Last Updated on April 27, 2021

When making the list of essential items needed for your next fun trip, do not omit a 20 Quart Cooler. Whether it is a personal exploration of the outdoor world, family camping, or a get-together with a group of friends in the wilderness, a cooler is a must. This is the only item that will keep your foods and drinks cold for a long time, setting you up for a great getaway.

There are many 20 Quart Cooler on the market, making it quite difficult for a first-timer to choose a suitable product and make the most out of them during a camping trip. Because of that, we want to share our personal experiences using some of the best 20-quart coolers from the famous brands in the market today. We hope you will find a product that best suits your needs for the perfect outdoor adventure.

Best 20 Quart Cooler for 2021 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons

The best 20 Quart Coolers are perfect for keeping things chilly for a long time. A good quality cooler is vital to the success of all camping trips, tailgate, and outdoor barbecue. At the very least, it will save you uncountable trips to your fridge. And ensure you have frosty drinks for your family or friends. The table below lists our top picks and their features at a glance.

Best overall
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler, White
Premium pick
Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler (Dark Gray/Green)
Best value
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 9 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler, Moss
Name
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler
Pelican 20 Quart Cooler
Arctic Zone Titan Zipperless Cooler
Weight
15 pounds
10 pounds
2.35 Pounds
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane Foam
Triple layer ColdBlock base
Capacity
14 cans
15 cans
9 cans
Best overall
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler, White
Name
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler
Weight
15 pounds
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Capacity
14 cans
Pricing
Premium pick
Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler (Dark Gray/Green)
Name
Pelican 20 Quart Cooler
Weight
10 pounds
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Capacity
15 cans
Pricing
Best value
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 9 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler, Moss
Name
Arctic Zone Titan Zipperless Cooler
Weight
2.35 Pounds
Insulation
Triple layer ColdBlock base
Capacity
9 cans
Pricing
Grizzly 20 Cooler, White, G20, 20 QT
CAMP-ZERO 20 | 21.13 Quart Premium Cooler | Green
Cubix Marine Cooler | 10 Quart White Lifetime Rotomolded Ice Cooler | Portable and Hard Lunch Box | Perfect for Fishing and Beach
Igloo Sportsman 20Qt Rotomold Cooler
Name
Grizzly 20 Cooler
CAMP-ZERO Premium Cooler
Cubix Ice Chests and Coolers
Igloo Sportsman Rotomold Cooler
Weight
3 pounds
15.62 pounds
19.06 pounds
16.51 pounds
Insulation
Ecomate polyurethane foam
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane Foam
Polypropylene
Capacity
24 cans
22 cans
20-24 cans
14 cans
Grizzly 20 Cooler, White, G20, 20 QT
Name
Grizzly 20 Cooler
Weight
3 pounds
Insulation
Ecomate polyurethane foam
Capacity
24 cans
Pricing
CAMP-ZERO 20 | 21.13 Quart Premium Cooler | Green
Name
CAMP-ZERO Premium Cooler
Weight
15.62 pounds
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Capacity
22 cans
Pricing
Cubix Marine Cooler | 10 Quart White Lifetime Rotomolded Ice Cooler | Portable and Hard Lunch Box | Perfect for Fishing and Beach
Name
Cubix Ice Chests and Coolers
Weight
19.06 pounds
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Capacity
20-24 cans
Pricing
Igloo Sportsman 20Qt Rotomold Cooler
Name
Igloo Sportsman Rotomold Cooler
Weight
16.51 pounds
Insulation
Polypropylene
Capacity
14 cans
Pricing

1. YETI Roadie 20 Cooler

BEST OVERALL
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler, White

  • Polyurethane Foam insulation material
  • ColdLock Gasket that blocks out heat and locks in cold.
  • DoubleHaul handle for easy transport
  • Heavy-duty rotomolded

For seasoned campers, our top pick will come as no surprise. It occupies the top spot because the Yeti brand is technically the pacesetter in the industry. So, why is this portable 20-quart cooler loved and trusted by many users around the world? You are about to find out!

