Engel has been making coolers, and live bait coolers, for a long time. During that time, they’ve made small incremental improvements to this already awesome cooler. We admire a brand that continues to make it’s products better even after it’s known to be at the top of most recreational fishermen’s lists. For this review, we chose to review the 13QT model as we felt we’d get the best use from it given it’s not too big, and not too small.
Engel Bait Cooler Performance
We used our Engel Bait Cooler over the course of several trips in temperatures reaching 92F. Over the course of a 3-day trip we lost not one of our live bait. The old hanging tray was good, and we had no complaints but the new pull net Engel introduced is even easier to use. It was easy to get to our bait. That was a no brainer upgrade. The other thing Engel did is to move the hose that aerates your bait so that it routes through the lid of the cooler, whereas before it routed out the side and tended to dump a little water when you were loading it into the boat. This Engel cooler still aerates the bait water with fresh air bubbles, and that with the cooler space simply works to keep bait alive.
Key Features of the Engel Live Bait Cooler
- PP Copolymer exterior known to be tough and durable
- Insulated with molded Polystyrene Foam
- Capacity of 13 Quarts (or your choice of 18 cans, 12lbs of ice, or 3.25 gallons of liquid) – Engel has other bait coolers like the 7.5QT, 19QT, and the large 30QT
- Dimensions: 15″ Long by 11″ Tall by 10″ Wide
- Carry Handles & Shoulder Strap
- Stainless Steel Self-stopping Hinge and fasteners
- Stain and Odor Resistant
- 2-Speed water resistant Pump
- Silicone Hose and Air Stone for Lively Bubbles
- Compact and Lightweight
- Includes all NEW pull net
- 5 Year Warranty (pump is warrantied for 30 days)
- Colors: White, Beige, Camo, Blue, and others
- MSRP = $79.99
Engel Cooler Durability
The exterior shell of this Engel Live Bait Cooler 13QT is made from PP Copolymer, also known as PPC. It’s known for its impact strength, and durability. This is one of those products that will outlive many of us to be enjoyed by our kids and grandkids. In short, it’s a strong cooler, capable of taking a beating, and doing its job day in and day out. The net will be more vulnerable to wear and tear than the previous plastic tray, but it’s so much more convenient. Our advise it to treat the net much like you would your fishing net, with care, and it will last a long time.
Durability: This cooler is made to last.
Ease of Use: If your temps get high (85F or warmer) you’ll want to pre-cool your cooler with a bag of ice. before you use it.
Value: $79.99 for a quality product with a proven track record, that’s built to last, will pay for itself in the bait you save by using it.
Engel vs. the Competition
Engel is not the only bait cooler available – there are products from Frabill, among others but few offer the value and longevity of the Engel product at anywhere near this price.
Engel Live Bait Cooler 13QT
Engel Live Bait Cooler net
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