Dometic Patrol 20 Cooler Review: A Comprehensive Look
The Dometic Patrol 20 is a robust and versatile cooler, designed to withstand the toughest conditions. Whether you're an avid camper, a fisherman, or a hunter, this cooler promises to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold. Let's dive into a detailed review of the Dometic Patrol 20 to help you make an informed decision.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Upon first glance, the Dometic Patrol 20 exudes durability and ruggedness. It's constructed with a rotomolded plastic body, which is known for its strength and insulation properties. The cooler is also equipped with a heavy-duty lid latches and a robust handle, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
Insulation and Ice Retention
The Patrol 20 boasts a 2-inch thick insulation, which is impressive for a cooler of its size. This, coupled with its freezer-grade gasket, ensures excellent ice retention. Dometic claims that the cooler can keep ice for up to 10 days in 90°F (32°C) ambient temperatures. In our tests, we found that it lived up to these claims, with ice lasting for around 9 days.
Capacity and Dimensions
The Patrol 20, as the name suggests, has a capacity of 20 quarts. This is enough to hold 30 cans of beer or 24 cans of soda, with plenty of room for ice. Its internal dimensions are 19.5" L x 13.25" W x 11.25" H, making it a good size for most outdoor activities. However, it's not too large to fit in the back of a pickup truck or the trunk of a car.
Portability and Ease of Use
The cooler comes with a pair of heavy-duty handles, making it easy to carry, even when it's fully loaded. It also has a built-in bottle opener, a thoughtful touch that adds to its convenience. The cooler's lid is also designed to double as a cutting board, a feature that's particularly useful when you're out camping.
Performance in Different Environments
The Dometic Patrol 20 performs exceptionally well in various environments. Its robust build and excellent insulation make it an ideal choice for hot and humid conditions. It also performs well in cold environments, thanks to its freezer-grade gasket that prevents cold air from escaping.
Price and Warranty
The Dometic Patrol 20 is priced competitively, considering its build quality and performance. It's not the cheapest cooler on the market, but it's certainly not the most expensive either. It comes with a 3-year warranty, which is a testament to Dometic's confidence in the cooler's durability.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Excellent ice retention, robust build quality, convenient features like built-in bottle opener and cutting board lid, good capacity for its size.
- Cons: Some users might find it a bit heavy, especially when it's fully loaded. Also, it's not the cheapest cooler on the market.
Dometic Patrol 20 vs Competitors
| Feature | Dometic Patrol 20 | Yeti Tundra Haul | RTIC 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Quarts) | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Ice Retention (Days) | Up to 10 | Up to 7 | Up to 10 |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
As you can see, the Dometic Patrol 20 holds its own against competitors like the Yeti Tundra Haul and the RTIC 20. It offers excellent ice retention and a good capacity for its price.
The Dometic Patrol 20 is a top-performing cooler that's built to last. Its robust build quality, excellent insulation, and convenient features make it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or a week-long hunting expedition, the Dometic Patrol 20 is a cooler you can rely on.