Best Coolers in 2022 for Outdoors Enthusiast – Tested & Reviewed
Getting the right cooler for you and your family may sound like a simple task, but you may be surprised at just how many options are available to you. There are thousands of different kinds of quality coolers on the market, all offering different features that set them apart from their competitors.
Since that is the case, how are you supposed to find the best cooler for you?
Hopefully, we can make that search a little bit easier for you. Let’s take a look at some of the highest performance and most reliable coolers in 2020.
Best Coolers in 2020 - Comparisons
Image | Name | Dimension | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 58 quarts | 36.4 pounds | ||
  | 58 quarts | 29 pounds | ||
  | 70 quarts | 38 pounds | ||
  | 65 Quarts | 38 pounds | ||
  | 50 quarts | 41.89 pounds | ||
 | 45 quarts | 25 pounds | ||
  | 55 quarts | 26.8 pounds | ||
  | YETI Tundra 50 (Currently unavailable) | 32 cans | 31.7 pounds | |
  | 14.37 quarts | 25 pounds | ||
  | 85 cans | 19 pounds |
10 Best Coolers in 2020 - Reviews
The ORCA cooler is a strong way to kick of the best coolers of 2020. This cooler is 100% made in the United States and has a strong seal so that it can keep ice for days on end.
This model holds up to 58 quarts, and has plenty of room to keep your drinks and food cold. It has flex grip handles, which make it much easier on your hands while carrying around a fully loaded cooler.
We like that this massive container has an easy drain on the side too, which is really convenient for draining excess water out of the cooler after your ice has melted. It even comes with a cargo net for extra storage.
What we liked
- This ORCA cooler is made 100% in the United States
- If you already like this cooler, you are about to love it even more. This model comes with a lifetime warranty that ORCA stands by. Should anything be wrong or go wrong with your cooler, you can contact them and they will repair or replace it.
- Most coolers can be really difficult and uncomfortable to carry around, especially when they are loaded and heavy. Thankfully, this cooler has flex grip handles that make it even more comfortable to carry so that your hands aren’t in pain when transporting your cooler.
- This model also includes a cargo net so that you can have some added storage with your cooler
- This cooler has awesome insulation technology so that it can hold in the cold and preserve your ice as long as possible.
- This massive cooler holds up to 58 quarts, so that you have plenty of room to keep food and beverages cold
- This model also has an easy flow drainage spout that you can use to easily drain the excess water out of your cooler.
What we didn't like
- This cooler is best for large parties of people, so if you need an individual cooler you may need to get something smaller. This can be difficult to pack in limited space.
2. Engel ENG65
This Engel Cooler is decked out when it comes to security and insulation. This particular model is made with a seamless, rotationally-molded construction to keep it nice and leak free. This cooler is insulated by two inches of polyurethane on the sides of the cooler, so it can keep ice for as long as 10 days.
The company says that it is the best in its class when it comes to preserving ice and keeping your things cool. For security and keeping your cooler nice and tight, this model uses airtight gaskets and marine grade compression latches to keep the cool in.
What we liked
- This premium performance cooler from Engel can hold ice for as long as 10 days.
- This cooler comes in three different styles so that you can show your personality with your cooler. Those colors are tan, grey, and a tan container with a camo lid.
- The reason that this cooler can keep ice for 10 days is because it is made with two inch thick polyurethane insulation around each side of the cooler. Engel boasts that it is the best in its class when it comes to ice retention and performance.
- For the outdoor enthusiasts, you will appreciate that this model uses an IGBC bear resistant container. Just to remind you, they molded it onto the rear lid of the cooler.
- This entire cooler is made with a durable, seamless, rotationally-molded construction. This is actually the same process that they use to make whitewater kayaks, so you know that this is going to keep your ice and excess water insulated and contained.
- This model uses silicone, airtight gaskets to keep your lid locked down as securely and tightly as possible.
- It also uses marine grade compression latches and has a UV resistant construction to prevent sunlight from heating up your cooler.
- The total capacity of this cooler is 58 quarts, so it has plenty of room for your drinks and food
What we didn't like
- The company says that you can get 10 days out of experience, but experience dictates that while using it you can get six days at best.
This Pelican cooler is not only large, but has plenty of great features as well. It has world class clasping materials, hinges, and locks to keep it airtight and to keep your food and drinks cold. It is also surrounded by a two inch thick layer of polyurethane to preserve your ice and keep your food and beverages cold for as long as 10 days.
What we liked
- This pelican cooler is impressive in a lot of ways, and size is one of them. This large cooler can hold up to 70 quarts of ice, food, and drinks.
- This cooler is walled up with a two inch thick layer of polyurethane to keep your preserved for as long as 10 days.
- It also includes a 360 degree e gasket that’s freezer-grade and will help keep your ice preserved for longer, and keep your drinks and food cooler for the longest time possible.
- This model has molded handles, which makes this heavy cooler much easier to carry than other models.
- It comes in seven different colors so that you can represent your own unique sense of style while taking your cooler with you
- To keep this cooler nice and tight, Pelican uses tie-down slots, three inch locking latches, reinforced lockable clasps, and an anti-shear hinge system
- As a nice little added feature, this cooler even has a stainless steel bottle opener on it, in case you forget to take yours with you.
