Say goodbye to those flimsy single-use Styrofoam coolers of the past and hello to a new and improved cooler. With hundreds of cooler designs to choose from, it can be tough to know which will best suit your food and beverage chilling needs. The cooler you use for your daily lunches will be entirely different from the cooler you take camping or tailgating. Read this guide to discover which cooler sizes, materials, and features will determine the best cooler design for your needs and change the way you manage your food outdoors.

In This Guide

How Do Coolers Work?
Cooler Types
Cooler Sizes
Cooler Features

How Do Coolers Work?

Coolers maintain a lower internal temperature than their surroundings with the addition of ice to the box itself and/or with insulation (depending on the cooler type).

The insulation inside the cooler acts as a strong barrier against the outside temperature, while the ice keeps the temperature cold. The insulation also slows down heat convection and conduction within the cooler, which also helps keep the contents cool. Bear in mind this process occurs when the cooler lid is closed. Each time the lid is opened, warm air enters the cooler, causing the temperature to rise at a quicker rate. The best cooler needs to perform all of these functions while still meeting your needs in size, material, and portability.

Cooler Types

No one wants to buy the wrong cooler and have it be too small, too cumbersome, or poorly designed. There is a cooler design for every occasion, and whatever you plan to use yours for, you will need a cooler that endures your outdoor activities while keeping your perishables cool.

Structure

Choosing the right cooler type begins with the exterior structure. Though both cooler types work to keep your food cool, a soft-sided cooler provides different advantages in certain situations while a hard-sided cooler functions better in others.

Hard-Sided: Hard-sided coolers can be made from metal or hard plastic that is rotomolded (rotational molded). This manufacturing process involves a mold filled with hot plastic which is then continuously rotated to ensure uniformity throughout the mold. Hard-sided coolers are ideal for heavy or extended use, as they can withstand the wear and tear required in more rugged settings. They are also known for their ice retention and tend to keep their contents cooler for longer. Compared to soft-sided coolers, hard-sided coolers are often larger in size and have a bigger storage capacity, which is usually measured by volume. Although these coolers have a higher price tag than soft-sided coolers, they are likely to have more features that make them useful in outdoor situations such as camping, BBQs, and road trips.

Soft-Sided: Soft-sided coolers are made from durable fabrics such as vinyl and polyester and come in a broad range of shapes and sizes, all less than 40L in capacity. Soft-sided coolers are usually measured by the amount of cans they will hold. These collapsible coolers take up minimal space and can fold flat when they are not in use; soft-sided coolers are frequently used for daily lunches, short day trips, and picnics. Their smaller size means they are not suitable for carrying a large amount of items. Soft-sided coolers are budget-friendly, lightweight, and easy to transport, so if you are looking for a quick and easy way to cool down your drinks, this is the best cooler design for you.

Types

There are different types of coolers to match different situations. The cooler type you select should fit your needs and your budget and ideally last you a long time.

Picnic: Picnic coolers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided options. They are commonly small and lightweight, though some picnic coolers are available in larger sizes to accommodate more contents. A picnic cooler isn't just suitable for picnics; outings such as sporting events, beach visits, and park trips would also all benefit from the accompaniment of a picnic cooler. Picnic coolers with straps are also ideal for hiking. Bear in mind that in spite of their insulation, these smaller cooler designs only work for several hours before they stop cooling effectively.

Ice Chest: Ice chests are hard-sided coolers that are mostly made from plastic, though there are metal options available. They are generally larger and more cumbersome than regular coolers and are mostly used as stationary coolers that don't get moved too much. Ice chest coolers are ideal for camping trips, BBQs, and tailgating as their large capacity will keep multiple items cool for longer periods of time.

Patio: Patio coolers are the largest hard-sided coolers available. They are designed to remain outside on patios, decks, or in backyards for hours on end and usually stand on legs like raised trolleys, making it easy to reach inside. Patio coolers can be made from plastic or metal, many with wheels or casters that allow you to easily move them around. Their primary purpose is to serve as a multifunctional item with features such as shelves, bottle openers, and wine racks so that you have all your entertaining necessities in one place. Patio coolers are often designed with aesthetic in mind; not only are they available in a range of colors, but many are designed to look like a sleek piece of patio accent furniture.

