We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

Thermos Koozie Vs Yeti Colster

Published:

Updated:


Which can cooler keeps your can ice cold? Let's find out.
Which can cooler keeps your can ice cold? Let’s find out. (Hint: It’s the Thermos Koozie at Amazon)

Ever since we first experienced the beauty of ice cold drinks, we have been trying to find ways to keep our drinks cold on the hot summer days. One of the ways that can be accomplished is by using beer jackets, or “koozies.”

Want the short version? I’m going for the Thermos Koozie this time from Amazon.

Beer koozies were traditionally foam compartments that you can put your beer (or soda can) in, to keep the drink cold. Over the years, temperature control technology has advanced significantly, and those advancements have made their way to the koozie.

Two of the more popular models are the Thermos Koozie and the Yeti Colster. Today we are going to discuss these separately, then put them side by side and see which can koozie is better.

Thermos Stainless Steel Beverage Can Insulator

This is made for a twelve-ounce can but is also capable of holding larger cans. It is a double wall vacuum insulated product, offering the best temperature retention you can get. Thermos says it keeps your drink cold 10 times longer than if you had a naked beer can. The double wall insulation also protects your hands from the ice cold can.

Ergonomic and sweat-proof

The design is ergonomic, it fits well in the hands, and it has rubber grips, making it easier to hold. It also has a scratch resistant non-slip base, so there is little need to worry about your drink sliding and falling over. The sweat proof design ensures you don’t have any condensation build up and you don’t get the dreaded “water ring” that usually comes with having cold drinks sitting on a table.

Thermos Stainless Steel Beverage Can Insulator for 12 Ounce Can, Stainless Steel

View on Amazon

Yeti Colster

Yeti is now, and has been for a while, the go-to product when it comes to temperature retention. From large coolers all the down to tumbler cups, Yeti has proven time and again that it is up to the task. The Colster is no different.

Double wall insulation, also sweat proof

The Yeti Colster is made with double wall vacuum sealed technology (you may notice that this is typical in today’s can koozie) insulation that keeps your drink ice cold for a significantly longer amount of time than if you had the can sitting bare. That same insulation technology keeps the frigid temperature of your drink off of your hands, so your body heat can rob your beer of its icy temperatures.

YETI Rambler Colster Can and Bottle Holder Silver One Size

View on Amazon

Loaded and locked

The Yeti has what is called a lock and load gasket to secure your drink in place, so it doesn’t fall out. The locking tech also keeps the temperature as cold as when you pulled the drink out of your Yeti cooler.

You might also like my post on the Best Beer Glass for an IPA.

ice cold beer advertisement
Nobody ever advertises warm, tepid beer. There’s a reason for that. Keep it cold with the best koozie!

Yeti Colster versus Thermos Insulator

Now that we have discussed these two separately (as you can see, they’re very similar thus far) why don’t we compare them and see where they stand against each other?

Ease of use

The Thermos is a smaller product to hold than the Yeti Colster is. If you have giant hands, then this probably won’t make much of a difference to you. But if you are a normal person, then you might like the thinner diameter of the Thermos.

To put a can in the Thermos, you simply slide it in, the rubber ring around the top grips the can and holds it in place. To put a can in the Yeti, you need to unscrew the gasket, put in the can, then put the gasket back in place. The Yeti requires a few more steps.

Ease of use: Goes to the Thermos (Amazon)

Here are my picks for the best Beer Mugs for the Freezer.

Temperature retention

The Yeti shines brightest in the contest of keeping the drink the coolest. Don’t get me wrong, the thermos holds its own and works very well. But nothing beats Yeti in terms of keeping things cold.

This is where the lock and load really shines. That feature keeps air from getting in or out of the container, keeping your drink colder for a longer period of time.

Temperature retention: Goes to the Yeti (Amazon)

Stability

The Thermos is a little bit wider than the Yeti is when it comes to the interior holding compartment. That is part of the reason the Yeti stands out more than the thermos regarding temperature retention. But it also means that your drink will be able to move around while it is in the koozie.

The lock and load feature of the Yeti keeps your drink locked in place, so you never have to worry about it falling out.

Stability: Goes to the Yeti (Amazon)

Price

Of course, the price is always a major factor when deciding what product you should buy. The Thermos clearly wins in this department. Because Yeti is so well known as the go-to brand, and because they are such high-quality products, the Yeti Rambler Colster will be anywhere from double to three times the price of the Thermos can koozie.

Price: Goes to the Thermos (Amazon)

I also took a look at the best Insulated Tumbler for Cold Drinks.

Orca BW0400RCORCA 40-Quart Cooler

This product is an excellent outdoor cooler that is made with a roto-molded and durable construction. It is straightforward to use with integrated insulation for maximum ice or cold retention and freshness of your stowed drinks or any other item. Both corners have locks that ensure the security of your drinks. The capacity of the cooler can accommodate way above 40 drinks.