- For easy unloading, this cooler has a leak-proof drain plug
- This also includes four self-draining cup holders for easy drink access
- It even has a handy measuring board on top that gives you readings in centimeters and inches
What we didn't like
- This cooler is massive and bulky, so it is hard to store and difficult to carry.
4. YETI Tundra
Yeti is well-known for making premium insulated products, and the Yeti Tundra is yet another extension of their sterling reputation. This cooler is covered with three inches of patented permafrost insulation which will keep your ice intact for days on end. It is also bear resistant so you don’t have to worry about bears finding or running off with your things.
This cooler is really dense, and totally empty it weighs 29 pounds, so you can be sure it has plenty of room and insulation for any food and drinks that you want to throw into it. This cooler is also great for fishing and storing your fish while you are out on the lake or the river.
What we liked
- The Yeti Tundra is another perfect cooler for anyone from the regular backyard barbeque fan to outdoor enthusiasts
- This thick, well-insulated cooler has three inches of permafrost insulation for keeping your food, beverage, freshly caught fish nice and cold while you are outdoors.
- This model is also designed and certified bear resistant, so that you don’t have to worry about local bears sniffing out or cracking open your cooler
- This cooler is made via a rotomolded process, which makes this cooler virtually indestructible and infinitely more resistant to damage than other coolers in its class. This cooler can hold up to any landscape and any weather or outdoor conditions.
- All tundra coolers are made with supreme t-rex lid latches and a heavy-duty rubber coating so that you will never have to worry about busting or breaking a latch on your cooler
- The dimensions of this cooler are 30.5 x 17.5 x 16 and weighs 29 pounds without anything in it. It has plenty of space and insulation for any food, drinks, or fish that you want to keep cold while outdoors.
What we didn't like
- Even with the added insulation, you can only get about 4 days out of ice
- This is pretty pricey when compared to other coolers in its class
This durable cooler by Yukon is made in either a 50 quart or 70 quart model. It has a three inch thick rotationally molded polyethylene lid and is two inches thick on the sides and the bottom to keep your ice, food and beverages cooler for longer. It has two airtight locks for keeping your cooler nice and tight, and it even has a measurement tool and work station on the top of the cooler.
What we liked
- This cooler from Yukon comes in two different sizes, a 50 quart and a 70 quart. That makes this cooler perfect for parties of any size.
- If you are into fishing, this cooler is made for you. It even includes a built-in measuring feature on the top of the lid so that you can see how big your catch is.
- This cooler is slightly different in how it is constructed. It is made of super durable, rotational molded polyethylene to keep your cooler damage free and airtight.
- This cooler even has a raised, textured work surface on the top of the lid so that you have an extra table top for setting your things or cleaning your fish.
- The oversized, tethered drain plug on this model makes it really easy to drain water from your cooler, after your ice has melted
- This model has dual lid locks to keep your cooler closed nice and tightly when you aren’t using it or when you are transporting it
- The polyethylene insulation on this cooler is three inches thick on the lid and two inches thick around the body to keep your ice intact and to keep your food and beverages cooler for longer
What we didn't like
- This model has really bulky handles that protrude from the cooler.
This RTIC cooler is one of the slightly smaller coolers that we have taken a look at this far in the review. It still holds a solid 45 quarts of ice, food, and beverages. It is made with a thick and durable roto-molded construction, that makes this cooler virtually unbreakable and indestructible. The nearly three inch thick walls on this cooler should keep the contents cold for as long as 10 days at a time.
It has a secure, integrated locking system that will keep the contents and ice in your cooler airtight, insulated and protected from wildli fe. It is fully bear resistant and will keep your food and beverages safe from tampering.
What we liked
- This roto-molded cooler is thick, strong, and virtually indestructible
- RTIC claims that this cooler is more like a portable freezer because it keeps ice cool for as long as 10 days at a time
- It is fully bear resistant, and has an integrated locking system to keep your food and beverages nestled safely and tightly within your cooler
- Another nice feature that this cooler has is its non-slip feet. Even if you are on wet or slippery surfaces, your cooler will stay in place.
- It has three inch insulated walls to keep your ice preserved, and to keep your food, beverages and contents of your cooler nice and cold.
- This model has marine grade, heavy-duty rope handles that make it easier and more comfortable to carry your cooler
- It has a freezer style lid gasket to provide your cooler with an airtight seal
- This has easy-flow drain spouts and a rapid v-drain system which is a great way to empty out excess water from your cooler, or completely drain your cooler when you are done using it.
- This cooler has a no-sweat exterior as well, so no matter how much ice, cold food and cool drinks that you have in it, you won’t get perspiration on the outside.
What we didn't like
- This cooler is really heavy, so you will most likely need two people to carry it.
This is another sturdy, rotationally-molded cooler that is virtually indestructible, so you don’t have to worry about damaging or scratching your cooler. One of the best features about this cooler is that it has really comfortable handles to save your hands while you are carrying it.
