It is extremely relaxing to spend the warm summer season on the beach. It’s sheer enjoyment if you are getting on the sand together with your family or friends. It may also be an opportunity for you to sit beside the beach alone for contemplation. For whatever reason you spend your time at a beach, you would want to have a cool, refreshing drink once a while.
And what better than a beach cooler to have a constant supply of your favorite beverages throughout your stay on the sand. The beach cooler can keep your stuff cool for long durations. Some high-end, technically advanced models can even keep the ice frozen for several days.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Beach Coolers in Review
Now you would wonder with such a wide variety of beach coolers around, which one should you choose. Well, to make your task easier, we have reviewed several beach coolers available in the market. After a thorough study, we have shortlisted the top 7 best beach coolers.
- Coleman Rolling Beach Cooler
- YETI Hopper Flip Portable Beach Cooler
- Igloo Ice Cube Roller Beach Cooler
- RTIC Beach Cooler
- CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag with Shoulder Strap
- MIER 24 Can Large Capacity Soft Cooler
- Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler
#1. Coleman Rolling Beach Cooler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 23” x 18” x 18”
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Type: Hard Cooler
Ultimate convenience & extreme performance! This is what comes out as the spontaneous reaction when you look at the Coleman Rolling Cooler. Let us look at the performance first.
The high-quality insulation on the lid and a little more on the wall can keep the ice frozen for 120 hours or 5 long days at a hot ambient temperature of 90oF. Unbelievable but true!
And space?
Again truly fabulous! It can store as many as 84 cans of your choicest beverage inside those insulated walls. Your entire crew of family and friends can drench themselves with as much fluid as they wish without worrying a bit about the stock!
Now, the convenience!
Would you want to lift & carry the big box with all those cans while wandering on the beach? No way.
And the Coleman is a rolling cooler! It is equipped with two heavy-duty wheels. More importantly, they can roll on any type of terrain with ease. So, you don’t need to struggle with the box while it keeps turning & twisting on the sands… no, the Coleman coolers do not wobble here and there!
Next, the ergonomically designed long lockable telescopic handles make rolling absolutely effortless. In addition to this, if you want to rest for a while or just want another seating option you can simply sit over the sturdy cooler. The heavy-duty seat-lid can bear a massive 250 lbs with great ease.
And what’s more!
The lid has a 2” deep cup holder. You can keep your cup filled with the exotic drink in the holder and relax while enjoying the cool sip.
And last but not the least, the Coleman rolling coolers are super-easy to clean. Thanks to the smooth surfaces of the cooler, you can simply wipe off the mess and dirt and keep it ready for your next round to the sea beach.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Molded cup holder to avoid spillage | Back wall, wheels make it hard to fit cans |
| Highly convenient and portable | The telescopic handle doesn’t operate smoothly |
| Keep the ice frozen for 5 days |
|
| Lid-seat can bear 250 lbs |
|
| High capacity for storage |
|
#2. YETI Hopper Flip Portable Beach Cooler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12 ⅝”X 10” X 11 ½”
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Type: Soft Cooler
A cooler with versatility written all over its surfaces, yes, not only the beach days, but you can also carry the Yeti Hopper Flip Portable Cooler to the boats or to the floatplanes. The Yeti is the epitome of quality.
The quality of insulation which is special ColdCell foam has tremendous heat insulation properties. The 100% leak-proof HydroLok zippers are the best in class in the cooler world. The wide opening of the mouth, in addition, allows for easy access to your fav drink.
And then the heavy-duty body- the water-proof HD fabric would not allow mildew to grow even in humid conditions. No punctures, no effect of UV rays- Hopper’s outer is super-tough. And what do you want inside?
The safe & hygienic walls. After all there are food-items stored in the box! And no compromise here with the material. Well, you get FDA-approved food-grade material in the inner walls keeping your food safe from any contaminants.
