The 6 Best Coolers of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

The 6 Best Coolers of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

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.

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It’s not true.

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.

Best Cooler of 2024

One of the major factors to consider when shopping for a cooler is its ice retention capability—how long it can keep ice frozen. Many of the latest, high-priced models emphasize this aspect, especially roto-molded coolers, which are specifically designed to excel in this area, justifying their steep prices.

However, focusing solely on ice retention could be misleading, as it overlooks performance in the initial hours before any melting occurs. To get a comprehensive view of each cooler's performance, I modified the standard ice retention test. Instead of filling each cooler with ice, I used ice equivalent to 10% of the cooler’s volume. This presented more of a challenge and provided a finer understanding of each model's performance in real-world conditions.

I monitored the ambient temperature within each cooler by placing an elevated jar of propylene glycol solution, with a temperature probe, above the ice. This setup allowed for more significant variables, tracking temperature changes over time. These tests were conducted in our appliance lab's climate-controlled chamber, ensuring each cooler started at a consistent room temperature, around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, mimicking outdoor summer conditions.

The results, recorded minute-by-minute over 48 to 72 hours, revealed striking differences among coolers. To clarify the data, I categorized the coolers by size: small (less than 40 quarts), midsize (40-59 quarts), and large (60 quarts or more). Soft-sided coolers were also tested but typically did not perform as well as hard-sided models. Below, you’ll find the graphed data for these categories and their respective performance metrics.

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Mobility and durability

I also evaluated the design and features of each cooler, looking out for durability issues. The Igloo Latitude wheeled cooler, for example, failed to impress; its lid doesn’t lock, and its plastic hinges can easily break. The wheels also didn’t hold up well, which is a dealbreaker for a camping cooler.

Conversely, the Rovr Rollr wheeled cooler performed excellently, thanks to its rugged design, heavy-duty wheels, and a sturdy steel handlebar. It even offers an optional $50 bike tow accessory. Its interior divider helps keep items separate from the ice, and you can customize it with different liner designs. The only drawback is the T-shaped handlebar, which lacks comfortable grips in the middle, the most convenient spot for single-handed carrying.

The Igloo Journey Trailmate 70qt All-Terrain cooler comes packed with numerous features but isn’t as sturdy as the Rovr, though it's suitable for different purposes. For camping trips, the Rovr is my go-to, but for a beach day with family, the Igloo is preferable.

If camping in bear territory, a bear-resistant cooler is advisable. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee lists certified options, including models from Cabela’s, Orca, Rovr, Magellan Outdoors, and Yeti. Many of these passed my tests. Additionally, a sturdy cooler can double as a seat, which is helpful when camping. The Bison Gen 2 Cooler even promotes itself as an ideal casting platform for fishing, with nonslip traction mats available for its lid.

Having evaluated features like hinges, lids, drain plugs, and latches, the Bison cooler felt premium but didn’t retain cold air as effectively as other roto-molded models. It’s also about $150 more expensive than our most affordable roto-molded pick, the Xspec 60qt High Performance cooler.

Latches and lids

The Magellan Outdoors model has four hinge latches, two on either side, allowing for opening from either side or lid removal.

Some coolers lack good latches and hinges. Removable lids generally indicate lower performance, except for Magellan Outdoors coolers. Their design allows for flexible access with double-hinged, double-latched mechanisms.

In contrast, newer models like Yeti, RTIC, Orca, Cabela’s, and Frosted Frog have T-shaped rubber handles that are difficult to secure. Even with multiple adults, these handles pose challenges. While rubber latches are efficient and low-maintenance, some coolers like the Xspec 60qt, Amazon Commercial 20qt, and Lifetime 55qt high-performance coolers offer a middle ground with rubber straps and plastic handles, providing easier tensioning. Despite this, Magellan Outdoors still wins for the best latch design.

Our first soft-sided and backpack cooler didn't perform the best, but it is durable and a great option for hikers and campers alike.

The Yeti Hopper Backflip 24, our first backpack-style cooler, had decent but not exceptional performance. Despite limited overall performance, its backpack form is handy for beach trips or hiking, with plenty of straps and hitching points for extra gear. Its zipper, claimed to be water- and leakproof, proved effective during capacity tests—no leaks even when filled with water. Our Best Soft-Sided Cooler, the Magellan Outdoors soft-sided cooler, has a similar setup.

Final thoughts

Brand reputation is significant—Yeti coolers are expected to perform well and cost more. However, other brands like Magellan Outdoors, Frosted Frog, RTIC, and Amazon Commercial offer good performance at more reasonable prices.

It's surprising that more high-end coolers don't include bonus features like built-in batteries for charging devices or solar panels. For such innovations, turn to Kickstarter or Indiegogo, though be wary of potential production delays and dissatisfied customers.

Stick with conventional coolers like the ones reviewed above to avoid disappointments and ensure reliable performance during your outings.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of vertical cooler. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.