When you wanna keep your foods and drinks outside the fridge in the summer, the best way to do it is to use a cooler. It allows you to keep your food on ice for a prolonged period of time.
But with so many coolers out there to pick from, you may have a hard time finding the best cooler for the money.
They are designed to keep the contents cold and intact for days while being submerged, beaten, and dropped.
That makes them suitable for different uses and activities, such as grocery shopping, road trips, camping, fishing, and more.
You might not put all the food items on cooler during outdoor. In such a case you need a quality refrigerator which can make make your food fresh and stay longer.
You can rest assured that all our picks offer great value for the money.
What is a Cooler?
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a Cooler?
- 2 What Problems Do People Have with Coolers?
- 3 1. Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler – Best Cooler for Keeping Ice (Editor’s Choice)
- 4 2. Yeti Tundra 50 – Best Cooler for River Rafting
- 5 3. Orca Cooler – Best Cooler for Camping
- 6 4. RTIC Cooler – Best Insulated Cooler
- 7 5. Grizzly Cooler – Best Cooler for Hunting
- 8 6. YETI Hopper 20 – Best Soft Cooler & for Anglers
- 9 7. Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler – Best Stainless Steel Cooler
- 10 8. Igloo Glide PRO Cooler 110Qt – The Most Spacious Cooler & With Wheels
- 11 9. Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler – Best Cooler for Road Trips
- 12 10. Engel High-Performance ENG35 Cooler – Another Top Rated Cooler
- 13 Features of the Best Coolers
- 14 Things You Must Know Before Buying a Cooler
- 15 FAQ’s About Coolers
- 16 Our Verdict
A cooler is a small insulated canister that is designed to help keep you keep food and drinks cold. If you are going off on a camping trip or simply need the next best thing to a refrigerator, a cooler is a great thing to have around.
Coolers are designed to be insulated enough to preserve a cold temperature inside the canister, helping ice stay frozen longer and to keep your food and drinks cold.
If you don’t want to miss your favorite food from home or nearby restaurant, You might think of carrying a thermal launch box as well.
What Problems Do People Have with Coolers?
- Not Enough Space: There is nothing worse than to get all the gear ready to be placed in your cooler only to realize that there isn’t enough space for everything. Ice, by itself, will take up a good chunk of your space. Purchase coolers with more space than you think you will ever need.
- Bad Insulation: Many of the most affordable coolers aren’t designed to stay cool for that long. If you need the ice to remain in your cooler for longer than 24 hours, you should make sure that the cooler you purchase has the insulation to meet your needs.
- Low Level of Durability: Although coolers aren’t necessarily designed to last that long, there is still a clear difference between ones that don’t last long enough and the ones that are strong enough to help you get the most out of your money.
Comparing the Best Coolers for the Money
Pelican ProGear Elite – Editor's Choice | ||||
YETI Tundra Cool | ||||
Orca Cooler with Lid & Bottom | ||||
RTIC Cooler (RTIC 45) | ||||
Grizzly Coolers Cooler | ||||
YETI Hopper TWO | ||||
Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler | ||||
Igloo Glide PRO | ||||
Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric | ||||
Engel High-Performance |
Now that you’ve reviewed the capacity and our score for each cooler, let’s dive into the reviews.
1. Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler – Best Cooler for Keeping Ice (Editor’s Choice)
First and foremost, this exceptional cooler is the absolute winner with regard to ice retention. It is proven to keep ice for 7 to 10 days. So you can rest assured that it’s gonna keep ice for at least one week in hot temperatures.
One of the first things you will notice at the ProGear Elite is its robust plastic pull up handles on each side of the unit. These beefy handles are really amazing to hold, whether you are carrying the cooler with a friend or by yourself. Alternatively, you can use the handles molded into the exterior when carrying the cooler. Compared to the rope handles, they are less prone to break off.
The next brilliant feature you’ll appreciate is the press and pull latches. This robust cooler is proven to seal exceptionally well while preventing the lid from accidental opening. While many coolers use the pull-down rubber latches, which are a bit hard to use, the Pelican boasts one-of-a-kind press and pull latches that are extremely easy to use.
