Best 120 Quart Cooler Of 2024: Best Picks & Buying Guides

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is the perfect cooler for tailgating, camping, picnicking, or any outdoor event. It features an insulated body and lid to keep ice for up to five days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit and has a cool exterior design with dual snap-fit latches for extra peace of mind. The cooler has a threaded drain plug for hose hook-up and easy draining, 188-can capacity and is easily portable with its heavy-duty carrying handles. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Coleman 120 Quart Hard Cooler

Coleman 120 quart hard cooler is ideal for camping, picnics, tailgating, or sporting events. It has a swing up handles for easy carrying and lifting and a nest lid that supports up to 250 pounds. This cooler is treated with antimicrobials to resist odor, mold and fungus from forming so you will always have a fresh, clean feeling while storing your food and drink. Read Review

3. Best Smart: Igloo Sportsman 120Qt Rugged Ice Retention Cooler, Sandstone

The Sportsman 120Qt Rugged Ice Retention Cooler, Sandstone by Igloo is a durable cooler designed for outdoor use. This coolers large size allows for easy carrying when empty and easy storage when full. With foam insulation that holds ice up to 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this cooler has been built to store ice for the long term. The dual snap-fit lid latches secure lid closure and the threaded drain plug allows for hose hook-up. Read Review

4. Best Compatible: YETI Tundra 125 Cooler, White

The YETI Tundra 125 is your go-to ice chest, it offers ample space to hold two quartered deer or several limits of redfish, snapper, or trout. All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology. Heavy duty construction includes a steel body with stainless steel hinges and latches. Read Review

A cooler is an excellent way to keep your food cool at home. Whether you are hosting a party or just keeping your food fresh for the whole day, a cooler is an essential thing. Whether you want to stock your garage with all kinds of food and beverages or keep perishable items chilled at home, a cooler will come in handy.

The importance of having a quality cooler cannot be emphasized enough. Without one, it is nearly impossible for anyone to have access to ice-cold drinks and appetizing foods without going through the trouble of purchasing another one. Even if you have several friends and family members over, it will be hard for them to enjoy their time without access to snacks, appetizers, and beverages. Fortunately, there are a variety of different options available on the market that make it easy to find the perfect cooler for your needs.

We think Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Coleman 120 Quart Hard Cooler as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.7
Igloo
  • Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
TOP Choice #2 Coleman 120 Quart Hard Cooler
Our Score:
9.6
Coleman
  • CUP HOLDERS: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling; fit up to 30 oz. tumbler
  • INTEGRATED RULER: Built-in ruler
  • New thermecool foam – cleaner eco friendly solution
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
4 YETI Tundra 125 Cooler, White
Our Score:
9.3
YETI
  • Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
  • All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
  • 5 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: We guarantee our Ice Chests to be free from defects in material, workmanship, and assembly, under normal use and in accordance with the specifications and warnings for a period of 5 years.
  • ADVANTAGES: Military grade nylon rope handles,Super Grip Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Molded Tie Down Slots with Lock Plates, Recessed No Leak Drain Plug, Pressure Release Valve, and 2 Built In Bottle Openers!
  • FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body Keeps the Ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F; logo color on cooler may vary
  • HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lbs.
  • ADVANTAGES: Military grade nylon rope handles,Super Grip Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Molded Tie Down Slots with Lock Plates, Recessed No Leak Drain Plug, Pressure Release Valve, and 2 Built In Bottle Openers!
  • EXTREMELY TOUGH: Virtually Indestructible Roto-molded Thermoplastic Construction with Heavy-Duty Rubber Cold Seal Latches and Exterior UV Protection
  • Product 2: Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
  • Product 1: Soft-ride wheels for easy transport & smooth ride.
  • The YETI Tundra 105 has more height so the extra altitude lets you stack your meats and drinks up high with enough room for a layer of ice on top
  • All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
  • INSULATED COOLER: Coho Cooler hold ice for days on end with up to 3” inches of commercial grade insulation, and ColdSeal Latches. Keep your beverages, meal, catch or ice packs cold for days.
  • 2 IN 1 DRAIN: use the oversize portion for fast drain of ice and water, use the threaded hole portion for more controlled drain or attach the garden hose for longer drain

What to Look for When Selecting best 120 quart cooler?

There are numerous factors for customers to consider whenever they decide to buy a best 120 quart cooler. Simultaneously, it comes with many product types and brands, which makes it difficult for you to choose yourself. Thus, we are here to give you support, guidance, and solutions to these problems. Our buying guide will highlight some most outstanding features related to the best 120 quart cooler of 2024.

Nowadays, the number of technology sale networks, especially websites, sale forums, or even the online space for customers’ comments, has been dramatically increased. So, you can quickly obtain information on best 120 quart cooler available on these sources. 

Along with reading the update of best 120 quart cooler on famous websites, you are also expected to go through some needed things below to make a great decision.

Cooler Latch And Closure Systems

The cooler's closure or latch is a key feature of premium models and will play a major role in cooling performance. Two rubber T-handles are a common feature on high-end, hard-sided coolers. They keep the lid in place and prevent it from opening. They are extremely sturdy and user-friendly.