And finally space. The box can carry 12 cans and enough ice to keep those can fluids cool until you sip them through.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Body keeps it protected from mechanical shocks, mildew, and UV | The zipper is not very smooth |
| Leak Proof zipper with wide opening for easy access | Expensive |
| Food grade inner material | |
| High-quality insulation |
|
| Highly versatile |
|
#3. Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 20” X 18.5” X 20.6”
- Weight: 12.2 lbs
- Type: Hard Cooler
One of the best coolers ever introduced in history is now with wheels! Yes, the well-known Igloo Cooler is ready to roll along with you. It is a convenient, effective, and a heavy-duty Roller cooler that offers ultimate value for money.
The cooler features an ergonomic cubicle design that offers higher portability without at all compromising with its strength. Moreover, the telescopic and ideally designed handle allows smooth and effortless rolling of the cooler into your arena like a cakewalk.
Also, the handle equips some extremely useful gear hangers for storing totes, bags, and much more with ease. Besides the super-convenient top-lifter, the unit also features the molded-in side handles for easy and comfortable two-handed lift.
The lid of the unit features four ideal drink holders for even more convenience. In addition, the triple snap drain plug makes draining concerns a blue moon event.
All in all, with its irreplaceable quality, strength, and ease-of-use, the Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler is a real value for money!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth and sturdy wheels for ultimate portability | Unable to keep ice frozen for more than 24 hours |
| Ergonomic top as well as side handles |
|
| Highly convenient drain system | |
| Super effective in cooling |
|
| Large size |
|
#4. RTIC Beach Cooler, 45 qt
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5” x 16.5” x 16”
- Weight: 12.2 lbs
- Type: Hard Cooler
You won’t easily find a cooler that could beat the Hard Sided RTIC Cooler in terms of effectiveness. While it’s growing to stamp the name as a well-known brand in the beach cooler market, this brand has seriously thrown a challenge to its rivals through its superior quality and at a surprisingly reasonable cost.
The RTIC cooler is a 3” thick insulated cooler with a heavy-duty structure. With its roto-molded construction, the cooler though lacks some high-end features and accessories like many others, has an unmatched efficiency as far as cooling is concerned.
The unit is capable of carrying 36 standard cans and about 40 pounds of ice thus, keeping your beverages and food chilled for as long as 10 days (depending on the external temperature).
In addition, the sturdy and robust design of the unit makes it perfectly suitable for heavy-duty and rugged usage.
Moreover, the strong and sturdy lid can double as a bench, cutting board, and even a makeshift tabletop for superb convenience and value addition.
The overall structure of the unit includes T-latches, non-slip feet, freezer grade gasket, and an integrated locking system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rapid V-drain system for quick and easy draining | A shade heavier compared to the other hard coolers |
| High storage capacity | |
| Non-slip | |
#5. CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag with Shoulder Strap
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.5” x 12” x 10”
- Weight: 1.75 lbs
- Type: Soft Cooler
Foldability, portability, and affordability, these three terms define the characteristics of the CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag. The cooler can be folded to a mere 2.75” when empty. Such a collapsibility of the cooler makes it highly versatile. The beach cooler can also be used for any type of hiking, concerts, and camping events.
The lightweight, overall compact size and adjustable padded shoulder straps added with side handles make it a highly portable cooler that can carry as many as 30 cans of your dearest beverage besides the ice to keep the stuff chilled.
The durability of the cooler is unquestioned for its solid structure with the frame made of steel wire and patented SnapHinge on the sides protecting it from any wear & tear pretty common with ordinary coolers. The 3 layers of insulation and the high-frequency PEVA welding used for sealing provides it with leak-proof properties.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality durable material with patented SnapHinges | Not perfectly leak proof |
| Good carrying capacity | Quick melting of ice |
| Lightweight & portable |
|
| High foldability |
|
| Versatile | |
#6. MIER 24 Can Large Capacity Soft Beach Cooler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.2” x 7.87” x 10.4”
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Type: Soft
Unimaginably lightweight, the MIER 24 Can Large Capacity cooler is a highly versatile product. The food-grade high precision PEVA lining with high-frequency welding keeps the seals intact even on excessive impacts. Thick insulating thermal walls provide much more cooling time compared to the soft beach coolers.
