Greatest Coolers with Wheels of 2024

If you happen to’ve ever needed to lug chilly drinks throughout a seaside or drag meals for an extended weekend right into a walk-in campsite you know the way useful having coolers with wheels will be. However inside this class there are a big selection of efficiency and value factors to sift by. That can assist you resolve whether or not it is best to go for a $400 rotomolded possibility or one thing less complicated, I put six choices from Yeti, RovR, Coleman, Magellan, RTIC, and Brumate to the check to search out one of the best cooler with wheels. 

How I Examined the Greatest Coolers with Wheels

I evaluated six coolers from Yeti, Coleman, RovR, Brumate, Rtic, and Magellan Outdoor on ice retention, portability, value, guarantee, and options.

Ice Retention Check  

My first large check was of every cooler’s ice retention potential. To guage this, I bought six 7-pound luggage of ice and put one in every of the coolers with wheels. I then closed the lids and waited to see how lengthy it could take every to soften. 

Whereas I aimed, as a lot as potential, to name in coolers with wheels that had been of an identical dimension, you may usually count on a 52-liter cooler to battle extra with this check than a 35-liter cooler. Whereas I did verify throughout this check to see whether or not the coolers with wheels had been waterproof, in the end none of them had been, and I eliminated that testing metric from consideration. 

Learn Subsequent: Greatest Ice Packs for Coolers

Portability

Subsequent I checked out portability — this factor has wheels, in any case. On this check, I pulled every cooler round a small circuit with a couple of totally different surfaces: a parking zone, a muddy area, a sandy seaside, and down a set of stairs. I checked out each how a lot effort I wanted to make use of to maneuver the cooler over the totally different surfaces, how simply they bought caught, and whether or not I used to be compelled into an uncomfortable posture. I rolled the coolers with 7 kilos of ice or water inside (relying on the place the cooler was at in my ice retention check). 

As a part of my portability testing, I additionally regarded on the consolation of the handles for each pulling the cooler alongside the bottom and lifting it up and taking it down from a automotive. 

Lastly, I thought of value and guarantee, and different options that may have an effect on consumer expertise. 

Learn Subsequent: Greatest Backpack Coolers

Greatest Coolers with Wheels: Opinions & Suggestions

Greatest Total: Yeti Roadie 48

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 62 hours
• Wheel Efficiency: Nice
• Ease of Use:  Nice

Key Options

• Weight: 28 kilos
• Capability: 76 cans
• Guarantee: 5 years

Execs

• Straightforward to maneuver over all method of terrain
• Latching and telescoping deal with work seamlessly
• Good guarantee

Cons

• Costly
• Didn’t maintain ice so long as different coolers that I examined

The Yeti Roadie 48 was the cooler with wheels already in my gear closet, so I questioned: Would one other, higher cooler come alongside and change it?

Nope. Though it was shut, with different coolers with wheels beating the Yeti in any given class. However when it got here to sheer general efficiency — ice retention and capability and ease of use and maneuverability over all method of terrain — this one remains to be my favourite. The latches had been simple to make use of, the telescoping deal with got here up and down with out concern, it was fairly simple to tug throughout even the sandiest part of my testing space. Whereas I want it had accomplished somewhat higher on the ice retention check, its precise capability relative to its efficiency was spectacular. Extra insulation would have meant both a bulkier cooler or much less inside house. 

The draw back to this Yeti is identical draw back with nearly every thing Yeti makes: It’s actually costly. If this one is just too wealthy to your blood, transfer proper alongside to my greatest worth choose and greatest wheels, which had been additionally standout performers. 

Learn Subsequent: Rtic vs Yeti: Is a Extra Costly Cooler Really Value It? 

Greatest Worth: Magellan Outdoor Professional Discover Icebox 45-QT

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 73 hours
• Wheel Efficiency: Poor
• Ease of Use: Nice

Key Options

• Weight: 30 kilos
• Capability: 45 quarts
• Guarantee: 1 yr

Execs

• Second longest ice retention in my check
• Glorious haul handles
• Straightforward to make use of latches that open on each side
• Affordably priced

Cons

• The least snug to tug throughout the testing terrain

If this had simply been a check of one of the best coolers, then the Magellan Outdoor Professional Discover Icebox 45-QT would have simply gained the day. It held a single bag of ice for over three days. It had wonderful haul handles — the one ones in my check that made it snug to hold the cooler down stairs or haul it up into my SUV. The latching mechanisms had been simple to make use of and, unusually, had been on each side of the cooler so you may open it from both course. And it was very affordably priced, at half the price of my greatest general choose. That is actually an awesome cooler. 

