Best Hard Sided Coolers In 2024: Best Picks & Guidance
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart
The Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler is an ideal companion for your next road trip. With a 50-quart capacity and a handle that doubles as a cup holder, it will keep your beverages cool for hours. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler
The Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler is the perfect choice for active lifestyles. Featuring rust-resistant stainless steel hinge rods and hardware, a 3-point-grab handle for easy one-handed carrying and a textured, closed cell EVA foam insulation, this is one rugged cooler. Read Review
3. Best Choice: ENGEL UC19T Cooler/Dry Box 19 Qt - Tan, 19 Quart
The perfect solution for your work, hunting or camping needs, the ENGEL UC19T Cooler/Dry Box 19 Qt. is the ideal pack to take with you when you need to keep food and drinks cool or dry. The rugged, lightweight polypropylene case is tough enough to handle whatever you throw at it while the draw-down stainless steel latches keep your contents secure. Read Review
4. Best Efficient: RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, Tan, Ice Chest
RTIC Hard Cooler - Ice chest that is tough, rotomolded and with a sidekick for every adventure. The temperature-retentive 3-inch foam insulated walls plus the cool-lift design feature will make worrying about your ice melting a thing of the past. Read Review
Coolers are one of those things that have become an essential for summertime outings and outdoor get-togethers. We can’t imagine a barbecue without a cooler of ice, or a day at the lake without a picnic basket filled with sandwiches and other snacks. In case you haven’t guessed it yet: coolers are getting more and more popular these days.
It makes sense, really – they make life so much easier! The best part is that they don’t have to break the bank either. Having reviewed so many different models in the past few months, we’ve found some great options that won’t take your finances by storm. So what are you waiting for? Let's take a look at our top picks for the best hard sided coolers on the market today...
Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart is the greatest choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler.
Our Top Picks
- Wheeled cooler box ideal for camping trips, tailgating parties, and picnics
- Insulated lid and walls provide 5 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- 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.
- Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
- Rugged, lightweight polypropylene case
- Airtight, EVA foam rubber gasket
- A Sidekick For Every Adventure: Rotomolded construction makes this cooler tough enough to handle every excursion—from off-roading in Moab to picnics in the Grand Canyon.
- Heavy-Duty Protection: The combination of durable rubber T-latches and molded tie-down slots will keep your food and beverages secure.
- Heavy-duty wheels: Effortless rolling over any terrain
- Cup holders: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
- LIGHTWEIGHT & KEEPS ICE FROZEN: Externally, the cooler measures 32. 2 x 17. 3 x 16. 8 inches. On its own, the BMX 72 QT Cooler weighs about 18. 70 lbs. , which is about half the weight of other brands.
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION: This insulated cooler was blow-molded for added durability.
- Folding aluminum comfort grip handle with no-lose screw in drain plug
- Holds up to 22 cans | 20 Liters | 5.28 Gallons | 21.13 Quarts
- Built Ruggedly Cool with 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Ultratherm insulation in body for maximum cold retention; holds ice up to 3 days at 90 degree Fahrenheit.
- Ultraviolet inhibitors protect against sun damage.
- Ultratherm insulated lid and body keeps contents cold.
- Seamless, one-piece, roto-molded construction is built to last; Includes anti-skid feet, an oversized drain, and an integrated fish ruler
- Heavy-duty, high performance cooler with built-in Microban product protection that helps make the product easier to clean
- Meets the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee standards for Bear-Resistant containers when used with the appropriate locks (sold separately); Keeps ice up to 4 days
- ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - Evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough
- The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter in weight and holds 20% more than a Roadie 20, it even performs 30% better thermally
What to Look For in a best hard sided coolers?
Upon looking for the perfect best hard sided coolers, a lot of things should be taken into account. Each item has its own challenge of purchasing. As a result of the formation, we're here to help, advise, and provide answers to these problems.
Please keep in mind the following points to select best hard sided coolers that fit you most:
Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities
Cooler Sizes (Capacities)
Weight And Portability
Bear-Resistant Ratings
Cooler Latch And Closure Systems
Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers
Cooler Drain Systems
Cooler Construction
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.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.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.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 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.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 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 hard sided coolers will be regularly updated to be included in additional data by our editor's team. Please keep an eye around for any amendments made to our website.
Our consultants could support you with problems related to best hard sided coolers and other things as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need advice.
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