As a picky shopper and longtime retail expert, I‘ve helped countless people find the perfect gear to keep their food and drinks cold. Whether you‘re headed out on a camping trip, throwing a backyard BBQ, or packing lunches for work and school, a quality cooler and insulated tumbler are must-haves.
Many folks immediately think of trendy Yeti products for maximum ice retention and durability. But did you know that Home Depot does not sell Yeti coolers, tumblers, or any other Yeti gear? I dug into the details and have the scoop on why Home Depot and Yeti parted ways, along with plenty of alternative product recommendations.
The History of Home Depot and Yeti
Back in 2017, Home Depot found itself in hot water with Yeti. The retailer was selling a line of Takeya coolers and drinkware that looked strikingly similar to Yeti‘s products. Specifically, the 30-ounce and 20-ounce Takeya tumblers were nearly identical to Yeti‘s popular Rambler tumblers in shape, size, and even color options.
Yeti filed a lawsuit against Home Depot and Takeya alleging patent infringement. In the end, Yeti won the case, forcing Home Depot to pull the products in question from shelves and pay an undisclosed settlement fee. (Check out coverage of the suit from Austin Business Journal and Forbes.)
Since then, Home Depot has not stocked any Yeti products whatsoever. While the companies haven‘t shared specifics on why they cut ties, it stands to reason that the legal drama soured the relationship. However, just because you can‘t get Yeti-branded gear at Home Depot doesn‘t mean you‘re out of luck in finding a fantastic cooler or tumbler at a great price point.
Home Depot‘s Extensive Cooler Selection
Coolers are a huge business in the U.S., with the market valued at over $735 million in 2021. Industry analysts predict the cooler market will continue to grow at a 6.9% annual rate through 2028. Retailers like Home Depot are wise to stock a wide variety of cooler types and brands to meet high consumer demand.
And stock them they do! Home Depot sells over 115 unique coolers from a dozen top brands like Rubbermaid, Orca, Trinity, and Igloo. You‘ll find cooler types and sizes to suit every need:
| Cooler Category | Capacity Range | Starting Price | Most Popular Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-sided | 16 to 310 quarts | $18.99 | 65-70 quarts |
| Soft-sided | 12 to 64 cans | $19.99 | 24-30 cans |
| Wheeled | 38 to 100 quarts | $37.99 | 50-60 quarts |
| Electric | 18 to 58 quarts | $199.99 | 45-55 quarts |
Of course, not every Home Depot store stocks this entire cooler inventory. Some of the larger rolling coolers and specialty items are only sold online. Your best bet for seeing a wide variety in person is to visit a Home Depot superstore location. (Find one near you using their Store Finder.)
Alternatively, you can shop the full assortment at HomeDepot.com and filter by type, size, brand, price, and average customer rating. Online cooler listings also include helpful specs on interior dimensions and estimated ice retention to help you compare models.
Picking the Best Cooler for Your Budget
I know that Yeti makes great coolers and they‘ve built a dedicated fan base over the past 15 years. But the "best" cooler is the one that fits your specific needs and budget. Many brands sold at Home Depot offer very similar (or even better) ice retention and durability as Yeti at lower price points.
To give you a head-to-head comparison, let‘s look at three popular 45-quart coolers:
| Yeti Tundra 45 | Coleman 50-Quart Xtreme 5 | Orca 40-Quart Classic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $325 | $61.99 at Home Depot | $339.99 |
| Outside Dimensions | 25.75" L x 16.125" W x 15.375" H | 23.25" L x 17.75" W x 17.25" H | 25.75" L x 18.0" W x 17.375" H |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 12.1 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Ice Retention (up to) | 3 days | 5 days | 10 days |
| Capacity | 28 cans | 84 cans | 48 cans |
| Material | Rotomolded polyethylene | Polyurethane insulation | Rotomolded polyethylene |
| Extras | Dry goods basket, divider | Built-in cup holders, leak-resistant drain | Extendable flex-grip handles |
As you can see, the Coleman cooler beats out the Yeti in ice retention and capacity while coming in at less than 20% of the price. It may lack the "cool factor" of the Yeti brand name, but it‘s a workhorse that will get the job done.
The Orca is very similar to the Yeti in build and performance with a slightly higher price tag. If you‘re looking for maximum ice retention, it‘s worth considering.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Coolers
If you have your heart set on a Yeti or just want to explore all your brand options, definitely shop around beyond Home Depot. Check sporting goods stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors, Dick‘s Sporting Goods, REI, and Bass Pro Shops. You can also find Yeti products at Ace Hardware, Lowe‘s, and some grocery stores including Wegmans and Albertsons.
For the absolute best deals, I recommend buying a cooler during the off-season (September through early spring). Retailers often discount older cooler models when new ones come out, and you can easily score 20-30% off regular prices.
Father‘s Day and graduation season also tend to bring solid cooler deals and bundle promotions from many retailers. (A cooler plus a tumbler or two can make a fantastic gift.) It‘s well worth checking Home Depot‘s Special Buy of the Day section for limited-time offers.
Cooler Accessories and Add-Ons
Once you‘ve chosen the perfect cooler, don‘t forget the extras that make it even more functional. Pick up a few freezer packs to supplement your ice and keep contents colder longer. Cooler dividers and dry storage baskets are also handy for separating foods and containing meltwater.
If your cooler will get a lot of use, consider springing for a spare drain plug and extra tie-down straps or latches. You may also want a lock to deter bears or hungry humans. Most hard coolers come with a spot to add a padlock.
Cooler accessories can make great add-on gifts for Father‘s Day, graduations, and other summer occasions. Fill a new cooler with canned drinks, BBQ tools, disposable tableware, ingredients for s‘mores and more.
The Bottom Line on Home Depot Coolers and Tumblers
While it‘s a bummer that Home Depot doesn‘t stock the coveted Yeti brand, you can absolutely still find a top-quality cooler or tumbler there at a great value. By prioritizing your must-have features and comparing key specs, you‘re well on your way to choosing a product that will keep your food and drinks icy cold.
As a savvy shopper, I always recommend thoroughly exploring your options, reading customer reviews, and watching for sales before clicking "Add to Cart." Whether you ultimately go with a classic Coleman cooler, a sleek new Orca, or another brand sold at Home Depot, you‘ll be ready to beat the heat all summer long.