Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25 : Review And Pricing

If you are looking to purchase some good portable coolers then the Igloo brand is one of your go-to brands. Two of some of the many Igloo portable coolers are the Igloo IMX 24 and the Igloo BMX 25. Both coolers are insulated and lightweight. Their capacities are more or less the same and so is their build material. However, the Igloo IMX 24 cooler’s chamber depth is more than the Igloo BMX 25 cooler’s. Let delve deeper into more details pertaining to how the Igloo IMX 24 cooler fares against the Igloo BMX 25 cooler.

Table of Contents

Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25: Comparison Table

Igloo IMX 24 Igloo BMX 25
Build Material Injection-molded polyethylene Blow-molded polypropylene (PP)
Capacity 24 quarts 25 quarts
Dimensions 23.5 × 16.9 × 16.6 inches 13.25 × 19.59 × 15.7 inches
Weight 16.01 pounds 11.28 pounds
Warranty 5 years limited 3 year limited
Ice Retention 4 to 5 days 4 to 5 days
Chamber Depth 24.41 inches 13.39 inches
Cans Capacity 35 cans 37 cans
Insulation Foam Stainless Steel
Price Check Price On Amazon Check Price On Amazon
Igloo IMX 24
Igloo IMX 24
Igloo BMX 25
Igloo BMX 25

Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25: Design And Features

The Igloo IMX 24 features a robust injection-molded design made out of high density polyethylene. The Igloo BMX 25 is made out of a heavy duty blow-molded construction. However, both coolers are not Bear-Resistant certified. This means they may not be best suited for use in harsh environments. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler has some handy built-in features. Examples of such are a lockable lid, cup holders, wire basket, bottle opener, and fish ruler. This provides added convenience since these are components you ordinarily have to purchase separately.

The Igloo IMX 24 also has UV inhibitors that protect against sun damage. The same applies for the Igloo BMX 25 cooler. The lid latches of the Igloo IMX 24 cooler are adorned with rubber and are marine-grade. They are further reinforced by stainless steel. The Both the Igloo IMX 24 and the Igloo BMX 25 are equipped with Cool Riser Technology. This is an elevated design that enhances the cooling performance. The base is also reinforced for added robustness.

Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25: Insulation And Ice Retention

The Igloo IMX 24 cooler has Ultratherm insulation. This Ultratherm insulation is found in the lid and the body of the Igloo IMX 24. This enables the Igloo IMX 24 cooler to provide ice retention lasting up to 4 or 5 days. The Igloo BMX 25 cooler has extra-thick foam walls thus leading to ice retention up to 4 or 5 days.

Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25: Recommended Uses

The Igloo IMX 24 cooler is unisex, meaning it is meant for use by any adult. This also applies to the Igloo BMX 25. The Igloo IMX 24 is considered multi-sport, meaning it is well-suited for any outdoor use. The Igloo BMX 25 cooler is ideal for a wide range of outdoor uses as well. Examples of these are camping, tailgating, fishing, beach trips, and general outdoor excursions. The Igloo IMX 24 and the Igloo BMX 25 coolers rank high on portability, ease of use, convenient features, durability, and lastly, insulation.

Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25: Handling And Care

The Igloo BMX 25 features rubberized T-latches. These latches keep the lid firmly secure in place. The Igloo IMX 24, just like the Igloo BMX 25 has triple point grab handles. This makes it easy to handle or carry. Both the Igloo IMX 24 and the Igloo BMX 25 have comfortable handles. They make it easy to use one hand or both. Both coolers also have a threaded drain plug. The drain plug is also compatible with hose attachment. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler has non-skid and non-marking feet at the base. This enables for the cooler to firmly sit on any surface. This is a feature that the Igloo BMX 25 cooler does not have. The other unique feature the Igloo IMX 24 cooler has is the swing handle.

Pros Of Igloo IMX 24

The Igloo IMX 24 cooler is quite lightweight. It has 40 percent less weight than other coolers with the same performance level. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler comes with several useful built-in components. These are cup holders, wire basket, bottle opener, and a fish ruler. The Igloo IMX 24 has a non-slip and non-marking base. This is a useful design feature that the Igloo BMX 25 does not have. The other advantage of the Igloo IMX 24 cooler is its 5 year limited warranty; longer than the Igloo BMX 25’s 3 years. The Igloo IMX 24 features a significantly deeper chamber depth. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler has a swing handle, something the Igloo BMX 25 cooler does not have. The swing handle enhances the easy handling and carrying of the Igloo IMX 24.

Cons Of Igloo IMX 24

The Igloo IMX 24 cooler is more expensive which can be a deterrent. The Igloo IMX 24 also weighs more which reduces its portability to some degree. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler has a little less capacity; though not that significant in comparison. However, the 24 quarts capacity only suffices for one person and for just a few days. Thus the Igloo IMX 24 may not cut it for families looking to use it for week long or more periods. The Igloo IMX 24 is generally too bulky on its outer body. This can bring about the inconvenience of taking up extra space.

Pros Of Igloo BMX 25

The Igloo BMX 25 cooler has substantial durability. The blow-molded construction makes that durability significant. Some users have cited either sitting or standing on an Igloo BMX 25 cooler without incident. The latches of the Igloo BMX 25 are highly efficient. They are easy to both latch and unlatch. They also remain at whatever angle you unlatch them to. The Igloo BMX 25 cooler is much cheaper and offers a bit more capacity. The Igloo BMX 25 also weighs much less thus making it more portable.

