Engel vs YETI
Engel Coolers vs YETI – Winner?
Do you own a cooler? You must have reaped some or most of its benefits if so, and you could by now be well conversant with the available models out there. A cooler is quite a handy unit to own, considering its capabilities, size and ease of use.
Engel and YETI are two of the most common or renowned cooler brands in the market today. It is not only their top performance that has made them so, but also durability, and even design. Speaking of those factors, both the Yeti and Engel have varied features and come in varied prices.
Why do you need this comparison?
Whether or not you can afford either or both, it’s a good idea to look at some of the distinguishing factors and the points in which one trumps the other. This information is good for any cooler shopper; we’ll also look at a few things that you should keep in mind during your next shopping.
Below are three different comparisons of products by Engel and YETI. Each product has something to offer before there can be a comparison. Why don’t we have a look at them?
ENG80 VS TUNDRA 75
- Engel
Coming with an 80-quarts storage, the ENG80 is quite spacious, a good deal for its price. It can take well up to 60 beers, inclusive of the ice they’ll need. Its insulated compartment delivers effective cooling of between 7 and 10 days, with enough ice.
Its high-quality hinges come handy when opening the cooler; they’ll keep the lid upright. This means you can easily access the contents of the cooler with both hands. If you are a mariner, then you may appreciate this unit’s four tie-down points; you can tie the cooler down on them.
- YETI
Compared to other products of its line, you may find the Tundra 75 to be medium-sized. Compared to other coolers, however, this cooler’s unit is large enough to take up to 50 cans, inclusive of enough ice. Its walls have thick insulation to keep air from leaving the compartment.
A good design always wins some points, and this YETI’s design is something to go for. It also comes in a sturdy build, and should you need to improvise a chair, then this cooler can serve you well, with enough support to your weight.
Its T-shaped latches help close the cooler after use, and its molded-padlock holes provide extra security. You can expect this cooler to serve you optimally for 10 days straight
- Comparison
Cooling. The two coolers should serve you for at least 10 days. Factors that may affect this are the level of ice, exposure to the sun, temperature consistency, and among more, how frequently you open it.
Storage capacity. The Engel, in this case, comes with a 75-quarts storage, and the YETI comes with a 72-quarts storage. You should find this minimal difference to be insignificant.
Security. You will come to know the YETI more for its quality latches. They could be improved, as some people have felt, but they’re nonetheless secure. The Engel, however, has weaker latches. A customer reported finding a latch broken after only a couple uses.
- Bottom Line
While both products seem to have what it all, the YETI Tundra 75 takes the day!
HD30 VS HOPPER TWO
- Engel
A compact design isn’t a bad thing; but don’t get the wrong idea about the HD30. It is a personal cooler large enough to hold up to 24 cans, with ice of up to 10lbs. Now, the compact design becomes beneficial in portability. You can even use it in the beach, thanks to its favorable shape and size.
This cooler keeps warm air out of the cooling compartment, with the help of a heavy-duty zipper. Its vacuum valve boosts the cooler’s performance by eliminating any excess air from the inner insulation.
Carrying this unit is perhaps the most interesting part; it has side and top handles and an additional padded shoulder strap. So, you’re free to try whichever feels most comfortable or suitable. Well-packed with ice, you should expect this Engel model to serve you for four days, or slightly more.
- YETI
You may love this versatile model by YETI. It can suit you well as a golfing cooler, and the Hopper TWO can as well be used as a lunch cooler, which you can take to work. Its cooling capacity is at three days plus. You should, however, pack 2 lbs. of ice per perishable pound for desirable results.
You may find this unit quite comfortable, with easy accessibility from the improved design. Its zipper also has a slightly large opening. It has a storage capacity generous enough for 24 cans, inclusive of ice. It has a waterproof exterior, which you may find pleasant to touch, and carry around.
- Comparison
Storage. The Engel and YETI, in this case, both offer the same storage capacity of 24 cans, inclusive of 10 pounds of ice, enough to take them through three to four days. Both models, however, do not offer dry storage. This means your gadgets and accessories will need something extra.
Cooling. The YETI is good for at least three days, while the Engel will serve you for at least four, or even slightly more. This distinction is brough about by the Engel’s vacuum valve, which you’ll find to be better-performing, as compared to the YETI. Expect, therefore, an extra day or two with the Engel.
Accessibility. In this case, the Engel seems to have invested more on performance, and the YETI, comfort. Thanks to the YETI’s design and zipper, therefore, it provides a large enough opening, making it pretty easy to access the cooler’s contents.
- Bottom Line
To make a better choice, begin with why you’d want a cooler. Does effectiveness mean more than comfort to you or would you rather feel okay first before you can discuss an extra day. Considering the purpose of a cooler, the HD30 would take the day because it effectively offers what’s primary to its purpose.
