List 8 Consumer Reports Best Patio Coolers in 2024

Patio coolers are a popular choice for outdoor gatherings and events. They keep drinks cold and provide easy access to refreshments while enjoying time outside. These coolers come in various sizes and styles, making them versatile for backyard barbecues, beach days, or camping trips. With a good patio cooler, you can enjoy drinks at the perfect temperature without frequent trips indoors.

When choosing a patio cooler, several important factors come into play. Size is crucial, as it should fit your space and meet your needs for storing drinks. Durability is also essential; a cooler made of high-quality materials will withstand outdoor conditions better. Additionally, consider features like mobility, insulation quality, and ease of use when making your choice.

We've researched and tested different patio coolers to help find the best options that will keep your drinks chilled while enhancing your outdoor experience.

Here are the top 8 patio coolers for enhancing your outdoor gatherings:

1. Permasteel 120-Qt Cooler
2. Permasteel 80-Qt Cooler
3. Keter Portable Outdoor Patio Cooler
4. Sunjoy 80 Qt Rolling Cooler Cart
5. Best Choice Products 80-Quart Cooler
6. Permasteel 80-Quart Rustic Cooler
7. VINGLI 80 Quart Rolling Ice Chest
8. EDOSTORY 80 Quart Rolling Cooler

Best Patio Coolers

We have gathered a selection of the best patio coolers available. These products will keep your drinks cold and make outdoor gatherings more enjoyable. Let's take a look at our top picks.

1. Permasteel 120-Qt Cooler

We recommend the Permasteel 120-Quart Cooler for anyone who enjoys outdoor gatherings and needs a reliable way to keep drinks cold.

Pros

●????? Huge capacity that fits many drinks and snacks

●????? Easy to move with functional wheels

●????? Stylish design that impresses guests

Cons

●????? Can be heavy when fully loaded

●????? Requires some maintenance for appearance

●????? Limited color options

This cooler has been a great addition to our outdoor events. With its large 120-quart capacity, we easily fit enough drinks and snacks for a full day of entertaining. Even on hot summer days, we found that ice lasts remarkably long, allowing us to serve cold beverages from morning until late evening.

Moving this cooler around is effortless, thanks to its smooth-rolling wheels. Whether we are on a paved patio or a grassy area, it handles the terrain well. The caster wheels feel sturdy, making it easy to push or pull even when it’s filled.

We also love the stylish look of the galvanized steel. It fits perfectly with our outdoor decor and has caught the attention of our guests. The removable lid and built-in cup holders make serving drinks convenient and fun. Overall, if you're looking for a cooler that combines functionality with style for your next patio party, this one checks all the boxes.

2. Permasteel 80-Qt Cooler

This cooler is a solid choice for those looking to keep drinks cold during summer gatherings.

Pros

●????? Holds a large quantity of drinks.

●????? Easy to move around with sturdy wheels.

●????? Classic retro design looks great outdoors.

Cons

●????? Insulation could be better for longer events.

●????? Some parts may rust over time.

●????? A bit wobbly after repeated use.

We recently tried out the Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler, and it really shines at parties. Its retro design adds style to our deck, and it easily holds a whole stack of drinks, accommodating up to 110 cans comfortably. The integrated bottle opener is a nice touch, and we appreciated not having to scramble for one during our BBQ.

While the cooler keeps items cold for about 36 hours, we noticed that it may not stay cold as long as promised after multiple uses. It's perfect for a day of fun with friends, but if you have a long gathering, be ready to refresh the ice.

Moving the cooler around is a breeze thanks to the four heavy-duty casters. We rolled it around our backyard with no issues at all. However, we did hear some feedback about parts like the handles and bottle opener rusting over time, which is something to consider if you're investing in this product.

Overall, it’s a great addition for entertaining, especially if you love outdoor get-togethers.

3. Keter Portable Outdoor Patio Cooler

This cooler is a solid choice for our outdoor gatherings, offering great functionality and style.

Pros

●????? Easy to assemble with quality materials

●????? Large capacity for beverages

●????? Convenient portability with swiveling wheels

Cons

●????? Some reports of delivery issues

●????? A few parts may feel less durable

●????? Assembly could be a challenge for some

We recently used the Keter Portable Outdoor Patio Cooler at a backyard barbecue, and it really impressed us. The assembly was straightforward; most parts snapped together quickly, and we had it ready in no time. Its large capacity holds plenty of drinks, which kept our guests happy and refreshed throughout the day.

