If you are looking for one of the best wheeled coolers, you have likely struggled in past with the weight and bulk of a traditional non-wheeled cooler. When you factor in the weight of the bottles, cans, food, ice, and the cooler itself, certain cooler can be extremely heavy even for two people to carry.
Thanks to Igloo, in the 1990’s, the first wheeled cooler with a handle was brought to the market. Wheels allowed coolers to become bigger since they no longer needed to be carried.
Whether you are going camping, fishing, to beach, or just hanging around the yard, a wheeled cooler makes transporting your food and beverages a much easier task.
Here are our top 11 picks for wheeled coolers. We start with our top three, best of the best, picks and then move into the other high-quality choices.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Coolers With Wheels – Quick Comparison
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1- Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
- Rotomolded Construction makes it armored to the core and virtually indestructible
- The Haul is the first-ever YETI cooler on wheels. Perfect for taking the Tundra's legendary toughness and unmatched insulation power the extra mile
- Never Flat Wheels – A solid, single-piece tire construction that is impact- and puncture-resistant
- Strong Arm Handle – A durable welded aluminum arm with comfortable grips. The curved design tracks left or right for heel-friendly towing
- Rotomolded Construction - Makes it armored to the core and virtually indestructible
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Yeti has become one of the dominant players for high-end coolers. While their products are pricey, the quality is superior to almost any other coolers out there.
The Yeti Tundra is the first Yeti cooler to be made with wheels. This cooler, stacked full of ice and drinks, would be heavy for even two strong people to carry. The cooler alone weighs 37 pounds. However, the never-flat wheels eliminate mobility issues, making transporting this cooler relatively a smooth task for most people.
This cooler is equipped with commercial-grade polyurethane foam in the walls and lid for superior permafrost insulation. The walls contain up to two inches of this foam to give you an idea of the quality of this high-grade insulation.
The Strong Arm handle is made from welded aluminum with padded grips. You won’t feel as if the handle will rip off at any moment when completing a heavy haul, unlike certain cheaper models of other brands.
Overall, this Yeti is the cooler you would want to buy to last a lifetime. Its rotomolded construction allows it to take a serious beating without damage. In fact, the manufacturer claims it is virtually unbreakable, which should speak to its quality.
Product Summary:
- Dimensions (outside): 28-1/4″ x 19-1/2″ x 18-5/8″
- Dimensions (inside): 19″ x 13-5/8″ x 11-1/4″
- Weight (empty) 37 pounds
- Rotomolded constructed
- Colors available: white, tan, seafoam, river green, reef blue, charcoal, blue
- Holds 55 pounds of ice (only)
- Holds approximately 45 cans of beer/soda (2 to 1 ice to can ratio)
2- Elkton Outdoors Commercial-Grade Insulated Cooler
- SERIOUSLY PORTABLE. The Elkton Outdoors 70 Quart Wheeled Ice Chest is equipped with two wheels for easy transportation. Now, you donÕt have to worry about filling your cooler too heavily because you can just wheel it around in every camping trip
- FEATURES: Military-grade nylon rope handles, Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Molded Tie-Down Slots with Lock Plates, Recessed No-Leak Drain Plug, Pressure Release Valve, 2 Built-In Bottle Openers, and More!
- SERIOUSLY TOUGH: Virtually Indestructible Rotomolded Thermoplastic Construction with Heavy Duty Rubber ColdSeal Latches and Exterior UV Protection
- SERIOUSLY COLD: 3Ó inches of commercial grade insulation and cold-keeping freezer style rubber gasket keeps your items colder for longer!
- 1 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: We guarantee our Ice Chests to be free from defects in material, workmanship, and assembly, under normal use and in accordance with the specifications and warnings for a period of 1 year.
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Elkton Outdoors cooler features a Rotomolded Thermoplastic material that is virtually indestructible like the Yeti above. If you purchase this cooler, you will likely have it many years ahead working in a similar manner that it did straight out of the box.
The cooler is insulated with 3 inches of commercial quality insulation. Your drinks will remain cold for days in this 70 quart cooler. It is smartly equipped with a freezer-like rubber gasket on the lid to ensure a tight seal for keeping things cold an extended time. Additionally, the ColdSeal latches help maintain the tight seal.
This cooler also features GorillaGrip rubber feet. These feet will assist in keeping the cooler from slipping on a variety of surfaces. The handle is made from a military-grade nylon rope to allow for heavy pulling of the chest without breaking the rope.
Product Summary:
- 70 Quarts
- Dimensions (exterior): 33″ x 16.5″ x 18″
- Rotomolded constructed
- No-sweat exterior
- Colors available: orange, green, camo
- 2 can openers connect to the cooler
- Drain plug (no leak)
3- Pelican Elite Coolers with Wheels
- Volume: true 45 quart internal volume; Body Material: Polyethylene
- Extreme ice retention: 2 inch of polyurethane insulation with a 360 degree freezer-grade gasket that delivers extreme ice retention for up to 10 days
- Features: molded handles, 3 inch locking latches, reinforced lockable hasp, stainless steel bottle opener, anti-shear hinge system, molded tie-down slots
- Features: leakproof drain plug, integrated measuring board on lid in centimeters and inches, non-skid rubber feet
- Made in the USA: includes Pelican legendary lifetime guarantee - you break it, we replace it...Forever
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 45 quart Pelican Cooler offers two inches of polyurethane insulation for top-notch ice retention. This cooler is so well insulated that the manufacturer states that it can retain ice up to an amazing 10 days.
Similar to the Elkton Outdoors cooler directly above, this cooler has a freezer-style gasket to assist in creating an extremely tight seal to retain the cold.
Furthermore, the lockable latches ensure the lid will remain tightly closed, which is handy when deterring animals (i.e. bear) from gaining access to your food. It is even equipped with the ability to padlock the lid when necessary.
The cooler comes with a lifetime guarantee. If it breaks, it can be replaced according to Pelican. This should speak to the quality of the cooler, which you should expect at this price point.
Product Summary:
- 45 quarts
- Dimensions (exterior): 29.7″ x 20″ x 19.25″
- Dimensions (interior): 19″ x 12″ x 12″
- Weight: 37.25 pounds
- Molded handles
- Built-in stainless steel bottle opener
- Colors available: tan, white, charcoal
- Drain plug (no leak)
- Ice retention: up to 10 days
4- Coleman 100-Quart Xtreme Heavy-Duty Cooler
- Keeps ice up to 5 days at temps up to 90°F thanks to an insulated lid and extra insulation in walls
- Heavy-Duty Wheels for Easy, Reliable Transport
- Holds 160 cans and has molded cup holders on top of lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
- Have-a-Seat Lid Supports Up to 250 Pounds so You Have a Place to Sit and Rest
- Leak-resistant channel drain lets you remove excess water without tilting the cooler
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The extremely popular Coleman 100-Quart Wheeled Cooler will retain ice for up to 5 days in 90°F temperatures with its insulated lid and walls. That is quite impressive given the price of this cooler.
If the lid is used as a seat, it can hold up to 250 pounds of weight. This allows a wide-variety of people to sit on it without the worry of damaging the cooler. The lid even contains cup holders to easily store your cups or cans as you sit and relax near the cooler.
It can hold up to 160 cans, which is excellent for large backyard parties, tailgating, camping, and much more.
The cooler does not require tilting to drain water with its channel drain. This is a vital feature given the large size of this cooler.
This Coleman is built with a dual handle system with both a large and much smaller handle. This allows for versatility in how you wish to move your cooler. We would suspect that most people use the large handle for the bulk of the towing, even with the convenience of only one hand.
This is an excellent cooler as an alternative for those that do not want to spend a few hundred dollars on the previously featured high-end models. While this is not the same quality, it still produce stellar results in doing what is intended.
Product Summary:
- 100 quarts
- Dimensions (exterior): 36.5″ x 16.75″ x 18.25″
- Dimensions (interior): 23.75″ x 11.75″ x 13″
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Capacity: 160 cans
- Ice retention: up to 5 days at max 90°F
- No tilt drainage
5- Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler
- Ultratherm insulated body keeps cold for a long time
- Push button and locking telescopic handle
- Durable wheels and reinforced tow handle make transporting a full cooler easy
- Molded side scoop handles for ease of loading and unloading
- 60 quart capacity. Exterior Dimensions ( L x W x H )-20 x 18.5 x 20.69 inches. Interior Dimensions ( L x W x H )-Top - 16.75 x 14.5 x 17.25 inches, Bottom - 15.25 x 12 x 17.25 inches
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 60 quart Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler is constructed out of polyethylene. It features an Ultratherm insulated body helping keeping drinks and food cold for an extended period.
The cooler is hauled by a telescoping handle that has the ability to lock. There are also built-in side handles to use when you want to lift the cooler.
The cooler does have a drain plug to conveniently remove unwanted water. The lid provides four drink holders.
Product Summary:
- 60 quarts
- Dimensions (exterior): 20″ x 18.5″ x 20.69″
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
- Capacity: 90 cans (12 oz)
- Telescoping handle with side handles
- 4 cup holders
- Drain plug
6- Igloo Maxcold Cooler
- Igloo max cold cooler offer the ultimate in cold retention with ultratherm insulated lid and body
- Durable wheels and tow handle for easy transport to and from the event
- Ultratherm insulation in body and lid helps keep things cold
- Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop
- 40 qt. Capacity and can hold up to 56 cans
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 40 quart Igloo MaxCold Roller Cooler is insulated with Ultratherm in the walls and lid for stellar cold retention. Ice can be retained for up to 5 days.
The cooler features dual swing-up handles to allow a couple of options for how you wish to carry or pull the cooler. There is also a handle on the side of wheels, which allows it to be carried if desired.
One downside of this cooler is that it lacks a drain plug. However, the empty cooler weighs only 10.5 pounds. This allows for the cooler to be easily tipped over to drain in many situations.
Product Summary:
- 40 Quarts
- Holds up to 56 cans (12 oz)
- Dimensions (exterior): 23″ x 12.88″ x 17.38″
- Weight (empty): 10.5 pounds
- Ice Retention: Up to 5 days
7- Coleman Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels
- Treated with antimicrobials to resist odor, mold, mildew, and fungus from forming on removable liner that offers packing flexibility and easy cleaning
- Holds 42 cans
- Zippered main compartment keeps contents cold; use hard plastic liner if packing with ice, no need for liner with ice substitutes
- Heat-welded seams prevent leaks
- Telescoping handle and durable wheels for easy transport; side handles for more carrying control
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Coleman Soft Cooler has the look of a piece of luggage with its telescoping handle that is used to pull the cooler on its two heavy-duty wheels. It also is made with two upper side handles for carrying.
This is not an extremely large type of cooler, which is perfect for many people looking to avoid the bulk that gets in the way of maneuverability. It does, however, hold up to 42 cans so you will have a nice amount of room for whatever you want to keep cold.
The cooler is also made with additional storage outside of the main cooler area. It has a generously sized zipper pocket on the front and two mesh side pockets for storing dry goods. There are also bungees on the lid for even more storage. Finally, the inside of the lid contains another mest pocket which is ideal for keeping items cool but off the ice.
The cooler contains an antimicrobial treatment to help deter the nasty stuff often associated with coolers such as odors, mold, and mildew. While the outside is soft, the interior has a hard plastic liner that protects the cooler contents.
Product Summary:
- Holds up to 42 cans
- Telescoping handle with side handles
- Leak-free design
- Antimicrobial liner
- Liner FDA approved for food contact
8- Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Rolling Cooler
- Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it; includes insulated, expandable front compartment
- Triple layer ColdBlock base has 3 thick layers of SuperFoam that are designed to keep the conductive heat from the hot ground at bay
- Ultra Safe leak proof lining with Microban protects against odors and stains and helps make this product easier to clean
- Water and stain repellent, wipe clean exterior; Expandable All Terrain Cart can be used on its own and holds up to 100 lbs.
- Features an adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with anti-slip shoulder pad; interior dimensions: (L x W x H) 13.25" x 12" x 14.75"
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you like the Coleman Soft cooler above, you should also consider this Artic Zone Titan. It is manufactured with three layers of insulation to allow ice retention up to 3 days with full ice.
While relatively compact, the cooler can hold up to 60 cans and can handle weight up to 100 pounds. The cooler is collapsible to allow for easy storage.
The lining is leak proof so there is no worry about spillage near the cooler. However, the cooler should be kept in the upright position to ensure no leakage.
The exterior is Rhino-Tech which offers stain, water, and UV resistance. In most cases, a cloth with soap and water is all that is needed to clean the interior of the cooler.
The cooler offers Microban antimicrobial protection for stains and bacteria that often cause unwanted smells.
Product Summary:
- Dimensions (interior): 13.25″ x 12″ x 15.625″
- Capacity: 60 cans
- Holds up to 100 pounds
- Ice retention: up to 3 days
- Microban protection
- All terrain cart
- Leak proof lining
- Telescoping handle with side handles
9- Coleman 40-Quart Wheeled Cooler
- High capacity rolling cooler box ideal for large outdoor gatherings and camping trips
- Tow handle and heavy duty wheels for easy, reliable transport across almost any terrain
- 40 quart capacity holds up to 59 Cans
- Large molded side handles for controlled, comfortable lifting and carrying
- Cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to beverages
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Coleman 40-Quart Cooler is an excellent budget pick for those that do not want to spend a small fortune on one of the best of best wheeled coolers.
While relatively inexpensive, the cooler is still able to hold a maximum of 59 cans. Even better, it allows ice retention for up to 3 days, which is pretty impressive for a cooler in this price range.
The cooler comes equipped with a large tow handle for easy maneuverability for some. Reviewers have complained that the handle is a bit short. If you are on the tall size, this might not be an ideal cooler for you.
It also has two molded side handles for lifting the cooler into the car, over obstructions, and so on.
Two other convenient features are the cup holders and the drain plug. The lid has built-in cup holders that tend to be extremely useful when tables are scarce such as when camping, tailgating, or at sporting events. The leak-resistant drain plug allows the cooler to be drained of water without the hassle of tipping over the cooler.
Product Summary:
- 40 quart
- Hold up to 59 cans
- Up 3 days ice retention
10- Columbia Crater Peak Rolling Thermal Pack
- 50 can rolling cooler with high performance SuperFoam insulation
- Therma-Flect interior radiant barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it to keep food fresh for hours
- Ultra Safe leak proof lining with Microban protects against odors and stains and helps make this product easier to clean
- Features a foldable cart with all-terrain wheels and a retractable, telescopic hook 'n' go handle (cart holds up to 80 lbs./36.3 kg)
- Padded handles allow for comfortable carrying
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Columbia is best known for designing high-quality outerwear. However, they do also make a top-notch cooler that is reminiscent of their fine clothing.
The Columbia Crater Peak holds up to 50 cans that are insulated by Superfoam insulation that offers three superior layers to retain the cold.
The exterior is made with a Therma-Flect Radiant Barrier that reflects heat away from the cooler instead of slowly absorbing it like other coolers.
It offers Microban which provides antimicrobial protection for bacteria that can cause unpleasant odors and staining of the cooler.
The cooler itself folds flat for simple storage. Additionally, it can be used with the cart and even without it as well.
Product Summary:
- Capacity: up to 50 cans
- Max weight held: 80 pounds
- Leak proof liner
- Microban protection
- Telescoping handle
11- dbest products Ultra Compact Cooler Smart Cart
- Weighs less than 3 lbs. Folds Flat for storage. useful for light trips to the grocery. Keeps your ice cream and popsicles chilled to its fullest. Locking telescoping handle for comfort and stability when pulling or pushing this wheeled tote.
- This soft-sided cooler is a fully insulated leak-proof cooler that fits 36 cans plus ice cubes. Carry anything from sodas, beer, wine bottles ,sandwiches, chips and other snacks.
- Great for Barbecues and pool parties. Keep it in your patio to have your refreshments at hand. Dimensions are 13 1/2" X 13 1/2" X 10 3/4" It holds 4 gallons in volume.
- Travel outdoors with this collapsible cooler. Perfect for camping, fishing, picnics, hiking ,a day at the beach, bonfires, long road trips, trips to the zoo, boating and to your kids sports games. Nice small design makes it great use as a lunchbox.
- Extra large side Mesh pockets and beverage holders. Large front zipper pocket for easy access securely store keys, phone and wallet and other personal items.
Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For those looking for an extremely light weight and afford wheeled cooler, this one should be considered.
The dbest products Ultra Compact Cooler is less than 3 pounds, making it extremely convenient to use while traveling when space is limited. It even folds down to reduce the already minimal bulk of the cooler.
This cooler will hold up to 36 cans including ice. Despite it size, it can hold a respectable amount of beverages and/or food.
This is great day cooler that can be wheeled to the beach, camping, picnics, and beyond. The telescoping handle makes transporting pershibles a breeze without the annoying bulk of many other wheeled cooler.
Product Summary:
- Dimensions: 13 1/2″ X 13 1/2″ X 10 3/4″
- Weight: less than 3 pounds
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Capacity: 4 gallons by volume
Buying Guide – Cooler with Wheels
There are a few primary features that should be considered when deciding to buy a cooler with wheels. The importance of these features will vary based on the needs of the person.
Ice Retention
Ice retention varies from cooler to cooler based on things like insulation, color, and the amount of ice used in the cooler. Most coolers list the maximum ice retention time in their online product descriptions. Also, check the online reviews to see what actual users say about their experience with ice retention.
Capacity
Generally, the manufacturer will list how many 12 ounce cans a cooler can hold. This is an important feature for many people since a cooler too small leads to the frustration of trying to squeeze items into it. A cooler too big results in hauling the excess weight and bulk that comes with larger style coolers.
Exterior Size
The exterior size of the cooler matters for transportation and storage. You should verify that you have the space available for long-term storage or transporting it in your car. It is easy to buy a cooler too big for your needs only later to find out you have no space to store it.
Handle Length
The length of the handle used to pull the wheeled cooler is important, particularly if you are a taller person. You want to make sure the handle allows you to walk in a natural position without adjusting your body to a lower or awkward position. The handle length is most important for long hauls where the body can easily fatigue or even get injured from unnatural pulling a heavy load.
Drainage
Of course, the ice in a cooler will eventually melt and you will need to dispose of the water. A convenient feature of many top wheeled coolers is a drainage plug on the bottom of the cooler. When the plug is removed, the water simply runs out. If your cooler lacks a drainage plug, you will have to tip over the cooler to remove the water. If the cooler is large and holds a lot of ice, you will likely want a drain plug to avoid lifting a heavy cooler.
Price
Price is obviously a big factor for most people. As you can see above, there is a large range in prices of rolling coolers. Many people see value in purchasing a premium cooler for a few hundred dollars that will last many, many years and provide days of ice retention. Other people can’t justify spending this kind of money and opt for a much less expensive cooler. Of course, the price people are willing to pay varies based on the person.
Wheeled Cooler – Q&A
It primarily depends on the amount of ice in the cooler, exterior temperature and the efficiency of the insulation. The high end coolers can hold ice for several days whereas you might get a couple days or less with lower end coolers.
It depends on the type of cooler. If the cooler is bulky and difficult to lift by hand, you should expect it to have a drain plug to avoid the inconvenience of tip draining the cooler. Be sure to purchase a cooler that is proven not to leak through the drain plug to avoid the obvious hassle that this creates.
A cooler with wheels is great for hauling heavy loads of cans or food for longer distances. For example, a wheeled cooler might come in handy for pulling out the picnic blanket at a location deep in the park where carrying a cooler is impractical. If you are using your cooler for packing a daily lunch for work, for example, the wheels may be impractical or not worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
While it is easy to say that the top three picks above, starting with Yeti, are the best coolers with wheels, realistically many people either can’t afford these coolers or choose not to spend this kind of money for one of them.
Whether you need a premium cooler like a Yeti is a personal choice, however, there are several coolers for much cheaper that do a respectable job at keeping food and beverages cold. Before you buy a cooler, we suggest greatly considering the features in comparison to your needs. The very best wheeled cooler is not always practical for all.
Good luck finding your new cooler with wheels. We hope you find one here or elsewhere that provides you with value for years to come.
