Best Cooler Under 100
What are the Best Coolers Under $100
Coolers have become a must-have accessory in any household. Unlike in the last decades, possession of these products was limited to wealthy individuals these days, you can easily find an affordable cooler that won’t put too much strain on your budget.
Many people tend to associate price with quality, where expensive products are perceived to be the best products. However, this is not always the case, especially with coolers as some coolers, which cost less than 100 dollars are more reliable than those costing even more than 300 dollars!
Several tests performed to compare the performance of budget coolers against their high-end competitors have yielded impressive findings with some budget products retaining ice for longer than high-end coolers. Some of them kept ice for up to 8 days.
However, roto-molded coolers turned out to be more durable than budget products. This allows them to support more lid weight and last longer. Another shortcoming of budget coolers is leaking as most of them leak water from melting ice.
Thanks to these tests, it is safe to say that you need not to part with lots of your hard-earned money to have a cooler as a low-cost product can serve you well. I have reviewed five low-cost products that will take care of your needs.
Top Cooler Under 100 Dollars List
| ① Lifetime Coolers -TOP PICK |  |
| ② Igloo Quantum |  |
| ③ Igloo BMX |  |
| ④ Igloo MaxCold |  |
| ⑤ Igloo Island Breeze |  |
① Lifetime Coolers
This is arguably the most reliable cooler. Of all the tested coolers, the Lifetime Coolers yielded the most impressive results outperforming the most expensive coolers in Ice retention test and leak-proof tests.
The product comes in three different sizes, the small 28q, medium 55q, and the large 77q, offering you a variety of options to select from depending on your needs. The small-sized lifetime cooler is ideal for a person or two, while the large size can be used to cater to a large family’s needs.
I love this product because it can keep ice for up to 8 days, even under extreme ambient temperatures. When subjected to the same conditions, some roto-molded coolers could not keep ice for even six days.
The durability of this product is also another feature to be admired. The small-sized and the large-sized products turned out to have the strongest lids among low-cost coolers, and they were able to support both the sitting and standing weight of an adult.
Another great feature about this product is that it is waterproof, therefore, does not leak water even when rolled or flipped.
Pros
- Can retain ice for up to 8 hours
- It is durable
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- The medium-sized product has a weaker lid
- Costs more than other budget coolers
② Igloo Quantum
Another low priced ice chest in our review list is the Quantum cooler by Igloo. If you are looking for a fishing cooler that is on budget, we suggest you get this particular icebox. The storage unit is compartmentalized for orderly storage.
There is a section for fishing rod holders and drink holders. The body is made from highly durable material that guarantees longer product life. Also, it is coated with a UV protectant inhibitor to prevent the cooler from fading due to exposure to sunlight.
Transportation has been made much easier by the extendable handles, which can be adjusted to fit any height, saving you from having to bend in an awkward position while pulling it.
The wheels also contribute to that as they roll easily. The superior insulation techniques used enables the cooler to hold ice for more than four days. For increased security, the lid is lockable.
The drainage plug is recessed and works optimally; they come in handy when you want to get rid of the melted ice inside the storage unit, thereby reducing the cooler’s weight.
Pros
- It comes at a low price.
- The wheels roll easily.
- The storage area is compartmentalized.
Cons
- The cooler doesn’t hold ice as promised by the manufacturer.
- The handle is flimsy.
③ Igloo BMX
The Igloo demonstrated their superiority in the sector of making high-end ice chests with their BMX cooler. Apart from being cheap, it is highly durable and is made using sturdy material. The Igloo has figured out a way of producing quality products at a low price.
The base is highly reinforced to increase its durability, not to mention it can be placed on any surface. With all the materials used and the size of the cooler, you will be surprised how much it weighs; it is one of the lightest on the market.
One thing you are going to love is that it can hold ice for about five days. Remember that this depends on the average temperature of the surroundings; the duration may differ from region to region.
Just like the Igloo Quantum, the BMX shell is coated with ultraviolet protectant, to prevent it from fading. The hinges are made from stainless steel, which is rust-resistant; this ensures that they survive the moist condition responsible for metal rusting.
The latches used to secure the lid are made of rubber; this makes them easy to use. The insulated lid plays a major role in the extended ice retention of the cooler.
Pros
- The cooler can retain ice for five days.
- Light in weight.
- The icebox is highly durable.
Cons
- You may not be comfortable with the bulky design.
- There is no cooler size larger than 72 Qt.
④ Igloo MaxCold
The MaxCold coolers by the Igloo are known for their excellent ice retention capabilities. If you are going for a camping trip that will last for days, you better have one. They don’t have wheels or expandable handles, but that does not mean they are hard to transport.
They are made using lightweight materials, and this translates to a highly portable product. Also, the handles are fitted using two screws on each side for two people to carry.
At the back, two hinges enable the lid to open easily. On the inside, there is a cord that holds the lid in position and prevents it from opening all the way down. The ice chest is able to retain ice for longer because of the thick insulation foam that is pressure injected.
Pros
- Insulated lid helps to keep ice for longer.
- Durable telescoping handle.
- The cooler comes at a pocket-friendly price.
Cons
- There have been concerns from buyers about the leaking drainage spout.
- The hinges are reported to be of low quality and often fall off.
