Top Best 20qt Cooler Of 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler (Dark Grey/Green)
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler (Dark Grey/Green)

The Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler is a rugged and dependable cooler made with the best materials. With 2 inches of polyurethane insulation on the exterior and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket, this cooler will keep ice frozen longer than any other cooler. The lid is a snap-in design, so you can open it up with one hand easily. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 20Q Premium Ice Chest Roto Cooler

The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 20Q Premium Ice Chest Roto Cooler keeps drinks and food cold for up to four days. Made from high-quality materials and with built-in Microban product protection, this heavy duty cooler is designed for outdoor use and is ideal for fishing, hunting or golfing trips. Its rugged construction makes it easy to clean without any hassle. Read Review

3. Best Convenient: Igloo Sportsman 20Qt Rotomold Cooler

Igloo Sportsman 20Qt Rotomold Cooler is designed to keep your drinks cold for hours. This rotomolded cooler features durable rubberized T-handle lid latches that keep the contents secure during transportation and can carry up to 300 pounds. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on picnics, tailgating and more. Read Review

4. Best Design: Landworks Rotomolded Ice Cooler 20QT Up to 5 Day

Endure the toughest outdoor conditions with the Landworks Rotomolded 20-Quart Ice Cooler. With a tough, durable, and water-resistant construction, this cooler is designed to be a trusted companion wherever you go. The non-skid feet make it easy to set up in any environment while the stainless steel bottle opener makes it easy to open your favorite beverage at a moment's notice. Read Review

The cooler season is coming and with it, the need to store your food and keep it cool. Airtight containers are a must in this season. Even if you have air conditioning, it won’t be enough to keep your food at the right temperature.

The best way to accomplish this task is by investing in a quality cooler. Owing to their size and capacity, these coolers can be used for storing leftovers or transporting home-cooked meals from one location to another. Whether you’re looking for the best 20qt cooler or something that can fit into a small space, we have you covered. Here are our picks for the best 20qt cooler.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler (Dark Grey/Green) recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 20Q Premium Ice Chest Roto Cooler 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 Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler (Dark Grey/Green)
Our Score:
9.7
Pelican
  • VOLUME: True 20 quart internal volume (holds 15 cans or 3 wine bottles)
  • EXTREME ICE RETENTION: 2 inches of polyurethane insulation with a 360 degree freezer-grade gasket delivers extreme ice retention
  • FEATURES: Overmolded carry handle, 3 inch locking latches, reinforced lockable hasp, stainless steel bottle opener, anti-shear hinge system, molded-in tie-down slots
TOP Choice #2 Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 20Q Premium Ice Chest Roto Cooler
Our Score:
9.6
Arctic Zone
  • Heavy-duty, high performance cooler with built-in Microban product protection that helps make the product easier to clean
  • Constructed with a premium blend of thick polyurethane insulation that maximizes ice retention; Perfect for outdoor adventures and camping
  • Features a freezer grade 360 degree rubber gasket and corrosion-resistant T-latches that creates a tight seal to keep the cold inside
TOP Choice #3 Igloo Sportsman 20Qt Rotomold Cooler
Our Score:
9.4
Igloo
  • Virtually indestructible rot molded construction
  • Minimum 2" foam in gasket lid and 1. 5-2" body foam for superior cooling performance
  • 3-point grab handle built from durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum with wide cushioned grip for comfortable transport
  • ICE CHALLENGE ACCEPTED - Our Rotomolded 20QT / 8.9L Ice Cooler goes BEYOND the minimum standard Days of Ice Retention but up to 3-5 Days or LONGER (if pre-cooled, kept in low: temps & UV index). Food Grade Safe, Dry Ice Compatible, approx. (23) 12oz Can Capacity (no ice added) & Tough Enough to Endure Whatever Nature Throws at You
  • SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION - Rotomolded Coolers are the 'Cream of the Crop' in Technology for Commercial Grade Insulation. Our Cooler has 3" THICK Insulated Walls, All Round UV Protective Shell, Commercial Grade 360° D-Seal freezer Style 15mm Gasket (Trapping All Cold Inside), Recessed Zero-Leak Drain Plug, Molded Tie Down Slats & a Lock in Place Steel Handle with Ergonomic Grip
5 Grizzly 20 Cooler, Red, G20, 20 QT
Our Score:
9.1
Grizzly
  • Rotomolded: Our coolers are made from rotationally-molded LLDPE plastic and are designed to achieve even wall thicknesses for optimal durability.
  • Thermal Properties: All hard-sided coolers are pressure injected with up to two inches of Ecomate polyurethane foam for optimal cooling. This unique insulation has no global warming potential, no ozone depletion potential, and is made with no VOCs.
6 Cubix Camo Cooler 20 Quart
Our Score:
9.0
Cubix Coolers
  • ❄️KEEPS ICE COLD FOR A VERY LONG TIME – unlike other coolers that DO NOT stand up to their ICE HOLD promises, CUBIX will keep your COOLER COLD for up to 3 days. Our High-Tech cooler is equipped with THICKWALL DESIGN, featuring 3” of EXTREME INSULATION to trap in the cold and surpass expectations. – GOODBYE EARLY MELTING ICE!
  • 🏆THIS IS A GREAT COOLER FOR THE PRICE – our cooler is built TOUGH to the core with a rotomolded construction that is practically impossible to be destroyed. We are OVERBUILT and NOT OVERPRICED to deliver utmost value for all our customers. – BEST COOLER TO OWN!
7 Patriot Coolers 20 Quart Rotomolded Cooler
Our Score:
8.9
Patriot Coolers
  • Rotomolded Construction
  • Keeps Ice up to 5 Days - Like a Portable Freezer
  • Bear Resistant - Designed to keep unwanted guests out.
  • Convenient Measurement Guide - Embossed 17 inch ruler on lid

 

  • Temperature Retentive: There are many variables to how long our coolers will hold ice, for instance: the outside temperature, if the cooler is under a shade, what type of ice and how much ice you’re putting in your cooler, etc. The short and honest answer would be: 5-7 days.
  • Excellent Leakproofness: Durable sealing gasket can make sure the cooler box excellent leakproofness. The stainless steel lock play a role not only as a lock but also as a bottle opener.
  • Durable, roto-molded construction
  • Integrated insulation for maximum ice/cold retention
  • Lifetime warranty
  • The attached cargo net allows for added storage
  • Extra thick insulation keeps cold for 7-14 days
  • T-Handle latches are all weather and durable
  • Rapid Flow oversized tethered drain plug
  • Bottle opener and integrated fish ruler

What to Look For in a best 20qt cooler?

The best 20qt 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 20qt cooler:

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.

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 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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

Overall, we will research and update new info for the list of best 20qt cooler regularly. On a frequent basis, please check our websites for the latest changes and updates.

Aside from best 20qt 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