Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or having a backyard cookout, a cooler is the ultimate companion. And if you’re on the hunt for a new cooler, then you know just how many options are out there. Soft coolers, small coolers, hard coolers…the list goes on.
Luckily, we’re cooler experts. In this cooler buying guide, we walk you through the different types, sizes, and more so you can make the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Cooler Buying Guide: What Type Is Best for You?
What Size Cooler Do You Need?
Other Cooler Considerations to Make
Must-Have Cooler Accessories
Let’s start our cooler buying guide off right by talking about cooler types. To choose the right cooler type for you, there are a few questions you should answer:
What are you using it for? Is your cooler going to join you on camping trips? If so, a larger, hard-sided cooler might be best. Will you be chilling poolside with it? If so, a backpack cooler could be the most convenient. As you dig into the options, keep your cooler’s key uses in mind.
How long do you need to keep things cold? A cooler’s main job is to keep your favorite drinks cold. But the amount of time a cooler keeps things icy will differ between types. For example, if you’re taking a weekend trip, a hard-sided and well-insulated cooler is the best choice.
How durable should your cooler be? Do you plan on putting your cooler through it? Some cooler-worthy activities, such as hiking, result in more wear and tear than others. If your cooler is going to spend a ton of time outdoors, durability matters. Keep that in mind as you shop.
Now that you know the non-negotiable deets, let’s dive a bit deeper into the different cooler types.
Hard-sided coolers are probably the most popular and well-known options. These coolers feature a hard plastic or metal exterior as well as built-in insulation for keeping drinks cold.
Because of their exterior, these types of coolers are some of the most durable. For example, the BrüMate BrüTank features an adventure-proof design, complete with all-terrain wheels (yes, even compatible with sand!).
Some hard-sided coolers feature locks or clamps to keep the cool air in. Others simply have a lid that seals. Plus, many hard-sided coolers are completely leakproof and waterproof.
Hard-sided coolers come in all shapes and sizes, depending on your needs (we’ll talk more about size a bit later).
Backpack coolers are exactly what they sound like: Coolers you wear on your back. Featuring backpack straps, these coolers were made to be taken places.
These coolers come in a wide range of materials, from plastic to polyester to stainless steel, and can be either soft or hard-sided.
Some backpack coolers feature pockets and other storage compartments (you know, for snacks). Our personal favorite coolers feature a built-in tap, like the BrüMate BackTap.
This is perfect for serving up three gallons of a delicious drink of your choice. Plus, with load-lifting backpack straps, the BackTap is a great option when portability matters above all else.
“The tap built into the front of this cooler, along with the backpack-style straps, might make it the most versatile option on this list. Set the cooler down on the edge of a table, remove the straps (if you want), and it becomes a self-serve hydration station.” —Men’s Journal
The other common type of cooler is the soft-sided cooler. These coolers are typically made using fabric such as polyester or nylon. Some of these coolers will also feature a built-in plastic shell that adds durability and prevents ice from leaking as it melts.
Just like hard-sided coolers, soft-sided coolers come in a wide range of sizes. Many of them feature handy shoulder or carrying straps, as well as zipper pockets and other features.
It’s beyond frustrating trying to pack everything you need into a cooler that’s way too small. That’s why it’s important to consider size when shopping for a new cooler.
To find the perfect size, here are some questions to consider:
What are you putting in the cooler? Are you filling your cooler to the brim with bottles of water, regular soda cans, or slim cans? Maybe you need to fill your cooler with all of the above. And then there’s the sandwiches and limes for those summer cocktails. Whatever you’re packing, you’ll need to make sure your cooler can hold it all.
How much space do you have for your cooler? Trying to fit a full-size hard-sided cooler into the trunk of your car (especially when surrounded by pool noodles or sleeping bags) can be a challenge. But if you’re packing the bed of a truck, the cooler may fit just fine. Consider how much storage space you have for both transporting and storing your cooler once you return.
