Best Overall: RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler
The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler takes the top spot as the best overall ice chest for the money. This cooler offers a perfect balance between performance, durability, and affordability. It features a rotomolded construction, which ensures excellent insulation that can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days. With a capacity of 52 quarts, it can hold up to 64 cans, making it suitable for larger gatherings or longer outdoor trips. The cooler also comes with integrated tie-down slots, non-slip feet, and molded-in side handles for easy transportation. At a competitive price point, the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler provides incredible value for its quality and features.
Best Value: YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
YETI is a renowned brand in the cooler industry, known for its exceptional quality and performance. The YETI Tundra 65 Cooler is the best value ice chest, offering excellent insulation and durability at a reasonable price. With a capacity of 65 quarts, it can hold up to 39 cans or 56 pounds of ice. The cooler features rotomolded construction, PermaFrost insulation, and a pressure-injected polyurethane foam in the walls and lid, providing superior ice retention. It also comes with a durable construction, T-Rex lid latches, and a Neverfail hinge system for enhanced durability and easy use. Although it is slightly more expensive than other options, the YETI Tundra 65 Cooler’s performance and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.
Best Rugged: Igloo 70 Qt Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler
If you are looking for a rugged ice chest that can withstand tough outdoor conditions, the Igloo 70 Qt Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler is an excellent choice. This cooler features a rugged design with a tough rotomolded construction that can handle rough terrains and harsh environments. It comes with oversized wheels, a telescoping handle, and skid rails, allowing for easy transportation even on uneven surfaces. The cooler has a 70-quart capacity and can hold up to 112 cans, making it perfect for larger gatherings or extended outdoor adventures. Additionally, it offers excellent insulation, with ice retention of up to 4 days. With its durability and functionality, the Igloo 70 Qt Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler provides great value for the money.
Best Softside: The Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
While hard coolers are typically more durable, softside coolers offer better portability and flexibility. The Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler stands out as the best softside ice chest for the money. It features a durable exterior with a rugged 1680D TPU shell, which provides excellent insulation and resistance to abrasions, punctures, and UV rays. The cooler comes with a patented zipperless lid that ensures a tight seal and easy access to the contents. It also has a 30-can capacity and additional storage pockets for other items. The Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler offers exceptional performance and durability for a softside cooler, making it a worthwhile investment.
Best Extended Trip Cooler: Kong 110 Cooler
For those planning longer outdoor trips or events, the Kong 110 Cooler is the best ice chest to consider. With an impressive 110-quart capacity, this cooler can hold up to 154 cans and has ample storage space for food and beverages. It features rotomolded construction with polyethylene material, which ensures superior insulation and durability. The cooler also comes with a pressure relief valve, heavy-duty rubber latches, and non-slip feet for added convenience and functionality. Despite its large size, the Kong 110 Cooler is still manageable to transport, thanks to its integrated handles and sturdy construction.
Best Budget: Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler
If you’re on a tight budget but still need a reliable ice chest, the Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler is an excellent choice. This cooler offers great value for the money, with a large 70-quart capacity that can hold up to 100 cans. It features an insulated lid and walls, ensuring ice retention for up to 5 days in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler also comes with a leak-resistant drain plug, a sturdy construction, and integrated cup holders on the lid. While it may not have the same level of insulation as higher-end models, the Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler still provides sufficient cooling performance at an affordable price.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best ice chest for the money, there are several factors to consider, such as performance, durability, size, and price. The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler takes the top spot as the best overall ice chest for its exceptional value, insulation, and capacity. The YETI Tundra 65 Cooler offers the best value, with its renowned quality and performance. For rugged conditions, the Igloo 70 Qt Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler is a great choice. The Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler stands out as the best softside ice chest, combining durability and portability. The Kong 110 Cooler is ideal for extended trips with its large capacity. Lastly, the Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler provides excellent performance and affordability for those on a budget. Consider your specific needs and budget when selecting the best ice chest for the money, and enjoy cold drinks and food on your next outdoor adventure.