The Best Wheeled Coolers, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Wheeled Coolers, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

Roll into the party with cold beverages in the wheeled cooler that suits your style, desired capacity, and budget.

Whether folks are 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 ideal model should suit the individual needs and lifestyle of the user—these are far from one-size-fits-all items.

The best coolers with wheels are lightweight yet sturdy with long handles and durable wheels that grip. They roll with ease and keep refreshments ice-cold, and they should also be durable and easy to clean. Read on to learn more about what to look for in a rolling cooler and descriptions of our top picks. To help make the decision even easier, we performed hands-on testing with all of the following models to ensure they’re really the best.

1. BEST OVERALL: Magellan Outdoors 45-Quart Pro Explore Icebox
2. RUNNER-UP: Coleman 62-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Wheeled Cooler
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Igloo 38-Quart Wheelie Cool Cooler
4. UPGRADE PICK: Pelican 80-Quart Elite Wheeled Cooler
5. BEST ROTOMOLDED: Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler
6. BEST CAPACITY: Igloo Sunset Glide 110-Quart Wheeled Cooler 
7. BEST WHEELS: RovR RollR 45-Quart Cooler
8. BEST FOR THE BEACH: Igloo Trailmate Journey 70-Quart Wheeled Cooler
9. ALSO CONSIDER: Igloo 60-Quart Ecocool Roller Cooler

How We Tested the Best Wheeled Coolers

We wanted to ensure that we were suggesting only the best-rated wheeled coolers, so we performed hands-on testing with all of these models. We wanted to check out their features, such as handles, wheels, latches, and lids. We also sought to ensure that they were easy to roll, even when fully loaded. We bought over 320 pounds of ice and filled these rolling coolers before rolling them around, lifting them, and testing the individual creature comforts.

Most importantly, we had to know how well they’d maintain safe temperatures. Meat becomes more perishable over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and rapid bacteria growth starts at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so we needed to determine how well these coolers would hold the temperature. We placed a block of wood in each of the coolers, resting it on top of the ice. Every day, we’d check the temperature in the center of the blocks with a laser thermometer. We’d then average the temperatures throughout the test, ensuring that these coolers with wheels could not only retain ice but also the cold air it created.

Our Top Picks

Whether for camping trips, beach days, or picnics in the park, a wheeled cooler makes an excellent companion. Roll snacks and beverages wherever they’re needed 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.

Best Overall

Magellan Outdoors 45-Quart Pro Explore Icebox

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This well-designed rotomolded wheeled cooler from Magellan boasts an ample 45-quart capacity, nonflat rubber wheels, and a choice of 15 colors. Among its many convenient features are a built-in bottle opener, a rubberized seal around the lid, a removable divider that doubles as a cutting board, and a dry-goods tray. It also features three handle options, including two built into the cooler, two nylon straps with rubber grips, and a metal handle that lifts for easy toting. The one-hand-friendly latches on both sides of the cooler also double as hinges, allowing the user to open the lid from either side—or remove the lid altogether by unsnapping all four latches at once.

The Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Icebox was quite a surprise during the test. It has as many, if not more, features than brands that cost twice as much. We enjoyed the removable divider’s flexibility and alternate use as a cutting board, and the fact that there are three handle options (the straps proved great for lowering it out of the truck bed and handing it off to someone). But in our opinion, the best feature is the flexibility of the lid. Throughout the test, it held ice very well and recorded an average temperature of 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit. While there’s very little to complain about, with all those features, we figured there’d be cupholders—but nope!

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 45 quarts
• Exterior dimensions: 43 inches long by 16.5 inches wide by 16 inches deep
• Wheel type: Nonflat rubber

Pros

• Features include a removable divider/cutting board, bottle opener, and dry-goods tray
• Innovative lid design allows opening from either side or full removal
• 3 handle options for easy lifting, rolling, and handing off to a partner

Cons

• No cupholders; some users report being unable to close side clips

Get the Magellan Outdoors wheeled cooler at Academy Sports + Outdoors. 

Runner-Up

Coleman 62-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Wheeled Cooler

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Coleman’s ultrainsulated 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 thick handle makes pulling comfortable, even when the cooler is full. The Coleman Xtreme even provides seating, as it supports up to 250 pounds, and there are four molded cupholders in the lid.

While this Coleman isn’t nearly as cool (no pun intended) as some of the other options on the list, its blend of basic features, price, and ice retention made it a favorite in testing. It had no problem retaining ice for the 5 days as claimed, and the average temperature within that time frame was 36.9 degrees Fahrenheit. While it doesn’t have any latches or airtight seals, the lid does fit snuggly to prevent it from popping open. The wheels were a little underwhelming in terms of size and ground clearance, and the plastic lifting handles feel flimsy, but overall, this cooler on wheels does almost everything well.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 62 quarts
• Exterior dimensions: 29.26 inches long by 16.08 inches wide by 18.32 inches deep
• Wheel type: Plastic

Pros

• Retains ice for 5 days at temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Lid fits securely to prevent popping open and losing cool air during transport
• Lid boasts 4 built-in cupholders and can serve as a seat supporting 250 pounds

Cons

• Plastic wheels are slightly small, offering a limited amount of ground clearance
• Does not have latches; lifting handles are thin and flimsy

Get the Coleman wheeled cooler at Amazonor Camping World.

Best Bang for the Buck

Igloo 38-Quart Wheelie Cool Cooler

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Folks looking to keep their drinks and food cool without breaking the bank should consider this Wheelie Cool Cooler from Igloo. This small rolling cooler has a 38-quart capacity, allowing it to hold up to 53 drink cans plus ice, despite being compact and lightweight. For easy, versatile rolling, it boasts hard plastic wheels with treads.

The 38-quart Wheelie Cool Cooler features a long plastic handle that flips up and makes pulling a full cooler a breeze. Also, the full-length lid requires the user to flip it back, ensuring that items inside don’t pop the lid open during transport, as some side-opening coolers on wheels may.

At first, we thought this cooler couldn’t compete with others in our lineup, but testing showed it could actually hold ice for 3 days with an average temperature of 40.6 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s right on the border of being safe for meat, it’s more than suitable for drinks. We liked the secure lid design, despite its lack of a latch and being somewhat unorthodox (most rectangular lids open to the side, but this one opens front to back). The ice chest with wheels rolled well, with the lightweight handle and hard plastic wheels doing their job. And regardless of whether it’s suitable for meat storage, its price point makes it a great option for anyone in the market for a compact wheeled cooler for a day to the beach or park.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 38 quarts
• Exterior dimensions: 22.75 inches long by 15.88 inches wide by 12.88 inches deep
• Wheel type: Hard plastic with treads

Pros

• Front-to-back opening prevents the cooler’s lid from opening during transport
• Affordable price; held ice for 3 days and can fit 53 drink cans
• Hard plastic wheels and lightweight handle are excellent for mobility

Cons

• Average temperature during test was over 40 degrees Fahrenheit

Get the Igloo Wheelie wheeled cooler at The Home Depotor Target.

Upgrade Pick

Pelican 80-Quart Elite Wheeled Cooler

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This premium wheeled cooler from Pelican is ideal for folks who are serious about the outdoors. This rugged, 80-quart rolling cooler not only keeps food and drinks cold but also claims to keep bears out. Polyurethane insulation maintains ideal contents temperature and retains ice 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, while an integrated fish scale and built-in bottle opener add to its outdoorsy chops. There’s a garden-hose-attachable drain so it can be emptied of water away from the picnic area or campsite. It also has a built-in rubber seal to help retain cool temperatures and prevent leaks.

This Pelican cooler is an absolute beast: overbuilt, with thick built-in lifting handles, a large rolling handle, and grizzly-bear-proof lid. Its claim of 10-day ice retention proved true, and its average temperature over 5 days was 37.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well below the mark for storing meat. The large wheels made rolling it in and out of the garage a breeze, despite its large size. We also liked how the flip-up handle snapped in place and provided a secure handhold. Thick rubber pads on the bottom kept this Pelican in place while driving it around in the bed of our truck. Everything stayed secure during transportation—surprising, considering this cooler weighs 52 pounds when empty.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 80 quarts
• Exterior dimensions: 42.88 inches long by 20.75 inches wide by 20.25 inches deep
• Wheel type: Heavy-duty plastic

Pros

• Burly design is rough and ready for just about any outdoor adventure
• Holds ice for up to 10 days, and retains temperatures well below the meat-storage temperature
• Thick rubber pads at bottom hold cooler in place during transportation in a truck bed

Cons

• Weighs 52 pounds; some may find it cumbersome to move around

Get the Pelican wheeled cooler at Amazon, Pelican, or West Marine.

Best Rotomolded

Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler

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The Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler is a tough rotomolded model that’s ready for just about anything without being too large or bulky for everyday use. This Yeti has a telescoping aluminum handle and two tall wheels that make wheeling it around, even when fully loaded, a breeze.

Injected polyurethane insulation helps it retain ice for several days (though the manufacturer doesn’t claim how many). It also has built-in lifting handles as well as tie-down locations for securing it in a truck bed or on a boat. Latches are simple to use one-handed. There’s a dry-goods bin that sits in a groove at the top of the cooler’s interior to keep items like fruit from coming in contact with ice.

In testing, there was so much to like about the Yeti Roadie. Its construction feels extremely solid, even when sitting on its lid. The wheels are large and provide a few inches of ground clearance, and the aluminum handle telescopes in and out easily. It maintained ice for the entirety of our test, holding an average temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit throughout. We also liked the latch design—a breeze to use compared to the thick rubber straps we’re accustomed to with this brand. Also, between the built-in tie-down locations and rubber feet, it stays in place while driving. The biggest complaint we could muster is that it doesn’t have a locking hasp to keep the lid secure.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 60 quarts
• Exterior dimensions: 23.7 inches long by 20 inches wide by 20.5 inches deep
• Wheel type: Nonflat rubber

Pros

• Large wheels provide ample ground clearance; telescoping handle makes pulling it about easy
• Convenient dry-goods bin keeps desired items up and out of the ice
• Rubber feet and tie-downs ensure it doesn’t bounce around in the bed of a truck

Cons

• No locking hasp to keep the lid closed and secure

Get the Yeti wheeled cooler at Amazon, Yeti, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Best Capacity

Igloo Sunset Glide 110-Quart Wheeled Cooler

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

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 as well.

This might not be the toughest cooler, or the one with the fanciest features, but it definitely can hold some ice, food, and drinks. We appreciated its large capacity as it can handle plenty of food and drinks, but we also liked the sliding handle with a cushioned grip, as it makes shuffling this large cooler around easy and comfortable, even when fully loaded. It held ice for longer than the 5-day period, and its average in that window was a chilly 36.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which was our lowest average temp in the test. Our only complaint was that the latches seem really cheap and don’t snap securely, though the lid fits snugly on its own.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 110 quarts
• Exter