What is your destination? Where will you be taking your cooler? Smaller coolers may be easier options when traveling on foot, while larger coolers are suitable options when you can pull right up to your chill spot. However, some coolers do have features that enable you to transport them easily, regardless of your destination. For example, are you headed to the beach? If so, the BrüTank easily rolls across sand, or strap in and set out with the BackTap.
“A cooler with wheels should be capable of rolling just about anywhere, but sadly, some wheeled coolers struggle beyond the pavement. Fortunately for you and all your friends, that’s not the case with BrüMate’s BrüTank. This heavy-duty hard-sided cooler comes equipped with puncture-resistant all-terrain tires that roll over everything from sand to sticky mud.” —Forbes
It’s important to note that cooler size and capacity aren’t the same thing. The cooler size refers to the actual size of the cooler, while capacity refers to how much the cooler holds.
For example, the BrüTank is a 55-quart cooler (capacity), but it’s 19.5 inches tall and 19.5 inches in length (size). Make sure you keep this difference in mind as you search out your new cooler.
Now, how much cooler do you need? It depends. If you need to pack drinks for a few days or to please a crowd, a large, hard-sided cooler might be best. But if you need a cooler for a quick trip to the pool, a smaller cooler may work just fine.
Coolers can range in capacity from six cans (small, personal-sized coolers) to over 100 quarts (large coolers). Confused about what “quart” really means? Let’s take a look at the BrüTank as an example.
The BrüTank is a large 55-quart cooler that holds:
Ice only: 60lbs
Cans only: 87 12oz cans
Wine bottles: 12
Drink tank: 2.8 gallons of your favorite beverage
Let’s also check out the BackTap as an additional example. The BackTap holds:
3 gallons of your favorite beverage
Cans only: 14 slim cans or 12 standard 12oz cans
Wine bottles: 5
It goes without saying that smaller coolers will hold less and larger coolers will hold more.
Cooler type and size are just two of the considerations you need to make when picking the right cooler for you. For example, you’ll also need to consider the cooler’s features, insulation, portability, and usability.
Sure, at the end of the day, a basic cooler can keep your drinks cold. But why settle for basic? Look for a cooler that has high-quality features for an even better experience.
For example, the BrüTank includes a wide range of innovative features:
Self-tapping removable drink tank
100% leakproof design when latches are down
Foam bench top for sitting comfortably anywhere
Built-in bottle opener
5-year warranty
“If we could only choose one cooler, we'd have to go with the BrüMate BrüTank.”
—Travel + Leisure
To keep your drinks and other tasty treats cool, pick a well-insulated cooler. For example, the BrüTank guarantees 7+ days of ice retention, and the BackTap features a stainless steel-lined interior that works to keep drinks chilled all day long.
The best coolers are also versatile and easy to use, no matter where your day takes you.
If you’re packing up for the day, your cooler should have a dry rack for keeping your lunch from getting wet. But it should also be removable for when you need more drink space.
Or, if you’re headed to the tailgate with friends, a cooler with a built-in tap could be best so you can easily pour and sip. But it should also hold regular cans and bottles when you need them.
The cooler you choose needs to be easily transportable from place to place. For example, if you need a large, hard-sided cooler, you’ll also need wheels and strong handles for easy transport. If you need a backpack cooler, you’ll need comfortable straps.
Both the BrüTank and the BackTap were made with portability in mind.
For example, the BrüTank features all-terrain tires that glide over everything (including gravel and sand!) as well as a convenient pull handle. The BackTap features load-lifting backpack straps and a strong carrying handle, making your journey all that much easier.
No cooler buying guide is complete without some talk about cool accessories (see what we did there?). There’s a wide range of accessories to choose from, including:
Ice packs: While regular ice is almost always needed to keep drinks cold, an ice pack can help keep your drinks colder for longer. Slim ice packs are great because they don’t take up much space in your cooler.
Dry racks: Dry racks sit at the top of your cooler and hold everything from sandwiches to candy bars and beyond. They’re great for keeping snacks and other things from getting wet.
Cup holders: Some coolers, such as the BrüTank, allow you to attach cup holders to the outside. This is super convenient, especially on beach days (no one wants sand in their drink).
