Best Beverage Coolers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Home Comforts
In the hot months when all you want is a cool refreshing drink, and you want the convenience of a take-out drink – a handheld icebox is probably a good choice. It can seem like your refrigerator just can’t hold enough – especially after a big shop and space are limited. For great convenience, you can add a touch of luxury by investing in a drink icebox. Now, you will have space in your kitchen for your food, and a specific place for all your icy drinks. Drink iceboxes are designed just for drinks – the internal layout is unique for this purpose.
The modern addition to your kitchen, or even your place of work will be a boost both for the hot summer months, and if you like an icy beer or glass of wine – the drink icebox will come into its own even in the bleakest of winter months. In today’s climate the choice and style on the market is vast and ever improving technological advances – mean there is bound to a model that suits your individual style and will complement any space you put it in. Of course, there are also a great many handhelds or more portable iceboxes that are easy to get hold of when you’re on the move in the warm and you need a refreshing drink.
Versatility
If you choose a portable icebox, then your bag will be the best place to store your refreshment until you need it. An important consideration to think about is where you want to put your new drink icebox, will it be more convenient in the kitchen or the den? Maybe the garage or even the main room for easy and readily available drinks during the game. The versatility of the icebox means you can put them virtually where they will be best suited. Possibly on one floor if you live between two floors or even right in the garden so you don’t have to keep returning to the kitchen.
Of course, if you’ve decided to have your drink icebox indoors and you know in what spot, you need to decide on what size. If you are putting it into an existing space, you will need to make sure there is clearance on both sides, the top, and the rear. As a general rule, you should have at least 2-3 inches top and sides and 3-5 inches at the back, failure to have this space will not allow the unit to cool properly and can cause potentially dangerous overheating.
Size
Of course, another important decision is the size you want, what’s best for you will depend on your personal projected use, you may just want an occasional drink icebox, so the portable type would be practical, or a smaller, static worktop size may be best suited for you. For heavier use and indeed traffic, then you will probably be better off with a larger model. Check the interior layout as-well because there are different designs. Some are solely for cans, some solely for bottles and a variation that can fit both cans and bottles for those days when you just can’t make up your mind what you want to drink.
If your new icebox is going to live outside then you need to buy a specific type that is safe to use in any weather, the last thing you want is for your new icebox to fizzle and pop in the first shower of rain. The outdoor type iceboxes will usually be tripled glazed and made of durable stainless steel to offer full all year round protection and ultimate cooling.
Portability
There are many reasons why you may be looking for a static drink icebox, and doubtless, your situation will determine what you have in mind. And for your longer journeys in the hot months, a portable, decent sized icebox will suffice. For a larger icebox, they can come into their own in a variety of ways, if you have a larger family and have to bulk buy, then a drink icebox will be really handy – no more taking up valuable space in the refrigerator with a stack of drinks. They can be a priceless addition to the avid party thrower and means all your drinks are to hand.
Taking it a step further, if you are fortunate enough to be able to remodel your home, you can opt to design a space that will enhance the icebox, they come in some really nice designs today and you can optimize any room appearance with this practical addition. Counter-top iceboxes are a good idea in limited space areas, for instance in compact homes and living areas. And if you have a basement that doubles as an entertainment room – the drink icebox will come into its own.
Bottom Line
An important fact when you first purchase your static icebox is to leave it standing for twenty-four hours before turning it on. Pretty standard and this is suggested for the same reason as you would leave a traditional refrigerator to stand before switching it on. This is to allow the unit to completely stabilize after a move, and you should probably follow this suggestion if you move your icebox after it is in place.
The temperature within the icebox will vary slightly when in use and this is normal, opening and closing the unit, filling it with new drinks can alter the temperature and this is nothing to be concerned about. Generally speaking, it is advisable to put your drink icebox in a location where the ambient temperature will be between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but to note – exterior temperatures can affect the cooling properties as can high levels of humidity.
Hopefully, these snippets will help you come to the decision to buy the best drink icebox for your own requirements. If you sit back and do a little checklist of what you want it for, if you specifically want a handheld portable icebox, or for a static icebox you need to think where it will be placed, and the size and use it will receive – you are better able to make a sound choice and buy an icebox that will provide many cool and refreshing drinks for a long time.
15 Best Beverage Coolers
1. Yeti Rambler Tumbler
This thermal tumbler is ideal for both hot or cold drinks. It has a 20 oz. capacity and is used to either keep hot drinks hot or cold drinks cold. The body is double walled insulated and has a stainless steel body. The entire tumbler is dishwasher safe and shatterproof. This is the perfect tumbler for any personal size drink.
Stainless Steel
The tumbler’s body is double wall insulated stainless steel. This helps insulate your beverage from your hand's heat or outside air. The result is a piping out or ice cold insulated beverage.
