15 Best Cooler That Holds Ice The Longest of 2023 Reviews

Best Overall: Igloo Sportsman 30 - 150 Qt Heavy-Duty High Performance Hardsided Coolers

The Igloo Sportsman 30 - 150 Qt Heavy-Duty High Performance Hardsided Coolers, specifically the 110 Qt Glide Pro model, offers an impressive array of features that make it a top contender for those in need of a cooler that holds ice the longest. With its durable construction, spacious capacity, and advanced insulation, this cooler is designed to deliver outstanding ice retention and keep your beverages and food cold for extended periods.

One of the standout features of the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro is its high-quality polypropylene (PP) material, which provides excellent durability and ensures the cooler can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. The addition of UV inhibitors and infrared technology further enhances its resistance to sun damage, making it a reliable choice for sunny days.

When it comes to ice retention, the Igloo Sportsman cooler truly shines. The thick Ultratherm foam insulation in the body and lid delivers impressive MaxCold 5 Day performance, allowing you to enjoy chilled refreshments throughout your trip without worrying about ice melting too quickly. This feature is particularly beneficial for camping trips, beach outings, or any activity where access to ice may be limited.

The 110-quart capacity of the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro provides ample space to hold up to 168 cans, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings, parties, or extended trips. The cooler's threaded drain plug allows for easy draining of melted ice, and it even provides the option for a hose hook-up, simplifying the cleaning process.

The Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro also boasts a range of convenient features that enhance its portability. The horizontal telescoping handle, an Igloo industry first, requires 50% less lifting effort compared to traditional coolers. This feature, coupled with the soft-ride wheels, ensures easy transport and a smooth ride over various terrains. The cushion grip handle adds to the comfort and convenience of towing the cooler.

With virtually indestructible stainless steel hinges, the Igloo Sportsman cooler guarantees long-lasting performance and reliability. The combination of durability, insulation, and user-friendly features makes this cooler a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone who values quality cooling performance.

In conclusion, the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide Pro stands out as one of the best coolers that hold ice the longest. Its robust construction, exceptional ice retention, spacious capacity, and convenient features make it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performance cooler for their outdoor endeavors.

Best Budget: Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels

The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels is a reliable and durable option for those in search of a cooler that holds ice the longest. With its excellent insulation, spacious capacity, and user-friendly features, this cooler is designed to keep your beverages and food cold for extended periods, making it ideal for picnics, camping trips, and other outdoor adventures.

One of the standout features of the Coleman 316 Series cooler is its exceptional insulation, which can keep ice for up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F. This impressive ice retention ensures that your drinks and perishables stay chilled even in hot weather conditions. The fully insulated lid and body play a crucial role in maintaining the desired temperature inside the cooler, providing peace of mind during your outdoor activities.

Transporting the Coleman 316 Series cooler is a breeze, thanks to its heavy-duty 6-inch wheels and durable tow and swing-up handles. These features are designed to facilitate easy maneuverability and smooth transportation, even over rough terrain. Whether you're rolling it across a sandy beach or navigating through a campsite, this cooler offers convenience and portability.

The cooler's lid comes with integrated cup holders to keep your drinks secure and prevent spills. These cup holders are designed to accommodate up to a 30-ounce tumbler, providing a convenient spot for your beverages. Additionally, the lid features a unique "Have-A-Seat" design, which can support up to 250 pounds, allowing you to take a break and use it as a seat when needed.

The Coleman 316 Series cooler is built to withstand the demands of outdoor activities. The plastic construction is durable and resistant to stains, ensuring easy cleanup after use. The leakproof channel drain plug adds to the convenience by allowing hassle-free draining of excess water or melted ice.

With its large capacity, the Coleman 316 Series cooler can hold up to 160 cans, making it perfect for gatherings, parties, or extended trips. The recessed lip on the cooler's lid provides easier access to the contents, allowing you to grab items without any hassle.

In conclusion, the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels is a reliable and efficient cooler that excels in ice retention. Its insulation capabilities, spacious capacity, easy transportation, cup holders, and other user-friendly features make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're heading out for a picnic or embarking on a camping adventure, this cooler is a dependable companion to keep your refreshments chilled and enjoyable.

Best Value: YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler is a compact and highly durable cooler that offers exceptional cold-holding capabilities. With its superior insulation, leakproof design, and rugged construction, this cooler is a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a portable cooler that holds ice the longest.

One of the standout features of the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is its ColdCell Insulation, which is a closed-cell foam that provides superior cold-holding performance compared to ordinary soft coolers. This insulation allows the cooler to maintain low temperatures and keep your items chilled for extended periods. With a capacity of up to 12 cans plus ice, this cooler is perfect for day trips, picnics, and other outdoor adventures.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper that ensures no water or moisture escapes from the cooler. This feature gives you peace of mind when transporting the cooler, knowing that your belongings and the surrounding environment won't be affected by any leaks. Additionally, the high-density fabric used in its construction makes the cooler resistant to punctures and UV rays, further enhancing its durability.

Durability is a key aspect of the YETI Hopper Flip 12. Its DryHide Shell is not only waterproof but also resistant to punctures and abrasions. This rugged construction allows the cooler to withstand the hazards of the wild and ensures it holds up well in various outdoor environments.

Designed for versatility, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is the perfect companion for a range of outdoor activities. Whether you're spending full days in a tree stand, embarking on early mornings in a duck boat, or enjoying afternoons on the water, this cooler is up to the task. Its compact dimensions of 12 5/8 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 11 ½ inches high, coupled with an empty weight of 3.1 pounds, make it easy to carry and transport wherever your adventures take you.

