Top Best Coolers For Summer Of 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Keep your drinks cold for up to five days with the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler. The ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Drain Plug is threaded so you can easily drain your cooler using a hose hookup or other equipment. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days

Coleman Cooler has been the trusted name in outdoor activities for over a century. With a wide range of gear and accessories, from coolers to tents, you are sure to find something that suits your needs. Read Review

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

The RTIC Hard Cooler 45 is the perfect size for carrying a few drinks to share with friends. The insulated, heavy-duty rubber handles offer the perfect grip and are easy to carry. The molded tie-downs provide extra security for your food and beverages on the move. Read Review

4. Best Efficient: YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, White

There's no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with this durable and lightweight cooler by YETI. This coolster has ROTOMOLDED construction and is incredibly tough, holding 18 cans of your favorite beer or 24 lbs of just ice. It measures 16 1/2”L x 14 1/2”W x 17 1/2"H, so it fits easily in most car trunks and backseats. Get it today! Read Review

The warmer months are here and that means our loved ones are going to be spending more time outside. Now, instead of dreading the upcoming hot weather, we can look forward to a more comfortable and enjoyable summer. The great thing about having the right cooler for the summer is that it frees us from lugging heavy ice packs around or constantly buying bottled water for our pets.

The right cooler can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the summer. Keep reading to learn more about different coolers and their features so you can find one that fits your needs.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler - our favorite one. We also provide you with Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to share below! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.8
Igloo
  • Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
TOP Choice #2 Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days
Our Score:
9.7
Coleman
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Smoother surface wipes clean easily; leak-resistant channel drain for easy draining without tilting
  • HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lb.
  • 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.
  • The Perfect Size: The 45 is small enough to carry alone but big enough to store drinks for the whole group.
4 YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, White
Our Score:
9.5
YETI
  • QUICKLATCH - Flexible, simple, and built for quick, one-handed cooler access
  • ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - Evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough
  • It's got a taller build than its predecessor, so it now accommodates a standard bottle of wine (or 2 liter bottle) upright, and is a better fit behind the driver's or passenger's seat of a car
  • Integrated ruler on lid easily estimates your catch.
  • Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
  • Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
  • High capacity: Holds up to 84 cans
  • Heavy-duty wheels: Effortless rolling over any terrain
  • Cup holders: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
  • MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention.
  • Integrated ruler on lid easily estimates your catch.
  • Strong Arm Handle – A durable welded aluminum arm with comfortable grips. The curved design tracks left or right for heel-friendly towing
  • Never Flat Wheels – A solid, single-piece tire construction that is impact- and puncture-resistant
  • Rotomolded Construction makes it armored to the core and virtually indestructible
  • Folding aluminum comfort grip handle with no-lose screw in drain plug
  • Stainless steel hardware with non-marring feet
  • 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.

What to Look For in a best coolers for summer?

The best coolers for summer is based upon a number of factors. Studying a product differs depending on the product type. So, we're on here to help, counsel, and provide solutions to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points for selecting best coolers for summer:

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

As we are product consulting experts with a wide range of experience, we determine correct information. Apart from that, we keep the best coolers for summer current. You may rest confident that the data is accurate and up to date.

Besides best coolers for summer, we can advise you with anything. Please do not hesitate to contact us whenever you need guidance.


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio