Top 5 Best Large Coolers & Ice Chests for Outdoors

If you want a type of cooler that is big enough to hold enough food for a long camping trip, you need to have the best large cooler. It also goes beyond just camping. From backyard parties to boating, beach parties and tailgating, many fun activities depend on big coolers. With modern technology development today, there are many options available in the markets for you to choose from. Keep reading for our large cooler reviews and ratings.

The 5 Top Large Coolers

* Ratings are determined using our specialized rating system.

It’s easy for a camping trip to go from fun to miserable when you discover all your perishables have gone bad because the cooler just couldn’t handle the heat. Having the best large cooler will help your food stay fresh so no one goes hungry. If you’re looking for a new cooler, check out the top five best large coolers currently on the market below.

Coleman 150-Quart Extra Large Outdoor Cooler in Blue

Built to serve a vast number of people, Coleman 150-Quart Extra Large Outdoor Cooler in Blue can hold up to 223 cans. That means that this cooler has really worked on the value for its size. With excellent insulation, this type of big cooler can keep your food fresh up to six days. It features two-way handles, a hinged lid, and four cup holders.

The hinged lid can close securely with the use of one hand. If you want to take the cooler on a boat or somewhere with unsteady ground, the cup holders will help keep your drinks in place. What we particularly liked about this cooler is its powerful performance as well as the affordability. Buyers on a tight budget looking for a large cooler can never go wrong with this choice.

Mammoth Coolers 125-Quart Ranger MR125W Cooler in White

The Mammoth Coolers 125-Quart Ranger MR125W Cooler in White uses double-wall rotomolded construction. If you’re looking for a cooler that is durable, this is the cooler for you. This cooler can stand up to the wear and tear from camping trips without issue. The smooth material also makes it easy to clean this cooler.

The thick foam insulation that fills the walls and lid provide high insulation to boost performance. The top is also designed with a freezer grade gasket made from thick rubber that seals the rim to prevent airflow. This cooler also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence.

Igloo Polar 120-Quart Large Outdoor Cooler in White

If the first two options did not impress you, the Igloo Polar 120-Quart Outdoor Cooler in White might just be the right pick for you. This cooler is not only sizable but also quite affordable as it can carry a whopping 188 can capacity. The ultratherm insulated lid and body ensure that the ice remains cold and solid for up to five days.

Just throw this cooler anywhere in the car, and you don’t have to worry about spills as there is a snap-close lid to help keep contents intact. The swing-up handles are well-reinforced with tie-down loop feature. There is also a threaded drain plug for easy draining and hose hook up. When you are sure your drink is cold, take it out and comfortably use the cooler as your seat.

Coleman 200-Quart Xtreme Offshore Marine Cooler in White

The Coleman 200-Quart Xtreme Offshore Marine Cooler in White is one of the biggest coolers around. This cooler is one of the best choices for individuals looking for a big bulky cooler and are tight on budget. However, you need to create some room for the unit as it can takes up space.

This giant cooler can keep your goodies fresh and cold for up to seven days as the Xtreme technology offers extra insulation, whether you use ice or a cooler ice pack. It comes with an antimicrobial treated liner to keep off a bad odor, resist molds, fungus, and mildew. Although the unit is not very durable, it can keep your 250 pounds of foodstuff safely and keep them cold for a reasonable duration.

Elkton outdoors 110-Quart Heavy Duty Ice Chest

The Elkton outdoors 110-Quart Heavy Duty Ice Chest had to be one of our best large coolers because of its great features. Since it is insulated with up to 30 inches (0.76 m) of insulation, you are guaranteed to have ice for the longest time during your outdoor activities.

The virtually indestructible roto-molded thermoplastic construction makes it seriously tough. It features military-grade nylon handles as well as the non-slip rubber feet to keep the cooler steady on the ground. A built-in bottle opener takes care of the hassles of carrying openers everywhere you go. The cold seal latches keep your cooler well locked and safe. If you are looking for a sizeable heavy-duty cooler that is durable and tough, then this is the best large cooler we would recommend to you.

