The Best Coolers

Buying Guide

Using insulation within their walls, many of today’s coolers can keep ice, drinks and food cool even when you’re outdoors in 100-degree-plus heat. Although you’ll pay more than you would for a traditional type of cooler, you’ll get the convenience that comes with tossing drinks, food and ice into your cooler in the morning and having those items remain cool late that afternoon. In fact, some coolers can even chill items for several days.

One thing you’ll have to know before you choose a cooler is just how much capacity you’ll need. Do you plan to pack up covered dishes for family picnics, or will you simply use it to cart around beverages and maybe some sandwiches when you head to the beach? If you invest in a much larger cooler than you need, you may find it is more difficult to carry than if you’d chosen something smaller.

If you’ve ever tried to empty a larger cooler at the end of the day, you know how tough it can be. For that reason, many newer coolers come with bilge drains, allowing you to release the water from the bottom of the cooler. You may have to tip the cooler a little to get the last of the water out, but you won’t have the extreme tilt that you have with a cooler that doesn’t have a drain.

One bonus you may not think about initially is the fact that some newer coolers allow you to use them as a seat. This can come in handy whether you’re on a boat or enjoying a day at the park. If you plan to use that feature, look for a cooler sturdy enough to handle it.

• Coolers come in varying sizes, even among specific brands and models. Determine upfront what you’re likely to carry in your cooler and how much room that will take. Some coolers offer 54 quarts of usable space inside, which totals more than 85 cans if you’re only using it to keep drinks cold. You’ll get between 65 and 70 quarts of space with some other models.
• One thing to decide when you’re going for a larger-capacity cooler, though, is portability. As convenient as the space is, coolers will get much heavier when they’re loaded down. If you want a cooler that’s easier to carry around, consider one like the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler. It still provides space for up to 30 cans but keeps things lightweight with a canvas design.
• When it comes down to it, though, you’re looking for a cooler that can keep everything you put in it chilly, even on the hottest days. For example, there are coolers are have been proven to keep food at a safe temperature for up to five days.
• One bonus you may not think about is whether you can sit on your cooler or not.  Some models are built to withstand the weight of someone seated on them.
• Once you’re finished using it, your cooler will need to be emptied and cleaned. Some coolers make that easier by including a bilge drain toward the bottom, similar to the drain found in the bottom of some boats. Some coolers have a channeled drain, which directs the water in the right direction, reducing the need to tilt. Others have a channeled bilge type, so you’ll need to tilt the cooler more for those final drops.