You can unhook the cooler in a jiffy by pressing the red buttons and lifting the lid up; press them down and they will click into place. That lets you close and open the cooler at the push of a button which is not possible with most coolers.
Why the Pelican ProGear Is The Best Cooler for the Money
Other neat features worth mentioning include the molded-in ruler on the lid, tie-downs, and drain plug. The first feature is particularly useful for fishermen, allowing them to quickly measure the fish and decide whether to throw it back or keep. Also, if you’re going fishing, consider bringing along a kayak tackle box.
As far as the drain plug, it comes with a hose attachment that lets you drain the cooler away from the place where it is located. Be sure to drain the water every day to prevent condensation build-up.
For easy transporting, there are molded-in tie-down points, which make the cooler suitable for taking on a truck or boat. It won’t move an inch thanks to the tacky rubber that prevents the cooler from slipping and sliding around. A great feature when using it on a slippery boat floor.
At last, let’s say a few words about durability and construction. The Pelican ProGear Elite is designed to last for years. The exterior is made of high-impact military-grade polyurethane that makes the unit incredibly durable and difficult to break. You can throw it around or drop it off the back of a truck while driving at high speed. Yep, it will survive!
There’s one catch though. This product is on the heavy side because of its robust design, which is actually the only significant issue of the Pelican coolers. Weighing about 10 pounds more than the coolers with similar size, it’s certainly a bulky one.
- Can keep ice for up to 10 days
- High durability
- Robust construction
- Polyurethane freezer grade seals
- Fully insulated lid
- Measurement on the lid with inches and centimeters
- Tacky rubber prevents slipping
- Sturdy pull up handles
- Press and pull latches for easy opening
- Garden hose attachment
- Affordable price
- Heavy (36 pounds when empty)
- Plastic drain plug attract lots of condensation
2. Yeti Tundra 50 – Best Cooler for River Rafting
Nevertheless, most people are inclined to picture a Yeti before any other brand when thinking of top-notch ice chests.
This US company has created the top-of-the-line category focusing on a high-end durability and performance. So if you’re looking for a cooler capable of lasting for many years and providing an impeccable functionality all through its lifespan, look no further than Yeti Tundra.
Those coolers are armed with plenty of great features that set them apart from the rest. The rotomolded polyethylene construction is certainly one of the most important ones. Such a construction can be found in whitewater kayaks, meaning Yeti coolers can easily survive the float trips, even if they end up overboard.
The Tundra Series includes models from 20 to impressive 350 quarts, each of which is perfect for any kind of outdoor pursuit. But the Tundra 50 is particularly convenient for river rafting, as it fits most raft frames. That particular model can also be a regular part of your tailboard or campsite alike. The capacity of 50 quarts allows you to place the maximum of 32 cans at once with a suggested 1:2 contents-to-ice ratio.
Further Reviewing the Yeti Tundra 50: Our Second Best Cooler for the Money
As for the ice retention, the Yeti Tundra can keep ice for up to 7 days thanks to the hard walls that features a distinctive FatWall design. That design involves three inches of pressure-injected insulation foam inside the walls, enabling the ice to stay solid inside the cooler for long durations.
The enhanced ice retention is also ensured by the insulated lid that is fitted with the T-Rex latches. These latches are meant to keep the lid and inner contents extremely secure, employing patented keeper technology with heavy-duty rubber.
There’s also a ColdLock gasket that prevents the warm air from getting inside, which helps your beverages and food stay chilled longer. Plus, the cooler involves the InterLock Lid system that engages a unique form-fitting barrier to lessen the effect of direct sunlight. Another valuable system you will like is so-called The NeverFail Hinge System. It utilizes two pins to secure the hinge and prevent it from breaking.
- Rotomolded construction
- Enhanced ice retention – up to 7 days
- Extremely thick walls with FatWall design
- 3-inch PermaFrost Insulation
- Vortex Drain System for easy draining
- NeverFail Hinge system
- T-Rex Lid Latches
- InterLock Lid System against the heat
- Extremely heavy
- Pricey
3. Orca Cooler – Best Cooler for Camping
ORCA is a famous American brand that has been around for many years with superb coolers. Unlike some other brands, such as YETI that have been outsourcing Hopper Series to China, ORCA products are still produced in the US. That makes a big difference, right?
