Best 12 Pack Cooler - Buying Guide 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, Charcoal
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our experts have tried to research, evaluate, and select the most appropriate models for you guys! The best 12 pack cooler of 2024 you're thinking about will have 10 models available on the market, as well as 18,135 consumer feedback. You should also consult the list of well-known manufacturers, such as Yeti, Koolatron, Igloo, Coleman, Ao coolers, Wagan, Polar bear coolers, Grizzly coolers, Bison coolers, Knox.lifestyle by focus, Akaso.

Our Top Picks

  • Its DryHide Shell is waterproof and resistant to punctures, and abrasions so it will hold its own when faced with the hazards of the wild
  • The only personal cooler that’s game for full days in the tree stand, early mornings in the duck boat, or afternoons on the water
  • MADE IN NORTH AMERICA- Proudly Canadian, Koolatron has been making industry-leading 12V coolers in North America for over 30 years
  • 24 L / 26 QUART TRAVEL COOLER- Portable 12 V DC powered cooler with a compact footprint holds up to 31 standard 12 oz/355 mL cans and is tall enough to fit upright 2L pop bottles
TOP Choice #3 Igloo 28 qt , Iceless Gray
Our Score:
9.6
Igloo
  • 8' long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use - good universal fit in 12V outlet
  • Cools without ice and leaves you more room for food and drinks
  • 40-quart capacity holds up to 44 cans
  • 8-foot power cord allows you to the power the cooler with a car or boat outlet
  • Soft-sided cooler with high-density insulation, a removable shoulder strap, and side pocket
  • Made of durable soft canvas material that stands up to travel; features a high-quality leak-proof TPU liner
  • Holds Four 2L Bottles Standing Vertically. Insulation- Polyurethane Foam
  • Functions as a Cooler or a Warmer ; Cord length: 7.5 feet
  • INTERIOR LINER - Food-Grade TPU DOUBLE COATED NYLON - Consumer SAFE for perishable storage - Most durable and longest-lasting liner ever built into a soft cooler - If it's not TPU DOUBLE COATED NYLON, it's NOT a Polar Bear
  • ZIPPER - Super Heavy-Duty YKK no.10 weatherized zipper (RUST PROOF) - Our patent-pending zipper design keeps the zipper from ripping out of your cooler (easy to fake it, hard to make it)
  • Soft-sided cooler with removable shoulder strap
  • Assured to hold ice for 24 hours in 120 degree weather; 12-can capacity
  • Versatile Two-Way Design: Secure sliding door lock and removable shelves let you use the KargoKooler as a chest-style cooler or upright as a portable mini-fridge and unique split lid allows access to contents even in a tightly packed vehicle.
  • Made in North America: Proudly Canadian, Koolatron has been manufacturing industry-leading 12V coolers in North America for over 30 years.
  • Safe: The highly flexible and puncture resistant liner is made from 100% waterproof welded seam polyether-based TPU that exhibits excellent resistance to microbiological attack. The liner contains zero vinyl and is BPA-free.
  • Better Insulation: The Drifter 12+ walls are fully insulated while the lid and base feature compression molded closed-cell EVA Foam insulation.

What to Look Through Prior to Buying the best 12 pack cooler?

Visitors may be aware that purchasing something is not actually an easy action. Your everyday life will be affected if you choose the most fantastic product. What variables, though, will make this acquisition successful? Whether you're seeking for best 12 pack cooler to meet your needs, you'll be wasting your own time.

Nevertheless, it would be preferable if you weren't so worried. We've enlisted the help of a team of professionals to investigate best 12 pack cooler, and we've provided accurate data.

As mentioned above, our article's description is accurate, and perhaps the most crucial reason for that is the conduction by highly qualified specialists with many years of market expertise. Furthermore, designers use AI and Big Data to ensure that the information you discover here is accurate and reliable.

There seem to be several important considerations to make. But only a few of them are really concentrated. Here are some crucial reviews while purchasing best 12 pack cooler:

Cooler Construction

There are two main types of construction techniques used to make premium hard-sided coolers: injection molding and rotational molding. Yeti popularized rotomolding (even though they weren't technically the first company to do so) and is the dominant market at the top end. This type of cooler is made from a single, continuous piece of plastic which is then rotated to form the desired shape. These coolers have fewer stress points, so they are more likely to break under pressure. They also feature a thicker outer shell that ensures exceptional durability. Cost and weight are the main drawbacks.

Cooler Drain Systems

Many of our hard-sided coolers have drainage systems that allow you to drain the water out once the ice is melted. This is usually a pop-off or screw-on cap located at the bottom of cooler. Simply remove it and let the water flow out.

Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities

Ice retention is one of the most difficult things to determine when researching coolers. This is largely due to external factors. The temperature of the air and direct sunlight have a significant impact. Ice quantity is also important. Most brands suggest a ratio of 2:1. You should also open the lid as often as possible to let warm and cold air into your cooler. Pre-chilling your cooler before loading it is a good idea to ensure maximum efficiency. To reduce the cooler's interior temperature, you should fill it with ice at least for a couple of hours. Once you are ready to go, add fresh ice in the right ratio. You can also expect your cooler to become pre-warmed if it is left out in the sunlight before you load it up.

Weight And Portability

Weighing your cooler is an important factor for those who will be carrying it or moving it around regularly. For models with less capacity, they can weigh as little as 10-15 pounds and up to 50+ for those that have 75+ quarts storage. This number goes up dramatically when you load it down with food and drinks. Even though the handles are made of rope, some are plastic and others are nylon. They are too heavy to be carried for extended distances. We recommend wheels if portability is important. They are easier to carry for longer periods of time and more convenient for one person, so they're less burdensome.

Cooler Sizes (Capacities)

A few things to consider before we get started: Size. Importantly, coolers do not measure the interior capacity of all models. Some coolers use cans to measure interior capacity, others use liters or quarts. However, most manufacturers use quarts as a unit of measure. We've used that measurement in this article when it was possible. A final point: Don't let the product name fool you.

Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers

We mentioned above that if you have cooler needs such as mobility and large capacity or maximum ice retention it is a good idea to look into a hard-sided rolling model. These wheeled monsters can still be difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, and will need assistance if there is no clear path. A rolling cooler is a good choice for camping, tailgating or days at the beach.

Cooler Latch And Closure Systems

The cooler's closure or latch is a key feature of premium models and will play a major role in cooling performance. Two rubber T-handles are a common feature on high-end, hard-sided coolers. They keep the lid in place and prevent it from opening. They are extremely sturdy and user-friendly.

Bear-Resistant Ratings

Many top-rated hard-sided coolers can be listed as being bear-resistant. This is an important consideration if you are camping in bear territory. You should specifically look out for IGBC ratings. This indicates that a cooler has been tested and is in compliance with their regulations. You should ensure your cooler is included if you plan to travel in bear-proof gear or frequent backcountry areas.

FAQs

How Do I Clean My Cooler?

Warm water and dish soap will generally clean your cooler. You can also use warm water and bleach to remove stubborn stains or odors.

Does Food Stay Cool In A Portable Cooler Without Ice?

But it will take longer than if you put ice inside the cooler. Insulation in the cooler stops food from heating up faster than if left out. The temperature of the cooler and how chilled the food were at the beginning will determine the time it takes to cool down. Even frozen foods will heat up faster if they are kept cool in a trunk compartment of a vehicle.

How Much Do Coolers Cost?

Consider what your cooler will be used for. If you need it to store food or drinks for several days or at extreme temperatures then more money is an investment in food safety. A cooler that is cheap and cheerful may suffice if you just need to chill a handful of drinks for an afternoon barbecue.

What Is The Best Hard Cooler?

There are many coolers. It really doesn't matter which cooler you choose. A cooler that is more resistant to damage will be the most suitable if you intend on using it every week.

How Does A Portable Cooler Work?

Combining the insulation of the cooler with the ice you put inside, either ice cubes, ice packs, or foam, slows down warm air circulation and helps keep things cool.

How Long Does A Cooler Stay Cold?

It all depends on how efficient the cooler is at insulation. This includes the temperature outside, initial temperature of food and its stacking. Food can be kept cold for up to 4 days with ice (the best), in ideal conditions. A high-end cooler may even keep it chilled for as long as 10 days.

Can I Use Dry Ice In A Cooler?

Most times, the answer is yes. Some coolers can be damaged by dry ice, but the majority should work fine. However, you will need to cover dry ice with blankets or other insulators. A cooler designed for dry ice is best if you plan to use it every day. You won't have to do any special tasks because the cooler has compartments to store dry ice.

Which Size Cooler Do I Need?

Although you might feel compelled to buy a large cooler, make sure it fits in the car. Smaller coolers can be lifted without the need for assistance. However, coolers with larger capacities can hold more ice and so tend to stay cool longer than smaller models.
Higher coolers can store bottles more upright. Models with recessed lids are better for loading items higher, but they may become warmer.

The figures we've presented here aren't all of them. Alternatively, we continuously update it as new information becomes available. It's advisable to keep in mind the points we discussed related to buying guide.

We always appreciate your feedback and handle it with the utmost importance. As a result, the most up-to-date data will come to your mind as soon as possible. You are supposed to contact us and give us your reviews as well as problems so that we will try to support you. Hope you have a pleasant shopping experience!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio