Are you planning an outdoor camping trip and need a cooler to store your food? We can help you make the right choice.
Summertime is one of the best opportunities to discover new horizons through various activities. Camping is one of them, and smart campers know that the success of such a trip involves certain preparations. Indeed, you need essential equipment such as a cooler. However, it can be difficult to find the model that meets your requirements because of the thousands of models on the market.
In this case, you will need to focus your choice on criteria if you want to get the best camping cooler. These include the type of camping you want to do, capacity, temperature retention, portability and cooler price.
Enough of the chitchat! Let's move on to our guide that clearly shows you how to choose your cooler for safe camping. We'll end with a top 2 list of the best camping coolers.
How to choose the right camping cooler?
Choosing a cooler to store food and beverages while camping is no easy task. As stated in the introduction, there are a few key things to consider.
Choose according to the type of camping
The cooler you need will depend a lot on the type of camping you plan to do.
Which cooler for fixed-site camping?
If you're camping in a fixed spot like a tent, you'll need a compression cooler. It's important to remember, however, that this type of cooler is only recommended when your getaway is in a warm environment. Thanks to its operating system, the compressor cooler can freeze or keep cool at temperatures below 0°. Even if it is over 30°C in the tent, your drinks will not be affected by the outside temperature. However, for camping in a cooler destination, an absorption cooler should suffice.
Which cooler for camping in a caravan or motorhome?
Without a doubt, we recommend a thermoelectric cooler. It is by far the most practical way to keep your food and drinks cool. Better yet, thanks to the Peltier effect that determines its operation, the thermoelectric cooler offers warming functions. Just plug it into your car's cigarette lighter socket and you're done. However, pay attention to the energy class of the cooler so as not to damage your car battery.
Which cooler for a day camping?
Feel like lounging at the beach or in a park for a whole day? Go with your loved ones with a rigid or passive cooler. Unlike an electric cooler, it will be lighter and more compact. Also, consider enhancing its isothermal nature by traveling with cooling elements like ice packs.
Choose according to the storage capacity
Again, this is the size of the cooler. It basically depends on the length of your camping trip and the number of people on your getaway. If it's just a day trip with friends, size isn't a big deal. However, if it's a weekend or week-long camping trip or even a week-long nature hike, then you need a large capacity.
Choose based on temperature retention time
When camping, you'll need to eat hot or cold depending on your cravings. To this end, it can be unpleasant to find your yogurt or your reading material bland or spoiled by the outside temperature. To avoid this, you must rely on a cooler that can keep cool for several hours or several days. The isothermal character is thus a not negligible criterion. It is also possible to increase the duration of temperature preservation by using ice packs.
Choose according to portability
The portability is a criterion that takes into account not only the weight, but also the compactness of your cooler. At first, it's obvious that you wouldn't want to carry a heavy container around all day. It's definitely not practical and will bore you after a while. So we invite you to choose a light and easy to carry case.
Secondly, compactness will take into account the dimensions of the cooler. If you plan to camp in a van or travel in a small car, consider not cluttering it with a huge cooler.
Choose based on durability
No one wants to invest in a short-lived cooler. The container must be rigid enough to withstand shocks and keep your food for a long time. To achieve such a performance, make sure that the material of the container offers a great resistance. Rigid plastic such as polypropylene is a good choice. Many people make the mistake of opting for soft cooler bag models, but this type of cold accumulator works better for picnics.
Choose based on features
For a better user experience, some models come with additional features. These may include the following:
- A built-in bottle opener;
- Carrying handles or wheels;
- a USB port to charge your devices;
- an LED remote control to control the temperature remotely;
- an LED light inside to illuminate the compartments, etc.
If these are things you think you need, make sure you choose a cooler that has them.
Choosing by price
The price of your camping cooler or mini fridge should not be overlooked especially when you are on a tight budget. Precisely, this varies depending on the brand, size and type of cooler you have in front of you. But as a general rule, you should expect to pay between 300 and over 500 dollars for a good quality product. At Healthy Lunch, some models are currently available with incredible discounts. So don't hesitate to check them out.
Our best camping coolers
To help you make a better choice, our editorial team offers you to discover a top 2 of the best camping coolers by Healthy Lunch.
The Brown High Performance Cooler
CHARACTERISTICS
- Capacity: 25L
- Cold and hot performance: 3 days
- Portability: Grip Control handle
REASONS TO BUY
- Constructed with premium quality insulated materials
- Keeps food cool and warm for 3 days
- Waterproof and airtight cooler
- Free shipping
With a color that easily blends in with the outdoors, this huge cooler gives you a large capacity of 25 liters. It's designed to keep food and drinks fresh and cold for up to three days. Unquestionably, this makes it an excellent choice for long camping trips.
In addition, it's worth noting that the cooler's durable, weather-resistant design deserves several stars. First of all, its material is made of polyurethane foam, which enhances its waterproof and leakproofness.
Second, its lid is molded with a lock for better temperature retention. In this regard, the high performance cooler is capable of keeping both cold and hot. And while it is naturally heavy when full, its steel Grip control handle will support the weight. Finally, we commend the presence of a thermometer for constant temperature control.
The 9 Liters Electric Refrigerator - Car
CHARACTERISTICS
- Capacity: 9L
- Cold performance : The cooler cools down in only 20 minutes when plugged into the cigarette lighter
- Weight : 7kg
- Energy consumption: Low
REASONS TO BUY
- Does not make noise
- Can be adjusted manually and remotely with a remote control and Bluetooth app
- Super portable and airtight
- Can be connected to a car's cigarette lighter or plugged into the mains
If you don't need a bulky camping cooler, this model will more than make your day. It's suitable for road trips and promises continuous cooling performance. All you need to do is connect its adapter to your vehicle's 12v or 24v cigarette lighter. We also reassure you that the mini fridge compressor is energy efficient, as its motor runs on only 45 watts.
Once connected, it is able to go from a temperature of more than 25°C to 0°C over a 20 minute period. No need to wait forever to cool down with your favorite drinks.
We also remind you that its fan does not make any noise, which is a real advantage if you are camping inside your car. It would be unpleasant to constantly wake up because of the engine noise. Moreover, the small electric cooler has a double layer construction that uses insulating foam or PU foam.
Conclusion
We are at the end of this guide and we hope it will help you in your choice of camping cooler. While the market may present a different reality, keep in mind all of our selection criteria listed above. And if you're lazy enough to browse through hundreds of models in stores, take advantage of the best deals at Healthy Lunch.