Serving cool and refreshing drinks can help make your outdoor party a hit, while warm, stale beverages might ruin it. So if you love entertaining guests on hot and sunny days, you need the best outdoor patio cooler in your backyard.
It is true that you can just put all the drinks in your fridge. However, doing this might not be a good idea if you want to keep foot traffic outside the house.
You wouldn’t want to leave your guests either just to fetch them drinks and miss out on the fun. The next question is, which patio cooler is right for you? Allow us to help you find the perfect cooler for your needs.
Comparison Chart
Best Outdoor Patio Cooler Reviews
1. Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler
Permasteel has been specializing in gas grills, barbecue accessories, patio heaters, patio coolers, and other home products since 2003. It is known for offering both quality and value to all its customers.
The 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler is a mid-tier offering from Permasteel. It is also one of the company’s bestsellers.
If you want a reliable cooler that would look good in your backyard, the Permasteel is for you.
Product Highlights
All it takes is one look to know that the Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler is a great product. It comes with all the essential features homeowners look for in a patio cooler, such as:
- Design
This patio cooler sports a relaxing woodgrain finish that would look good in any backyard.
The brown texture of the cooler’s body goes well with the black lids, handles, legs, and wheels. It will enhance any outdoor space and blend well with most designs.
Even before you open it and put in the first bottle or can, you’ll know you’re getting your money’s worth.
- Movability
When hosting an outdoor party, you would want to focus on entertaining your guests. You would not want to worry too much about lugging around your cooler as you refill it or serve drinks.
The Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler has you covered on this front. It has four smooth-rolling caster wheels, making it very easy to move around.
The two side handles are also strategically positioned for convenient transport.
- Storage Capacity
Aptly named, this patio cooler has an 80-quart capacity, which allows you to place up to 110 12-oz cans inside it. What is more, it still has plenty of room left for ice.
In addition, below the basin, you will find a sturdy lower rack where you can store more drinks. Once you start running low, you can just get more from the rack and put them in the bin for cooling.
This feature will save you the trouble of going back and forth to refill the bin.
- Access to Content
Another thing that you would like about this patio cooler is it offers quick access to all its contents. There are two lids on top, and both are dual-hinged and easy to open.
If you want to remove both lids, you can do that too.
It makes all the drinks (or food) inside the cooler even easier to reach. It also gives you more flexibility in terms of what you can store inside the cooler.
- Cooling Capabilities
Perhaps the biggest draw of the Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler is that it can keep your drinks cold for several hours. This is largely due to its storage bin that uses injection molding technology for insulation.
It allows you to keep the party going and not worry about the refreshments.
The Good
What stands out about the Permasteel 80-Quart Outdoor Patio Cooler is its ability to keep your drinks cold for multiple hours. This feature makes it easier for you to focus on your guests and not pay too much attention to the beverages.
The Bad
While this patio cooler generally has great features, some users reported some durability issues.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Offers long-lasting cooling
- Provides quick access
Con:
- Some durability issues
2. Backyard Expressions Coastal Design Outdoor Patio Cooler
Backyard Expressions is an online brand that makes outdoor accessories and fixtures. Its products range from crate bowls to garden ornaments to gazebos—everything you need to enhance your outdoor space.
The Coastal Design Outdoor Patio Cooler is a mid-tier product from its selection of outdoor coolers. It is designed for more intimate gatherings where there aren’t too many guests.
Product Highlights
The Backyard Expressions Coastal Design Outdoor Patio Cooler is mid-sized, but it performs bigger than its size. Here are some of the many features you’ll expect from the cooler:
- Design
One of the first things you would notice about this patio cooler is its elegant anchor design. It is quite prominent but is far from obtrusive.
It is also tastefully done, and you would appreciate it even if you are not a boating or fishing enthusiast.
The emblem looks great against the hand-made wooden exterior. Other design elements tie together its overall look, like the handles and bottle opener.
In short, this patio cooler will make a great addition to any outdoor space.
- Cooling Capabilities
This cooler may have a rustic appearance, but make no mistake; it has all the advanced features of a modern patio cooler.
Inside, you will see a fully insulated plastic liner that can keep the cold in and the heat of the summer out. With this feature, you can keep your drinks cold and the fun going for several hours.
Once the ice melts, you can just open the spout at the bottom of the bin and drain the water. After this, you can refill the ice and go back to your party.
- Durability
The Backyard Expressions Coastal Design Outdoor Patio Cooler has an elegant look, and the wooden exterior is charming. However, it is tougher than it looks.
This cooler is solidly built and can stand up to frequent use. The plastic liner inside the bin will keep your drinks cold without rusting or leaking.