Orca Hard Sided Classic Cooler White 40 Quart

View on Amazon

YETI RAMBLER 26 oz. Vacuum

This cooler is another excellent option for keeping drinks warm or cold; it has an insulated stainless steel bottle with a cap and a Seafoam Durable Coat. It has double-wall vacuum insulation and no sweat design. The double wall insulations ensure your drink is cold until the next use.

Its Duracoat color is made to last without fading, peeling or cracking which makes this cooler more durable.

YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with TripleHaul Cap, Black

View on Amazon

Asobu Frosty 2 Go Beer Cooler

ASOBU beer cooler has vacuum insulated double walls, stainless steel beer bottle and a can cooler with beer opener Eco-friendly and Bpa free that is made of Silver. This cooler has a silicone lid that is perfect for covering any standard beer bottle. The neckline of the bottle gives a better tight fit to the beer bottle so that your bottle is secure in place when moving around. It has a removable bottom for easy storing of beer cans, and it also lets you clean it at ease. This cooler is very ideal because it is sweat proof and durable, it can fit all standard size beer bottle and cans. This cooler comes in three different colors which makes it possible to pick the color that suits you. All you need to do is visit Amazon’s website and shop for this item, they will give you better prices that will ensure that you go home with the most suitable cooler for your drinks.

Asobu Frosty Beer 2 Go Vacuum Insulated Double Walled Stainless Steel Beer Can and Bottle Cooler with Beer Opener (black)

View on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Thermos Koozie suitable for kids?

There are different designs of thermos koozies that have been developed specifically for kids; some even come with back bags, so you don’t need to worry. You need to find the best dealer who can provide what you need for your kids. I understand most people worry about the sizes of the thermos koozies and if the kids are capable of carrying them around without damaging them. The thermos koozies for kids are designed with sturdy, durable, and light materials to ensure your child can lift them quickly and that it won’t break when it falls to the ground.

Do the two products provide the amount of temperature retentions?

No, the Yeti Colster is a better cooler than the thermos koozie in areas of high temperatures. When you put cans containing drinks in the Yeti Colster, they will remain cold for an extended period depending on the temperature of the drink. You can also try testing the two and gauge whether you will have a better opinion than this. However, in my own opinion; the Yeti Colster is better temperature retainer than the thermos koozie.

What separates the Koozie and the Yeti Colster?

Both the koozie and Yeti are made in almost the same technique. Both will have insulated double walls, but the Yeti Colster is more superior and has an added advantage when it comes to cooling drinks.

This is because the Yeti can keep air out of the container thus increasing temperature retention.

Between the Yeti Colster and the Thermos Koozie, which is the most economical cooler to use in a big summer party?

You need to acknowledge that a party will involve a lot of people, so the drinks that may require cooling will be more. In this case, you will not go for the single can koozies or Yeti Colsters.

In choosing the most economical, you will need to consider your budget and decide how much you’re willing to part with to acquire a cooler that can carry more drinks. Yeti is the best cooler, I would advise you to pick the Yeti Roadie 20 can cooler or the Corona stainless steel beer cooler that has a capacity of 85 cans or even more.

What can one do to avoid drinks from spilling out when you put them in a Koozie?

Spilling out of drinks can be very stressful occurrence for drinkers and can only be avoided by choice of koozies that you choose. You need to purchase a koozie that has a strong and wide supportive base. It will help in improving its stability, and the drink you put in it will spill out.

What steps are to be followed when putting a drink can in a Yeti Colster or a Thermos Koozie?

The Yeti and thermos koozies come in different mouth sizes depending on the can or bottle of drink that you need to keep fresh. Putting drinks in a koozie or yeti requires no science; you need to open the cooler and deep in the drink, and you’re good to go. The koozie that’s wrapped around a can or bottle is also easy to use since you need to wrap it around the can.

Wrap – Up

In the four categories we looked at today, both won two of them. So is it a tie?

No. When factoring in the price along with the temperature retention capabilities of both products, I think I would have to go with the Thermos. It is smaller, so it is easier to hold, it is significantly less expensive, and is a bit easier to use as there’s no gasket to unscrew.

I love Yeti products, but I have to say that the Thermos is the winner for me today (Amazon).

Speaking of cold… I’ll show you how to Freeze Blackberries Properly

Additional Resources

Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: John V. and Thor

Kitchen Professor author
About the Author: Alexis DeAnda

Alexis DeAnda is a food fanatic, library card user, and cast iron hunter, in that order. She has been cooking for anyone that will taste it ever since her mom let her make doughnuts on Saturday mornings at the age of 7.

Leave a Comment