Everybody loves a good party. It’s a great time with your friends and family. Good stories and delicious food. Not to mention the alcohol. It’ll certainly make everyone a bit tipsy but that’s part of the fun.
The thing is, wouldn’t it be a pain in the rear that you have to constantly leave the party to bring back new drinks from your fridge? You’ll for sure miss out that good joke your cousin Larry just told everyone.
So, a solution for this is a good patio cooler. It will hold the beverages in one place so they’re within arm’s reach. At the same time, it also keeps them cool and fresh for many hours to come.
In this roundup review, we’ll show you what features to consider when buying a patio cooler. We also touch on the various types and the materials used to manufacture them.
But before all that, let’s go through some of the best patio coolers on the market.
In A Rush? The 8 Best Patio Cooler Out There
- Rolling Patio Cooler
- Standing Patio Cooler
Notice: The links above will direct you to either Amazon, BBQ Guys or Home Depot for more details and the latest information on the products.
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What Is The Best Rolling Outdoor Patio Cooler?
Outsunny 80 Quarts Steel Rolling Ice Chest Cooler
Specifications
- Type: rolling
- Material: steel
- Color: red, black, or silver stainless steel
- Capacity: 80 quarts or 20 gallons (100 12-oz cans)
- Dimensions: 35.5″ L x 15.25″ W x 32.75″ H
- Unit Weight: 43 lbs
- Bottle Opener: yes
- Cap Catcher: yes
- Bottom Storage Shelf: yes
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes
- Lockable Wheels: yes
Summary
The Outsunny rolling cooler is available in 3 colors – black, stainless steel, and fire engine red. We actually dig the last one. The bright red color goes very well with the smooth and shiny surface of the cooler. The base is black which is a nice contrast, giving the cooler a modern yet really cool look.
The capacity of the Outsunny is about 80 quarts. That means it can hold a lot of ice, beverages, and even fruits altogether, suitable for all types of backyard parties you want to host. The cooler is also easy to put together. It only takes less than an hour to do so.
Moreover, the Outsunny has everything you need in a quality patio cooler. Things like a bottle opener with a cap catcher underneath, a drain hole that allows you to get rid of the excess water, and a built-in bottom shelf to store anything extra.
Being a rolling patio, this cooler features four durable wheels, with two of them being lockable. That means you can park your cooler wherever you want without it rolling away on its own. On the sides, you also see two sturdy handles to help move the cooler if needed.
It has two tightly-sealed lids, which lets your guests get access to the cooler on both ends. Made from heavy duty steel, we think the Outsunny might just be the best patio cooler out there. It’s large, good-looking yet practical and portable at the same time.
We’re not even kidding.You need to check it out today! Follow the link below for more information.
Giantex 80 Qt Brown Wicker Cooler Cart On Wheels
Specifications
- Type: rolling trolley
- Material: rattan, steel, and plastic
- Color: brown
- Capacity: 80 quarts (about 50+ bottles)
- Dimensions: 32.7″L x 18.9″W x 33.1″H
- Unit Weight: 34 lbs
- Bottle Opener: yes
- Cap Catcher: yes
- Bottom Storage Shelf: no
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes
- Lockable Wheels: yes
Summary
Similar to the Outsunny, this Giantex cooler has an 80-quart capacity. The manufacturer touts that it can hold about 70 cans or 50+ bottles all at once. And the cooler can keep everything cold and fresh for about 1.5 days.
The Giantex also has two lids, a bottle opener with a bottom catcher, and lockable swivel wheels (2 non-locking, 2 locking). Not to mention the drainage plug in the back. Pretty standard here!
However, it doesn’t feature any extra storage rack at the bottom of the cooler. It’s also lighter compared to the Outsunny. That’s because the Giantex is made out of plastic rattan. This stuff is durable and, unlike steel, doesn’t need a whole lot of maintenance at all.