It can liven up your gatherings or outdoor parties for years to come.
- Storage Capacity
While this patio cooler is a bit smaller than other models, it offers decent storage space. It has a 45-quart capacity that can accommodate up to 45 cans and enough ice to last for hours.
It is big enough for outdoor parties and cookouts, but you can also use it indoors if necessary.
The Good
There are many things to like about the Backyard Expressions Coastal Design Outdoor Patio Cooler, but our favorite is its design. It is both decorative and functional.
The Bad
One thing that you need to consider is that this patio cooler is smaller than some other models. If you regularly entertain large groups, you might be better off with one of the other brands.
Pros:
- Decorative and functional design
- Provides decent storage space
- Also suitable for indoor use
Cons:
- Has smaller capacity than others
- Does not have wheels
3. Vingli Outdoor Patio Cooler
Vingli is a clever play on the word “living,” which is a nod to the company’s goal of making home life better. It produces various products for indoor and outdoor use, including storage shelves, backyard decorations, patio furniture, and a lot more.
The Vingli Outdoor Patio Cooler is an entry-level offering from its selection of outdoor coolers. It is designed for buyers who want premium quality for a reasonable price.
Product Highlights
The Vingli Outdoor Patio Cooler is packed full of all the essential features that you see in all top-selling brands. Here are our favorites:
- Keep Cool or Warm
This patio cooler has you covered no matter how long your outdoor party or cookout is. It can keep your drinks cold for up to 48 hours.
It uses refrigeration insulation, which locks the cold in and keeps the heat out. You won’t run out of refreshing drinks all afternoon with this cooler in your backyard.
What makes this cooler even better is that it also works the other way. It means that you can also use it to keep your food warm, and you can do it for up to eight hours.
- Ease of Use
Despite having multiple functions, this patio cooler is very easy to use. You have to assemble it at first, but all the parts you need are in the package.
In addition, you can get it done quickly without any tools or even if you do not have much DIY experience.
It also has a drain plug that removes excess water as the ice melts. It also comes with a detachable pipe that you can connect to the drain, so you won’t have to deal with spills.
The bottle opener even has a built-in cap catcher, so you do not have to clean up stray bottle caps the next day. These design elements make the patio cooler easy to clean, maintain, and use.
- Movability
The Vingli Outdoor Patio Cooler has four caster wheels that can roll in any direction. There are also two side handles made from solid metal, allowing you to push or pull the cooler.
So even if the cooler is full, you won’t have to struggle as you move it from one area to another. However, this would only work if you are transporting the cooler across a smooth floor or surface.
If the ground is uneven or bumpy, you can remove the cooler box from the base and carry it by its handles.
- Durability
This patio cooler is solidly built and can withstand rough handling and tough conditions.
All the steel parts are welded and guaranteed to stay in place. The exterior has a powder-coated finish that looks good and resists the elements effectively.
It is designed to help you entertain for years to come.
The Good
The best thing about the Vingli Outdoor Patio Cooler is that you can also use it to keep your food warm. You do not even have to plug it in as it relies on its insulation function to get the job done.
The Bad
There is not much to complain about this cooler. However, you need to note that the metal surface can heat up under the sun.
Pros:
- Dual functionality
- Easy to use
- Has solid construction
Con:
- Can heat up a bit under the sun
4. Edostory Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart
Edostory’s product line is a bit of a mixed bag. It includes fitness equipment, outdoor inflatable bouncers for kids, outdoor hot tubs, bicycle car racks, and more.
The Japanese company has only one patio cooler model, but it comes in different finishes. This Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart features a rattan material.
If you are shopping around for a great-looking cooler for backyard parties, this product is for you.
Product Highlights
The Edostory Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart will make a great addition to your outdoor space. Here are some of the reasons why we think so:
- Capacity
This 80-quart patio cooler can hold over 100 cans or more than 55 bottles and still have ample room for ice. You can easily host a dinner party or a barbecue without running out of cold drinks.
This patio cooler is a must-have if you love having family or friends over during weekends.
- Keep Cool and Warm
Thanks to its polypropylene-lined insulation, the Edostory Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart can keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours. That means it is up to the task even if your party lasts the entire day.
If you want to do the opposite and keep something warm, this cooler can do it for you. It will limit the temperature difference to less than 10°C for up to eight hours.
- Design
At first glance, it may seem that this patio cooler just keeps your drinks cold and does not do much else. However, there is actually much more to it than that.
This cooler has several design elements that can help make your life easier as you host a backyard party.
Let’s start with the four multi-directional wheels capable of 360-degree rotation. This feature lets you move the cooler with very little effort.
Once you have found the right place for it, you can lock two of the wheels and secure the cooler.
