The 7 Best Coolers with Wheels of 2023

Aug 05, 2023

Travel smoothly to your next outdoor outing with these editor-approved models.

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Having a solid cooler for activities like camping or tailgating can make all the difference between enjoying a perfectly chilled drink and a lukewarm one. The best coolers provide solid ice retention and are equipped with user-friendly features, such as a plug for easy drainage and built-in cup holders on the lid. And for those traveling far from their vehicle to their destination, a cooler with wheels is a must.

A sturdy pair of wheels, coupled with a comfortable, easy-to-retract handle allows for a smooth journey from point A to point B — no matter the weight of your load. Other factors to keep in mind when picking a new cooler are your budget, style, and intended use. Read on to learn about our favorite wheeled coolers on the market for any outing.

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Pros: This large-capacity cooler has superior ice retention and can double as a seat or table when the lid is closed.

Cons: This cooler is on the pricey side and does not offer many additional features.

Yeti is synonymous with coolers, and when it comes to wheeled models, this option is the workhorse you’ll want on a hot summer day. The impact- and puncture-resistant wheels mimic tires, allowing you to move across gravel and sand with ease, and the durable aluminum handles feature comfortable grips to pull along any terrain. Both the lid and the walls have commercial-grade foam for optimal insulation, keeping your drinks cold and your ice frozen solid for days. It can hold 45 cans, with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio, or 55 pounds of just ice.

Our tester appreciated the "excellent" turn radius and "secure seal" provided by the latches which kept the contents "really cold even after 24 hours," with minimal melted ice or temperature change. If you are feeling tired, take a seat on the cooler or use it as a table at your tailgate if you’re running low on room.

Price at time of publish: $450

Amazon

Pros: This cooler is equipped with a telescoping handle that locks in place and built-in cup holders to prevent spills.

Cons: The handles on the side are shallow grooves that may not feel secure if carrying solo without the telescoping handle.

This Coleman cooler is proof you don't need to spend a lot on a quality cooler. The lid has a smooth texture that wipes dirt and debris easily, even after spills at a tailgate or outdoor party. Plus, the lid supports up to 250 pounds if you want to take a seat (one less folding chair to carry) and features four molded cup holders to keep your drinks within reach at all times. Get across any type of terrain with its rugged wheels and a telescoping handle that locks in place while pulling the cooler. The 50-quart capacity cooler holds up to 84 cans that will stay cool thanks to the insulated walls and lid.

Price at time of publish: $65

Amazon

Pros: A built-in bottle opener and integrated measuring stick are among the details that make this a splurge-worthy option. Plus, there's a lifetime guarantee if something goes wrong.

Cons: This may be too heavy to lift or pull without help when full to capacity.

Two inches of polyurethane insulation and a freezer-grade gasket give this 80-quart Pelican cooler extreme ice retention worth a splurge. The lid includes four self-draining cup holders and an integrated measuring board ideal for fishing, while non-skid rubber feet keep your cooler secure on the ground. The hidden stainless steel bottle opener on the front means you don't have to worry about bringing one more thing on your adventures, and all of your favorite craft brews stay chill inside thanks to press-and-pull latches and a sturdy trolley handle. If something goes wrong with your Pelican, your purchase is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $570

Amazon

Pros: This cooler is equipped with multiple helpful features including a removable tray and pole slots.

Cons: There is no latch, so it may leak when tipped over if your ice has melted to liquid.

Grab your favorite outdoor snacks and hit the beach with this wheeled cooler from Igloo. Design features that make this a popular choice include a bottle opener on each side, a snap-on holder for fishing poles or umbrellas, and a removable butler tray with two cup holders that works as a small table for food and drinks. Plus, you can use the lockable storage section or storage pocket to keep necessities, like keys or a phone, safe and dry. During our tests, we appreciated the rugged wheels and the easy-to-maneuver handlebar but noted that the cooler came open during a drop test because it's lacking a latch. Before rolling, make sure you don't have melted ice inside to avoid spills or leakage.

Price at time of publish: $300

Amazon

Pros: Despite the small size, this cooler offers useful features, including a bungee cord and cup holders on the lid.

Cons: This is on the smaller side, so it may not be ideal for larger gatherings.

Don't let the size of this Canyon cooler fool you: The rotomolded construction, solid wheels, and outstanding ice retention make this a small but mighty pick. Plus, the telescoping handle has smart integration, so you can leave the handle fully extended and still open the lid. With a 32-quart capacity, you can fit between 20 to 40 cans depending on the amount of ice desired. The lid features two cup holders for placing your drinks and a bungee cord for strapping on fishing gear or even a compact blanket or jacket, plus there's an integrated bottle opener on the back.

Price at time of publish: $290

Amazon

Pros: The large capacity of this cooler is ideal for big gatherings or parties.

Cons: This will be heavy when filled to maximum capacity with ice and could be difficult for one person to maneuver or lift.

This cooler from Igloo has a 110-quart capacity that's sure to fit just about anything you need to carry, up to 168 cans. The foam insulation inside the walls and lid keeps your contents ice cold, and the drain plugs makes for easy cleaning. Though a full cooler of this size is bound to be on the heavy side, the telescoping handle with a cushioned grip and the smooth wheels make it easier to transport. Plus, the lid can be secured with the impact-resistant latch to avoid leaks or spills. The polyethylene exterior is made with infrared technology and UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage on toasty days.

Price at time of publish: $166

Amazon

Pros: This model is more lightweight than other options and would be ideal for traveling or a short outing.

Cons: A soft cooler does not provide the same long-lasting insulation that a hard cooler can provide.

Coleman is keeping things simple with this soft cooler on wheels. This 42-can cooler is made with extra foam insulation to keep your favorite drinks and snacks chill while on the go. The two wheels move easily to any destination thanks to a telescoping handle which makes pulling it along a breeze. The exterior is made from recycled fabric and its welded seams ensure no liquid escapes. If you’re worried about mold or mildew, the antimicrobial liner is removable for easy cleaning. Functional features include pockets for snacks or personal items, extra ice packs, a top hatch for grabbing drinks on the fly, and a bottle opener.

Price at time of publish: $65

The Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler is a sturdy cooler with a large capacity that will work in nearly every setting. Your perishables will stay cool inside for days while the long handle allows for a comfortable journey between destinations. For a beach-friendly pick, the Igloo Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler is a great choice with a removable butler tray to keep drinks and snacks off the ground.

When deciding on the right size of cooler for your needs, consider where you’ll use it and the number of drinks and snacks you’ll want to store in it. If you’re going on a day trip with one other person, a 20-can capacity cooler would provide plenty of room. For long camping trips and large gatherings, we recommend going bigger than you might think. It's always a good idea to pack extra water and food, so one with a 40- to 100-can capacity is a smart choice. Just keep in mind that although coolers with wheels can be easier to maneuver while walking, they are still difficult to lift into vehicles or up flights of stairs when filled to maximum capacity.

Hard coolers have thicker walls that provide superior insulation to prevent ice from melting for days. Soft coolers are typically lighter and win more points in the category of portability, but they don't keep drinks and ice cold for as long as hard-sided models.

Features can include drain plugs, removable butler trays, built-in bottle openers, or storage pockets. Think about what will be the most useful for your needs and prioritize choosing a cooler that offers them. Also, make sure your wheels are made of durable materials (think rubber or sturdy plastic) and offer traction to get you across any terrain at any weight.

When deciding between a cooler with wheels and one without, consider where you’ll be bringing it. A wheeled cooler is the best choice when traveling a long distance. It will make the walk so much easier if you can pull the cooler behind you instead of hauling it over your shoulder or in both hands. Plus, whether you’re tailgating for a few hours or camping for days, you’ll most likely be carrying other items than just a cooler. Bringing a wheeled cooler frees up one hand to carry a folding chair, as opposed to using both hands to carry large, heavy loads.

The product manual should include a recommendation for the ratio of ice to contents. However, this isn't always an exact science and can depend on the type of ice you’re using (crushed, cubed, packs) and the temperature. Try a 2:1 ratio of ice to goods, and adjust as needed.

Cleaning your cooler starts with removing all of the contents, including any remnants of ice or liquids. Take a look for drain plugs on your cooler, which allow for easy drainage and fast drying without having to dump all of your water out at once. If there are stains or lingering odors after the cooler is empty, wipe the interior with mild dish soap and warm water. The same can be applied to the exterior if there is any dirt or debris. Allow the cooler to dry fully before storing it. If that doesn't do the trick with removing smells, go back in with a spray bottle of bleach and wipe it away with water.

Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over five years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she used market research, in-house testing insights, and her own expertise to curate this list.