This model features a dual lock system that keeps your cooler nice and tight to keep cold air in and warm air out. It even has a non-slip bottom which makes it perfect for taking out on that boat or near the water.
What we liked
- This rotationally-molded cooler by Igloo has a virtually indestructible outer core. That makes this cooler perfect for the rugged outdoors and anywhere that you want to take it.
- This cooler stays in insulated with a thick foam lid and foam body to keep your ice, food and beverages nice and cool
- This cooler uses a durable and comfortable three-point handle system that makes this cooler easy to hold and even easier to transport. One of the biggest problems with cheap coolers is that they are really uncomfortable to hold when you are moving them.
- This cooler uses a dual-lock lid for maximum security of the contents in your cooler, and it keeps your cooler nice and tightly insulated so that you don’t have to worry about your ice melting
- The anti-sliding feet on this cooler make it great for setting down on slippery or wet surfaces. That makes this cooler perfect for throwing in the back of your truck or taking on your boat.
- This model also includes an oversized tethered drain plug so that you can easily drain excess water after your ice has melted in your cooler. It makes for really easy evacuation and cleaning.
What we didn't like
- This cooler isn’t that well insulated, so it won’t hold ice for more than a couple of days
Also Read: Have a Cold One: The Best Electric Coolers
The YETI Tundra 50 is another quality cooler by YETI. Judging by the tall design, this cooler was made for keeping beverages cold and can hold up to 32 cans at one time. That makes this cooler perfect for camping, tailgating, barbeques and anywhere you want to take it in the great outdoors. This cooler is ultra-thick and super durable to keep your food and beverages cold, airtight and protected for days.
What we liked
- This YETI cooler model is an extra deep cooler so that you can stack plenty of food and drinks inside of it.
- You can fit up to 32 cans in this cooler, which makes it perfect for camping, tailgating, parties and backyard barbeques
- This cooler uses the YETI patented three inch layer of permafrost insulation to keep your ice preserved and your food and beverages nice and cool for days.
- This cooler also uses their extra thick fat-wall design to keep your cooler contents safe from bears and other wildlife
- This model is made with roto-molded construction which makes it virtually indestructible. This cooler is perfect for taking anywhere, in anywhere, on any kind of terrain.
- Every YETI cooler has durable t-rex lid latches that are rubber coated so that you never have to worry about a handle breaking on you. These latches will keep your cooler airtight to keep the cold air in and the warm air out.
- The dimensions of this cooler are 24 x 17 ⅜ x 18 ⅛ and can carry up to 50 quarts of contents at one time
What we didn't like
- This cooler is a bit overpriced. There are other companies that sell equal-quality coolers for significantly less than the Tundra.
9. Engel ENG35
This Engel cooler is very similar to the first Engel that we looked at in this review. With the thick, rotationally molded construction, the airtight gaskets and marine grade compression latches, you can bet that this cooler will sustain your ice and keep the contents cold. It also features a UV resistant shell to keep your cooler from getting heated by the sun.
What we liked
- This Engel cooler can keep ice for as long as 10 days
- This cooler uses two inches of polyurethane insulation to keep the contents of your cooler sealed, nice and cool
- Another facet of this cooler that the campers and outdoor enthusiasts will love is that it uses a certified IGBC bear resistant container, so that you don’t have to worry about the bears tampering with your cooler
- This Engel model also uses the same rotationally molded construction that kayaks do, in order to keep the ice and water contained. It will keep the cold in while keeping the warm air from leaking into the cooler.
- This model uses silicone airtight gaskets to keep it locked tight, and marine grade compression latches to keep your cooler closed and well insulated.
- This unit also features a UV resistant shell to protect your cooler from being heated by the sun
What we didn't like
- The drain system on this cooler does not work very well
This is the classic Coleman cooler design that we have known and loved since 1984. This is the newly updated design that features a 54 quart container and a wide-opening so that you can actually store up to 85 cans in the cooler at one time. It has a steel latch that keeps the container closed and tight with 10 pounds of force. It has two handles which makes it really easy to carry and the drain on this cooler allows you to fully drain it without tilting it.
What we liked
- The Coleman 54 quart steel-belted cooler is probably what you would imagine as the classic definition of a cooler
- This is a wide design that can actually hold up to 85 cans at one time
- This model of cooler features a stainless steel latch that keeps the cooler closed tight with 10 pounds of force
- This model features a rust-proof and leak-resistant channel drain so that you don’t need to tilt your cooler to drain it
- This cooler is really easy to clean and wipe down so that it can always be ready for your next trip or excursion
- This cooler is a new and improved version of the original Coleman cooler that the company has been making since 1954.
What we didn't like
- This cooler is not UV resistant, and isn’t the best for keeping ice in your cooler for days at a time
Final Verdict
So out of all of the coolers in this review, which are the ones that stood out the most to you?
Personally, we think that the victory goes to the RTIC 45.
For us, that is the cooler that provides the most utility at the most reasonable price. It gives you all the features that you could need in a cooler in that it is airtight, and keep ice for days for those long excursions, camping trips, etc. This cooler is really thick, well insulated, and has a ton of great features that make it stand out from the crowd.
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