Coolers are available in various sizes. Your needs will determine the size you settle for a suitable cooler. If you choose a tiny cooler, it might not be enough if you have so much to stack in. Ice will melt pretty fast, and this will warm your stuff.
Going too big will imply having excess space to use. It might get in your way of storage space as you'll waste a lot of space. The intention is to get a suitable cooler whose size is right for you. It should be small enough for times when you don't need to carry so much. But, a cooler also needs to be massive enough to handle whatever you'll stash in it.
Let's dive into the best cooler size options available.
Different Cooler Sizes and How to Choose the Right One?
You can buy coolers for various scenarios. But, it will be thoughtful to invest in a product that will be durable, efficient, and meet all your needs. When and how you step out shouldn't be a limiting factor.
Below is a concise description of the different cooler sizes in the market. It should create a solid base for you to assess your needs.
#1. Personal Coolers
These have an estimate of between 0 and 16 quarts. A quart is equal to 32 ounces, 2 pints, or 4 cups. But, this doesn't mean that a 16-quart cooler will take 43 x 12-ounce beers. The article explains the reasons why this is impossible later on.
Back to the personal cooler, it is ideal for 1 or 2 people. Most people consider this for packing their lunches and snacks for school or work. It doesn't hold much and will be ideal for persons who intend to have a drink, supplement, or something to snack on at times.
#2. Small Coolers
Small coolers have a capacity ranging between 17 and 35 quarts. For a couple or a household of fewer than four people, you'll love it for your picnics. It can fit a large pack of lunch for one and some drinks. You can opt to share the lunch if you have company.
It can hold more drinks on days when you don't need to pack the lunch, like when out for hikes or beach excursions. Drop-in a few fresh veggies to snack on, and you are good to go.
#3. Medium Coolers
These will fall between 36 and 59 quarts in capacity. Small families might find this ideal for their weekend picnics, road trips, or beach days. What's more, they hold a lot more than the small coolers.
A few packs of lunch and drinks can fit in. If you will be out with kids and need to carry syrups, you need to refrigerate. So, this size of the cooler comes in handy.
For individuals who are out camping or on excursions for more than a day, this will hold a few meals.
#4. Large Coolers
Large coolers have capacities ranging between 60 and 99 quarts. It is enormous, and for a medium to a large family, the size will be reasonable for supplies that can last a whole day when out.
While most people get this for food and drinks, fishermen/women will use it otherwise. The size is perfect for storing fish after a day's battle with tuna, carp, or whatever you prefer.
#5. Giant Coolers
They mean their names and are gigantic with capacities of 100 quarts and above. These will hold drink containers and packs for big tailgates or parties.
If you are away from home in the wilderness exploring, the giant cooler will fit supplies that can last a week. Families going out for the weekend will have more to eat and drink.
Fishing professionals and hunters who have their catch and need to preserve them well will have ample space.
Why Doesn't the Cooler Capacity Translate to the Number of Packs or Drinks That Fit Into It?
You must be wondering how this happens more often. It might be because different aspects will influence how much to pack.
Here are reasons why this occurs:
- The shape of your storage volume will not always be designed for your items to fit into perfection. For instance, there are long yet narrower coolers. Their volumes might be large enough and meant to fit a specific item. But, if the item to fit in is taller or wide, this won't work.
- Some storage volumes have compartments. It means that one large item of the same capacity as your cooler won't be helpful. It might either struggle before fitting in or not fit at all.
- Part of the storage volume calculated might not have insulation. It is useless to have external storage space without insulation to store a cold beer or an ice cream tub.
- Ensure to get the amount of insulation in your storage volume. Also, ensuring that it meets all your needs will be the most important thing.
- Most often, you might need some space for ice packs or ice. You need to understand that ice can consume more space. Have this as part of your math when identifying the amount you need.
Tips for Using a Cooler
Strive to pre-chill your food and drinks before arranging them in a cooler. It ensures that you don't take as much ice to cool room temperature food and drinks. This way, ice can last longer. You can do this an hour or two before leaving.
Ice should be the last thing you put into your cooler. Cold air should travel downwards.
If you are using a cooler for beverages only, load your bottles and cans before adding the ice over them.
There is a hot debate about whether you should use a block or crushed ice. Crushed ice will cool products quicker but will melt faster too. Block ice is contrary to crushed ice.
Instead of using block ice, you can freeze your juices, milk, and water in clear jugs. Besides having cold drinks to enjoy, you can also cool your food as an alternative to using block ice.
Don't store your coolers in the sun. It allows your ice blocks and packs to last longer. To prevent the entry of warm air, only open your cooler when necessary. Close it as soon as possible.
If you are traveling, pack your sleeping bags, throws, clothing, and blankets. Have them around your cooler for more insulation.
Avoid draining cold water from the freshly melted packs. You might think that you are maintaining a low temperature for your drinks, but you aren't. The cold water is to keep preserving the rest of the ice more than air would.
If it is a must that you have to drain the water, it should when removing other cooler items before you can add more ice.
Avoid trusting food packaging when packing your coolers. Foods like bread, tortillas, and pastries might get soggy, especially if their packaging isn't waterproof.
Before sticking your vegetables in bags, wrap them in damp paper towels.
Have condiments, vegetables, and meat in their sections, especially if your cooler has sections. It allows you to see everything with ease and have the cooler open for the shortest time possible.
Suppose you can get a separate cooler for your beers, the better. It prevents the beer bottles from taking up too much space. Also, campers who drink beer will often reach out for them compared to food.
Final Thoughts!
When it comes to choosing your cooler, getting a perfect size is vital. It determines how much you carry and the period your supplies will last.
Remember, there are so many sizes available, and focusing on your needs will do you more good. The article strives to explain what's available in detail.
The occasion, meal schedule, duration, and the number of persons are other determinants. They will influence the size you select. In short, make sure you pick a suitable one to prevent any oops situations.
