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10 Cool Ice Chest Reviews – Stay Chill In 2025

Actually in March 2025
23 Products Tested
1458 Reviews Scanned
Research for You
LAST UPDATE March 31, 2020
READING TIME 40 Minutes
Home & Garden
10 Cool Ice Chest Reviews – Stay Chill In 2025

Whether you’re going on a picnic, a camping weekend or to the seaside, one thing that you’ll definitely need is the best ice chest you can find.

Best of the best ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler, 58-Quart ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler, 58-Quart
5/5
Show Me
PROS

Outstanding insulation

Easy to use

Well built

Highly durable

CONS

Lid can slam shut

Mesh pocket hard to reach

Most Buying RTIC Cooler, 65 qt RTIC Cooler, 65 qt
4.5/5
Show Me
PROS

Can keep ice for a long time

Highly durable

Extremely simple and easy to use

CONS

No drain plug leash

Rubber latches relatively small

A bit heavy

Best for the money YETI Tundra 45 Cooler YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
4.5/5
Show Me
PROS

Retains ice long

Easy to handle

Bear-proof

Reliable and durable

CONS

No leash on the drain plug

Avatar Writer Kathy
How We Decided
  • 34Products
    Tested
  • 64Hours
    Spent
  • 06Experts
    Interviewed
  • 17Consumers
    Consulted
RUNNERS UP Also good products

Thermik High Performance Roto-molded Cooler

4.5/5

Offers a lot of features, but the handles aren’t reliable.

pros
  • Reliable and easy to handle

  • Can be used as a cutting board

  • Easy to clean and drain

  • Will retain ice for several days

  • Has a nice shape

cons
  • Not bear-proof certified

  • The handles don’t seem reliable

  • Only comes in white

Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler

4/5

Rust resistant and durable, but has a poorly made lid latch, and may leak.

pros
  • Easy to use and handle

  • Solid

  • A lot of space

cons
  • Lid latch is not good

  • May leak

YETI Hopper TWO Portable Cooler

4/5

A good backpack replacement, with three carrying options, but no precise ice retention period (and no drain plug).

pros
  • Practical and easy to use

  • Good backpack replacement

cons
  • Cannot be rolled up

  • Interior accessed only via zipper (no drain plug)

  • Ice retention period unknown

Pelican Products ProGear Elite Cooler, 45 quart

4/5

Durable and easy to use, but also very heavy, and cannot retain ice for long.

pros
  • Durable

  • Easy to use

  • Solid build

cons
  • Very heavy

  • Can leak

  • Cannot retain ice long in extremely hot weather

Engel USA Cooler/Dry Box, 19 Quart

3.5/5

Well made and relatively lightweight, but not suitable for longer periods of time (will leak).

pros
  • Simple and easy to handle

  • Doesn’t leak water

  • Relatively lightweight

cons
  • Hinges are plastic (can break easily)

  • No padded shoulder protector

  • Isn’t suitable for longer periods of time (more than one day)

Igloo Super Tough STX Cooler

3.5/5

Easy to use, but not suitable for longer periods of time, and the latches are not reliable

pros
  • Solid build

  • Easy to use

cons
  • Doesn’t retain ice for long

  • Latches are unreliable

Mingmei Liang
EXPERT CONSULTANT

He works in a large company as an interior designer. Art critic and professional in the field of design.

Mingmei Liang

When you’re out on a camping trip, or on the beach during your summer vacation, the last thing you want is warm food and drink. Right? And without the best ice chest, good luck.

Let’s face it…

There’s nothing worse than staying under the sun without a quality ice chest by your side. And, hey, a high-quality tent, to kick back and enjoy yourself wouldn’t hurt either.

But without an ice chest to store your foods and drinks, your vacation is a bust.

Research You Can Trust

In order to help you find the right product, we spoke with actual owners of the ice chests and asked all the key questions. Our research even extended to the manufacturers’, as we’re always looking for the most accurate info.