Fits in standard size cup holders
Since the tumbler fits inside of any standard size cup holder, it makes it ideal for use when driving. You can simply place your beverage in your car’s cup holder instead of having to hold it the entire time while driving.
Cost and Value
You can expect this product to have an above average price. It’s a fully stainless steel tumbler that's built out of high-quality materials. The result is a tumbler that keeps your beverage cool (or hot) for a very long time.
2. Coleman 9-Can
The Coleman 9-Can soft cooler is used in situations where you need to keep more than one drink cold at a time. This is an ideal cooler for uses cases such as a day at the lake or beach. It features a flexible liner and a hard plastic liner to help keep drinks cool. The cooler itself has a shoulder strap to make it ideal for carrying multiple cold drinks.
Adjustable Shoulder Strap
This cooler offers a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry items. Nine cans of soda can get heavy, so it’s a nice convenience to have a shoulder strap.
Removable Hard Liner
There is a removable hard liner. The hard-liner is used for drinks but if the drinks do not fit in the cooler with the hard-liner, it can be removed to make extra space for drinks.
Cost and Value
The Coleman 9-can Soft Cooler has a below average price point for the list. Its value comes from the fact that it has a nine-can capacity and shoulder strap. You can also use ice or ice substitute to help keep drinks even colder.
3. Cooluli Mini Fridge
This item is a portable refrigerator or fluid warmer. It works with AC, DC, and USB power so it can work with just about any power source available. It is very ideally used as a car refrigerator for long road trips or at the office. This mini fridge is lightweight and is easily carried around as needed and as a cooling capacity of up to 40℉.
Hot or Cold
This Cooluli mini fridge can cool or heat fluids up as needed. It can, therefore, be used for both keeping items cool, or keeping liquids hot, depending on the need.
Portable Power
The motor runs on 2A so this unit can be powered by a USB charging bank if needed. There are AC, DC, and USB power adapters so you can use this item just about anywhere.
Cost and Value
The item has an above average price point but has excellent utility considering it can run on just about any power source and switch between heating and cooling. You can not only keep drinks cold but imagine keeping items such as baby formulas at the proper temperature also.
4. Haier
This is a lightweight but sturdy wine cooler. It offers electric temperature control so that you can fine-tune the serving temperature of your wine before serving it to your guests. The unit is small enough to fit on the countertop, so that way it won’t take up an excessive amount of space in your home. It is energy efficient and has soft LED interior lighting.
Digital Temperature Control
You can easily set the serving temperature of your wine by using the digital temperature control. The wine can be chilled from 46-66℉, allowing for the perfect tasting wine.
Ideal for countertops
The unit is small enough to place on the countertops. That means you can easily place this unit right below where you store your wine glasses, making it much easier to serve chilled wine to your guests.
Cost and Value
The Haier Wine and Drink center is on the highest end of the price list. It’s a full-featured wine cooler that has advanced features such as digital temperature control, led lighting, and removable racks.
5. Rtic Soft Pack
This is another portable cooler that comes in 20, 30, or 40 can models. It has a no-leak zipper lid and can store permafrost to help drinks stay icy. The item itself is lightweight and durable and it comes with a shoulder strap to make it easy to carry. It features up to 2 inches of foam insulation which helps keeps items icy.
Large Capacity
Many of these coolers do not consider permafrost when listing the capacity. That means a cooler that can hold nine cans can only really hold six cans with permafrost. This cooler considers permafrost so 20 cans mean 20 cans with permafrost.
No Leak Zipper
The lid has a zipper but the zipper is designed not to leak. That means if the cooler gets knocked over, it will not leak through the zipper.
Cost and Value
This is a very expensive cooler. Its value comes from its durable and well-built design including 2 inches of foam insulation, large capacity, and no leak design. The item is advertised as 100% leak-proof and puncture proof.
6. Arctic Zone Titan
This is a high-performance portable cooler that comes in 16, 30, or 48 can sizes. It can keep ice for up to three days and features a zipper-less design. The lid is a flip open style which makes it easy to quickly access food or drinks stored inside of the cooler. It is highly water-resistant and features a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Up to three days of ice
The cooler has a triple heat barrier and a triple layer of icy block base which can preserve ice for up to three days. It’s able to keep drinks ice cold for a long time since it’s built for high performance.
Zipperless Design
This cooler uses a flip lid design rather than a zipper. That makes it much easier to access items inside of the cooler as opposed to having to set it down and open a zipper.
Cost and Value
You can expect this product to be above average priced, but its value comes from its high performance. It has a large storage capacity and can keep items cool for a very long time.
