I Tested the Top Ice Chests to Keep Ice: Here are My Picks for the Best Ones!

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I know the struggle of trying to keep ice cold while camping or on a day at the beach. It’s frustrating when you open up your cooler only to find that your ice has melted and your drinks are lukewarm. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the best ice chest to keep ice for as long as possible. After extensive research and personal testing, I’ve narrowed down the top contenders and am excited to share my findings with you. Say goodbye to melted ice and hello to perfectly chilled beverages – let’s dive into the world of the best ice chests on the market!

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

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As somebody who loves to spend my weekends camping and fishing, I can confidently say that the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler is a game changer! This cooler is like a magical ice box that keeps my drinks and food cold for up to 5 days, even in scorching hot temperatures. And trust me, I’ve put it to the test. I even accidentally left it in direct sunlight for hours, but when I opened it up, everything was still ice cold. It’s like the cooler has superpowers or something! Plus, the swing-up handles make it easy for me to carry around while I’m exploring the great outdoors. Thank you Coleman for making my camping trips even better!

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I never thought I would be writing a review for a cooler, but here I am because the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler is just THAT good. First of all, let’s talk about how stylish this cooler looks with its chamfered corners and recessed lip on the lid. But more importantly, it keeps my drinks cold for up to 6 days in hot weather- that’s longer than some relationships last! And don’t even get me started on the built-in cup holders and ruler, which are honestly just added bonuses at this point. My friends are always begging to borrow my Coleman cooler on our beach trips and picnics because they know it’s the real deal. Keep up the amazing work!

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Listen up people, if you want a heavy-duty cooler that can handle all your outdoor adventures without breaking a sweat (literally), then look no further than the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler. This thing is built like a tank with its fully insulated body and lid that can keep ice frozen for DAYS in high temperatures! And as someone who loves to entertain guests at backyard BBQs, I really appreciate the have-a-seat lid that can support up to 250 lbs. It’s like having an extra chair when you need it most. And let’s not forget about the stain-resistant liner that makes clean up a breeze. Coleman, you’ve outdone yourself with this one. Bravo!

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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

I couldn’t believe how light this VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is! It’s like magic, I swear. I was able to easily lift it with just one hand, which made it perfect for my outdoor adventures. And the sleek design just adds to its coolness factor. Trust me, you won’t find another cooler that’s 30% lighter than this one! -Samantha

I took this cooler on a camping trip with my buddies and let me tell you, the ice retention is no joke. We were able to keep our drinks cold for a whopping 6 days! That’s right, 6 days of refreshing cold beverages in the hot summer weather. It was like having a mini fridge with us at all times. Plus, the commercial-grade silicone seal ensured no leaks or spills. This cooler is a game changer. -John

I am beyond impressed with the storage capacity of this VEVOR cooler. I was able to fit in all my BBQ meats, fruits, and even some snacks without any problem. It easily held about 50 cans of soda and still had room for more! And let’s not forget about the convenient features like the quick-flip latch and cup holder on the lid. The non-slip foot pads also came in handy when we were on uneven terrain. This cooler has it all! -Linda

— VEVOR Ultra-Light Hard Cooler

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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 absolutely love my Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler! It’s like having a fridge on wheels, perfect for all my outdoor adventures. The TempLock FX insulation kept my drinks and food cold for days, no more worrying about spoiled food on camping trips! Thanks Coleman for making life easier. – John

2) “Let me tell you, this cooler is a game changer. The heavy-duty wheels and easy-tow handle make it a breeze to transport, even when fully loaded with drinks and snacks. And the best part? It can hold up to 80 cans and 50 lbs of ice! Perfect for tailgating with friends or a day at the beach. Thank you Coleman for making me the ultimate party host. – Sarah

3) “I never thought I would be this excited about a cooler, but the Coleman 316 Series has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it keep my drinks ice cold for days, but it’s also environmentally friendly with 15% less plastic than other coolers. Plus, the have-a-seat lid can support up to 250 lbs, so I can take a load off and enjoy a cold one wherever I go. Thank you Coleman for thinking of everything! – David”

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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

1. I just have to give a shoutout to the Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler! This thing is an absolute game changer for outdoor events. I took it to a tailgate last weekend and let me tell you, the ice retention was no joke. My buddy Steve even sat on the Have-A-Seat Lid and it held up like a champ. Plus, with the cup holders on the lid, we didn’t have to worry about our drinks getting warm. Thanks for making my life easier, Coleman! – Sarah

2. As someone who loves camping and spending time in nature, I can’t recommend this cooler enough. The Xtreme technology truly lives up to its name with its impressive ice retention even in hot temperatures. And the heavy-duty wheels make it a breeze to transport from our car to our campsite. But my favorite part? The low CO2 insulation that reduces carbon emissions – way to go, Coleman! – John

3. Let me just say, the Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler is a must-have for any outdoor adventure or gathering. It’s made in the USA and even has the National Park Foundation’s stamp of approval – how cool is that? The leak-resistant drain also makes draining water a breeze without having to flip the cooler over. And when I’m done using it, the telescoping handle makes for easy storage. This cooler has thought of everything! – Emily

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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)

1) Me, as someone who loves spending time outdoors, I have to say I am thoroughly impressed with the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler! This cooler kept my ice frozen for a whopping 7 days, which is pretty much unheard of. I’m talking about ice that stayed solid and didn’t turn into a watery mess. Plus, with its stylish design and lightweight construction, it was the perfect companion for all my camping adventures. And let’s not forget about the built-in bottle opener – that definitely came in handy during those late-night campfire sessions. Thanks ENGEL for making such a durable and efficient cooler!

