Small cooler – Top 10 best small coolers reviews, Buying Guide & FAQ

Many consumers like to carry a small cooler with them wherever they go. It allows them to carry a few cold beverages. However, you can only buy a cooler if it is efficient enough. The problem is that it is difficult to gauge the efficiency of the cooler for an average consumer. That is why; I will help you out today.

I will share with you the top 10 Best small coolers that are not only efficient but also provide you with adequate capacity as well. That is why, if you’re looking for a small cooler, you need to just go through my list below and the buying guide to choose the right small cooler.

1. Cubix Coolest Cooler

 

The capacity of this cooler is 10 quarts. The rotomolded construction means that it is durable, and the level of insulation which it offers is on the higher side as well. You get to choose between 2 different color options. There are two other size variants available as well.

The best thing about this mini cooler is that it can keep the beverages cool for up to 3 days. It is possible because of the thick-walled design and the 3-inch insulation on offer.

Also, the ferromagnetic latches make it very easy for you to lock it. There is a sturdy handle on top as well, which allows you to carry it around easily. It comes along with a ruler on top, 2 cup holders, and a bottle opener.

Also, the fast drain design allows you to empty the interiors quite easily. The anti-slip rubber feet help you in keeping it in place. Every feature that you might look for in a mini cooler or a small cooler is present in this one. That is why; it is on top of my list.

Pros

  • Roto molded construction
  • Capacity is 10 quarts
  • Available in 2 color and three size options
  • Can keep beverages cool for three days
  • 3-inch insulation
  • Easy to carry around
  • Proper drain mechanism on offer
  • Anti-slip feet

Cons

  • Bit bulky

2. Coleman 30-Can Soft Cooler

 

The capacity of this small cooler is 30 cans. Also, the soft-sided design makes it easy to use.

It is available in 2 color options. The dimensions are 10.2” x 9.65” x 13.78”. The advantage of this cooler is a hard plastic liner on the inner side. It is removable. That is why; you can pack it up according to your requirements.

You can use it to keep beverages cool using eyes or ice substitutes. The choice is yours. With the help of adjustable shoulder straps, it is easy to carry around as well.

It consists of a front zippered pocket and top mesh pockets. If you’re looking for mini coolers that have adequate storage space, this one provides you with that as well.

The easy to clean design along with the EVA liner, ensure that it is efficient than many other options on this list.

The heat-welded seams ensure that it is leak proof. If you’re looking for a mini cooler with ample storage space and pockets on offer, you should consider this option.

Pros

  • Available in 2 different color choices
  • 30 cans capacity
  • Soft-sided design
  • Adjustable shoulder strap
  • Extra pockets on offer
  • The removable liner on offer
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Zipper quality could be better

3. Klein Tools 55600 Lunch Box / Cooler

 

The option that I am highlighting now has a capacity of 17 quarts. You can use it as a mini cooler or a lunchbox. The choice is yours. The capacity is 18 cans. Also, it can keep the beverages cool for up to 30 hours.

The construction is so tough that it can handle 300 lbs of weight. That is why; it doubles up as a seat as well.

When you look at the interior storage compartment lid, it can open 180°. That is why; accessing the contents inside is not a problem.

The stainless steel hinges ensure that the hardware does not suffer from extensive wear and tear. The dimensions are such that it can accommodate multiple 1 L bottles. The cooler comes along with the shoulder strap. The shoulder strap can hold the lid in place as well. Also, it is comfortable, and therefore carrying it around is not a problem.

The design is such that you cannot only use it for caring beverages and food but also medicines. The efficient locking mechanism ensures that the contents inside are entirely secure as well. With so many features on offer, you should not ignore this mini cooler.

Pros

  • Capacity is 17 quarts
  • Highly versatile
  • Can store 18 cans
  • Can keep beverages cool for 30 hours
  • Doubles up as a seat
  • Heavy-duty hardware
  • Highly portable

Cons

  • Strap design can be better

4. ENGEL Cooler

 

The capacity of this cooler is 13 quarts. You get to choose between 6 size options as well. You can use it for storing the beverages, or you can use it as a dry box as well. The choice is yours. When you’re using it as a dry box, it will keep the moisture and dust outside. That is why; you can store your electronic gadgets, including cameras and smartphones in it easily.

It consists of a tight EVA gasket around the lid. That is why; it is waterproof and can retain ice if you’re using it for ice storage.

With the help of Central handle, which is easy to hold, carrying it around is indeed quite easy. It comes with an integrated shoulder strap to help you with the same. Also, another feature is that it consists of a removable tray. The tray is handy when you want to store goods.

The stainless steel screws make it highly durable. Also, the rear hinges have a self-stop design. The front latches are made from stainless steel. Whether you look at the hinging mechanism or whether you look at the locking mechanism, both of them are durable.

The non-absorbent surface is easy to clean. It is water-resistant and stain-resistant as well. Thus, if you’re looking for convenience, this small cooler will not disappoint you.

Pros

  • Available in 6 color options
  • Highly versatile
  • Excellent portability
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Easy to clean
  • Capacity is 13 quarts

Cons

  • Not suitable for tall bottles

5. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler

 

The cooler which I am highlighting now is available in 4 different color options. It has a storage capacity of 48 cans. There are smaller variants available as well.

The insulation is such that it can create a heat barrier easily. It reflects the heat rather than absorbing it.

The flip-open lid ensures that accessing the cans inside is easy. The zipperless lid ensures that it is easy to access.

When you look at the hardbody liner, you will find that it is FDA compliant. It comes with a removable smart shelf as well. That is why you can store the kind of cans which you want.

The leakproof design means that it is highly reliable. Not only that, the interior lining is such that you can clean it easily.

Want to store cans in a more accessible way?

If so, it has an insulated front pocket as well. That way, you will be able to store the contents in such a manner that you can access them in a jiffy.

The stain-resistant exterior ensures that maintenance is easy.

Wondering how to carry it around?

It consists of an adjustable shoulder strap. You can easily carry it on your shoulder wherever you go.

The weight of 5.37 lbs means that it is highly portable.

With all these features, you cannot go wrong with it.

Pros

  • Excellent insulation
  • Flip open lid
  • Leakproof design
  • Stain-resistant design
  • Easy to carry
  • 48 can capacity

Cons

  • Finishing can be better

6. Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler

 

The cooler that I’m speaking about now has a capacity of 25 quarts. It is available in 2 color options.

Also, the blow-molded construction and the solid walls ensure that durability is on the higher side. It consists of a reinforced base as well, which increases the strength of the cooler even more. Also, with the help of lightweight construction, it is highly portable.

It can retain ice for up to 5 days. The UV inhibitors ensure that the contents inside are protected from UV rays. As a result, the cooler does not undergo wear and tear as well.

The rust-resistant hinges ensure that wear and tear will not be a problem. The hinges are made from stainless steel.

With the help of T-grip latches, securing the contents inside is possible. The 20% thicker foam insulation makes the cooling retention possible. It consists of cool riser technology as well, which further increases the insulating power of this cooler.

Also, the built-in tie-down loops ensure that securing it during transport is not going to be a problem. You can hand wash it to clean it. It comes with an integrated roller as well. Thus, with necessary features and excellent durability, this one fits your requirements perfectly.

Pros

  • Blow-molded construction
  • Reinforced base
  • Can retain ice for five days
  • The capacity of 25 quarts
  • 20% thicker insulation
  • Built-in tie-down loops on offer

Cons

  • Lid seal can be better

7. Coleman Wheeled Cooler

 

The capacity of this wheeled cooler is 28 quarts. It can hold 40 cans. The design is such that it can hold 2 L bottles as well. Also, you get to choose between 4 color choices.

When you look at the construction, it uses heavy-duty plastic. The hinged lid ensures that accessing the contents inside is going to be easier than ever.

The retractable and telescopic handle aids portability. The wheels are a heavy-duty in design as well, which can work on any terrain.

The dimensions of the cooler are 19.25” x 16.6” x 12.8”. Due to the wheels, taking it with you everywhere you go is certainly an easy task. Also, the slender design ensures that it is aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for a small wheeled cooler, this one is a great choice.

Pros

  • The capacity of 28 quarts
  • Can hold 40 cans
  • Heavy-duty plastic construction
  • Retractable and telescopic handle
  • Sturdy wheels on offer
  • Slender design

Cons

  • Wheels slowdown in sand

8. Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler

 

The capacity of this cooler is 20 quarts. Also, you get to choose between 10 color options as well. The cooler can hold 15 cans.

The 2-inch polyurethane insulation certainly makes it efficient. Also, it consists of a 360° freezer casket. As a result, ice retention is on the higher side.

You get molded carry handles as well, which make it portable. Also, the reinforced lockable hasps ensure that you can secure content more easily. It comes along with a stainless steel bottle opener. The molded and tie-down slots help you in securing it during transport.

The cooler also offers self-draining cup holders and non-skid rubber feet. Due to this reason, using it is quite easy. The numerous color options and excellent portability certainly make it a choice worth buying.

Pros

  • Available in 10 different color options
  • Can hold up to 15 cans
  • Capacity is 20 quarts
  • 2-inch polyurethane insulation
  • Highly portable
  • Easy to secure contents

Cons

  • Limited instructions

9. Collapsible Insulated Cooler Bag

 

The cooler that I am describing now has a capacity of 6 L. It can store up to 16 cans. It can work not only as a cooler but as a lunch bag as well.

It comes along with a bottle opener, which is a definite advantage. You get to choose between 3 color options as well. The fully insulated bag can keep the beverages cool for a long time. It is one of the only coolers in this list that are collapsible. That is why it is easy to store in your car or at any other place as well.

The Velcro strap design, along with the removable padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry it around.

The leak-proof lining certainly makes it better than many other options. Also, there is a front pocket, as well. That is why, when looking for extra storage space, you can get that as well.

The 600D fabric increases its lifespan significantly. Also, the heavy-duty stitching means that wear and tear will not be a problem. You can carry it using the two hand straps, or you can opt for a padded shoulder strap as well. The shoulder strap is removable. You can join hand straps with the help of Velcro. With almost every feature available, which you might look for in a short cooler, it is certainly an option worth buying.

Pros

  • Two carrying mechanisms
  • Capacity is 6 L
  • Can store 16 cans
  • Front storage pocket on offer
  • Collapsible design
  • Heavy-duty construction and stitching

Cons

  • Shoulder strap quality can be better

10. Plano Frost Cooler

 

The USP of this small cooler is that it can retain the ice for up to 5 days. That is why you can keep the beverages and contents cool for a longer time.

The hard case design means that you can take it with you for camping and any other outdoor activity.

The 21 quarts capacity does not disappoint either. There are other size variants available as well.

The shock-resistant and drop-resistant design mean that you can take it with you wherever you go.

The ergonomic handle ensures that carrying it around is not going to be a problem either.

The 1-inch commercial-grade insulation ensures that it is second to none.

With the help of the Dri-loc seal, leakage will not occur. Not only that, it is watertight due to the same.

The tiedown slots in the handle ensure that if you want to keep it in one place, you can do so easily.

It consists of a stainless steel bottle opener as well, which means that it is pretty versatile.

Thus, with the combination of these features, you cannot go wrong with this small cooler.

Pros

  • 21 quarts capacity
  • Can retain ice for five days
  • 1-inch commercial insulation
  • Airtight seal
  • Incorporates a stainless steel opener

Cons

  • Handle design can be better

While searching for small personal coolers, these ten options will not disappoint you. I have researched hundreds of options to compile this list of top 10 options. I will now share with you the buying guide.

Small cooler buying guide

The buying guide aims to help you know what you should consider while buying one.

Things to consider before buying Small cooler:

The parameters to take into account are:

• Capacity:

You have to first and foremost, always look at the capacity of the small cooler. The capacity will determine whether it is suitable for you or not.

• Type:

It can be a soft walled cooler, or it can be a hard-walled cooler. One is not necessarily better than the other. The one which you choose would be entirely dependent on your preferences. That is why you have to look at the material in use and then take a call.

• Portability:

Seldom will you be using the small cooler indoors. Most likely, you would be using it on picnics, outings, and so on. That is why it is essential to look at the portability factor. If it consists of sturdy handles and is easy to carry around, that is more than enough. However, if you prefer wheels, you have to choose one which comes along with telescopic handle and wheels. Both of these types of options are available in my list above. Portability is essential when you’re buying a small cooler.

• Securing mechanism:

It is essential to look at the securing mechanism as well. The lid should be lockable. It will allow you to keep the contents entirely safe inside.

These four parameters will make it very easy for you to buy the small cooler. Let us now look at the FAQs.

FAQ

Why should you go with a small cooler?

A small cooler is very convenient to use and carry. Moreover, many such coolers have adequate capacity. Considering these factors, you should choose a small cooler.

Thus, the usability of small coolers is indisputable. Once you go through the top 10 list above, choosing the best one will be easier than ever. You need to follow the buying guide and pick the right one.

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