Choosing the right size of an outdoor cooler is essential to ensure that you have enough space to store all your food and beverages while keeping them cool. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the size of an outdoor cooler:
- Capacity: The first thing to consider is the capacity or volume of the cooler. This is typically measured in quarts or liters. Think about your outdoor activities and the number of people you usually cater to. If you frequently host parties or have a large family, a larger cooler might be necessary. On the other hand, if you usually go solo or with a small group, a smaller cooler would suffice.
- Space: Consider the available space you have for storing the cooler. If you have limited space available, you may want to opt for a more compact cooler that can fit easily in your car trunk or storage area.
- Duration of Use: Think about how long you will need the cooler to keep your items cold. If you plan to use it for short outings or day trips, a smaller cooler may be suitable. However, if you need to keep items cold for extended periods or multiple days, you should consider a larger cooler with better insulation.
- Type of Activities: Different outdoor activities have varied requirements. If you often engage in activities like camping, fishing, or long road trips, you might want to consider a larger cooler to accommodate food, drinks, and ice for extended durations. For simpler activities like picnics or beach days, a smaller cooler may be sufficient.
- Additional Features: Some coolers come with extra features like built-in cup holders, bottle openers, or even wheels for easy transportation. Consider these additional features based on your needs and preferences.
Remember, it's better to have a slightly larger cooler than necessary rather than running out of space. Additionally, keep in mind that larger coolers may be heavier and bulkier to carry, so make sure to factor in portability as well.
Best Outdoor Coolers of 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler with Wheels | Beverage Rolling Cooler for Backyard Deck, PS-A205-80QT-BR, Wood Grain Accent, Brown
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LARGE 80-QUART CAPACITY – The Permasteel outdoor cooler for patio and deck offers plenty of space to store up to 110 12-oz cans or 50 bottles plus extra room for ice
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DRINKS STAY COLD FOR UP 36 HOURS – Keep beverages chilled longer with this Permasteel outdoor beverage cooler when combined with ice packs and cold cubes - perfect for beer, juices, soda, water, and other refreshing drinks and beverages
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FULLY REMOVABLE FLIP-TOP LID FOR QUICK & EASY ACCESS - Easily lift open the outdoor bar cooler half-way for instant access or remove the top completely
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE – Simple set up means you’ll be up and running with the Permasteel stand up cooler as soon as 10-15 minutes to host friends and family with cold drinks in your backyard, deck, patio, or porch
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EXTRA FEATURES & US-BASED SUPPORT – This outdoor cooler on wheels also come with an integrated, built-in bottle opener and cap catcher, drain plug, bottom shelf for additional storage, and customer service support from the US
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler for Outside Beverage Rolling Cooler Bar Cart with Wheels & Handles, Retro Design, Blue
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COOL OFF THIS SUMMER WITH A CLASSIC RETRO STYLE COOLER - The Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Retro Style Outdoor Patio Cooler is perfect for keeping your drinks cold at all your summer parties! Made with elegant powder-coated steel, this outside cooler is well constructed with an insulated basin to keep your beverages cold for up to 36 hours.
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RELAX & ENTERTAIN – Have friends over for a BBQ or outdoor party and keep drinks cold in this stylish 80-quart cooler. The integrated bottle opener makes it easy to open cold drinks without having to search for a separate utensil, while the cap catcher ensures you won't lose any caps.
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110 CAN CAPACITY – This outdoor drink cooler can hold up to 110 12-oz cans, so you can easily entertain a large crowd.
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EASILY ACCESS YOUR COLD DRINKS WITH THE FULLY REMOVABLE SPLIT DOUBLE-HINGED LID - No need to miss any of the fun! The fully removable lid makes it easy to access your cold drinks.
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MOVE YOUR OUTDOOR DRINK COOLER AROUND WITH EASE - With four heavy-duty casters, it’s easy to move your outdoor drink cooler around from party to party.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Rustic Outdoor Beverage Cooler for Patio - 45 Qt. - Rustic Brown
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Fully insulated to keep drinks cold longer!
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Side handles make this very easy to transport, even when full!