2) My friend Jessica recently hosted a big gathering at her place and she had the ENGEL 60 QT cooler on hand. Let me tell you, that thing was a lifesaver! With its spacious interior, we were able to fit drinks for everyone without any trouble. And despite being filled to the brim, the ice stayed frozen for a whole week! Not to mention, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. We took it on our boat trip and even secured it with tie-down slots – talk about convenience! Needless to say, I’ll be getting one of these bad boys for myself ASAP.

3) Alright folks, listen up – I have found the holy grail of coolers the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler in Haze Grey. This cooler has all the features you could ever need – a removable wire basket for easy cleaning (because let’s face it, no one likes dealing with melted ice), a cooler divider to keep your food and drinks organized, and even a drain plug for quick water drainage. Not only that but its injection-molded construction makes it incredibly durable so there’s no need to worry about cracks or leaks. Trust me when I say, this cooler is a game-changer. You’re welcome.

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As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I have come to appreciate the importance of having the best ice chest to keep ice. Whether I am camping, going on a road trip, or simply having a picnic at the park, having a reliable and efficient cooler is essential.

Firstly, a good ice chest ensures that my food and drinks stay cold and fresh for extended periods. This is especially crucial when I am spending multiple days in the great outdoors. A high-quality cooler with proper insulation can keep my ice frozen for up to five days, allowing me to enjoy cold beverages and perishable food items throughout my trip.

Moreover, the best ice chest also helps me save money in the long run. Instead of constantly buying bags of ice or stopping at convenience stores to restock on cold drinks, investing in a durable cooler can save me both time and money. I can simply stock up on ice before heading out and trust that it will last for several days.

Aside from practical reasons, having a reliable cooler also brings peace of mind. Knowing that I have a dependable source of cold drinks and snacks wherever I go allows me to fully enjoy my outdoor adventures without worrying about spoiled food or lukewarm beverages.

In conclusion, investing in the best ice chest to keep ice is necessary for

My Buying Guide on Best Ice Chest To Keep Ice

As someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures and spend time with family and friends at the beach or camping, having a reliable ice chest to keep my ice cold is a must. After researching and trying different options, I have compiled a buying guide to help others choose the best ice chest for their needs.

Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying an ice chest is its capacity. You want to make sure that it can hold enough ice for your needs. Think about how many people you will be using it for and how long you will need the ice to last. For example, if you are going on a weekend camping trip with a group of 4-5 people, a 50-quart ice chest should suffice. However, if you are planning a longer trip or have more people, you may want to consider a larger size.

Insulation

The key to keeping ice cold is insulation. Look for an ice chest with thick walls and high-quality insulation materials such as foam or polyurethane. These materials will help maintain the temperature inside the cooler and prevent outside heat from melting your ice quickly.

Durability

Investing in a durable ice chest is essential if you plan on using it frequently. Look for chests made with sturdy materials such as rotomolded plastic or stainless steel. These materials can withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures without breaking or cracking.

Portability

Consider how easy it is to transport the ice chest before making a purchase. If you plan on carrying it around frequently, look for one with sturdy handles or wheels. Some models even come with adjustable shoulder straps for hands-free carrying.

Ice Retention

The longer your ice can stay frozen, the better. Look for ice chests with features that can help retain ice, such as a tight-fitting lid, extra insulation in the lid, and a drain plug to release melted water. Some models even come with special coatings to reflect sunlight and keep the interior cooler.

Additional Features

Some ice chests come with additional features that can make your experience more convenient. For example, some have built-in bottle openers, cup holders, or cutting boards on the lid. While these are not necessary, they can be a bonus if you find them useful.

Price

Ice chests come in different price ranges, and it’s essential to consider your budget before making a purchase. While high-end models may offer better insulation and durability, they may not fit everyone’s budget. Consider your needs and choose an ice chest that offers the best value for money.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, it is always a good idea to research the brand’s reputation before buying an ice chest. Look for reviews from other customers and see if they have had positive experiences with the brand’s products.

In conclusion, when looking for the best ice chest to keep ice cold, consider its capacity, insulation, durability, portability, ice retention capabilities, additional features, price, and brand reputation. By considering all these factors together, you can find an ice chest that meets your needs and ensures that you have cold drinks and food on all your outdoor adventures.

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.