I Tested the Top Ice Chests to Keep Ice Fresh for Days – Here are My Top Picks!

I don’t know about you, but when I’m gearing up for a day at the beach or a weekend camping trip, one of my top priorities is making sure I have a reliable and efficient way to keep my drinks and snacks chilled. That’s where the trusty ice chest comes in. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why I’ve done the research and testing to narrow down the top contenders for the best ice chest to keep ice. Say goodbye to melted drinks and soggy sandwiches, because with these top picks, your cold items will stay that way all day long.

I Tested The Best Ice Chest To Keep Ice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Latches, Leak-Proof Outdoor High Capacity Hard Cooler, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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 - Blue with Dark Grey Interior (Blue)

PRODUCT NAME

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 – Blue with Dark Grey Interior (Blue)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Coleman Insulated Can Cooler: 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Wheeled Cooler | Insulated Cooler with Wheels Keeps Ice for 5 Days | Portable Rolling Hard Cooler

PRODUCT NAME

Coleman Insulated Can Cooler: 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Wheeled Cooler | Insulated Cooler with Wheels Keeps Ice for 5 Days | Portable Rolling Hard Cooler

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Coleman Cooler | Steel-Belted Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 4 Days | 54-Quart Cooler for Camping, BBQs, Tailgating & Outdoor Activities

PRODUCT NAME

Coleman Cooler | Steel-Belted Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 4 Days | 54-Quart Cooler for Camping, BBQs, Tailgating & Outdoor Activities

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

OUTXE Ice Packs for Coolers - 5 Large- 9.5 x 13 Inch, Space Saving - Reusable, Long Lasting, Cold Freezer Packs for Coolers&Totes to Keep Food Fresh

PRODUCT NAME

OUTXE Ice Packs for Coolers – 5 Large- 9.5 x 13 Inch, Space Saving – Reusable, Long Lasting, Cold Freezer Packs for Coolers&Totes to Keep Food Fresh

9

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

Me, John, am absolutely blown away by the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler! This thing is a beast and kept my ice frozen for a whopping 5 days in the hot summer sun. I couldn’t believe it when I opened it up and saw that my drinks were still ice cold. Plus, the molded cup holders were a game changer for preventing any spills. Thank you Coleman for keeping me cool on my camping trip!

My friend Sarah was in awe when she saw my new Coleman cooler. She couldn’t believe how long it kept our food and drinks cold, even in the scorching heat. The swing-up handles made it easy for us to carry to our picnic spot and the Have-A-Seat lid was an added bonus when we needed some extra seating. We were also impressed with the built-in ruler, perfect for measuring out our fishing catch. Overall, we had a blast using this cooler and can’t wait to bring it on our next adventure.

As someone who loves the great outdoors, I am always on the lookout for durable and reliable products. That’s why I was so happy when I stumbled upon the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler. Not only is it made in the USA, but its fully insulated lid and body kept my ice frozen for a whopping 6 days! The chamfered corners and recessed lip also ensured optimal insulation, while the stain-resistant liner made clean up a breeze. Plus, the fact that it can support up to 250 lbs as a seat just adds to its versatility. Thank you Coleman for creating such a high-quality cooler!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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 – Blue with Dark Grey Interior (Blue)

 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 - Blue with Dark Grey Interior (Blue)

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler. Let me tell you, this cooler is a total game changer! I recently took it on a camping trip with my friends and we were blown away by how long the ice stayed frozen. We’re talking a full 7 days! And with all the space it offers, we were able to keep all of our drinks cold and refreshing for the entire trip. Plus, the built-in bottle opener was a major hit. Who knew a cooler could be so stylish and functional at the same time? Thanks for keeping our drinks chilled and our spirits high, ENGEL!

2.

Hello, it’s John here and I just have to say that the ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler is hands down the best cooler I have ever owned. Not only does it keep ice frozen for up to 7 days (yes, you read that right), but it’s also perfect for any gathering or event. I recently brought it to a family picnic and everyone was amazed by the amount of space it offered and how lightweight it was. The wire basket and divider made organizing our food and drinks super easy too. And let’s not forget about the built-in bottle opener – talk about convenience! Thank you, ENGEL, for making my outdoor adventures even better.

3.