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45 Quart capacity holds approximately 45 cans and Ice
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Includes drainage spout and bottle opener
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Easily prop the lid open so that you can grab drinks with only one hand free
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Cuisinart CCC-3517 Portable 80-Quart Outdoor Cooler Cart with Dual-Sided Lid, BBQ Cart with Bottle Opener (Fits 100 Cans or 50 Bottles)
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80 QT. CAPACITY: Cooler fits up to 100 cans or 50 bottles at a time with ice and keeps drinks cold for up to 48 hours
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DUAL-SIDED LID: Allows for quick and easy access inside the cooler, minimizing the amount of time the lid remains open
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BOTTLE OPENER: Easily open drinks from the cooler while the caps collect in the catcher below
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4 WHEELS: Easily position the cooler in the perfect shady spot in your backyard, allowing you to keep your drinks cooler for longer
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
EDOSTORY 80 Quart Black Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart,Patio Backyard Party Drink Beverage Bar Stand Up Cooler Trolley with Ice Scoop
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[Keep Cool and Warm]: keep a variety of drinks for a longer duration, such as wine, beer and beverages. Keep cool for 24 hrs, keep warm for 8hrs and keep the temperature difference less than 10℃ in 8 hours
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[Large capacity]:Our cooler is 80 Quart / 20 Gallon capacity,Can store up to 100+ cans or 55+ bottles.suit for patio, backyard or any outdoor leisure occasion, such as dinner party, BBQ or backyard party. Have a nice weekend with your family and your friends
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[Convenient Design]:4 multi directional rolling wheels – rotates 360 for easy transportation,Bottle Openers can easily Open bottle cap,2 fold back lids offer easy access from either side.
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[ice scoop]:This cooler have a ice scooper to help you shoveling ice cubes.
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[Durable construction]: our cooler interior of our cooler cart is PP lined injection-foam-unitized without smell.exterior is made by iron which can Can withstand minor external impacts.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Permasteel 80-Qt Antique Patio Cooler for Outside | Outdoor Beverage Cooler Bar Cart, Rolling Cooler with Wheels and Handles, Wooden Teak Accent, Black
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80-QUART STORAGE CAPACITY – This teak wood-accented outdoor patio cooler offers plenty of space for up to 110 12-oz soda, beer, or other beverage drink cans plus ice
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DRINKS STAY COLD FOR UP TO 36 HOURS - Host and entertain guests at your party knowing that your drinks will stay cold and within reach. The rustic style of this Permasteel outdoor bar cart will make your family event or get-together stand out. This outdoor patio cooler on wheels will definitely be an eye-catcher at your parties.
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CONVENIENT & PORTABLE – The Permasteel outdoor rolling cooler comes with 4 heavy-duty caster wheels and handles to make it simple and easy to move the patio cooler as needed. Two of the casters can be secured in a lock position for stability when needed.
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SPLIT HINGED LID – The Permasteel outdoor cooler makes it simple to open the top to grab a drink without having to remove the enter lid
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BOTTOM SHELF RACK FOR ADDITIONAL STORAGE – Designed to provide extra space to store additional drinks—cases of beer, soda, or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Or can be used for plates, napkins, utensils, etc.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Keter Pacific Cool Bar Outdoor Patio Furniture and Hot Tub Side Table with 7.5 Gallon Beer and Wine Cooler, Grey
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OUTDOOR BAR TABLE: Elevate your next gameday party. This portable bar table allows your guests to grab chilled beverages while never being far from any of the action.
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POP UP BAR & HIDDEN COOLER: Lid elevates upwards 10 inches above the rim for use as a patio bar table. The top reveals a hidden cooler with 7.5-gallon capacity. Keep up to forty 12 oz. cans ice cold.
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VERSATILE USE: When not being used as a party bar, shut the top and use as a patio coffee table. When elevated, it is the ideal height for use as a hot tub table so you will always have a spot for your drink, snacks, and phone.
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ALL-WEATHER-RESISTANT: Unlike real rattan and wicker, the thick exterior resin prevents rusting, peeling, and denting in all weather conditions, rain, or shine.
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EASY CLEANUP & LOW MAINTENANCE: Built in drainage plug makes cleanup a breeze. After the party is over and the ice is melted, simply pull the plug to drain the cooler and let it dry before putting it away until next time.
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GIFTS FOR DAD: The perfect gift and outdoor bar set accessory for the #1 BBQ Grill Master in your life. It is the ultimate sidekick to his outdoor kitchen.
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BETTER WITH KETER: We are driven to invent. We create lifestyle solutions for use in and around the home in ways only we can. We design using sustainable and innovative technologies to create products that enhance people’s spaces and elevate their experiences.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels, Leak-Proof Wheeled Cooler with 100+ Can Capacity, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days, Great for Beach, Camping, Tailgating, Sports, & More
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KEEP IT COLD: TempLock FX Insulation throughout delivers multiday ice retention
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TAKE IT EASY: Heavy-duty wheels and an easy-tow handle are built for the long haul
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UPGRADE: The 316 Series is made with 15% less plastic than comparable Coleman coolers
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LOSE THE LEAKS: Tethered drainplug resists leaks and won't get lost
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ENJOY A BIG SIP: Four cup holders prevent spills; each holds up to a 30 oz tumbler
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CLEAN UP QUICK: Stain-resistant liner & the EZ-Clean lid make cleanup a breeze
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TAKE A LOAD OFF: Sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid supports up to 250 lbs.
