Picking Up Best Ice Chest Coolers Of 2024: A Complete Guide

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Igloo’s Polar Series coolers are tough enough to handle the toughest job and have a long-lasting design that will last for years. The dual latches, along with the heavy-duty handles, make it easy to transport or store your cooler in your shed or garage. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler | 70 Quart Day Cooler

Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler is a 70 Quart Day Cooler designed to keep you cool and comfortable during your camping, hunting, fishing or any other outdoor adventure. It provides a large capacity and versatility with a closed lid design that supports up to 250 lb. Read Review

3. Best Sturdiness: Igloo Heavy-Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler

Outfit your outdoor activities with the Igloo BMX 25 Qt. This cooler is designed for a high-performance, easy-to-transport ice chest that is lightweight and keeps ice frozen for longer periods of time. The Igloo BMX 25 Qt's unique t-grip latch system keeps the lid tight while its rubberized latches provide excellent security. Read Review

4. Best For Traveling: Coleman Rolling Cooler

Make camping, tailgating and picnics a breeze with Coleman Xtreme Technology rolling coolers. These coolers are built to hold ice for up to five days in temperatures as high as 90°F. They have extra wall insulation to keep your drinks cold and are designed with an insulated lid that keeps ice from evaporating. Read Review

When it comes to storing your food, most people prefer to keep things as fresh as possible. This is why many house owners opt for buying a cooler that can keep their leftovers fresh for a longer period of time. The reason this is important is because many foods begin deteriorating once they are exposed to air.

If you’re looking for a new ice chest cooler, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article we will take a closer look at some of the top rated ice chest coolers on the market today. From reading reviews and researching details, we will give you an idea of what to look out for when buying one and whether or not the price is worth it.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler as our top product. Or you can check the Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler | 70 Quart Day Cooler as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.7
Igloo
  • Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
  • Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
  • Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
TOP Choice #2 Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler | 70 Quart Day Cooler
Our Score:
9.6
Coleman
  • COMFORT-GRIP HANDLES: No-crush design with positive stop for pinch-free carrying
  • Cup Holders: Molded Into the Lid to Keep Drinks Close and Prevent Spilling
  • High Capacity: Holds Up to 100 Cans
TOP Choice #3 Igloo Heavy-Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler
Our Score:
9.4
Igloo
  • THE PERFECT GIFT: This cutting-edge ice chest makes the ideal gift for individuals that like camping, fishing, tailgating, beach trips, and other outdoor activities.
  • ABOUT IGLOO: Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work, and play
  • 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.
4 Coleman Rolling Cooler
Our Score:
9.3
Coleman
  • Telescoping handle: For easy pulling and compact storage
  • Cup holders: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
  • Xtreme Technology; Insulated lid and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life. Capacity: 83 12-ounce cans, 52 quarts (49 liters)
  • 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
  • FOR THE LONG HAUL: Heavy-duty 6-inch wheels and durable tow & swing-up handles designed for easy transport
  • STAIN-RESISTANT LINER: For easy cleanup; leakproof channel drain plug
  • LARGE CAPACITY: Holds up to 160 cans
  • Virtually indestructible stainless steel hinges.
  • Cushion grip handle for comfortable towing.
  • Threaded drain plug allows for easy draining of melted ice and option for hose hook-up
  • SWING-UP HANDLES: For easy carrying and lifting
  • INTEGRATED RULER: Built-in ruler
  • FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body Keeps the Ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • Swing-up handles with stainless steel reinforcement and rubber grips provide premium touch points
  • Skid pads add extra layer of corner protection and a Diamond plate metal insert reinforces the ruggedness and durability
  • Oversized hinges and stainless steel screws extend product life
  • Handles Any Terrain: Every RTIC Soft Pack Cooler floats in water, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go, whether that’s swimming in Lake Tahoe or hiking in Glacier.
  • Make Adventures Portable: This generous cooler will hold up to 30 cans of your favorite beverage plus ice — fitting for a road trip or a week out in the desert.
  • Leak-Free: A durable zipper keeps your drinks and snacks protected at all costs, preventing spills and leaks.

What Are the Main Ways for Picking best ice chest coolers, According to Experts?

Even during the shopping process, many things need to be considered. There are many different ways to access research material. Understand this. Our entire team is ready to lend you a hand, offer advice, and provide answers to your problems.

You should be able to access the best ice chest coolers more easily with the tremendous rise of information sources. For you, our research ensures precision and objectivity thanks to AI techniques and Big Data.

Remember to think about factors like brand and product while purchasing the best ice chest coolers. All of this will influence how well your product fits your requirements.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

In general, it's difficult to say who creates the best ice chest coolers since each firm has unique qualities, features, and pricing points that set them apart from the competition. We only suggest products from the most outstanding manufacturers on our site, so you can rest assured about their quality.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your problems. Wish you a happy shopping!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio