If you want to keep your drinks and snacks cool while outdoor, then a passive cool box is a perfect option. The best passive coolbox is an essential item for activities such as camping trips, fishing trips and picnics. Passive cool boxes are even better for outdoor camping because you won’t need a power source to keep them going.
Coolers aren’t one-size-fits-all. What you need for an overnight camping trip won’t be the same as the cool box you’d need for a day sports event at your kid’s school. Different brands make these boxes and have various designs and specifications that cater to varying outdoor needs.
Which are the best options for you to choose from? We have gone ahead and done some extensive research and chosen five cool boxes that would be perfect for you, depending on the size you need and the purpose of your purchase. We have considered vital features that would be helpful in your search and other additional considerations that would make using your cool box easier and more beneficial. Do you want to find out more? Read on to learn.
Types of Cool Boxes
There are many cool boxes, and each varies in its cooling mechanism. A thermoelectric cooler, for instance, uses a heated liquid that passes through an enclosed space where it’s rapidly cooled. The rapid cooler keeps food supplies inside chilled and fresh, and an insulator prevents the cold air from escaping.
Although a thermoelectric cooler uses electricity, you can’t consider it a fridge. Thermoelectric cool boxes can either have absorption or compression coolers. On the other hand, passive cool boxes don’t rely on electric power and simply cool the food supply using ice.
How We Picked the Best Passive Cool Box
We had an extensive list of passive boxes to choose from. To narrow it down, we analyzed criteria to ensure that you have the best specifications to meet your need.
Make and Convenience
We first checked the design and whether the manufacturer considered your convenience when creating the shape and size of the cooler. Certain complicated shapes compromise your storage options regarding how you’d need to pack your supplies and how easy it is to haul the cool box to your car.
We also checked for additional helpful features such as comfortable handles, solid wheels and easy-to-clean surfaces. Other features include the ability to use the cool box in multiple ways; for example, you could use the box as a seat or a cup holder, which is also a space saver.
Estimated Cooling Duration
We also checked the manufacturer’s notes on how long the initial supply of ice would last to determine which purpose would suit a cool box better. An example would be taking a cool box that keeps food chilled for four days to a day trip. We considered the estimated time frames to give you the best option for your needs.
Durability
Cool boxes aren’t single-use, and we expect them to last for a long while after purchase. We checked the materials used to make them and ensured that our choices could withstand rugged terrains. We also reviewed how durable the coolboxes are in terms of accessories such as handles, lids’ integrity, and embedded insulation materials. Loose handles, for instance, won’t take long to detach and make it easier to carry the box when it is heavy. Some lids are hinged, and loose hinges or hinges that are too tight can also be a major problem.
5 Best Passive Coolboxes
1. Vango Pinnacle Cooler
Are you looking for an eco-friendly way of retaining your foodstuff’s freshness for long? The Vango Pinnacle cooler is made of a polyethylene outer cover that is durable and eco-friendly.
The outer material has been made in such a way that there is minimal wear and tear when you’re traveling on rough roads. You can also place the cool box on any surface with minor wear and tear.
Polyurethane lines the interior of the cool box, an efficient insulator that works well in coolants such as fridges. The cool box’s interior and exterior surfaces are smooth, making it easy to clean the cool box.
The cooler has a 57l capacity, which is big enough to pack for a family weekend trip or even longer. The box can keep your foodstuff chilled for more than 80 hours. You can also extend your supply’s shelf-life by draining the melted ice inside and replacing the ice bags.
Vango has made cleaning the coolbox easy by providing a drainage tap and positioning it right at the bottom. The box measures 61.5x 42x41cm, which takes up just enough space in your camper or car. It weighs 5.6kgs when empty which essentially shows that it’s packed with enough insulation materials to handle the 57l capacity. The strong and smooth handle makes carrying it easier. The lid also contains 6 cup holders.
- Made of durable materials inside and outside
- Convenient cup holders inside the cool box
- Has a drain tap located at the bottom that helps drain the melted ice water
- Keep drinks and snacks chilled for more than three days
- Has a generous capacity of 57 liters
- The cooler has no wheels to help move it from place to place
- The cooler has no wheels despite its huge capacity
2. Coleman 28QT Xtreme Cooler
Coleman’s 28QT Xtreme Cooler is perfect for that overnight camping trip or sports event. The interior of the coolbox measures 38x25x31cm, and its depth is likened to that of a typical 2-liter bottle.
It’s lightweight and weighs 2.7kgs when empty, which adds very little weight to the cooler’s 26 L capacity. The coolbox has one big handle with a soft and flexible gripping area in the middle. This feature makes the cooler easy to lift and carry.
You can easily fit 36 330ml bottles in the box, which shows that there’s enough space to carry enough drinks and snacks for a trip to the beach or picnic. The cooler can keep things chilled for about three days which could also be perfect for longer staycations.
This cooler’s designers were very efficient because they made the box strong enough to carry 113kgs in weight. The capacity to take that much weight means the box can double as an extra seat. You can also use the two cup holders on the lid and use the lid as a makeshift table.
