What to look for
- Ice retention depends on insulation and how often you open the lid.
- Rotomoulded cool boxes are toughest but heavy; wheels help with big cool boxes.
- Soft cool boxes suit day trips; hard cool boxes suit multi-day camping.
- Size by trip length and group: 42.6 litres for a weekend for two, 66.2 litres for families.
How much to spend
Typical prices run from £79 to £349. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys bear-resistant build that holds ice for days. Only pay for features you will use.
Who should skip what
- Skip the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cool Box if you want value; Coleman and Igloo hold ice well for much less
- Skip the Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cool Box if you need bear-resistant certification
- Skip the Coleman Xtreme 70QT Wheeled Cool Box if you need a week of ice retention
- Skip the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cool Bag if you want value; good soft cool boxes cost under £100
Buying tips
Cool boxes go on sale before the May and August bank holidays. Check warranty length, which ranges from one year on budget cool boxes to five years or more on premium models.
Our picks
See all our best cool boxes in the uk for more options.
Recommended products
Best valueIgloo · Cool Boxes
Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cool Box
Strong ice for less.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Value rotomoulded feel
- Typical price
- £99–£129
Pros
- Rugged build for the price
- Good ice retention
Cons
- Less ice retention than rotomoulded boxes
Most durableYETI · Cool Boxes
YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cool Box
Built for decades.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Ice retention and toughness
- Typical price
- £299–£349
Pros
- Excellent ice retention
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Expensive
Best budgetColeman · Cool Boxes
Coleman Xtreme 70QT Wheeled Cool Box
Big and wheeled.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget family cool box
- Typical price
- £79–£109
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Wheels and handle
Cons
- Less rugged
Frequently asked questions
Is a YETI worth the money?
If you need extreme durability or bear-resistant certification, yes. For most beach and tailgate trips, cheaper cool boxes keep ice well enough.
How do I make ice last longer?
Pre-chill the cool box, use block ice, keep it in the shade and open it less often.
Hard or soft cool box?
Hard cool boxes hold ice for days and survive rough use. Soft cool boxes are lighter and easier to carry for a day.