First Impressions of Igloo Little Playmate Elite
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite is an iconic cooler, instantly recognizable and seemingly ubiquitous at picnics, construction sites, and sporting events. Igloo has been a household name in coolers for generations, and the Little Playmate is arguably their most famous design. Its top-button opening mechanism and swing-top lid are features that set it apart from traditional coolers.
I was looking for a compact, durable, and easily portable cooler for my daily lunch and occasional day trips. My old soft-sided cooler wasn’t cutting it anymore; it lacked the rigidity to protect my lunch from getting squashed and its insulation had seen better days. I needed something more robust and reliable.
Upon unboxing, the Igloo Little Playmate Elite felt sturdy and well-made, especially considering its size and price point. The plastic shell felt thick enough to withstand some abuse, and the button-latch mechanism seemed solid. The color, a basic blue, was unassuming and practical.
I considered the Coleman 9-Quart Excursion Cooler and the Rubbermaid LunchBlox Small Cooler. Ultimately, the Igloo Little Playmate Elite won out because of its classic design, proven durability, and the convenience of the single-handed operation. The Coleman felt a bit too bulky, while the Rubbermaid seemed geared more toward individual lunches rather than accommodating drinks as well.
My first impression was a pleasant surprise. The Igloo Little Playmate Elite seemed like a reliable and well-built cooler, ready to tackle my daily needs. I was excited to see how it performed in real-world situations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Igloo Little Playmate Elite to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Igloo Little Playmate Elite on a day trip to the local fishing spot. I packed it with my lunch, a couple of water bottles, and some ice packs. The cooler sat in the back of my truck, exposed to the midday sun for several hours.
Even after hours in the sun, the contents of the cooler remained noticeably cooler than the ambient temperature. The single-handed operation was convenient when my hands were full of fishing gear. There were no issues or surprises after the first use, just consistent performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Igloo Little Playmate Elite almost daily, it has proven to be a reliable companion. It’s been on numerous hikes, camping trips, and even a few range days to keep drinks cold. The cooler has held up remarkably well.
There are a few minor scuffs on the exterior, but overall, the cooler looks and functions as new. Cleaning is a breeze – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes. It has outperformed my previous soft-sided coolers in terms of both insulation and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Igloo Little Playmate Elite
Specifications
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite is manufactured by Igloo. It comes in a blue color.
It features a hard shell construction, adding to its durability. It weighs a mere 2.35 lbs.
Its dimensions are as follows: Height: 11.6 inches, Width: 7.9 inches, and Length: 11 inches. It provides a volume of 7 quarts.
This cooler can hold nine 12-ounce cans with ice. The Ultratherm insulation keeps food fresh and drinks ice cold.
These specifications are important because they dictate the cooler’s portability, capacity, and insulation capabilities. The lightweight design ensures easy transport, while the 7-quart volume is sufficient for personal use or small group outings. The Ultratherm insulation is crucial for maintaining cool temperatures over extended periods.
Performance & Functionality
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite excels at keeping contents cold for a reasonable amount of time, especially when used with ice packs. The top-button opening mechanism is simple and reliable, allowing for easy access with one hand. It’s a reliable performer that consistently meets expectations.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and durability. One area for potential improvement would be the addition of a rubber gasket to enhance the seal and further improve insulation. It meets my expectations as a reliable everyday cooler.
Design & Ergonomics
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite boasts a classic, functional design. The hard plastic shell provides excellent protection for the contents, and the swing-top lid is both secure and easy to operate. Its weight is manageable, and the integrated handle makes it comfortable to carry.
The design is user-friendly, with no real learning curve. The ergonomic handle enhances portability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite is built to last. The thick plastic construction can withstand bumps and scrapes, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Maintenance is minimal, usually involving a simple wipe-down after use.
With proper care, this cooler should last for years. The easy-to-clean design simplifies maintenance and helps prolong its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite doesn’t come with many accessories. Its simplicity is part of its appeal.
There aren’t readily available customization options beyond adding stickers or personalizing the color (if alternative colors are chosen). However, its compatibility with standard ice packs makes it easy to optimize its cooling performance.
Pros and Cons of Igloo Little Playmate Elite
Pros
- Classic and recognizable design. Its timeless appeal makes it a popular choice.
- Durable hard-shell construction. It can withstand the rigors of daily use.
- Easy one-handed operation. The top-button opening mechanism is convenient.
- Lightweight and portable. Easy to carry around for any outing.
- Affordable price point. Excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Limited insulation compared to high-end coolers. It may not keep contents cold for extended periods in extreme heat.
- No rubber gasket for a tighter seal. This could impact cooling efficiency.
Who Should Buy Igloo Little Playmate Elite?
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite is perfect for:
- Those needing a reliable lunch cooler for work or school. Its size is ideal for daily meals.
- Casual campers and picnickers. It’s great for keeping drinks and snacks cold on short trips.
- Sports enthusiasts. Perfect for bringing refreshments to games or practices.
Those seeking maximum insulation for extended trips in extreme heat should consider a high-end cooler with thicker insulation and a tighter seal. People needing a larger capacity might want to consider larger cooler models.
Must-have accessories include quality ice packs to maximize cooling performance. Consider adding a small cleaning kit for on-the-go maintenance.
Conclusion on Igloo Little Playmate Elite
The Igloo Little Playmate Elite is a classic cooler that delivers reliable performance at an affordable price. Its durable construction, easy operation, and portable design make it a great choice for everyday use. The price is definitely justified by its quality and practicality.
I would definitely recommend the Igloo Little Playmate Elite to anyone looking for a dependable and budget-friendly cooler. If you need a cooler that’s proven, portable, and practical, the Igloo Little Playmate Elite won’t let you down. Grab yours today and experience the classic cooler that has been keeping things cool for generations!