Coolers With Latches In 2024: Best Picks & Guidance

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology

Igloo BMX coolers are designed with a rubberized T-grip latches for a secure lid and an insulated base that's perfect for outdoor activities. The MaxCold body has 20% thicker foam and is insulated to keep ice for up to 4-days. The Cool Riser Technology molded base provides superior cooling performance by elevating the cooler away from hot surfaces. Read Review

2. Runner Up: RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, White, Ice Chest

Make sure your next camping trip is a success with the RTIC Hard Cooler. This 45 qt ice chest has enough room for snacks, drinks, and all your essentials. With its durable construction and a lightweight design, it's easy to carry along as you roam the campground. Read Review

3. Best Economical: Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology

Cold beverages and hot dogs, it's an Igloo day. The BMX 52 Quart Cooler is the ultimate in coolers. With the patented Cool Riser Technology, your ice won't melt and your drinks will stay cold for up to 4-5 days at 90°F, perfect for outdoor adventures. This cooler is made from heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection. Read Review

4. Best Easy Set Up: Lifetime 90820 55 Quart Cooler

Lifetime Coolers is proud to introduce our brand new 55-Quart Cooler. It's a quality cooler that is perfect for outdoor activities and keeps food and drinks cool for up to 7 days. The two plastic latches are easy to open with one hand, and it features a large handle that makes carrying a breeze. Read Review

Attending a barbecue with friends or family can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging when it comes to managing everyone’s drinks and food. Everyone wants to bring their favorite snacks and drinks, but you don’t want them ending up in the grass or being ruined by the hot weather. Coolers are the perfect solution for keeping your food and drinks cool while you enjoy the party.

There are many different types of coolers available on the market today. Some have lids that snap into place, others have latches that make accessing your cooler easier. If you are looking for something with more storage capacity than one cooler, then check out our article on the best storage coolers for your next tailgate party.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, White, Ice Chest 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

  • Integrated ruler on lid easily estimates your catch.
  • Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
TOP Choice #2 RTIC Hard Cooler, 45 qt, White, Ice Chest
Our Score:
9.6
RTIC
  • 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.
  • Heavy-Duty Protection: The combination of durable rubber T-latches and molded tie-down slots will keep your food and beverages secure.
TOP Choice #3 Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology
Our Score:
9.4
Igloo
  • Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
  • Swing-up comfort grip handles for easy two-handed carrying.
4 Lifetime 90820 55 Quart Cooler
Our Score:
9.2
Lifetime
  • Stainless Steel Bottle Opener with Padlock Compatibility
  • Certified to Withstand a Bear For Up To an Hour
  • Skid pads add extra layer of corner protection and a Diamond plate metal insert reinforces the ruggedness and durability
  • Extra-thick foam walls and insulated lid for best-in-category cooling performance
  • EXTREMELY TOUGH: Virtually Indestructible Roto-molded Thermoplastic Construction with Heavy-Duty Rubber Cold Seal Latches and Exterior UV Protection
  • 5 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: We guarantee our Ice Chests to be free from defects in material, workmanship, and assembly, under normal use and in accordance with the specifications and warnings for a period of 5 years.
7 Cordova Coolers | Hard Cooler for Camping & Outdoors
Our Score:
8.8
Cordova Coolers
  • Top Loader Latches - When prepping for travel, every inch of space counts. We use Top Loader Latches so you can pack tight and access what you need without moving surrounding gear.
  • American Made - From design to finished product, we take pride in the fact that our rotomolded coolers are hand crafted from start to finish in the United States.
  • SPECIFICATIONS: Includes an adjustable, non-slip, super comfortable shoulder strap; Exterior dimensions (L x W x H): 16.75 x 11.5 x 13.5 inches; Interior dimensions (L x W x H): 12.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches; Weight: 11 pounds
  • AIRTIGHT SEAL: Airtight seal and has 2-inch tiedown slots (access contents while tied down)
  • dimensions: exterior: 28.4 in. l x 18.1 in. w x 17.5 in. h, interior: 21-23 in. l x 12-13.7 in. w x 13 in. h, weight: 25.5 lbs
  • performance: up to 8-day ice retention - exceeds most premium priced coolers
  • Keep cold items cold for more than 130 hours or hot items hot for more than 150 hours
  • Stress-free, low-pressure rotomold construction makes our Coolers durable to their very core and virtually indestructible.

What to Look For in a coolers with latches?

Upon looking for the perfect coolers with latches, a lot of things should be taken into account. Each item has its own challenge of purchasing.  As a result of the formation, we're here to help, advise, and provide answers to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points to select coolers with latches that fit you most:

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The list of coolers with latches will be regularly updated to be included in additional data by our editor's team. Please keep an eye around for any amendments made to our website.

Our consultants could support you with problems related to coolers with latches and other things as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need advice.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

Read Sara's full bio