Engel Live Bait Coolers: Old-School Quality, New-School Tech

Ruggedly original, Engel was first on the scene in portable refrigeration. But the brand hasn’t stopped.

Nearly 60 years after creating the portable AC/DC fridge-freezer business, Engel’s trailblazing rotomolded coolers continue to set high performance standards. Engel’s impressive roster includes hard, soft, dry box, and, now, live bait coolers and 12/110-volt fridge-freezers.

The choice of both medical and outdoor professionals, Engel’s innovation has led to the introduction of its live bait coolers and some one-of-a-kind features.

This article is sponsored by Engel Coolers.

Engel Bait Coolers: Great for the Lake

Spend hours on the water without worry. The live bait models have an all-new anti-corrosion pull net that makes getting to your bait a breeze by forgoing the hang tray. And a redesigned air tube port sits in the lid, expanding box capacity and reducing overflow splashes.

The two-speed air pump continuously aerates the water, granting you extra hours fishing, while the water-resistant housing defends the muffled motor. Insulated from Mother Nature, the cooler also safeguards costly bait.

Do double duty by removing the pump and hose to convert to a full-on cooler with ease. Non-skid “cornerstone feet” keep the hard cooler off the ground and prevent surface scratches. And the “quadra-grip” tie-down points are side-molded so you can keep your cooler on deck despite waves.

Engel Coolers: Hard Sides, Hard Seat

Let’s face it: Coolers double as chairs and stands at the campsite or on the boat. Running across the length of the cooler lid, the I-BEAM lid inserts and reinforced TruHold lid prevent that all-too-familiar cooler lid sag. A single-mold polyurethane shell prevents those stress cracks that lead to a shortened cooler lifespan, while the feet thwart ground heat transfer.

Easy to clean and maintain, Engel hard coolers are also resistant to stains and odors. Extremely durable, 2-inch polyurethane walls are well-insulated with a high-grade molded polystyrene foam. This feature graces all sides, including the lid — not just certain areas like many of the brand’s competitors.

This composition steels against severe temperature changes outside to maintain a consistent temperature inside.

Keep a Lid on It

Engel is all about tech. The brand demonstrates this in the Unity latch system, which utilizes marine-grade draw latches and stainless-steel hardware on all fittings. Engel claims the lid will endure years of repetitive opening without causing loose fasteners.

But you don’t need to be brawny — these latches are user-friendly. The full-length Anvil hinge keeps the seal tight with a self-stopping design, so you don’t overextend.

Responsible for keeping warm air out and keeping cold air in, gaskets are a vital part of your cooler. By redesigning these conventional weak spots with the self-stopping hinge (ABS) and airtight EVA gaskets, Engel aims for years of reliable cool.

And the waterproof seal that lines the inside of the lid provides a tight fit — important if you don’t want your lid to freeze shut while winter fishing in Canada.

Time on Your Side

Engel is known for its “cool” factor. When you’re in the icehouse for an extended trip or fly fishing expedition, these coolers can help keep your game — meats, fish, or bevies — preserved.

While Engel touts its portable fridge-freezers offer decades of chill, the dry-box coolers provide one day of ice retention. The live bait coolers have days of aerated storage to keep your minnows alive for days.

Engel Bait Cooler Tech

All the live bait coolers come standard with a 12V car and boat adapter designed to make running the aerator a breeze.

Each Engel cooler has been size-optimized to allow for maximum storage. Engel also applies this to the aerator pump, which measures 5 1/4 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1 5/8 inches deep. Plus, it has a 30-day warranty.

While the flexible silicone hose and weighted air stone provide an energetic bubble supply, a new water-resistant housing aims to keep noise to a minimum. The two-speed pump lets you take full advantage of battery life and aeration.

Need a Hand?

There are two different ways to carry the coolers: carry handles and a padded, integrated shoulder strap. Whether you need your hands free or want to lug it traditional-style, Engel has you covered.

Built to be durable, these high-capacity coolers aim to be easy to transport and effortless to use.

Engel Bait Cooler Capacities

The Engel live bait cooler has 13 quarts of water capacity, so it should house a variety of bait from smelt to shiners. Any angler knows that maintaining live bait is one of the biggest tasks, and the right cooler can help you save time and money.

The live bait coolers come in four sizes: 7, 13, 19, and 30qt, which respectively translate to 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 pounds of minnows. A 5-year warranty safeguards all Engel coolers, and each size comes in six colors.

Bringing It Home

Engel supports its customers but also champions for causes like the Now or Neverglades, Coastal Conservation Association, American Sportsfishing Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Staying connected to the angling community and the environment is a part of the brand’s mission.

A quick read of the web reviews on Engel’s site will give you more testimonials and ways to use your cooler. From construction divers to fishing guides, this cooler will make sure you’re not limited.

Most importantly, it should give you maximum time where it counts most: on the water.

This article is sponsored by Engel Coolers.