Cooler locks: Cooler locks help keep the cool air inside of your cooler. Plus, they’re a great defense against wildlife if you’re packing your cooler to the forest.
Rod holders: Rod holders attach to your cooler and hold your fishing rod or an umbrella. It’s the perfect accessory for lazy lake or beach days.
Tie-down kits: Tie-down kits are a must-have if you plan on packing your cooler in the bed of your truck, on an ATV, or on another vehicle. These kits keep your cooler snug and secure.
If you’re looking for a cooler with all the bells and whistles, take a gander at our BrüTank bundle. With the bundles, you can take your BrüTank to the next level while saving some cash. Our bundles include a BrüTank, two cup holders, and two ice packs.
Here at BrüMate, we take our coolers seriously. In fact, our coolers are the most unique, versatile, and durable options ever made. Grab a BrüTank for yourself by shopping our best sellers today!
Buying a cooler used to be so easy — you went to the store, pulled one of many simple, identical products off the shelf, and paid for it. Things got a bit more interesting a few years back with the advent of fancy-looking, expensive products making fantastic claims about the longevity of your ice. Since, the world of iceboxes has become flooded with what feels like zillions of options, all claiming to be the "best" one you'll ever own at the "low cost" of several hundred dollars. Figuring out which product will fit best into your lifestyle and budget is a daunting task. We've researched and tested scores contenders over the years to discover which ones perform best. Beyond just performance, many other factors go into choosing the right model. Here we walk through essential elements in the decision-making process to help you identify the best cooler for you.
The Rovr RollR has separate compartments so you can keep your beer on one side and food on the other, if that's what you're after.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
There are several different styles out there, and each has its merits and specialties. As you read through the next section, keep in mind your goals with a cooler.
Credit: YETI
These are exactly what they sound like — soft-walled versions that tend to take the shape of a stiff bag. These excel in portability and tend to have helpful carrying features such as messenger bag style straps, hip-friendly shapes, or even backpack designs. They are typically smaller and are generally meant for one or a few people and a single day of use. They have less insulating power than a hard chest and aren't for long-term food storage as they don't hold temperatures below 40 degrees for very long. Soft models are at least somewhat compressible when not full and some even roll up completely for easy storage. They're great for personal usages, such as hiking a lunch to the top of a peak, bringing beach snacks and refreshments to your lounge chair, or carting cold beers to your buddy's barbeque. If this sounds like what you're looking for, check out our review of theCredit: ORCA
Traditional, hard-sided ice chests are what most of us think of when we imagine a cooler. These come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes — and a wide variety of prices. Hard models are typically less portable than their soft counterparts (though tiny ones and some wheeled models put that to the test) and tend to be larger. These are a great solution for feeding a large group of relatives at a weekend reunion, tailgating, or spending a few days car camping. Many of these products have a high potential for getting your ice to last several days, helping you beat the heat and still have bacon for breakfast throughout the weekend. They can also make handy seats, tables, cutting boards, or step stools, depending on which model you choose.Credit: Dometic
Powered models are a newer product in the outdoor industry and bring a whole new dimension to getting off the grid in a vehicle. These electric boxes are more similar to a fridge than a traditional model, and many of them require no ice at all to keep your road trip meals perfectly chilled. They plug into the DC outlet of your car, and some models can even keep their contents frozen — hello, ice cream in Arizona summer! However, this dependency on electricity makes them less portable (that, and the incredible size and weight of many models!) and perhaps not the right fit for folks unwilling to risk draining the car battery just for one weekend of fresh food. The best models can also cost over $1000. But if you want to cut the strings on ice dependency altogether, or spend a lot of time living out of your car/truck/van, check out ourThese are exactly what they sound like — soft-walled versions that tend to take the shape of a stiff bag. These excel in portability and tend to have helpful carrying features such as messenger bag style straps, hip-friendly shapes, or even backpack designs. They are typically smaller and are generally meant for one or a few people and a single day of use. They have less insulating power than a hard chest and aren't for long-term food storage as they don't hold temperatures below 40 degrees for very long. Soft models are at least somewhat compressible when not full and some even roll up completely for easy storage. They're great for personal usages, such