Summer is right around the corner, and for many that means more time spent outdoors camping, hitting the beach, or tailgating at games. To make the most of these activities, you’ll want to pack plenty of drinks and snacks to keep you fueled up and hydrated.
But all that food and beverage will go bad fast without a high-quality cooler to keep everything chilled.
Two of the top options on the market are the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme coolers. They both promise excellent ice retention, durable designs, and useful features. But which one is truly the better choice?
Let’s take an in-depth look at how these two heavy-duty coolers compare.
Performance Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful breakdown of how the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme compare in all categories:
| Feature | Igloo MaxCold | Coleman Xtreme |
| Ice Retention | 4-7 days | 3-5 days |
| Durability | Extremely rugged | Very sturdy |
| Ease of Use | Dual padlocks, tilt lid | Have-a-seat lid, drain plug |
| Extra Features | Side handles, tie-downs, rubber feet | Cup holders, tie-downs, drain plug |
| Size Options | 25 – 94 quarts | 28 – 120 quarts |
| Cost | $99 – $299 | $79 – $399 |
Key Differences Between Igloo MaxCold And Coleman Xtreme Coolers
- Ice Retention
The most important job of any cooler is keeping things cold.
All that insulation won’t mean much if your ice melts after just a day or two.
So how do the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme match up when it comes to retaining ice?
The MaxCold comes out ahead in the ice retention department.
It uses Igloo’s patented ultratherm insulation to keep the inside 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Users report the MaxCold has kept ice solid for 4-5 days and even up to a week with moderate usage.
The Coleman Xtreme isn’t too far behind thanks to its ThermOZONE insulation. It will typically keep ice for 3-4 days in hot conditions. Some owners get up to a week of ice retention, but not as consistently as the Igloo.
If regularly camping for multiple days or hitting the beach for a weekend, the extra insulation in the MaxCold gives it the advantage for extended trips. For shorter outings, the cheaper Coleman Xtreme still performs admirably.
- Durability
In addition to insulation, a cooler also needs to stand up to bumps and bangs while out on adventures. You don’t want a flimsy lid or weak hinges that fail after a season or two. How sturdy are the Igloo and Coleman options?
The Igloo MaxCold features an incredibly tough roto-molded polyethylene construction. It feels nearly indestructible and users praise how well it holds up to heavy use and abuse.
The lid and hinges are very rigid and the handles remain solidly attached even when loaded up with heavy contents.
Coleman’s Xtreme line is also rotomolded for enhanced strength. It feels solid during use, and reports of cracking or breaking, even after years of service, are rare. The lid and hinges aren’t quite as beefy as the MaxCold, but overall durability is still excellent.
When it comes to standing up to frequent adventures, the Igloo MaxCold’s construction seems just a bit more heavy-duty and rigid. But the Coleman Xtreme also performs very well in this category.
- Ease of Use
No one wants to fumble around to open and access their cooler or drinks.
Simple operation and convenient features are key.
The MaxCold and Xtreme each provide useful ergonomic elements.
The Igloo has large button padlocks on the front corners that allow easy opening access without lifting the entire lid.
This makes grabbing a drink or food on the go much simpler. The lid itself is hinged in the back for one-handed tilt opening.
The Coleman Xtreme also utilizes a back hinge for easy tilt opening. It has a bailed latch system for sealing the lid shut rather than padlocks. And inside Coleman offers have-a-seat lids that double as a seat cushion for convenience.
Both coolers excel when it comes to accessibility and ease of use. The MaxCold’s dual padlocks allow quicker access from different angles, while the Xtreme lets you double your seat allowance. It’s a toss up here.
- Extra Features
Beyond just keeping things cold and durable design, today’s coolers try to one up each other by packing in bonus features. What other useful elements do the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme provide?
The MaxCold comes equipped with sturdy side handles with a comfy grip, as well as molded tie-down points on the lid and base. There are also four non-slip rubberized feet on the bottom to avoid sliding and tipping.
Coleman offers similar convenient handles and molded tie-downs. But the Xtreme also has built-in cup holders on the lid to hold drinks, and a drain plug at the bottom for emptying water easily.
Once again, both coolers are evenly matched when it comes to useful extra features. The drain and cup holders on the Xtreme are a nice touch, while the MaxCold’s handles may be a bit more robust. Another toss up.
