LAST UPDATED: November 15, 2019
Best Car Coolers: Keep Snacks Cold on a Hot Day
A car cooler will keep your drinks cool and close at hand during a trip
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The Review Team
17 Products
9 Hours
11 Reviews
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PUBLISHED ON November 15, 2019
Some drivers spend a lot of time in their cars. It can be expensive and inconvenient to stop on your drive to buy food and drinks. Car coolers provide a great option for snacking while driving. You can save time and money by packing some beverages and easy-to-eat food items instead. Our buying guide features some of the best car coolers on the market.
A mostly polyester cooler bag designed to keep your drinks and beverages cold. This option contains a Velcro handle for easy transport and can be used for any outdoor endeavor.
This bag can hold up to 50 cans in addition to ice. This option also can be used for either grocery store trips or food delivery services. Its collapsible construction allows for easy storage whether it is in use or not.
Lining has been prone to leakage. Its ability to keep items cold isn’t as extensive as other options. Snap hinges may need to be snapped more than once for functionality.
This shoulder bag carry car cooler is available in three sizes. The inner hard shell keeps the soft-sided cooler from collapsing. Add pre-frozen ice-blocks and you are ready to go.
The cooler has several pockets for storing various items. It comes with a zipperless, flip-open lid for easy access. This bag is leakproof. The inner liner can be removed easily for cleaning.
You will need to purchase reusable ice blocks and freeze them before using them. Once the ice starts defrosting, the temperature may not stay cold for as long as you need it.
This is a car cooler that looks like an armrest. It can be used for keeping food cold or hot. Connector included. Has no handle, but it can be easily moved with two hands.
It has two external cup holders and a central spot to hold other small items. The cooling capacity of 32-36 degrees. It offers plenty of space, as it can hold up to 30 cans. At less than 12 inches wide, it can be used as an armrest.
It does not have a handle for transport. This is a cooler, not a refrigerator. It works as a warmer, not a product that will heat your food. You will need to purchase an additional adapter if you want to plug in this unit at home.
Some drivers spend a lot of time in their cars. It can be expensive and inconvenient to stop on your drive to buy food and drinks. Car coolers provide a great option for snacking while driving. You can save time and money by packing some beverages and easy-to-eat food items instead. Our buying guide features some of the best car coolers on the market.
The CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag earns its Best Car Cooler Overall distinction for a variety of reasons. This option measures 18. 25"L x 12. 25"W x 12"H when open and collapses flat to three inches. This option is lightweight enough for easy carrying while compact enough to fit inside any vehicle for road traveling. The CleverMade can hold up to 50 cans of your favorite drinks. It also contains the capacity to hold enough ice to keep these cans cold during any outing to the beach, park, camping, or any youth sporting events. This option contains snap hinges on both sides of the cooler bags that offer structured support when the tote is open. Pushing the side hinges closes the cooler and returns it into a flat position. This option also comes in handy for food delivery service or grocery store trips, making this option the personification of durability.
The Arctic Zone Titan Cooler provides the efficiency you demand from any car cooler at a reasonable price. The Titan’s interior liner dimensions are (L x W x H) 9.8" x 4.75" x 10.25". These measurements allow for the storage of several water bottles, soda cans, or any other items requiring cool temperature maintenance. This option contains deep freeze high-performance insulation with a radiant heat barrier that reflects heat instead of absorbing it. The Titan contains a patented, flip open zipper-free lid which allows for quick, seamless access to food and drinks. This option is leak-proof, helping to protect your storage area from leaking bag contents. The Titan contains an easy-clean interior lining that maintains the cleanliness and integrity of your bag in between uses. The Titan offers the convenience you need to store anything you need.
The Wagan Electric Cooler is another fantastic option for traveling. This option shows its versatility by keeping cold items cold and warm items warm. Its internal dimensions measure 12" x 8.25" x 5.5" (LxWxH). These dimensions allow for easy storage of up to 12 soda cans. Standard size water bottles also fit inside, along with healthy snacks like fruit or yogurt. This option’s external dimensions measure 19" x 10.25" x 12" (LxWxH), allowing for convenient vehicle storage. The Wagan contains a 14L 12v cooler/warmer, allowing drivers to save money and time by enjoying food and drinks on the go inside your vehicle. This option comes in especially handy for rideshare drivers who are driving all day. The Wagan contains a hot/cold/off switch with indicator lights for instantly viewing which temperature mode is in use. The Wagan provides efficient food and beverage storage required every time you’re on the road.
Our second honorable mention goes to the Lifewit Collapsible Cooler Bag. This option measures 14.9 x 8.6 x 11 inch / 38 x 22 x 28 cm (L x W x H), proving to be the perfect travel companion on any outing. It also holds up to 32 cans in addition to ice, allowing for the cooling and maintaining of cold beverages. The Lifewit’s exterior is constructed out of high-density, water-resistant, dirt-proof oxford fabric which makes it durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. It comes equipped with 1 wide top pocket, two side pockets, and 2 front pockets that allow for the storage of different items. Lifewit contains a padded handle and a detachable shoulder strap that offers three carrying styles. This option also contains two insulated sections that separate cold items from warm items while maintaining each item’s respective temperatures. Lifewit’s temperature versatility makes it a must-have for every outing.
