You might be surprised to learn that the average American spends around $1,500 on outdoor activities each year, and a reliable cooler is essential for many of these adventures. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry, our expert team has done the research for you. After researching and comparing various coolers, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three contenders: the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler, the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler, and the ORCA 40 Cooler. Which one will come out on top? Let’s take a closer look at each of their unique features to find out.
Contents
- Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler
- RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler
- ORCA 40 Cooler, Seafoam
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Coolers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Coolers Be Used for Storing Hot Items Like Soups or Coffee?
- Are All Coolers Suitable for Outdoor Activities Like Camping or Hiking?
- Do Coolers With Wheels Require More Maintenance Than Those Without?
- Can I Use a Cooler as a Seat or Stool in a Pinch?
- Are Soft-Sided Coolers as Durable as Hard-Sided Coolers?
- Conclusion
Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler
If you’re looking for a cooler that can keep your drinks and food cold for an extended period, the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler is an excellent choice, boasting an impressive 2 inches of polyurethane insulation and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket for extreme ice retention.
This cooler is designed to keep your items chilled, and its large 50-quart capacity means you can fit plenty of drinks and snacks inside.
The exterior dimensions of 30 x 20.3 x 20.4 inches make it a great size for transporting, and the sturdy polypropylene material guarantees it can withstand rough handling.
With its overmolded carry handle and 3-inch locking latches, you can easily transport and secure your cooler.
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and individuals who need a reliable cooler for extended periods of time.
Pros:
- Extreme ice retention capabilities with 2 inches of polyurethane insulation and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket
- Large 50-quart capacity and sturdy polypropylene material for durability
- Convenient features such as overmolded carry handle, 3-inch locking latches, and self-draining cup holders
Cons:
- Heavier than similar coolers, weighing 26.39 pounds
- More expensive than some similar coolers
- Larger exterior dimensions may make it difficult to fit in smaller spaces
RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler
When you need a reliable and portable cooler that can keep your drinks cold for hours, the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler is an excellent choice, offering 30% lighter construction than similar rotomolded coolers of the same capacity.
You’ll appreciate its versatility, as it can double up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or extra cutting board.
With 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this cooler provides long-lasting ice retention, making it perfect for camping, picnics, fishing trips, or any outdoor adventure.
Weighing only 21 pounds, it’s easy to transport, and its durable, hand-washable design guarantees it will withstand the rigors of frequent use.
Best For: Campers, picnickers, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and portable cooler to keep their drinks cold for hours.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable, weighing only 21 pounds
- Provides long-lasting ice retention with 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation
- Versatile and can double up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or extra cutting board
Cons:
- May not be as durable as rotomolded coolers
- Has a limited capacity of 52 quarts
- Requires hand washing, which may be inconvenient for some users
ORCA 40 Cooler, Seafoam
With its ability to keep drinks cold for multiple days, the ORCA 40 Cooler, Seafoam is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable cooler for extended camping trips or picnics.
You’ll appreciate the 40-quart capacity, which can hold plenty of drinks and snacks for you and your friends.
The portable design makes it easy to take on the go, and the integrated insulation helps to maximize ice retention.
You can expect up to 8 days of ice retention, making it perfect for long camping trips.
With a lifetime warranty and manufacturer support, you can trust that your investment is protected.
While some users have reported issues with the drain plug and handle, the overall 4.4-star rating suggests that this cooler is a great choice for your outdoor adventures.
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable cooler for extended camping trips or picnics.
Pros:
- Keeps drinks cold for multiple days
- 40-quart capacity can hold plenty of drinks and snacks
- Portable design makes it easy to take on the go
Cons:
- Difficulty opening due to vacuum seal
- Drain plug issue
- Handle broke off after two uses
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coolers
When selecting the perfect cooler for your needs, you’ll want to think about a few key factors.
You’ll need to ponder the capacity and size options that fit your lifestyle, as well as the ice retention performance that will keep your drinks and snacks fresh.
Additionally, you’ll want to examine the cooler’s material and build, insulation thickness and type, and weight and portability factors to verify you’re getting a cooler that meets your specific requirements.
Capacity and Size Options
Considering your specific needs, you’ll want to choose a cooler that balances capacity and size to guarantee you have enough storage space without sacrificing portability.
When selecting a cooler, think about the number of people, duration of use, and type of items you’ll be storing. A larger capacity mightn’t always be necessary or practical. For example, a 40-quart cooler can hold around 40 cans, while a 50-quart cooler can hold about 50 cans, and a 52-quart cooler can hold up to 76 cans.
Interior dimensions, such as 17.50 x 11.00 x 13.70 inches, affect the usable space and organization of the cooler. Consider the size and shape of the items you’ll be storing to confirm a good fit.
Exterior dimensions, like 30.00 x 20.30 x 20.40 inches, impact portability and storage. Weigh the benefits of larger capacity against the increased weight and size of the cooler. A heavier cooler may be more difficult to transport, but may provide longer ice retention.
Ice Retention Performance
You’ll want to prioritize ice retention performance when choosing a cooler, as it directly affects how long your food and drinks stay cold. The last thing you want is for your ice to melt quickly, leaving you with warm drinks and spoiled food.
When considering ice retention, think about the thickness of the insulation. A thicker insulation, like the 3 inches in the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler, will generally perform better than a thinner one.
The material used in the cooler’s construction also plays a role. High-quality materials like polypropylene, used in the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler, help keep ice for a longer duration.
