If you go back a just a decade or two, there is no doubt that the idea of a patio cooler was much different back then. It was commonplace to go to a patio party or event and find drinks being chilled by a bunch of traditional rectangle chest coolers or even those subpar foam coolers.
Today, the design and technology of the best patio coolers on the market make people not want to tuck them away into deep storage after the entertaining is over. Rather, many of these are designed to be left out on the patio as you would a stainless steel grill.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon for modern patio coolers to function for multiple purposes other than just chilling beverages. For example, the Keter cooler below has the ability to be used as a cocktail table or a side table in addition to being a cooler.
Here is our selection of the six best patio coolers for 2020. We believe there is a solid diversification of options for many people to find a cooler that works for their patio space. We hope you find a cooler that can be enjoyed for many years to come!
Table of Contents
Best Patio Coolers – Summer 2020
Summary of Patio Cooler Selections:
- Giantex 80-Quart Cooler Beer Cart Outdoor Entertaining Rolling Party Steel Bar Bistro Beverage Cooler Cart
- Merry Garden MPG-PC01 Wooden Patio Cooler
- Suncast Resin Wicker Outdoor Cooler with Wheels – Portable Outdoor Bar Cart to Store Ice, Drinks, and Frozen Treats – Store on Deck or Patio – Java
- VINGLI 80 Quart Rolling Ice Chest, Portable Patio Party Bar Drink Cooler Cart, with Shelf, Beverage Pool with Bottle Opener (Stainless Steel)
- Keter 7.5-Gal Cool Bar Modern Smooth Style with Legs Outdoor Patio Pool Cooler Table, Teal
- Coleman 3000004025 Cooler 62Qt Whld Blue/Wht/Wht 5862
Giantex 80-Quart Patio Cooler Cart
This Giantex cart patio cooler features a sleek, classic design that is hard not to love. It has a similar look to a high-quality retro-1950’s cooler, but with modern appeal.
The picture above may make the cooler appear orange, but this cooler is, in fact, red. Click here to see additional photos.
The cooler’s body is manufactured out of steel with a powder-coated finish. It is designed to stand up to all types of weather conditions. However, we recommend storing it indoors when not used for extend periods (i.e. winter). Additionally, you should cover it if left outside with a cooler cart cover such as the Mr. You Cover.
It is equipped with two side handles that can be used for moving the cooler or to hold towels, trash bags, or other items.
The two lids fold back to allow easy access to all areas of the interior cooler. Additionally, the lid can come completely off the top to allow for easy cleaning, and ice/beverage fill up.
As expected, the interior of the cooler is insulated. Customers have commented that the ice stays for 12 to over 36 hours. This, of course, will vary based on weather conditions.
The cart is extremely mobile with its four caster wheels. The wheels make the cooler easy to store or move around as needed for parties, storage or other purposes. Two of wheels conveniently lock to keep the cart stationary when in use.
This Giantex patio cooler does have a rear drain as shown in the bottom left picture below. The plug is wisely chained to the body making it difficult to lose.
Lastly, we love how Giantex included a bottle opener with a cap catcher on the front of this cooler. This not only provides party guest with an element of convenience, but also keeps the patio cleaner.
If you are interested in more coolers with wheels, please view our article on the Best Wheeled Coolers.
Product Details:
- 80-quart
- Dimensions (overall): 33.5″ height x 30.7″ length x 38.5″ width
- 3″ wheels
Merry Garden Wooden Patio Cooler
This Merry Gardens cooler is made out of eucalyptus hardwood that is stained (oil-based). It one of the best patio coolers for people seeking more of the look of a piece of furniture rather than a typical cooler. Its attractiveness will likely have your party guest commenting on its high-end appearance.
The cooler features two side handles to allow for easier carrying. Since the cooler lacks wheels, these handles are essential to comfortably transporting it.
One thing we think most people will appreciate is that this cooler comes fully assembled. You’ll be ready to use it within a few minutes after opening it. This might seem minor, but some patio coolers do take some time for assembly.
Product Details:
- Dimensions (overall): 19.69″ height x 16.93″ diameter x 22.64″ width
- Dimensions (interior): 11.46″ height x 10.83″ diameter x 16.39″ width
- 156 pounds floor capacity (interior), 300 pounds top capacity
Suncast Resin Wicker Outdoor Cooler with Wheels
Suncast is one of the most popular manufacturers of outdoor furniture and storage solutions. The company did not cut corners on the high-quality of this Resin Wicker Patio Cooler.
It features a tall vertical design, which eliminates the inconvenience of having to bend down to hunt for a favorite drink within the ice.
The side storage rack provides a place for cups, bottle openers, or other relevant items to be easily accessed. Additionally, the opposite side contains a paper towel holder, which is handy for spilled drinks or melted ice outside the cooler.
One unique feature of this Suncast patio cooler is the storage area under the cooler (see the picture below). This is an excellent space for extra drinks, towels, cups, utensils, and much more.
The cooler is made out of resin, which is highly durable and can withstand the yearly elements. The lid is hinged and allows the lid to fall far enough back to be out of the way of people reaching into the cooler.
This Suncast has four wheels to allow the cooler to be moved as desired. Two wheels lock to keep the unit from moving when in use.
A review of the product manual shows a bit of assembly is required. There are 22 steps to put this patio cooler together, so be prepared to do a little work if you choose to purchase this product.
We would estimate that most people would have this together within about 30 minutes. It is all snap-together parts, therefore, most people won’t find it overly complicated.
Product Details:
- Dimensions: 25-1/2″ W x 22″ D x 34″ H (rack and paper towel holder not included)
- Holds 72 cans or six 2-liters
- Built in drain
Vingli 80-Quart Patio Cooler Cart
The Vingli Patio Cooler works nicely to compliment other stainless items on the patio such as a grill.
This 80-quart stainless steel cooler is able to hold up to an amazing 96 12-ounce cans. It can also cool up to 48 hours and warm 8 hours.
The cooler weighs approximately 42 pounds. Given its weight, the cart is equipped with four caster wheels for moving – two which lock the cart in place. There are two side handles that provide an easy way to push or pull the cart around the patio.
We love the bottle opener and cap catcher for their ability to add a level of convenience. Furthermore, the bottom tray works great for storage of extra drinks, cups, or whatever else you choose.
Similar to a stainless steel grill, we would recommend covering this patio cooler to protect it against the elements. You also might consider bringing it inside during the winter if you live in an area with harsh winters.
Keep in mind that this cooler is an excellent alternative to the Giantex featured above.
Product Details:
- Dimensions: 34.25″ L x 15.16″ W x 34.25″ H
- 80 Quart
- Weight: 41.89 pounds
- Primary material: 430 stainless steel
- Drain plug
Keter 7.5 Gallon Patio Cooler/Table
The Keter is a combined cooler and table in one package. The picture above shows the cooler in the cocktail position. However, the table top is able to push down to cover the cooler area as demonstrated in the video below.
The Keter is an extremely versatile cooler that can act as a small patio table when not in use for cooler/cocktail table purposes. It would make a great addition sitting next to a zero gravity chair or fire pit chair as a side table.
Note that the video displays the espresso brown cooler which is also an option for purchase if you click the Amazon product link. Other available colors include grey, coral, and blue (pictured above).
The bottom of the cooler includes a built in drain plug. This eliminates the need to tip the cooler over to drain the water.
It is made out of a polypropylene resin, which the manufacturer claims is all-weather and will not fade from the sun.
We are not the only ones who view the Keter as one of the best patio coolers. It is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon with over 1,900 reviews. Noted positive features by reviewers are that it is easy to assemble and it is sturdy.
Product Details:
- Dimensions: 33.2″ H x 19.5″ D
- 7.5 Gallon
- 60 can capacity
- Cools for up to 12 hours
Coleman 3000004025 Cooler 62-Quart
This Coleman is a solid option for people looking to use their cooler beyond just the patio. It can be taken along to sporting events, camping, picnics, and many more places. The wheels and tow handle make it extremely easy to move it wherever is needed.
The cooler holds up to 95 cans, therefore, it is large enough for most small to medium parties or events. Additionally, it has the ability to keep items cold for up to an amazing 5-days.
Overall, this is one of the best general purpose coolers that sells for well under $100. It may not be as fancy as the other coolers featured here, but it does exceptionally well at its primary purpose of cooling foods and beverages.
Product Details:
- Dimensions: 29.4″ x 15.5″ x 19.9″
- Lid can used as a seat (supports up to 250 lbs)
- Built in can/cup holders on lid
- Leak-resistant drain