Any cooler bag list wouldn’t be complete without the Coleman Soft Cooler Bag. This option contains a zippered main compartment that can hold up to 30 cans. Coleman maintains ice integrity for up to 24 hours in temperatures as high as 90°F. This option provides a health-conscious feature for those with respiratory concerns. It contains an odor-resistant liner that is treated with antimicrobials to resist odor, mold, and fungus. Coleman contains a top hatch for easy to access contents. This option also contains adjustable shoulder straps for a custom, comfortable fit. This bag comes in handy as a viable option for those that wish to take their lunch to work. Coleman provides another efficient option that solidifies their status as a leader in cooler bag options.
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The CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag earns its Best Car Cooler Overall distinction for a variety of reasons. This option measures 18. 25"L x 12. 25"W x 12"H when open and collapses flat to three inches. This option is lightweight enough for easy carrying while compact enough to fit inside any vehicle for road traveling. The CleverMade can hold up to 50 cans of your favorite drinks. It also contains the capacity to hold enough ice to keep these cans cold during any outing to the beach, park, camping, or any youth sporting events. This option contains snap hinges on both sides of the cooler bags that offer structured support when the tote is open. Pushing the side hinges closes the cooler and returns it into a flat position. This option also comes in handy for food delivery service or grocery store trips, making this option the personification of durability.
The Arctic Zone Titan Cooler provides the efficiency you demand from any car cooler at a reasonable price. The Titan’s interior liner dimensions are (L x W x H) 9.8" x 4.75" x 10.25". These measurements allow for the storage of several water bottles, soda cans, or any other items requiring cool temperature maintenance. This option contains deep freeze high-performance insulation with a radiant heat barrier that reflects heat instead of absorbing it. The Titan contains a patented, flip open zipper-free lid which allows for quick, seamless access to food and drinks. This option is leak-proof, helping to protect your storage area from leaking bag contents. The Titan contains an easy-clean interior lining that maintains the cleanliness and integrity of your bag in between uses. The Titan offers the convenience you need to store anything you need.
The Wagan Electric Cooler is another fantastic option for traveling. This option shows its versatility by keeping cold items cold and warm items warm. Its internal dimensions measure 12" x 8.25" x 5.5" (LxWxH). These dimensions allow for easy storage of up to 12 soda cans. Standard size water bottles also fit inside, along with healthy snacks like fruit or yogurt. This option’s external dimensions measure 19" x 10.25" x 12" (LxWxH), allowing for convenient vehicle storage. The Wagan contains a 14L 12v cooler/warmer, allowing drivers to save money and time by enjoying food and drinks on the go inside your vehicle. This option comes in especially handy for rideshare drivers who are driving all day. The Wagan contains a hot/cold/off switch with indicator lights for instantly viewing which temperature mode is in use. The Wagan provides efficient food and beverage storage required every time you’re on the road.
Our second honorable mention goes to the Lifewit Collapsible Cooler Bag. This option measures 14.9 x 8.6 x 11 inch / 38 x 22 x 28 cm (L x W x H), proving to be the perfect travel companion on any outing. It also holds up to 32 cans in addition to ice, allowing for the cooling and maintaining of cold beverages. The Lifewit’s exterior is constructed out of high-density, water-resistant, dirt-proof oxford fabric which makes it durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. It comes equipped with 1 wide top pocket, two side pockets, and 2 front pockets that allow for the storage of different items. Lifewit contains a padded handle and a detachable shoulder strap that offers three carrying styles. This option also contains two insulated sections that separate cold items from warm items while maintaining each item’s respective temperatures. Lifewit’s temperature versatility makes it a must-have for every outing.
Any cooler bag list wouldn’t be complete without the Coleman Soft Cooler Bag. This option contains a zippered main compartment that can hold up to 30 cans. Coleman maintains ice integrity for up to 24 hours in temperatures as high as 90°F. This option provides a health-conscious feature for those with respiratory concerns. It contains an odor-resistant liner that is treated with antimicrobials to resist odor, mold, and fungus. Coleman contains a top hatch for easy to access contents. This option also contains adjustable shoulder straps for a custom, comfortable fit. This bag comes in handy as a viable option for those that wish to take their lunch to work. Coleman provides another efficient option that solidifies their status as a leader in cooler bag options.
Tips
- Check the size of the car cooler. Smaller coolers may be designed to hold only a few items. If you want to carry more items on your drive, look for a bigger size.
- Some car coolers use electrical connections that only keep cool when plugged into a power source. Make sure you have a source for power and a long cord.
- These types of coolers are not for storing frozen food. You may be able to bring home frozen food from the market, but don’t plan to take any frozen food with you on a long trip.
FAQs
Q: What should I look for in a car cooler?
A: Buy a car cooler to fit your driving habits. If you take road trips or spend many hours driving, then consider a larger cooler that will hold more items.
Q: Why should I buy a car cooler?
A: It will help you save money and time and help you eat healthier. You can bring along food and drinks that you like best, so you don’t have to stop to buy items at a convenience store.
Q: What should I pack in a car cooler?
A: Pack some of your favorite snack items. Bring water, soda, fruit and vegetables, sandwiches, and any other popular food items. Pack food that is easy to eat while driving.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a car cooler, consider the Igloo Iceless Cooler. The handle makes it easy to transport, and it keeps your food cool through its plug-in design.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Arctic Zone Titan Cooler.