Easy to clean cooler is highly durable as well. Thanks to the high-grade polyester fabric that protects the cooler from the wear & tear due to external impacts. Besides, the reinforced stitching and branded Zippers & buckles add on to the life of the unit.
The compact size of the cooler does not limit its carrying capacity and the beach cooler can transport 24 cans of any beverage. Besides, the mouth opening is pretty wide for easy accessibility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| PEVA lining and advanced welding process | Quality of stitching is not up to the mark |
| Good insulation properties | |
| Affordable price range |
|
| Good storing capacity |
|
| Extremely lightweight |
|
#7. Igloo Marine Ultra Beach Cooler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 26.4 x 15.5 x 15.5 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Type: Hard Cooler
Toughness is what you will greatly enjoy while going with the Igloo Marine Ultra Cool. It is a technically advanced beach cooler that boasts some of the luxurious features seen never before.
The product features a UV inhibitor system for ultimate protection against the sun’s rays. In addition, the cooler comprises a Hybrid latch with Pebax resin construct for greater impact resistance, flexibility, temperature resistance, and chemical protection.
Besides, the cooler also features a superior refrigerator quality interior that removes all possibilities of odors and stains in the unit. The nonslip, comfortable, and ergonomically designed handles offer extreme convenience while carrying the unit from place to place.
Also, the unit has a massive capacity of up to 78, 12 oz beverage cans for keeping enough stock for any event. Moreover, the single-piece durable lid doubles up to form a sturdy seat and bear up to 300 lbs with ease.
With all this included in a single product, the Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler is a complete punch of bright and attractive features that add to the convenience and offer extremely high value for money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Temperature, chemical, impact, odor, and stain-resistant | The lid is not adequately insulated |
| Very high capacity of storage | |
| Anti-slip ergonomic handle |
|
| Durable and sturdy |
|
| UV inhibitors |
|
Top Pick – Our Favorite Beach Cooler
Coleman Rolling Cooler is our top pick for the best beach coolers and there are multiple reasons for that. It is pretty cool in performing its intended task… yes, of keeping everything inside it cool!
5 days at 90oF is phenomenal! 84 cans storage is yet another amazing feature and all this in a highly compact size at as low as 2 lbs. Can you believe this?
So, the unit is inherently portable. But when you add those 84 cans you would make the cooler bulkier. But no worries! You can still transport it with super easy- thanks to the smooth & sturdy wheels that can travel the roughest & toughest of terrains and the long telescopic handle that offers the easiest of gripping. You can also adjust the length of the handle to your convenience.
And if all of this was not enough to relax you, you can actually use the cooler as a seat to relax and sip your favorite drink while placing the cup in the cup holder molded in the cooler.
Would you want anything more from a beach cooler than this?
And if you say, yes you would want it to be easily cleaned after the trip; you have that too in the beach box with the smooth texture of the cooler allowing for extremely easy cleaning.
Features to Look for When Buying a Beach Cooler
With the variety of beach coolers in the market, it may look to be a tough task to select the best cooler for your purpose. However, once you are able to assess your need well, you can filter out the coolers fulfilling your requirements.
The review above would have helped you in short listing 2-3 beach-coolers meeting your needs. The buyer guide would further help you in deciding the best beach cooler for your specific purpose. It includes the important factors you should consider while buying the beach cooler.
Size
Your purpose in buying the beach cooler would determine the size of the cooler. And the size of the cooler would depend on its storage capacity.
If you wish to spend a day on the sand alone, a cooler with a capacity of 5-10 cans would be good enough. However, if you are planning to go out with a group of family & friends for multiple days you should go for a large size cooler which can hold more than 25 cans.
A mid-size cooler would be perfect for you if you plan to go out on a single day trip along with a small closely-knit group of your acquaintances.
Material
There are two aspects to consider for the material. One is the quality of the insulation. And the other is the durability of the beach cooler.
Insulation
If you want to keep the stuff cool for a longer duration you should go for the hard coolers. These coolers have hard sides and have a coating of fabric made with the steel, imparting excellent insulation properties to the cooler.
