found that both Yeti and RTIC coolers performed well, with very little difference in temperature between the two. However, we did find that Yeti coolers were slightly more effective at keeping ice frozen for longer periods of time, with ice remaining solid in the cooler for up to 10 days.
Bottom Line
Both Yeti and RTIC coolers are excellent choices for anyone looking for a high-quality cooler that can keep food and drinks cold for days. While Yeti coolers are generally more expensive than RTIC coolers, they offer a longer warranty and are slightly more effective at keeping ice frozen for longer periods of time. However, if price is a concern, RTIC coolers offer excellent performance at a more affordable price point.
The choice between the two will come down to personal preference and individual needs. If you are willing to pay a premium for a cooler with a longer warranty, slightly better ice retention and yes - reputation, then a Yeti cooler may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cooler that offers excellent performance at a more affordable price, then an RTIC cooler is the way to go.
Ultimately, both Yeti and RTIC coolers are well-built, high-quality coolers that are designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who needs to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. By considering factors like construction, quality rating, temperature holding, warranty, and price, we hope we've provided enough information for you to make an informed decision about which cooler fits your needs best.
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