Meta description: Hunting for the best coolers in 2021? There are loads of aspects to consider before buying portable coolers. Check our detailed buying guide now!
When you're camping or taking a long road trip, you'll want to keep your sandwiches, soda, and water cool for as long as possible. The portable ice cooler is the ideal traveling companion for keeping your stuff nice and fresh. Most are tough and durable, so they can withstand being used on a variety of different types of terrain, including soil, water, and bumpy roads. If you're looking to buy a portable cooler, this information will come in handy. For your next adventure and keep your food and drinks cold, you'll need to know all this information before going to the market.
What are the different cooler capacity sizes available?
Before we get into the various capacities, it's important to note that not all ice cooler internal capacities are created equal. Some people measure in cans, while others use quarts, gallons, or liters. Quarts are a common unit of measurement among manufacturers. And we'll do some research on alternative cooler capacities with it, too.
Small
There are 10 to 35 quarts in a container. This is a great option if you want something small and light when you're traveling alone. A dinner, some ice, and a few drinks are all easily accessible. Things should stay cold for at least two days with this system in place
Medium
It has a capacity of 35 to 55 quarts and can be used for a variety of things. The coolers are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport in the trunk of a car. It's easy to transport by one person and takes up little room on a boat or raft.
One or two days' worth of groceries can be stored in this cooler. In order to accommodate more people, you will need to expand your water storage capacity to 55 quarts or greater for the same period of time.
Large
With two or more people, you'll need a large cooler with a volume of 55 to 75 quarts for a long journey. However, keep in mind that transporting to and from your vehicle will necessitate the assistance of a second person.
You'll have improved storage and ice retention as a result. It'll be ideal for overnight vacations and long weekends with the family. Because it'll be 30" wide and 16" tall, the cooler will require a lot of room in your truck bed or trunk.
Larger than normal
It has a capacity of up to 75 quarts and is ideal for regular travelers. It'll be big, heavy, and pricey, without a doubt!
This large-scale model can accommodate parties of four to five people, as well as sports like hunting and fishing that call for specialized equipment. When you use this, your food and beverages will stay cool longer.
Which features of portable coolers are worth considering?
Now, let's take a look at the most important element to consider while shopping for coolers:
Storage and cooling capability
Finding out how much ice can be retained in a cooler will be difficult. This is when the external aspect comes into play. The temperature of the air, the amount of direct sunshine, and the volume of ice used are all important considerations. The number of times you open the lids of the cooler matters since it allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter!.
The majority of manufacturers advocate a 2:1 ice-to-food ratio! You should consider pre-chilling your cooler to get the maximum performance. Once you're on the road, make sure to pack plenty of ice and a variety of snacks and beverages.
Weight and portability
Depending on the material, a hard-sided cooler might weigh anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds when empty. The weight will rise as soon as you factor in the food and drink. When shopping for a cooler, consider the weight and mobility as key considerations, as well as the available space in your vehicle.
Storage capacity
Before making a final purchase, make sure the refrigerator has enough space inside. A refrigerator's interior storage area shows how much food, bottles, and other items you can keep in there.
Don't forget to keep an eye on the number of individuals you're hosting and the duration of your stay. You'll know exactly how much room you need in your refrigerator if you do this.
Protection of the battery
There are refrigerators in the market intended to cut off the supply of the battery at high voltages in order to safeguard the battery. Levels vary; some refrigerators are programmed to turn off the supply when the voltage rises to at least 9.4 volts.
Battery shielded refrigerators considerably reduce the damage that these refrigerators can inflict to the battery, for example. Consider buying a refrigerator with a built-in battery charger.
Durability
Investigate the refrigerator's design and construction, including the materials utilized in its manufacture. In this manner, it’s easier to estimate your refrigerator’s lifespan.
The refrigerator must withstand a variety of environmental conditions, including hot weather and occasionally high temperatures. Get a durable, dependable product that can withstand any adverse conditions by making sure it's built well in the first place.
Draining system
A drainage system is typically included in coolers to help with melted ice removal. At the button, there will be a pop-off or screw-on drain cap. Just remove it and allow the water to drain.
How much do the best coolers cost?
Anywhere from $50 to $250 will get you a decent ice cooler. Larger capacity coolers can be more expensive. Cheaper kinds of coolers are still good investments because they last for years.
Choose a more flexible range of $50 to $80, depending on the firm and size, if you do not want a multiple-day ice retention option. Some large-capacity wheeled coolers are more expensive. They're lightweight and composed of high-quality materials that will hold up in the real world.
The Best Coolers FAQs
Q: How long can a portable cooler last?
A: Most portable refrigerators have a lifespan of 18 to 20 years. Coolers that operate on batteries and solar panels survive longer because of the availability of other power sources. The longer you use and maintain the product, the more useful and long-lasting it will be in the end.
Q: What's the best way to power a portable refrigerator?
A: If you're going camping, test your refrigerator on 240 volts at home before loading it into your car. You'd be able to use the most electricity at home if you did it this way. As a result, before connecting your cooler to a 12-volt power source, let it cool down on 240 volts first.
Q: Is it wise to invest in a portable cooler?
A: If you enjoy camping and staying away from home for days or weeks at a time, then portable refrigerators are well worth the investment. They assist you in preserving and chilling your food. Furthermore, portable refrigerators preserve freshness for a longer period of time.