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10 Best Ice Chests 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler Desert Tan

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is a strong contender in the ice-chest category, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. With a capacity of 45 quarts, it can comfortably hold up to 26 cans, making it suitable for camping, fishing, and hunting trips. One of its standout features is the impressive insulation, with up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation, which helps keep ice frozen for an extended period, even in warmer conditions. This is complemented by its FatWall design, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures and is certified bear-resistant, adding an extra layer of safety when used in wildlife areas.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Capacity
Perfect size for everyday use, whether it's grocery shopping, camping, or ice fishing.
Insulation
The color of this cooler is always complimented, and ice stays for such a long time.
Durability
A rugged cooler that's perfect for off-road trip expeditions.
Portability
This cooler sits steadily in the vehicle, making it highly recommendable.
#2
9.8 score

Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is a solid choice for those needing a large-capacity ice chest, especially for camping or extended outdoor activities. It can hold up to 188 cans and features Ultratherm insulation, which keeps ice for up to 5 days even in 90-degree Fahrenheit conditions. This makes it highly reliable for maintaining cold temperatures over several days.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Capacity
The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler impressed with its durability, insulation, and capacity, keeping drinks refreshingly cold even after hours in the sun.
Insulation
The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler impressed with its durability, insulation, and capacity, keeping drinks refreshingly cold even after hours in the sun.
Durability
The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler impressed with its durability, insulation, and capacity, keeping drinks refreshingly cold even after hours in the sun.
Portability
The cooler's lid seals tightly, ensuring no cold air escapes, and the handles are sturdy and comfortable for easy transport.
Drainage System
A threaded drain plug allows for quick and efficient drainage without needing to tip over the cooler.
Additional Features
The stain- and odor-resistant liner ensures easy cleanup, even after spills, maintaining the cooler's fresh appearance.
#3
9.7 score

Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Wheeled Cooler, Leak-Resistant Outdoor Hard Cooler Keeps Ice up to 5 Days, 100-Quart

The Coleman Ice Chest 316 Series 100 Quart Wheeled Cooler offers a substantial capacity, holding up to 160 cans, making it ideal for large gatherings or extended trips. Its standout feature is its insulation, capable of keeping ice for up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F, ensuring your food and drinks stay cold for prolonged periods. The cooler is also built for durability, with a heavy-duty construction that includes 6-inch wheels and robust tow and swing-up handles for easy transport.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Capacity
The large capacity easily accommodates lunches for 21 students and 8 adults, plus ice.
Durability
Its sturdy construction allows it to double as a bench seat when extra seating is needed.
Portability
The cooler's wheels and pull handle make it easy to transport wherever you need it.
Additional Features
The cooler is built with quality in mind, featuring a snug-fitting lid and stable wheels.
#1

Winner

9.9 score

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler Desert Tan

Capacity: 45 Quarts
Insulation: 3 inches PermaFrost
Durability: Rotomolded, bear-resistant
Portability: 24 pounds
Drainage System: Straightforward
Additional Features: Dry goods basket

Chosen by 1462 this week

Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Capacity: 113 Liters
Insulation: Ultratherm, keeps ice up to 5 days
Durability: Reinforced handles, dual snap-fit latches
Portability: Reinforced handles, 19.9 pounds
Drainage System: Threaded drain plug, hose option
Additional Features: Holds up to 188 cans

Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Wheeled Cooler, Leak-Resistant Outdoor Hard Cooler Keeps Ice up to 5 Days, 100-Quart

Capacity: 100 Quarts
Insulation: Keeps ice up to 5 days
Durability: Supports up to 250 lbs
Portability: 6-inch wheels, tow handles
Drainage System: Leakproof drain plug
Additional Features: Cup holders, stain-resistant liner

YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler, Wild Vine Red

Insulation: Polyurethane, Permafrost Insulation
Durability: Rotomolded construction
Portability: NeverFlat Wheels, StrongArm Handle
Additional Features: Wheeled

YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler with DoubleDuty Shoulder Strap, Navy

Capacity: 22 cans or 16 lbs ice
Durability: Durable polyethylene
Portability: Shoulder Strap, LipGrip handles
Drainage System: No dedicated drainage system
Additional Features: BearFoot non-slip feet

Igloo MaxCold Glide Coolers 110 QT, Insulated Portable Rolling Cooler with Soft Ride Wheels, 168 Can Capacity, Leak-Proof, 5-day Ice Retention

Capacity: 110 qt
Insulation: Ultratherm foam
Durability: stainless steel hinges, UV inhibitors
Portability: wheels, telescoping handle, cushion grip
Drainage System: threaded drain plug, hose hook-up
Additional Features: 5-day ice retention

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, Charcoal

Capacity: 24 Cups
Insulation: ColdCell Insulation
Durability: High-density fabric, Waterproof Shell
Portability: 3.1 lbs
Additional Features: 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper
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Buying Guide for the Best Ice Chests

Choosing the right ice chest, also known as a cooler, can make a big difference in your outdoor adventures, whether you're camping, tailgating, or just having a picnic. The right ice chest will keep your food and drinks cold for the duration you need, be easy to transport, and durable enough to withstand the elements. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an ice chest.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the ice chest, usually measured in quarts or liters. This spec is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Small ice chests (up to 20 quarts) are great for day trips or personal use. Medium ice chests (20-50 quarts) are suitable for small groups or weekend trips. Large ice chests (50+ quarts) are ideal for extended trips or larger groups. Choose a capacity based on the number of people and the duration of your trips.
InsulationInsulation quality affects how long the ice chest can keep its contents cold. This is crucial for ensuring your food and drinks stay fresh. Basic insulation might keep items cold for a day, while high-end insulation can maintain low temperatures for up to a week. If you need an ice chest for short outings, basic insulation will suffice. For longer trips or hotter climates, opt for better insulation to ensure your items stay cold.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the ice chest can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions. This is important for ensuring your ice chest lasts a long time and protects its contents. Basic models are made from plastic and are suitable for light use. Heavy-duty models are made from more robust materials like rotomolded plastic and can handle more extreme conditions. Consider how and where you'll use the ice chest to determine the level of durability you need.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to transport the ice chest. This includes features like handles, wheels, and weight. It's important because you'll need to move the ice chest from place to place. Small ice chests are generally easy to carry by hand. Medium and large ice chests may come with wheels and handles to make transportation easier. Think about how far and how often you'll need to move the ice chest to choose the right level of portability.
Drainage SystemThe drainage system allows you to remove melted ice water from the ice chest without having to tip it over. This is important for maintaining the cold temperature and keeping your items dry. Basic models may not have a drainage system, requiring you to manually empty the water. More advanced models have built-in drains that make it easy to remove water. If you plan to use the ice chest frequently or for longer trips, a good drainage system can be very convenient.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like built-in bottle openers, cup holders, or even integrated fish rulers. These features can add convenience and functionality to your ice chest. While not essential, they can enhance your overall experience. Consider what extra features might be useful for your specific needs and choose an ice chest that includes those.

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