Best 50 Quart Cooler: Top Picks For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart

Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart, is the ideal bag for long days in the sun. With its large capacity and ice retention ability, this cooler will keep food and beverages cold for up to 5 days at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooler features an insulated lid and walls, cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to drinks, and removable wheels for easy carrying. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Pelican Elite 50 Quart Cooler (Dark Grey/Green)

Shop for an all-in-one portable cooler at the lowest price. The Pelican Elite Cooler is a one-piece frame that has never been easier to carry and store. With a thick layer of insulation to retain ice for up to 24 hours, this 50 quart cooler is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting trips or bringing along on a picnic in the park. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Use: Igloo Leeward 50 Quart Marine Grade Lockable Insulated Fishing Ice Ches

Get a fishing trip off to the best start with a 50-quart ice chest cooler from Igloo. This high-quality cooler is the perfect companion on any outdoor adventure with its 50-quart capacity and built-in insulation. It'll keep food and drinks cold for four days with an Ultratherm insulation in the body and lid for added comfort when out on the water. Read Review

4. Best Easy Set Up: Coleman Rolling Cooler | 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler

Coleman's 50-quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler is perfect for picnics and outdoor events. Its open-air lid provides easy access, and the molded in cup holders are handy even when you're carrying it. The cooler comes with a telescoping handle to make carrying easy when it's time to head home. Read Review

When you’re camping, having the right gear is essential. But which things are essential, and which can be left behind to save weight? You don’t have time to wade through reviews and details of every piece of gear. And who has the energy or motivation to do so anyway? That’s why we’ve done the dirty work for you.

In this article, you’ll find our top recommendations for the best 50 quart cooler that fits your needs and values, regardless of whether you’re looking for something to stock up on at home or something more expensive that will last you a lifetime in the backcountry.

Our team spent about 20 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart
Our Score:
9.9
Coleman
  • Telescoping handle and heavy-duty wheels for easy, reliable transport across almost any terrain
  • Cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to beverages
  • Wheeled cooler box ideal for camping trips, tailgating parties, and picnics
TOP Choice #2 Pelican Elite 50 Quart Cooler (Dark Grey/Green)
Our Score:
9.7
Pelican
  • FEATURES: Overmolded carry handle, 3 inch locking latches, reinforced lockable hasp, stainless steel bottle opener, anti-shear hinge system, molded-in tie-down slots
  • MADE IN USA: Includes Pelican's legendary lifetime guarantee - "you break it, we replace it. Forever!"
  • EXTREME ICE RETENTION: 2 inches of polyurethane insulation with a 360 degree freezer-grade gasket delivers extreme ice retention.Interior (L×W×D) - 17.50 x 11.00 x 13.70 inches. Can Capacity - 38 cans (). Int Volume - 1.53 ft³ (0.043 m³)
  • INSULATED CONSTRUCTION FOR ICE RETENTION: Ultratherm insulation in the body and lid keeps contents colder longer (4 days of ice retention)
  • PLENTY OF FOOD AND DRINK STORAGE SPACE: 50-quart ice chest cooler has exterior dimensions of 27.8 x 14.6 x 15 inches and interior dimensions of 23.6 x 11.6 x 10.6 inches
  • SECURE, DURABLE LID: Food grade silicone rubber lid gasket, food-grade liner, and lockable lid for security
  • Heavy-duty wheels: Effortless rolling over any terrain
  • Cup holders: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
  • Have-a-seat lid: Closed lid supports up to 250 pounds
  • Large, durable wheels Rustproof, leak resistant channel drain Made with environmentally friendly Thermozone insulation
  • Retractable, telescoping handle holds stacked coolers in place Interlocking base and lid
  • Interlocking base and lid Lid has four cup holders
  • 【Multiple Scenarios】Oarlike Hard Cooler is ideal for Camping, Hiking, Picnic, BBQs, Fishing, Traveling, Tailgating Outdoor Activities,If there is any question. Please feel free to contact us. We would like to provide you a pleasing solution within 24 hours.
  • 【7 Days Insulation Ice Cooler】Rotomolded Thermoplastic One-piece Construction,More than 2inch ultra-thick insulation board, Silicone sealing ring on the lip.All the features make the cooler keeps Ice up to 7 Days.
  • 【Humanized Design】Design with the 2 built in cup holder,which is convenient for Camping, Picnic, BBQs, Fishing, Traveling,The fish rule on the lip is designed for the angler.There is a drain outlet with plug as well.You can remove water without turning the cooler upside down
  • Foldable long arm Handle is well made by Stainless Steel 304 material , which is with black coating and soft foam wrap makes it nice and easy carrying this heavy duty cooler aroundStainless Steel 304 Handle is a plus for smooth and convenient move of this heavy duty cooler. The handle is with soft comfortable grips and noise free.
  • FREE accessories: including basket, cup holder and cut board divider
  • Built-in Bottle openers, Freezer Style gasket, Military-grade nylon handles, Easy Cam Latch system, No-Leak Drain Plug with chain to avoid lost etc.Tips: Always use high density ice for better performance. Ice from ice maker is low density. Pre-chill before use.
  • Constructed with a premium blend of high-performance insulation that maximizes ice retention; Great for camping and weekend adventures
  • Includes an easy-open drain with easy flow drain channel, a 29" fish ruler on the lid, a removable bottle opener, and a line cutter
  • ✅30 DAY TRIAL & 5-YEAR WARRANTY: All Bison Hard Coolers come with an industry leading 5-year warranty and 30-day trial. If you don’t love Bison Coolers, send it back and you’ll receive a full refund.
  • ✅ PREMIUM COOLING: Pressure-injected 2" thick lid and insulated walls for maximum ice retention. Double-wall silicone gasket for tight seal keeps perfect insulation for premium cooling.
  • ✅ HEAVY DUTY DURABILITY: Durable, roto-molded construction. You can drive a truck over this cooler...seriously. Two heavy duty rubber latches with cantilever hinge system. Full-length durable self-stopping hinges.
  • 👍 Cooler Capacity- 50 QT cooler could put 80 cans(330ml) inside without ice. Inner dimension: 26.3”x16”x16.7”. Removable handle with Ergonomic Grip for comfortably lift and carry.
  • 🏕️ Have a Cool Life- Perfect companion for outdoor activities, hunting, picnics, barbecues, camping, boating excursions , road trips, home events, or tailgating at your favorite game.
  • 🧊 High Performance Cooler- Keep cold up to 5 days with full ice. Recommend 1:1 (ice : contents) for 3 days retention. Ask for longer, you can pre-cool the contents and our cooler if possible. Avoid too close to any heat source or direct sun if possible. And only open the cooler when needed.

Buying Guides For Efficiently Picking The best 50 quart cooler

Experts advise that it is necessary to take a close look at the style, functionality, and value of the items you love. The most highly recommended way to know if a product is the best is by its quality checking.

The quality of the best 50 quart cooler will be a vital factor, which plays a decisive role in your experience of this product. Moreover, you guys always wanna products with high-quality standards and valuable characteristics, which best suits your desired needs.

So, how can you know if your selected best 50 quart cooler is of the best quality? The buying guide section below will present to you some tips for the most efficient purchase. Take a close look at the following guides!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

In short, we’ve included all the most outstanding best 50 quart cooler found on the market during this time. Simultaneously, the detailed description and useful tips for best 50 quart cooler selection are shown with clarity. In case you cannot afford these options, then the Patriot Coolers 50 Quart Rotomolded Cooler - 62 Can Ice Chest will be your new buddy. If you want more information about the best 50 quart cooler, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is always here to support you guys!

 


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio