The Best Small Coolers of 2024 That Pack a Punch
The Best Small Coolers of 2024 That Pack a Punch
Skip the struggle with bulky ice chests: These small wonders are here to keep your drinks chilled and your back happy
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Our Top Picks
Whether it's a picnic, tailgate, or simply a long car ride, a cooler is an excellent idea —keeping your snacks, drinks, and perishables fresh and chilled. But sometimes, the family-sized chest is too bulky, and a lunch box won’t cut it. That’s where small coolers shine, offering just the right size and durability for any adventure. From soft-sided totes to rugged, bear-resistant trunks, these coolers range from 11 to 24 quarts, perfect for packing a dozen cans and ice. We've put these coolers to test, diving deep into their features, designs, and insulation to find the best ones for you.
1 . Igloo BMX Small Cooler
The definition of a “cool companion,” the Igloo BMX Hard Coolers ticks all the boxes we crave in a small ice chest, and does it quite well. We love the sturdy, 100-percent leakproof design and its lightweight portability. The heavy-duty locks keep everything tucked in nicely, while the closed-cell rubber foam insulation technology keeps your items exceptionally cold. With a rugged construction and a capacity of 25 QT, these coolers are perfect for outdoor adventures or tailgating events. The oil green color adds a touch of style to the tough design, making it a great addition to any outdoor gear collection. Reinforced corners, rubberized T-latches, and tie-down points ensure that your goods stay secure during transport. The heavy-duty blow-molded construction makes them virtually indestructible. The lid features a fish ruler and cup holders, making it a versatile choice for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Plus, the UV-resistant design keeps your drinks and food cool even in the hottest weather. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or a day at the beach, the Igloo BMX Hard Coolers will keep your refreshments chilled and your spirits high.
Pros
Excellent ice retention, Durable construction, Easy to carry,
Cons
Limited color options
2 . Titan Deep Freeze Small Cooler
This small soft cooler with a hard interior—yes, you read that right; it's a combo that's lightweight but still holds its shape. With its zipperless design, this cooler offers easy access to your favorite beverages and snacks, making it the perfect companion for any adventure. Its unique HardBody liner provides superior durability and insulation, ensuring that your drinks and snacks stay cold for hours on end. The SmartShelf feature allows you to organize your small coolers the way you want, giving you more space to store your essentials. With a 16-can capacity, this cooler is perfect for a small group outing or a solo adventure. The Deep Freeze insulation technology ensures that your drinks stay cold for longer, even in the hottest of temperatures. Its process blue color adds a touch of sophistication and style to any outdoor event. Whether you're camping, hiking, or enjoying a day at the beach, the Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is the perfect way to keep your drinks and snacks cold and fresh. The hard liner is removable for easy cleaning. It has a zipper-free design for easy access and opens and closes with the help of a Velcro-style hook-and-loop connection.
Pros
Zipperless design for easy access, SmartShelf for organized packing, Deep Freeze insulation keeps items cold
Cons
Doesn't come with a user manual
3 . RTIC 15 Can Small Cooler
Perfect for a boat day on the lake, river tubing expeditions, or catching waves at the beach, the RTIC 15 Can Everyday Cooler is our go-to for versatility and so much more. Pack in plenty of goodies in this soft but durable bag for up to 24 hours of insulation. We love its tough construction, compact size, and impressive ability to keep ice from fully melting even after long beach days.
Load up to 15 cans or a mix of your favorite cans and snacks through the easy-to-open top. You’ll feel confident that whatever's left will still be cold the next morning. With a padded shoulder strap, carrying it is a breeze, and the strong zipper closure ensures everything stays secure and leak-free. Perfect for day trips, picnics, and other events, this versatile cooler will quickly become your favorite outdoor accessory.
The durable exterior is built to withstand the elements, while the antimicrobial liner inside resists mold, mildew, and odors. Plus, the zippered front pocket is great for storing small items, making the RTIC 15 Can Everyday Cooler your trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures.
Pros
Easy to clean thanks to removable hard liner, antimicrobial liner that resists mold, mildew, and odors, adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry
Cons
Zipper could be better
4 . Coleman Chiller Series Small Cooler
We love the classic, rugged design of the Coleman Chiller Series 16qt Insulated Portable Cooler. The 16-quart capacity and latched closure put this cooler at the top of its class. Sure, hard coolers might be bulkier and heavier, but they often outshine soft coolers in keeping things icy and handling rough use. This one’s a prime example of heavy-duty power. The swivel lid makes grabbing your stuff a breeze, and the comfy handle means no sore hands.
Built tough to withstand the elements inside and out, this cooler is a can't-go-wrong pick. And since adventure coolers are bound to get dirty, you'll love that the polyurethane exterior is a snap to clean. The Coleman Chiller Series 16qt Insulated Portable Cooler is designed to keep your food and drinks chilled for hours with its impressive ice retention. It holds up to 22 cans, so you can pack all your favorites in one spot. Plus, the insulated lid adds extra cooling to keep everything at the perfect temp. Don’t let its size fool you – this small cooler packs a punch in performance and durability.
Pros
Insulated for ice retention, Heavy duty handle, Great for outdoor activities
Cons
Heavy weight
5 . Everfun Small Cooler
If you’re in the market for a versatile cooler with all the must-have features, the Everfun Small Cooler Bag is your new go-to. This cooler’s smart design makes it super convenient and easy to tote around. With dual compartments and a 24-can capacity, it's perfect for a beach day, park picnic, or even a long workday. The insulated setup keeps your food and drinks chill and fresh, while the waterproof and leak-proof material means hassle-free cleaning.
Its collapsible design makes storage a breeze when you're not using it, and the adjustable shoulder strap ensures comfortable carrying wherever you go. The sleek black design adds a touch of style to any outing. Why settle for a bulky, cumbersome cooler when you can have this compact and functional gem? Upgrade to the Everfun Small Cooler Bag and enjoy convenience and functionality on the go.
Pros
Dual compartments, Waterproof and leak-proof, Collapsible and reusable
Cons
Not completely waterproof
6 . Klein Tools Small Cooler
The Klein Tools 55600 Work Cooler is a powerhouse packed with features. This compact cooler can hold up to 18 cans and keep them cool for up to 30 hours, thanks to top-notch insulation technology. Feeling tired from all the trekking? No worries! This cooler doubles as a sturdy seat with a weight capacity of 300 pounds, so you can take a load off anytime.
Built for the rugged life, its heavy-duty construction makes it ideal for tough jobsites and extreme weather conditions. The lid, with its stainless steel hinge and latch, ensures your snacks and drinks stay secure and fresh. Plus, the leak-resistant drain makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Whether you're a tradesman, a camper, or just someone who loves the great outdoors, the Klein Tools 55600 Work Cooler is the perfect adventure buddy. Durable, versatile, and reliable—it's the cooler that does it all.
Pros
Keeps cool for 30 hours, Seats up to 300 lb, Durable and tough
Cons
Requires airing out
FAQ
Q: What are the advantages of owning a small cooler?
A: Small coolers are ideal for activities on the move like picnics, camping, and tailgating. They also excel at keeping drinks and snacks chilled during work commutes or road trips. Their compact size ensures easy handling and storage.
Q: What is the typical price range for small coolers?
A: Prices for small coolers vary depending on the brand, size, and features. On average, you can expect to invest between $20 and $100.
Q: Can small coolers maintain cold temperatures for an extended duration?
A: Yes, many small coolers are engineered to preserve coldness for up to 24 hours. However, this duration may fluctuate based on external temperatures and frequency of lid openings.
Q: What materials are commonly used to make small coolers?
A: Small coolers can be crafted from diverse materials such as plastic, metal, and fabric. Plastic is prevalent for its affordability, while metal offers superior durability and prolonged cooling abilities. Fabric options are lightweight and highly portable.
Q: How should I clean and care for my small cooler?
A: To clean your small cooler, wipe it down using a damp cloth with mild soap, ensuring thorough drying before storage. Preserve its longevity by shielding it from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, and regularly inspect for any signs of wear or leakage before each use.
Article Contributors
Ctech Shopping Team
CTech's Shopping team brings you the latest in tech through carefully crafted reviews and guides, independent of their editorial team. As a reader-supported entity, our tech-savvy writers and editors sometimes incorporate AI in their analyses to verify the precision of product dimensions, availability, and pricing.
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