Bear-Resistant Ratings

Many top-rated hard-sided coolers can be listed as being bear-resistant. This is an important consideration if you are camping in bear territory. You should specifically look out for IGBC ratings. This indicates that a cooler has been tested and is in compliance with their regulations. You should ensure your cooler is included if you plan to travel in bear-proof gear or frequent backcountry areas.

Weight And Portability

Weighing your cooler is an important factor for those who will be carrying it or moving it around regularly. For models with less capacity, they can weigh as little as 10-15 pounds and up to 50+ for those that have 75+ quarts storage. This number goes up dramatically when you load it down with food and drinks. Even though the handles are made of rope, some are plastic and others are nylon. They are too heavy to be carried for extended distances. We recommend wheels if portability is important. They are easier to carry for longer periods of time and more convenient for one person, so they're less burdensome.

Cooler Drain Systems

Many of our hard-sided coolers have drainage systems that allow you to drain the water out once the ice is melted. This is usually a pop-off or screw-on cap located at the bottom of cooler. Simply remove it and let the water flow out.

Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities

Ice retention is one of the most difficult things to determine when researching coolers. This is largely due to external factors. The temperature of the air and direct sunlight have a significant impact. Ice quantity is also important. Most brands suggest a ratio of 2:1. You should also open the lid as often as possible to let warm and cold air into your cooler. Pre-chilling your cooler before loading it is a good idea to ensure maximum efficiency. To reduce the cooler's interior temperature, you should fill it with ice at least for a couple of hours. Once you are ready to go, add fresh ice in the right ratio. You can also expect your cooler to become pre-warmed if it is left out in the sunlight before you load it up.

Cooler Sizes (Capacities)

A few things to consider before we get started: Size. Importantly, coolers do not measure the interior capacity of all models. Some coolers use cans to measure interior capacity, others use liters or quarts. However, most manufacturers use quarts as a unit of measure. We've used that measurement in this article when it was possible. A final point: Don't let the product name fool you.

Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers

We mentioned above that if you have cooler needs such as mobility and large capacity or maximum ice retention it is a good idea to look into a hard-sided rolling model. These wheeled monsters can still be difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, and will need assistance if there is no clear path. A rolling cooler is a good choice for camping, tailgating or days at the beach.

Cooler Construction

There are two main types of construction techniques used to make premium hard-sided coolers: injection molding and rotational molding. Yeti popularized rotomolding (even though they weren't technically the first company to do so) and is the dominant market at the top end. This type of cooler is made from a single, continuous piece of plastic which is then rotated to form the desired shape. These coolers have fewer stress points, so they are more likely to break under pressure. They also feature a thicker outer shell that ensures exceptional durability. Cost and weight are the main drawbacks.

FAQs

How Does A Portable Cooler Work?

Combining the insulation of the cooler with the ice you put inside, either ice cubes, ice packs, or foam, slows down warm air circulation and helps keep things cool.

How Much Do Coolers Cost?

Consider what your cooler will be used for. If you need it to store food or drinks for several days or at extreme temperatures then more money is an investment in food safety. A cooler that is cheap and cheerful may suffice if you just need to chill a handful of drinks for an afternoon barbecue.

How Do I Clean My Cooler?

Warm water and dish soap will generally clean your cooler. You can also use warm water and bleach to remove stubborn stains or odors.

How Long Does A Cooler Stay Cold?

It all depends on how efficient the cooler is at insulation. This includes the temperature outside, initial temperature of food and its stacking. Food can be kept cold for up to 4 days with ice (the best), in ideal conditions. A high-end cooler may even keep it chilled for as long as 10 days.

Does Food Stay Cool In A Portable Cooler Without Ice?

But it will take longer than if you put ice inside the cooler. Insulation in the cooler stops food from heating up faster than if left out. The temperature of the cooler and how chilled the food were at the beginning will determine the time it takes to cool down. Even frozen foods will heat up faster if they are kept cool in a trunk compartment of a vehicle.

Can I Use Dry Ice In A Cooler?

Most times, the answer is yes. Some coolers can be damaged by dry ice, but the majority should work fine. However, you will need to cover dry ice with blankets or other insulators. A cooler designed for dry ice is best if you plan to use it every day. You won't have to do any special tasks because the cooler has compartments to store dry ice.

What Is The Best Hard Cooler?

There are many coolers. It really doesn't matter which cooler you choose. A cooler that is more resistant to damage will be the most suitable if you intend on using it every week.

Which Size Cooler Do I Need?

Although you might feel compelled to buy a large cooler, make sure it fits in the car. Smaller coolers can be lifted without the need for assistance. However, coolers with larger capacities can hold more ice and so tend to stay cool longer than smaller models.
Higher coolers can store bottles more upright. Models with recessed lids are better for loading items higher, but they may become warmer.

As mentioned above, all of our information is drawn from actual research, so the accuracy level is reliable. Furthermore, best 120 quart cooler of 2024 will be updated regularly to add new data. You should keep a close eye on our websites for any updates or additions.

After all, we are always available to support and assist you with any problems related to best 120 quart cooler. Please feel free to contact us as soon as possible. Thank you!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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