As the name suggests, this road companion is a bear-resistant, rotomolded cooler that weighs 15lbs. I stored 14 cans in this cooler plus ice, and it holds up well. The Yeti company was the first to launch rotomolded coolers before the splurge by other brands that we have now. It is safe to say they are the technology leaders, and others follow their lead. This is one of the main reasons why it occupies our top spot.

We discovered that the extra thick FatWall design on this cooler confers it with the ability to better insulate its contents. This, combined with 2 inches of PermaFrost Insulation Foam, kept our chilly frost intact for 6 days.

You will also find other neat and sharp features on this product like the famous T-Rex rubber latches found on the older models, stainless steel, thick rubber lid gasket, and a molded lock-holes to ensure the contents are safe and secured. Plus, it comes in 5 different colors.

Pros:

  • Yeti products are certified bear-resistant and will hold up to pressure.
  • The cooler comes in 5 different colors.
  • It has excellent ice retention abilities

Cons:

  • It is expensive.

2. Pelican 20 Quart Cooler

PREMIUM PICK
Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler (Dark Gray/Green)

  • Polyurethane Foam insulation material
  • Extreme ice retention
  • Overmolded carry handle

Pelican is a premium cooler brand. With the Pelican 20 Quart Cooler, we were able to store 15 cans, approx. 3 wine bottles plus ice. If YETI Roadie 20 Cooler is the president of 20-quart coolers, the Pelican 20 Quart Cooler is the vice president. It is one hell of a personal cooler.

Coming with 2 inches of polyurethane insulation and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket, our drinks chilled up pretty fast and stayed chilled for 6 days, which is pretty awesome for a 20 qt cooler.

What made this cooler even more appealing is that it handled our standing wine bottles nicely, thanks to a tall built and vertical storage space. It also comes with features like molded lock-hole and a carry handle, making it a unique cooler with designs different from the norm. We also find the bottle opener and cup holders on the lid handy. It took seconds to convert it into a secure mini-table.

The Pelican 20 Quart Cooler is available in 6 different colors and comes with a time warranty. Pelican, just like Yeti, are American brands and produced here. Both are functional and will serve you excellently, only that Yeti remains the priciest of the two.

Pros:

  • This product is designed with 4 cup holders.
  • It comes with a bottle opener to get the fun started anywhere, anytime.
  • Lifetime manufacturer warranty is included.

Cons:

  • This cooler does not come with a drain plug

3. Arctic Zone Titan Zipperless Cooler

BEST VALUE
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 9 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler, Moss

  • Deep Freeze high-performance insulation
  • Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap
  • Triple-layer ColdBlock base

Do you need a functional 20-quart cooler but do not have the budget for the more expensive products on this list? The Arctic Zone Titan Zipperless Cooler might just be what you need. Available in four beautiful colors, this cooler is perfect for budget-conscious adventurers.

What we noticed at first glance is the flip-up lid that makes for easy access to drinks and food. And an FDA-compliant HardBody liner fitted with a removable shelf makes this product perfect for food couriers and city dwellers who do not compromise cleanliness.

With the adjustable shoulder strap, it is easy to move your personable items with ease from one place to another. Another standout feature is the ultra-Safe leak-proof that ensures content spills, no matter how little, do not find their way outside the cooler. Finally, the wipe-clean exterior is puncture and abrasion-resistant. This cooler is not cracking anytime soon.

Pros:

  • This cooler is stain and water-resistant.
  • It is a zipperless and convenient product to use.
  • It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Cons:

  • Lower-quality material built but remains good value for the price and functionality.

4. Grizzly 20 Cooler – the cooler with the nonslip bottom

 

Grizzly 20 Cooler, White, G20, 20 QT

  • FDA approved plastic
  • Made from rotationally-molded LLDPE plastic
  • Ecomate polyurethane foam for optimal insulation

This is another functional rotomolded cooler perfect for expeditions and nonstop challenges. As the name suggests, it is certified bear-resistant which is the culmination of 20 years of testing and innovating.

We love this product because the exclusive Bearclaw™ latches ensure this cooler stays in place and won’t be pushed around easily. A stray animal can’t flip your cooler over when you are not looking. You will also find an integrated hinge, a locking system, and molded handles, making for an excellent personal cooler.

That’s not all; this hard side cooler comes injected with two inches of Ecomate polyurethane foam that ensure optimal cooling at all times. This novel method of insulation is environmentally friendly as it has no global warming potential.

As with all high-quality coolers, the Grizzly 20 Cooler comes with a rubber gasket that keeps cold air firmly trapped within the confines of the cooler, extending the longevity of your ice. This cooler kept our ice going for 5 days.

Pros:

  • It comes with a solid and comfortable carrying handle.
  • Offers up to 5 days of ice retention.
  • The cooler comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons:

  • Some users found the empty weight heavy.

5. CAMP-ZERO Premium Cooler

 

CAMP-ZERO 20 | 21.13 Quart Premium Cooler | Green

  • Aluminum folding comfortable grip handle
  • Dry ice compatible
  • Enhanced wall thickness

The first thing we notice about this cooler during unboxing is the quality of the material built. This product is made from rotomolded polyethylene. Obviously, the manufacturer went an extra yard in making an indestructible cooler perfect for the outdoor world.

While we extol how rugged this cooler is, you will be pleased that they are also grizzly bear tested and certified. Thus, the contents are safe from any wandering bears. It also features an interesting easy to access latch system that holds the unit in place. Every time we wanted to pick out a drink, it took less than two seconds to pop open and grab a can.

The CAMP-ZERO Premium Cooler comes with commercial-grade insulation. This feature, in combination with a freezer-grade sealing gasket, kept our ice running for 6 days. It might also interest you that we were able to fit 22 cans into this cooler. That’s enough fun to keep the gang buzzing for days.

We love that this cooler has the same quality built like all of All Camp Zero Coolers. They are crafted with the users’ convenience in mind. Other features that will make your life easier are the anti-slip lid with molded cup holders, molded handles that aid portability, and a nylon rubber foot that keeps the unit from being toppled over.

Pros:

  • This product is specially crafted to withstand the harsh outdoor world.
  • It comes with molded-in beverage holders to hold your drinks in place.
  • It can hold up to 22 cans and ice when adequately arranged.

Cons:

  • The latching system is sold separately.

6. Cubix Ice Chests and Coolers

This is another excellent 20 Quart Cooler on our list. It will keep your drinks and food chilly for at least 3 days. This high-quality product is made with thick and rugged construction that includes 3 inches of outrageous protection that locks cold in and keeps heat out for a long time.

The Cubix Ice Chests and Coolers are robustly engineered. We found the beefed-up handle helpful when gripping and lifting this unit, serving as hand protection. The ferromagnetic latches lock the lid completely. This ensures zero spills even if the unit gets knocked over.

We also loved the functional built-ins that included a versatile one-bottle opener, two cup holders, and a ruler fitted to the top of the lid. This is one of the best personal coolers on the market today. It also comes in 10 and 45 quartz options to provide food and drinks for any events.

No matter where your adventure takes you, this cooler is sure to ramp up the excitement to another level.

Pros:

  • This personal cooler has a tough and durable structure.
  • It will keep your foods and drinks chilly for at least 3 days.
  • The handle is solid and well-built.
  • It is sold at a fairly reasonable price.

Cons:

  • This product does not come with a compartment separator.

7. Igloo Sportsman Rotomold Cooler

Igloo Sportsman 20Qt Rotomold Cooler

  • Durable rubberized T-handle lid
  • Corrosion-resistant aluminum handle
  • Self-stopping integrated lid hinge

The Sportsman cooler is in a class of its own. If you are camping in a place with harsh environmental elements like dirt, gravel, rain wind, you do not have to worry about the safety of this cooler. The material construct is super-tough; its impact-resisting ability is fantastic and second to none.

If you somehow drop it while carrying it to the patio, lake, picnic, or a friend’s house, you won’t notice a scratch. The external covering is virtually indestructible. This is the basis of the many positive reviews it enjoys on Amazon and beyond.

That is not all, if you suddenly find all the chairs taken during a get-together, the Sportsman’s cooler is tough enough to serve as a seat, so you can relax with the gang and enjoy a soda or beer.

This cooler is not only about brute strength. Thanks to a 2-inch foam, a solid gasket lid, your foods, and drinks will be in prime consuming condition for days on end.