On top of that, our experts put our top grills through the test to find out firsthand how hot--or not--they are.

10 Cool Ice Chest Reviews 2025

Best of the best

ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler, 58-Quart

5/5
Show more

RTIC Cooler, 65 qt

4.5/5
Show more
Best for the money

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

4.5/5
Show more

Coleman Heritage XP H2O Marine Portable Cooler, 150 Quart

4.5/5
Show more

Thermik High Performance Roto-molded Cooler, 45 qt, White

4.5/5
Show more

Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler

4/5
Show more

YETI Hopper TWO Portable Cooler

4/5
Show more

Pelican Products ProGear Elite Cooler, 45 quart

4/5
Show more

Engel USA Cooler/Dry Box, 19 Quart

3.5/5
Show more

Igloo Super Tough STX Cooler

3.5/5
Show more

Buyer's Guide

30-Second Review

Most of the users we contacted agree on one thing – the most important aspect of any ice chest is its ice retention period.

Well, of course.

If your ice chest fails to do this, then what’s the point of it, really?

Now, there are a couple more features an ice chest should have.

It should drain well, because the amount of water after ice melts will be significant. There are many ice chests out there with poor drainage.

Also…

The small parts like drain spouts, handles, latches, and hinges should be well-made and sturdy.

No point in getting an ice chest, only to find out the handle broke within minutes.

And finally

The ice chest you get should be durable. You don’t need something you’ll use for just one season. The material should be good, and able to sustain all weather conditions, especially strong sunlight.

THE WINNERS

What To Look For In A Quality Ice Chest

Before you decide on an ice chest, there are several variables you’ll have to consider. We all have different needs, and the ice chest of your choice should be perfect for your specific needs.

Some people tend to rush things, and decide on the fly.

However, …it’s really important to plan your vacation. This also goes for taking a shorter trip – because you need to know what to expect.

Here’s what you should consider before making your final pick.

Size

You might not want to hear it but…

When we’re talking about ice chests…

Size does matter.

And… There are two sizes we need to address here:

  1. The size of the chest’s cooling area – or, the storage size.
  2. And, the size of the chest itself. You know, the overall size. (It’s not the same thing, remember that.)

Storage Size

The name speaks for itself.

This is the volume of a given ice chest. i.e. how much it can store.

Again, it all depends on your needs. You might need the ice chest for a short day trip to the nearby camping area, or you might need it for a trip lasting several days.

However…

A great number of people don’t think in these terms – they simply want a reliable ice chest.

But size is still an issue.

And here’s the thing…

So many customers fall into the trap of assuming a chest that looks big on the inside has so much storage room.

Not quite.

Actually, quite often, people get disappointed because they don’t get what they bargain for.

This is why it’s important to make sure your ice chest of choice actually has plenty of storage room.

Trust us…

Looks can be deceiving!

You should also calculate the insulated area. Some ice chests are advertised as having X amount of storage room but, in fact, they have a lot less, because of the insulation area.

Additionally…

You’ll need to calculate the ice that will go in the ice chest. In order to keep certain food items cool for a long period of time, you will need plenty of ice to go along.

And more ice means – less storage room.

So, what to do?

The smartest thing would be to plan ahead and look for an ice chest that’ll have enough storage room – even after all the ice is put inside.

Overall Size

The overall size of your ice chest literally means how much space it takes up.

Again, it’s very important to know how you’ll use the ice chest once you buy it. Consider all the points before making your choice.

Especially if you plan on using the cooler for camping…

  • Do you own a car?
  • How do you travel when camping?
  • How long are your camping trips (on average)?

The problem is – the bigger the ice chest, the complicated it is to transport it.

Usually…

Bigger ice chests have thicker walls, and they’re much better at keeping food cool, especially during long, hot days.

That’s why you’d probably be better off with a bigger chest with thick walls and solid insulation.

