Top Wheeled Cooler Reviewed and Compared

 

Looking for the best wheeled cooler out there? If that’s the case and if you have little to no time to do your own research, we’re here to help. Based on our analysis and the reviews gathered by thousands of products, it seems that the unit you ought to invest in is the Pelican Products ProGear Elite as it is particularly sizeable and it will allow you to store and carry your food and drinks both conveniently and effectively. It can keep your beverages and sustenance cold for as many as 10 days, which practically means that its insulation is excellent. Both the molded-in handles and the trolley handle that the product is outfitted with will make it easy for you to get it to the place where you need it. Just in case this option is no longer available, you could choose to go for the Coleman 16-Quart Personal instead, as it’s a more than decent cooler.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

5 Best Wheeled Coolers (Reviews) in 2023

 

Prospecting the market for a good wheeled cooler can be challenging as there are so many products that you have to go through and so many reviews you have to read. For your consideration, we made a list of several of some of the sought-after alternatives that you might come across these days.

 

1. Pelican 45QW 42.59 Liter Elite Cooler 

 

If you’ve been browsing through hundreds of wheeled cooler reviews and you still don’t know what model you should get, check out this one from Pelican. Sure, it might be a bit less budget-friendly than some of its competitors, but it is very roomy and it does come with several nifty features.

Based on the info we’ve found about it, this particular alternative can provide up to ten days of ice retention, which is downright impressive when you come to think of it. The 2” polyurethane insulation that this model is equipped with makes this possible.

For ease of transportation, the manufacturing brand has included both a trolley handle and molded-in handles in the design of this product. The wide, press and pull latches boasted by this choice are rather convenient for when you have to wear your fishing gloves. Besides, the heavy-duty wheels of this cooler will allow you to rest assured that you can push it over any terrain.

 

Pros

If you are looking for a wheeled cooler that can provide several days of ice retention, this Pelican Products model might be just what you need.

The unit is capable of providing the cooling needs for long-term use thanks to the 2” polyurethane insulation it features. 

A trolley handle, as well as molded-in handles, make the unit’s transportation an easy task, which means that almost anyone can use it. 

You won’t have any trouble handling the unit even if you are wearing fishing gloves, thanks to the wide, press and pull latches. 

 

Cons 

The unit is rather heavy, which is something you may want to know, especially if you are planning to go fishing on your own. 

There might be some differences in terms of colors when it comes to the unit delivered, so if you have any particular preference make sure to contact the seller beforehand.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Coleman 16-Quart Personal Cooler with Wheels

 

If you do not need a very roomy cooler, then check out this product from Coleman. It’s capable of holding up to twenty-two cans, which means that you’ll have enough soda or beer for both yourself and your fishing buddies.

When it comes to usability, this alternative is definitely a winner as it’s been equipped with a telescoping handle, as well as heavy-duty wheels. Based on the manufacturing company’s claims, you might be able to transport this cooler across almost any type of terrain. Therefore, it unquestionably makes a good choice for those of you who want to engage in some serious surf fishing.

It makes no point investing in a cooler that you won’t be able to use for several years, so rest assured because this one is made out of rugged material and it will serve you for as long as possible. Besides, the handles are tough and will withstand the test of time, too.

 

Pros

This unit can hold up to 22 cans, which means that you should have enough cold beverages for yourself and your fishing friends. 

Thanks to the telescopic handle, you shouldn’t have problems carrying this cooler, while the heavy-duty wheels can face pretty much any type of terrain. 

With tough handles and made of high-quality materials, this cooler can withstand the test of time, so you won’t need to start looking for a new one anytime soon. 

We know that the design might be the least important aspect, but we cannot help but mention the very nice color this unit comes in. 

 

Cons 

The handle doesn’t lock into a certain position when it’s extended, and this is something that users might like to have as an option. 

