Properly storing an outdoor cooler when not in use is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its functionality. Here are some suggestions:
- Clean and dry the cooler: Before storing the cooler, clean it thoroughly with mild soap and water. Rinse it well to remove any residue. Allow it to air dry completely to prevent the growth of mold or mildew during storage.
- Inspect for damage: Check the cooler for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. If you find any, consider repairing or replacing the cooler before storing it.
- Remove all contents: Empty the cooler of any remaining ice, food, or beverages. Make sure it is completely empty to prevent the formation of unpleasant odors or the attraction of pests.
- Remove drain plugs: If your cooler has drain plugs, remove them to ensure proper air circulation during storage. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to mold or mildew growth.
- Keep it open: Leave the cooler open or slightly ajar to allow air to circulate freely inside. This will help prevent any trapped moisture from causing damage.
- Store in a dry place: Find a cool, dry storage area for your outdoor cooler. Avoid areas prone to high humidity or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can impact the cooler's performance. Garages, basements, or storage sheds are suitable options.
- Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays from the sun can degrade the cooler's materials over time. Therefore, store the cooler away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan.
- Protect from pests: To prevent pests from making a home inside your cooler, consider placing it on a shelf or using coverings such as plastic sheets or a breathable storage bag.
Remember, the specific storage requirements may vary depending on the type and material of your outdoor cooler. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for any specific instructions on how to store your cooler properly.
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.
-
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 remove stains and residue from the interior of an outdoor cooler before storing?
To remove stains and residue from the interior of an outdoor cooler before storing, you can follow these steps:
- Empty and Rinse: Begin by emptying the cooler completely and pouring out any remaining water, ice, or contents. Then, rinse the cooler with water to remove loose debris and any food particles.
- Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. You can also add a splash of vinegar to enhance the cleaning power.
- Scrub the Interior: Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the interior surfaces of the cooler. Pay attention to any stains, residue, or sticky spots. For tougher stains, you can use a soft-bristle brush or a scrub brush.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the cooler thoroughly with clean water to remove all the cleaning solution and residue. Ensure that no soap or vinegar remains inside the cooler.
- Sanitize (Optional): As an extra step, you can sanitize the cooler to eliminate any bacteria or odors. Mix a solution of water and bleach (1 tablespoon of bleach for every gallon of water), then use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior. Allow the sanitizer to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the cooler again with clean water.
- Dry Completely: Finally, ensure that the cooler is completely dry before storing it. You can air-dry the cooler by leaving it open in a well-ventilated area. If you're in a hurry, you can also wipe the interior with a dry cloth or towel to absorb the moisture.
By following these steps, you can remove stains, residue, and odors from the interior of your outdoor cooler, leaving it clean and ready for storage.
What is the recommended frequency for inspecting an outdoor cooler in storage?
The recommended frequency for inspecting an outdoor cooler in storage can vary depending on different factors such as climate, usage, and the condition of the cooler itself. However, a general guideline would be to inspect the cooler at least once every few months.
During these inspections, check for any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration such as cracks, leaks, mold, or mildew. Ensure that the lid seals properly, the hinges and latches are in good condition, and all components are functioning as intended.
If the outdoor cooler is in a harsh environment with extreme weather conditions, it may be necessary to inspect it more frequently, such as once a month or even every few weeks, to ensure it remains in optimal condition.
Regular maintenance and proper storage practices, such as cleaning, drying, and covering the cooler when not in use, can also help prolong its lifespan and minimize the risk of damage.
How to properly wrap and secure the lid of an outdoor cooler during storage?
To properly wrap and secure the lid of an outdoor cooler during storage, follow these steps:
- Clean and dry: Before storing the cooler, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried inside and out. This prevents any mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors from developing during storage.
- Remove any loose items: Take out any loose items like ice packs, utensils, or leftover food from the cooler before storing it.
- Close and latch the lid: Close the lid of the cooler tightly and securely. Make sure the latches engage properly to keep it sealed.
- Place a desiccant or moisture absorber: Place a desiccant packet or moisture absorber, like silica gel, inside the cooler to help absorb any moisture that may be present during storage. This prevents mold or mildew growth.
- Wrap the cooler: To provide additional protection, wrap the cooler in a plastic or waterproof cover. This prevents dust, dirt, and moisture from getting inside the cooler during storage. Ensure the cover is securely wrapped around the cooler and fastened with tape or a tie-down strap.
- Store in a dry and insulated area: Store the wrapped cooler in a dry and insulated area, such as a garage, basement, or shed. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or areas prone to humidity.
- Keep it elevated: Place the cooler on a pallet or wooden blocks to keep it elevated from the ground. This prevents any potential moisture or pests from damaging the cooler during storage.
By following these steps, you can properly wrap and secure the lid of an outdoor cooler during storage, ensuring it remains clean, dry, and ready for use when needed.
