foodandwine.com
Top-Rated Coolers of 2024: The Ultimate Guide
Curated by
cdteliot
3 min read
484
Based on extensive testing and reviews from outdoor gear experts, the best coolers of 2024 offer a range of options to suit various needs and budgets, with top picks including the YETI Tundra 45 for overall performance and the Igloo ECOCOOL as a budget-friendly choice.
Understanding Cooler Types: Find the Perfect One for Your Needs
outdoorgearlab.com
Coolers come in various types, each designed for specific needs and situations. Here's an overview of the main types of coolers available on the market:
Each type of cooler offers unique advantages. Hard-sided coolers are best for extended trips and rugged use, while soft-sided coolers offer convenience for day outings. Wheeled coolers provide easy transportation for beach trips or tailgating events. Personal coolers are ideal for individual use in small spaces, and desert coolers excel in dry, arid environments
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-Sided Coolers | Known for durability and excellent ice retention | Yeti Tundra, RTIC 45 |
| Soft-Sided Coolers | Lightweight and portable, ideal for short trips | Magellan Outdoors Pro 24-Can Square Cooler |
| Wheeled Coolers | Easy to transport when fully loaded | RovR RollR 45, Orca 65 Wheeled Cooler |
| Personal Coolers | Compact and designed for smaller spaces | Various models for bedrooms or offices 1 |
| Desert Coolers | Larger and more powerful, suitable for dry climates | Industrial coolers for large spaces 1 |
2
3
1
.3 sources
Top-Rated Coolers of 2024: Our Top Picks
1
RollR® 60 Wheeled Cooler
4.3
$399.00
2
Ultra Light Cooler | 32 qt
$199.99
3
65 Quart Wheeled Cooler
5.0
$449.95
4
Wyld Gear Freedom Series 65 qt Cooler
5.0
$399.99
5
Yeti-Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler
5.0
$350.00
6
Yeti-Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
$300.00
7
Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler
$350.00
8
Yeti-M20 Backpack Soft Cooler
$325.00
RollR® 60 Wheeled Cooler
The RovR RollR 60 is a highly-rated wheeled cooler that combines durability, mobility, and innovative features. Users praise its rugged construction, all-terrain wheels, and versatile storage options. While it's expensive and heavy, many find its performance and functionality justify the investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Buy this if you need a highly mobile, durable cooler with excellent organization features for frequent outdoor adventures or events, and are willing to invest in a premium product
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Ultra Light Cooler | 32 qt
$199.99
The RTIC 32qt Ultra Light Cooler receives generally positive reviews from users. Customers appreciate its lightweight design, impressive ice retention capabilities, and useful features like the freezable divider and sandwich basket. Many find it performs well for multi-day trips and outdoor activities, with some reporting ice retention of up to 7 days in hot temperatures.
Buy this if you want a lightweight, portable cooler with good ice retention for shorter trips or as a secondary cooler, and don't require the extreme durability of rotomolded models
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
65 Quart Wheeled Cooler
Users generally praise both RTIC and Yeti coolers for their performance, but opinions are divided on which brand offers better value. RTIC is noted for its larger capacity and competitive pricing, while Yeti is recognized for superior build quality and customer service. Ice retention is excellent for both brands, with users reporting multiple days of cooling in hot conditions.
Buy this if you need a high-performance cooler with excellent ice retention and are willing to compare brands for the best balance of capacity, quality, and price.
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Wyld Gear Freedom Series 65 qt Cooler
The WYLD Gear Freedom Series coolers are highly regarded for their durability, superior insulation, and innovative features. Users appreciate the dual-chamber design, robust construction, and extended ice retention capabilities. The coolers are praised for their versatility, making them suitable for various outdoor activities and gatherings.
Buy this if you need a highly durable, well-insulated cooler with innovative features for extended outdoor trips or large gatherings.
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Yeti-Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler
The Yeti Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler is highly regarded for its durability, mobility, and excellent insulation. Users appreciate its rugged construction, convenient wheeled design, and ability to keep contents cold for extended periods. The cooler's size and compatibility with various vehicles make it suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
Buy this if you need a highly durable, mobile cooler with excellent insulation for frequent outdoor activities, tailgating, or camping trips, and don't mind investing in a premium product
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Yeti-Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
$300.00
The Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler is widely praised for its exceptional performance and durability, despite its high price point. Users consistently highlight its superior ice retention and cooling capabilities, making it stand out among competitors. However, some reviewers note its bulky size and weight as potential drawbacks.
Buy this if you prioritize top-tier cooling performance and durability for outdoor adventures, and are willing to invest in a premium cooler that can withstand harsh conditions
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler
$350.00
The Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler is highly regarded for its durability, versatility, and exceptional ice retention capabilities. Users appreciate its robust construction and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. While praised for its performance, some may find the cooler's weight and price to be considerations.
Buy this if you need a highly durable, premium cooler with exceptional ice retention for extended outdoor adventures or professional use.
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Yeti-M20 Backpack Soft Cooler
$325.00
Users generally praise the Yeti-M20 Backpack Soft Cooler for its excellent insulation, durability, and portability. Many appreciate its comfortable backpack design and leak-resistant magnetic closure. However, some find the price high and capacity limited for longer trips.