Features to Consider for the Best Large Cooler

As you can see from our large cooler reviews, there are a lot of options available when it comes to camping coolers. Before you choose a cooler, you should consider the different features a cooler has.

Storage Space

If you’re looking for a giant ice chest, you’re already know you want a lot more storage space than a backpack cooler or a soft cooler can offer. However, there are different degrees of big when it comes to big ice coolers. You might not need the huge 200-quart cooler and would be better off with the slightly smaller 150-quart cooler. Take your needs and plans into account when deciding how big of a cooler you need.

Ice Retention

When we come to functionality and performance, the best large cooler has to keep food frozen for the lengthiest time. Ice retention is particularly crucial for more extended outdoor activities. Therefore, pick a model that will keep your food fresh for the duration you will be away. If you know you’re going on a week-long hunting trip, try to choose a cooler that is confirmed to stay cold for at least that long.

Portability

The biggest problem with large coolers is that they can get extremely heavy when filled—especially the largest models. When choosing your cooler, be aware of how heavy it will be. A cooler isn’t of much use if you can’t move it. Similarly, you’ll also want to look for big ice chests with the most durable handles to help prevent breaking.

Durability

You are probably here because you are looking for a cooler that will serve you for a couple of years. For most large coolers, durability has been reinforced with latches, quality lids, handles, and feet. However, just because the parts are reinforced doesn’t mean that the cooler can withstand a bear. If you’re going to be using the cooler in bear country, make sure you purchase a bear-proof cooler.

Cost

It always seems impossible to talk about features without mentioning the cost. You want to ensure that you get the best large cooler at the most competitive rates. When you look for a cooler, make sure you have a budget. Large coolers can get expensive quickly, and you don’t want to spend more than what is necessary.

Benefits of Using Large Coolers

Nothing feels more refreshing than taking a sip from a cold drink on a hot summer day. Coolers have been used in restaurants and other public places where a lot of cold refreshments are needed. These big coolers can also be used individually for people who travel, camp, or engage in other outdoor activities.

Big coolers are reliable and durable. Depending on your needs, cooler companies have worked hard to ensure that what you buy serves you for a long time. Coolers with over 100 quarts can be used for commercial purposes while others are intended for huge parties and events.

When you’re camping, consuming spoiled food can be life-threatening—especially when you’re far away from civilization. Having a cooler on-hand will help keep all your perishables cool so you don’t get sick. If you’re the kind of person who likes to go on extended camping trips, you need to have a big cooler to ensure you have enough to food for the entire duration.

Precautions of Using Large Coolers

Coolers are pretty safe appliances to hang around with. However, accidents are inevitable and can happen anytime. The last thing you want in a camp is an accident in the middle of a forest. Thus, it is prudent to learn about safety measures when using a cooler. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when boating, camping, or hiking.

Keep your cooler away from the direct sun. Coolers are meant to cool and freeze, therefore avoid keeping them under direct sunlight, especially during hot days as this dramatically affects the cooling duration.

Before packing your cooler, always check for leaks and if the latches are working properly. After you fill it with food and drinks, make sure you are able to carry it. The biggest pitfall of big ice chests is filling them to a point where they’re too heavy to move. If you try to carry a cooler that is too heavy, you could injure yourself. For this reason, wheeled coolers are extremely useful.

If you have meat in your cooler, make sure it’s packed in airtight plastic bags. As the ice melts and turns into water, it can seep into plastic wrap, and all the juices from the raw meat will infect the water and everything else in the cooler. You want to avoid food poisoning at the best times, but especially while camping.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, we’ve determined the Coleman 150-Quart Extra Large Outdoor Cooler in Blue to be the best large cooler. This simple cooler has enough room to keep everything you need for your people. It is incredibly cheap and comes with cup holders. The performance is top-notch, and durability is guaranteed. What else would you ask for? Time to head out, shop, and get it right. We hope this article has covered everything you need to find the best large cooler.

I hope these large cooler reviews have been helpful! Stay cool stay refreshed!

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