Regarding the latter, some will be able to double up as seats or tables, will have extendable handles, cup holders and built-in bottle openers, and even some LED lights on the inside. That’s about as fantastic of a result as I could have hoped for from the MaxCold, and easily the best cooler performance I was able to find for under $100. The next step up would be the Lifetime High Performance Cooler, which I found on sale at Walmart for $97. It finished my performance tests in a virtual tie with the MaxCold, and it offers a bigger, better design that features a pair of heavy-duty lid latches and roped handles, plus a built-in bottle opener. Features can include drain plugs, removable butler trays, built-in bottle openers, or storage pockets. Think about what will be the most useful for your needs and prioritize choosing a cooler that offers them.
Many companies have spent an astronomical amount of money and time to convince people that they need to spend ridiculous sums just to keep a drink cold. Coolers aren’t complicated, which is a good thing to remember in the face of all that advertising. After spending many years evaluating more than 40 cooler models, we’ve chosen eight that are well made, well insulated, and well suited for a range of outings.
Igloo is back once again and this time with their 60-quart Transformer Roller cooler which offers up ample storage and features that will be extremely handy when you go camping, hiking or fishing. Any ice that you store inside to keep food and drinks cool will last a good 24-hours on hot days and even longer on colder days. Although this is a fairly basic standing cooler on wheels, because it is made by Igloo, you can be confident that you’re getting great value for money. It has a solid build, will keep ice cold for as long as five days at a time, and has features such as cup holders, telescopic handle, and a mobile stand that you can use to place your phones, keys, or anything else of importance.
If you’re looking for exceptional prices, turn to this impressive collection at BJ’s Wholesale Club. In this diverse selection, you’ll find amazing offerings from some of today’s most well-respected companies. From electronics, to housewares, athletic equipment, Igloo coolers, food, health and beauty supplies, and pretty much anything else under the sun, you’ll have no trouble finding exactly what you’re after.
Most of the hard-sided coolers on our list have drainage systems to help you empty out water once your ice has melted. Typically, this comes in the form of a screw-on or pop-off cap at the base of igloo ice chest the cooler—simply take it off and let the water pour out. Some also boast drainage channels that funnel water through the opening, which is a nice touch for helping with the clean-up process.
There are also a couple of wheeled versions of the Igloo MaxCold that I haven’t tested yet. Given how well the non-wheeled version performed, I have to imagine that they’d be better picks than the other wheeled coolers I tested in this price range, the Igloo Latitude and Coleman Xtreme. Both of those felt cheap and flimsy to me, and neither one performed well enough to merit any extra consideration.
Their wheeled rolling cooler offering is a thirty-quart ice chest built with more insulation than other coolers in its range. The bungee net up top helps you haul extra stuff on game day and Canyon also offers a no-hassle, lifetime warranty. Over half of the coolers on our list cost $200 or more, which goes to show how pricey these units can be. Hard-sided coolers from YETI, RTIC, ORCA, and others are able to keep ice frozen for significantly longer than budget options from companies like Coleman or Igloo.
And while bags of ice come relatively cheap, it can be a real pain to have to drain your cooler and replace the ice on a daily basis (not to mention having to travel and purchase more of it). Another benefit of high-end hard-sided units is durability—the difference in quality is immediately apparent and some of the best out there are truly meant to last a lifetime. All that said, if you just need a reliable cooler for days at the beach or packing a lunch on the road, it’s probably a good idea to save your cash. But if you consistently head outside for days at a time, the investment is well worth it.
Coleman understands the tendency to consider the cooler the unofficial extra chair at the tailgating party, so they made their lid able to withstand two-hundred-fifty pounds of cookout enthusiast. Holding up to eighty-four cans and keeping them cold for up to five days, the Xtreme also has a telescoping handle that locks so you can push or pull your cooler to the heart of the action. If you wanted something a little more heavy duty, you’re not going to get many that are as rugged, tough, and sturdy as the Milee Heavy Duty Wheeled Cooler.
If you have a big trip planned or often go out into the wilderness with friends, this Igloo cooler is one we suggest you think about buying. Firstly, this thing is big and with 7-quarts it will hold up to 112 cans of your favorite beer. Most of you will be thinking about cold beers but this cooler will also be able to store food. Yes, we know that stuff that is not quite as important as beer but certainly something you’ll need to consume at least sometimes – but we understand the need to limit the amount of solids you want to put into your hydraulics on your trips!