- Reinforced insulation to keep your food and drinks chilled for longer
- Sturdy and comfortable handle that can support the cooler at full capacity
- Durable, impact-resistant plastic shell
- Adequate capacity for short trips
- Versatility in that you can use the lid as a table and the box as a seat
- Two cup holders
- Doesn’t have a drainage tap to drain the melted ice water
- Limited capacity for larger events like family trips
3. Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler
With the ability to keep foodstuff chilled for four days, the Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler is the perfect choice for larger family picnics, road trips and weekend camping trips. It is convenient for extended weekend trips.
This massive creation measures 58 x 44 x 46cm and can comfortably carry up to 47 liters in capacity. It weighs about 5.9 kgs when empty, and considering its large capacity, you’ll need an effective way to move it. The cooler has in-built all-terrain wheels to help you haul it around after stocking it up. It comes with a retractable handle to help you pull it, ensuring that you’re not straining your back. You can also drain any excess liquid using a drainage hole at the bottom of the cooler.
This cooler’s interior and exterior are made from HDPE, which is among the most durable plastic materials in the market today. The interior contains a thin insulation layer to ensure that you can cram as many food supplies as you can. Its lid has a secure hinge, is easy to clean, has four cup holders, and acts as sitting space for anyone under 113kgs.
- Massive storage capacity
- You can use the versatile lid as a cup holder and the box can serve as a sitting space
- Can keep beverages chilled for up to 4 days
- Drainage conveniently located at the bottom of the cooler
- Telescopic, adjustable handle
- Efficiently insulated insides to maximize storage capacity
- The cooler can be a bit wobbly
- The retractable handle can get stuck
- Tiny handles that can hardly support the 47-liter capacity
4. Connabride Passive Coolbox
The Connabride Passive Coolbox is perfect for a fishing and drinks kind of day. The cooler has a 24-liter capacity and measures 40 x 25 x39cm. It weighs a negligible 1.5kgs when empty, making it easy to carry and transport even at total capacity.
You will have an easy time washing this cool box because of its non-stick finish. The cooler has a soft, flexible plastic handle to ensure that your hands don’t get hurt when you’re carrying it. The handle also holds the lid in place as you carry it so that it doesn’t slip free with motion. The cool box is rectangular, with soft edges, which makes it possible to pack up your supplies in a compact way.
- Strong, easy-to-grip handle
- Non-stick finish allows you to wipe the coolbox clean
- Lockable handle that secures the lid
- The lid is entirely detachable
- Light enough to carry
- More affordable
- Has no drainage, and you have to turn it over to get rid of melted ice water.
- Smaller capacity
- Has no cup holder
5. Coleman Polylite 48QT Cooler Combo
The Coleman Polylite 48QT cooler Combo comes with three coolers of varying sizes in one purchase. You will get a larger 45-liter cool box, a small Performance 6 Personal cooler and a Half-Gallon Jug to handle different events. Because of its size, the biggest cooler is suitable for multiple-day events.
All these coolers are made of HDPE on the inside and outside, which is typical for these products. The three have a polyurethane foam lining because of its excellent insulation properties. These insulators enable the coolers to keep your food and drinks chilled longer without replacing the ice cubes. The materials also contribute to how durable these coolers are.
The largest cooler of the three is lightweight, weighing about 3.9kgs when empty and is compact enough to fit comfortably in your car. The interior measures 51x34x36cm, and the entire cooler, 66x45x44 cm. The cooler can retain ice for about two days.
With a 4.7 liter capacity, the Performance 6 Personal Cooler is incredible for a two-person picnic. The cooler weighs 0.8kgs and can hold ice for a day. The cooler’s outer shell measures 27x20x21 cm, the inner shell’s dimensions are 22x16x13cm.
The Half-Gallon Performance Jug has a 2-liter capacity and can retain ice for a day. It’s an excellent way to carry your cold lunches to work and keep salads, beverages and cold meat cuts fresh.
- You get three coolers with one purchase.
- The coolers have efficient insulators to help retain ice for a long time
- Coolers use HDPE and Polyutherane to ensure durability
- The larger cool box doesn’t have wheels despite the capacity
- The handles may not be strong enough
What to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Passive Cool Box
Have you visited the outdoor section of your local store lately? The coolbox section especially can be a little intimidating due to the numerous choices presented to you. There are multiple brands, features, and sizes to choose from, and you may end up getting the wrong cool box. We have created the perfect cheat code to help you get one of these lifesavers. This is what to look out for:
Purpose
The first thing to consider is what you need this passive cool box for. The purpose will then help you determine the size and features you need in your toolbox. You may need a small cool box to help you keep your lunch fresh and a slightly bigger one for a weekend-long camping trip, a barbeque or road trip. All these require differently sized and designed cool boxes. The purpose also determines other factors, such as the food supplies you’d need to carry and the amount of ice you’ll need to purchase for effective planning.
Features
Different brands develop new or improved features to ensure that their cool boxes are unique. Some brands choose to play with varying insulation materials to help keep the ice longer and ensure that your beverages and food stay chilled or fresh longer. Depending on how long your trip or event is, you can choose a more efficient insulator.
