By Mike Szostech Last updated
Yeti was the first cooler to make the roto-molded, long-term ice-retention cooler a ‘thing’. While Engel claims it was the original high-performance cooler, what no one can argue is that Yeti made those coolers mainstream outside of deep sea fisherman and Antarctic scientists.
Since then, many knock-offs, copy-cat, and imitation coolers have been produced. Many of these are great options for a cooler like Yeti, without the price like Yeti. Some may want to stick with Yeti out of brand commitment or to reward them for being first to market, but others are simply looking for a high-performance roto-molded cooler in Canada without having to take out a mortgage.
With the increase in competition, the prices have also gone down on the no-name rotomolded coolers and now you can get some decent coolers for under $300.
Not set on a roto-molded cooler or not willing to spend hundreds of dollars? Here’s our round up of the best cooler overall, with some options under $200 that will do all you need for less-than-3-day trips.
What is a roto-molded cooler like Yeti?
A rotomolded cooler is made with a manufacturing process known as rotational molding. It is a method that involves putting plastic beads in a hollow metal mold. That mold is then rotated while heated, The heat melts the plastic beads, and the rotation allows the melted plastic to be evenly distributed around the mold.
Roto-molded coolers have consistent wall thickness, have strong thick corners, and since they are a single piece, there are no cracks or tiny spaces for bacteria to hide.
Roto-molded Coolers in Canada
Here are all of the roto-molded coolers available online and in-store, including some brand specific offerings like the Cabela’s cooler and the Woods cooler from Canadian Tire, and some designed in Canada cooler small Canadian business offerings as well.
Yeti Tundra Cooler
This is the cooler that started it all, and that every other roto-molded cooler is measured against. If you buy a Yeti cooler, you can be sure you are getting a tried and true design that will help you keep your cool.
The main complaint people have about Yeti coolers is the cost, and this model can be close to $500 Canadian. The quality of the coolers and the after-purchase support and warranty process are top notch.
The YETI® helps keep your catches fresh in the field and your drinks and food cold for your backyard barbecue. There's plenty of room, even with the extra-thick FatWall design and Permafrost insulation - both trademarks of Yeti.
This cooler comes with a dry-goods basket and a 5 year warranty.
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Yeti Tundra Cooler review details:
Another Great Deal - AmazonCommercial
Many of the reviews compare it to the Yeti, saying it's just as good as their Yeti coolers.
There are a few complaints in the reviews, about coolers being damaged during delivery or missing a drain plug, but overall for the price this seems like a good options for a budget rotomolded cooler in Canada.
There is no mention of warranty, but we do like the clasp-style latches rather than rubber-stretch latches on a cooler like Yeti and many of the best coolers use.
Highly durable roto-molding manufacturing process outperforms traditional coolers. 3 inch thick, commercial-grade insulation and all-around UV protective shell is food-grade safe and dry ice compatible. This cooler has molded tie-down slats and a lock-in-place ergonomic steel handles for easy, secure transport.
Get the best price AmazonCommercial Rotomolded Cooler in Canada from:
Another Great Deal - AmazonCommercial review details:
Cheap Rotomolded Cooler - Giantex Heavy Duty Cooler
At $300, this rotomolded cooler is near the bottom of the pack for prices, but still has great keep-cool specs. The lid has nice deep cupholders, but they look like good places for dirt and grime to get trapped.
Totally 64 quart (60 liters) internal volume for storing items
2.2" polyurethane insulation in body for maximum cold retention; Heavy-duty virtually indestructible rotational moulding construction ensures long lasting use.
Freezer-quality gasket runs the length of the lid to block heat and lock cold
Reinforced locking latches for added security, leak-proof drain plug and non-slip feet
Waterproof and portable
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Cheap Rotomolded Cooler - Giantex Heavy Duty Cooler review details:
Cheapest Rotomolded Cooler
If you're looking for the cheapest rotomolded cooler, this is it. It's a no-name brand (directly from China we assume because of the poorly written product description) and it's available on the Walmart online marketplace.
It's 55 liters and is only $225. That makes it $175 less than the Yeti Tundra, and it's the cheapest roto molded cooler we've come across.
