Yeti Roadie 48 Review

Yeti is industry-renowned for its coolers, and the Yeti Roadie 48 is a great example of why that is. This 45-quart capacity cooler is one of the two tallest on our list at 15.8 inches high, which means that it fits a ton of food and beverages. And it does an outstanding job of keeping them cool.

Insulation

After testing several high-end models, we were impressed by this Yeti's ability to keep our food and beverages cool. Our food lasted 6.8 days at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and our cold beverages stayed cold for 7.5 days at 50 degrees (which we set according to the USDA Safe Food Temperature). This was far longer than any other cooler we tested.

While most of the others were filled with water that felt warm, this cooler's water still felt quite cool by the end of the week. You could take this cooler on longer trips and expect the food and drinks inside to last without refilling the ice. The strong insulation rating makes this cooler ideal for multi-day camping trips when you need it to store perishables for camp meals.

Moving and Lifting

We didn't name the Yeti Roadie 48 our best-wheeled cooler for nothing. It is promising in regards to portability. First of all, the smaller size (20.1 inches by 19.8 inches by 20.8 inches) and lighter weight (26.6 pounds) make it much easier to roll around than some other Yeti coolers. We found that the wheels move reliably and keep the cooler stable.

And, better yet, we were able to stack other items on top of the cooler. It would have scored perfectly in this category if the built-in handles on the body felt as ergonomic as the extendable handle. Regardless, the built-in handles mean that you can lift the unit if you don't feel like wheeling it around. Just be aware that this cooler did trickle water when we laid it onto the ground, so holding it at a slight angle helps.

Packable Space

The Roadie has a moderate capacity (45.4 quarts) and can hold enough food or drinks to last a weekend of camping or feed a large family for a an outing at the park. It's deeper, rather than wide, and has a square, tower-like build, so it's great for holding upright wine bottles and frozen food boxes.

Ease of Use

The Yeti Roadie 48 is user-friendly, though not perfect. Most notably, it boasts a retractable periscope handle on the cooler's backside, making it super easy to roll around (much like a rolling suitcase). The only downside to the handle is that it only locks into position after it's been fully extended; there are no shorter height options for shorter users. However, there are also two small handles on the sides of the cooler's body that are molded onto the plastic; you can use them to lift the cooler instead if preferred. The square shape, however, makes it a little bit harder to carry than some rectangular alternatives.

It's also worth noting that the lid flips open and stays open on its own. Two “smart design” latches allow you to open this cooler with one hand, so it's super easy to get in and out of. Plus, it has a “cold lock” gasket, and the top exterior portion of the lid is made of nonslip material that feels grippy so you can safely rest your drinks on top (or use it as a stepping stool as we did).

When it comes to draining the Yeti, it's worth acknowledging that it only has one drain—and the drain plug doesn't have a leash, so you have to take care not to lose it. The drain plug may also be tough to unscrew for some people. The half-oval-shaped drain canal is semi-deep and pulls water in, so it drains quite well on its own, but it still requires some effort.

Should You Buy the Yeti Roadie 48?

We highly recommend the Yeti Roadie 48 for anyone who finds themselves in need of a cooler that keeps items fresh for long periods without having to refill the ice. This cooler also offers a lot of versatility with various features that you can tack on as needed. You don't need to purchase everything at once, but if you one day decide you're super into fishing, you can go out and grab the fishing rod holster. Until then, you can stick with the umbrella stand for your beach days.

If you're in a position to invest in a quality cooler, this one should last you a long time. We consider it to be a smart investment because of the aforementioned feature add-ons, combined with its durability, portability, and, most notably, cooling capabilities.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

If you're not in the market for a cooler at this price point, there are tons of other options for you that are a fraction of the price. If you're seeking another wheeled option, we found the Coleman Xtreme 50 qt to be outstanding in terms of portability. While this cooler didn't come close to the Yeti's scores in the other metrics, it's a far less expensive alternative when you need one to roll around here and there. Another budget-friendly option is the Igloo Polar 120; however, it doesn't compare in terms of cooling capabilities or durability. If these options aren't doing it for you, check out our review of the top-rated coolers for a more detailed analysis of options at all price points.