You can find Orca coolers in different colors and sizes, ranging from 20 to 140 quarts. Start with the smallest 20-quart cooler for weekend trips and switch to a massive 75-quart model when you want to spend all week in nature. The 140-quart Orca coolers are ideal for big-game hunters needing the extra storage.
What makes these coolers stand out from the crowd is their build quality and design. They look classy thanks to the sleek design and cubic shape. Being made of high-quality materials, these roto-molded coolers are extremely durable and heavy-duty. On the back, there’s a nifty pouch that can be used to keep small items like a pocket knife, phone, or keys.
More on the Orca Cooler
Orca coolers also set themselves apart from the rest with their excellent ice retention capability. According to the manufacturer, these coolers are capable of retaining ice for 10 days when properly prepped. While consistently providing safe temperatures of 90ºF+, the smaller sized models can keep ice for 4-5 days. As the quarts go up, the ice retention gets increased, too.
These robust coolers come with a cargo net attachment, which is something not many brands include in their coolers. That useful attachment allows for added storage so that you can store your dry goods aside from putting drinks inside.
The latches perform pretty well locking down a water- and air-tight seal. Besides, this cooler features premium flex-grip handles that make portage comfortable, as well as a drain plug that won’t splash when you are taking out meltwater.
- Keeps drinks and food cold for about 7 days
- Seals extremely well
- Ideal for camping
- Easy to handle
- Rigid roto-molded construction
- Comfortable to portage with flex grip handles
- Cargo net attachment
- Back pouch for small items
- Heavy when loaded
- Seal is a slightly difficult to open
4. RTIC Cooler – Best Insulated Cooler
This RTIC line includes coolers in three different sizes — 20, 45 and 65 quarts — allowing you to find a model for every occasion. The small 20-quart models are perfect for individuals and a few buddies who need their food and/or drinks kept chilled for a short trip. The RTIC 65 is a cooler that can easily accommodate a group of 5-10 people, so it’s perfect for a rafting trip or party.
Let’s focus on the 45-quart option for this roundup. The mid-size RTIC 45 is a multipurpose product that is perfect for any type of outdoor activity, be it a camping, boating, mountaineering, hunting, or fishing. Weighing 25 pounds and measuring 15.5 x 26.5 x 16.5 inches, this model fits snugly in a tailgate or back of a pick-up truck. It can hold 36 cans with roughly 40 lbs of ice.
Once you get it out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice about this product is its great build quality and handsome design. Like ORCA, RTIC coolers feature a roto-molded construction that ensures the highest insulation and durability. Such a molding method maximize the ice-retention time from inside while making the unit resistant to heavy use from outside.
Further Reviewing the RTIC Cooler
The insulation quality is surely one of the strongest points of the RTIC coolers. How long they hold ice? Although the manufacturer claims that these coolers can keep ice up to 10 days, you should count on 7 days with a 45-quart option. This is truly amazing for this size, as it is on par with the high-end expensive coolers. Of course, this time goes up with bigger 65qt models and it gets reduced with the smaller 20qt size.
There’re also many other features which make the RTIC ice chests the best coolers for the money. Just to mention T latches, strong molded handles, a rope handle, freezer grade gasket, full-length hinge system, and two-step draining system. All these features make RTIC coolers a great deal, especially when considering the price.
- Keeps ice for 7 days on average
- Great build quality
- Outstanding insulation quality
- Sturdy molded handles on each side
- Thick roto-molded walls
- Freezer grade gasket
- Easy to drain
- Affordable price
- A bit difficult to maneuver for some people
- Poor customer service
5. Grizzly Cooler – Best Cooler for Hunting
These American-made ice chests are engineered to be a “do-everything” ice chest. The size range from 15 to 400 quarts to provide anything and everything you could ever need. Whether you are on the lookout for something larger that can be placed in the back of your truck or smaller that can fit into your car backseat, Grizzly coolers have got you covered!