It isn't bear rated, it doesn't come with a dry-goods basket, and we aren't sure what sort of warranty coverage there is, but it is the cheapest by far! It's even $135 less than Amazon's brand.
Get the best price TopBuy (noname) Rotomolded from Walmart's Marketplace in Canada from:
Cheapest Rotomolded Cooler review details:
Canadian Company: Whiterock Cooler like Yeti
Our most popular EXR55 get’s you out and on the road quick, with the toughness and massive storage to keep it all chilled and safe. The deep design provides multiple options for packing with up to 8-day ice retention.
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Canadian Company: Whiterock Cooler like Yeti review details:
Canadian Company: Woods Arctic White Roto-Molded Cooler
Built to keep cold things cold, the Arctic Cooler is a must have for your base camp, cabin, or backyard BBQ. Its durable roto-moulded construction means it will stand the test of time and also save you from making multiple trips to the store for ice. Enough space to hold food and drinks for the whole crew and built-in handles and carry ropes for wherever your adventures take you.
Get the best price Woods Arctic White Roto-Molded Cooler in Canada from:
Canadian Company: Woods Arctic White Roto-Molded Cooler review details:
Canadian Company: Emei Icebox Cooler like Yeti
- Seamless food-grade CFC free construction with thick polyurethane insulation
- Anti-slide rubber feet, Internal wire basket for small item storage, Metal bottle opener corners
- Leak-proof screw drain plug, cup holders and fish measurements on lid
- Designed in Canada backed by our Lifetime Warranty
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Canadian Company: Emei Icebox Cooler like Yeti review details:
Profrost Roto-Molded Cooler
ProFrost Precision Roto-Molded Cooler - White is designed for durability and has awesome thermal properties, comparable to market leaders. Freezer-grade sealing gasket locks in the cold and saves your ice for the long haul. Constructed of UV protected food grade materials that are dry ice compatible.
Profrost Roto-Molded Cooler review details:
Coastland Delta Cooler
Engel, the original high-performance cooler, is roto-molded for toughness and durability. Engel invented the rotationally-molded cooler and has been around long before any of the competition. Rated the No.1 Cooler in independent testing, you can count on your Engel when keeping things cold is Adventure Critical. Filled with a full 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation in the lid, on the sides, and on the bottom, helps to retain cold and keep ice for up to 10 days. The all silicon gasket is durable, will never lose it's shape and creates an airtight seal.
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Coastland Delta Cooler review details:
Engel USA DeepBlue Cooler
Engel, the original high-performance cooler, is roto-molded for toughness and durability. Engel invented the rotationally-molded cooler and has been around long before any of the competition. Rated the No.1 Cooler in independent testing, you can count on your Engel when keeping things cold is Adventure Critical. Filled with a full 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation in the lid, on the sides, and on the bottom, helps to retain cold and keep ice for up to 10 days. The all silicon gasket is durable, will never lose it's shape and creates an airtight seal.
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Engel USA DeepBlue Cooler review details:
Cascade Mountain Tech Cooler
Founded in the PNW by outdoor enthusiasts, the Cascade Mountain Tech 45 Quart Super Cooler has a freezer-quality lid gasket and up to 3 inches of foam insulated walls to keep ice for longer than your average cooler! With its ultra-tough rotomolded construction, our super cooler can withstand whatever you throw at it.
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Cascade Mountain Tech Cooler review details:
Pelican Elite Cooler like Yeti
Pelican Elite coolers are true next-generation innovations, created to last a lifetime. From the latches to the freezer-grade seal to the toughest handles in the business, every part is engineered to our extreme durability and performance standards. Which is why we feel confident in providing you with a lifetime guarantee. Not three years. Not five years. A lifetime.
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Pelican Elite Cooler like Yeti review details:
Pure Outdoor Emperor Cooler
From cracked corners to caved-in lids, ordinary coolers can't handle a life of adventure. The Pure Outdoor Emperor Coolers are anything but ordinary and are built to take the abuse that comes with the way you play.
I would love to have a cooler like the Yeti!