Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Tom
The Best 20 Quart Cooler Reviews, Tips and Buying Guides
The best 20 quart cooler is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends, there’s no better way to keep food and drinks cold than by using a high-quality cooler.
This guide will break down what makes an excellent 20-quart cooler and list some of the best ones on the market today.

Top Rated 20 Quart Cooler Compared
What is a 20 QT cooler?
20 Quart coolers are usually taken on vacation or holiday to keep cold foods and beverages. They are typically made with exterior and interior plastic shells and rigid foam between. Twenty-quart coolers are small, with wheels sometimes. The disposable coolers are made from polystyrene foam 1″ thickness. Besides, Reusable colliers have molded-in handles and shoulder straps.
A 20-quart cooler is a compact cooler that is practical for daily use, and you can take it to work, camping, fishing, or hunting. A 20-quart cooler can hold up to 20 cans with ice. It can keep your foods and drinks longer and colder.
There are three basic types: soft-sided ones that can hold up under rough conditions but may not last very long because water pools inside them quickly if they aren’t upright when empty. Hardshell models that protect contents better than their counterparts yet still allow access via zipped or unzipped openings at the top front edge where hinges rest against sidewalls. So the user doesn’t need to handle outside electric smokers emitting heat within its aluminum cabinet making steaks.
Why do you SHOULD BUY the Best 20 Quart Cooler?
If you are outdoor lovers, owning a compact 20-quart cooler will be very important. It will be beneficial for your outdoor times. You can easily keep this personal cooler anywhere you go, which will be worth it for someone who spends the entire day out.
Small coolers are perfect for beach, picnics, and road trips. A best 20qt cooler will be durable enough to tackle any weather conditions, help you to carry and keep cold foods and drinks for a long time. That’s the reason why you need to have the best 20 quart cooler.
List of The Best 20 Quart Cooler Reviews in 2022
Here are top 20 qt cooler to buy
Top 1: RTIC Hard Cooler 20 QT for the Beach, Boat, Fishing, Barbecue or Camping

The RTIC 20 Qt cooler is an excellent choice for avid outdoor enthusiasts. It can hold up to 24 cans or 25 lbs of ice, with its measurements being 22 x 15 x 9 inches and weighing 5 pounds empty, it is perfect if you need your beverage colder than ever!
This best 20 quart cooler also features a stainless steel handle that locks upright, so it’s comfortable in hand no matter who uses it (including children).
In addition, the two heavy-duty rubber latches ensure this high-quality product lasts long past any other similar products on the market today. Plus, there are more benefits worth mentioning, including roto-molded construction & bear-resistant capabilities too!
However, some people may be realistic in thinking about 4-5 days with their size for this smaller cooler given how much space there is inside them plus what kind of materials were used when making them (insulation).
Pros
- Protect the food well with the built-in bolting frameworks
- The coolers are easy to wash with steel handles
- Perfect ice retention and strength
- Easy and comfortable to carry
- One year limited warranty
- Available in various colors
Cons
- The box is a little heavy
Top 2: Pelican 20 quart cooler

This top 20 quart cooler is a firm name in this industry, and their roto-molded coolers are virtually indestructible with some exciting designs. For example, the Pelican Elite 20qt more astounding here comes equipped with 2 inches of polyurethane insulation, 360-degree freezer-grade gasketing for ultimate convenience on the go, as well as up to 5-6 days worth of cold meals or drinks depending on how much food you’re packing!
With a height that offers more versatility, this cooler can handle big bottles very nicely. In addition, it has features such as the carry handle and lock-hole, which are pretty unique compared to most other coolers on the market today! Finally, not only does it have cup holders for drinks but also an opener, so you’ll never need another one of those nasty keychains again either!
If you want a durable cooler that will last forever, the Pelican Elite 20qt is your best option. It comes in 6 different colors, and each one of them is backed by an unmatched lifetime warranty. Pelican and Yeti are both American brands.
Pros
- Incredible ice maintenance capacity
- Exceptional resistance to challenging environment
- perfect hole and waterproof
- Provide the perfect ice retention
- Made out of high-quality material
Cons
- Can not keep ice for more than two days
Top 3: AmazonCommercial 20 Quart White Rotomolded Cooler