All the Grizzly coolers aim to hold out against the hard outdoor setting while maximizing ice life at the same time. And this is where roto-molded design comes into play. It implies a piece of solid plastic accompanied with metal and rubber to provide tough build.
They are equipped with non-slip rubber feet which ensures that the unit stays put in your truck when you drive on rugged roads. The rubber is also used in the lid for the gasket. To resist rust and failure, the cooler uses stainless steel hardware. To improve and ease mobility, there’s a nylon grip sleeve on each side along with side rope handles. Everything else on this cooler is made from solid plastic.
More on the Grizzly Cooler
When speaking about a cooler, one of the most important considerations is how well it performs in terms of ice retention. Well, Grizzlies will not disappoint you at all. To maximize ice life, these coolers use secure latches, a well-fitted gasket rubber gasket, thick roto-molded walls, and pressure-injected insulation. That combination results in the top-end insulation ability and relatively long ice life.
In a 90-degree environment, you may expect that your ice will be retained 7-10 days in the larger models and 4-6 days in the smaller ones. That’s pretty impressive! Other useful features include an embossed ruler onto the lid, a 2-inch drain plug, a dry goods tray for better organization of stored items, and trademarked BearClaw latches for a secure grip.
- Well-constructed ice chest
- Impressive ice life
- Incredibly durable
- Easy to carry
- Easy to drain
- Thick rubber gasket
- Aggressive look
- Perfect for hunting
- Very expensive
- Heavy
6. YETI Hopper 20 – Best Soft Cooler & for Anglers
As opposed to flimsy soft-sided coolers, these two portable coolers are designed to withstand a heavy abuse by keen outdoorsmen, such as anglers packing a fresh trout or salmon out of the wilderness.
Constructed from a DryHide shell and fitted with sturdy D-rings, the soft Yeti Hopper is anything but soft. Thanks to the welded seams on the shell (which can be found in heavy-duty whitewater rafts), this cooler is watertight, puncture resistant, mildew resistant, and resistant to UV rays as well.
It’s available in three different sizes — the 20, 30 and 40 — as well as two different colors, white and tan. The Hopper 20 is so portable and hence ideal for trout fishing on the river. Alongside the ice, this model can accommodate up to 18 cans. However, if you’re worried about having insufficient space, go for the larger 30 or 40 sizes. They are particularly favorable for the canoe or drift boat.
Why We Love the Yeti Hopper 20
Yeti soft-sided coolers are insolated with rubber foam and made of a food grade FDA-approved material. They are fitted with a special HydroLok zipper for hazmat suits. Tie downs, handles, and hitch points are double stitched. All of this ensures a great safety of inner contents.
As far as the ice retention, the Yeti Hopper 30 and 40 are proven to keep ice 5-6 days, while the smaller Hopper 20 can go up to 3 days, which makes it suitable for shorter trips. Perhaps this ice retention doesn’t seem so impressive, but you’ll get a great portability and superb form factor in turn. This is why Yeti Hopper is such an amazing cooler for the money.
- Well constructed cooler
- Waterproof DryHide Shell
- Keeps the elements out
- Completely leakproof
- Perfect for anglers
- Easy to carry around
- Comfortable hauling with tapered body
- Can lock in cold
- Pricey
- Heavy when filled up
- Zipper is a bit hard to open and close
7. Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler – Best Stainless Steel Cooler
The company has started off with gas lamps at the beginning of the last century. But it has soon evolved and started to produce equipment for outdoor adventures. Coleman has constantly added some innovations. One of the latest models that came from this company is a 54-quart cooler with steel belt. This steel-belted cooler is back on the market after years of hiatus, better and more appealing than ever before.
While it’s not completely made from metal, there is the steel belt for extra strength. Steel latches, capable of resisting up to 10 Ibs of pressure, make the chest bear resistant.
It comes with stainless steel hardware, sturdy body, and strong lid. Even the hinges and handles are a high-quality stainless steel. These features protect the cooler from rusting, scratches, and heat warping. Beyond the practicality, this 54-quart cooler boasts great finishing as well.