as hiking a lunch to the top of a peak, bringing beach snacks and refreshments to your lounge chair, or carting cold beers to your buddy's barbeque. If this sounds like what you're looking for, check out our review of the best soft coolers Traditional, hard-sided ice chests are what most of us think of when we imagine a cooler. These come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes — and a wide variety of prices. Hard models are typically less portable than their soft counterparts (though tiny ones and some wheeled models put that to the test) and tend to be larger. These are a great solution for feeding a large group of relatives at a weekend reunion, tailgating, or spending a few days car camping. Many of these products have a high potential for getting your ice to last several days, helping you beat the heat and still have bacon for breakfast throughout the weekend. They can also make handy seats, tables, cutting boards, or step stools, depending on which model you choose.Powered models are a newer product in the outdoor industry and bring a whole new dimension to getting off the grid in a vehicle. These electric boxes are more similar to a fridge than a traditional model, and many of them require no ice at all to keep your road trip meals perfectly chilled. They plug into the DC outlet of your car, and some models can even keep their contents frozen — hello, ice cream in Arizona summer! However, this dependency on electricity makes them less portable (that, and the incredible size and weight of many models!) and perhaps not the right fit for folks unwilling to risk draining the car battery just for one weekend of fresh food. The best models can also cost over $1000. But if you want to cut the strings on ice dependency altogether, or spend a lot of time living out of your car/truck/van, check out our powered cooler review
If you're after a hard-walled cooler, it's time to think about which one will work best for you. First, consider what kinds of items you'd like to keep cold. If you answer with any raw meat or food you'd usually keep in the fridge at home (like eggs, bacon, sandwich meat, mayonnaise or other condiments, cheese, milk, etc.), then keeping your food cooled appropriately is exceptionally important. After all, there's a reason you keep those things in the fridge at home rather than in the pantry. The USDA recommends maintaining these types of food at or below 40º Fahrenheit to ensure both their freshness and their lack of harmful levels of bad bacteria. Our testing prioritizes insulation value over every other possible metric to help you quickly see which models are up to the task of keeping your food fresh.
But bringing delicious meals with you isn't the only use you may have in mind. It can be just as essential to keep your guests (and yourself!) adequately hydrated with a delightful selection of tasty beverages. While mainstream media would have us all believe that beers are best "icy cold," anyone who enjoys a good craft beer knows that not all beer is meant to be that cold. So what's the best temperature to keep beer at for optimal refreshment? It depends on the type of beer, but according to the American Homebrewers Association, most beers taste pretty good around 50º F. For those of you doing the math, that means better beers are at temperatures warmer than the safe food temperature, which is great news if you're depending on melting ice to keep all your friends refreshed during a hot summer rafting trip. We kept this in mind during our testing process to ensure those beers stay on the right side of the thermometer.
Pack up all your favorite snacks with the Tundra 65. This cooler will keep them fresh for days!
Credit: Abriah Wofford
There are several factors that influence a chest's ability to not only keep your ice frozen for longer but also to help it last through all the jam-packed car adventures, rambunctious kids, jarring boat ventures, and even hungry wildlife encounters. The insulating capacity, durability, and longevity of any product are a function of their construction. So how are they made?
While you can still purchase simple polystyrene foam versions (like an oversized coffee cup), most traditional models are made from two pieces of plastic sandwiching a layer of thick hard foam. Depending on the thickness of the plastic and foam, and the quality of the seal connecting those pieces, different levels of insulation are achieved. More recent models are rotationally molded (rotomolded) instead. This process entails applying a heat-softened plastic over the top of the hard foam interior, creating a single piece of plastic makes up the body and lid. This manufacturing process helps increase the insulation prowess, as there is no seal between layers of interior and exterior plastic - they are all the same layer, which traps cold inside and heat outside. Another way that newer models help extend the life of your ice is by the addition of a rubber gasket around the edge of the lid, much like the rubber gasket used to seal your refrigerator at home. Rotomolded products with a high-quality gasket seal are some of the best insulators on the market and also some of the most durable. If you're after a product that's going to keep ice the longest and last through the worst conditions, you're after a rotomolded style.
