The Complete Guide For Best Hard Coolers Of 2024
By, Hailey AbbottUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Of The Best: Coleman Rolling Cooler
This Coleman Rolling Cooler offers a lid that supports up to 250 pounds, giving you a comfy place to sit while watching the game. It also has molded cup holders, making it easy to carry drinks and snacks in or out. It comes with a telescoping handle for easy storage so you can take it where you need it most. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler
Your party's going to be a blast with this newly designed Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler. The Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance. MaxCold body construction provides advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention. Read Review
3. Best Comfortable: Coleman Ice Chest | Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Coolers
Whether you’re on the go or staying at home, bring your favorite drinks and snacks along with you in the Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Cooler. Its leakproof channel drain plug makes cleanup easy, and the lid is recessed for easy access to contents. The cooler has a large capacity of up to 160 cans, so it’s perfect for picnics and tailgate parties. Read Review
4. Best Economical: Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology
This cutting-edge ice chest makes the ideal gift for individuals that like camping, fishing, tailgating, beach trips and other outdoor activities. Featuring a modern design and cool riser technology, this unique ice chest is perfect for all occasions. This cooler is equipped with an insulated lid, cooling chamber and multiple carrying handles making it easy to carry on any adventure. Read Review
If you’re looking for the most effective way to keep your beverages cool in the summer heat, look no further than a quality hard cooler. A hard cooler is a refrigerator or freezer with extra insulation and airtight walls that keeps your food and drinks cold for longer. You can find models that are perfect for home use; others are built for commercial purposes, such as restaurants or bars.
No matter what type of hard cooler you need, we’ve got you covered with this list of the best options available on the market today. From compact units to large freezers, compact units to semi-compact models, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s take a look at what makes them so good and which one is right for your needs.
Our team had to focus on researching for 16 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, Coleman Rolling Cooler is one of the most wonderful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also show the other fantastic alternatives with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.
Our Top Picks
- 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
- Telescoping handle: For easy pulling and compact storage
Best Bang For The Buck
Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler
- MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention.
- Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
- Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
- LEAKPROOF: Channel drain plug
- Have-A-Seat LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lbs.
- FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body Keeps the Ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION: This insulated cooler was blow-molded for added durability.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & KEEPS ICE FROZEN: Externally, the cooler measures 32. 2 x 17. 3 x 16. 8 inches. On its own, the BMX 72 QT Cooler weighs about 18. 70 lbs. , which is about half the weight of other brands.
- STURDY LATCHES & ERGONOMIC HANDLE: The BMX cooler comes with a unique t-grip latch system.
- 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.
- Mobile And Multifaceted: Use the heavy-duty rope handles to take the 65 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 the peak of any mountain.
- Recessed, triple-snap drain plug Four self-draining cup holders with lockable lid or tie-down loops
- Ultraviolet inhibitors protect against sun damage
- Ultratherm Insulation in body and lid holds ice up to 5 days
- Thermal Properties: All hard-sided coolers are pressure injected with up to two inches of Ecomate polyurethane foam for optimal cooling, no global warming potential, no ozone depletion potential, and is made with no VOCs
- Cooler Made in USA, Imported Shoulder Strap
- Lid Gasket: Our lids seal with a rubber gasket to keep cold air trapped extending the longevity of your ice
- DRY BOX: Built in dry storage compartment features a push button latch and tablet/phone easel slot
- VOLUME: True 14 quart internal volume (holds 6 cans and 2 1lb Pelican Ice packs)
- FEATURES: Carry handle, molded-in cup holders, press and pull latches, stainless steel bottle opener with cap-catching magnet, and molded-in tie-down slots
- 3-INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes. Your food and beverages will stay colder and for longer in this ice chest.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler. It can be carried by one person.
- HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lb.
- EASY TO OPEN: Recessed lip for easier access to contents
- STAIN-RESISTANT LINER: For easy cleanup
What to Look For in a best hard coolers?
Different considerations must be taken during the shopping process. Study resources are obtained in a wide variety of ways. Thus, our staff is all here to lend a helping hand, advice, and solutions to your issues.
Please take a closer examination of the features below and that would be beneficial before your purchase of best hard coolers:
Cooler Latch And Closure Systems
Weight And Portability
Cooler Sizes (Capacities)
Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers
Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities
Cooler Drain Systems
Cooler Construction
Bear-Resistant Ratings
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.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 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.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 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.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.When the latest info related to best hard coolers comes available, we will update it as soon as possible. Please check our websites frequently for the most up-to-date research data.
Our team is able to support you with many problems, even the out of best hard coolers. If you require support with your issues, please do not hesitate to contact us.
About Hailey Abbott