The AmazonCommercial can be considered as the best 20 qt cooler that you may want to add to your final decision.
The AmazonCommercial 20 Quart cooler is an excellent option for camping or other outdoor recreation. The durable roto molded construction and commercial grade insulation provide great ice retention capacity of this fabulous box, which can hold up to 23 cans in addition to holding water at an appropriate temperature (so you don’t have any worries about dehydrating).
AmazonCommercial 20 Quart Rotomolded Cooler insulated to keep your food and drinks cold, complete with an ergonomic steel handle for easy transport.
In addition, there are built-in bottle openers, leak-proof plugs, non skid feet, and more. All encouraging you to take this cooler on any adventure that comes your way. Trust the professionals at AmazonCommercial to make sure it has all the features you need at a great price! Available in white or tan.
Pros
- Having a nice UV protective shell
- Easy and comfortable to handle with the ergonomic steel handle
- No leak drain drag and nonskid
- Nice secure closure thanks to T clasp latches
- Good performance at the affordable price
- Work perfectly with the dry ice
Cons
- The handle is a little bit stiff
Top 4: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 20Qt Ice Chest Roto Cooler with Microban

You’ll be sure to stay cool with the Arctic Zone 20 QT Portable Cooler! Its portable design means that you can take it anywhere. This cooler also comes equipped with built-in Microban protection, which helps prevent the buildup of bacterial odor and stains due to its high-quality polyurethane insulation. So your food will stay fresh longer too!
Keep your lunch and drinks cold and dry, and the bears out for longer with this certified bear-resistant cooler. This heavy-duty roto-molded durable construction is freezer grade, so you know it’ll last long enough to bring your drink to enjoy. Its freezer-grade rubber gasket ensures that the contents stay as cold as possible while still being easy to open – press those T latches.
With a free fish ruler on one side of the feet, oversized drain plug access at the bottom, locking holes on either side of coolers with bungee tie-downs for attaching things like rope or bikes securely around them, there is no end to all this best 20 quart cooler does for you.
Pros
- Durable construction for long-lasting
- Friendly leak-proof lock and secure
- Heavy-duty handle with a soft grip for more comfort
- It is certified bear resistance
- Excellent five years limited warranty
- Well against the odor & stains
Cons
- It is nice but a little heavy
Top 5: K2 Coolers Summit 20qt Cooler

This cooler has outstanding features that make it stand out. It’s a very rough and durable model, designed to last no matter what you throw at it! The added thickness of protection will ensure your ice lasts as long as possible in this 20-quart capacity unit from our line of rotary coolers.
The rugged exterior has ample protection, ensuring that it can stand up against anything you throw at it and still look good doing so!
The cooler is an excellent way to keep your drinks cold while you’re out fishing or playing football. It features a cushioned shoulder strap, pivoting structure with an ice cube gasket for trapping water in its looping teeth, and adjustable feet, making it perfect for any outdoor activity.
In addition, this product includes coiled footprints, which make transmission easy, so whether on a boat or close following from shoreline. There won’t be any problems handling all those beverages safely back home again after an exciting day outdoors.
Pros
- Very robust with excellent seat
- Large capacity for daily lunch cooler
- Hold the cold for long time, up to 5 days
- Excellent and convenient shoulder strap, good handles
- Good performance at the reasonable price
Cons
- It is quite heavy
Top 6: Igloo Sportsman 20 Qt Rotomolded Cooler

The Igloo Sportsman 20 Quart cooler is the perfect choice for anyone on a budget. It’s one of our favorite, affordable roto-molded portable coolers that has some impressive features like self-stopping hinges and overall high-quality construction to keep your food fresh!
The company offers this product great value while still maintaining good performance – not many other brands can say they’re both cheap yet perform well enough in all areas imaginable.
The outdoorsy cooler you were waiting for! The Igloo Sportsman is a roto-molded 20qt cooler that will keep your food and beverages cold, even in the warmest climates.
The easy-to grip handle makes transport effortless, and this product’s extra-wide insulation lid means no spilling when opening. This cooler is the ultimate companion for any outdoor adventure or backyard BBQ with a self-stopping hinge and a convenient drain plug.
Pros
- Superior cooling performance
- It is comfortable to transport
- Quick draining and very simple to clean
- Being camping cooler
- It is Inexpensive heavy duty
Cons
- The bolts holding the handles on might come to loose
Top 7: ORCA 20QT Cooler

