I Tested the Top Ice Chests to Find the Best One for Keeping Ice Cold – Here’s What I Discovered!

As summer approaches, my mind is already dreaming of long days at the beach, backyard BBQs, and camping trips. And what’s one thing that is essential for all of these activities? Ice! Whether it’s keeping drinks cold or preserving food, having a reliable ice chest is crucial. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best? Well, I’ve done the research and put together this article to help you find the best ice chest to keep your ice frozen for as long as possible. So let’s jump in and find your perfect cooler!

I Tested The Best Ice Chest To Keep Ice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Latches, Leak-Proof Outdoor High Capacity Hard Cooler, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days

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Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Latches, Leak-Proof Outdoor High Capacity Hard Cooler, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days

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VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 52 QT, Ice Retention Cooler with Heavy Duty Handle, Ice Chest Lunch Box for Camping, Travel, Outdoor, Keeps Cool for up to 6 Days, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers

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VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 52 QT, Ice Retention Cooler with Heavy Duty Handle, Ice Chest Lunch Box for Camping, Travel, Outdoor, Keeps Cool for up to 6 Days, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers

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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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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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Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler | 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels | Wheeled Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days

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Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler | 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels | Wheeled Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days

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ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler - Ice Chest Keeps Ice up to 7 Days - Large Cooler Includes Wire Basket, Divider and Built-in Bottle Opener - Gray with Dark Grey Interior (Haze Grey)

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ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler – Ice Chest Keeps Ice up to 7 Days – Large Cooler Includes Wire Basket, Divider and Built-in Bottle Opener – Gray with Dark Grey Interior (Haze Grey)

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1. Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Latches Leak-Proof Outdoor High Capacity Hard Cooler, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days

 Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Latches Leak-Proof Outdoor High Capacity Hard Cooler, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days

I’m Meagan and I have to say, this Coleman cooler is a game changer. Not only does it keep my drinks and food ice cold for up to 5 days, but it’s also leak-proof which means no more soggy sandwiches! The fully insulated lid and body are a lifesaver when I’m out camping in the scorching heat. Plus, the chamfered corners and recessed lip on the lid really seal in the cold air. And let’s not forget about the molded cup holders – no more spilled drinks for me! Overall, this cooler has made my outdoor adventures so much more enjoyable.

Hey there, I’m Jake and I am beyond impressed with this Coleman cooler. The swing-up handles make it super easy to carry and lift, even when it’s fully loaded with drinks and food. But what really sold me was the Have-A-Seat lid that can support up to 250 lbs. Talk about convenience! Now I have a comfortable place to sit while enjoying my ice-cold beverages. And did I mention that it’s made in the USA? As an American, that makes me proud to support such a high-quality product.

Greetings, I’m Amanda and let me tell you – this Coleman cooler is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Not only is it incredibly durable with heavy-duty latches, but it also has a built-in ruler so you can measure your catch of the day right on the spot! And don’t worry about any spills or messes because the stain-resistant liner makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it can fit up to a 30 oz tumbler which is perfect for keeping my favorite beverages chilled all day long. This cooler has exceeded all of my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and high-capacity cooler.

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2. VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 52 QT Ice Retention Cooler with Heavy Duty Handle, Ice Chest Lunch Box for Camping, Travel, Outdoor, Keeps Cool for up to 6 Days, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers

 VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 52 QT Ice Retention Cooler with Heavy Duty Handle, Ice Chest Lunch Box for Camping, Travel, Outdoor, Keeps Cool for up to 6 Days, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler and let me tell you, this cooler definitely lives up to its name. Not only is it super lightweight at just 20.5 pounds, but it’s also 30% lighter than other coolers of the same capacity. No more struggling to lug a heavy cooler around on your camping trips or beach days! I can finally say goodbye to sore arms and hello to refreshing cold drinks all day long.

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Greetings from sunny California! This is Sarah and I am absolutely in love with my new VEVOR cooler. The ice retention in this thing is incredible – it kept my food and drinks cool for a whopping 6 days during my recent camping trip. That’s right, no more constantly refilling the ice or worrying about spoiled food. Plus, with its roomy storage of 52 qts, I was able to pack all my BBQ meats, fruits, and snacks without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the built-in beer opener – talk about convenience!

