Coolers

Whether you're roughing it in the woods for the weekend, hosting your epic annual barbecue, or bringing lunch for the construction crew, a cooler is essential for storing all your food. Not only does a cooler offer convenient storage space for those hamburgers, hot dogs, and sodas you'll be devouring, it keeps perishable food at a safe temperature to help prevent foodborne illnesses.

What type of cooler should I get?

A traditional hard-sided cooler is versatile enough for everything from camping to tailgate parties. Insulated with high-density foam, it can keep your jalapeno smokies and sirloin burger patties cool with the help of the ice you put inside.

Soft sided coolers are collapsible for easy transport and storage. Ideal for afternoon picnics or day trips to the lake, soft-sided coolers offer compact storage for lunch or snacks for a few people.

If you want the option of keeping food cold or hot, look for a thermoelectric cooler that can switch between temperatures. It plugs into an electrical outlet or your car's cigarette lighter, saving you a few trips to the nearest gas station to top up your ice. Keep those marinated steaks, veggie skewers, and buffalo chicken wings cool before they're grilled, and ensure the leftovers stay safely warm after everyone's filled their plates. Once unplugged, a thermoelectric cooler loses its heating and cooling capacity. Though if well-insulated, it may keep your contents cool or warm for a little while longer.

A high-performance cooler offers the tough construction needed to withstand harsh environments and weather. Whether for a hunting trip, construction site, or commercial fishing boat, a high-performance cooler can keep sandwiches and sodas cool for those long-awaited lunch breaks.

What size cooler do I need?

Think about how you plan to use the cooler before settling on a size. For solo day trips, lunch in the park for two, or drinks for a group, a cooler ranging from 7L to 11L will work well. For weekend camping trips, a cooler between 25 to 45L is ideal for a couple, while a cooler that's 50L or larger works better for a family. For food safety and convenience, consider getting two coolers: one for your food and another for drinks.

What should I consider when buying a cooler?

To avoid carrying a heavy cooler from the parking lot to that idyllic shaded spot next to the lake, consider a cooler with wheels. This way, you won't break a sweat before hitting the grill.

A lockable lid can help stop pesky raccoons or curious children from getting their paws or hands into the cooler.

Believe it or not, a cooler can suffer sun damage too. Look for a cooler with UV inhibitors for protection against the sun's scorching rays.

Ever opened your cooler to find the eggs, along with the soaked carton, swimming in a pool of melted ice? A cooler with a drain plug makes cleanup easier by allowing you to drain its contents. Rinse the inside of the cooler with a hose and the water will drain out.

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