The wheels are also important, especially for bigger capacity cool boxes. Another feature you need to consider is drainage – whether there is a drainage tap or hole on the cool box and its location.
Additional thoughtful features such as extra storage space and multipurpose lids can also be things you can consider before deciding on a cool box. Some coolbox lids work like seats, and some have been hollowed out into beverage holders.
Look at the lid; how secure is it? Some cool boxes come with a lockable feature to ensure your food doesn’t spill out. There are hinged lids, partially detached and fully detached cool box lids.
Cool Box Durability
You can gauge a cool box’s durability from the materials used to make it. For instance, you may encounter rough terrain during road trips and camping trips which may cause a cool box to sway and maybe hit surfaces in your car. A cool box made with suitable material will not be damaged; materials such as HDPE make the cool boxes impact-resistant.
You can also look at a coolbox’s durability in how handles and wheels have been designed and installed on cool boxes. Wobbly and stiff handles will end up either getting stuck or detaching from the cool box, making moving a cool box difficult.
Portability
Toolboxes can get heavy, especially when filled. Imagine having to carry a huge toolbox with a 50-liter capacity by hand. Portability is an essential feature for you to consider. Look out for retractable handles, efficient wheels, and in case you’re going for a smaller-sized toolbox, ensure its handle has soft material that won’t hurt your fingers.
You can also check the lid because a shaky, weak or loose lid can wreak havoc, especially if you have to travel a long distance.
Design and Shape
A cool box may have the best insulation material and still be a terrible choice because of its design. These boxes should store as much foodstuff as they can handle without it feeling like you’re playing a game of Jenga. Some manufacturers design cool boxes with protrusions inside, making it challenging to maximize the storage space regardless of their capacity. These boxes should be simply shaped and more focused on ensuring durability and proper working mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does a Coolbox work?
A cool box works by slowing down the effects of convection and conduction to ensure that the food and drinks inside stay fresh longer. The boxes are padded with an insulator and you can then pack them with ice packs or cubes before filling them up with your food supplies. The insulation ensures that the air in the cool box doesn’t move freely and heats up slowly. This makes a makeshift fridge for you to use on the go. You will have to drain the ice water when it melts and replace the ice cubes if you need to keep your supplies longer than the icebox can initially handle.
2. Is a passive coolbox better than an electric cool box?
While passive cool boxes work with ice, electric coolboxes have to be powered to keep the temperatures cool. The good thing about these electric coolboxes is that you can charge them up in your car as you travel and then plug them up once you get to a power socket when you get to your destination. Passive cool boxes are more beneficial in that you can go anywhere with them, including places with no electric connection. Besides, ice cubes are affordable, and you won’t have to drain your car’s battery as you travel.
3. How do I determine the right cool box size?
The cooler aisle has various size options for you to choose from. But, how do you ensure that you’ve picked the right size for you? Selecting a small cool box may mean that you’ll have to limit the number of food supplies, a cool box that’s too big would be a waste of ice and a pain to carry around. Choosing the right one depends first on the event you’re buying it for and whether you camp or hike frequently. The best way to determine the correct size is to gauge the number of supplies you’d like to carry and the space you’d require to fill. Remember to take into account how much space the ice packs will take.
4. How much ice do I need to add to my toolbox?
Ideally, every cool box comes with an instruction manual that states how much ice you should add per liter of food supplies. You need to add a generous amount of ice because the more ice there is, the less likely it will melt quickly. You can use the 2:1 ice-to-food supply ratio to ensure that everything stays fresh for the longest time. How much ice you use also depends on the type of ice. Dry ice usually takes a shorter time to melt and ice from your refrigerator won’t serve you for long. The best way to get the right blend to last long is to mix dry and regular cubed ice.
5. How do I ensure that my food and drinks stay cool for long?
There are several ways of ensuring that your food supplies last long. First, prevent warm air from circulating in the box by minimizing how often you open the cool box. The second is to choose the ideal ice blend to ensure it lasts long. Thirdly, pre-chill the icebox before you start storing the food supplies. Ensuring that the cool box is pre-chilled reduces convection, which affects how first the ice will melt. Lastly, don’t add warm food supplies; refrigerate the beverages and foodstuff before storing them in the icebox. You can use other tricks, e.g., using rock salt to lower the freezing point of drinks and not exposing the cool box to direct sunlight.
Conclusion
There is a perfect toolbox for every occasion you’re planning for. You can have the opportunity to have an on-the-go fridge without the hustle of finding an electric power supply. The problem is that people wait until the last minute to get one, therefore making a hasty purchase. Choosing the right one ensures that you get to go on long trips without worrying about eating stale food and having warm beverages.
The best part about owning a cool box is that these boxes are easily affordable and easy to maintain. All you have to do is drain the melted ice water and pat the cool box dry before setting it aside for the next outdoor event. You can even repurpose the cool box as an extra storage option once you get home. We have made it possible to gauge which cool box you need depending on which outdoor event you’re planning by providing high-quality passive cool boxes for all your needs.
