Best Marine Cooler Reviews 2023

Good marine coolers don’t come cheap and like any other product, the price difference is affected by different factors of production. The material used in the construction, the features it has and the brand are a few of the factors that impact on the cost of the cooler. Hard shell coolers are usually more expensive than soft sided coolers and the ones with wheels and strong handles that allow two people to carry them are also pricier. Of course, the size and capacity of the cooler will also affect the price. The ones that retain ice for longer are costlier than the ones that retain ice for a day or two. Brands known for high end quality products also command a higher price than those just coming into the market.

A good marine cooler can cost anything between $75 and $400. Although you can get cheap marine coolers, we don’t advise you sacrifice quality for cost, especially if you’re going to be using your cooler for fishing trips. You don’t want to get home and discover your catch has gone bad!

The brands we’ve featured here are all tested and proven. They all have good reputations to protect and always endeavor to offer great value for money, so have no fear about purchasing any of the featured products or any other product based on this review.

Coolers are an essential accessory on any boating or fishing expedition and other outdoor adventures. Each cooler comes with different features which determine its level of performance. There are features that can’t be compromised if you want a certain level of performance. Here are some of the features to look out for when you go shopping for one:

• Material – The construction and material used determine how rugged and durable the cooler is and how well it performs
• Size – This includes the dimensions of the cooler which determine its capacity
• Ice Retention – This refers to how long it keeps ice
• Type of Cooler– This includes three types; hard shell, soft sided and electric coolers
• Color– Determines how well it reflects light and heat
• Design –Includes features like the handle, lid, latches and wheels

This is a broad categorization of the features. Let’s now go into full details on the benefits of all these features.

Marine coolers are regularly exposed to water, whether salt or fresh, and are wet almost all the time. Most times, they’re left where they are, in direct contact with sunlight, and are also susceptible to the impact of rough waves and bumpy rides on sea or land. It’s also likely you’ll keep them on the deck, which is usually a smooth surface. These factors are all the things you need to bear in mind as you consider the type of material the cooler is made of. The cooler you choose must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and everything we’ve mentioned earlier.

Many manufacturers of marine coolers use thicker or compressed plastic or rotocast because they last longer than other materials/methods. Many others also use hardware made of stainless steel which is anti corrosive and wont rust from constant exposure to both fresh and salt water. These are the ideal materials for a cooler that you take on boating or fishing expeditions.

There are also different types of marine coolers and each has its advantages. There are hard shell coolers, soft sided and electric coolers.

Soft sided coolers are compactly designed and do not take up much space. They can be made to fit where hard shell coolers can’t. The shape is also collapsible and can be reduced as its contents are depleted. This is ideal for boats with space constrains. However, it’s only ideal for short trips as it can’t retain ice for more than two days. It’s best for a day out on the beach or at sea.

Hard shell coolers are best for extended fishing trips as most are rotocast and have long lasting stainless steel hardware that’s anti-corrosive. They’re rugged enough to withstand bumpy rides without cracking. Most also have latches that hold the lid firmly closed and hinges that stop the lid from collapsing backward. They also come with non-slip feet so they don’t slip around on the deck or other smooth surfaces. They’re engineered to retain ice anywhere from 5 days to two weeks.

Electric coolers do not require ice, so you have the advantage of not having to clean up sludgy or slimy ice or wet food. It also has ample space for food because capacity that would have been taken by ice is freed. One disadvantage, however, is that the cooling capacity is restricted to surrounding temperature. There are also compressor-driven coolers and these ones maintain a regular temperature, no matter the surrounding temperature. The disadvantage of this cooler is that it has to be connected to power.

In conclusion, the type of cooler you choose depends on where you’re taking it, the number of days you’re spending on your trip, and how many people are going. If you’re going on an extended fishing trip with friends and family, you might consider going with two coolers – one for your food and drink, and another to store your ice in readiness for your catch.

The performance rating of a cooler must include how long it can retain ice and there are two things that impact on this; the type of insulation and the color. Although these are not the only factors, ultratherm insulation has higher ice retention and white is the best reflector of heat and light, which also helps. If you check marine coolers, you’ll notice a higher percentage is white in color and the ones that aren’t white are still bright colors.

If you’re using a boat with limited seating or you want to use the cooler as a baiting platform, look out for coolers with rugged lids and non-slip feet or tie-down features. Some coolers specifically state they can seat two adults, others claim to have the capacity to act as a bating platform, while others warn users not to sit on it. So, check this out properly before purchase.

Other important features to check out include the type of handles the cooler has. The ones with wide handles that provide two-person carrying options are ideal – especially for large coolers. Wheels are also great assets for large coolers; for ease of transportation and portability. Check the dimensions of the cooler in relation to your vehicle or space available on your boat so you don’t have much stress transporting or storing it. If you need to carry so many things, you might consider having two coolers rather than making the mistake of getting a cooler that’s too large for your needs. A tightly packed cooler retains ice longer than one with pockets of space.

Marine coolers should also be anti-stain and rust and odor resistant. Since you’ll be using it for fish and other sea creatures, you’ll need to look out for ones made with materials that won’t retain stain and odor. This is further made easier if the cooler has a threaded drain plug, as you can wash it thoroughly and easily drain out the liquids without hassles.