More on the Coleman 54-Quart Cooler
There are a lot of reasons why the Coleman cooler is the best choice when it comes to the steel coolers. First of all, it has a firm construction and nice design. This ice chest comes with a steel belted jug and drinking cup. The handles offer a rubber grip for a safe and comfortable handling. The solid latch lets you seal the contents inside the cooler completely safe. Besides, the rust-resistant hinges and screws minimize cases of wear and tear.
The Coleman cooler offers a decent weight capacity, allowing you to store about 85 cans at once. On the inside, it is 20″ long, 12″ wide, and 13 1/4 inches deep/high. That means you can put 2-liter beverage bottles upright inside of the cooler with ease.
With a total weight of about twenty pounds, the cooler is easy to carry around. Aside from this, its liner, base, and lid are also quite easy to clean. Thanks to a broad mouth, it’s very easy to fill, empty, and clean the cooler. Yes, everything is so easy with this steel-belted Coleman cooler!
- Durable steel construction
- Steel belting for extra strength
- Large ice-retention capacity
- Suitable for road journeys, camping, boating, and any outdoor activity
- Easy to clean and maintain
- No need for tilting and electricity source
- Ridiculously cheap
- Ice can’t last for more than five days
- Water can penetrate food inside the chest
- Plastic parts in the handles, drain plugs, and hinges
8. Igloo Glide PRO Cooler 110Qt – The Most Spacious Cooler & With Wheels
Its glide rally wheels and extendable, sturdy handle make it easy to ferry drink and food around the dock, campground, or boardwalk. It allows anyone to effortlessly roll this cooler in any terrain even if it is fully loaded. Considering its large size, it is the thumbs up for the Igloo Glide PRO Cooler.
The horizontal telescoping handle comes with a slide-and-lock system, providing max leverage while facilitating lifting loads. There are plastic handles on both sides which are not so impressive, though. They feel a little flimsy, especially when you want to lift the cooler up. In our opinion, those handles need to be much stronger for such a big, 110-quart cooler.
Further Review of the Igloo Glide PRO
In addition to a great mobility, this rolling cooler performs very well when it comes to the insulation, maintaining a safe food temperature all the time. It can keep ice for 4-5 days when it is 90°F outside thanks to its thermal proof lid and ultratherm insulated body. That makes it suitable for a weekend camping trip, especially if you fill it up with pre-chilled food or drinks. However, if you are in need of a cooler for a 7+ day trip, then the Igloo Glide PRO cooler is not the best choice.
Maybe the Glide PRO is not as strong as the roto-molded high-end coolers, but it still features a rugged construction. Unlike the traditional models which utilize flimsy hinges and press fit lids, it uses large latches and massive hinges to ensure that the lid is securely closed.
On the downside, it’s quite difficult to lift this 110-quart behemoth when fully loaded, especially when you want to lift it in or out of your vehicle. When filled to the brim, it easily weighs about 230 pounds! So you are advised to have at least another person available when lifting it up.
- Impressive capacity of 110 quarts
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Ultratherm insulated body
- Slide-and-lock rigid handle
- Zinc-plated metal hinges
- Can keep ice for 4-5 days
- Rugged yet attractive styling
- Hard to raise when fully loaded
- Not intended for long trips
- The latches are prone to get wobbly
- Plastic side handles feel flimsy
9. Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler – Best Cooler for Road Trips
This little iceless cooler is very convenient to use, letting you cool on the go. You just need to plug the cooler into a 12V port (it could be a cigarette lighter) and let it cool your vitals down. There’s no inconvenience and mess of ice in your vehicle. Ice-free design allows you to have more space for your beverages and/or food.
Thermoelectric Technology
It’s all about the convection cooling system and thermoelectric technology. The cooler uses a brushless motor and noiseless fan to circulate cold air. This way it can chill the temp to 36°F below the outside air temperature.
NOTE: Don’t put warm food or drinks into the cooler before plugging it because it will take you a lot of time (24 hours or more) to chill your items. As a matter of fact, it’s recommended that you run the cooler for a couple of hours prior to adding your items, according to the manual.