ORCA is the go-to cooler brand for many families. With their wide variety of coolers and ice chests, ORCASaves you time in search of what your family needs!
This 20-quart portable chest from this company will satisfy all users with its durability and insulation capabilities. It is perfect if they are on vacation or want something lightweight enough to carry around while camping. It also comes equipped with a lifetime warranty, so no matter how long it lasts.
It can hop at least 24 cans, and it has thick insulated walls and a high-quality gasket for excellent ice retention. Besides, it has a cargo net on the side for extra storage. ORCA provides a lifetime warranty for all their coolers.
Pros
- It is a very durable construction
- Well made and solid cooler
- Keeps foods cold for a good day
- Excellent ice retention
- Great quality at a good price and nice color
Cons
- The handle might be a little annoying
Top 8: YETI Roadie White 20qt Cooler
The Yeti 20 qt cooler is loved and trusted around the world. It’s a road companion that can keep your food safe, even if you’re on the go!
The 20 qt roadie cooler is a roto-molded and bear-resistant container that can keep your drinks cool for days. With 2″ of insulation foam, this unit will ensure you’re not left without ice action even when outdoors in hot weather, withstanding up against animal attacks from bears or other wild animals who might want their share too!
Some people reported that the YETI Roadie is the best 20 qt cooler.
It weighs only 15 lbs and can hold up to 14 cans and ice. The Roadie 20 qt cooler is built to be tough. It features the famous T-Rex rubber latches, thick lid gasket, and stainless steel handle with molded lock holes that come in 6 colors, including red, silver, or black!
The price may seem steep for some people, but it’s worth every penny when you need something durable because Yeti sells both quality products as well as their name.
Pros
- Perfect for nonstop and travel
- Having the slick and grip feed
- Very easy to transport
- Elegant and beautiful structure
- Robust construction for standing well
Cons
- The handle design should be improved
Top 9: ORCA 20 Cooler
The ORCA 20 quart cooler is an excellent choice for those who need to keep their food and drinks at an appropriate temperature. This model has stainless steel handles and two orca-tail design latches that prevent swinging open while being transported.
Also, non-slip bottom feet, so you don’t scratch up your flooring when set down on top of ice packs (which also help keep things cool), mesh pockets on the back that can hold more cargo like wet clothing. This way, they stay dry! And once choosing colors? You’ll find endless options available right here at best buy.
ORCA coolers are made for the toughest adventures. They’re rugged, versatile and come with ridiculous six-day ice retention! The best 20 quart cooler more relaxed will help you enjoy your next road trip or fishing excursion without worrying about running low on drink options. It’s got enough to last all summer long in most environments, no matter how hot things get outside.
And since this brand was designed from scratch by people who know what they’re doing when it comes to handling extreme conditions like high temperatures during summer days or inside cars (they own an RV too), there isn’t much that can go wrong here.
Pros
- The ice is preserved extremely
- Keep ice for up to two weeks
- It is very easy to clean with the primary stream channel connector
- Having the nonslip foundation feet
- Having the attached cargo net for extra storage
Cons
- The handle might be popped, losing on one side overtime
Top 10: Elkton Outdoors 20-Quart Insulated Cooler, Ice Chest