Also Read: Comparison of Yeti And Maluna Coolers.
- Size Options
Coolers come in a range of sizes from personal lunch bags up to huge 120+ quart models. The amount of storage you need depends on your typical group size and length of outings. Here are some of the size choices available for the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme:
- Igloo MaxCold – Comes in 25, 50, 70, and 94 quart sizes.
- Coleman Xtreme – Available in 28, 52, 62, 82, and 120 quart capacity.
Coleman offers larger cooler sizes overall, with their biggest 120 quart model holding a massive 160 cans. Igloo’s largest MaxCold unit is 94 quarts.
However, Igloo’s 25 quart personal lunch cooler is smaller than Coleman’s 28 quart option for quick solo trips. So Igloo takes the edge for compact portable sizes, while Coleman pulls ahead for giant capacity needs.
Cost Comparison
With great insulation and useful features, these coolers carry moderately high price tags. Let’s look at how the costs stack up between brands:
- Igloo MaxCold – Starts at $99 for 25 quarts and ranges up to $299 for the 94 quart.
- Coleman Xtreme – Priced from $79 for the 28 quart model up to $399 for the 120 quart behemoth.
Across the mid-range sizes like 50-70 quarts, the Igloo MaxCold runs $20-$50 more than the equivalent Xtreme model. You’re paying a bit extra for Igloo’s max insulation, but not a huge gap.
The only time the price difference becomes substantial is on those jumbo 120 quart Coleman units that Igloo can’t match in size. So if you need a mammoth cooler, the Xtreme becomes the cost-effective winner.
Which Is Better?
With so many close comparisons, choosing between the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme really depends on your specific needs:
- If you’ll be camping or tailgating for 5+ days straight, the MaxCold’s superior ice retention makes it the way to go.
- For giant capacity needs, like catering huge events, the Coleman Xtreme 120 quart model can’t be beat.
- For a small personal cooler, Igloo’s 25 quart lunch box is more compact than Coleman’s smallest size.
- On a tight budget, the Coleman options offer similar performance for a lower cost.
Also Read: Comparison of ORCA And Yeti Coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both Coleman and Igloo make high-performing coolers, but when comparing the Igloo MaxCold and Coleman Xtreme lines, the Igloo MaxCold has slightly better ice retention and durability thanks to its ultratherm insulation and rugged rotomolded construction. However, the Coleman Xtreme offers very solid performance for a lower price point, plus larger size options up to 120 quarts. For casual users, either brand will work very well.
For camping, you’ll want a cooler with excellent ice retention, 4+ days preferably, along with durable construction to withstand bumps on the trail. Based on those criteria, the best cooler brands for camping are Yeti, Pelican, Igloo MaxCold, RTIC, Engel, Coleman Xtreme, and Orca. Look for roto-molded coolers with 2-3 inches of foam insulation. The Igloo MaxCold strikes a great balance of long insulation, rugged build, and reasonable price.
The coolers that retain ice the longest are premium roto-molded models with 2-3 inches of foam insulation. Top performers for ice retention include the Yeti Tundra (keeps ice 7+ days), Pelican Elite (7 days), RTIC Pro (7 days), Orca Classic (7 days), and Igloo MaxCold (5-7 days). Higher-end models from these brands will outperform cheaper options when you need ice to last for a week in hot conditions.
There are a few cooler brands that stand out above the rest when it comes to both ice retention and durability:
Yeti – The Tundra series is renowned for keeping ice 7+ days and being nearly indestructible. They pioneered the tough roto-molded cooler trend.
Pelican – Their Elite series competes closely with Yeti in insulation and strength with a lifetime guarantee.
Orca – Known for their simple but effective latch system and integrated accessories like bottle openers.
Igloo MaxCold – Offers industry-leading insulation at a more affordable price point than the premium brands.
Any of Yeti, Pelican, Orca, or the Igloo MaxCold would have to be considered among the best coolers worldwide thanks to their superior performance. But expect to pay accordingly for them too.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Igloo MaxCold edges out the Coleman Xtreme when it comes to ice retention and rugged toughness. But the Xtreme line offers great value for the price, and enlarger sizes up to 120 quarts.
For most casual users, either cooler will perform excellently and keep food cold and drinks icy.
