3 Best Coolers, Tested and Reviewed

We tested three coolers in a temperature-controlled chamber in our labs to find out which one could keep things cold the longest, even in extreme conditions. The chamber temperature ranged from 91° to 118° F. We also noted how easy each cooler was to open, drain, and carry. Locks, handles, and any other additional features were also considered.

Sneak peek: The Coleman Snap ’N Go cooler we tested did not maintain cold temperatures the longest, but it has one unique feature that still makes the model worth considering. It folds down from a bulky, rectangular cooler to a thin, 4.5-inch (measured in our lab) flat item that can be easily stored in a small space between uses. Best of all, when you’re ready to take it on a trip, going from collapsed to expanded takes just a few seconds.