Here, we’ll be outlining 11 of our favorite bucket coolers available on the market today – from ice chests that are built tough and durable for all-season use to eco-friendly options. Nothing’s worse than a cooler full of melted ice due to inadequate storage – so make sure you know what’s in store when selecting one! If you’re an avid fisherman or outdoorsman who is looking for the best cooler to help keep your goods cold while out on the water, then we’ve got you covered!
Igloo 25QT Bucket Cooler
Igloo
Igloo's 25-quart cooler is a great size for filling with some drinks and snacks and then heading to the beach. At home, you can also use it as a storage container for anything that needs a cooler environment. With the triple point, stainless steel grab handle that features heavy-duty construction that will last you a lifetime. This fully insulated cooler can hang with the toughest of ice jobs, all while giving you a place to sit.
- Super sturdy cooler
- Stainless steel hinges means no worry about plastic hinges coming off
- Handle has a great grip
- We wish Igloo included a top seal gasket to further trap the cold
- 25 Quart
- 19.59 x 13.25 x 15.7 inches
- UV inhibitors
- Stainless steel hinges
YETI Roadie 24 Insulated Cooler
YETI
It's not called the Roadie 24 for nothing. The ultimate summer insulated cooler, this well-thought-out design has it all. A decade in the making, the Yeti chest maintains coolness to keep your drinks and meals fresh in even the hottest or coldest of conditions. Furthermore, the Roadie 24 Hard Cooler is lighter, 20% more efficient, and 30% more thermally efficient than the Roadie 20. Its super rugged design means you can take it with you anywhere without worrying about dents or scratches. Lastly, the Roadie 24 holds 18 cans of your favorite beverage with ice. What's not to love?
- Insulation can keep ice for days
- Can fit a 13" wine bottle or 2L soda inside
- Hinge is built to interlock giving you a sturdy design
- At the higher end of the price scale
- Rotomolded
- Simple hinge makes opening cooler one handed easy
- 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H
- Hold up to 24 LBs of just ice
Amazon 20 Quart Bucket Cooler
Amazon Commerical
The Amazon commercial cooler is perfect for all your on-site entertaining needs. Featuring UV-Protection and a durable 3" thick layer of insulation that'll keep it ice-cold for more than two days! Plus, it locks into place perfectly with molded tie-down slats to make transportation and tie-downs easier. You can even buy some dry ice if you need even colder temperatures. Make sure you get yours today!
- Non skid feet means no sliding around truck or boat
- Can fit 23 cans with no ice added
- Steel handle is extremely durable and stout
- Lack of replacement parts
- 20 Quart
- Rotomolded plastic
- Ice retention for 2-3 days
- 3 inch thick insulation
- UV Protection
- Hard shell
- Seal around lid
- Non skid feet
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler
Arctic Zone
With the Artic Zone Titan, you can keep ice cold for up to 2 days as well as keep 16 cans inside! High-performance insulation with a radiant heat barrier and triple-layer base combine to create superior cooling that retains the cold extremely well. The cooler features a “flip-open”, patented Zipperless lid that provides quick access to food and drinks as well as an insulated front pocket. The "Rhino-Tech" exterior is tough, water-resistant, and wipes clean easily at the end of the day. Furthermore, the interior includes a durable hardbody liner to keep the inside protected and insulated. Lastly, SmartShelf allows you to keep hard stuff like drinks separate from soft stuff like lunch boxes or party supplies.
- Great price to value
- Easy to clean
- Fantastic quality
- Comfortable should carrying strap
- Small front pocket can't store too much
- 16 can design
- 12.25 x 8 x 12.25 inches
- Carry handle
- Flip open zipperless lid
- Hardbody internal liner
- Smart shelf for diving drinks and food
RTIC Soft Insulated Leak Proof Cooler
RTIC
On the hunt for the perfect cooler for camping or the weekend? Featuring, a no-leak zipper for a no-mess design, as well as being collapsible for easy storage when done. Thirdly, this cooler holds up to 30 cans plus ice which is an enormous amount for a cooler this size. Overbuilt but not overpriced, the Rtic is one of our favorites.
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable to carry
- Large carrying capacity for size
- 2 Inches of closed cell foam do a fantastic job of keeping ice cold all day long
- Rtic needs to reinforce the actual handle on the zipper
- 22 Quarts -30 Can design
- Made of Vinyl
- Easy no mess zippered design
- 15.5 x 11.5 x 12.75 inches
- 2 Inches of closed cell foam
Igloo Profile Series Insulated 16 Quart Cooler
Igloo
Get your drinks cold in the simplest way possible with this Igloo Profile Series cooler. Fitting most popular beverage sizes including large bottles upright, there's no need to worry about whether or not it will fit your favorite water bottle! Igloos' new exclusive "Thermecool foam technology" keeps drinks cool without any leakage as well!
