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10 Best Small Ice Cooler 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler Desert Tan

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler in Desert Tan is a robust and versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts, designed specifically for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and travel. It boasts a capacity of 45 quarts, accommodating up to 26 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,492
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
4358 reviews

Capacity
Perfect size for everyday use; grocery shopping, camping, ice fishing and sits steadily in the vehicle.
Insulation
Seals tightly and it’s worth every dollar spent.
Durability
A rugged cooler that’s perfect for off-road expeditions! Ice retention, weight and durability are perfect.
Ice Retention
Ice stays for such a long time, works great.
Additional Features
We love this cooler and always get compliments on the color.
#2
9.8 score

Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler Navy

The Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler in Navy is a compact and durable cooler that is particularly well-suited for road trips, picnics, fishing, camping, and hiking. It offers a 24-pound ice capacity, which translates to holding up to 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio, making it quite efficient for its size. The cooler measures 16.5” L × 14.5” W × 17.5” H, making it tall enough to accommodate wine bottles and slim enough to fit behind car seats easily. This makes it very portable, especially with the HEFTYHAULER handle designed for comfortable carrying.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
7735 reviews

Capacity
Perfect cooler for the car as it fits right behind the front seat.
Insulation
Everything we put in the cooler stayed cold for our two-day trip.
Durability
Fell off the back of the ATV more than once, and there was no significant damage.
Ice Retention
Kept ice for two days in the summer and four days in the winter.
#3
9.7 score

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, Charcoal

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, in Charcoal, is a robust option for those needing a small, portable cooler for activities like picnics, fishing, camping, and hiking. With a capacity to hold up to 12 cans plus ice, it offers a moderate storage size ideal for personal use or small gatherings. The ColdCell Insulation ensures excellent ice retention, keeping contents cool for extended periods, which is a significant advantage over typical soft coolers.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
1730 reviews

Capacity
Great size and keeps food cold for hours.
Insulation
Surface can get hot to the touch but it does not transfer to the inside.
Durability
Easy to clean; it looks almost new even after hosing and scrubbing.
Ice Retention
Keeps things cold all day, even overnight, despite exposure to full sun and elements.

Top 10 Best Small Ice Cooler 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler Desert Tan

Capacity: 45 Quarts
Insulation: PermaFrost, FatWall design
Portability: 24 Pounds
Durability: Rotomolded, T-Rex Lid Latches
Ice Retention: up to 3 inches
Additional Features: dry goods basket, rubber latches

Chosen by 1492 this week

Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler Navy

Capacity: 24-pound ice capacity
Insulation: Polyurethane Foam
Portability: HEFTYHAULER handle
Durability: rotomolded construction
Ice Retention: impressive ice retention
Additional Features: QUICKLATCH feature

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, Charcoal

Capacity: 12 cans plus ice
Insulation: ColdCell Insulation
Portability: 3.7 pounds
Durability: 100% leakproof, high-density fabric
Ice Retention: excellent ice retention
Additional Features: waterproof, abrasion-resistant
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Buying Guide for the Best Small Ice Cooler

Choosing the right small ice cooler can make a big difference in keeping your food and drinks cold during outings, picnics, or short trips. When selecting a small ice cooler, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Here are the main factors to consider and how to navigate them.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler, usually measured in quarts or liters. This is important because it determines how much you can store inside. Small coolers typically range from 5 to 20 quarts. If you need a cooler for a single person or short trips, a smaller capacity (5-10 quarts) might be sufficient. For small group outings or longer trips, consider a larger capacity (10-20 quarts). Think about what you plan to store and how much space you need.
InsulationInsulation is what keeps the contents of your cooler cold. The quality and thickness of the insulation affect how long the cooler can maintain its temperature. Better insulation means longer cooling times. For day trips or short outings, standard insulation might be enough. If you need to keep items cold for extended periods, look for coolers with high-quality, thick insulation. Consider your typical usage scenarios to determine the right level of insulation.
PortabilityPortability includes factors like weight, handles, and overall ease of carrying. This is crucial if you plan to move the cooler frequently or carry it over long distances. Lightweight coolers with comfortable handles or shoulder straps are ideal for easy transport. If you need to carry the cooler by yourself or over rough terrain, prioritize portability features. Assess how often and how far you will need to carry the cooler to choose the right level of portability.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand wear and tear. This is important for ensuring the cooler lasts a long time, especially if you plan to use it frequently or in rugged conditions. Look for coolers made from sturdy materials like hard plastic or rotomolded construction. If you need a cooler for outdoor adventures or heavy use, prioritize durability. Consider how and where you will use the cooler to determine the necessary level of durability.
Ice RetentionIce retention is the cooler's ability to keep ice frozen for a certain period. This is important for maintaining the temperature of your items. Ice retention times can vary from a few hours to several days. For short trips or daily use, a cooler with shorter ice retention (up to 24 hours) might be sufficient. For longer trips or situations where you need to keep items cold for multiple days, look for coolers with longer ice retention times. Think about how long you need to keep items cold to choose the right ice retention.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your cooler. These might include things like built-in cup holders, drainage spouts, or extra compartments. While not essential, these features can make your cooler more versatile and user-friendly. Consider what extra features might be useful for your specific needs. Think about how you plan to use the cooler and what additional features could make your experience better.

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