By Jasmine Harding | Updated Dec 19, 2021 5:05 PM

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Whether you’re heading to the beach, a picnic, or a concert in the park, a wheeled cooler makes a great travel mate. The best coolers with wheels come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, but the best wheeled cooler for you should meet your needs and suit your lifestyle.

The best coolers with wheels are lightweight and have long handles and durable wheels that grip. They roll with ease and keep refreshments ice cold, and they should also be heavy-duty and easy to clean. Read on to learn more about what to look for in a rolling cooler and our top picks for the best wheeled coolers on the market.

With the right wheeled cooler, cold drinks and snacks can follow you anywhere you go. The best rolling coolers make it easy to bring your favorite drinks to the park, to the beach, or even across rugged terrain during camping trips. When choosing a suitable cooler for your needs, consider the size, capacity, handle length, wheel type, temperature retention, and additional ease-of-use features.

Capacity is a key consideration when it comes to the best wheeled cooler. These handy ice boxes range in size from small 20-quart coolers that provide room for a six-pack and a few snacks to large 110-quart coolers that hold refreshments for the whole Little League team.

The cooler’s total size matters, too. It can affect mobility in tight or crowded spaces. It also makes an impact on storage and transport. Make sure the cooler you choose will fit on that designated shelf in the garage and slide easily in and out of your trunk. Soft-sided or collapsible coolers help ease storage and transport. On the other hand, large, hard-sided models can double as a seat or table at the campsite or in the backyard.

Ice retention is a measure of how well a cooler does its main job: keep items chilled. Ice retention times vary widely depending on the quality and cost of the cooler. Some of the best cooler models keep cold for a week. More budget-friendly options may only keep cool for a day.

Insulation materials affect retention times. Most coolers use foam insulation. Tucked between the inner and outer walls of the cooler, foam makes for affordable and effective insulation. Different types of foam vary in their effectiveness. The more expensive, of course, the better.

Unsurprisingly, the best coolers with wheels feature fully insulated sides and lids to stay cooler for longer. Not all coolers offer this. Plus, an airtight seal helps keep heat out. Also keep in mind that hard coolers tend to be better insulated and keep items cooler for longer than soft coolers.

If you’re shopping for a cooler with wheels, transportability likely tops your list of concerns. You’ll need different transportability features depending on your intended use. The features above like the cooler’s size, handle height, and wheel type all work together to contribute to portability.

Wheeled coolers may include a range of extra accessories and built-in features. Some accessories like removable shelves, interior organizers, and zippered or mesh pockets help with cooler organization, so canned drinks don’t end up crushing your snacks en route to the party. Coolers of any type may include built-in bottle openers so you can always open a cold one wherever you are.

Here’s a rundown of the added features you might want to look for:

Whether for camping trips, beach days, or picnics in the park, a wheeled cooler makes an excellent companion. Roll snacks and beverages wherever you need them with the best wheeled coolers on our list. The following models keep drinks ice-cold with excellent insulation. Plus, they come in durable, easy-to-clean, and thoughtful designs.

Coleman’s ultra-insulated 62-quart Xtreme wheeled cooler keeps ice frozen for up to 5 days with insulation in both the lid and walls. Its roomy interior holds up to 95 cans plus ice. Treaded plastic wheels roll easily over most terrain. A plastic handle makes pulling comfortable even when the cooler is full. To empty, pull the tab on the leak-proof drain. The cooler weighs just under 15 pounds after emptying.

The multifunction Coleman Xtreme cooler offers extra seating, as it supports up to 250 pounds, and it serves as a place to set drinks with its four molded cup holders in the lid.

Arctic Zone’s Titan Deep Freeze keeps its contents cold for up to 3 days, thanks to three layers of SuperFoam and a radiant heat barrier that reflects light rather than absorbing it. This level of performance, usually found in top-of-the-line models, typically comes at a much higher price.

The soft rolling cooler holds up to 60 cans plus ice in its two cooling compartments. Empty, it weighs less than 7 pounds. An all-terrain cart with a telescopic handle and all-terrain wheels helps transport refreshments off the beaten path. Or, detach the cooler from its cart and carry it with the shoulder strap.

A Microban-treated inner lining protects against odors, stains, and leaks. A stain- and puncture-resistant exterior means this cooler will stand up to heavy use. When the party’s over, both cooler and cart collapse for easy storage.

This premium wheeled cooler from Pelican is a top pick for those who are serious about the outdoors. This rugged, 45-quart rolling cooler not only keeps your food and drinks cold but also keeps bears out, so it’s tough. Polyurethane insulation keeps contents cold for up to 10 days. Its latches are durable and extra wide for easy use with gloved hands, and it has rustproof, stainless steel locking plates and hardware.

The Pelican Elite has heavy-duty wheels that can handle all types of terrain. It even has an integrated fish scale and built-in bottle opener, making this outdoorsy cooler extra cool.

For serious cooler capacity, check out Igloo’s 110-quart cooler that holds an impressive 168 cans. Its high-performance Ultratherm foam-insulated walls and lid keep cans cold for up to 5 days of ice retention.

Heavy on its own, the cooler weighs in at 25.4 pounds when empty. But a horizontal telescopic handle with a comfortable grip requires 50 percent less effort to lift than other models. Soft-ride wheels make transport easy across uneven terrain. Stainless steel hinges stand up to rust and wear and tear. Glide Pro makes a great addition to parties and barbecues.

Igloo’s midsize rolling cooler makes a great addition to day trips, beach visits, and picnics in the park. The 60-quart ice box holds up to 90 cans or a day’s worth of food and drink for family outings or small parties.