The Elkton Outdoors 20 qt more excellent is an attractive and affordable option for anyone looking to buy their Yeti-like refrigerator.
It’s also lightweight at only 14 pounds empty (which means you can take this bad boy anywhere). Is that being said, however, what makes me fall head over heels in love with the Elkton Outdoor? The price – which reflects big potentials compared to its rivals without sacrificing quality or performance.
This best 20 qt cooler is a durable and dependable machine that can keep your ice for up to 6 days. Built from commercial-grade insulation foam, this brand offers you more than just 3 inches of protection against those hot summer temps!
The Elkton Outdoors cooler is the perfect choice for any outdoor adventure. With rigid handles, bottle openers, and non slip rubber feet to keep it in place on your vehicle’s dashboard or picnic table, this bad boy also sports pressure release valves so you can sit back while it keeps things cool with an easy flow of air circulation!
Pros
- Come with a premium grad handle
- Perfect design and price
- Ideal for short trips
- Easy to close and open
- Heavy duty and well-made cooler
Cons
- It might be a little smaller than your expectation
Factors To Consider When Buying the Best 20 Quart Cooler for you
Out of all the things to consider when buying the top 20 quart cooler, price is not always at the top. You also have critical factors like size and nozzle type that should be evaluated before making your purchase decision. With these details in mind, read on!
Size & capacity
You don’t want a cooler in the room, so think about how many beer bottles it holds. Then, if you have more visitors, feed them all with one large enough!
Remember that as your party steps out of smaller spaces to larger ones, though the size will grow too; make sure they can comfortably lift these coolers before purchasing or renting one for yourself. Besides, your coolers should have some pockets for the saving room.
Ice time
The cooler is a must-have for outdoor activities. It can keep your drinks cool and safe from harm, even when exposed to sunlight for extended periods!
A good choice in this regard will last up to ten days or more with ice retention capabilities – it’s not just about two or three-day snapshots anymore; there are many factors at play here, so don’t skimp out on quality either.
Features
The best coolers have features that are practical for your needs. For example, they come with different receptacles, cup holders, and fridge doors so you can keep all of the drinks handy!
An integrated bowl to keep your dry food and wet fish separate is a must-have for many coolers. Some of these models also come equipped with wheels, making them easy to carry from place to place. In contrast, other manufacturers provide a better option by including features like built-in bowls for both types (or whatever you plan on storing).
The benefits include having less bulkier equipment when caching away from home or traveling light because it only needs one backpack!
Durability
Most of us need lasting coolers. Today’s best refrigerators are built with a rotary molded frame so that the new coolers can withstand any collapse. In addition to being robust and durable, these units also have an increased cooling efficiency because they’re designed not just for freezing but keeping your food fresh as well!
The best coolers are IGBC-certified so that they can withstand a bear attack. If you have an approved cooler, it means that the bears will never succeed in their attempt at taking your food or drink from you!
Other features
Most coolers are concerned with work-in jug openers so that additional ones do not have to be shipped. In addition, the best of them has cup holders for your drinks and a platform that holds dry food apart from wet-food dishes or packs you can carry when on an adventure out into nature where there’s no electricity available at all!
This makes these models perfect portable fridges, which also come complete with wheels making transportation easy as pie (or ice cream). However, some extra features make this process even better: Some provide fish hooks.
Especially useful if catching dinner isn’t going exactly according to plan but instead yielded something delicious after just one good day fishing.
Advantages of The 20 quart Cooler
There are several benefits of using the 20-quart coolers:
- As the primary purposes, quart coolers help contain and keep the foods and beverages cold for you during your trips.
- Keeps foods in good hygiene, avoid the damage from bacterias and temperature
- Transport foods and drinks effortlessly on camping, fishing, hiking, and other outdoors activities
- Support you to arrange your food and drinks well. You can even put some things onto the bottom of the cooler and then pull them around.
What Can You Do With a 20 qt Cooler?
Coolers gives an easy way to keep beverages, food and day’s catch fresh during transport. You should choose a beach cooler or box coolers, based on the size of your crew and how long you will be out in harsh weather; it also depends upon your budget!
Twenty-quart Coolers are a great way to keep food and beverages cool, but they can also serve as a mode of transportation. A ride-on cooler is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping or fishing because it does not require any installation on your vehicle! Some people even use their growlers (a type of beer bottle) inside one with ease providing you have an opening at least large enough for them.
How to Use the Best 20 QT Cooler Safest
With some of my guides, you can use your 20-quart coolers ideally. One day before going on the trip, you should do some things to prepare for your coolers:
Step 1: Clean the cooler