Rotomolded coolers have some of the best durability available on the market.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
You've probably seen them — the YouTube videos showing a big grizzly bear trying to break into an ice chest and failing, the claims of various manufacturers that their products are "IGBC certified." The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) is an interagency committee with high-level executives across state and federal agencies serving to recover and regulate grizzly bear populations and provide information, education, and regulations for the public in and around grizzly bear territories. They have compiled a comprehensive list of food storage regulations when in grizzly bear habitat, which typically includes the use of bear-resistant food storage, such as campground bear boxes, and an approved list of certified products. To get that list of certified products, the IGBC tests food storage receptacles submitted to them to see if they meet the "minimum standards related to the effort that must be expended by grizzly bears to access the container's contents." These standards are established by consulting with bear biologists and human-bear conflict specialists. Sounds pretty good, right? Not so fast.
While an IGBC certified product is undoubtedly more bear-resistant than a non-certified product, it's not bearPROOF. The IGBC makes this abundantly clear in their guidelines for product certification and usage, and they go on to say that this certification doesn't even guarantee the contents of that container will never leak or spill out. The IGBC only claims that "this bear-resistant products testing program intends to approve products that minimize easy and direct access to attractants by grizzly bears." Additionally, many models that have made it onto the IGBC certification list require special locks to meet those certification requirements.
The IGBC certification certainly goes a long way toward keeping your food safe from grizzlies and other creatures that may be on the hunt for an easy meal (we're lookin' at you, squirrels!). These products are designed to minimize the smell that attracts such animals to your campsite in the first place and are the first line of defense against an unwanted assault if wildlife does find it. That's more than you can say for products without an IGBC certification. Certified models are safer than storing food in your car (which grizzlies can easily break into) when used correctly and at the very least, are solidly built. If you're specifically looking to use your new coolbox in an environment shared with bears, we strongly recommend taking additional precautions to safeguard your food, and knowing all the local regulations before you head out there. If there are no bears in your neck of the woods, you can rest assured knowing that an IGBC certification means a pretty darn durable icebox.
IGBC certified coolers can help put you at ease when camping in bear territory.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
A product that insulates well is absolutely crucial for longer trips and keeping food safe for consumption while you're out. And there are plenty of other factors that can make using any model either a wonderful experience or a frustrating endeavor. We made sure to check out how enjoyable it was to use every product.
Every cooler is made to hold things that you'll eventually want to retrieve — so it's important to be able to get into it whenever you'd like easily. At the same time, no one wants one that's too easy to open and rattles loose as you drive down a gravel road. The way a latch works makes a difference in these scenarios. Some models have hard plastic latches that can be pressed, pulled, or squeezed to operate. These plastic closures tend to be fairly straightforward to use and can be operated by just about anyone. With no two-ways about them, they also typically don't require a lot of muscle power or finagling to get them to function. Other products have rubber latches that are stretched down to close or open the lid. These frequently require more strength or two hands to operate but are less likely to wiggle free when jostled. And of course, the simplest styles have no latches at all and push closed and pull open. While being the easiest to operate, these tend not to seal completely, reducing their insulation abilities and making it rather easy to leave cracked open on a hot day.
The latches on the Roadie models are among the easiest to use, only requiring one hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
And, of course, the end of every great adventure includes cleaning your cooler (or at the very least, emptying it). This process can be facilitated or hampered by the lid and drain design. Some lids stay open while you unload your leftover contents, while others tend to snap closed on your hand — ouch.
While you may think that having a drain is just a checkmark for your ice chest, it's so much more than that. Having the right drain and drain plug can make cleanup more efficient. Some products have a dual drain: one smaller hole in the drain plug that can empty all your melted ice, with a much larger hole in the side that makes the process much faster. Others accomplish this same effect by having two separate drains, one on each end. Many have just small drainage holes, thereby increasing the amount of time you wait for that stale water to seep out slowly. And some smaller models have no drain plug at all.
Drain placement matters a lot as well. Many have the drain elevated half an inch or more from the floor of the box, which leaves an unfortunate puddle at the bottom of your box. A drain plug tether can be a lifesaver — after all, if you lose that plug, you're left with a cooler that's not good for much anymore (although replacement plugs are sold by most manufacturers). It's also important to consider how well the plug seals. Leakage is never welcome, even less so on the leather seats of your car or the new carpet in your living room. After all, we are trying to prevent messes and make cleanup as streamlined as possible.
Choosing a cooler with a drain plug can make it a lot simpler to use and clean. The leash ensures you don't lose that essential little piece.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Another important factor in your cooler's usability is how easy it is to get it to the party, especially when loaded with a ton of ice, drinks, and food. Most of the robust, rotomolded models are fairly heavy even when they're empty, so stuffing a 60+ liter chest to the brim is likely going to make moving it a two-person job. Unless, of course, it has wheels! A new wave of products with excellent wheels has come onto the scene lately. While some models have similar tiny wheels like a roll-on suitcase that are more of a hindrance than a help, others come with large, beefy wheels that can be inflated just like your bicycle or car tires. With enough clearance, a handful of these contenders are practically a breeze to cart with you anywhere - across rocky roads, through soft sand, and over green grass. The right set of wheels can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
The RovR RollR comes with beefy wheels that can handle almost any terrain.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
However, there's only so much wheels can do. At some point you're going to have to pick up your cooler to load it in the car, bring it down the stairs into the yard, etc. Many fantastic products don't have wheels but require the use of their handles to move them around. This aspect is frequently overlooked when making a purchase decision but is the first thing you'll notice when you try to move a fully loaded chest from the kitchen to the back of the family SUV. Many models have handles molded into the design. Some of these stick out from the sides for easy grabbing but make the overall shape a bit awkward to Tetris into your weekend getaway vehicle.
The RTIC 65's handles lie flat with the edge of the cooler.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A growing number of products on the market have indented handles on each side that are easy to grab and use without changing the overall shape of the box. A lot of these also feature additional handles that are best during a two-person carry. Typically this extra set of handles is made up of rope with a grip attached in the middle. Some of the more traditional-styled coolers instead come with hard plastic handles that swing up from the sides and offer very little in the way of comfort for your hands. Smaller models frequently feature the over-the-top handle for a balanced, single-hand carry of your favorite little ice chest.
Beyond the basics of finding a functional model, there can be several features that may be just the right fit for your life. A lot of models come with or are customizable with a myriad of different features. Anglers may appreciate an included pole mount of measuring tool along the lid, thirsty folks might be interested in models with cupholders, and partiers will likely love a bottle opener affixed right on the side. The addition of an interior basket or bin to keep certain foods dry, produce off the ice, or small items easily accessible is an excellent feature. Our drink-mixing testers also appreciate this feature to keep a portion of the ice clean for iced beverages. Some manufacturers go all out with things like a cutting board, an additional dry storage bin that attaches right to the lid, and even a bicycle mount for a wheeled chest. If you like minimizing the number of things you have to bring while maximizing the number of things you can do, there's probably a product out there with all the features you desire.
The Orca models have an exterior pocket that is great for holding onto loose non-perishables
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Whether it's camping or headed to the beach, the Yeti Tundra 65 is a great companion.
Credit: Gena Bradshaw
During our testing, we used these contenders in a way that we feel is average for any given scenario — we filled them half and half with room temperature and cold drinks, we used the amount of ice that came in a standard bag, and we left them in hot places. But regardless of what model you ultimately land on, there are several things you can do to optimize its performance.No matter where you recreate or hang out, a cooler is something that comes in handy for just about everyone. Though there are a vast array of models you could buy, it's our hope that the thorough and repeated testing of dozens of models through the years — along with this buying guide — has helped to narrow your search.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Mist Fan Factory, Pedestal Fan Wholesale, Industrial Fan Solution.