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Best Outdoor Coolers

Last updated on Oct 21, 2024

Designed to keep your food and drinks chilled in harsh temperatures, outdoor coolers are essential for any commercial setting that offers outdoor dining or events. Whether you're planning an outdoor catering event, a staff excursion, or simply expanding your outdoor patio, a high-quality outdoor cooler significantly improves your overall experience. We narrowed down a list of the best outdoor coolers by price, materials, insulation, and portability to help you choose the right option for your business.


Shop All Outdoor Coolers

Our Top Choices for Outdoor Coolers

Outdoor coolers come in various sizes, styles, and materials to suit different needs and preferences. From compact coolers that are easy to carry to large-capacity coolers for extended use, coolers are perceived by their ease of use, portability, and insulation. A large, heavy-duty cooler might keep your frozen food cold for days, but it might lack the maneuverability to transport it in a mobile catering event. Similarly, softshell and compact coolers are very portable, but you can't pack many items inside after you add the ice.

Based on feedback from our industry experts, we compiled our top choices for the best outdoor coolers by their distinguishing features.

Check Out Our Top Choices for The Best Outdoor Coolers of 2024

  1. Best overall outdoor cooler: Grizzly Extreme Outdoor Cooler

  2. Best budget outdoor cooler: Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler

  3. Best soft outdoor cooler: Choice Large Insulated Nylon Cooler Bag

  4. Best cooler with wheels: CaterGator CG65SFW Mobile Rotomolded Extreme Outdoor Cooler

  5. Best insulated cooler: Igloo MaxCold Cooler


Note: All prices are current to time of publication. See product page for updated, specific pricing.

The Best Outdoor Cooler Overall

Grizzly Extreme Outdoor Cooler

The Grizzly Extreme Outdoor Cooler ranks as the best overall commercial outdoor cooler due to its exceptional insulation, rugged durability, and practical features. This cooler boasts rotomolded construction, making it virtually indestructible and capable of withstanding the harshest environments. Its high-quality insulation and rubber lid gasket ensure superior ice retention, keeping contents cold for extended periods in extreme heat. The cooler also features non-slip feet, tie-down slots, a secure locking system, and a bear-resistant design, making it ideal for outdoor events.

Price: $323.99

Read Grizzly Extreme Outdoor Cooler Reviews
Pros
  • Sturdy with extreme insulation
  • Rubber lid gasket creates a seal to keep ice intact for long periods
  • Features many additional features
  • Easy to clean
  • Certified bear-resistant
Cons
  • No wheels or casters for mobility
  • Significant difference between exterior and interior dimensions due to insulation

The Best Budget Outdoor Cooler

Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler

The Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler offers a combination of affordability and functionality to earn the best budget cooler title for commercial outdoor use. This cooler features UV-resistant materials and rust-proof hardware, ensuring durability in harsh environments or prolonged sun exposure. Its light weight design and convenient carrying handles enhance portability, making it easy to transport even when fully loaded. The insulation retains ice for up to 5 days in temperatures as hot as 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Price: $99.99

Runner Up: CaterGator CG45HG Rotomolded Extreme Outdoor Cooler

Read Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler Reviews
Pros
  • UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage
  • Drain plug for easy ice disposal
  • Low price point
  • Uses THERMECOOL foam to keep items cold longer
  • Reinforced latches and hinges
Cons
  • Not bear-resistant
  • Heavy, less portable
  • Less ice retention than options at higher price points

The Best Soft Cooler

Choice Large Insulated Nylon Cooler Bag

Though softshell coolers have less durability and insulation than hardshell coolers, their portability and space-saving design make them extremely useful for caterers. The Choice Large Insulated Nylon Cooler Bag is the best soft cooler for commercial outdoor use, thanks to its versatility, durability, and practicality. It features a high-quality, water-resistant nylon exterior that folds up for easy storage. Its thick insulation ensures excellent temperature retention, keeping contents cold for hours.

Price: $19.99

Runner Up: ServIt Trolley Cooler Bag

Read Choice Large Insulated Nylon Cooler Bag Reviews
Pros
  • Portable
  • Multiple exterior pockets offer convenient storage for utensils or condiments
  • Folds to maximize storage
  • Leak-resistant and water-resistant
  • Lower price point than hardshell coolers
  • Fits full-size pans and up to 72 cans
Cons
  • Less durable than hardshell coolers
  • Less insulation
  • Handles and interior lining can wear out quickly
  • Not suitable for heavy items

The Best Cooler with Wheels

CaterGator CG65SFW Mobile Rotomolded Extreme Outdoor Cooler

The CaterGator CG65SFW Mobile Rotomolded Extreme Outdoor Cooler combines durability and portability to be the best cooler with wheels for commercial use. Its rotomolded construction ensures superior strength and longevity, making it tough enough to withstand the most demanding outdoor conditions. The thick insulation provides excellent ice retention, keeping contents cold for days, which is ideal for extended events or trips. The cooler's heavy-duty wheels are designed to navigate rough terrain with ease, while its sturdy, built-in handles and tow system make transportation effortless, even when fully loaded.