7. Mier Insulated
This lunch bag is designed as the perfect cooler bag or food storage bag. It is well insulated to keep your drinks both warm or icy. It also has handles on both sides and a bungee cord to hold bottles on the side of it. The front of the unit has a zippered pocket for storing items such as cutlery.
Insulated for hot or icy
This bag can store either hot or icy items. You can use it with ice substitute to keep drinks cool or can store hot drinks or food in this bag.
Handles on both sides
The bag has handles on both sides which makes it easy to grip when picking it up out of a car. It also has a shoulder strap to make it easy to carry.
Cost and Value
The MIER Insulated Lunch Bag has a medium-low price. Its main value comes from the design of the bag itself, which offers handles, a shoulder strap, and bungee holders for water bottles. This makes it ideal for picnics, hiking, or camping.
8. KelvZ can cooler
This can cooler features double walled vacuum insulation. It is made up out of solid construction and is sold with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can use this cooler on any 12 oz can and keep your drink icy to the very last drop. The lid is rubberized and keeps your drink in place. This is the perfect item for just about any party or event.
Rubberized Lid
The rubberized lid is used to keep the can in place. This keeps your drink from accidentally falling out of the can cooler and spilling by providing a tight grip inside the drink cooler.
Double Walled Insulation
The double walled insulation prevents your drink from absorbing heat from your hand or outside air. This helps keep the temperature of your drink steady and is ideal for slow drinkers or sippers.
Cost and Value
This item comes with a high price tag, but it’s advertised to keep 12 oz. cans cold. That makes it an excellent buy for its money because your drink is practically guaranteed to stay cold.
9. Fridge Freezable
This can cooler can keep your drink icy for over two hours. It works by using a layer of gel that is frozen in the freezer. Once the can cooler has been frozen, you simply put your can, bottle, or glass inside of the can cooler and let it do its work. The insulated wall of freezer gel does the job of keeping a drink permafrost and crisp.
Freezer Gel
The main feature is the freezer gel liner. Once the gel has been frozen in the freezer, it will sit on the edge of the can and keep your drinks cool.
Long Lasting
The product is advertised to last for two hours, but some users have reported it cooling as long as 6 hours. Drinks also do not get watered down from permafrost either which improves taste.
Cost and Value
This is a low-cost drink cooler. It uses a freezable layer of gel to cooler drinks which provides a lower cost when opposed to insulated coolers.
10. TableCraft Galvanized Tub
This 5.5-gallon drink tub is perfect for a party. It’s a galvanized steel tub that you can fill with permafrost and then fill up with bottles or cans. The result is an attractive display of bottles or cans which is perfect for a party. It comes with handles to make it easy to carry and the large capacity lets it hold more than enough drinks.
Large Capacity
The item has a 5.5-gallon capacity, which makes it easy to stock plenty of cans or bottles along with permafrost. It’s open on the top which allows for extra room if needed.
Galvanized Stainless Steel
The drink tub is made of galvanized stainless steel which makes it long lasting and resistant to rust. The tub will continue to look new for a very long time if taken care of properly.
Cost and Value
You can expect this item to have an average price point. Its value comes from the galvanized stainless steel construction which makes it long-lasting, attractive, and durable.
11. Thermos Stainless Steel
This stylish and practical drink cooler comes in a choice of three color designs and is suitable for cans up to 12 oz. It is manufactured with the company's innovative vacuum insulation, which is known to give this cooler a variable retention of either hot or icy liquids. The exterior is produced to a sweat-proof design and will not leave unsightly marks on any surfaces. It boasts being able to keep drinks up to 10 times icier than a can alone, offering up to three hours of cooling for a 12 oz can.
Durable
The Thermos Can Insulator is made with tough and hard wearing stainless steel both on the outside and on the inside. It is easy to grasp on to and comfortable to hold - without freezing or burning hands and fingers.
Practical
The can is supported and held in place with a unique rubber grip, so is great to use when on the go. It is ideal for water cans so it can be added to an outdoor kit bag to reduce dehydration on warmer trips, the cooler traps air between two walls and this makes it more effective.
Cost and Value
The balance between cost and value is equal, the ease of use and the comfortable hold, combined with the versatility of its double use, ensures that this drink cooler is excellent value for money and is worth the money invested in it. The technology used in the manufacture of this cooler gives confidence when purchased - it does what it says it can.
12. Coleman 1 Gallon
This ultra-practical cooler is available in two colors, red and blue. It has a useful and comfortable handle which eliminates the need for the grip hold that can be uncomfortable. It benefits from a flip-top spout for a quick and stress-free drink when out on the move. The environmentally friendly ThermOZONE™ Insulation that boasts being CFC, HFC, and HCFC free. The Coleman 1 gallon jug has a wide mouth top and an efficient twist on the cap for filling and keeping clean, a great bonus for reducing a build up of harmful bacteria.
