Best Big Cooler Of April: Best Picks Of 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is the perfect cooler for long car rides, parties, and camping. The reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature makes carrying this cooler easy on your back. The dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure and the threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining make it ideal for all types of outdoor activities. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Coleman Ice Chest | Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Coolers

Coleman wheeled coolers are an essential item for all outdoor activities. These tough, durable, leakproof coolers are not only able to keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F, but they also feature a built-in, molded lid that keeps your drinks from spilling and a molded drain plug for easy cleanup. Read Review

3. Best Quality: YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White

The YETI Tundra is the best cooler for hiking, hunting, or everyday use. It has a patented lid latch that never gets broken, the Rotomolded construction is nearly indestructible, and it's insulated with up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation. The 60 Qt. Tundra is perfect for denser foods like meat, fish, and cheese. Read Review

4. Best Performance: COHO 165QT Ice Chest, Heavy Duty

Keep your beverages, meals, catch, or ice packs cold for days. The 165 Qt. Coho Cooler holds ice for days on end with up to 3” inches of commercial grade insulation, ColdSeal Latches and a robust swing-up side handle that provides easy, stable transport. The Quick-access hatch provides access to the cooler without opening the entire lid. Read Review

A large, spacious cooler is a must-have for any household. If you are planning to host parties and celebrations often, then a large cooler is your best bet. Some of the best big coolers in the market come with ample space that lets you keep multiple bottles of your favorite drink as well as other food items.

A large cooler is also good if you have a family and love to eat home-cooked food every now and then. These coolers help you save your time and money by making your meal preparation easier than ever. Keeping all these things in mind, it’s always better to have a larger storage space rather than a smaller one that won’t be able to fit all your needs. Choose the best big cooler for yourself from our list below.

After spending 16 hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.8
Igloo
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
  • Ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31" L x 17.38" W x 17.75" D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches
TOP Choice #2 Coleman Ice Chest | Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Coolers
Our Score:
9.6
Coleman
  • STAIN-RESISTANT LINER: For easy cleanup; leakproof channel drain plug
  • EASY TO OPEN: Recessed lip for easier access to contents
  • LARGE CAPACITY: Holds up to 160 cans
TOP Choice #3 YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White
Our Score:
9.4
YETI
  • The YETI Tundra 65 is just as adept at keeping your catches cold in the field as it is storing the drinks and food for your backyard barbecue, this ice chest is plenty roomy, holding a limit of redfish or your prized brisket
  • Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
4 COHO 165QT Ice Chest, Heavy Duty
Our Score:
9.2
COHO
  • PLASTIC BUMPER & ANTI-SKID FEET ON BASE: keeps cooler from sliding and moving in truck or on the boat. Robust swing-up side handles provide easy, stable transport and fold flat for space-efficient storage
  • 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
  • Virtually indestructible stainless steel hinges.
  • 110 Qt. capacity enough space to hold 168 cans
  • Another Igloo Industry First: Horizontal telescoping handle requires 50% less lifting effort.
  • Insulated lid and walls provide 5 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Telescoping handle and heavy-duty wheels for easy, reliable transport across almost any terrain
  • Wheeled cooler box ideal for camping trips, tailgating parties, and picnics
  • Easy-to-Drain Spout with Garden Hose Compatibility
  • Two Rubber Latches - Easily Opened with One Hand
  • Stainless Steel Bottle Opener with Padlock Compatibility
  • Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
  • Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
  • Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
  • Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure.
  • MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention.
  • Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
  • It's got a taller build than its predecessor, so it now accommodates a standard bottle of wine (or 2 liter bottle) upright, and is a better fit behind the driver's or passenger's seat of a car
  • The Roadie 24 holds 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio or 24 lbs of just ice. It measures 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H
  • QUICKLATCH - Flexible, simple, and built for quick, one-handed cooler access

How Can You Gain The best big cooler That Meets Your Demands?

Looking for the best big cooler requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.

The information and up-to-date data related to the best big cooler can be relied on by our customers at all times. First of all, let’s go through the following questions asked frequently on the sale websites:

  • What products are relied on by most buyers?
  • What would you obtain from this product?
  • Where can you get advice and consults for some problems related to the product?
  • In what sense is it worthwhile to make this purchase?
  • What should you look for when choosing the best item for your needs?

The information in our article is expected to be used as a guide only. You should take the Internet into account for reference among your options. If you want the accurate picture of the best big cooler, sale websites and consulting forums are free for you guys. The data is compiled using AI and Big Data in these spaces, so you can rest assured when the ìnormation is objective and precise.

It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The list of best big cooler is updated frequently to approach the latest information. Please check our website to get any changes and additions usually.

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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