But then again…

If you plan on traveling by bike or electric scooter, how will you transport an ice chest that big?

And this doesn’t apply only to bikes and motorcycles. Even smaller cars aren’t suitable for transporting a big ice chest.

There’s simply not enough room for everything.

After all…

The ice chest is not the only item you’re taking with you, right?

So, make sure you know how you’ll use the ice chest upon purchasing it. It will make things so much easier for you.

No doubt about it.

Build

It’s also important what material your ice chest is made of.

First of all, there’s plastic–one of the most common ice chest materials.

What makes plastic great is  it’s waterproof, lightweight, and quite affordable.

Now, listen to this:

The manufacturing process is not the same for all kinds of plastic ice chests. Some of the best plastic ice chests have the so-called rotomolded construction.

Basically, this means the whole ice chest was made from a single piece of plastic, instead of several pieces that were joined together.

Why is this great?

Well, it’s actually a great way to avoid any leaking. There are no weak points, and you won’t have to worry about your ice chest failing you when you need it the most.

But, it doesn’t end with plastic–that’s just a part of the equation.

There’s also metal, although it’s not as common. Metal is used for ice chest walls (sometimes), but it’s used more often for hinges and handles.

Furthermore, it’s much better to have a metal handle than a plastic one. It’s simply more reliable and durable.

There is also rubber, and several kinds of fabric, often used in conjunction with other products to improve the overall ice chest design. For example, rubber is great for air-tightening the ice chest, especially in the area between the lid and the box.

Also

Let’s not forget the drain plugs – many of those are also rubber-made.

Overall, a high-quality ice chest will come as a combination of materials.

Practicality

Your ice chest has to be practical. It should be easy to handle and maintain.

There are several factors that determine the practicality of a given ice chest.

First of all, there’s the carrying method.

Side handles are the most common method. Depending on the chest size, one or two people can carry it without a problem.

For smaller ice chests, one person is enough.

However…

If you have a big chest (big usually equals heavy), don’t try to be a hero. For carrying bigger ice chests, at least two people should be employed.

Another type of handle is the lid handle, but this one is only found on smaller ice chests. Bigger ones are simply too heavy for the lid handle.

Also, there is the shoulder strap – another practical carrying method. The shoulder strap is extremely useful when you’re carrying a lot of stuff with you.

But then again, shoulder straps are usually only available on smaller ice chests (although there are exceptions).

This is more important though:

In addition to carrying, there’s the insulation ability.

Now, this is one of the most important, if not the most important feature on an ice chest.

If it doesn’t insulate well, then what’s the point of it?

So…

Once again, it all depends on what you need it for. Ice chests differ greatly when it comes to their “keep-cool” periods.

It can range from a few hours to several days.

Most ice chests on the market are good if you only need them for a few hours. They’ll perform well in that short period of time, without a doubt.

…However…

If we’re talking about a few days, the situation is a bit different.

Actually, a lot different.

There are ice chests that can keep things cool for a day or two, but also for a week, or more!

Of course…

It all has to do with pricing. Usually, those ice chests are great for several days cost a lot more.

And finally…there’s durability.

Your ice chest should serve you for a long period of time, and not be a one-off type of thing.

Key Features to Look For in Your Ice Chest of Choice

  • Bottom drain (helps drain the ice chest, you don’t have to tilt it)
  • Handles (one on each end, makes the carrying easier for you)
  • Latch (especially if you have a hinged-top chest)

Additional Features

  • Section dividers (especially on a larger ice chest – they facilitate food storing)
  • Insert trays (they help you separate smaller food items from the more bulky ones in the bottom)
  • Drink-holders (especially in an ice chest designed for drinks)

