Top Best 52 Quart Cooler: Best Picks 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler

The Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler is the perfect cooling companion for your next outdoor adventure. Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure, and a threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap. Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: RTIC Ultra-Light 52 qt, White& Grey

RTIC Coolers are the ultimate cooler for the camper, hunter and boater. Our coolers combine a light feel with heavy-duty construction. The combination of our durable rubber T-latches and tie-down slots will keep your food and beverages secure. Read Review

3. Best Choice: ACOPOWER LiONCooler Portable Freezer 52 Quarts

The ACOPOWER LiONCooler Portable Freezer 52 Quarts is the ultimate solution for getting all your drinks, fruits, and meats cool on the go. When you need to take some things out of a fridge or freezer, this mini cooler will cool them down in minutes with its powerful 12 volt compressor. This portable refrigerator can be powered by an optional AC adapter that plugs into any standard wall outlet or with a 12 volt battery. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Igloo 52 Qt Marine Ultra Quantum Roller , White

With the Igloo 52 Qt Marine Ultra Quantum Roller, you'll be able to store all of your food and drink in one convenient place. This ice chest also has UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage and an integrated condiment shelf that holds up to 2 removable fishing rod holders and 2 attachable drink holders. Read Review

To keep your food fresh, you need a quality cooler. But which one? Well, with so many choices out there, it can be a bit daunting. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together this list of the best coolers for your family’s needs.

So whether you’re looking for something to store your cut flowers or just need to keep your limes and lemons fresh for an extended period of time, this article will help you find the perfect cooler for your needs. Keep reading to learn more about the top-rated coolers on the market today.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler as our top product. Or you can check the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 qt, White& Grey as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Besides, we also recommend a number of products with a slightly larger or smaller capacity to suit your needs.

Shop with us, the results will make you satisfied!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler
Our Score:
9.9
Igloo
  • Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure. Threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap
  • MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 5-day ice retention.
  • Swing-up comfort grip handles for easy two-handed carrying.
TOP Choice #2 RTIC Ultra-Light 52 qt, White& Grey
Our Score:
9.8
RTIC
  • Travel Lighter and Longer: This cooler has all the perks of a premium hard-sided cooler while staying 30% lighter, thanks to the latest cutting-edge technology and innovative injected molded design.
  • Make The Most Of Your Mobility: Light enough to be carried by one person and doubles as a step stool, tabletop, or cutting board.
TOP Choice #3 ACOPOWER LiONCooler Portable Freezer 52 Quarts
Our Score:
9.6
ACOPOWER
  • ⛱ PORTABLE DESIGN: The excellent electric coolers for car has stretchable handles and 6 off-road wheels which increase its portability, Which makes it very suitable for boat, camping, fishing, tailgating, school sports, and the backyard BBQ. The sound of the 12v fridge is only 40 dB when it is running, it provides a quiet and comfortable environment for you.
  • ⛱ APP CONTROL: The RV refrigerator can not only be controlled manually but also be remotely managed via the free app because it is equipped with a digital smart control panel with electronic temperature control. 12v refrigerator with three levels of battery protection mechanism- Low, Medium, and High, can protect your vehicle battery from running out.
  • Built-in condiment shelf Includes 2 removable fishing rod holders and 2 attachable drink holders
  • Ultratherm Insulation in body and lid holds ice up to 5 days
  • Ultraviolet inhibitors protect against sun damage
  • Insulated lid and walls provide 5 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to beverages
  • Locking, telescoping handle equipped with Gear Hangers to hold purses, shopping bags, and more
  • Wheeled for easy transport and can either be pushed or pulled
  • Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure. Threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap
  • Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
  • Have-a-seat lid: Closed lid supports up to 250 pounds
  • Cup holders: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
  • Can hole up to 76 12-oz. cans
  • Cool Riser Technology for improved cooling performance
  • Premium stainless-steel hinges, latch and hardware for maximum durability
  • Triple-snap leak-resistant drain plug for easy draining of melted ice

What to Look For in a best 52 quart cooler?

The best 52 quart cooler is influenced by a multitude of factors, including all those stated below. Depending on the sort of product, the learning process differs. We'll be ready to aid you and propose solutions since we're here to support you.

It's necessary to remember the following ones before selecting best 52 quart cooler:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Overall, we will research and update new info for the list of best 52 quart cooler regularly. On a frequent basis, please check our websites for the latest changes and updates.

Aside from best 52 quart cooler, we can bail you up. If you want further support, please do not hesitate to contact us.


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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