This is the “US Marine Corps” option of the cooler world – go anywhere, anytime, with any amount of chilled beers. Affordably priced, we have to say that the Crater Peak which has SuperFoam insulation, is leak-proof and easy to clean, is ideal for picnics, days at the beach, or log drives. Whenever you need a cold drink or want to keep food fresh, you can simply open it up and grab what you need. Leak resistant and using their innovative Cool Riser Technology, Igloo has once again created an affordable cooler that we are confident you’ll be delighted with if you were to purchase it. In fact, in terms of value for money, we have to say that this is one of the best coolers with wheels on our list.
The split lid provides easy access while the removable basket-shelves encourage organization. The brand claims that the lid’s sliding lock is strong enough to prohibit accidental openings, but the latch, hinges, and wheels on this cooler may not withstand the wear and tear of the great outdoors when compared with other models. A 12-volt adapter is included, while a compatible AC adapter is sold separately to allow for indoor igloo electric cooler use. Igloo has the best selection of coolers with wheels and handles, making it easy to bring your snacks, drinks, and other refreshments wherever the party is headed. Scroll through our collection of ice chests with wheels and find the one that suits your lifestyle. It has taken us a few years to recommend a wheeled cooler simply because none have seemed built to last longer than a season or two—especially in the handle.
The Pelican 80QT Wheeled Elite Cooler is the most expensive model on this list for a reason. It’s not made for casual daily outings, however, if you want a large, freezer-grade cooler for serious outdoorsman-style excursions, such as fishing, hunting, and other activities that require heavy-duty storage, look no further. Keep in mind that this pro-worthy chest weighs in at over 49 pounds prior to adding 10 days’ worth of ice, food, drinks, or any wild catches. Fortunately, it features a trolley handle for smooth hauling, latches for gloved-use, tough wheels for all-terrain transport, rigid handles and sealing, and 2 inches of insulation to keep provisions and game fresh.
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 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.
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 igloo ice chest 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.
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.
If portability is a priority, we recommend looking at options with wheels, such as RovR’s RollR 45 or Igloo’s Trailmate Journey. Although these units still are decidedly hefty (the RovR is around 37 lbs. while the Igloo is just under 35), the wheels make them much easier and less cumbersome to transport for extended periods, even just for one person. If you are looking for maximum cooling power, premium rotomolded coolers from brands like YETI, igloo electric cooler RTIC, and ORCA are the clear leaders in keeping ice cold for long stretches. If you need ice for extended periods (we’re thinking of you, rafters and multi-day campers), the cost is worth it. But for those on day trips or shorter overnight outings with access to new ice, an inexpensive cooler like the Coleman Xtreme or Igloo ECOCOOL is a fine option. Grab your favorite outdoor snacks and hit the beach with this wheeled cooler from Igloo.
Whether you’re going to a barbeque, camping, or to the beach, this cooler when filled with ice will keep anything kept inside it nice and cold for up to 5-days. What we find most impressive about this big cooler with wheels is the build quality. It has aluminum and stainless parts rather than all plastic parts found in cheaper coolers. We also love how sturdy this thing is but considering the price we would not expect anything less.
Among all 12 of them — including four of those expensive, rotomolded coolers — the MaxCold finished in third place, managing to tie the $329 Bison Gen 2 and beating the $400 Rovr Rollr 60. It’s nothing fancy, and it won’t hold cold temperatures as long as Yeti or Orca will, but it’ll get you awfully close for just a fraction of the price. That makes it my top value pick in the cooler category, and an excellent choice if you just want something dependable that won’t break the bank.