In the long run it was lugging this cooler with wheels round my testing loop that was the Magellan Outdoor Professional’s downfall. Even with restricted weight within it, this cooler was a bear to tug throughout sand, and was much less regular flattening a brief collection of steps than anything I checked out. The haul deal with was additionally shorter than I’d have preferred, to the purpose that I used to be compelled into a clumsy stance to tug it. If you recognize that you just’ll solely be pulling this cooler a brief distance throughout a parking zone or different paved floor, it’ll work simply high quality. However in the event you’re on the lookout for a cooler that may deal with being dragged throughout extra rugged terrain then look elsewhere. 

Greatest Wheels: RovR RollR 45

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 69 hours
• Wheel Efficiency: Glorious
• Ease of Use: Good

Key Options

• Weight: 37 kilos
• Capability: 45 quarts
• Guarantee: 1 yr

Execs

• Greatest in school wheels that may deal with something
• Good ice retention

Cons

• Troublesome to make use of latching mechanism
• Shorter guarantee regardless of larger value level

If you happen to’re planning to wheel your cooler 1 / 4 mile throughout a rocky seaside there’s no query which one you want: the RovR RollR. These are critical wheels, extra akin to what you’d see in your fat-tire bike than the everyday plastic items. And the telescoping deal with was the longest in my check, which each improved my posture and my leverage. This cooler virtually bounced down the steps in my testing circuit and was equally clean pulling throughout each sand and dust. 

Whereas this cooler with wheels did properly on the ice retention check, it’s price noting that it had much less capability (relative to its general dimension) and weighed greater than different coolers I checked out. If you happen to’re packing up the household automotive for an extended weekend of tenting, this one could not have the house effectivity that you just want. I used to be additionally somewhat annoyed by its latching mechanism. Whereas very safe (this cooler was closest to being waterproof), the latch was annoyingly troublesome to get on. Younger youngsters won’t be able to open and shut this cooler on their very own. 

Greatest Ice Retention: Brumate Brutank 35-Quart Rolling Cooler

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 77 hours
• Wheel Efficiency: Good 
• Ease of Use: Truthful

Key Options

• Weight: 31 kilos
• Capability: 35 quarts
• Guarantee: 5 years

Execs

• Greatest ice retention in my check

Cons

• Low inside quantity to weight ratio
• Telescoping deal with will be fairly sticky

One of the best coolers with wheels ought to have nice ice retention, and that’s the place the Brumate Brutank shines. It took 77 hours for a 7-pound bag of ice to completely soften, which was one of the best lead to my check. One caveat to that is that, regardless of being one of many heavier coolers I checked out, it had much less inside quantity than anything. 

For the primary half of testing, I used to be satisfied that the Brumate Brutank had solely a half dimension telescoping deal with. As laborious as I attempted to tug on it, it simply wouldn’t pull out additional than a foot and a half or so. This made it surprisingly awkward to lug. However once I went to try to drive the cooler up over a curb, the remainder of the telescoping deal with popped out. Now it’s simple to pack away and pull out once more, nevertheless it’s price noting that this mannequin has an exceptionally sticky deal with to begin.

Greatest Light-weight: Rtic 52-QT Extremely-Mild Cooler 

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 55 hours
• Wheel Efficiency: Good
• Ease of Use: Good

Key Options

• Weight: 21 kilos
• Capability: 52 quarts
• Guarantee: 3 years

Execs

• Affordably priced
• Very light-weight for its dimension and efficiency

Cons

• Not nearly as good ice retention as different issues I checked out

Check sufficient rotomolded coolers and one factor turns into clear: These suckers are heavy. No surprise they want wheels. So I used to be pleasantly stunned once I first lifted the Rtic. Regardless of having the biggest capability of any wheeled cooler I checked out, it was additionally the second lightest. 

Whereas the Rtic Ultralight Cooler was simpler to tug throughout my testing circuit than the Magellan Outdoor Professional Discover (which additionally has a haul deal with) it, sadly, didn’t do as properly within the ice retention check. If it’s worthwhile to hold your gadgets cool for an extended time period, this might imply that you just want extra ice than with different coolers with wheels, negating a few of the capability and weight advantages of this cooler. 

Greatest Funds: Coleman 50-Quart Xtreme Arduous Cooler with Wheels

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 40 hours
• Wheel Efficiency: Good
• Ease of Use: Good

Key Options

• Weight: 13 kilos
• Capability: 50 quarts
• Guarantee: 1 yr

Execs

• Very inexpensive
• Good capability for its dimension
• Light-weight

Cons

• Worst ice retention in my check
• Wheels are much less sturdy than different choices
• Troublesome to open lid

Whereas the RTIC 52-Quart was impressively light-weight for a rotomolded cooler, nothing in my check was as mild weight, or inexpensive, than the Coleman 50-Quart Xtreme. I may simply choose up this cooler with wheels with one hand. As a result of it was so mild, it dealt with higher than I anticipated in my portability circuit. If you happen to absolutely loaded this cooler up, nevertheless, you may begin to see issues attributable to the truth that it solely has half wheels. 