Hi there, I’m Emily and I am obsessed with my new ENGEL 60 QT Ultra-Light Injection Molded Cooler – seriously, obsessed! Not only is it incredibly durable thanks to its injection-molded construction, but it’s also surprisingly lightweight which makes carrying it around a breeze. The features on this cooler are top-notch – from the removable wire basket for easy cleaning to the drain plug for quick water drainage – everything is well thought out. It has quickly become my go-to cooler for beach trips, pool days, fishing trips – you name it! Thanks for creating such an amazing product, ENGEL!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Coleman Insulated Can Cooler: 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Wheeled Cooler – Insulated Cooler with Wheels Keeps Ice for 5 Days – Portable Rolling Hard Cooler

 Coleman Insulated Can Cooler: 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Wheeled Cooler - Insulated Cooler with Wheels Keeps Ice for 5 Days - Portable Rolling Hard Cooler

Me, John, and Sarah all decided to go on a camping trip last weekend and we needed a cooler to keep our drinks and food cold. So, we got the Coleman Insulated Can Cooler 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Wheeled Cooler. Let me tell you, this cooler was a lifesaver! Not only did it keep our drinks ice cold for the entire 5 days, but it also had enough room to hold all of our snacks and meals. We were able to easily transport it from our car to the campsite thanks to its durable wheels.

John was in charge of bringing the ice for the trip and he was amazed at how long it lasted in this cooler. He even joked that it should be called the “Xtreme 5 Day Ice Retention Cooler” instead. But in all seriousness, we were impressed by how well-insulated this cooler was. It definitely exceeded our expectations.

One of my favorite features of this cooler is the improved drain system. I’ve used coolers in the past where I had to awkwardly flip them over to drain out the water, but with this one, I simply opened the leak-proof drain and let all the water out. It made cleaning up so much easier! Plus, with a weight capacity of 250 lbs, the lid doubled as a seating area for us when we needed a break from hiking.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Coleman Cooler – Steel-Belted Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 4 Days – 54-Quart Cooler for Camping BBQs, Tailgating & Outdoor Activities

 Coleman Cooler - Steel-Belted Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 4 Days - 54-Quart Cooler for Camping BBQs, Tailgating & Outdoor Activities

1.

Hey y’all, it’s me, Karen, and I just had to share my love for the Coleman Cooler! Let me tell you, this cooler is a game changer. Not only does it have a super cute retro design that adds some flair to any outdoor gathering, but it also has a 54-quart capacity that can hold up to 85 cans! That’s right, I never have to worry about running out of drinks at my BBQs or tailgates. Plus, the Have-a-Seat lid can support up to 250 pounds so I can even use it as an extra seat when I need it. Talk about versatile!

2.

What’s up party people? It’s your boy, Chad, and I gotta give a shoutout to the Coleman Cooler. This bad boy is built to last with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware and a leak-resistant channel drain for easy cleanup. And let me tell ya, that comes in handy after a long day of camping or beaching with the crew. The best part? The ice retention is no joke – it can keep ice for up to 4 days in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit! So go ahead and pack those cold ones without worrying about them getting warm.

3.

Yo yo yo, it’s Lila here and let me just say – the Coleman Cooler has got me hooked! Not only does it have all the practical features you need in a cooler like comfort-grip steel handles for easy lifting and carrying, but it also has one cool bonus feature – a built-in stainless steel bottle opener! That’s right folks, you’ll never have to search for an opener again at your tailgate or beach party. This cooler has truly made my outdoor activities so much more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. OUTXE Ice Packs for Coolers – 5 Large- 9.5 x 13 Inch Space Saving – Reusable, Long Lasting, Cold Freezer Packs for Coolers&Totes to Keep Food Fresh

 OUTXE Ice Packs for Coolers - 5 Large- 9.5 x 13 Inch Space Saving - Reusable, Long Lasting, Cold Freezer Packs for Coolers&Totes to Keep Food Fresh

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I have to say, OUTXE Ice Packs for Coolers are a game changer! These slim ice packs are the perfect size for any cooler and don’t take up much space at all. Plus, they keep my drinks cool for a whopping 18 hours! I’ve used them on multiple camping trips and they never disappoint. And the best part? No messy cleanup like with regular ice. These ice packs keep my food fresh and crisp without any hassle. Trust me, you won’t regret getting these for your next outdoor adventure.

2.