Cons Of Igloo BMX 25

The cooler is lacking on the insulation side. There is no efficient seal to keep external air outside. This tends to compromise the Igloo BMX 25 cooler’s ice retention efficiency. The Igloo BMX 25 cooler has no non-skid and non-marking feet at the base. This makes the Igloo BMX 25 susceptible to sliding down out of place. This is especially so when placed on a somewhat inclined surface or angle.

The other downside of the Igloo BMX 25 cooler is that it does not come with additional built-in components. These are components the Igloo IMX 24 cooler has such as lockable lid, cup holders, wire basket, bottle opener, and fish ruler. The Igloo BMX 25 has a shorter warranty compared to the Igloo IMX 24’s 5 years. Just like the Igloo IMX 24 cooler, the Igloo BMX 25 cooler’s 25 quarts capacity is too limited.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Igloo Cooler Size

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an Igloo cooler. This is because Igloo offers a wide range of different types of coolers. A core factor is considering the size of the cooler. You can consider Igloo cooler sizes by looking at capacity in terms of quarts. You can also consider the cooler size based on cans capacity. It is also important to factor in the size and shape of the items you intend to place in the cooler. Obviously large-sized items would need bigger space inside the cooler. The same applies to unevenly shaped or sized items; they may require bigger space.

The number of people to be catered for and the duration also inform on cooler size. That is why it may not always be easy to choose an all-round cooler. Just to give you an idea, let us categorize the common types of cooler sizes. These are mini, small, medium, large, and extra-large coolers. Mini coolers span up to 12 cans or range up to 15 quarts. Small coolers are anything from 13 to 38 cans. Then medium coolers range between 16 and 50 quarts. Large coolers are anything from 49 cans upwards or between 40 and 100 quarts. Extra-large coolers are anything ranging from 100 quarts and more.

Igloo IMX 24 Vs BMX 25: Our Pick

Looking at the Igloo BMX 25 cooler and the Igloo IMX 24 cooler, they are more or less similar. However, their price points separate them; the Igloo IMX 24 cooler is more expensive. Regardless, the Igloo IMX 24 cooler is our best pick. Most of what makes the Igloo BMX 25 cooler good, the Igloo IMX 24 cooler does have. For example, build quality, capacity, and ice retention capability.

What sets the Igloo IMX 24 cooler ahead is that it has useful additional built-in components. This makes it more preferable. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler also has unique features that enhance its value. For example the Igloo IMX 24 has a swing handle. It also has a non-slip and non-marking base. The other notable upside of the Igloo IMX 24 cooler is that it has a 5 year limited warranty. That is preferably long and even longer than that of the Igloo BMX 25.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Difference Between IMX And BMX Coolers?

One of the major differences between the IMX and BMX coolers is beefiness. Generally IMX coolers are made tougher than the BMX coolers. You will see this in the IMX coolers’ hinges, handles, and latches. Even the insulation of the IMX coolers is thicker than that of the BMX coolers.

Can I Use Dry Ice In An Igloo BMX Cooler?

Yes, you can. The build quality of the Igloo BMX is solid since it is roto-molded. This makes an Igloo BMX cooler compatible with dry ice. The extra thick insulation also helps in making it possible for the Igloo BMX cooler to handle dry ice.

Are All Roto-Molded Coolers The Same?

The roto-molded aspect means the coolers are made through a similar process i.e. rotational molding. This process produces quite robust and near indestructible cooler bodies. However, it is not always the same type of plastic material used for any rotational molding process. That is why it is not enough to just settle for a cooler simply because it is roto-molded. Why? For instance, the plastic material used could have been low quality.

What Is Ice Retention And How Does Igloo Measure It?

Ice retention refers to a cooler’s level of cooling i.e. the number of days it can retain ice. Igloo conducts its ice retention tests using controlled laboratory setups. It places ice in a cooler then into an oven at 90 degrees Fahrenheit to mimic a warm external environment. Then they will measure the number of days it takes for the ice to reach 39 degrees i.e. beginning to melt. Most coolers have an ice retention rate ranging from 4 to 5 days; some do have more.

How Best Can I Clean My Igloo Cooler?

Igloo recommends the use of water and mild detergent for light dirt or stains. For tougher stains they recommend the use of water and baking soda. You can even use bleach given the intensity of the stains and or associated odors. It is highly discouraged to use washing machines or dishwashers to clean Igloo coolers.

Conclusion

If you are sensitive about the price point then it may be okay to settle for the Igloo BMX 25 cooler. However, you will miss out on the additional components and features the Igloo BMX 25 does not have. After all, the Igloo BMX 25 cooler has some inefficiency in its insulation ability. The Igloo IMX 24 cooler is also more robust than the Igloo BMX 25 cooler. That is why ultimately the Igloo IMX 24 cooler’s price point, though higher, becomes immaterial. The longer warranty of the Igloo IMX 24 cooler would also be worth the higher price.

Igloo IMX 24
Igloo IMX 24
Igloo BMX 25
Igloo BMX 25