Best Coolers For Keeping Ice Of 2024: Buying Guide & Reviews

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days

Keep ice for up to 5 days with the Coleman Xtreme Cooler, featuring extra wall insulation and an insulated lid. Made of tough, leak-resistant polystyrene, this cooler is built to last even in the harshest conditions. With a closed lid and a reusable mesh bag it will support up to 250 pounds. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Igloo Heavy-Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler with Cool Riser Technology

Igloo's BMX 25 Qt Cooler is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. The lightweight, externally measured cooler features Igloo's innovative Cool Riser Technology that keeps ice frozen for 24 hours and ideal for tailgating or outdoor events when you need to keep your drink cold and ice cold. Read Review

3. Best Efficient: RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, Blue, Ice Chest

This RTIC 45 qt Ice Chest, Blue is perfect for the great outdoors. The 45 is small enough to carry alone but big enough to store drinks for the whole group. Rotomolded construction makes this cooler tough enough to handle every excursion—from off-roading in Moab, to picnics in the Grand Canyon. Read Review

4. Best Choice: YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White

Keep your cold drinks and food cool for hours with the new YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White. Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation, which keeps cooler air in and hot air out. The extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant, so you never have to worry about a bear getting into your cooler. Read Review

When it comes to making sure your beverages stay cold and fresh, nothing beats the power of ice. But if you live in a hot climate or have other conditions that cause your home to feel warmer than usual, you’ll soon start wondering how to keep your coolers from sweating out your drinks.

Luckily, there are some terrific coolers on the market that not only help you keep your ice but also help reduce the heat in your home as well. Let’s take a look at some of the best coolers for keeping ice and drinks cool in any situation.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Igloo Heavy-Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler with Cool Riser Technology 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

  • EASY TO CLEAN: Smoother surface wipes clean easily; leak-resistant channel drain for easy draining without tilting
  • COMFORT-GRIP HANDLES: No-crush design with positive stop for pinch-free carrying
  • High Capacity: Holds Up to 100 Cans
  • STURDY LATCHES & ERGONOMIC HANDLE: The BMX cooler comes with a unique t-grip latch system. The rubberized latches secure the lid to lock in the cold.
  • 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.
TOP Choice #3 RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, Blue, Ice Chest
Our Score:
9.4
RTIC
  • Temperature Retentive: The 3-inch foam insulated walls plus the cool-lift design feature will make worrying about your ice melting a thing of the past.
  • 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.
  • 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.
4 YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White
Our Score:
9.2
YETI
  • The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
  • All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
  • Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
5 Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler
Our Score:
9.1
Igloo
  • Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
  • Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90°F
  • UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life. Capacity: 83 12-ounce cans, 52 quarts (49 liters)
  • Have-a-seat lid: Closed lid supports up to 250 pounds
  • 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
  • Up To 7-Day Ice Retention
  • Stainless Steel Bottle Opener with Padlock Compatibility
  • Two Rubber Latches - Easily Opened with One Hand
  • High-capacity, heavy-duty cooler features a charming retro design
  • Comfort-grip steel handles allow for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
  • Built to deliver years of performance with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware
  • Easy-to-Drain Spout with Garden Hose Compatibility
  • Up To 7-Day Ice Retention
  • Virtually Indestructible rotomolded premium cooler with secure locking system and no slip textured lid with four molded cup holders
  • Folding aluminum comfort grip handle with no-lose screw in drain plug

What to Look For in a best coolers for keeping ice?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best coolers for keeping ice, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best coolers for keeping ice. You are expected to count on our expertise in best coolers for keeping ice to make the right choice. 

So now we move on to the significant factors related to best coolers for keeping ice you must keep in mind:

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

The list of best coolers for keeping ice is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.

You are supposed to be free to get in touch with our customer support. All of your problems or challenges with the best coolers for keeping ice will be carefully considered.


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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