Cooler Showdown: Which Models Keep Drinks Cold the Longest?

MJP –

When summer heats up, the last thing on your mind is likely how to keep cool. Not only you but also your drinks. A cool glass of water tastes so much better than lukewarm or hot water on a hot day.

Bringing a cooler on outdoor adventures is essential, as beverages lose their coldness rapidly in the scorching summer heat. Beverages will remain cold for an extended period with a high-quality cooler.

On the other hand, even if you have the most advanced cooler available, it may not be producing the desired outcomes. If you want to buy a quality cooler and make sure it works as well as possible, this article will point you in the right direction.

Products featured in this article include the Yeti Tundra 75, RTIC Hard, and Coleman Steel-Belted Coolers.

Why is a cooler necessary?

A refrigerator and a cooler are not the same thing. No, it is not its intended function. To keep things at a constant temperature, or close to it, a cooler is made to restrict heat transfer.

Can you explain how a cooler functions?

No matter the temperature, heat always radiates down from higher to lower. We keep doing this until the temperatures equalize. When two glasses of water, one cold and one hot, are set on a table, the cold water will gradually warm up while the hot water cools down, until both glasses reach room temperature.

A cooler is a little insulating castle that keeps heat outside and cold air within. Insulation plays a crucial role in determining how long food and drinks kept in a cooler will maintain their temperature.

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The principal reason one cooler performs better than another is insulation, while other essential aspects include the cooler’s seal quality.

In terms of insulation, which is superior?

Because it lacks molecules, a vacuum is an excellent insulator that prevents the flow of heat. This is why stainless steel thermoses with a vacuum seal are considered to be of high quality.

We utilize alternative insulation materials since a steel cooler full of drinks would be too heavy to transport.

In terms of effectiveness and popularity, expanded polystyrene foam is unrivaled. It is difficult, but not impossible, for heat to travel through this lightweight material because of its tiny enclosed air spaces. Insulation like this is currently the gold standard for bigger coolers.

What else makes a good cooler?

There is no guarantee that a cooler made with expanded polystyrene foam is the best option. A couple of other factors should be thought about.

A cover with insulation
Insulate the cooler from top to bottom; otherwise, it won’t perform as effectively as one with a lid. The insulated cover adds weight and cost to the model.

Insulation material thickness
Your cooler’s performance will be enhanced by its thickness of insulation. Ideally, you want two or three inches of insulation. The more expensive models can be the only ones that have that feature.

Durability
We have certified bear-proof coolers. For a trip to the beach, this isn’t necessary, but it’s perfect for camping in the woods. Nonetheless, it’s important to choose a cooler that can withstand some rough use and still function properly.

Seal
If your cooler’s lid isn’t airtight, it won’t matter how much insulation it has; air will still heat it up. An airtight seal is achieved by using a gasket and clamps to lower the lid on high-quality models. This ensures that the insulation is utilized to its fullest potential.

Advice on how to maximize your cooler’s efficiency

• Not everyone is receiving optimal performance, regardless of how good their cooler is. Applying these simple guidelines will maximize the usefulness of any cooler. Chill everything before packing. Don’t expect a cooler to make things cold. That isn’t its purpose. Any warm items you add will heat the inside of the cooler.
• Freeze your water bottles. The colder the items are when they go in, the better.
• Pack it full. Whatever space isn’t being taken up by food, beverages or ice will be filled with warm air. Always pack your cooler as full as possible.
• Ice goes in last. We all know hot air rises. That means cool air sinks. If you put the ice on the bottom, there’s no way it can rise to the top. Always put the coldest items on top.
• Keep the cooler cool. If possible, don’t place the cooler in direct sunlight. The lower you can keep the external temperature of your cooler, the longer it will be effective.
• Limit opening the cooler. Every time you open the cooler, warm air will rush in from the outside and be trapped inside when you shut the lid. The less opening you do, the longer the cold will last.

This top-of-the-line Yeti cooler has 3 inches of insulation, is certified bear-resistant and holds up to 26 cans. It features a gasket in the lid and rubber latches to make a tight seal.

This extra-large RTIC cooler holds up to 65 cans. It has T-latches and a gasket for a tight seal, 3 inches of insulation, and marine-grade rope handles for transport.

The smaller Yeti Hopper Flip 12 cooler holds up to 12 cans. It is built for rugged treks and has a leakproof zipper closure. This soft cooler is lightweight, making it easy to carry along on any adventure.

Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler

Under optimal conditions, this 85-can Coleman cooler can retain ice for up to four days. It has built-in handles for transport and is reinforced with steel belting, so it’s strong enough to serve as a seat that can support up to 250 pounds.

This heavy-duty Igloo cooler can hold up to 83 cans. It features ultraviolet light inhibitors to protect the materials against sun damage. The thick foam insulation can retain ice for up to five days under optimal conditions.

Igloo Wheelie Cool Cooler

This is the best cooler to buy if you’re on a budget. It holds up to 53 cans, is easy to clean, has built-in wheels, and features a reinforced tow handle.