Buy this if you want a premium, highly durable backpack cooler with excellent insulation for day trips and outdoor adventures
View More
Key Features, Reviewed By
Top Coolers Reviewed: Insights from Experts and Users
gearjunkie.com
User and expert reviews consistently highlight the performance and durability of top-rated coolers. The YETI Tundra 45 receives praise for its superior cooling ability and solid construction, with many users noting it can easily be used as a seat
1
. Outdoor gear experts have awarded the Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 80-qt cooler as the best overall cooler, citing its excellent ice retention and bear-resistant design2
. The RTIC 45-qt Hard Cooler is lauded as the best value cooler, offering impressive low temperatures at a more affordable price point than competitors2
. For those seeking portability, the Orca 65 Wheeled Cooler is highly recommended by experts for its 54-can capacity and ease of transport to beaches or campsites3
. Budget-conscious consumers appreciate the Igloo ECOCOOL for its eco-friendly construction and competitive ice retention at a fraction of the cost of premium models3
.3 sources
Best Coolers Comparison: Evaluating Key Features and Performance
Here's a comparison of some top-rated coolers based on their key features and performance:
This comparison highlights the diverse range of options available in the cooler market. The YETI Tundra 45 offers premium performance with extended ice retention, while the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light provides a balance of capacity and portability
| Cooler Model | Capacity | Ice Retention | Notable Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YETI Tundra 45 | 45 qts (37 cans) | Up to 10 days | Rotomolded construction, T-Rex lid latches | $300-$350 |
| RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light | 52 qts (49.2L) | 5-7 days | Lightweight design, easy to transport | $180-$220 |
| Igloo ECOCOOL | 60 qts (90 cans) | 4-5 days | Eco-friendly construction, budget-friendly | $50-$80 |
| Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 80-qt | 80 qts | 7-10 days | Pressure relief valve, bear-resistant | $300-$400 |
| Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore IceBox 75-qt | 75 qts | 5-7 days | Double-sided hinge latches, wheeled | $200-$250 |
1
2
. For those on a budget, the Igloo ECOCOOL offers good performance at a fraction of the cost of premium models2
. The Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer stands out for its exceptional ice retention and bear-resistant design, ideal for extended outdoor trips1
. Meanwhile, the Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore IceBox offers convenient features like wheels and unique latches at a mid-range price point1
.2 sources
Explore the Additional Features of Modern Coolers
Modern coolers offer a range of additional features that enhance their functionality and convenience. Here's an overview of some standout features found in popular cooler models:
These features can significantly enhance the user experience, from improving portability with wheels and telescoping handles to offering added convenience with built-in bottle openers and extra storage options. When choosing a cooler, consider which features align best with your intended use and environment.
| Feature | Description | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | Heavy-duty wheels for easier transport over various terrains | Yeti Roadie 48, RovR RollR 45 1 2 |
| Dry Racks | Keep certain items away from ice to prevent soaking | Yeti Tundra 45 |
| Cargo Nets/Extra Storage | Store utensils and small items separately | Orca 40, Coleman Chiller 42-Can 2 |
| Built-in Bottle Openers | Convenient for opening beverages | Pelican Elite Wheeled Coolers 1 |
| Telescoping Handles | Adjustable handles for comfortable pulling | Yeti Roadie 48, RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light 2 3 |
| Non-slip Feet | Keep cooler stable and slightly elevated | Various models 2 |
| Molded-In Lock Hasps | Secure contents against theft or wildlife | Pelican Elite Wheeled Coolers 1 |
3 sources
Closing Thoughts: How to Choose the Perfect Cooler for Your Needs
foodnetwork.com
When choosing the best cooler for your needs, consider factors like capacity, portability, and ice retention. A rolling cooler or cooler with wheels is ideal for beach days or road trips, offering easy transport even when loaded with food, drinks, and ice packs
1
. For longer excursions, a larger cooler with superior insulation can maintain a lower average temperature, keeping your foods and drinks cold for extended periods2
.
While a basic cooler or disposable cooler may suffice for short outings, investing in a high-quality model with extra features like a retractable handle, robust wheels for rough terrain, and the ability to hold freezer packs can significantly enhance your experience3
. Premium coolers can keep ice frozen for several days, maintaining temperatures low enough to safely store perishable foods and even a chilled bottle of wine1
4
.
Whether you're packing for a Food & Wine festival or a family beach day, consider how many pounds of ice or bags of ice you'll need to keep your items at the lowest temperature possible. Remember, a well-insulated cooler isn't just for convenience – it's essential for food safety during outdoor adventures5
.5 sources
Related
What are the best coolers for rough terrain
Which cooler is best for a beach day
How does the Brumate Brutank compare to the Yeti Roadie 48
What are the top features to look for in a cooler for a road trip
Which cooler is best for packing a bottle of wine
Keep Reading
Best Hair Dryers Reviewed: Our Top Picks (2024)
Hair dryers have come a long way, offering advanced features and technologies to cater to various hair types and styling needs. According to recent reviews from InStyle and Byrdie, top-rated models like the Dyson Supersonic and Zuvi Halo are praised for their gentle yet effective drying capabilities, while budget-friendly options from brands like Hot Tools and Conair provide reliable performance for everyday use.
523
The Best Strollers of 2024: Reviews and Recommendations
The best strollers of 2024 span a wide range of categories, from jogging and full-size models to lightweight travel options, catering to diverse family needs and lifestyles.
655
Best Air Fryers of 2024: Our Top Picks and Reviews
Air fryers have become increasingly popular kitchen appliances, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while producing crispy, flavorful results. According to recent tests and reviews, top-rated models include the Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer, Instant Vortex, and Philips Airfryer XXL, which excel in cooking performance, ease of use, and versatility.
591
Best Camping Tent for 2024: The Ultimate Guide
Camping tents in 2024 offer a range of features designed to enhance comfort and durability in the outdoors, with top picks including spacious options like The North Face Wawona 6 and budget-friendly choices such as the Coleman Skydome 6P.
583