This was the one cooler in my check that didn’t have a latching mechanism nevertheless it was nonetheless some of the troublesome to open, even when there wasn’t a temperature distinction between the within and outdoors of the cooler. It was additionally notable for having the worst ice retention efficiency in my check, lasting lower than two days. However, in case you are solely planning to make use of your wheeled cooler for the occasional picnic or seaside outing, what this cooler does supply at this value level makes it completely price it. 

Greatest Moveable Air Conditioner: Icy Breeze Final

Report Card

• Time to Soften 7 Kilos of Ice: 7 hours with the AC working
• Wheel Efficiency: Good
• Ease of Use: Good

Key Options

• Weight: 29 kilos
• Capability: 48 cans
• Guarantee: Lifetime

Execs

• Blows chilly air for over 2.5 hours
• Misting perform for 3 hours
• USB charging port

Cons

• Costly
• Didn’t maintain ice very lengthy

If you happen to’ve ever been sweating it out at a campsite, sporting occasion, or fishing spot and had to withstand the urge to dunk your head into the ice chest for some reduction, that is the wheeled cooler for you. As a substitute of beginning a recreation of bobbing for beer cans to chill off, you may collect across the Icy Breeze. This 38-quart cooler with 7-inch all-terrain wheels doubles as a transportable air conditioner.

There’s a fan on the underside of the lid that pushes chilly air out of a removable tube or a vent on prime. Fill it up together with your favourite snacks, drinks, and ice; then get pleasure from round 3 hours of cool, dry air move. There’s additionally a small inside hose to suck up the chilly water from the underside of the cooler after the ice melts for a misting perform. 

I took the Final on a tenting journey in August and relished cracking open an ice chilly beer in entrance of the cool breeze. I positioned a tape measure contained in the vent and walked backwards till I couldn’t really feel the air anymore. It took 7 ft. Although in the event you aren’t according to the vent, the cool air radius doesn’t broaden outward very far. 

You could possibly even zip the versatile hose attachment into your tent to chill off when it’s too scorching to sleep. The plastic wheels are massive and beefy to roam round your campsite. I efficiently rolled this cooler up and down a dozen brick stairs, too. The deal with could possibly be longer, and I’d choose if it had been on the other aspect. It’s at present on the identical aspect because the drain gap which makes it awkward to tilt the water out.

I put a 7-pound bag of ice within the Final to time how lengthy it could take to soften whereas working the fan on excessive. The Icy Breeze’s outcomes aren’t included within the ice retention check desk as a result of the ice lasted lower than seven hours. This cooler shouldn’t change your go-to tenting cooler. It’s cumbersome, doesn’t maintain ice very lengthy, and you’ll’t sit on prime of it because of the hose and battery. However in the event you’re trying to cool off and retailer as much as 48 cans, the Icy Breeze is a enjoyable luxurious merchandise or surplus beverage cooler. 

Issues to Think about Earlier than Selecting the Greatest Cooler with Wheels

Ice Retention of the Greatest Coolers with Wheels

How a lot ice retention potential you want relies upon largely on what you might be doing. If you happen to’re simply trying to hold some drinks cool throughout a weekend picnic it’s a lot much less necessary than in case you are planning to move off grid for the lengthy weekend. Usually, the coolers with one of the best ice retention can be costlier and heavier. See the testing outcomes on this story earlier than making a last buy

Portability of the Greatest Coolers with Wheels

The entire level of a cooler with wheels is that it’s simple to maneuver round. However there’s extra to portability than simply the wheels: There’s additionally the deal with, dimension, and weight. Think about how a lot lifting you might be planning on doing together with your cooler (off your entrance steps, into your automotive, and so forth.) and select a weight and dimension which you can simply handle. 

Learn Subsequent: Greatest Small Coolers

Ease of Use

There are a stunning vary of options that got here with the wheeled coolers, from telescoping handles to totally different latching types to aspect handles. Think about which options are most necessary to you. If you happen to journey with youngsters, chances are you’ll wish to concentrate on how troublesome or simple to make use of the latches are. In case you are hauling your cooler longer distances, concentrate on the wheels and the size of the deal with (which is able to affect your leverage). Maintain the consolation of the haul handles in thoughts in the event you use your cooler for lots of brief journeys in your automotive. 

FAQs

Closing Ideas on the Greatest Coolers with Wheels

After testing one of the best coolers with wheels, I’m assured that one of many fashions on this record will suit your wants. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for best-in-class wheels or wonderful ice retention or one thing inexpensive and light-weight, there’s something for everybody.