Price: $199.99

Runner Up: Choice Red Beverage Cooler Cart

Read CaterGator CG65SFW Cooler Reviews
Pros
  • Durable, triple-insulated polyethylene construction with stainless steel hardware
  • Features large wheels and handles for easy transport
  • Good insulation for days of ice retention
  • Bottle openers serve as locks for extra security
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Rubber latches can be difficult to open
  • Heavy
  • Thick insulation reduces interior space

The Best Insulated Cooler

Igloo MaxCold Cooler

The Igloo MaxCold Cooler features advanced insulation that delivers outstanding temperature retention, making it the best insulated cooler for commercial use. This cooler features ultratherm insulation in the body and lid, ensuring contents stay cold for extended periods in hot weather. Its durable, hard-sided construction offers excellent protection and longevity, while the interior provides ample room for food and beverages. To ensure items stay cold, the lid includes a quick access hatch that allows you to retrieve items without breaking the lid's seal.

Price: $159.99

Runner Up: Grizzly 20 Qt. Outdoor Cooler

Read Igloo MaxCold Cooler Reviews
Pros
  • 7 days of tested ice retention
  • Includes a quick access latch to retrieve items without opening the cooler
  • Oversized hinges prop open to keep the lid up for accessibility
  • Easy to clean
  • Good value
Cons
  • Heavy, difficult to transport
  • Thick insulation reduces available interior space

How to Choose an Outdoor Cooler

Two people around a green outdoor cooler

Selecting the best outdoor cooler for commercial use requires careful consideration of several factors. Your chosen cooler must keep your items cold and withstand the demands of an outdoor environment. Below are the essential aspects to consider when selecting an outdoor cooler for your business.

1. Insulation

Insulation is the cornerstone of any effective outdoor cooler. The quality and thickness of the insulation directly impact how long the cooler can maintain its temperature, keeping ice frozen and contents cold. Look for coolers with thick, high-density foam insulation, as these offer superior temperature retention, even in hot conditions. Consider coolers with multiple layers of insulation for maximum efficiency, especially if you plan to use them in extreme environments or for extended periods.

2. Durability

Durability is crucial for outdoor coolers, particularly in commercial settings where they might face rough handling or exposure to the elements. Coolers made from rotomolded plastic or other heavy-duty materials can withstand rough handling, drops, and exposure to the elements. Check for reinforced corners, sturdy latches, and a solid lid that can double as a seat or table. Also, check for rust-resistant hardware and UV protection to ensure longevity, especially if the cooler will be exposed to sunlight or wet environments.

3. Portability

Portability is vital if you transport your cooler over long distances or uneven terrain. Look for coolers with ergonomic handles, wheels, or shoulder straps that make carrying easier. While larger coolers can hold more items, they're often heavier and less portable, so consider how much weight you want to carry. If you frequently move your cooler, prioritize light weight models or those with convenient features like built-in wheels.

4. Size

Size matters when choosing an outdoor cooler, as it directly impacts how much food and drink you can store. Coolers range from small, personal sizes to large, party-sized models. Consider the number of people you'll be serving and the length of the event. A larger cooler might be necessary for extended events or bigger groups, but a compact option is more practical if space is limited. Balance your storage needs with the available space in your vehicle or venue.

5. Ease of Use

Ease of use can greatly impact how efficiently you operate with the cooler. Features like easy-open latches, drain plugs, and divided storage compartments enhance convenience and efficiency. Some coolers offer additional components that increase functionality during use, such as built-in cup holders, cutting boards, or compartments for dry goods. A cooler that is intuitive to use will save time and reduce the hassle, allowing you to focus on your event or service.

Back to Top

Selecting the best outdoor cooler for your commercial establishment is a crucial decision that impacts the efficiency and success of your outdoor events. Consider capacity, insulation, durability, and mobility when choosing a cooler. Whether you opt for a traditional ice chest or a versatile wheeled cooler, investing in a quality outdoor cooler will help you keep your beverages and perishable items at the optimal temperature during outdoor events, catering gigs, or other commercial applications.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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