3 Things to Know About Coolers With Rubber Gaskets

Rubber gaskets significantly improve ice retention Coolers without a rubber gasket rely on a plastic-on-plastic seal that lets warm air seep in and cold air leak out. A rubber gasket squishes tight, creating an actual barrier that keeps ice an extra day or two in side-by-side tests.

You pay more for the gasket on higher-end rotomolded coolers Brands like Yeti and RTIC include rubber gaskets on their premium models. If you’re camping, fishing, or leaving the cooler in the sun, the extra cost is worth it.

Gaskets help less when you open the cooler constantly For a beach picnic or tailgate where you’re opening it repeatedly, the gasket’s benefit is reduced because you let cold out every time. Save your money for an afternoon of drinks, but buy the gasket if you want ice to last.