TIP: Make sure to cool your contents down before putting them into the cooler for the best results.
There are two available sizes — 26 or 28 quarts — so pick one that will better suit your needs. The slim design and 8-foot power cord allow you to fit it easily behind the passenger seat while traveling. If you opt for the 26-quart version, than the exterior dimensions are 18.19″ x 15.47″ x 13.11″; the bigger 28-quart version measures 18.23″ x 16.65″ x 12.87″.
There are molded hands on each side for two-handed lifting and carrying. The unit features an ergonomic design with a bent back, which makes carrying more comfortable.
- Thermoelectric technology with convection cooling
- No mess with ice
- Brushless motor runs a quiet fan
- Long 8-foot power cord fits in any 12V outlet
- Ease to use
- Cool on the go
- Ergonomic sleek design
- Comfortable carrying with molded hands
- Short lifetime
- Power cord is prone to get melted
- Lid is prone to break off
- The fan housing is poorly secured
10. Engel High-Performance ENG35 Cooler – Another Top Rated Cooler
This roto-molded cooler highlights HardShell construction, which is suitable for rough water conditions and traveling on rugged terrain. Aside from being shockproof, this cooler is also bear proof. It proudly wears IBSC certification, meaning it will protect your food from hungry bears when you camp in a bear country.
The Eng35 Cooler comes with airtight ArcticVault gasket and 2-inch insulation. According to the manufacturer, the cooler can hold ice frozen for up to ten days, but this mainly depends on the size and way of use. The truth is that you can use it for the 3-day trip with peace of mind. Every extra day could be risky for your food.
Other features include the stainless steel Unity Latch system for a safe closure, a TruHold Lid for a secure grip, and the DuoLock holes for enhanced locking security against wild animals.
There are also tie-down points to fasten the cooler to an all-terrain vehicle, boat, and the like. You’ll also notice a grippy Cornerstone Feet and Flick Drain plug at the bottom. All is well engineered and wrapped up.
- Well-insulated roto-molded design
- Shockproof
- Bear proof
- Ideal for rugged terrain
- Decent insulation (2-inch polyurethane)
- Reasonably priced
- Drain plug tends to get broken
- Doesn’t seal properly
- Poor ice retention
Features of the Best Coolers
If you want to get the best cooler for the money, there are various features which you should check for first.
Keeping the common problems people have with coolers that we mentioned above in mind, here are the features which you can find in any of the best coolers.
Plenty of Space for Everyone
Before you purchase a cooler, consider your personal circumstances. Think about how you will use the cooler, how many people will use it, and how many days worth of food and drinks it will need to store.
For best results, purchase a cooler which has more space than you anticipate needing. That way, you will never encounter problems with not having enough space.
Strong Material
Coolers can be made from a wide variety of materials. This can include rubber, fabric, metal, plastic, and even Styrofoam. Usually, plastic will be used in a cooler which has a nice balance between quality and price. Plastic is relatively strong and great for insulation. Styrofoam tends to be used on the cheapest coolers and is not strong enough for extended use.
How the Cooler is Carried
Once you put all the items inside your cooler, it can get really heavy fast. In order to take some initiative and prepare for this, think about how you will carry your cooler around with all that weight. The easiest way to carry your cooler is typically to get one with a handle and wheels.
As you know, there are times where wheels aren’t practical. Especially if you are camping in an area where there are lots of rocks and bumpy paths. For times like these, you will need to ensure that your cooler has handles on both sides or a shoulder strap.
Quality of Insulation
Just about any cooler on the market will keep your ice frozen for at least a few hours. If you get one of the best coolers on the market, you can expect ice to last up to a week. Usually, though, people will get a cooler which keeps ice frozen anywhere between 2 to 5 days.
Waterproof Seals
When your ice melts, you don’t the water to leak out. If the cooler you purchase doesn’t have a waterproof seal, both in the interior and exterior, then you will quickly encounter problems. Make sure your cooler is completely waterproof.