In conclusion, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler offers outstanding ice retention and durability in a compact and portable design. Its superior insulation, leakproof zipper, and rugged construction make it a reliable choice for keeping your refreshments cold during outdoor excursions. Whether you're a hunter, angler, or outdoor enthusiast, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a dependable cooler that will withstand the demands of your adventures.

Editor's Choise: Lifestyle by Focus Electric Travel Cooler/Warmer Portable Camping Cooler Hard Cooler Ice

The Lifestyle by Focus Electric Travel Cooler/Warmer is a versatile and durable cooler that offers excellent insulation power and portability. With its large capacity, convenient plug-in options, and spacious storage space, this cooler is a reliable companion for car trips, camping adventures, beach outings, and parties.

One of the standout features of the Lifestyle by Focus cooler is its tough hard shell construction, which provides unmatched insulation power. This feature ensures that your food and drinks remain at the desired temperature, whether you need to heat and warm or cool and chill them. It's a perfect storage solution for road trips, RV camping, and other outdoor activities where reliable temperature control is essential.

The cooler/warmer combo is designed for convenience and flexibility. It includes two built-in cords—one for standard wall outlets and one for car power adapters. This allows you to plug it in anywhere, ensuring that you can power the cooler and maintain the desired temperature regardless of your location. The cords also come with storage compartments to keep them neatly hidden when not in use.

With a 48-quart capacity, the Lifestyle by Focus cooler provides ample space for storage. It can accommodate approximately 60 cans of soda or 6 large 2-liter bottles, with plenty of room remaining for food and snacks. This makes it an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, and outdoor parties where you need to keep a large quantity of beverages and refreshments chilled.

One of the standout advantages of this cooler is its ability to chill without the need for ice. Unlike traditional coolers that require ice packs, the Lifestyle by Focus cooler eliminates the need for constant refilling and the mess that comes with melting ice. It maintains a cool 40-degree Fahrenheit temperature without any ice, allowing you to enjoy your chilled items without the hassle.

The Lifestyle by Focus Electric Travel Cooler/Warmer is designed with ease of carrying and storage in mind. The ergonomic handle and compact design make it easy for a single person to carry, and it fits easily into car trunks and seats, allowing for hassle-free transportation. This portability makes it a convenient option for those who are always on the go.

In conclusion, the Lifestyle by Focus Electric Travel Cooler/Warmer is a reliable and versatile cooler that offers excellent insulation power, portability, and spacious storage space. Whether you're traveling, camping, or hosting a party, this cooler is up to the task of keeping your food and drinks at the desired temperature. With its durable construction and convenient plug-in options, it's a dependable choice for any outdoor adventure.

Before we delve into the specific coolers, let's discuss the most important factors to consider when purchasing a cooler that keeps ice for an extended period of time:

Insulation
Insulation quality is one of the most important factors in ice retention. Consider purchasing a cooler with substantial walls and high-quality insulation, such as polyurethane foam. Insulation prevents external heat from entering the cooler, enabling it to maintain low temperatures for a longer period of time.

Frost Retention
Ice retention is an essential factor to consider when choosing a refrigerator. Frequently, manufacturers provide ice retention estimates, which can give you an indication of how long the cooler will prevent ice from melting. Consider these claims, but bear in mind that conditions in the real world can vary.

Dimensions & Capacity
Determine the size and capacity of the cooler based on your specific requirements. A smaller cooler may suffice for a day trip, but for extended excursions or larger groups, you'll need a cooler with more space. Keep in mind, however, that larger refrigerators typically have more empty space, which can affect ice retention.

Portability
Portability is essential, especially if you intend to transport the cooler over extended distances or difficult terrain. For transportability, look for coolers with comfortable handles, shoulder harnesses, or wheels.

Durability
Especially during outdoor activities, coolers are subjected to harsh handling. Choose refrigerators constructed from resilient materials such as rotomolded plastic or stainless steel. These materials are impact-resistant, UV-resistant, and extend the cooler's lifespan.

Prior to making a purchase, it is vital to establish a budget because coolers are available at a variety of prices. Consider the price in relation to the product's features, quality, and durability to ensure you're receiving the best value.

Typically, how long do these refrigerators keep ice?

Various factors, such as insulation quality, outside climate, usage, and ice type, can affect the ice retention of coolers. On average, high-quality coolers can retain ice for several days, with some models able to do so for a week or longer.

Can dry ice be used in these coolers?

Yes, dry ice is compatible with the majority of refrigerators. When using dry ice, it is essential to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions. Consider that using dry ice can substantially reduce the internal temperature of the cooler, so take precautions to prevent the contents from freezing or becoming damaged.

Are these containers appropriate for camping trips?

Yes, these coolers are ideal for camping because they provide superior insulation and ice retention. However, consider the cooler's dimensions and weight, as well as your camping needs, to ensure that it meets your needs.

How do I effectively sanitize the cooler?

To efficiently clean the cooler, use a mild detergent, warm water, and a nonabrasive brush or sponge. Before storing the cooler, scrub the interior and exterior surfaces, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry entirely.

Can these refrigerators be used for keeping food warm?

While the primary purpose of these coolers is to keep objects cold, some models also have insulation properties that help retain heat. To ensure food safety, however, it is recommended to use containers or thermal bags designed specifically for keeping food heated.

Investing in a high-quality cooler that holds ice the longest is a game-changer for your outdoor adventures. By considering factors like insulation, ice retention, size, portability, durability, and price, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a cooler. Additionally, implementing tips like pre-cooling the cooler, using block ice or ice packs, minimizing opening, and proper maintenance can help maximize ice retention. Whether you're camping, tailgating, or enjoying a day at the beach, a reliable cooler ensures your refreshments stay cold and refreshing.