DEWALT DG5540 Cooler Tool Bag, Black, 11 in.

Product Information

Another interesting note is that Dewalt has two models that utilize overhead carrying handles. In most other models that we have tested, this type of carrying feature is usually reserved for only their smallest model. Considering their performance and features, we are OK with this asking price. There are coolers out there that will offer longer ice life, have more features to enjoy, and have more customization options. But these coolers also tend to cost a bit more. Overall, we are quite impressed. Dewalt has been a common name in industrial applications so they know what it takes to make a tough product. You will find a built-in bottle opener on the front of all sizes. However, the high-flow drain plug isn’t in the smallest sizes. You may be able to get a slight boost in these numbers by stuffing more ice inside or trying to avoid opening the lid unless when necessary. Aesthetics –

For opening and closing the lid, Dewalt has installed rubber t-latches. These latches operate very similarly to how we have seen other brands do with their latches. However, their overall shape of them is a bit different. There are some open circles located at the bottom of the latch. Initially, we thought that this could be a bottle opener. However, it doesn’t seem to serve this purpose. We aren’t quite sure what the purpose of the openings was (aesthetics perhaps?). We are content with the asking price. Dewalt Coolers are comfortably in the premium price range, but noticeably cheaper than the most expensive premium coolers on the market. When you consider the lineup of features, build quality, and ice retention, the price is fair. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are paying a bit more than necessary here due to the Dewalt name. Overall Rating –As for features, many of the ones that you are used to seeing are present, but not much more. There is an overhead carrying handle on the 10 and 25-quart models. This handle is missing a rubber grip which is a bit disappointing. In larger sizes, the overhead handle is replaced with side grip handles. Thankfully, these handles do come with the rubber grip feature.

Ice life is about average for coolers at this price point. Depending on the model you go with and how much ice you put inside, you can anticipate anywhere from a little over a day to nearly a week of ice life. This makes these coolers good for tasks ranging from an afternoon tailgate or BBQ up to a full week of camping. Not only that but there aren’t any sort of customization options when it comes to custom logos, sports team colors, etc. Yeti Coolers seem to have similar (if only slightly better) ice retention than Dewalt. The differences are negligible and most people likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in typical real-world applications. Since then, they seem to have expanded. Their coolers selection has grown to include 10 quart, 25 quart, 45 quart, and 65-quart options. And these other models don’t seem to have the ToughSystem name connected to them. This may be Dewalt trying to differentiate their hard-sided coolers from the rest of their storage solutions.Dewalt is one of the few brands out there that have a reputable name like Yeti. While Yeti is the go-to brand name for many people when it comes to ice chests, Dewalt can say the same thing about other types of products. To know for sure, the only way to find out is to put the coolers through an ice retention test. This consists of filling the cooler up with a recommended amount of ice, leaving it in a common outdoor setting, and occasionally opening it. This type of testing is more “real-life”. The results won’t be as impressive in terms of how long ice lasts before melting, but they should give you a better idea of what you will be working with when using the ice chest. One aspect of Dewalt products that makes them recognizable is their color. Just about every Dewalt product that you have at home likely has some of their trademark bright yellow somewhere on it. So we weren’t at all surprised to learn that Dewalt has followed suit with their coolers. These ice chests are fully covered in the eye-popping yellow color that has made them famous. In the styling department, we have to give the nod to Yeti. They have a much better selection of colors to choose from. If you aren’t a fan of the bright Dewalt yellow, then you may be disappointed.