Marine: Marine coolers are hard-sided and extremely durable. These coolers are created to be used in outdoor water settings (such as fishing trips) and are designed to withstand extreme marine environments and elements such as sea water and harsh sun. Marine coolers aren't only limited to boating though; their hardy design makes them suitable for other rough terrain usage such as camping, large get-togethers, and road trips. These coolers usually have good ice retention, which is important, as they are often left in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

Chair: Chair coolers provide a great two-in-one design. Chair coolers are usually made from hard rotomolded plastic, though there are some fabric options that have a folding steel frame. These hard-sided coolers are constructed with a tough lid and body that can support the weight of an individual, making them useful additional seating options that keep your drinks cool at the same time. They are easy to move around and work well when camping, picnicking, or visiting the beach.

Cooler Sizes

The cooler size is important to take into consideration when you are purchasing a cooler. Whether you plan to use your cooler on a daily basis for small items or if you regularly host or attend outdoor gatherings, an appropriately sized cooler will ensure you keep everything you need at hand.

Small: A small cooler can hold between five and 10 items or between one and 12 cans. Their storage capacity ranges from 0 qt. to 25 qt. or around 24L, which is great for personal use, a quick day out, or holding small items such as drinks that need to be kept cool for only a short period of time. These affordable coolers are also the easiest on your pocket.

Medium: A medium cooler holds around 15 cans which also converts to 25 – 50 qt. or around 47 L. This is the most common size for a cooler and serves well in most outdoor settings. These coolers also come in at a decent price for what they can hold.

Large: Large coolers hold between 20 - 40 cans which equals 50 - 75 qt. or around 71 L. These coolers are ideal for bigger get togethers, fishing, and long camping trips.

Extra-Large: Coolers that hold 96 cans or more are great for large events and concerts where you need to cool many items for long periods of time. These range around 95L and upwards.

Cooler Features

Once you know exactly what you plan to use your cooler for, you should consider the additional features that will not only come in handy, but also make your investment last longer and more worthwhile.

UV-Treated: Your cooler is likely going to spend a large amount of time in the sun, so it would only make sense that it should be protected against harsh UV rays. The UV rays from the sun are a large contributor to the degradation and even disintegration of plastic. When plastic degrades, it tends to yellow and crack, becoming brittle and losing its strength. UV-treated coolers are able to withstand sun exposure without weathering too quickly, making them a more long-lasting investment.

Rolling: Whether they're on a steel patio cooler or a rotomolded plastic cooler, wheels make for easy rolling and movement. The bigger the cooler, the more useful the wheels are, particularly if it is heavily laden. Heavy-duty wheels come in handy when moving your cooler from the car to your picnic venue, beach spot, or even across the deck or yard for your summer BBQ. Many rolling coolers also come with a handle or handles so you can easily pull them along on your next outdoor adventure.

Electric: If you plan to go on a long trip where ice might not be readily accessible (or just not a viable option), then a more high-end electric cooler might be the right option for you. Electric coolers usually don't need ice and can work more like efficient, portable fridges. These coolers power their cooling systems with either a chargeable battery or electricity provided by an outlet or a car adaptor. As the electric cooler is functioning, you will be able to keep the inside cool indefinitely.

Shoulder Strap: Coolers with shoulder straps are small, soft-sided, and made of fabric. The straps make these coolers easier to carry, whether it's just a single strap for carrying the cooler as a tote or dual straps to be worn like a backpack. A cooler with straps is convenient to take with you when hiking, commuting to work, or anytime you may want your hands free.

Drain Included: While most hard-sided coolers can simply be tipped out when the ice has melted, this isn't always possible with larger coolers, nor is it convenient when the cooler is still full of items. A drain-included cooler allows you to remove the drain plug and release any excess water without having to dump the contents.

Whatever your outdoor event may be, you'll want to keep cool drinks on hand with the perfect cooler for you.