Coolest Ice Chest: Buying Guide 2024
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
Ice chests are great for keeping your drinks cool, but they can also have other uses. They’re great for organizing different snacks and drinks, as well as keeping them organized. These days, ice chests come in all kinds of different designs and styles.
Whether you prefer a simple classic design or something more modern and sleek, there will surely be an ice chest out there that fits your needs. We’ve rounded up some of the coolest ice chests available today to get ideas for what you might want to purchase instead!.
To get the results you will read next is thanks to the hard work of our team during 15 hours of product research and analysis. As a direct consequence of this, we were able to identify Coleman Ice Chest | Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Coolers as the top model for this year. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![Coleman Ice Chest | Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Hard Coolers]()
- 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
- 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
TOP Choice #3
![Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler | 70 Quart Day Cooler | Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days, Black]()
- Xtreme Technology; Insulated lid and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
- HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lb.
4
![Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler , Charcoal/Acid Green/Chrome]()
- 70 quart capacity holds 112 cold ones and is insulated with Igloo ultra herm insulated body and lid provide 4 day ice retention performance
- Water-resistant storage keeps pocket-sized essentials safe and Dry
- Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
- MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention.
- Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90°F
- Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure. Threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap
- Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
- 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31" L x 17.38" W x 17.75" D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches
8
![Igloo Ice Cube 60 Quart Roller Cooler , Ocean Blue]()
- Light dirt or stains can be cleaned with water or mild detergent. Tougher stains may be cleaned with diluted solution of baking soda and water. Ensure all cleaning agents are thoroughly rinsed and the cooler is dry before storage
- Wipe interior and exterior surfaces clean before storing and between uses. To prevent stains and odors, empty cooler of contents after use
- Features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and high-density fabric that withstands punctures and UV rays
- Its DryHide Shell is waterproof and resistant to punctures, and abrasions so it will hold its own when faced with the hazards of the wild
10
![RTIC Soft Cooler 30, Blue/Grey, Insulated Bag, Leak Proof Zipper]()
- Sweat-Free: Keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours while avoiding the mess thanks to 2 inches of closed-cell foam and puncture and tear-resistant liner.
- 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.
What to Look For in a coolest ice chest?
Some consumers are concerned about ordering coolest ice chest. Various aspects should always be explored before making big product choices. Our expertise on coolest ice chest will help determine the best possible decision.
Please keep in mind the following points before selecting coolest ice chest:
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.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.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.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.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.Our developers make it reliable for the info by their rich experience. coolest ice chest data is also kept up to date on any occasion. You might relax knowing that the information is updated and accurate.
Try reporting any coolest ice chest problems or inconsistencies so that we can make your life better. Thanks to your feedback, we'll push for even greater quality levels!
About Scott Nelson
