The Best Hardside Cooler For 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler
Image credit: Amazon.com

With today's shopping apps, you can see a lot of products laid out in front of you. However, there will be quite a few people who constantly question the quality of the product. With best hardside cooler you need to pay more attention to its quality. We wrote this article on our website to help you with that. 

The team of this website has collected more than 4,657 reviews of customers from all over the world about the product experience to analyze its quality. In fact, there are quite a few opinions about the product. 

However, after investing in 18, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one, Coleman Ice Chest | Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Coolers. It could better suit your needs.

All of the above models are from famous brands like Igloo, Coleman, Kenai, Pelican, Stanley, Arctic zone, Fatboy, Driftsun, Columbia, Seavilis, Ceilblue. So you can initially have some confidence in the product you are looking for. The sections below have included a buying guide that you can refer to.

Our Top Picks

  • Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
  • Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
  • MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention.
  • LEAKPROOF: Channel drain plug
  • EASY TO OPEN: Recessed lip for easier access to contents
  • FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body Keeps the Ice up to 4 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • LID GASKET - A cooler isn't cool if it doesn't keep things cold. KENAI Cooler lids seal for optimal insulation even in hot temperatures with a silicone rubber gasket to keep cold air trapped inside to extend the life of ice. Everything for your adventures stay colder, fresher, longer.
  • MADE IN THE USA
  • ROTOMOLDED - If the walls of a cooler aren’t uniform in thickness, the strength and durability of that cooler is questionable at best. Our coolers are built with rotationally-molded LLDPE plastic to ensure even wall thickness, durability, and max performance on every adventure.
  • DRY BOX: Built in dry storage compartment features a push button latch and tablet/phone easel slot
  • MADE TO LAST: 3 year warranty
  • INCLUDES: Inner try for non-perishables to stay cool and dry, and a snap-in, flexible lid organizer
  • LEAK PROOF: The silicone gasket on the lid ensures superior insulation and makes this completely leak proof when the latches are locked.
  • STAYS ICE COLD: The adventure cooler has double-wall foam insulation that keeps this ice box cold for up to 27 hours - nearly 40 percent longer than your typical coolers. It's ideal for camping, fishing, picnics, or your everyday work lunch box.
  • TOUGH AND DURABLE: The high-density polyethylene outer shell, sturdy latches allow this cooler to take a beating with the durable rubber string you can hold Stanley vacuum bottle on the flat top. The cooler is made of only BPA-free materials.
  • Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it
  • Patented, "flip open" Zipperless lid allows for quick access to food and drinks
  • Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with anti-slip shoulder pad centers load weight for easier carrying; interior liner dimensions: (L x W x H) 9.8" x 4.75" x 10.25"
  • Contractor Lunchbox Day Cooler Golf Cart
  • Color: Coral - Holds Ice: 2 to 3 days
  • 5 Year Limited Warranty
  • FEATURES: Every Driftsun Cooler is packed with features that make camping and the outdoors even better. It comes with Military-grade nylon rope handles, Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Molded Tie-Down Slots with Lock Plates, Recessed No-Leak Drain Plug, Pressure Release Valve, and 2 Stainless Steel Lock Plate Bottle Openers! This is the optimal beach, fishing, and camping cooler!
  • INSULATED COOLER: Driftsun Ice Chests hold ice for days on end with up to 3” inches of commercial grade insulation, freezer grade gasket, and ColdSeal Latches. Keep your beverages, meal, catch or ice packs cold for days.
  • SERIOUSLY COLD: The 20 Quart Driftsun Cooler has 3 inches of commercial grade insulation. The molded freezer rubber gasket keeps your water jug, lunch bag, or food items colder for longer!
  • Includes an expandable, insulated, leak proof front compartment and an adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with pad
  • FDA compliant, recyclable, and removable HardBody liner with SmartShelf
  • ThermaCool high performance insulation; Features Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining
  • 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
  • Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
  • Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.

Try one of the following guide to pick best hardside cooler for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best hardside cooler? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best hardside cooler for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days | Heavy-Duty 70-Quart Cooler for Camping as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


0 ratings

About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

Read Sara's full bio