Don’t you hate it when your cooler gets a little too full and starts to overflow? If so, get rid of that pesky odor by washing down the inside with some disinfectant spray. One way we’ve found success is ensuring our coolers are always squeaky clean!
Step 2: Pre-chill
It is an optional step, but if you want to maximize performance, consider pre-chilling your cooler with cold water and sacrificial ice a few hours before the trip. Then, dump this mixture right before loading up for your destination so that by the time it needs to be loaded, there will be fresh ice in place of what was previously chipped away until now gone too far south!
Step 3: Prepare food.
For safe spaces, you should pre-chop your vegetables and make marinades beforehand. Then portion out into small vessels if you do not require the entire bottle. If you can store the food well, you can create more room for ice.
Remove the packaging if you can. You do not need to bring all the cartons of eggs if you need only a few. Then use the reusable and watertight containers.
For long trips, you might need to freeze the food. However, for the first night, you do not need to freeze that food. Do not freeze eggs, mayo, or dairy products.
For the other foods, before being packed, you should refrigerate them.
Step 4: Ice preparation
If you can make your ice in advance, you can save a lot of money.
Block ices will take up less area than the cubed or crushed ice, which will last for longer. In addition, the block ice will not be easy to find, and it is easy to make at home.
Besides, you also can use reusable freezer packs instead of ice. If you are going out for less than four days, reusable freezer packs are a better choice. Whereas, for a trip longer than four days, ice will be the best choice.
Step 5: Ice ratio
2:1 is the proper content ratio. Adding more ice will improve the cooler’s performance.
Step 6: Pack the cooler.
Firstly, just set up your cooler in the correct order; it will perform well. Start with the block ice at the bottom. Then back in the foods in the reserve order as your using plan. Start from the last food day, and follow by the next day. Finally, fill it up with as much ice as possible.
FAQs about best 20 quart cooler
How much will a 20 quart cooler hold?
The 20-quart cooler can hold up to 24 cans with ice. Its size is very nice for carrying food for short trips, taking to work, hunting, camping, or fishing.
Is a 20 qt cooler big enough?
For couples who are outdoor enthusiasts, we recommend coolers between 20 and 40 quarts. If you’re only going for the weekend or an overnight trip, then a smaller size of about 20 qt would be ideal since they can store around 14 pounds worth of ice!
The Giantex Cooler comes with 16 slots inside, which allows users to expand their storage capacity as needed – no need to buy extra parts separately like some other brands may have done to save money on manufacturing costs (or at least increase profit margins).
How many cans do a 22 qt cooler hold?
This cooler can hold up to 30 cans without ice.
How many bears do a 30 quart cooler hold?
The 30-quart cooler is large enough to hold up to 51 cans, and it is tall enough for 2-liter bottles staying upright. So you will have a lot of space for packing full meals for some people.
What size is a 20 quart cooler?
The size of a 20 quart cooler is usually 12″ x 9″ x 10.5″. Some manufacturers have slightly different dimensions so if you are buying from a specific company it is best to consult the manufacturer’s website.
What size cooler will fit in my standard sized beach chair?
A 20 quart cooler will fit most chairs. Coolers with a smaller width will fit better in skinny chairs and coolers with a larger width will fit in wider beach chairs.
What size cooler is best for carrying on the bus?
The standard sized 20 quart cooler should be big enough to carry all your food and drink without being too heavy or cumbersome. If you are taking a bus, a 20 quart cooler will work well.
What size is a 40 quart cooler?
The length of the 40 quart model is usually 12″ x 18″ x 11.5″. Some manufacturers have slightly different dimensions so if you are buying from a specific company it is best to consult the manufacturer’s website.
20 quart cooler cost?
The standard 20 quart cooler will typically cost anywhere from $10-$100. A 40 quart cooler will cost significantly more.
20qt cooler brands?
There are many quality companies that produce both the 20 and 40 quart size coolers including Coleman, Anchor Hocking, Rubbermaid, Igloo, Thermos, Pelican, and many more.
20qt cooler replacement lid?
It is usually an easy process to replace the 20 or 40 quart cooler’s lid. You can buy a new one from most any retail store that sells coolers including Target, Walmart, Kmart, Meijer, etc…
Conclusion
When you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, consider these three best 20 quart cooler to help keep your food and drinks cold. The YETI is an excellent option for any camping trip or picnic in the park with its rugged durability, and can withstand rough conditions while keeping ice-cold for up to five days.
For those looking for more of an indoor cooler, the Pelican will do wonders as it keeps things icy cold without taking up too much space on the kitchen countertop. And if you plan on spending some time at home this summer, then take advantage of how easy it is to store snacks inside one of our RTIC coolers.
The best 20-quart coolers will provide a good balance of size and capacity, as well as insulation. In addition, they come in a wide range of styles to suit your needs from sleek but straightforward designs to more elaborate ones with extra features like wheels or ice-crushing capabilities. Hopefully, this blog post helped you find the perfect cooler!