The Giantex patio cooler only comes in brown. If you want to add a hint of tropical feel to your entertainment area, definitely consider this one. It’s perfect for poolside, tailgate parties, or even large family picnics.
For more pictures and other details, click here.
Igloo 49271 Party Bar Cooler – With Liddup LED Lights
Specifications
- Type: rolling on wheels
- Material: plastic & metal
- Color: silver
- Capacity: 125 quarts/31 gallons (126 cans)
- Dimensions: 39.1″L x 21.8″W x 26.9″H
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Bottle Opener: yes
- Cap Catcher: yes
- Bottom Storage Shelf: no
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes, garden hose compatible
- Lockable Casters: yes
Summary
The first impression about this Igloo cooler is the water-resistant, heat-free LED lights that come with it. These are actually useful features to have, especially if your party continues even when the sun goes down. The lights run on four AA batteries and these aren’t included with the package so that’s the only complaint. But nothing major at all!
This cooler also has a very large capacity, about 125 quarts or 31 gallons. That means it can hold around 126 cans with no problem. It’s mostly made out of lightweight plastic, which is also durable and easy to clean up.
The Igloo features four heavy duty locking casters instead of wheels. It’s actually shorter than other coolers on this list. However, the base is detachable, allowing you to easily move the body around with its two side handles. Better yet, you can even use it as a standalone ice chest on your tailgate if you like.
The lid is also removable. And so are the dividers inside the cooler. These let you split it into different parts with different types of drinks. One for wine, one for beer, and the other one for whatever.
Although this Igloo cooler only comes in one silver color, it does have a bottle opener with a bottom catcher. In addition to that, it features a threaded drain hole that is garden hose compatible, making it convenient for when you want to remove the remaining water.
We think this cooler is stylish and functional. We also dig the extra LED lights that make this cooler the light of the party. The Igloo 49271 is really the best party cooler on wheels. Hands down!
Suncast DCCW3000D Resin Wicker Portable Patio Cooler
Specifications
- Type: rolling
- Material: resin wicker (made of a synthetic material, generally polyethylene)
- Color: brown
- Capacity: 75 quarts (72 cans or 6 2-liter bottles)
- Dimensions: 22″ L x 26″ W x 34″ H
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Bottle Opener: no
- Cap Catcher: no
- Bottom Storage Shelf: yes
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes
- Lockable Casters: yes
Summary
The first thing you’ll notice about the Suncast patio cooler is its small footprint. So if you have a limited patio, this is the one for you. The cooler has about 75 quarts of capacity. That means you can store 72 cans or 6 2-liter bottles in it.
It’s made out of synthetic material called resin wicker. It resembles the natural wicker yet it’s actually plastic. Now, this type of material is very durable, which allows you to use the cooler year-round. It’s also resistant to water and the UV radiation from the sun. As a result, you can leave it outside for as long as you want without fearing that it will rot away.
The Suncast cooler features four casters, with two being lockable. That provides not only stability when being stationary but also portable when you need it. The lid opens about waist-high which is perfect for most adults. Your guests won’t have to bend over to get their drinks at all.
In terms of add-ons, the Suncast has a bottom cabinet and a side basket for anything extra besides the drinks. Things like cups for the occasional beer pong. The cooler also has a towel rack on the opposite side of the basket. Some people might mistake it for a moving handle; however, it isn’t strong enough for that purpose.
All in all, this is a great small rolling cooler. If that’s what you’ve been looking for, we highly recommend this one from Suncast. As always, for more information, including the price, please click on the button down below.
What Is The Best Stationary Patio Cooler?
Backyard Expressions 45-quarts Wooden Patio Deck Cooler
Specifications
- Type: freestanding
- Material: wood & plastic liner
- Color: coastal grey/teal or rustic brown
- Capacity: 45 quarts (about 40 cans and ice)
- Dimensions: 31.1″L x 18.7″W x 24.5″H
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Bottle Opener: yes
- Cap Catcher: no
- Bottom Storage Shelf: no
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes
Summary
This is the only wooden patio cooler on this list. If you plan to leave this Backyard Expressions cooler outside, please don’t forget to apply a few coats of sealant to protect the surface. It has the capacity of 45 quarts, which can hold about 40 cans of beer. And that also includes the ice.