Things You Must Know Before Buying a Cooler
As a buyer, your decision about the brand and model depends on various factors. Aside from the price, you need to consider the cooler design, ice retention, capacity, key features, and more.
So read on to find out about the critical factors you should check out when buying a cooler.
Cooling Ability
The coolers come with a similar design, appearance, and features. Yet, those are not equal when it comes to cooling ability. All manufacturers claim their coolers are able to keep food cool and fresh.
But the question is, for how long? Some don’t keep foods cold on a hot day, while others are prone to leak or run out of ice quickly. That’s why you should be careful when shopping.
When shopping a particular cooler, try to find out how long it can keep food and drink chill before requiring extra ice. Each cooler should serve its main purpose – to keep stored items cold. You should believe to customer reviews rather than sellers.
In general, the heavy, big, and roto-molded models provide the better ice retention. There’s still lots of competition and variance within these coolers, though.
Insulation
Insulation is certainly the key performance metric when it comes to coolers. When speaking of insulation performance, there are two different categories: ice retention and maintaining food-friendly temperatures.
As for the safe food temperatures, it mustn’t exceed 40˚F for perishable food. The cooler must be able to maintain a temperature below 40˚F in the airspace where the food is usually stored, i.e. above the ice.
As its name suggests, the ice retention implies the time ice can be retained, i.e., how long a cooler can keep ice. It mostly depends on the construction, type of insulation, and lid. The pressure-injected PermaFrost insulation and roto-molded construction yield the top insulation performance. The lid also needs to be well insulated and to seal well.
Pelican Elite and Yeti Tundra are two brands that excel at insulation and ice retention. Orca, RTIC, Grizzly are also exceptional in terms of ice retention, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Durability
Since the coolers are often subjected to some kind of abuse (e.g. bouncing around, throwing, striking, and beating), those products have to be very durable. This is especially true when you rambling down the local bumpy roads with a cooler in your car.
Increased durability commonly results in a longer lifetime of the cooler, while lowering chances of makeshift duct tape repairs.
However, it’s difficult to quantify the durability when buying goods. This is where online user reviews come in. If there is any salient durability issue, the users will identify it. So it pays to read the customer reviews before going shopping.
Features
All customers love features. The today’s coolers aren’t only the simple ice chests for food and/or drinks, but also fish scales, bottle openers, picnic tables, cutting boards, and more.
Any additional feature should serve the purpose, either to improve insulation or simplify chores like storing, transporting or emptying water out.
Nonetheless, the majority of the newest models are armed with plenty of nifty features, such as:
- Cupholders
- Rulers
- Emergency bottle openers
- External latches
- Pin style hinges
- Drain plug leash, etc.
Let’s reiterate again, extra features should ONLY tangential to the primary functions of coolers.
Size/Quarts
Once you have clarified how you’ll use a cooler, you will be able to pick the right size. The coolers range from small, handy models to the huge ice chests that can hold enough food for a 14-day camping trip.
The coolers are available in different sizes, ranging from 10 to 400 quarts. The more quarts, the more space for your items. That’s fine but bear in mind that the biggest models are usually the heaviest ones.
Price
Logically, the price plays an important role in choosing the best cooler for the money. Maybe the price is not everything when shopping a cooler, but it is supposed to be quite reasonable and in accordance with what you’re getting.
Many people cannot afford high-end, costly coolers, and that’s why we’ve singled out ten models that offer great value for money.
FAQ’s About Coolers
Q: What is a Roto-Molded cooler?
Q: How do coolers work?
A: The cooler’s insulation lets you carry lots of perishables, keeping them cool for a continuous period of time. This works by the reduction of the process of heat transfer. Basically, insulated materials stop the heat in its track from coming in or leaving the cooler.
For that reason, cool items such as perishables or drinks remain cold since heat doesn’t get into the container. A cooler has what’s known as thick thermal insulation around it. Normally, such coolers have a urethane composition. Coolers with new designs often sport various types of materials, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
There are other types of insulation materials we didn’t even mention, since there many. The best coolers are often made using insulated fabrics. There are also thermoelectric coolers, which are heavier in nature but can keep your food cool in pack form. Modern cooler designs also showcase reliable waterproof lining which helps keep moisture away.