The chamber size also matters, with larger chambers like the 21.5 x 11 x 13.7 inches in the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler allowing for more ice to be stored and retained.
Finally, don’t forget about the gasket and latches. A 360-degree freezer-grade gasket, like the one in the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler, helps prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering the cooler.
Cooler Material and Build
Your cooler’s material and build quality directly impact its performance, so it’s vital to weigh these factors when making a purchase.
The type of plastic used in a cooler’s construction plays a substantial role in its overall strength, flexibility, and resistance to cracks and breaks. For instance, polypropylene (PP) is a popular choice due to its durability and temperature resistance, as seen in the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler.
The build quality is also essential, featuring elements like reinforced locks and hinges that can notably impact the cooler’s durability and performance in various environmental conditions.
When choosing a cooler, you’ll also want to think about its weight, which can greatly affect its portability and transportation.
Weights can vary substantially, ranging from 21 pounds for the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler to 26.39 pounds for the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler.
Insulation Thickness and Type
As you venture into the world of coolers, one essential aspect to focus on is the insulation, which can make or break your cooler’s performance, and getting it right is key to keeping your contents coolly chilled.
The thickness of the insulation plays a vital role in a cooler’s ice retention. Generally, thicker insulation results in better performance, as seen in the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler’s 2-inch thick polyurethane insulation.
The type of insulation material used is also important. Polyurethane foam, as seen in the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler, is a common and effective choice.
A 360-degree freezer-grade gasket, like the one in the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler, can also enhance insulation performance by creating a tight seal and preventing cold air from escaping.
When choosing a cooler, consider the chamber depth, height, and width, as larger chambers often require more insulation to maintain ideal temperatures. Finally, don’t overlook the quality and type of insulation, as it can vary distinctly between coolers, and choose one that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Weight and Portability Factors
When selecting a cooler, consider how much it weighs, since a portable cooler’s weight can greatly impact your ability to easily transport it to your desired destination. You’ll want a cooler that’s light enough to carry comfortably, but still has enough space to store your essentials.
For example, the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler weighs a manageable 21 pounds, making it easy to take on the go.
The dimensions and shape of your cooler also play a role in its portability. Smaller, more compact coolers are naturally easier to transport than larger ones.
The material used in the cooler’s construction is also important, with lightweight materials like plastic contributing to a cooler’s portability. Additionally, features like handles and latches can make a big difference.
Look for coolers with overmolded carry handles and secure latches, like the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler, which can make transporting your gear a breeze.
Additional Features and Benefits
Beyond weight and portability, think about the additional features and benefits that can elevate your cooler from a mere container to a trusted outdoor companion.
When choosing a cooler, you’ll want to reflect on the extras that can make a difference in your outdoor adventures.
For instance, anti-shear hinge systems and reinforced lockable hasps can provide added security and durability, making your cooler more suitable for rugged outdoor activities.
You’ll also appreciate features like overmolded carry handles, non-skid rubber feet, and molded-in tie-down slots that enhance portability and usability in various environments.
If you’re planning outdoor gatherings or events, multiple cup holders can be a convenient addition.
Some coolers even come with practical features like stainless steel bottle openers.
Don’t forget to think about the insulation materials and thickness, which play a vital role in a cooler’s ice retention capabilities and overall performance.
Price and Value Consideration
You’ll need to crunch some numbers to determine the true value of a cooler, considering factors like cost per quart, material quality, and brand reputation to guarantee you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Take the Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler, for instance, which costs around $0.50 per quart. While high-end coolers like this one can cost over $300, more budget-friendly options like the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Insulated Portable Cooler can be had for around $150.
You must carefully weigh the cost of a cooler against its performance. Factors like ice retention, durability, and portability play a significant role in determining its overall value.
Just because a cooler is pricey doesn’t mean it’s the best value. However, investing in a high-quality cooler that will last longer and perform better in the long run can save you money and hassle in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Coolers Be Used for Storing Hot Items Like Soups or Coffee?
“You’re wondering if you can store hot items like soups or coffee in a cooler. Yes, you can! Insulated coolers can keep hot items warm for hours, making them perfect for transporting or storing hot food and drinks.”
Are All Coolers Suitable for Outdoor Activities Like Camping or Hiking?
You’re planning an outdoor adventure and wonder if your cooler can keep up. Not all coolers are created equal for outdoor activities like camping or hiking – you’ll need one with insulation, durability, and waterproofing to keep your goods fresh.
Do Coolers With Wheels Require More Maintenance Than Those Without?
You’re about to venture on a bumpy road, and your cooler is your trusty sidekick. Do coolers with wheels require more maintenance than those without? Yes, they do – think of wheels as high-maintenance friends who need regular ‘dates’ to keep rolling smoothly.
Can I Use a Cooler as a Seat or Stool in a Pinch?
You might be tempted to use your cooler as a seat in a pinch, but be careful – it’s not designed for weight-bearing, and you don’t want to risk damaging it or getting hurt.
Are Soft-Sided Coolers as Durable as Hard-Sided Coolers?
When you think durability, you imagine an indestructible fortress, but soft-sided coolers can surprise you! While they may not be as rugged as their hard-sided cousins, they’re still built to withstand rough handling and harsh conditions.
Conclusion
As you wrap up your cooler quest, recall the radiant refrigeration rivals:
Pelican’s powerful insulation,
RTIC’s remarkable lightweight resilience,
and ORCA’s outstanding 8-day ice retention.
Consider your cooling conundrums solved!