There are also two handles that make it even easier for you to transport the cart. Next, the two lids on top of the box fold back, offering you quick access on either side.
There is also an integrated bottle opener, so you won’t worry about losing your bottle opener during the party.
It even has a cap collection box to help you keep things clean. If you look at all these features individually, you might think that they are simple, and you would be right.
However, put together, they make a huge impact on your party’s success.
The Good
Its convenient design stands out most about the Edostory Rolling Ice Chest Cooler Cart. It does many of the little things that can make hosting a backyard party easier.
The Bad
This cooler is pretty sturdy, but it gets wobbly when at full capacity.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Convenient design
- Dual functionality
- Lots of small but usable features
Con:
- Might be wobbly when full
5. Outsunny Rolling Cooling Bin
Outsunny is a part of a family of brands that cater to a wide range of consumer needs. It specializes in backyard accessories and fixtures, including gazebos, outdoor furniture, greenhouses, and more.
The Outsunny Rolling Cooling Bin is one of their higher-capacity patio coolers. It is designed for homeowners who want to make their backyard parties unforgettable.
Product Highlights
The Outsunny Rolling Cooling Bin is a workhorse when it comes to keeping things cool. Here are some of its most notable features:
- Capacity
This patio cooler has a total storage capacity of 80 quarts or 20 gallons. It can hold enough drinks and ice for poolside parties, outdoor dining, and other similar activities with a large number of people.
- Movability
With four smooth-rolling caster wheels, this patio cooler is easy to move. It also comes with two handles on either side, making it easier for you to push or pull the cart in any direction.
- Design
The Outsunny Rolling Cooling Bin has several other features that make it very effective for outdoor parties. It has a built-in bottle opener on the front side and a bottle cap catcher right below it.
The cooling bin has a drainage plug that lets you remove excess water after the ice melts. You’ll also find two detachable lids that provide quick access from either side.
Two of the caster wheels have integrated locks that secure the rolling bin in place. Finally, there is a storage shelf at the bottom where you can put extra drinks and other items.
The Good
What we like most about the Outsunny Rolling Cooling Bin is its convenient design. It has a number of components that come together to make this product very functional.
The Bad
The cooler is a bit unstable when you move it at full capacity.
Pros:
- Has large capacity
- Easy to use
- Easy to move
Con:
- A bit wobbly when full
How to Choose an Outdoor Patio Cooler
At this point, you should have a good idea of what to look for when shopping around for a patio cooler. Here’s a quick summary:
Storage Capacity
One of the first things you need to consider is the bin’s capacity. It is usually in quarts or gallons.
If you like entertaining a large group of people, choose one of the bigger patio coolers. Otherwise, you can go with a smaller model.
Cooling Time
Another important feature of a patio cooler is its ability to keep its content cold. Some brands have insulation systems that make your cold drinks last for 24 hours, sometimes more.
Durability
Patio coolers come in various price points, but you want whatever you purchase to last.
One way to ensure this is by looking at what material it is made of. It must be able to support its weight even when full.
Other Features
Aside from the basics, there are things that you need to consider before buying a patio cooler. For instance, smooth-rolling wheels would be nice to have.
An additional storage shelf would also be very helpful during parties. Also, look for other design elements that increase convenience, like a bottle opener and cap catcher, detachable lids, lockable wheels, and more.
Finally, you could also choose a patio cooler that will look good sitting in your backyard.
FAQs About Outdoor Patio Coolers
1. Do I need to assemble my patio cooler?
Yes, patio coolers come in separate pieces, and you have to put them together. It is fairly easy to do, and the package includes everything you need to assemble the cooler.
2. Can I serve ice cream outdoors with my patio cooler?
Yes, but your patio cooler must have a good insulation system. You could also try using dry ice or adding salt to your ice to lower the freezing point.
3. How can I protect my patio cooler from the elements?
A patio cooler is designed for outdoor use, but protecting it from the elements can extend its life. You can do this by keeping your cooler under the shade, especially when not in use. It is also a good idea to buy a protective cover for it.
4. How long does it take for the ice in my patio cooler to melt?
Different brands use different insulation systems. Some can keep ice from melting for several hours, while others can do it for up to 24 hours or more.
5. Is a patio cooler worth it?
If you love entertaining in your backyard or poolside, a patio cooler is a must-have. It is the best way to ensure that your guests have refreshing drinks throughout the party.
Which Is the Best Outdoor Patio Cooler for You?
You can’t go wrong with any of these top outdoor patio coolers, but we highly recommend the one from Vingli. It has an 80-quart capacity, 48-hour cooling capability, a keep-warm function, and more. In short, it has all the features that make a great patio cooler.