Igloo Marine 25 Qt vs Igloo Marine Ultra 30 Qt
Quick verdict
Winner: Igloo Marine 25 Qt
- Igloo Marine 25 Qt: Drinks and snacks for one or two people on a day outing or boat.
- Igloo Marine Ultra 30 Qt: A tall day-trip or boat cooler for one or two people.
Affiliate links: we earn a commission on Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you.
Igloo Marine Ultra 30-Quart Cooler
amazon.com price: ~$70(last checked May 10)
Igloo Marine 25 Qt review
Best for: Drinks and snacks for one or two people on a day outing or boat
A light 25 qt chest for day trips; Igloo states no ice-retention figure and it has no drain plug, so it is not a weekend food cooler.
Igloo's Marine 25 is a 25 qt hard cooler that holds 36 cans and weighs 5.8 lb. It has THERMECOOL foam, a Cool Riser base, swing-up handles, tie-down points, UV inhibitors and a fish ruler molded into the lid. Igloo gives no ice-retention figure, and its page names foam in the body only (the amazon.ca listing says body and lid). Amazon buyers note it has no drain plug.
Good
- Light at 5.8 lb empty, with room for 36 cans
- Tie-down points and UV inhibitors suit truck beds and boats
- Cool Riser base lifts the body off hot surfaces
Watch for
- No drain plug: tip it to pour out meltwater
- Igloo publishes no ice-retention figure for this model
Specs from Igloo Marine 25 Qt product page and Amazon.com listing, checked Oct 26. We compare published specs and design; we have not tested it ourselves.
Check price on AmazonIgloo Marine Ultra 30 Qt review
Best for: A tall day-trip or boat cooler for one or two people
A light 30 qt chest for day trips and short overnights; Amazon's listing is the older Ultratherm model, and it has no drain plug.
Amazon sells the older Marine Ultra 30, with Ultratherm foam in the body and lid, Pebax hinges, UV inhibitors and a Cool Riser base; Amazon notes a newer version exists. The listing claims ice for up to 3 days at 90°F and a 7.1 lb weight. Igloo's current Marine Ultra 30 (item 00050557) uses THERMECOOL foam, holds 41 cans, weighs 6.4 lb and states no day figure.
Good
- Listing claims up to 3 days of ice at 90°F, with foam in both body and lid
- 7.1 lb empty, with UV inhibitors and a stain- and odor-resistant liner
- Cool Riser base lifts the body off hot decks and pavement
Watch for
- No drain plug: you tip the cooler to pour out meltwater
- Older version: Igloo's current specs (THERMECOOL, 6.4 lb) may not match what ships
Specs from Amazon.com listing and Igloo's current Marine Ultra 30 page, checked Oct 26. We compare published specs and design; we have not tested it ourselves.
Check price on AmazonSide-by-side
| Spec | Igloo Marine 25-Quart Cooler | Igloo Marine Ultra 30-Quart Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Price (typical) | $32 | $70 (last checked May 10) |
| Capacity (qt) | 25 | 30 |
| Maker's ice claim | not listed | 3 days (at 90°F) |
| Holds | 36 cans | not listed |
| Weight (empty) | 5.8 lb | 7.1 lb |
| Wheels | no | no |
| Drain plug | no | no |
| Handles | swing-up handles, tie-down points | non-slip comfort-grip handles |
| Lid | molded fish ruler; no foam listed in the lid | hinged (Pebax hinges), insulated |
| Build | hard-sided, THERMECOOL foam | hard-sided, Ultratherm foam in body and lid |
| Outside size | 20.56 x 10.46 x 13.06 in | 18.42 x 16.81 x 13.25 in |
Green marks the better figure where more (or less) is plainly better. Weights and ice claims are the makers’ own figures.
Common questions
Which one should I buy?
The Igloo Marine 25 Qt leads on price. Check current listings before choosing. Igloo Marine 25 Qt: A light 25 qt chest for day trips; Igloo states no ice-retention figure and it has no drain plug, so it is not a weekend food cooler. Igloo Marine Ultra 30 Qt: A light 30 qt chest for day trips and short overnights; Amazon's listing is the older Ultratherm model, and it has no drain plug.
Where do these specs come from?
From each maker’s product page and retailer spec sheets, linked under each review. We compare published specs and design; we have not tested these products. Check the listing for the exact version you are buying.
Where do these prices come from?
These are recorded Amazon prices. Check the listings for current price and availability.
More cooler comparisons
Get a full kit, not just one item
The right cooler for your trip, plus the sleep system, lighting, stove and chairs around it.
Build my kit