Both models are rotomolded with freezer-style gaskets designed to keep cold air in and hot air out. The market for ice chests continues to grow, resulting in some extremely close competition and hard-fought coleman canopy rivalries. To help you find the right model, we tease apart performance differences between contenders, implementing specific tests spanning five exhaustive, mutually exclusive metrics.
Each company we work with has specific experience requirements for their drivers. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting. Compared with our other picks, the Simple Modern Classic Tumbler is harder to find in brick-and-mortar stores. If you want this vessel in your hands immediately, there are limited options. Simple Modern vessels are stocked only on shelves in Walmart and Target, and if those stores near you are out of stock, you’ll have wait.
While this cooler looks fantastic, it’s a bit on the heavy side, which can be a hassle when you’re carrying a lot of stuff along with it. Additionally, the rope handle can be a bit too long when you’re carrying it by hand, and it may cut into your shoulder if you use it as a shoulder strap. Overall, the Coleman 54 Qt Steel Belted Cooler, Red is a solid choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional cooler. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done and adds a touch of old-school charm to your outdoor activities.
It also has a pair of indented handles hiding underneath both sides of the top for two-handed carry. Additionally, several other aspects add to each one’s overall durability beyond just a sturdy hinge and a set of bearproof locks. The latches and handles don’t factor into an IGBC rating, as they are irrelevant to bear safety but pertinent to any model’s longevity.
The stoves in our review range from 9,000 BTUs to a shocking 60,000 BTUs per burner. What became apparent during our boil tests, however, is that BTU ratings aren’t everything. The wide world of camping kitchen equipment can be challenging to navigate on your own. Thankfully we’ve poured tons of energy into rigorously testing camping gear over the past 10+ years, so you don’t have to go it alone. Check out our comprehensive and in-depth reviews on the best camping cookware, top-notch camping tables, and even the best portable grills.
Even in temperatures as high as 90°F, the fully insulated lid and body ensured that the ice would last for up to 5 days, which is a game-changer when you’re out in the wilderness. Mid-sized models offer a middle ground between the many large options that can often be overkill for a simple picnic or road trip but offer more storage space than the small personal chests. It fits a full 40 quarts of contents and whatever you can cram into the large external storage pocket covering the back of the box. Its taller, narrower shape is also more comfortable for a single person to carry from the car to the beach.
One of the coolest features of this cooler is its ability to keep drinks at an icy cool temperature without using ice. It can maintain a temperature that’s about 40°F below the surrounding coleman electric cooler temperature, which is impressive. The 40-quart capacity also allows me to pack in plenty of cans, snacks, and drinks for my family, making it perfect for long trips.
Your level of enthusiasm for using a product can be affected by small details. Some features make a product easier to use, less burdensome to carry, or more compatible with your lifestyle. But not all features are created equal, and their value may depend on how and where you intend to use your gear. Other features that are still useful but are more specific to certain styles of use received lower scores.