Igloo’s Ultratherm insulated body keeps everything cool. A locking telescoping handle responds to pulling or pushing for easy transport. Durable wheels roll smoothly over grass and sand. At picnics, parties, or barbecues, this hard cooler doubles as a small table. It features four deep cupholders molded into the lid and molded side handles for comfortable carrying. The cooler weighs 13.5 pounds when empty.

This small cooler is a good pick for rolling up to an event with enough refreshments for you and a friend or two. It has a 16-quart capacity that holds up to 22 cans plus ice and can keep contents cold for up to 2 days, so it’s good for an overnight camping trip or a day at the ballpark.

This cooler has recessed plastic wheels with molded treads, allowing it to be maneuvered through tight spaces. It has a long, telescopic handle that allows for comfortable rolling despite the cooler’s small size, and it’s lightweight, weighing in at around 7.5 pounds.

Collapsible wheeled coolers are convenient to carry and even easier to store. Coleman’s space-saving soft cooler collapses flat. At just 2.2 pounds, it takes up minimal space in a closet, garage, or even under a bed.

A 42-can capacity, telescoping handle, and durable, smooth-rolling wheels make this cooler a worthy companion for picnics in the park, ballgames, and other outdoor activities with smooth terrain. A front zippered pocket, two side mesh pockets, and a couple of lid bungees offer plenty of extra storage.

For inevitable spills, an antimicrobial, removable plastic liner resists odors, mold, and mildew and slips out for easy cleaning. Heat-welded seams help prevent melted ice from leaking out and making a mess.

Stay hydrated and cool through long days on the beach with the Coleman Xtreme Wheeled Cooler. Made for convenience, this heavy-duty cooler stands up to a range of waterside activities. Sturdy, lightly treaded wheels roll well over sand and other uneven terrain. The 50-quart interior holds up to 84 cans.

This model also features Xtreme technology with an insulated wall and lid to keep ice cold for over 5 days in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The lid also comes with a have-a-seat feature that supports over 250 pounds and 4 cup holders. The included telescoping handle also makes it simple to roll this ice box to any waterfront destination.

The YETI Tundra Haul cooler is made for tough terrain and weather conditions for the boat, wilderness, or weekend trip. Made with a rotomolded acrylic construction, this YETI is virtually indestructible and made for knocking around. The NeverFlat tire wheels are puncture and impact-resistant for rocky terrains and the StrongArm handle is made from welded aluminum and comes with comfort grips.

This 55-quart design has a FlatWall construction with 2 inches of insulation and the exterior comes in 6 unique colors options. The TRex lid has heavy-duty rubber latches to keep your drinks cold and the BearFoot non-slip feet keep the unit in place. Finally, for those who prefer to take their adventures on the water, the AnchorPoint tie-down slots make mounting to the boat or truck bed hassle-free.

Selecting the perfect cooler for your intended use can be difficult with so many constructions, sizes, and features available. But, one of the best cooler options overall is the Coleman Rolling Cooler with its hard construction, 62-quart capacity, and large, treaded wheels for camping or weekend adventures.

If you prefer something more light-duty like a soft cooler, you can also opt for the Arctic Zone Titan pick which includes all-terrain wheels, a 20-quart capacity, and 2 built-in cooling compartments for a barbecue, backyard event, or day trip.

Size and capacity, weight, portability, and special features are included in many of the best coolers with wheels on the market today. The above selection of coolers was selected to accommodate a variety of potential needs and uses with convenience and versatility as the main priorities.

Whether you are looking for a large or small cooler, the above coolers range from 20-100 quart capacities, the largest being able to hold up to 168 standard cans plus ice or ice packs. The ample hard cooler options above also offer tough plastic or rotomolded constructions offering effective insulation to keep drinks or food cold for days. Each of these coolers comes with light or heavy-duty wheels for rolling on dirt, concrete, sand, and even rocky terrains.

The telescoping and retractable handles featured in the top coolers help take the strain off your arms and back. Select picks also have lockable lids that stay shut during transport. As for special features, bottle openers, mounting hardware, cup holders, and non-slip feet make these models more versatile than others on the market.

With proper use, cleaning, and maintenance, you can keep your wheeled cooler clean and functional for seasons to come. Ahead are a few tips for caring for your wheeled cooler.

Store the cooler somewhere dry to prevent mildew, and preferably out of direct sunlight to preserve the color and integrity of the exterior.

Accidents or wear and tear can cause damage to cooler wheels. If your cooler is in need of a wheel replacement, look for an appropriate wheel kit (many brands sell replacement wheels) and replace the wheels as needed.

Still trying to decide on the best rolling cooler for you? Here’s some more information to help you choose.

Well-built coolers with wheels can last many years. Look for rustproof hardware and sturdy, well-designed hinges, wheels, and closing mechanisms that can stand up to heavy use, as it’s those components that can fail.

Choose a cooler designed to stay cold for longer periods of time. Some coolers keep cold for 5 days or more, thanks to closed-cell foam insulation. Use dry ice in your cooler to keep its contents colder longer.

Clean your cooler with soap and water immediately after each use so it does not absorb stains or smells.

With a cooler wheel kit, you can transform a non-wheeled cooler into an adventure-ready cruiser. Installation depends on the wheel kit type. Some install using a handful of strategically placed straps, while others require some drilling.

If you need to change the wheels on your cooler, it’s best to find replacement wheels from the cooler’s manufacturer to ensure a good fit. Once you have the wheel set, changing the wheels is usually a simple job, which requires just a few steps and some common household tools, like a screwdriver.

Yes, it is safe to use dry ice in some coolers, as long as you follow some precautions. The cooler needs to have a ventilation method to release the evaporating gas. Keep in mind that dry ice gives off carbon dioxide gas, so take care not to keep the cooler in enclosed spaces for too long. You should also take steps to protect the interior of your cooler from the extreme cold by wrapping the dry ice or lining the cooler with Styrofoam or cardboard.

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