Our Best Ice Chest Reviews

Expert Tips: How To Get The Best Out Of Your Ice Chest

  1. Pre-cool it. If you put food and drinks into a chest before actually cooling it, it won’t have the desired effect. It’s not enough to just use ice, so be sure to cool the chest itself. It will last longer and keep your food and drinks fresh. Simply fill up your chest with ice several hours before packing and let the interior cool off.
  2. Load it with pre-cooled items. Again, don’t rely solely on your ice chest’s ability to cool food and drinks. The smart move is to use pre-cooled items, so you extend their life inside the ice chest.
  3. Use plenty of ice. The amount of ice should be two times bigger than the amount of food and drinks.
  4. Use the right kind of ice. Regular ice (from the freezer) is good, but there are other types you can use as well. For example, you can mix dry ice with regular, to achieved additional cooling power.
  5. Don’t allow any air gaps. Air gaps are the enemy of cooling. There shouldn’t be any air gaps inside the ice chest. Make sure every nook and cranny is filled with ice and food items. The less free space you have inside, the better your ice chest will perform.
  6. Pack the ice chest last. Don’t pack the chest and then move on to packing other things. If you want to extend its life, make it the last thing on your list. You should be ready to move soon after packing the ice chest.
  7. Leave the water in. Don’t drain the water from the chest the minute ice melts. Icy-cold water is also great at keeping things cool, so leave it for a couple of hours more.
  8. Add rock salt. Rock salt works great with ice, because it enhances its qualities. Your ice chest will cool much better if you add a little bit of rock salt to it. This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it will definitely help your ice chest perform much better.
  9. Open it rarely. The less you open your ice chest, the better it will perform. Set a couple of times during the day when you will open it and take all you need (especially in very hot weather, because the hot air will get inside the chest).
  10. Mind the lid. Don’t just put the lid on casually. Make sure it’s pressed on the ice chest properly, so no additional air gets in. It’s not enough to cover the chest with the lid – it actually has to fit properly.
  11. Keep the chest in the shade. Find a shady spot and keep the ice chest shaded throughout the day. Even the best of ice chest won’t handle direct sun very well.

Put Your Ice Chest To Good Use

Now you know everything about picking the right ice chest. Make sure you take into account all the features, as it will help you make the right pick.

Don’t forget, the right type of ice chest will save you in hot weather, and enable you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. And you need that trip!

Wait, actually, you need THIS TRIP!

Afterall, there are a lot of benefits to travel…?

So, there’s no more time to wait – go on and get the best ice chest for your next outing. We know you’ll make a COOL choice!

ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler, 58-Quart
Best of the best

ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler, 58-Quart

Whether you’re going on a picnic, a camping weekend or to the seaside, one thing that you’ll definitely need is the best ice chest you can find.

RTIC Cooler, 65 qt
Most Buying

RTIC Cooler, 65 qt

Whether you’re going on a picnic, a camping weekend or to the seaside, one thing that you’ll definitely need is the best ice chest you can find.

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
Best for the money

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

Whether you’re going on a picnic, a camping weekend or to the seaside, one thing that you’ll definitely need is the best ice chest you can find.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I bury the ice chest in the ground to make it last longer?

If you have a high-quality ice chest, there is really no need to bury it in the ground, because it should be able to do the job without it. Plus, you might damage it. What you definitely can do is keep the ice chest away from direct sunlight.

What to do if the drain plug is leaking?

This can be really problematic, especially if you’re on the road. The smartest thing would be to always have a set of spare parts for your ice chest with you. Also, make sure to test the ice chest before leaving house. And never use makeshift solutions, because you might end up damaging the ice chest along the way.

How do I wash and clean my ice chest after use?

The best way to clean the interior of your ice chest is with a solution of mild soap and warm water. This should also be done before the first use. The outside can be cleaned with water. Be sure to air-dry your ice chest before storing it, to avoid mildew and mold from developing.

THE TEAM

We made this review
Mingmei Liang

She works in a large company as an interior designer. Art critic and professional in the field of design.

Interior designer Mingmei Liang
Meghan Byers Writer Meghan Byers
Egor Culcea God of visual arts Egor Culcea
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