- Small cooler that packs a punch
- Can hold the tall bottles inside
- Made in the USA
- Keeps food warm or drinks cold
- Well made
- Wish there was a divider or raised side
- 16 Quart
- 14.5 x 10.91 x 13.67 inches
- 4.5 LBS
- Vertical design for tall bottles
- Bottom is risen for better cold accumulation
Igloo Playmate Cooler 14 Quart
Igloo
Your search for that old-fashioned Igloo Playmate cooler is over. Not only is this Igloo made in the USA and built to last another decade, but It features an insulated cooler compartment that excels in keeping drinks cool while wrapped uptight. Whether you are partying with your friends or setting yourself up for work tomorrow morning, this beverage container will keep everything nice and fresh whenever you're out on the go. Its leak-proof performance makes it perfect even when you're on the move, while Its affordability, durability, and excellent cooling performance make it a huge value!
- Feels absolutely bomb proof
- Great for tossing in the back of the truck as it will not get hurt
- Molded in handle means its easy to carry and you don't have to worry about replacement parts
- Igloo logo on the side can peel off, but does not affect usability
- 14 Quart
- 14.49 x 10.83 x 13.74 inches
- Hard diamond plated exterior for rigidity
- Easy open lid swings both sides
- Molded handle
RTIC Soft Bag Bucket Cooler
RTIC
The RTIC Day Bucket Cooler makes it easy to take food on the go with you. Made from durable materials, that make this cooler withstands the elements all while keeping your items cool for up to 24 hours! Rtic's cooler bag features a zippered pocket in the front and two mesh pockets on each side for more storage. Furthermore, the soft liner is made of high-quality fabric, which can be expected to last a fairly long time. This highly versatile cooler will accommodate many different needs--making it perfect for any lifestyle!
- More colors to choose from
- Easy to clean
- Side pocket
- Adjustable strap for easy carrying
- The fabric where the zipper meets can wear out over the long term
- Polyester
- 24 Hours of cooling
- Antimicrobial properties built in
- Lunch sized
5 Gallon Sports Cooler with Flat Seat Lid
IGLOO
IGLOO is a great choice for all outdoor enthusiasts. You can take this portable bucket cooler with you on picnics, camping trips, and the beach. Its portable size and flat seat lid make it a great choice to take anywhere you go while giving you plenty to drink and a seat to sit on. This unit can hold up to five gallons of your favorite frosty drink. A simple push-button spigot makes it easy to get just the right amount of refreshing drink every time. Furthermore, this cooler features heavy-duty construction and thick insulation to hold ice for many days.
- Can sit on the lid as it doubles as a seat
- Holds plenty of drink
- Reinforced handles
- Easy to clean
- Wish the lid was screw on to seal it further
- 5 Gallon
- Portable design
- Angled spigot
- UV inhibitors built in
Amazon Commercial 5 Gallon Water Cooler
Amazon Commercial
Weighing only about 14 pounds, the Amazon Commerical Roto-molded cooler is built like a tank. Since this cooler has a commercial-grade 360° D-seal 15mm gasket, it efficiently traps cold air to keep the beverages cold longer than other brands. Furthermore, this insulated bucket cooler will be your ideal partner for camping, recreation, or events as it provides excellent ice retention, as it's made of three-inch insulation and an all-around UV shell. It features a drip-resistant faucet which makes it that much sweeter of a deal. Lastly, It comes with a lock-in-place ergonomic steel handle for easy transportation.
- High quality
- Bulletproof design
- Gasket for more ice retention
- Easy to clean
- On the higher end of the price scale
- 5 Gallon
- Rotomolded
- 14 Lbs
- 15mm Gasket
Stanley Insulated Cooler 16 Quarts
Stanley
Stanley Adventure Leakproof Outdoor Cooler fulfills the checkbox for being one of the best insulated bucket coolers available on the market. This affordable cooler has a double wall foam insulation that keeps the ice and drinks cold for up to 36 hours. It is one of the best bucket coolers because it has a silicone gasket on the lid that ensures superior insulation and keeps the cooler leakproof when the latches are locked. This bucket cooler is very portable and handy with its highly reliable construction, silicone gasket lid, and sturdy boxed design that features a polyethylene outer shell. Hence, it is ideal for camping, fishing, hiking, and all such outdoor picnics. Overall, this insulated bucket cooler will help keep the beverages cold for a couple of days at a very affordable price.
- Doubles as seat
- Keeps drinks cold for a few days
- Great for outdoor sports
- Lightweight
- Doesn't have as much space as other coolers
- Easy portable
- 36 Hour ice retention
- Silicone gasket on lid
- Polyethylene outer shell for strength
FAQs:
It’s an insulated container that is used to keep food or drinks cold. Usually made of plastic or metal and has a lid to keep the contents from spilling out. Some bucket coolers have handles so that they can be easily carried, while others can be wheeled. Most bucket coolers have a drain plug so that melted ice can be easily removed.
It’s a great way to keep your drinks cold while you are out enjoying the summer sun. They are easy to use and can be taken with you wherever you go. Furthermore, these lightweight drink carriers can be used as a modified seats to sit on. Lastly, these coolers hold enough for many people’s worth of drinks.
1. Use ice or frozen gel packs to keep things cold.
2. Wrap items in insulated bags or wraps.
3. Place a layer of ice or frozen gel packs at the bottom of the cooler, then place items on top.
4. Cover the cooler with a towel or blanket to help keep the cold in.
5. If possible, store the cooler in a shady spot out of direct sunlight.
6. Add more ice or frozen gel packs as needed.
7. Pre-chill items before putting them in the cooler if possible.
8. Use dry ice if you need to keep things cold for an extended period of time.