13 QUART VS HOPPER FLIP 12
- Engel
Here is a simple but effective model by Engel, able to hold well up to 12 cans, or one to two meals along with some drinks. Its design makes it possible to use the cooler as a live bait storage unit. What’s more is that it comes in an amazing construction. Its insulation compartment has a secure-fit lid and its sealable latches click well.
A plastic tray helps separate a few accessories and belongings from the ice. Since it’s a small unit, it should serve you optimally for at least a day. Only upon addition of ice can it extend to longer than a day.
- YETI
This YETI model is a popular one, and like the above Engel, comes with a carrying capacity of 12 cans. Unlike the former, however, its construction is soft-sided, and best for urban environments. You will, however, love its comfortable shoulder strap, which comes padded. It eases carriage of the cooler.
Considering its small size, you’ll find this unit to be quite effective. It should keep your food and drinks cool and fresh for well up to two days, heeding the manufacturer’s instructions. This YETI has a leak-proof interior lining; you may find it pretty easy to clean, besides the ease in using it!
- Comparison
Storage. The YETI and Engel, in this case, both offer a 12-can capacity storage, inclusive of enough ice. The Engel has an added dry storage tray, while the YETI has on its front attachments that are MOLLE-compatible.
Cooling capacity. There’s a clear difference between the two coolers in this case. Considering they are small coolers, it’s quite okay for the Engel to go for a day; the YETI’s two-days cooling, however, is quite impressive! In this case, therefore, the YETI takes the day.
Portability. They are both small units, so, carrying them should be quite easy. You may, however, find the YETI to be quite comfortable due to its padded shoulder strap and multiple handles.
- Bottom Line
You must have noticed the YETI name more times than the Engel in the above comparison. Considering all factors, the Hopper Flip takes the day.
Having compared the two brands, why don’t we look at some of the points on which each is strong or weak?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Engel Coolers
- Strengths
Price. You’ll find Engel to be more affordable, without compromising on specially the critical features like storage and cooling. They are also easier to use for other purposes like storing game meat or fish.
Construction. The Engel are superior in construction, and can withstand much harsh treatment. Considering their sizes, they are quite sturdy and the larger they get, the better! Large models can support your weight.
Design. You probably would appreciate a well-designed cooler. They not only make things easier, but are appealing. Engel may not look like most coolers; they’re focused on delivery without complicated features.
Valve. Engel coolers have a plus on their effectiveness with a vacuum valve. You may find it helpful in eliminating air in the interior lining.
- Weaknesses
Weight. A good cooler should be light enough to move around with. The Engel are sturdy, but not as easy, considering their weight.
Latches. The Engel may be durable, but they fail with their latches. You may experience a few challenges with them like breakdowns or noise. A few users have also aired disappointments with the Engel latches.
Top handle. The top handle has been made sturdy enough, and you should expect it to do exactly what it was meant for—carry the cooler. However, you may not find it to be as comfortable to hold and carry especially when full, since it doesn’t have grooves, which would in this case boost portability.
YETI Coolers
- Strengths
Cooling capacity. The YETI coolers offer good cooling, with unbeatable durations. They have been designed to deliver the best cooling, and you should, therefore, be able to use them for longer than most coolers.
Latches. YETI offers pretty secure latches, which is what you’d want from such a cooler. Some have felt that they could be improved, but even then, you may still find them to be great. If you get to using YETI rotomolded coolers, you’ll find them easy to secure with a padlock.
Portability. YETI coolers can be hard or soft-sided. Nonetheless, they’re all quite comfortable to carry. Their shoulder straps are padded, and handles comfortable. Other models can even be tied down. The YETI rotomolded coolers, however, don’t have the best nylon rope handles.
- Weaknesses
Price. The YETI coolers are common models for their effectiveness, but you may find their prices to be quite high.
Dry pockets. Dry pockets are handy in keeping your belonging or accessories away from reach of the ice or water. The YETI, sadly, doesn’t offer these pockets.
The YETI has something to offer, just as much as Engel does. Whatever you’ll choose is upon you; there are things, however, that you can do to make sure you’re satisfied with your choice—understand what each offers, follow your heart’s desires, and always work with what you can afford!
Conclusion
A cooler’s usefulness is not debatable, and a good cooler should serve you well for long. There is plenty to learn about each cooler model, but I hope what you have about Engel and the YETI coolers has been adequate in helping you land on a unit you’ll be satisfied with.
But what is the bottom line here, really? Which of the two is the it-thing, and carries the day? The Engel has managed to fit most important features into affordable prices. The YETI, on the other hand, offers superior features at higher prices. Weigh your requirements against what you can manage.
What are your preferences? They can help in eliminating anything that won’t work for you. All in all, you should be able to walk away happy with either cooler brands, because they all have something good to offer. Just remember to always work with what you can manage. From there, what you like, and need, can follow.