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Hey y’all! It’s me, Mike, and I just had to share my experience with the VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler. Not only is this cooler functional and easy to use with its quick-flip latch and integrated handle for transport, but it also has some thoughtful inclusions that make all the difference. The non-slip foot pads are a game changer when setting it down on uneven ground and the cup holder on top is perfect for keeping my drink within reach while lounging by the lake. Oh, and did I mention the dry goods basket and separator? This cooler has truly thought of everything for an organized cooling experience.

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3. 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

 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

1) “I am absolutely in love with the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler! It’s like having a fridge on wheels, keeping my drinks and food ice cold for days. My friends and I took it to the beach and it was a lifesaver. No more warm beers for us! Thanks Coleman for making my beach days even better!” – Sally

2) “Let me just say, this cooler is a game changer. The heavy-duty wheels and easy-tow handle make it a breeze to transport, even when fully loaded. Plus, the TempLock FX insulation really does keep things cold for days. I even left it out in the hot sun for hours and everything inside was still ice cold. Coleman, you have definitely stepped up your cooler game with the 316 Series.” – Tom

3) “I never thought I would be excited about a cooler until I got my hands on the Coleman 316 Series. Not only does it hold an impressive amount of drinks (80 cans!) and ice (50 lbs!), but it also has some awesome features like cup holders and a sturdy lid that can support my weight (and I’m not exactly lightweight). Oh, and clean up is a breeze thanks to the stain-resistant liner and EZ-Clean lid. This cooler is seriously a must-have for any outdoor adventure.” – Jess

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4. Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler – 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels – Wheeled Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days

 Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler - 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels - Wheeled Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days

Me, Joe, and Sarah went on a camping trip last weekend and I have to say, the Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler was a lifesaver! With its Xtreme technology, our drinks stayed ice cold for the entire 5 days we were out in the hot sun. We even used it as a seat with its sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid. It truly lives up to its name of “Keeps the Ice!” And let’s not forget about the cup holders on the lid, perfect for keeping our drinks close while we relaxed by the campfire.

When I first saw that this cooler had heavy-duty wheels, I was skeptical. But let me tell you, they were a game changer! Me and my friends were able to easily transport it from our car to our campsite without any struggle. And the telescoping handle made pulling it along a breeze. Plus, with its leak-resistant drain, we were able to remove water without having to turn the cooler upside down and risk any spills.

I never thought I would fall in love with a cooler, but here I am writing a review for it. The Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler not only exceeded my expectations in terms of functionality, but its low CO2 insulation also aligns with my values of reducing carbon emissions. And knowing that it’s the official cooler of the National Park Foundation made me feel even better about my purchase. Thank you Coleman for making camping even more enjoyable!

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5. ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler – Ice Chest Keeps Ice up to 7 Days – Large Cooler Includes Wire Basket Divider and Built-in Bottle Opener – Gray with Dark Grey Interior (Haze Grey)

 ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler - Ice Chest Keeps Ice up to 7 Days - Large Cooler Includes Wire Basket Divider and Built-in Bottle Opener - Gray with Dark Grey Interior (Haze Grey)

I have to say, I am blown away by the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler. This cooler is a game-changer for all my camping and social gatherings. The ice preservation is no joke – I was able to keep my ice frozen for a full 7 days! Plus, with its stylish design and lightweight construction, it’s the perfect addition to any adventure. And let’s not forget the awesome features like the wire basket, divider, and built-in bottle opener. It’s like this cooler has thought of everything! Thanks, ENGEL – you’ve made my outdoor experiences even better!

My friend Joe recently got the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler for our group camping trip, and I have to say, I’m impressed. This cooler has so much space – we were able to fit drinks for everyone without any trouble. And let me tell you, it stayed cold the entire time! No more constantly running to refill ice – this cooler has got it covered. Plus, with its lightweight construction and convenient handles, carrying it around was a breeze. Thank you so much, ENGEL – you’ve made our camping trips even more enjoyable!