On the other hand, for shorter temperature retention time, soft coolers are more useful. These coolers use fabric comprising aluminum and have soft sides.
Durability
From the durability point of view also, the hard coolers are more durable compared to their softer counterparts. Here again, the difference lies in the type of fabric used in designing these coolers.
The strong & rugged material used in making the hard cooler keeps them protected from the external shocks and thus make them durable. So, if you intend to use the beach cooler for the long term, spending a few bucks more on the hard cooler would not be a bad idea.
Convenience
The first & foremost feature of a convenient beach cooler is its portability. The portability would depend on the size and weight of the cooler. Besides, the design of the beach cooler would also determine the portability of the beach article.
So, you know it now. If you are going for a lower capacity cooler with soft insulation you have no issue with the portability. Most of the coolers have easy to hang straps to carry them while strolling on the beach.
However, for big size, heavy insulation cooler, you must consider its design features from the portability aspect. You can choose between the padded straps to hang on the shoulders or a comfortable backpack. Some heavier coolers come with inbuilt wheels and handle to offer transport comfort.
The wide opening of the mouth for easy accessibility, the smooth leak-proof zipper, and pockets & hooks to keep important articles add to your convenience while on the sand.
Cleaning
Cleaning and maintenance though might not seem but are a major concern if you pick up the wrong one. So, before purchasing a beach cooler, it is better to check the ease of cleaning associated with the particular cooler.
As far as the soft side coolers are concerned, they are usually washable in the washing machine. However, in some cases, this can even reduce product life. So, ensure the safety of the cooler involved in the process.
Now, coming to the hard side coolers. So, for cleaning the hard side, you need to wipe each and every component of the unit with a damp cloth. But having certain inner and intricate structures and linings, removing dust might be a real headache.
So, choose a cooler with the design that makes your cleaning job easier. But, how-so-ever difficult is the cleaning process, skipping the maintenance of the unit is certainly not a good idea, as this may cause wear, tear and have serious negative impacts on the life of your cooler.
Versatility
Some beach coolers are good to go only as a beach cooler while others can be used for many different purposes. The versatility of coolers allows you to use the coolers on multiple occasions and enhances the utility of the cooler.
Some coolers can be used as boat coolers and for the floatplanes. Further, many soft coolers can also be used for carrying grocery items apart from using only on the beach. Many of the coolers can also be used for multiple events including concerts, hiking, and camping, etc.
Considering the other utilities of the cooler you can choose the beach cooler to fit for different occasions or purposes.
Price
Pricey is not always likely. Thus, spending cautiously is the key. Currently, you will see a vast market of beach coolers, with products appearing in the costly as well as the affordable price range.
Though, the high priced products may seem to be more suitable however keeping your focus on the basic requirements is very important. For instance, if you do not require larger than life storage capacity, spending sums over such features is literally a waste of money.
On the other hand, if your requirements are high, never mind stretching your budget for $20-30, in order to seek the best.
Remember, in the end, it’s all about value for money. It shouldn’t be like you spend high expecting better quality and end up with some useless features. Match your requirements, enlist them systematically, look for the cooler that best pairs with the requirements, and step ahead.
Conclusion
Beach cooler is a wonderful article to have while you are on an outing on a beach. While beach coolers are meant to offer comfort during your beach visit, an inadequate cooler can become a burden to you rather than providing any convenience. So, selecting the right cooler is essential for an enjoyable beach trip.
We hope that the buyer’s guide presented above would have given you an insight into the factors to be considered while buying a beach cooler. It would now be easy for you to select the best one among the 2-3 models you had shortlisted from the top 7 best beach coolers presented in the review section. If you still have difficulty choosing the right one, you can confidently go with our top pick which has all the essential features making it suitable for one and all.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How long do coolers keep food and drinks cold?
Q: How do you clean a beach cooler?
Q: What advantage do wheeled beach coolers offer over others?
In addition, while moving towards the beach, carrying the cooler with all of your other belongings won’t require much effort as you need not engage both your hands nor do you need to spend a lot of your energy over the side-lifters.
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
