Coolers have a special place in my heart, and indeed the hearts of so many outdoor enthusiasts regardless of your preferred activity, be it camping with the kids, fishing, and kayaking or simply heading to the park with a frisbee and the dog. But to do all these activities you need the best cooler for the money, to keep your stash of beers and juice cold.
Of course, during all of those activities, we need to stay well fed and hydrated and a cooler allows us to get away from it all whilst still having the luxury of our very own mini-fridge no matter where we are. Getting lost in the wilderness is usually something to fear…but give me a great cooler and place me back in nature and I’m all for it!
Having a top cooler brand on the market at an affordable price is highly beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, a high-quality cooler is essential for keeping food and drinks cold while enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, or picnicking. Secondly, affordability is key, as it makes these top-performing coolers accessible to a wider range of people, not just those with a high budget. Thirdly, a cooler from a well-known brand provides peace of mind that the product is reliable and built to last, ensuring that your food and drinks stay cold and safe for the duration of your trip. Lastly, having an affordable top cooler brand on the market drives competition and innovation, leading to even better and more affordable products for consumers in the future. In conclusion, having a top cooler brand at an affordable price is a win-win situation, providing consumers with high-quality, reliable, and accessible coolers for all their outdoor needs.
In this article, we take a look at the 6 best coolers for the money and we review each one in turn so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Size and Capacity
Coolers are measured in Quart size, or often by the number of cans they can hold. If you’re a beer drinker then the latter will be important to you since it’s hard to gauge just how big 52-Quarts is…but tell me a cooler can fit over 80 cans and now I have something to work with!
Portability
Handles, wheels, and weight all come into play here. If your cooler is destined for the back of your vehicle and is not likely to be carried far then a good set of handles will suffice.
If, however, you plan on using your cooler on the back f your canoe or kayak, then you will want something that’s the right size so that you don’t overshoot your weight capacity and send your balance on the water off, but also something that can be lashed down if need be.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cooler for the beach or park for example, then a good set of wheels will do the trick, since walking on sand is hard enough without having to balance a cooler between 2-people!
1. Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler
- Chic retro design with a high-capacity, heavy-duty build
- 54-Quart Capacity Accommodates Up to 85 Cans; Have-a-Seat Lid Supports Up to 250 Pounds
- Keeps the Ice insulation offers 4-day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Made for long term performance with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware
- Comfort-grip steel handles for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
Which is why this is the first on our list of cooler reviews today. The Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler can hold up to 85 cans of your favorite beverage, has Stainless-steel handles which have a soft touch rubber grip to help when carrying.
Features and Specifications
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Capacity: 54-Quart
- Can Capacity: 85
- Material: Stainless Steel
Our Thoughts
When it comes to the outdoors, we love simple and indestructible, like a Japanese SUV. This is exactly what you get with the Coleman 54-Quart Steel Cooler. Whilst heavier than some of the other coolers featured here, it is perfect for a family day or weekend out or a fishing trip with the buddies.
You won’t have to worry about bashing this thing about, it can take it thanks to its spill free capabilities. It’s also rust-proof too, so any water splashes or sudden downpours won’t damage your beloved cooler!
2. Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler (60-Quart)
- Ultratherm insulated body keeps cold for a long time
- Push button and locking telescopic handle
- Durable wheels and reinforced tow handle make transporting a full cooler easy
- Molded side scoop handles for ease of loading and unloading
- 60 quart capacity. Exterior Dimensions ( L x W x H )-20 x 18.5 x 20.69 inches. Interior Dimensions ( L x W x H )-Top - 16.75 x 14.5 x 17.25 inches, Bottom - 15.25 x 12 x 17.25 inches
The ‘Ice Cube Roller’ is a 60-Quart monster of a cooler, with some unique features that make this a bit of an all-rounder.
First up is the extendable handle which is designed to adjust to your ideal height and make pushing and pulling the cooler easy.
This goes hand-in-hand with the two wheels which allow you to transport the cooler longer distances without feeling like a pack mule!
Features and Specifications
- Weight: 12.8 pounds
- Capacity: 60-Quart
- Can Capacity: 90+
- Material: Polyethylene
Our Thoughts
My only complaint with this cooler is the color, Ocean Blue. It seems every cooler out there is the same cooler and I get it, Blue = cool (temperature) but I much prefer a good choice of colors. Luckily I prefer functionality over style and the Igloo gets a thumbs up on all fronts.
With the telescopic handle and robust wheels and also the two side carry handles, there really is nothing that would stop me buying this cooler.
Oh and if you need closely you will see the 4x cup holders that are cleverly molded into the lid to hold your drink…now that’s what I’m talking about!
3. Coleman 50 qt. Wheeled Cooler
- Ideal for camping trips, tailgating parties, beach outings, backyard events, and picnics
- Telescoping handle and heavy-duty wheels for effortless, reliable transport across almost any terrain
- 50-quart capacity holds up to 84 cans; Includes Have-A-Seat Lid
- Insulated lid and walls provide 5 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to beverages
This 50-Quart cooler is much lighter than the previous two, at just 9.5 lbs it is perfect for any family member to carry or roll to your favorite spo
With a swinging handle to easily maneuver your goodies and a 60-can capacity pug Ice, you can really fit a lot into this 50-Quart cooler.