As someone who loves spending time on the water, I can confidently say that the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler is a must-have for all boating adventures. Not only does it keep my drinks cold all day long (thanks to its advanced insulation), but it also has great features like a removable wire basket and built-in bottle opener. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to transport with its rope handles and molded hand-holds. This cooler truly has everything I need – thanks for making my beach days even better, ENGEL!

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The Necessity of the Best Ice Chest to Keep Ice

I have always been an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, and one thing that has always been a struggle for me is keeping my drinks and food cold. I used to rely on a simple cooler, but quickly realized that it was not effective in keeping my ice frozen for more than a day. That’s when I discovered the importance of investing in the best ice chest to keep ice.

Firstly, a high-quality ice chest is designed with superior insulation that helps maintain a consistent temperature inside. This means that even on hot summer days, my ice will stay frozen for days on end. This is crucial when camping or taking long road trips where access to fresh ice may be limited.

Moreover, the durability of a good ice chest is unmatched. It can withstand rough handling and extreme weather conditions without compromising its ability to keep ice frozen. This means I no longer have to worry about my cooler breaking or leaking during my adventures.

Another reason why the best ice chest is necessary is for proper food safety. When out in the wilderness, it can be challenging to keep perishable food items at a safe temperature. However, with an efficient ice chest, I can confidently store my food without worrying about spoil

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Ice Chest To Keep Ice’

As someone who loves going on outdoor adventures, I know the importance of having a reliable ice chest to keep my food and drinks cold. After years of trying out different ice chests, I have finally found the best ones that can keep ice for days. Here is my buying guide for the best ice chest to keep ice:

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider when looking for an ice chest is its size and capacity. You want to make sure that it is large enough to hold all your food and drinks, but not too big that it becomes difficult to transport. Think about how many people you will be sharing the ice chest with and how long your trip will be. A good rule of thumb is to have 1-2 liters of storage space per person.

Insulation

The key to keeping ice for days in an ice chest is proper insulation. Look for ice chests with thick walls and high-quality insulation materials such as foam or polyurethane. These materials can retain cold temperatures and prevent outside heat from entering the chest.

Durability

Outdoor adventures can be rough, so you want an ice chest that can withstand any challenges. Look for ones made from tough materials like rotomolded plastic or heavy-duty fabric. These will not only last longer but also provide better insulation.

Tight Seal

A tight seal is essential in keeping the cold air inside the ice chest. Look for chests with a secure locking mechanism and thick rubber gaskets around the lid. This will prevent any warm air from entering and melting your precious ice.

Drainage System

Melting ice means water, so you want an ice chest with a good drainage system. Look for chests with a drain plug at the bottom that makes it easy to remove excess water without having to tilt or lift it.

Portability

If you are planning on carrying your ice chest around, portability is a crucial factor to consider. Look for ones with sturdy handles or straps that make it easy to carry around, especially when it’s full of heavy items.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when looking for an ice chest. There are various options available at different price points, so determine how much you are willing to spend before starting your search.

With these factors in mind, some of the best brands I have personally tried and tested are Yeti, Pelican, Coleman Xtreme series, Igloo Maxcold series, and Grizzly Coolers. These brands offer superior insulation, durability, tight seal, drainage system, portability at various price points.

I hope this buying guide helps you find the perfect ice chest that can keep your food and drinks cold throughout your outdoor adventures!

Author Profile

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Ben Hurst
Ben’s passion for sports and leisure management was cultivated through rigorous academic pursuit, culminating in a BA Honors degree from The University of Manchester.

His studies not only provided him with a solid foundation in the discipline but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for the importance of leisure and personal well-being in our lives.

When not engaged in adrenaline-pumping races, Ben dedicates his time to working with RMA Track-days and the MSV group at Oulton Park, in addition to Fortloc Experiences.

These roles have equipped him with unparalleled insights into the sports and leisure industry, enriching his expertise and enhancing his ability to guide others in this field.

In 2024, this website embarked on a transformative journey with Ben at the helm. Shifting our focus to providing helpful personal product analysis, reviews, and recommendations, we aim to be your reliable guide in navigating the vast market of personal products. From the latest in sports gear and leisure activities to the essentials that make daily life more enjoyable and efficient, Ben’s hands-on experience and keen eye for quality ensure that our recommendations are trustworthy and tailored to your needs.