Some users found this model to be a bit small, so if you know that you are going to need a lot of room, you may want to check its measurements. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Rubbermaid Ice Chest/Cooler 60-quart Wheeled

 

The Rubbermaid alternative makes a good choice for those of you that want to take both their beverages with them, but several snacks, too. Having gathered approximately one thousand wheeled cooler reviews, most of which are favorable, it goes without saying that this unit is at least worthy of your consideration.

In fact, we might even go as far so as to say that it makes a great gift for fishing enthusiasts who want to make sure that their angling trip is as comfortable as possible. The model is crafted from durable materials and the best thing about it is that it is both stain and odor-resistant, so you won’t have trouble getting rid of any smell.

In case you do not want to keep your sustenance in this ice chest, you could instead use it for storing your fishing catches. Unlike other products out there, this one is USA-made, which should give you a pointer as to whether it’s worth the money or not.

 

Pros 

This handy cooler allows users to take both drinks and food and keep them cool while enjoying a nice fishing day. 

Given its nice design and functionalities, this unit can be a very nice gift for someone passionate about fishing and other outdoor activities. 

Made of high-quality materials, the cooler is both odor and stain-resistant, and it has a sturdy construction that is able to withstand the test of time. 

You can also keep your fishing catches in this unit if you are not planning to use it for your own food and drinks, since it has a versatile design. 

 

Cons 

The cooler might not keep the ice and cold temperatures for several days, as this depends on the outside weather conditions as well. 

Some users stated that they would’ve liked a larger model, but this is also a matter of preference and of what you need when you go on trips. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Igloo Unisex’s Ice Cube 60 Roller Cool Box

 

There’s nothing better than sitting in your portable fishing chair while you’re sipping on some soda or beer and waiting for the fish to bite, right? This cooler will help you do just that as it is made for the needs of those who like to spend their spare time outdoors. It’s constructed from polyethylene, so it is quite rugged.

Its insulated body will keep your food and drinks cold for several hours, allowing you to focus on your fishing endeavors without worrying about anything. With its 60-quart capacity, it’s safe to say that this alternative is roomier compared to others on the market today.

Moreover, the Igloo is a cheap wheeled cooler especially if you were to analyze the value you would be getting for the money and the many cool features it comes with. It even boasts a push button, as well as a telescopic locking handle. Its side scoop handles make it a breeze for you to load it and unload it from your vehicle.

 

Pros

Made of polyethylene, this cooler is both effective and rugged, so you can safely expect great results if you decide to give it a try. 

Given the 60-quart capacity it offers, it should provide the necessary space to keep enough food and drinks cold for a full day spent outdoors. 

Thanks to the telescopic handle it comes with, you will have a much easier time transporting it around from and to the car. 

The design also comes with special spaces on the lid to safely place bottles of water for a short time, without having them inconveniently fall on the ground. 

 

Cons 

This unit proved to be higher than some of the previous buyers expected, so check out the measurements if you think you might have any trouble placing it in your car. 

The handle could be a bit sturdier, according to some reviews, so it needs to be handled with care. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Coleman Wheeled Xtreme Cooler

 

To make sure that you remain comfortable all throughout a whole day of fishing, you’ll need plenty of fishing accessories, including a good sunscreen for fishing. You’ll also require a cooler for those days when the sun’s shining brightly in the sky and you have to keep yourself hydrated.

The Xtreme model is great for a lot of things, not just angling. It can be used for picnics and camping trips given that it comes with a telescoping handle and rugged wheels. Its 50-quart capacity is a pro in itself as it can make it possible for you to store and carry up to 84 cans of the beverage of your choice.

Finally, it’s also worth noting that this product can keep your food and drinks cold for as many as five entire days when the temperature outside is as high as 90 degrees F. On top of everything, this unit even boasts cup holders that are molded into its lid, thereby enabling you just to reach out and grab your drink.

 

Pros

Offering a 50-quart capacity, this cooler is versatile and can be used for various outdoor trips, including fishing, camping, or picnics. 

If you decide to give it a try, you will be able to use this unit to keep both drinks and food fresh for longer, as well as other products that need to be protected from heat. 

According to the manufacturer, the cooler can keep the products inside cold for as long as five days, when outside temperatures go as high as 90°F.

It can accommodate as many as 84 cans of beverage, which means that you and your friends or family should have everything you need for several days. 

 

Cons 

If you do decide to place a large number of cans inside, you might have a hard time moving it around. 

The handle needs to be operated with care, especially if the cooler is filled with many items and it’s heavy. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Buying guide

 

There are many wheeled coolers for sale these days, and that can put you in a tricky situation. You have to start out by estimating your specific needs so that you can make something out of the features that most manufacturing brands will specify in their product descriptions.

If you want to get some of the right fishing accessories for your trip, we would also recommend reading our guides on purchasing a fishing cart or a reliable waterproof tackle box. Without further ado, let’s move on to the guide so that you can understand what features should matter to you and which ones you can definitely live without.

Always start with the capacity

Having the most effective insulated wheeled cooler with you when you’re camping, fishing, or on a picnic, is great, but the fact of the matter that its capacity can make a difference when it comes to your comfort. Just how many anglers will be joining you on your fishing expedition? Do they also have their own coolers and will they bring them with you?

If you’re going by yourself, you could make do with a cooler with a capacity of up to 40 quarts, and that’s a maximum. This figure works best for people who not only want to bring along a six-pack and several cans of soda, but also snacks and up to two or even three meals.

We all know how fishing always starts early in the morning, so if you’re going to spend a whole day reeling in your catches, you undoubtedly need as much room in your cooler as you can get. 50 to 60-quart models are great for several people as they can hold up to 90 cans of beverage or more.

Bigger is better if you’re lucky enough to find a sizeable cooler that doesn’t cost a fortune. You can even use it to store your saltwater fishing knife and other basic tackle if you don’t have the convenience of a backpack for fishing or a cart.

 

What about the insulation?

It’s safe to say that if the cooler is made out of thin plastic, it will only be a box that won’t keep your drinks and food cool at all. Therefore, an aspect of major importance for you is going to be the insulation of the product. Usually, this feature is ensured by using a thicker type of plastic in the construction of the unit.

However, there are other extras that can make it possible for the unit to do its job for as many as five or even ten days. Look for the thickness of the insulation liner and see whether both the lid and the walls are insulated, too. If they’re not, you might be better off with another model.

As usual, we suggest going through several ratings and consumer reports before making your final call, as other fishers and campers can let you know just how long the model is indeed capable of maintaining your sustenance cool.

 

Ease of transportation

As you might have told by now, we’re tackling the matter of wheeled coolers, so it’s obvious how you’re going to carry them to the place you’re going to do your angling or set up your camping equipment.

Not all wheels are made the same, and that’s a universal rule in the case of all of these products. Some are heavy-duty while others won’t do if you’re going to carry your cooler over rough terrain. Various models might not be able to serve you just as well as others when wheeling them on the beach.

Whatever you do, you need to make sure that the wheels that the product is fitted with are high enough to avoid sinking in too deep in whatever terrain you’re walking on. They also have to be thick enough to prevent the same mishap.

On top of everything, the cooler of your choosing has to come with easy-to-grip handles that can be either molded or attached to it. How are you going to wheel the unit? You’ll need a handle, and usually, it might be a better idea to opt for a telescoping one instead of a standard one as this design will make your life a lot easier.

 

Draining your cooler

Depending on the type of insulation that the model you’ve purchased comes with, it’s very likely that the ice will melt inside at some point or the other. You could get some small-sized ice boxes instead of using actual ice, or put it into several zip-lock bags so that it doesn’t get out and into your food.

If you do place ice directly into the cooler, you’ll have to drain it. Depending on how much you’ve used, tipping it over for the purpose can be a challenge, especially for petite individuals or folks whose physical attributes don’t allow them to handle overly heavy things.

Ideally, the product should come with a leak-resistant drain so that you can get rid of the excess water without having to tilt it.