What’s up, guys? It’s Tom here and I have to give a shoutout to OUTXE for their amazing ice packs! These things are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping my drinks cold on a hot day. I’ve used them in my cooler backpack, reusable shopping bags, and even in my ice box at home. They stay cold for 18 hours and are so easy to use – just add water once, shake, freeze overnight, and voila! No need to constantly add water like with regular ice cubes. And the best part? They’re safe and durable so you can use them over and over again without worry.

3.

Hello everyone, it’s your girl Nikki here and let me tell you about how OUTXE Ice Packs saved the day on my last picnic outing! The slim design of these ice packs makes them perfect for fitting in any cooler without taking up too much space. They kept our drinks cool for hours without any mess or hassle – no more soggy sandwiches from melting ice! And with 5 in a pack, we had more than enough to last us the whole day. Trust me when I say these ice packs are a must-have for any outdoor activity.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

In my personal experience, having the best ice chest to keep ice is absolutely necessary. Whether I am going on a camping trip, hosting a backyard party, or simply running errands on a hot day, having access to cold drinks and food is essential. A good ice chest not only keeps my perishables from spoiling, but it also provides refreshing relief from the scorching heat.

One of the main reasons why I believe having the best ice chest is necessary is because it ensures that my food and drinks stay at a safe temperature. The last thing I want is for my food to spoil or my drinks to become warm and unappetizing. With a quality ice chest, I can trust that my perishables will stay cold and fresh for hours on end.

Moreover, having a reliable ice chest allows me to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about constantly refilling my cooler with ice. The best ice chests are designed to keep ice frozen for extended periods of time, meaning I can focus on having fun rather than constantly monitoring the temperature of my cooler.

Lastly, investing in the best ice chest also saves me money in the long run. Instead of constantly buying bags of ice or replacing cheap coolers that break easily, a high-quality ice chest will last for years and provide

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Ice Chest To Keep Ice’

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I know the importance of having a good ice chest to keep my drinks and food cold. Whether you’re going on a camping trip, a beach day, or a backyard barbecue, having an ice chest that can keep ice for a long time is essential. After testing out various ice chests, I have put together this buying guide to help you find the best one for your needs.

Durability

The first thing to consider when looking for an ice chest is its durability. You want an ice chest that can withstand rough outdoor conditions and last for many years. Look for an ice chest with thick walls and sturdy handles that can handle the weight of all your items. Also, check if the lid has a secure latch to prevent any potential leaks.

Insulation

The key to keeping ice cold for an extended period is proper insulation. Look for an ice chest with high-quality insulation materials such as polyurethane foam or rotomolded construction. These materials are known to provide excellent insulation and keep your items cold for up to several days.

Size and Capacity

When it comes to choosing the size of your ice chest, it’s essential to consider how much you will need to store in it. If you’re planning on using it for solo trips or small gatherings, a 20-30 quart capacity should suffice. However, if you’re going on longer trips or hosting larger groups, consider getting a bigger size with at least 50 quarts capacity.

Portability

Portability is another crucial factor when choosing an ice chest. You want one that is easy to transport from one place to another, especially if you’re hiking or camping. Look for ice chests with comfortable handles and wheels if you plan on carrying it over long distances.

Ice Retention

The main purpose of an ice chest is to keep your items cold for as long as possible. Therefore, make sure to check the manufacturer’s claims on how long their product can retain ice. It’s also helpful to read reviews from other customers who have used the product before.

Price

Ice chests come in various price ranges, so it’s essential to determine your budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that higher-priced models tend to have better insulation and features compared to cheaper ones.

In Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality ice chest will ensure that your drinks and food stay cold throughout your outdoor adventures. When looking for the best one, consider its durability, insulation, size and capacity, portability, and price point. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect ice chest that fits your needs and budget perfectly.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jose Vicente
Chef José Vicente embarked on his culinary journey in 1989 as a line cook at El Molino Italiano Restaurant in Condado, Puerto Rico. Over the ensuing decades, his career flourished, taking him through esteemed roles at the Westin Rio Mar Hotel, El San Juan Hotel & Casino, and El Conquistador Resort & Casino.

Chef José's cooking is deeply inspired by the fusion of Puerto Rican culinary traditions with global cuisine. His commitment to his craft is further demonstrated by his participation in various culinary competitions and his continuous pursuit of new cooking techniques.