best Ice Chest 2023

Best Overall: Igloo Sportsman 30 - 150 Qt Heavy-Duty High Performance Hardsided Coolers

The Igloo Sportsman 30-150 Qt Heavy-Duty High-Performance Hardsided Coolers are a reliable and efficient choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to keep their food and beverages cool and fresh. With its sturdy construction and advanced features, the Igloo Sportsman cooler series offers durability, insulation, and convenience.

One standout model in this series is the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro Cooler. With a capacity of 110 quarts, this cooler provides ample space to hold up to 168 cans, making it ideal for large gatherings or extended trips. The cooler's dimensions of 39.76 x 18.5 x 19.69 inches ensure you have enough room for all your essentials.

The Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro Cooler features a high-quality polypropylene (PP) material, known for its durability and resistance to impact. The thick Ultratherm foam in the body and lid ensures excellent insulation and enables the cooler to provide MaxCold 5 Day performance, keeping your items cold for an extended period.

One of the standout features of the Igloo Sportsman cooler series is the horizontal telescoping handle, which requires 50% less lifting effort compared to traditional coolers. This feature makes transporting the cooler a breeze, especially with the soft-ride wheels that provide a smooth and easy ride. The cushion grip handle adds to the comfort while towing the cooler.

The Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro Cooler is designed with longevity in mind. The virtually indestructible stainless steel hinges ensure that the lid remains securely attached to the body, even with frequent use. The threaded drain plug allows for easy draining of melted ice, and it also provides the option for hose hook-up, making the cleanup process hassle-free.

Additionally, the cooler is equipped with UV inhibitors and infrared technology to protect it against sun damage. This feature ensures that the cooler retains its performance and durability even under direct sunlight.

In conclusion, the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro Cooler is a top choice for individuals who prioritize durability, insulation, and convenience in a cooler. Its large capacity, advanced features, and sturdy construction make it an excellent investment for outdoor adventures, parties, or any activity that requires keeping your food and beverages cool. With the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro Cooler, you can enjoy your outings without worrying about spoiled food or warm drinks.

Best Budget: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is a reliable and high-capacity option for keeping your food and beverages cool in various outdoor settings. With its durable construction and excellent insulation, this cooler is designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and party-goers alike.

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler features a spacious capacity of 114 liters, providing ample space to store up to 188 cans. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, going on a camping trip, or enjoying a day at the beach, this cooler has enough room to keep your refreshments chilled and easily accessible.

Constructed with sturdy plastic material, the Igloo Polar Cooler is built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. Its reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature ensure secure and convenient transportation. You can easily carry the cooler, and the tie-down loops provide the option to secure it during transport.

The cooler is equipped with Ultratherm insulation in the body and lid, enabling it to keep ice for up to 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This exceptional insulation performance ensures that your food and beverages remain cold and refreshing, even in hot weather conditions.

The dual snap-fit latches on the Igloo Polar Cooler secure the lid tightly, preventing any heat from entering and maintaining the desired temperature inside. This feature ensures that your items stay chilled and reduces the risk of premature ice melting.

The threaded drain plug adds convenience to the cleaning process by allowing for easy draining of melted ice. It also provides the option for hose hook-up, enabling quick and efficient drainage.

In terms of dimensions, the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler measures 38.58 x 16.93 x 18.11 inches, with the top compartment measuring 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches and the bottom compartment measuring 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches. These dimensions provide ample space for storing your beverages, food, and other essentials.

In conclusion, the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is a reliable and spacious cooler that excels in insulation performance. Its durable construction, large capacity, and convenient features make it an excellent choice for outdoor activities, parties, and gatherings. With the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler, you can enjoy chilled drinks and fresh food for an extended period, making your outdoor adventures more enjoyable.

Best Value: EchoSmile 25/30/35/40/75 Quart Rotomolded Cooler

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is a reliable and high-capacity option for keeping your food and beverages cool in various outdoor settings. With its durable construction and excellent insulation, this cooler is designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and party-goers alike.

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler features a spacious capacity of 114 liters, providing ample space to store up to 188 cans. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, going on a camping trip, or enjoying a day at the beach, this cooler has enough room to keep your refreshments chilled and easily accessible.

Constructed with sturdy plastic material, the Igloo Polar Cooler is built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. Its reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature ensure secure and convenient transportation. You can easily carry the cooler, and the tie-down loops provide the option to secure it during transport.

The cooler is equipped with Ultratherm insulation in the body and lid, enabling it to keep ice for up to 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This exceptional insulation performance ensures that your food and beverages remain cold and refreshing, even in hot weather conditions.

The dual snap-fit latches on the Igloo Polar Cooler secure the lid tightly, preventing any heat from entering and maintaining the desired temperature inside. This feature ensures that your items stay chilled and reduces the risk of premature ice melting.

The threaded drain plug adds convenience to the cleaning process by allowing for easy draining of melted ice. It also provides the option for hose hook-up, enabling quick and efficient drainage.