Removing melted ice and water at the end of your party is no problem, as it features a threaded drain plug that will help you drain the cooler quickly. You will also find a tether on the plug that prevents unnecessary loss of ice.

Pros:

  • It comes with swing-up handles on the sides for easy transport.
  • The cooler comes with titan rigidity shells that can withstand abuse in the wild.

Cons:

  • It is available in only one color.

The Best 20 Quart Cooler

Your next 20-Quart Cooler:  Buying Guide

Buying a cooler used to be easy – you simply walk into a store, pull out one of many similar products, pay for it and zoom off. However, this changed a few years back with the advent of fancy-looking and functional claims about the shelf life of your ice. There are many options out there claiming to be the best. We have used quite a number of popular brands, here we walk you through some essential factors that will aid your buying decision.

Cooler Construction

While there are simple polystyrene foam coolers on the market today, the traditional models feature a layer of thick hard foam sandwiched by two pieces of solid plastic. The level of insulation achieved in the traditional models depends on the thickness of the foam and the quality of plastic. Plus, the quality of the seal that holds these pieces together.

Recent models feature a rotationally molded design, making for a single piece of plastic for the lid and body. The elimination of seals between the two solid plastic components in the modern models increases the insulative process. It is a single layer that traps cold in and keeps heat out.

The newer models like the coolers on this list also extend the shelf life of ice content by introducing a rubber gasket on the edge of the lid. This is a design similar to what is found in your refrigerator at home.

We found that the rotomolded products with quality rubber gaskets are the best coolers on the market. Since you need a cooler to keep ice running for long hours, you should go for a rotomolded style.

Bear proof?

You’ve probably heard about some coolers being “certified bear-proof.” What does it mean? This means a cooler is stronger than the minimum effort required by a bear looking to smash and access the contents in it.

While a certified bear-proof cooler is stronger than a non-certified one, it does not mean the cooler’s contents will not spill out or leak. The certification aims to encourage the production of coolers that can’t be easily destroyed by grizzly bears.

For instance, IGBC certified products like the Grizzly 20 Cooler come with special locks to keep grizzly bears out. They are also designed to minimize smell – smells that can make your campsite attractive to animals.

Certified coolers are a better option for food storage than your car than animals can easily break into. If there are bears on your horizon, we recommend going for a bear-certified cooler. Adhere to local directions and have fun. A bear-proof cooler means a pretty tough 20 Quart Cooler.

Portability

Consider how easy it is to carry your cooler to your camp or party when fully loaded with food, drinks, and ice. Many rotomolded coolers are heavy when empty. When fully loaded, it will require at least two people to move it around unless it has wheels.

Some models come with wheels to ease transportation worries. While you will find tiny wheels that look like a roll-on suitcase on some models. They are more of a burden than a help. Go for a product that comes with handle improvisations like the Igloo Sportsman Rotomold Cooler or the Pelican 20 Quart Cooler. These often come with an easy carry handle and are very easy to move anywhere – over the green grass, soft sand, or rocky roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity of a 20 Quart cooler?

This will depend on the style and design. A 20-quart cooler can comfortably hold up to 20-24 cans of beverages with a couple of ice cubes thrown in. As they are mostly tall, the additional height helps to accommodate 2-liter bottles standing upright in the chilly enclave. Please note, the capacity of the cooler will majorly depend on the organization of the content.

 Is a rotomolded cooler worth the hype?

Rotomolded coolers are manufactured using an expensive process making for a much more durable cooler. The Rotomolding process is not the reason or the extra money it cost. Durability, performance, warranty is some of the features that make a rotomolded cooler worth the hype.

How long will ice cubes in a cooler last?

On average, ice cubes in coolers can last between 2 – 4 days when arranged in the perfect order. With a high-quality cooler and a good arrangement of ice cubes, a cooler can last you up to 10 days.

Conclusion

Choosing the best 20 quart cooler is not easy for many people, especially first-timers. There are several hundreds of coolers on the market today. For the best outdoor experience, you need to select a portable cooler that best suits your needs.

The above-reviewed Quartz coolers are portable, small, and perfect for individual or group uses. They are the best of the rest on the market today. We hope you will find the best 20-quart cooler on this list to make your next adventure a successful one.