Q: Which coolers compare to the Yeti?
A: Yeti coolers are clearly the best coolers on the market. However, because of their reputation, the cost significantly more. Remember, the Yeti is a cooler injected with PermaFrost. It can keep your ice frozen for 4-7 days. The makers also argue that not even a grizzly bear can tear it apart. It is, apparently, indestructible.
However, there are other coolers on the market which function just as well, at a lower price. Engel and Pelican coolers are the best in terms of keeping ice cold as long as the Yeti. On the other hand, Pelican coolers have the largest capacity. If you are concerned about weight, however, the Pelican cooler may not be the best choice for you.
Q: How do I keep my cooler cold the longest?
A: Your first consideration should be the type of ice in the cooler. Most cooler owners purchase regular bagged ice for their cooler. However, blocks of ice will last the longest in your cooler. To do this, we recommend freezing ice in containers or in plastic bags.
You can also use dry ice, but remember, this requires incredibly special know-how, as you can burn yourself with the dry ice. This is an option, but not an excellent one. The best option available to you is blocks of ice.
Additionally, you should make sure that you are not opening your cooler more than necessary. This can cause heat to enter the cooler more quickly, and you will lose ice.
You should also be aware of where you keep your cooler. Keeping your cooler indoors somewhere would naturally be best. However, it may be that you will want to keep your cooler outside. In this case, try to keep your cooler in the shade as much as possible.
The last option is to cool your cooler before adding ice. You can do this by putting your cooler in a fridge or freezer. This allows your cooler to begin at a colder temperature, which will keep the cooler and the items inside cooler for a longer period of time.
Q: Which cooler is the best for keeping ice?
A: The best coolers for keeping ice are those with a tight seal, or, preferably, a rubber gasket. A rubber gasket creates a tight seal between the lid and the cooler, causing no excess air to pass over the ice.
Another cooler feature allowing you to keep your ice frozen is that the insulation is of high quality. The best cooler insulation material is polystyrene. This creates incredibly heat-resistant insulation.
Additionally, some coolers are injected with additional thermal resistant liquids, creating the ideal cooler. These injections add PermaFrost, which helps your cooler stay below the freezing temperature.
Our Verdict
A cooler shouldn’t only keep your food cold but also provide convenience and comfort. That said, you must take into consideration different models when buying a cooler.
Make sure to check on the reputable brands, in particular. That will help you narrow down your choices and pick one that would work best for you.
If you’re the type of person who does not like to waste the food. You can consider taking back the remains and use some best quality food dehydrators to save it for later.
Hey great review! I really like that Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler, well at least from the way it sounds. Every cooler that I’ve owned so far has failed at keeping ice in tact for any extended period of time, so hopefully this one will do the trick! That 7 – 10 days claim is hard to believe though…we’ll see.
I find the portable cooler Yeti Hooper 20 very practical, Even the price is a bit high I think it’s worth it.
I have been looking for a good and affordable cooler for my boyfriend – he is into having survival kits and he thinks a cooler is essential. This Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler seems exactly what I’m looking for – resistant, durable and affordable. And the best part, 10 days of ice! Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks for the review. I was really elated to see the Coleman cooler in the list. They are great coolers. I haven’t used this steel-belted cooler though as specified in the article.
For a moment there I was thinking of frozen money. Anyway I do not know much about these coolers since for the longest time I have been using Coleman.
these coolers are amazing. i didnt know about any of these , a cooler that held ice over 3 days was surprising to me (so like all of them) i dont do much personally with coolers. a 1-3 day camping trip. so anything around the igloo cooler would be fine for me for price
We really need a cooler for camping or road trip. It’s good if it has wheels so you can just drag it around.
Great job on the reviews. I kind of like the way you compare the pros and cons. Great post!
This is great! It’s already summer here in my country. My friends and I will go to the beach and we really need the coolest cooler ever. Thanks for this review!
Meticulously written review. Pelican ProGear is really impressive. It not only keeps ice for up-to 10 hours but it is also affordable, what more could you ask for?