This cooler features four sturdy legs. If you want to move it around, there are two side handles that allow you to do so. In the front, you will see a bottle opener although there is no catcher underneath that. In the back, you’ll find a drainage spout for easy discard of the surplus water inside the cooler.
The Backyard Expressions cooler is available in two color tones – coastal grey teal and rustic brown. On the grey teal version, it sports an anchor design in the front whereas it has a mountain emblem on the brown model.
The upper portion of the cooler already comes pre-assembled so you only need to assembler the lower portion. And all you require is a hammer and a screwdriver. Pretty easy and straightforward.
We really like this wooden patio cooler from Backyard Expressions, especially the rustic brown. If you want to know more about it along with the coastal grey teal model, feel free to follow the link here.
Keter 7.5-Gal Small Freestanding Smooth Patio Cooler Table
Specifications
- Type: stationary
- Material: plastic resin material
- Color: smooth grey, teal
- Capacity: 7.5 gallons
- Dimensions: 19.5″ D x 33.2″ H
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Bottle Opener: no
- Cap Catcher: no
- Bottom Storage Shelf: no
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes
Summary
The neat thing about this Keter cooler is that the lid can extend upwards, turning it into a cute little table. You can then place your drinks inside the cooler to keep them cool or on top of the lid if you want to.
This cooler is made entirely from 100% recyclable plastic. It’s extremely durable and weather-resistant, meaning you can leave it outside all year long. Of course, you might want to clean it every now and then but that’s about it.
This patio cooler has about 7.5 gallons, which is quite small compared to other coolers here. However, we actually like the smooth and modern look of it. We really think it will fit well into any type of outdoor and indoor patio space.
Being made of plastic, it’s very light, weighing around 15lbs in total. Therefore, it’s also portable. It doesn’t have a lot of extra features except for a drain plug, which makes it simple to use. For some people, that might be all they need.
Because of its small footprint, we’d recommend buying a couple of this cooler if you intend to throw big parties throughout the summer. But know that this cooler is the excellent centerpiece in any outdoor gatherings, whether it’s poolside or even on a boat.
To get a better look at this beautiful cooler, all you need to do is to click the button below.
Keter Pacific Resin Pool Cooler Bar
Specifications
- Type: standing
- Material: resin wicker
- Color: brown, dark grey
- Capacity: 7.5 quarts
- Dimensions: 19.5″ D x 33.2″ H
- Weight: 13.5 lbs
- Bottle Opener: no
- Cap Catcher: no
- Bottom Storage Shelf: no
- Drain Plug or Tube: yes
Summary
This is another cooler from Keter. Now, this Keter Pacific cooler has the same dimensions and features as the one above. Things like the capacity, the raised lid, and the built-in drainage plug in the back.
However, its profile and appearance are a bit different. This Keter Pacific cooler features an hour-glass shape with a wicker-like exterior. This is an elegant design that will add a finishing touch to any indoor and outdoor entertainment space.
Now, the cooler’s material is still plastic, meaning that it requires very little care while remaining looking good for a long time. Another thing is that it’s also tough and long-lasting. Furthermore, this cooler has a double-walled insulation so you can keep your drinks cold for up to 12 hours according to the manufacturer.
Available in brown and dark grey, the Keter Pacific cooler is also simple to put together, with only 2 components and 3 small screws. This is a great alternative to the smooth Keter cooler above. Same size and features but different look and design. It’s really worth checking out here.
Panacea Vintage Rustic Galvanized Steel Stationary Cooler
Specifications
- Type: standing
- Material: galvanized steel
- Color: red and silver
- Dimensions: 18″ L x 18″ W x 33.2″ H
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Bottle Opener: yes
- Cap Catcher: no
- Bottom Storage Shelf: no
- Drain Plug or Tube: no
Summary
This Panacea cooler is the last entry to this list. What we like best about it is how simple and old school it is. It’s basically a vintage galvanized steel tub with a powder-coated base and legs to prevent any potential rusting.
Keep in mind that it has no lid so you might want to place it somewhere in the shade. However, it does have two side handles that allows you to move it around. And it’s quite light, at about 12 lbs in total.
It also features a front bottle opener with a rustic sign below it that says “Cold Drinks Here”. In terms of assembly, all you need is a Phillips head screwdriver and you’re on your way.
If you’re looking for something simple and sturdy yet cool and retro, look no further than this galvanized steel cooler from Panacea. To check out this bad boy, follow the link down below.
What Is A Patio Cooler?
A patio cooler is a container used to hold ice and beverages on an outdoor deck or backyard. It’s usually bigger than the regular ice chest. And it’s designed for parties and other social gatherings.
In fact, patio coolers eliminate the need to go back and forth between your kitchen and patio to get new drinks. That way, you can continue entertaining the guests knowing that a cold drink is within reach. They’re also a great gift for Father’s day, birthday, and Christmas.
Most patio coolers feature an insulated liner to keep all the beverages cold and fresh for a long time. They often have lids and a drain in the back. Some models even have a built-in bottle opener, a cap catcher, and additional area for prepping.
Different Types Of Patio Coolers
Patio coolers come in two different types – rolling and standing. Let’s start with the first one.
Rolling Patio Deck Cooler
As the name suggests, this type of cooler is an ice chest on wheels. They often have large capacity with many added features such as bottom shelf storage space, side handles, and so on.
Because of the wheels, rolling patio coolers are portable. Some versions even have a detachable base. That means you can easily bring these coolers anywhere you want. In addition to that, they’re also easy to store away when not in use. Simply wheel them into your garage or other storage space and you’re good to go.
Standing Outdoor Patio Cooler
Unlike the rolling coolers, this type is more stationary. Standing coolers do have most of the features that their rolling counterparts have. However, they’re actually more attractive to look at. They often sport either a rustic and retro look or contemporary and modern design.
Keep in mind that standing patio coolers don’t sit close to the ground. They’re generally elevated with four sturdy legs. And there are actually two subcategories within this type of cooler – chest and bucket.
Standing bucket patio coolers are smaller than the chest ones. Some models don’t feature a lid so they’re better off in a shaded area. Otherwise, the hot sun will melt away the ice quickly. Because of their smaller footprint, standing bucket coolers are great options if you have a limited patio space.
For What Occasions?
If you often throw big parties, consider a chest cooler, either standing or rolling.
Standing chest coolers work best if you only have one area for entertaining. The cooler can be placed in the center so it’s within everyone’s reach. It also has big enough capacity to keep the party going for a while. Don’t forget to invest in a cover to protect the cooler from the weather since it’s mostly stationary.
For those that have multiple areas, such as a pool and a patio, rolling chest coolers are a better option. Once you’re finished with the pool, you can always move it to the patio to continue the party and vice versa. Understand that you might need a cooler with a lid if placed near the pool where no shade is available.
As mentioned earlier, standing bucket coolers are best if you have a small entertaining area. But if you do have a big backyard, you can put a number of them throughout the area. Then, you can assign each cooler with a specific drink. For example, one cooler with juice boxes for the kids while the others with alcohol for the adults. That said, you can mix them up if you want to instead. It’s all up to you.
All in all, the key point in determining the right type of patio cooler is to measure your space and plan your party ahead of time. That means getting an estimated number of guests and seeing how you’re going to entertain these people. Also don’t forget to account for the no-shows.
Different Patio Cooler’s Material
There are three main types of material used to make patio coolers. They’re plastic, metal, and wood.
Plastic
The benefit of plastic coolers is that they require very little maintenance. Oftentimes, you only need to wipe them down a few times. And they will look good for years to come.
There are also new synthetic materials, such as resin wicker, that are extremely durable and can withstand the elements very well. They’re typically made of polyethylene, which is the most common plastic in use nowadays.
With plastic, you can use your cooler year-round. Just have to store them inside once in a while. They’re also lightweight compared to the other types of materials, which are metal and wood.
Metal & Wood
Unlike plastic, metal and wood do require a routine maintenance plan. Otherwise, they will quickly deteriorate. For wooden coolers, you might need to apply sealant to protect the exterior. As for metal coolers, a cover is necessary if you plan to keep them outside. Either way, it’s always best to store these types of coolers inside when you don’t use them.
That being said, metal and wooden coolers are more attractive than plastic ones. Over time, they might even develop a patina, which makes them look even better.
How Do You Care For Each?
Keep in mind that most patio deck coolers usually have a combination of these three materials stated above. You will often find some wooden models having a plastic liner whereas some plastic versions having a metal liner instead.
But regardless, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for your coolers. That’s to ensure your purchase stays in good shape for a long time. For example, an all-plastic cooler might just need a quick rinse but a wooden one requires regular cleaning.
Other Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Patio Cooler
Now that we understand the different types of patio cooler along with the three most common materials used to make them, it’s time to look at other features when you’re out shopping for one.
Capacity
Patio coolers have many sizes, ranging from 30 quarts all the way to 80 quarts. Depending on the size of your party, you should choose accordingly.
A small 30-quart is usually good for serving 2 – 3 people so you might need to buy a few of them if you happen to throw a small get-together. The large 80-quart, on the other hand, will be able to provide enough drinks for a bigger event, such as a cookout or tailgate party.
Many manufacturers actually advertise the maximum number of cans or bottles that their coolers can hold. So use that as your general guideline. Don’t forget that you also need to put ice alongside the drinks.
Essential Features
If you plan to buy a rolling cooler, you need to pay attention to the wheels design. Are they actually wheels or just casters? Casters usually don’t work well on an uneven surface. Do they have any locking mechanism so that the cooler doesn’t roll away on its own?
Also consider the height of the cooler. Most of them, whether rolling or standing, are usually elevated, about table height. Therefore, people don’t have to bend over to get the drinks. It’s more convenient that way.
Does your cooler also feature some types of handle, allowing you to move or carry it? How’s about the base? Is it detachable from the body at all? Any extra storage space?
Insulation
The majority of the patio coolers feature either insulated plastic or galvanized steel liners. These aren’t typically prone to rust.
Look
The cooler is often the focal point of your patio. Depending on the overall aesthetics of the area, say furniture, grill, etc., you might want to consider the design and color of your cooler.
Patio coolers come in many designs, from vintage to modern. They’re also available in different colors.
Extra Add-ons
Most coolers come equipped with a drain plug or tube, a bottle opener, and sometimes a cap catcher. More expensive models will have an extra prepping area or a built-in cutting board. Some models even have additional LED lights so you can continue the party all the way to the evening.
Budget
Similar to buying anything in life, you always need to set a budget and stick with it. But before that, we’d recommend finding out the type of cooler and material that it’s made of. That will help speed up the purchasing process.
To figure that out, simply answer these two questions. How big is the party that you often host? And how often are you willing to care for the cooler?
Also keep in mind that a cooler with all the bells and whistles will certainly cost more than just a simple one.
The End
By now, we hope that you have all the necessary information to find that one best patio cooler for you. Once you narrow down on a specific item listed here, simply follow one of the links we embedded and make your purchase. Understand that it won’t cost you anything extra if you do so.
And if you have any other concerns, please feel free to let us know, either comment or send an email. We’re always looking to interact with our readers. In the meantime, take care and party on!
