Good Quality Coolers Of 2024: Top-rated And Buying Guide

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Igloo's 120-qt. cooler is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. It features an ultratherm insulated body and lid that keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can be sure your food will stay cold and fresh. The lid has a threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler, Blue

Carry your ice cold beverages and food to the game, on a hike, or on the go without worry with the Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler. Featuring a leak-resistant channel drain for easy water drainage and a comfortable grip no-crush handles for easy carrying, this cooler is perfect for long days outdoors. Read Review

3. Best Choice: CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag

This CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag is the perfect size for food delivery services and a great solution to haul groceries from the store or farmer's market to your kitchen at home. It features a large capacity that can hold up to 50 cans of your favorite drinks plus ice, comfortable carry handles making toting heavy loads easy, and sleek patterns to make it look oh so cute. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, Tan, Ice Chest with Heavy Duty Rubber Latches

RTIC is the largest manufacturer of hard coolers in the world. Their 45 qt. Ice Chest is great for parties, tailgates and sporting events and has a large capacity to accommodate ice, beverages and snacks. This cooler comes with a built-in high-quality Polyethylene liner that keeps your drinks cold for hours on end. Read Review

Do you enjoy going on picnics or outings, but worry about bringing your favorite foods? Or do you simply want to keep your food fresh and chilled, no matter where you are? Either way, a cooler is something you should have in your home. A quality cooler can be used for so many different things - from keeping drinks and snacks cool, to keeping ice cream fresher for longer.

And if you’re looking for a great deal on an excellent cooler, then we have some news for you! Today we are going to take a look at some of the best coolers available today. These will be sure to meet all of your needs and fit into any budget.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler, Blue if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.9
Igloo
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
  • Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
  • Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
TOP Choice #2 Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler, Blue
Our Score:
9.7
Coleman
  • Holds 100 cans and has molded cup holders on top of lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
  • Have-A-Seat lid supports up to 250 pounds so you always have a place to sit and rest
TOP Choice #3 CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag
Our Score:
9.6
CleverMade
  • The perfect size for food delivery services and a great solution to haul groceries from the store or farmer's market to your kitchen at home; comfortable handle and duffel bag handles make toting heavy loads easy
  • Versatile totes can be packed up for a daytime picnic and are small enough to place in the trunk of your SUV as an ice chest on road trips; collapesed down, the cooler can fit in your suitcase for vacation. Recommended to use with Clever Ice
  • Measures 18.25"L x 12.25"W x 11.5"H when open and collapses flat to 3"; weighs 2 pounds when empty; lightweight bag holds 30 liters (8 gallons) by volume with a load capacity of 50 pounds
  • The Perfect Size: The 45 is small enough to carry alone but big enough to store drinks for the whole group.
  • Mobile And Multifaceted: Use the heavy-duty rope handles to take the 45 anywhere and when you need an extra hand—this cooler doubles as a step stool, tabletop, or cutting board.
  • 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.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & KEEPS ICE FROZEN: Externally, the cooler measures 19. 59" L x 13. 25" W x 15. 70" H. On its own, the BMX 25 QT Cooler weighs about 11. 29 lbs.
  • ABOUT IGLOO: Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work, and play
  • HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION: This insulated cooler was blow-molded for added durability. Coupled with oversized hinges and stainless steel screws.
  • Xtreme Technology; Insulated lid and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • Heavy-duty wheels: Effortless rolling over any terrain
  • Ultra Safe leak proof lining with Microban protects against odors and stains and helps make this product easier to clean
  • Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier; Therma-Flect radiant barrier interior reflects heat rather than absorbing it
  • Triple layer ColdBlock base has 3 thick layers of SuperFoam that are designed to keep the conductive heat from the hot ground at bay
  • EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Extra-large size yet weighs only 1.65 lbs. The Maelstrom Icy Hollow Soft sided cooler will hold up to 75 cans of your favorite drinks plus 2-4 ice packs; or with 60 cans you can add 15 lbs. of ice for long lasting coldness. Whether it's camping, hiking, picnicking, or a BBQ party, the cooler bag easily packs a lot of food, fruits, beer, meat, or even seafood together. It’s large enough to carry all picnic essentials for the whole family!
  • UNIQUE DESIGN - Top pull tab with Velcro opening design, easy to access your food without having to open the zipper around the whole top cover, keeping contents cool/warm longer. Ergonomic design with two different ways to carry - adjustable straps and a carrying handle. An integrated bottle opener gives you a quick access to pop open a bottle of beer.
  • Plano Storage : Protecting your passion since 1952
  • Shock and drop resistant for worry free transit : Heavy-duty ergonomic handle for easy and comfortable handle with integrated tie-down slots in handle : Exterior Dimensions: 19.0” x 11.5” x 13.0" Interior Dimensions: 12.9” x 6.91” x 9.8”
  • Top Loader Latches - When prepping for travel, every inch of space counts. We use Top Loader Latches so you can pack tight and access what you need without moving surrounding gear.
  • Built-In Bottle Opener - Forgetting the bottle opener at home is a drag but have no fear!  Cordova has you covered with a bottle opener built right into the sturdy aluminum handles.

What to Look For in a good quality coolers?

You may know that good quality coolers is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Our website is constantly updated so that the information you read becomes the latest one. Please visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter list more than normal to catch up with the new good quality coolers of 2024.

Please feel free to contact us whenever you need support. You’re welcome to get in touch with us!


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio