Best Coolers for Patios and Entertaining
Warmer months warrant weekend barbecues and pool parties. If you’re the one with the grill and pool, you’re probably wondering how you’ll keep your guests cool and satisfied this year. We’d be lying if we said ice-cold drinks that effortlessly flow aren’t one of the best ways to keep everyone happy.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best patio coolers for outdoor entertaining. Any of the coolers listed here will keep your guests cool and comfortable whether they’re lounging poolside or playing a game of horseshoes at your next barbecue.
Best Patio Coolers
Today’s market offers innovative designs that are both sleek and versatile. The size, layout, and overall ambiance of outdoor spaces vary, and each requires a suitable cooler. Keep reading to find a patio cooler that best fits your needs.
Permasteel Portable Rolling Patio Cooler – Best for Long-term Use
The Permasteel cooler is an 80-quart rolling cart that holds 110 12-ounce beverages. It is available in nine different colors and is composed of durable powder-coated steel that adds a vintage look to any backyard party.
The insulated container keeps drinks cold for up to 36 hours, so you can spend less time recruiting ice runners and more time entertaining! At 34 pounds and 36.5” x 18” x 33.5”, it's one of the heftier products on the market. However, four caster wheels and two handles make it easy to maneuver around the yard.
Most buyers boast about the bottle opener and cap catcher as it ends guests aimlessly wandering around their property in need of a portable bottle opener (that would inevitably get lost). It also includes a drain plug that eases end-of-party clean-up.
Pros
Rust and fade resistant material
Accommodates large gatherings
Can store meats for outdoor cooking
Cons
Split double lids meant for easy access fall off easily
Wheels don't do well on uneven terrain
Doesn't include storage for cups or ice scoopers
Keter Pacific Cool Bar and Hot Tub Side Table - Most Affordable
The Keter side table cooler is a best seller on Amazon – for plenty of good reasons. The innovative design doubles as a patio table. A pop-up top elevates ten inches, exposing a hidden 7.5-gallon cooler that holds up to 40 12-ounce beverages.
Most people place the cooler beside their pool, so guests can easily access drinks. However, the hot tub side table is best known for its sleek appearance. A weather-resistant resin but rattan-appearing material adds durable elegance to backyard get-togethers.
Many people are surprised to know the cooler includes a drain plug at the bottom of the table, simplifying clean-up without sacrificing that sleek look. If you desire a stylish and dependable cooler, opt for the Keter side table.
Pros
Versatile use
Aesthetically pleasing
Easy to assemble
Cons
Cannot accommodate large parties
The pop-up top is fragile
The basin is not insulated
Black+Decker Mobile Cooler Cart - Best for Large Parties
The Black+Decker cooler cart is Amazon’s choice, and justifiably so! This 80-quart insulated cart is similar to the Permasteel cooler. It includes four wheels and two handles, a split lid for easy access, a bottle opener and lid catch, and an insulated basin.
However, it also has a storage shelf that can conveniently hold cups, straws, or koozies! It’s also unique from other patio cooler carts as the drain includes an extension tube, so you don’t have to participate in any tilting!
At 42.5 pounds without ice or beverages, the alloy steel cooler is one of the heaviest products listed here. And while the wheels make the cart mobile, you may consider recruiting the help of a partner to lift it over rough terrains, like gravel.
Pros
Rust-resistant material performs well in high temperatures
The extra storage shelf acts as a serving station
360 degree rotating wheels make moving it around the patio easy
Cons
Time-consuming assembly
The white color shows dirt easily
Difficult to roll over anything but pavement
VINGLI 80 Quart Wagon Rolling Cooler - Most Mobile
The VINGILI black wagon cooler is ideal for backyards with rough terrains as it has 10-inch inflatable wheels and a long pull handle. Its edgy appearance also adds a bit of fun character to your patio.
However, this patio cooler cart is popular for far more than its all-terrain wheels and unique look. Polyurethane insulates the 80-quart box, keeping cold for 48 hours and warm for 8 hours. Whether you’re looking to store drinks or leftovers from your outdoor cooking, the wagon cart is up to the challenge.
Constructed from aluminum, the cooler weighs 48.5 pounds without ice and beverages. However, it's impressively durable and resistant to corrosion from the summer sun. It’s also complete with a bottle opener, lid catcher, and drain plug.
Pros
An easy assembly that doesn't require tools
Perfect for use away from the patio
Locking wheels keep the patio cooler cart in place
Cons
The cooler drains onto the tire and can create muddy tires if rolled through the dirt.
Only has one pull handle, making it difficult to lift
Smooth-rolling wheels are susceptible to tipping over if not pulled carefully
Suncast Resin Patio Cooler with Wheels - Best for Small Patios
The Suncast patio cooler cart is the most modest item on the list – but equally impressive! Appealing java-colored resin wicker makes it resistant to wear and tear from high temperatures. It's also a mere 31 pounds and 22” x 26” x 34”, making it the most compact option and perfect for smaller yards.
At first glance, you’ll be surprised to learn the basin is 77 quarts and can hold up to 72 cans. It also has a small bottom cabinet that stays cool from the ice above. It’s perfect for storing extra beer or mixers.
But, the storage space doesn’t end there! A small shelf hangs at the top right side. Impress your guests by placing cups or garnishes in it! Most buyers boast about the drainage tube, conveniently located out of the way at the back of the cooler.
Pros
Fits in and complements most patios
Corrosion-resistant material stands the test of time
Easy assembly
Cons
Metal basket rusts easily
Inner vinyl liner isn't as durable as other insulating materials
Wheels aren’t suited for anything other than smooth pavement
Final Thoughts
Finding the best cooler for you, your guests and your yard can be challenging. Luckily, today’s market has diverse options that meet every host's needs.
Before finding the best cooler for your patio or your next party, stop to think about the typical number of guests you have, the layout of your yard, how long your parties last, and of course, your budget. Making a list of these things will point you in the right direction and make outdoor entertaining a breeze.