Best Cool Boxes

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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During the warm months, we often head outside for picnics, trips to the park, and outdoor adventures. This usually involves hauling drinks and snacks to keep you hydrated, fed, and happy. However, with the higher temperatures, keeping your supplies cool and edible is difficult. This is where a cool box is invaluable. You get to enjoy cool drinks and fruits, unmelted chocolate, and other items regardless of the weather. If this is something you need, we have found seven top picks in the below guide.

How We Compared Cool Boxes

To find the right cool boxes, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Capacity
• Portability
• Cooling Effectiveness
• Other Features

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Cool Box Reviews

YETI Roadie 24 (Editor’s Choice)

This cool box’s lightweight construction and improved carrying capacity make it an excellent all-around choice. It can hold two litres of items, including wine bottles or tall units, due to the upright design of the compartment.

The YETI Roadie Cooler 24 is available in multiple colours, too, which gives you fantastic variation. The walls and lid have a roto-moulded construction that is light but highly durable. Furthermore, for quick access, there is a flexible one-handed lock.

We also like the soft-grip material handle, which makes carrying incredibly convenient. You can sling the strap over your shoulder instantly. In terms of capacity, if you use a 2:1 ratio of ice to items, it can hold up to 18 standard cans. Moreover, the permafrost insulation means that items can potentially keep cool for days.

YETI Tundra Haul (Luxury Choice)

For those longer outings, fishing trips, and camping sessions, the simple manoeuvrability and hefty size of this cool box are amazing. It has two durable, never-flat wheels that are made from a single-piece construction which are impact and puncture resistant. Furthermore, this is aided by the robust pulling handle on the opposite side.

The YETI Tundra Cooler also uses roto-moulded materials, making it highly damage-resistant. Additionally, to ensure maximum cooling, the lid has a freezer-quality gasket which effectively locks in the cold. This is benefited by the permafrost insulation in the lid and walls.

It comes with non-slip feet that offer fantastic stability and has tie-down slots if you want to use it on a boat or truck. In terms of overall dimensions, the box measures 71.8 x 47.3 x 49.5cm and weighs 32lbs. It is available in three different colours: white, tan, and aquifer blue.

Coleman Performance 6 (Best Value)

Ideal for short trips, outdoor afternoons, or days at the park, this cool box’s compact and lightweight build allows for great flexibility. It weighs only 1.65lbs and has a maximum length of 27cm. Therefore, it can fit comfortably in a vehicle and be carried conveniently.

The Coleman Performance 6 Cooler has a durable plastic shell and a large rigid handle for easy transportation. Furthermore, although having no lock, the lid has secure hinges that should last for a long time.

In terms of cooling, it can keep items chilled for up to 12 hours which is brilliant for day trips. It works best with ice cubes or freezer packs. Additionally, when looking at the storage capacity, it has enough room to hold up to six standard drink cans.

Lifewit Insulated (Best for Versatility)

If you want a flexible cooler with multiple compartments for family use, this product’s dual main section design is excellent. The top unit has a 9L storage area equivalent to 12 standard metal cans. Additionally, the main area is 21L and can cope with 36 more items.

The Lifewit Cooler Bag has a brilliant material exterior that is made from 600D Oxford fabric. This lining is leakproof and durable but still looks stylish. Moreover, the lower part has EPE foam insulation to keep things cool for up to 12 hours.

Aside from the two main sections, a side pouch can be used to store essentials like cutlery or even valuables such as a mobile phone. Moreover, it features a secure and sturdy handle at the top with a soft grip for comfortable carrying.

Coleman Xtreme (Best for Sturdiness)

For bumpy road trips, the durable casing of this cool box is perfect. It has a tough HDPE plastic lid and sides that can easily withstand hard knocks when being transported. It can also keep items cool for up to five days, which is great if you’re out on an expedition.

The Coleman Xtreme Cooler has a huge capacity of 66 litres which could be ideal for large parties and camping groups or a full day of fishing where you need a heap of tackle. For transportation, there is a durable handle on each side so two people can comfortably lift it.

We also like the lid’s simple hinge mechanism, which is incredibly easy to access. Plus, the top has four indents for cup holders for added convenience. Lastly, it has a quick-access drainage valve so you can clear any water after use.

AllCamp Outdoor Gear 22L (Best Lightweight)

If you want a cooler primarily for day trips with your significant other, this product’s compact, lightweight design is ideal for drinks, fruit, and snacks.

The ALLCAMP Outdoor Gear Cooler Bag looks great and has a stylish fabric exterior available in multiple colours, including grey, dark grey, and black. On the top, a durable and foldable stainless aluminium handle with a grip in the centre makes carrying easy, too.

Its internal construction includes high-quality PE foam that offers excellent insulation. As a result, you can expect your items to stay cool for hours. Lastly, the outer fabric also has 300D Oxford polyester, which is environmentally friendly and should have no unpleasant odours.

Andes Large 25L (Best Dual Function)

Sometimes depending on the situation, you may require storage that has both hot and cold functionality. Luckily, this model has got you covered. You can use it to keep food warm for up to two hours to a temperature of 65°C.

The Andes Large 25L Cool Box is fully insulated and can run on mains power. This is made possible by the supplied 220-240V AC adapter or the 12V DC car plug. Therefore, you could easily switch it on in your vehicle if you wanted to have some hot food during a picnic.

The robust design makes it highly durable, although it is still quite lightweight at 4.6kg. Furthermore, there is a removable internal divider for food organisation. For improved functionality, the lid also has three built-in cup holder slots so you can balance drinks on it securely.

How to Choose a Cool Box

As you can see, there are many types available – all with slightly different features and designs. Therefore, this often makes choosing the right cool box tricky. First, consider where and when you will use it. Secondly, we have compiled a short guide below with the main factors to look for to help.

Capacity

The first consideration is the internal capacity. What can you store inside the cool box, and is it suitable for the purpose you have in mind? Think about where you want to take the unit and how many people you will typically need supplies for.

For example, a large inside space is far more important if you want to utilise it for family outings or events. In contrast, for couples or even solo use, you don’t need something with an immense two-litre capacity.

Portability

The internal capacity somewhat dictates its portability. The more storage space you want, the larger and less movable the cool box is. However, there are many different designs, and the manufacturers have become innovative.

Look at the shape of the box – could it easily fit in your vehicle to take to different places? What about carrying? Does it have a durable, comfortable handle or even puncture-proof wheels? Lastly, think about accessibility and how easy the lid is to open.

Cooling Effectiveness

Regardless of capacity and size, it’s useless if the product doesn’t cool effectively. Therefore, look at the mechanism used and ensure you understand how it works and how long it can keep items cold.

Most cool boxes work on the premise of ice cooling. For example, the interior walls are insulated and extend cold temperatures. Therefore, if you add ice cubes, they should only melt slowly and provide excellent cooling.

The effectiveness is a result of the insulation, the materials of the walls, and any other specialist cooling technology.

Other Features

Lastly, look for any other features that could be beneficial. Some cool boxes are dual function and have a keep warm setting too. Furthermore, others might have removable insulation so that you can use the box as a standard storage unit.

Summary

Our top pick is the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler with its advanced lightweight construction, superb insulation, and excellent internal dimensions. The casing is made from roto-moulded materials, which are tough but lightweight. Therefore, the unit weighs only 12lbs and is simple to transport. Moreover, the permafrost insulation allows items to be kept cool for days. For carrying, the fabric handle is flexible and comfortable too. Lastly, with a height of 17.5”, this cool box can store taller items like wine bottles.