In terms of dimensions, the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler measures 38.58 x 16.93 x 18.11 inches, with the top compartment measuring 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches and the bottom compartment measuring 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches. These dimensions provide ample space for storing your beverages, food, and other essentials.

In conclusion, the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is a reliable and spacious cooler that excels in insulation performance. Its durable construction, large capacity, and convenient features make it an excellent choice for outdoor activities, parties, and gatherings. With the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler, you can enjoy chilled drinks and fresh food for an extended period, making your outdoor adventures more enjoyable.

Editor's Choise: RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach

The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is a versatile and lightweight option for outdoor enthusiasts who value portability and long-lasting ice retention. With its innovative design and impressive insulation, this cooler is ideal for various activities such as camping, picnics, fishing, barbecues, and more.

One of the key features of the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is its significant weight reduction compared to traditional rotomolded coolers. It is designed to be more than 30% lighter while maintaining a generous 32-quart capacity. This makes it easier to carry, especially for smaller adventures where mobility is essential.

Featuring up to 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler provides exceptional temperature retention. Your food and beverages will stay colder for longer, allowing you to enjoy refreshing drinks and chilled snacks throughout your outdoor activities.

Durability is also a highlight of this portable cooler. Constructed with high-quality plastic material, it is built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. The inside dimensions measure 11.25" H x 18.25" W x 11" D, while the outside dimensions measure 14.5" H x 23" W x 15.5" D. This provides ample space for your items while maintaining a compact size for easy transportation.

The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler offers multiple uses to cater to different needs. Whether you need an ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler, this versatile option has you covered. Additionally, it can be carried by one person, further enhancing its convenience and portability.

With a 32-quart capacity, this outdoor cooler can hold up to 48 cans and up to 30 lbs of ice. It also has the added versatility of doubling up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or even an extra cutting board, providing practicality in various outdoor situations.

In conclusion, the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and durable cooling solution. With its impressive insulation, generous capacity, and multi-purpose functionality, it offers convenience and reliability for a wide range of outdoor activities. Keep your food and beverages cold, and enjoy your outdoor adventures to the fullest with the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler.

Size and Volume
The first factor to consider when purchasing a cooler is its size and capacity. Determine how much food and beverages you typically need to store and how long you intend to use the container for. The diameters of ice chests range from small personal coolers to large family-sized containers. Consider the available space in your vehicle or storage area when selecting the appropriate measurement.

Insulation and Retention of Ice
Insulation and ice retention are two of the most crucial characteristics of an ice container. Look for refrigerators with high-quality insulation and sealing mechanisms. To minimize heat transfer, the insulation material, such as high-density foam, should have low thermal conductivity. Ice retention time varies between models; therefore, to ensure long-lasting cooling efficacy, consult the product's specifications or customer reviews.

Persistence and Construction
Durability is crucial, particularly if you intend to use your ice chest in harsh outdoor conditions. Look for ice containers with a sturdy build, sturdy hinges, and sturdy handles. Rotomolded plastic and stainless steel are extremely durable materials. Impact-resistant closures and reinforced corners are also desirable characteristics.

Portability and Usability
Consider the portability and convenience of the cold chest. Wheels, telescoping handles, and side handles facilitate transportability. Consider models that are both lightweight and durable. Cleaning and emptying dissolved ice is simplified by drainage systems, such as integrated drain plugs or leak-proof spouts.

Extra Attributes
Some ice containers include additional features that can improve the user's experience. Cup holders, cutting boards, and fish rulers are examples of convenient embellishments. Other features to consider include bottle openers, tie-down points for securing the cooler during transportation, and Bluetooth speakers for additional entertainment.

Can dried ice be used in an ice chest?

Dry ice can be used in ice chests, but it must be handled with caution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential safety hazards.

How long can a cooler keep food and beverages cool?

The duration depends on several variables, including the quality of the insulation, the ambient temperature, and the type and quantity of ice used. Ice chests with superior efficacy can maintain cold temperatures for several days.

Are ice containers always waterproof?

Although the majority of ice containers are water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof. It is essential to ensure that the cooler is properly sealed and to avoid submerging it in water.

Can I use my ice chest as a table or seat?

Many ice containers are constructed with weight-bearing lids. It is recommended, however, to verify the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that the cooler is designed for use as a seat or table.

Can I use detergent to disinfect my ice chest?

Bleach is generally not recommended for use on ice containers, as it may degrade the insulation material. For everyday cleaning, use only mild detergents and tepid water.

Choosing the best ice chest for your outdoor adventures is crucial for keeping your food and beverages cool and fresh. Consider factors such as size, insulation, durability, portability, and additional features when making a decision. Explore reputable brands and compare different models to find the one that suits your needs and budget. Proper maintenance and following tips for maximizing ice retention will ensure your ice chest continues to deliver optimal performance. Now, get ready to enjoy your next adventure with a reliable and efficient ice chest by your side.