That being said, a high-end build like RTIC’s 52 Ultra-Light stacks up favorably to top rotomolded coolers in overall toughness. Many injection-molded designs also allow for various mounting locations for accessories like tables, cup holders, and cutting boards—something you don’t typically get with rotomolding. igloo electric cooler Different types of insulation work in their own ways to minimize heat transfer into a cooler. Open- and closed-cell foams act as insulators to reduce heat conduction, while fabrics and liners, such as coated polyurethane and reflective Mylar, create a radiant barrier that reduces and reflects heat radiation.
If you’re going on a day trip with one other person, a 20-can capacity cooler would provide plenty of room. For long camping trips and large gatherings, we recommend going bigger than you might think. It’s always a good idea to pack extra water and food, so one with a 40- to 100-can capacity is a smart choice. Just keep in mind that although coolers with wheels can be easier to maneuver while walking, they are still difficult to lift into vehicles or up flights of stairs when filled to maximum capacity. Two inches of polyurethane insulation and a freezer-grade gasket give this 80-quart Pelican cooler extreme ice retention worth a splurge. The lid includes four self-draining cup holders and an integrated measuring board ideal for fishing, while non-skid rubber feet keep your cooler secure on the ground.
Thankfully, the market is packed with high-quality coolers that excel at everything from short day trips to week-long adventures. Below we break down our favorite hard-sided designs of 2023, including budget-friendly Coleman models, ultra-premium YETIs, and popular offerings from brands like RTIC, ORCA, Pelican, and more. For more background information, see our cooler comparison table and buying advice below the picks. In answer to some of the price premiums certain premium coolers were asking, Canyon Coolers decided to make premium coolers that ranked at the top of the class for ice retention and towards the bottom for price.
Although this is up there with the most expensive coolers on our list, the Vibe Element 70 is easily one of the best coolers with wheels that you will find. This is an ice cooler on wheels that we would recommend to those that plan to use it a lot and in harsher environments. Made of polyethylene, this solid cooler has a push button activated telescopic handle and two wheels that will help you move the thing around easier.
For example, YETI covers its Tundra series with a five-year warranty, while their soft-sided Hopper is only covered for three. Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to keep your drinks and food chilled than with an Igloo cooler? Head over to Walmart.com where you can snag a deal on a selection of Igloo coolers to keep things cool all summer long. The paper pulp of the Recool composts easily in the backyard, and it performs basically as well as any cheap single-use cooler.
For those who don’t know, Pelican is an industry leader in tough, dependable cases for storing and protecting everything from camera equipment and laptops to guns and drones. Like the venerable YETI Roadie above, Pelican’s 20QT Elite here is a lower-capacity option for day trips on the water, strapping to the back of an ATV, and other short outings away from home. Stacked up against the Roadie, the Pelican is $50 cheaper (albeit with slightly less storage) but comes with functional extras like integrated cup holders, easier-to-use latches, and a more robust carry handle.
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.
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 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.