The cooler's wheels make it super easy to move around, which is a game changer. We could roll it over to different spots without straining ourselves. The built-in bottle opener is handy too—it made serving drinks a breeze. The fold-out shelves on the side offered extra space for glasses and snacks, which we found very useful.

While we enjoyed many aspects of the cooler, we did hear some stories from others about delivery problems where items arrived damaged. Additionally, though most parts felt sturdy, a few parts were a bit flimsy for our liking. Still, we think the Keter cooler delivers good value for entertaining outdoors and would definitely recommend it for your next gathering.

4. Sunjoy 80 Qt Rolling Cooler Cart

This cooler is a solid choice if we want an attractive and functional cooler for outdoor gatherings.

Pros

●????? Stylish design adds flair to our patio.

●????? Large capacity holds plenty of drinks.

●????? Easy to move with sturdy wheels.

Cons

●????? Some users report leaks when it rains.

●????? Assembly can be tricky for a few.

●????? A bit heavy to lift when full.

Using the Sunjoy 80 Qt Rolling Cooler Cart was a pleasant experience for us. Its bronze finish looks great on our patio, and the large capacity meant we could keep plenty of drinks ice-cold during our gathering. We filled it with ice, cans, and even some water bottles. After three days, the ice still held up well, which was impressive.

The built-in bottle opener and cap catcher helped keep our area tidy. No more searching for one when we needed it! Moving the cooler around was easy, thanks to the quality wheels. We were able to roll it right where we needed it without struggling.

However, we noticed that when it rained, some water leaked in. This was a bit annoying, especially since we wanted to keep everything dry. Also, while the assembly process wasn’t terrible, a few parts required extra effort to fit correctly. Overall, this cooler is a great addition to our outdoor space and has proven to be functional and stylish.

5. Best Choice Products 80-Quart Cooler

This cooler is a solid choice for keeping our drinks cold during outdoor gatherings.

Pros

●????? Easy to move around with sturdy wheels.

●????? Large capacity holds plenty of drinks and ice.

●????? Built-in bottle opener adds convenience.

Cons

●????? Some assembly is required.

●????? Might be a bit heavy when full.

●????? Durability can vary based on use.

Using the Best Choice Products cooler has made our outdoor events a lot more enjoyable. Its spacious 80-quart capacity holds about 50 bottles, which is perfect for a barbecue or tailgate. The four wheels are strong and make it simple to roll around, even when it’s loaded with ice and drinks. We have taken it to several parties, and it always impresses with its capacity.

Putting this cooler together was straightforward. We had it ready in just about 15 minutes, and there were no missing parts. The design is appealing too, with a stylish gray finish that suits our patio well. The storage shelf underneath comes in handy for mixing drinks or keeping snacks close at hand.

Cleanup is easy thanks to its drainage system. We simply open the plug and let the water flow out. It’s nice to find something that not only looks good but also functions well. This cooler keeps drinks ice-cold for hours, so we’re confident it will serve us well during hot summer days.

6. Permasteel 80-Quart Rustic Cooler

This patio cooler is a smart choice for anyone wanting to keep drinks cold and guests happy at outdoor gatherings.

Pros

●????? Stylish woodgrain design that enhances outdoor decor.

●????? Large capacity to hold plenty of drinks and ice.

●????? Built-in features like a bottle opener make serving easier.

Cons

●????? Assembly can be tricky for some.

●????? Heavier than expected, making it less portable.

●????? Some reported small dents upon arrival.

We recently used the Permasteel 80-Quart Rustic Cooler at a backyard party, and it quickly became the centerpiece. The woodgrain finish really upgraded our outdoor space, giving it a modern touch while still feeling cozy. We were impressed by how much it could hold—110 cans fit comfortably, with plenty of ice. Our guests appreciated having their drinks just a few steps away.

The cooler's insulation worked well, keeping everything chilled for several hours. We added ice packs with regular ice and had drinks that stayed cold even in the heat. The built-in bottle opener was a hit. It saved us from scrambling for tools when we needed to pop open drinks, which added to the fun.

While setting it up, we found the instructions a little confusing. It took a bit of patience, but once assembled, the cooler felt sturdy. A couple of small dents were noticed on delivery, which was a bit disappointing, but it didn't impact its functionality. Overall, if you want a good-looking cooler that works great, the Permasteel 80-Quart is a solid option for outdoor events.

7. VINGLI 80 Quart Rolling Ice Chest

We recommend the VINGLI 80 Quart Rolling Ice Chest for its excellent cooling performance and stylish design.

