Igloo Polar 120 Review

Our Igloo Polar 120 Experience

The Igloo Polar 120 certainly stood out for its sheer size in our testing and in comparison to competing coolers. It is big and it can hold a ton of stuff, making it a great choice for large gatherings.

The Igloo Polar 120 is an affordable solution for large gatherings where capacity is much more important than top-of-the-line insulation performance.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Igloo 120 is huge and shown here with 186 cans loaded in it. It is great for a large afternoon gathering, events with co-workers, or anytime when capacity is your top priority.   Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Front latch is easy enough to use, but it does not seal the cooler completely. It leaks easily when tilted or from sloshing water when moving it.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

One of the drawbacks of the Igloo 120 is that it leaks when tilted.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

We found the handle uncomfortable when carrying the Igloo 120 fully loaded. It gets very heavy when full.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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To compare it versus competing products, we dragged it across grass, loaded it in and out of vehicles, and filled it to the brim with ice to track its performance. During our controlled insulation tests, we filled the cooler halfway with ice and placed a temperature sensor inside. The Polar 120 managed to keep its contents below the food-safe threshold of 40°F for a respectable 4.6 days, and below 50°F for 5.0 days. While it won't outlast the premium rotomolded coolers on a week-long desert excursion, its insulation performance is more than adequate for a weekend trip or a massive tailgate.

Likes

We absolutely love the value and the interior space this cooler provides. In our lab measurements, the Polar 120 held a whopping 118 quarts of volume, giving it an astonishing volume-to-weight ratio of 6.6 quarts per pound. Because the cooler itself only weighs 18 pounds empty, you aren't forced to lug around a heavy chunk of plastic before you even add your ice and drinks.

In terms of insulation, the Igloo performed about average, making it best suited to relatively short-duration uses like a tailgate, an office gathering, or a large event. It is definitely not the cooler we'd pick for a multi-day camping trip.

We also appreciate some of the molded-in features, like the handy ruler on the lid for measuring your catch if you take it fishing, and the fact that the handles can serve as tie-down loops. Furthermore, its 13.3-inch internal height easily accommodates wine bottles and 2-liter sodas standing perfectly upright.

Dislikes

Where the Polar 120 struggles is in its durability and portability. It earned a meager 2.3 out of 10 in our durability testing. The blow-molded plastic feels flimsy compared to higher-end models, and the Ultratherm lid lacks a proper rubber gasket, meaning water leaks profusely if the cooler sloshes around or gets tipped on its side.

Because it holds so much, it becomes remarkably heavy when fully loaded. We found that the rigid, slippery plastic handles do not provide a comfortable grip for the amount of weight you have to lift. As one of our lead reviewers remarked during our portability tests, “I loved how much ice and food I could fit inside, but my hands were aching from the hard plastic handles by the time we got it to the picnic site.”

Should You Buy the Igloo Polar 120?

If you are on a tight budget and your primary concern is finding the largest possible cooler to hold drinks for a crowd, the Igloo Polar 120 is a fantastic buy. It is an excellent, stationary cooler for a backyard barbecue, an office party, or a day at the park. However, if you are tough on your gear, frequently travel over rough terrain, or need a leakproof seal to keep your car trunk dry, we suggest investing your money elsewhere.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

If you want to stick to a budget but want something a bit easier to carry, we highly recommend the Igloo Marine Ultra 70. It still offers a large capacity (76 quarts) but is even lighter at just 13.6 pounds and features vastly superior swing-away handles with textured grips.