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GO BIG: 100-quart size holds up to 80 cans and 50 lbs. of ice
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Veradek Outdoor Cooler Side Table - 2 in 1 - Designed for use as Outdoor Side Table, Patio Table, Outdoor Patio Decor and Outdoor Bar, Portable Bar, Patio Bar, Ice Chest
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KEEP COOL - Keeps 48 12 oz. cans cool for up to 12 hours with an ice capacity of 40L of 10.5 Gallons. Cool gifts for dad or mom!
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MODERN DESIGN - Clean, modern design. From the balcony, to the patio, to the pool, the Cooler Table fits any house and any space. Comes in various colors including black, white, sandstone and gray.
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ALL WEATHER RESISTANT - The most durable backyard furniture, deck furniture, outside decor, outdoor tables you will ever own. Weather tested in -20 degrees to +120 degrees. Fade and crack resistant.
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MADE FROM REAL STONE - The only outdoor bar set, patio accessories or outdoor end table made from a PATENTED stone-plastic composite. The look/feel of stone with the performance of plastic.
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Keter Modern Cool Bar Outdoor Patio Furniture and Hot Tub Side Table with 7.5 Gallon Beer and Wine Cooler, Dark Grey
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OUTDOOR BAR TABLE: Elevate your next gameday party. This portable bar table allows your guests to grab chilled beverages while never being far from any of the action
-
POP UP BAR & HIDDEN COOLER: Lid elevates upwards 10 inches above the rim for use as a patio bar table. The top reveals a hidden cooler with 7.5-gallon capacity. Keep up to forty 12 oz. cans ice cold
-
VERSATILE USE: When not being used as a party bar, shut the top and use as a patio coffee table. When elevated, it is the ideal height for use as a hot tub table so you will always have a spot for your drink, snacks, and phone
-
ALL-WEATHER-RESISTANT: Unlike real rattan and wicker, the thick exterior resin prevents rusting, peeling, and denting in all weather conditions, rain, or shine. Fade Free
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EASY CLEANUP & LOW MAINTENANCE: Built in drainage plug makes cleanup a breeze. After the party is over and the ice is melted, simply pull the plug to drain the cooler and let it dry before putting it away until next time
-
GIFTS FOR DAD: The perfect gift and outdoor bar set accessory for the #1 BBQ Grill Master in your life. It is the ultimate sidekick to his outdoor kitchen.
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BETTER WITH KETER: We are driven to invent. We create lifestyle solutions for use in and around the home in ways only we can. We design using sustainable and innovative technologies to create products that enhance people’s spaces and elevate their experiences.
How to decide between a small or large outdoor cooler?
When deciding between a small or large outdoor cooler, there are a few factors to consider:
- Capacity: Consider how much food and beverages you need to pack for your outdoor activities. If you are going on a short trip or with a small number of people, a small cooler might be sufficient. However, if you are going on a long camping trip or hosting a large gathering, a large cooler with a higher capacity would be more suitable.
- Space and Portability: Think about the space available for storage and transportation. Small coolers are more compact and easier to carry, making them ideal for picnics, beach trips, or tailgating. On the other hand, larger coolers may offer more storage space, but they can be bulkier and harder to transport.
- Duration of Cooling: Consider how long you need to keep your items cool. If you are only planning for a few hours, a small cooler with basic insulation may suffice. However, if you need to keep items cool for extended periods, such as for multi-day camping trips, a large cooler with thicker insulation and better ice retention capability might be necessary.
- Budget: Take into account your budget for an outdoor cooler. Generally, larger coolers tend to be more expensive due to their size, insulation quality, and additional features such as wheels or built-in handles. If you have a tight budget or limited use for the cooler, a small cooler may be a cost-effective option.
In summary, consider your needs in terms of capacity, portability, cooling duration, and budget when choosing between a small or large outdoor cooler.
What is the suitable cooler size for sporting events?
The suitable cooler size for sporting events can vary depending on the specific needs and number of people attending. However, a cooler with a capacity of around 30-50 quarts (28-47 liters) is generally recommended. This size can accommodate enough food and drinks for a small to medium-sized group of people. It is important to consider factors such as the duration of the event, the number of attendees, and the weather conditions, as these can also impact the appropriate size of the cooler needed.
What is the most suitable cooler size for outdoor music festivals?
The most suitable cooler size for outdoor music festivals depends on various factors such as the number of people attending, the duration of the festival, and the specific needs and preferences of the individuals. However, a cooler size around 50-70 quarts (47-66 liters) is often considered ideal for outdoor music festivals. This size can accommodate a significant amount of food, beverages, and ice to keep everything cool throughout the festival. Additionally, it can be easily carried or rolled around the festival grounds.