Pros

●????? Large capacity holds plenty of drinks.

●????? Durable wheels make it easy to move.

●????? Maintains cold temperatures for up to 48 hours.

Cons

●????? Drain plug can leak if not sealed properly.

●????? Assembly requires some care; a bit tricky at first.

●????? No cover included; one needs to be purchased separately.

We recently got to try out the VINGLI 80 Quart Rolling Ice Chest, and it's a great tool for outdoor gatherings. The size is impressive, easily holding around 96 cans or a mix of beverages. We found it perfect for parties, with enough space to chill different drink types all at once.

The wheels on this cooler are a game changer. We could roll it around with ease, whether we were taking it to the backyard or moving it closer to our BBQ setup. The design is sleek and looks good, making it a stylish addition to any gathering. We liked the built-in bottle opener, too, which added extra convenience.

On the flip side, we did notice some small issues. The drain plug leaked a bit, but with some adjustments, it worked better. While assembling was simple, we had to be mindful of how we pieced it together at first. Also, it would have been nice to have a cover included, as we ended up purchasing one separately for protection.

Overall, we found the VINGLI 80 Quart Rolling Ice Chest to be a reliable and attractive cooler for outdoor fun.

8. EDOSTORY 80 Quart Rolling Cooler

This cooler is a great choice for anyone looking to keep drinks cold during outdoor gatherings.

Pros

●????? Keeps beverages cold for hours.

●????? Large capacity holds many cans and bottles.

●????? Easy to move with rolling wheels.

Cons

●????? Lid can be hard to secure.

●????? Could use a removable divider for organization.

●????? Assembly required.

We recently tested the EDOSTORY 80 Quart Rolling Cooler, and it impressed us. This cooler does an excellent job of keeping drinks chilled, which is perfect for our hot summer days. We filled it for a backyard BBQ and found that it maintained a cold temperature for quite a long time. The ice lasted longer than expected, even under the sun.

One of the standout features is its spacious design. We easily fit more than 100 cans inside, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings. The four rolling wheels make it super easy to move around, whether we are heading to the patio or out to the pool.

There are a few minor drawbacks. Sometimes, we had issues with the lid not fully connecting, which could be annoying. We also thought a removable divider would help us organize drinks better. Overall, we feel this cooler is a solid choice for summer events.

Buying Guide

When choosing a patio cooler, several factors help us pick the best one for our needs.

Key Features to Consider:

Material Types:

●????? Plastic: Lightweight and often less expensive.

●????? Metal: More durable but can be heavier.

Cooling Method:

●????? Ice: Traditional and requires ice packs.

●????? Electric: Some models plug in for a constant cool temperature.

Additional Features:

●????? Built-in Speakers: For music enjoyment.

●????? Cup Holders: Convenient for drinks.

●????? Drainage System: Helps to easily empty melted ice.

While we explore our options, it is important to think about what we will store. Knowing how much space we need can guide our choice. With these tips in mind, we can find a patio cooler that fits our lifestyle and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

We often receive questions about patio coolers. Here, we address the most common inquiries, focusing on ice retention, top ratings, functionality, brand advantages, size recommendations, and compact options.

Which patio coolers have the best ice retention capabilities?

We find that coolers with thicker insulation and high-quality seals tend to have the best ice retention. Brands like YETI and Coleman are known for their strong performance in keeping ice for extended periods.

What are the top-rated coolers for patios according to expert reviews?

According to expert reviews, the YETI Tundra and the RTIC cooler often receive high ratings. These models are praised for their strength, durability, and effectiveness in various conditions.

How do coolers with wheels improve functionality on a patio?

Coolers with wheels make it easier to transport drinks and food. We appreciate that they can be moved without heavy lifting, which is especially useful for gatherings or events.

What are the advantages of RTIC coolers for outdoor use?

RTIC coolers are designed to be durable and well-insulated. They are often more affordable than other premium brands, offering great value for users who need reliable outdoor cooling.

What size cooler is recommended for keeping drinks cold during outdoor events?

For outdoor events, a cooler that holds 30 to 50 quarts is usually recommended. This size can hold enough drinks for a small to medium gathering without being too bulky.

Are there any compact coolers that are particularly good for lunch storage?

Yes, we recommend compact coolers from brands like Igloo and Arctic Zone for lunch storage. These coolers are lightweight and designed to keep lunches fresh for several hours, making them ideal for work or school.