Features and Specifications
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Capacity: 50-Quart
- Can Capacity: 60
- Material: Polyethylene
Our Thoughts
We love the 7″ all-terrain wheels on this Coleman Cooler, which are true off-roaders. Sand, grass, dirt you name it, it’s going with you no matter what.
Since the cooler is made from Polyethylene, it is also rustproof and with the stay-put lid which operates on a hinge, it is also leak-proof. This cooler will last you for years to come and makes it one of the best coolers for the money.
4. Coleman 120 Quart ‘Coastal Xtreme Series’ Marine Cooler
- Large portable cooler ideal for boating and fishing trips
- 120-quart capacity holds up to 204 cans
- Insulated lid and walls provide 6 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Stainless steel hardware and UVGuard sun protection withstand years of rough use
- Leak-resistant threaded drain empties excess water without any tilting
So if you’re a keen boater, into kayaking or canoeing then this cooler will do the trick. Its size makes it suited to use with some for of transport, be it a boat or other water vessel or your vehicle.
Features and Specifications
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Capacity: 120-Quart
- Can Capacity: 204
Our Thoughts
Ok, here’s why this cooler rocks. First up we’ve got the largest capacity of any cooler on this list, 120-Quarts and it can hold 204 cans…if that’s not selling it to you I don’t know what will!
This cooler is capable of multi-day trips and will keep the ice solid for up to 6 days in temperatures up to 32 °C (90 °F). Meaning you can take extended trips and plan your adventures, safe in the knowledge that your food and drink will be fresh when you need it.
However, the killer feature for us is the Have-A-Seat Lid which allows you to sit and rest on the cooler which saves you having to bring along a camping chair. The cooler can support up to 250 lbs in weight and also contains 4 molded cup/can holders so no more knocking over your beer!
5. RTIC Cooler (RTIC 45 White)
- ALL ABOUT THE EXTREMES – The RTIC Ultra-Tough Cooler is designed for impact resistance, durability, and long-lasting ice retention. Perfect for anywhere adventure takes you.
- 2.8 INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 2.8 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes.
- LONG-LASTING ICE RETENTION – This rotomolded cooler is made for extreme durability. Keep your drinks, food, and meat cold on that long trip.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler.
- BUILT-IN BOTTLE OPENER – This 45 QT outdoor cooler features a built-in bottle opener and a silicone cargo net built into the lid for easy storing of smaller items. This hard cooler can double up as...
Inside of the lid is a tough rubber seal which is pressed firmly into place by the heavy duty T-latches.
Features and Specifications
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Capacity: 45-Quart
- Can Capacity: 36
Our Thoughts
Despite having a reduced can capacity, the RTIC does come in a 65-Quart size also, so if you’re looking for something with a little more capacity then that’s what I’d go for. The RTIC 45 however, is built to last and suits those taking multi-day trips be it Fishing, Boating or hunting.
The build quality and length of time this cooler can keep your food and drink fresh are the stand out qualities you should look for in a cooler.
6. Coleman 16-Can Soft Cooler With Hard Liner
- Soft, portable cooler bag with 9-can capacity keeps food and drinks cold
- Zippered main compartment features heat-welded seams to prevent leaks
- Removable hard plastic liner for packing flexibility and easy cleaning
- Antimicrobial-treated lining resists formation of mold, mildew, and odor
- Front zippered pocket, 3 mesh pockets, and lid bungee for carrying accessories
Something for the day-tripper now who is looking for an ice cooler suited to carrying over distance or to a picnic spot with ease.This soft cooler is made designed to be soft and flexible making carrying comfortable and convenient.
With mesh side pockets for bottle openers, knives and forks etc, a zippered front pocket and a 16-Can capacity this is something a little different than the others featured on this list.
Features and Specifications
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
- Capacity: N/A
- Can Capacity: 16
- Material: Fabric & Mesh
Our Thoughts
This is just like carrying a small backpack or handbag for the ladies. I’ve personally got 2 of these for picnic and days out with the kids. They are perfect for carrying sandwiches and drinks and other goodies to keep you going throughout the day.
I’ve even taken this on my paddle board which was lashed to the front and carries my water and a light snack!
7. Coleman Xtreme Cooler Review
- Keeps ice up to 5 days at temps up to 90°F thanks to an insulated lid and extra insulation in walls
- Holds 82 cans
- Leak-resistant channel drain lets you remove excess water without tilting the cooler
- Have-A-Seat lid supports up to 250 pounds so you have a place to sit and rest
- 2-way side handles for easy lifting and carrying in a space-saving design
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- Weight: 8.6 Pounds
- Capacity: 52-Quarts
- Can Capacity: 82 Cans
Who Should Buy This Product?
Families and those looking to take multi-day trips into the backcountry. Even those looking for a cooler to throw into the back of their car and take off, you can load up your favorite foods and snacks and hit the road for days and your food will be fresh and ice cold.
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Product?
Thos looking for portability over rough terrains such as sand or rocks. This product doesn’t have wheels and is designed to be carried only a short distance or inside of a Canoe or Kayak for example.
Conclusion
I hope that our article Best Cooler for the Money showed you which cooler is the best for you. The best piece of advice I can give is to think how you will be using the cooler and the number of people it will serve.
From there you can narrow down your search to a select few and read the online reviews for each before deciding.