Easy care
The Coleman jug is manufactured with a stain and odor resistant liner that helps to keep the inside free from a build-up of unpleasant smells that can impair the flavor of the drinks. It is also useful for reducing interior marking from high colored fluids, overall the easy care of this jug will ensure it lasts with every day and prolonged use.
Tough
This cooler jug can hold up to 1 gallon of fluid, and the tough exterior is produced to reduce the risk of dents and discoloring from the sun. This is beneficial because the jug maintains its look for longer and prevents damage in everyday use, this tough design is a bonus when out camping or on any day trip and will give the unit a longer life.
Cost and Value
This jug offers great value for the cost, with a choice of great colors, the easy to hold handle and the tough exterior, combined with the specially designed interior protection that can prolong its life, make this an excellent addition to any outdoor kit. A bonus with the overall value is the possible reduction in waste achievable by not requiring single-use bottles to be carried on trips.
13. Koolatron 18 qt
The Koolatron Compact Cooler uses 12 volts of power to either keep food warm or cool, the spacious interior is a handy addition to any day trip. It is made from hard sided plastic and uses a fold-down handle for easy storage and carrying. It comes complete with the option to purchase an adaptor so can be plugged into a variety of power sources using any 110/120 volt AC outlet. It has a quiet motor so won’t be intrusive when being used, the low noise makes it suitable even in sleeping areas.
Thermoelectric
This compact cooler uses modern thermoelectric cooling and boasts being able to reach and retain temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the exterior temperature. A hotter temperature of around 135 degrees Fahrenheit above is attainable for warmer food storage. The versatility means it can be used for keeping items cool and warm depending on requirements.
Practical
The overall versatility of the Koolatron means there is room to plan ahead and store enough crisp or warm drinks and food for a long journey. The changeable use and the easy to plug in and charge function can save $ on truck stops, this improves its practicality and makes it a worthwhile purchase.
Cost and Value
The extreme versatility and multi-functionality that this cooler offers, makes it a great value buy. The tough hard sided manufacture of the cooler makes it tough and durable, and the compact size means it won’t take up too much valuable space on any road trip. The possibility of the extra savings made on any trip only serve to add to this units overall value.
14. Buddeez 1.75 gallon
This useful Buddeez Icy Drink Dispenser is a neat way to keep and serve cool drinks, the unit has a special icicle cone placement within the central body, and one directly underneath the drinks reservoir and this keeps the fluids cool. It has a convenient side tap and this can reduce the risk of bugs in the drinks and helps to avoid spillage. It has a functional base because it can be used as part of the dispenser or as a stand-alone ice-bucket, the clear body enables a sound distinction of what the container holds.
Versatile
The top of the dispenser offers the space to store handy extras for the making and mixing of drinks, it can store fruit required to make a unique and cool drink. The tap makes light work of pouring and reduces mess and leaks, it also makes it accessible to practically anybody due to its ease of use.
Practical
The dispensers are an ideal purchase for a larger gathering as they can be stacked when space is limited, and the exterior has handy measurements embossed on the sides so any mix will be well proportioned. The ease of cleaning only adds to its practicality, it requires warm water with a mild detergent and really is easy care.
Cost and Value
The balance between the overall cost and value of this Buddeez Icy Drink Dispenser is even, the multi-use of the component parts ensure it is a great value. The versatility of the unit as a whole means everything needed for a cool mixer can be stored together when bought in multiples - the stackability increases the value and functionality.
15. Igloo 5 Gallon with Spigot
The Igloo 5 Gallon Seat Top Drink Jug is manufactured with UltraTherm insulation within the body to provide and maintain cool for up to 5 gallons of drinks. It benefits an impact resistant plastic bottom so as to reduce the risk of cracking and splitting when being used. The jug also boasts reinforced side handles for ease in carrying and for a longer lifespan of the product. The unique pressure fitted lid is designed to be snug around the top and won’t trap dirt, this ensures a fresh drink every time.
Minimal Leakage
This jug comes complete with a double gasket recessed push-button spigot that minimizes leakage, and the heavy-duty exterior plastic is tough and reduces the risk of corrosion. The capacity of this jug gives it great versatility and means it can be used for a wide variety of activities.
Practical
The jug is functional and very practical if being used over a hot period or when water supplies are at a minimum, the 5-gallon capacity will keep fresh water on tap. This gives it an environmental benefit because it can reduce the amount of plastic waste that is associated with the purchase of bottled water and juices.
Cost and Value
The Igloo 5 Gallon Seat Top Drink Jug is functional, practical and versatile. The pressure lid and the spigot ensure a fresh clean drink with every pour. Its long-lasting side handles mean it will provide many hours of cool drinks - the overall quality means this jug is great value for money.