⑤ Igloo Island Breeze
The outstanding feature of the Island Breeze by the Igloo is its compact size, which makes it easy to store. The cooler also has no wheels, but it is fitted with the handle to enable you to carry it around, leaving an extra handle to grab other essentials.
The Cool Riser Technology has also been used here, the base which is molded is raised, and this helps keep the cooler away from the ground or any surface that may be hot, thus increasing the efficiency of the coolers in terms of ice retention.
You are also going to like that the lid can be converted into a cup holder and tray. Another property worth mentioning is storage capacity. The cooler has enough room to store drinks and foodstuff for a small group of people.
Pros
- Its design allows for easy storage.
- The ice chest is incorporated with Cool Riser technology.
- The cooler has enough storage capacity.
Cons
- Poorly made handles, weak and may snap off.
- The cooler does not have wheels.
It’s easy to get carried away by a product’s features before considering its price. Well, that’s something that should come first, because it enables you to know what you can work with. It is okay to spend well to get better products, but when your budget just can’t suit the flexibility, you can always find something for you.
A cooler is no doubt helpful in keeping your food and drinks fresh and cool wherever you are. It’s quite handy since more portable models can be carried to even work, the gym, the beach or for a hike. Whatever you’d like a cooler for, you should purchase one that is satisfactory.
At what point do you term a product to be satisfactory? For one, if it serves your needs and is good for the intended purpose, then it could be on a fast path to satisfy you. Consider features, and how useful each is to you. Some may just be colorful, but not as powerful.
A product should satisfy you if it has what you’re looking for, or anything close enough to it. There would be no need to spend money on something that may take years before it can benefit you, or never at all.
All that said, how much do you intend to spend on a cooler? Are you worried that you may not get something good enough for a low budget? You shouldn’t worry so much, because there’s always something for everyone!
Coolers under $100 may sound or seem less efficient, but they are not. They may not match up rotomolded or more expensive models, but they have plenty about them that sets them apart as worthy little investments. A good cooler, regardless of the price, should provide enough space, keep your food and drinks cool for long, and retain ice for a good amount of time.
It should also be easy to access, carry, and comfortable on either your hands or shoulders. Budget coolers may not give you all that, but surprisingly, some powerful models can deliver on most points! Durability is quite important, and the first place these coolers fail on.
Unlike rotomolded and high-end coolers, these models may not be able to withstand harsh treatment. Materials needed for sturdiness and durability may be costly to make, or hard to access. You should expect them to come pricey.
Budget coolers are simple. This also affects things about them that shouldn’t be, like their ability to hold melted water. These models, as you may find them, are not all leak-proof; that’s a feature common with more costly models.
Owing to their weak builds, budget coolers also scratch easily. Generally, you should be careful when handling these coolers, since their components are not as strong. The point of getting them cheap, is that they deliver on things that don’t require money, but performance.
One such things is their cooling. You will be surprised that some budget coolers can keep your food fresh for up to nine days! Their ice retention is pretty good, and most of these models will not lose ice for five and even slightly more days.
The trick, however, is to fill them to capacity with ice. Well, that’s how the determination test was carried out. Since you’ll be using your unit for food and drinks, however, you’ll have lesser space for ice and you know what that means, don’t you? Your cooler will serve you for a shorter time.
Nonetheless, as noted from several tests, budget coolers match up rotomolded models’ cooling capacity, which is a great thing! As aforementioned, however, they’ll not be as strong, which is okay if you’re aware of how much you’re going to be spending.
You may or may not be happy, walking away with a cooler under $100. As you’ll come to see as you use them more, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Coolers should be easy to carry. Most high-end coolers that come with high durability may not be the most portable models.
Something small that you can carry to work and even place on top of your desk may sound like a pretty good deal. You could get one at $100 or less! Some people also like the idea of concealable coolers. Small models are easy to keep away from sight, and a simple design could come quite handy.
A budget cooler is easy to use, undoubtedly, since it serves you with just what you need with no complications or many additions that may not even work. Some will keep your ice for almost as long as rotomolded models, as aforementioned and what’s more is that should anything go wrong, you’ll not be facing much loss.
Rotomolded coolers are made by the minds and hands of men, and are susceptible to damage or complications. It would be a loss to have to work on fixing your cooler, rather than invest on more ice.
This much said, why don’t we quickly go through the reviewed products, shedding more light on their strengths and weaknesses? They were:
Lifetime Coolers—durable, multiple sizes, 8 hours
Although its medium size has a weak lid and costs more than other budget coolers, this cooler is arguably the most reliable model. Of all the tested coolers, it yielded the most impressive results outperforming the most expensive coolers in Ice retention test and leak-proof tests.
The product comes in three different sizes, the small 28q, medium 55q, and the large 77q. The small-sized lifetime cooler is ideal for a person or two, while the large size can be used to cater to a large family’s needs.
It can keep ice for up to 8 days, even under extreme ambient temperatures. When subjected to the same conditions, some roto-molded coolers could not keep ice for even six days.
The small-sized and the large-sized products turned out to have the strongest lids among low-cost coolers, and they were able to support both the sitting and standing weight of an adult.
It is also waterproof, therefore, does not leak water even when rolled or flipped.
Igloo Quantum—cheap, rolls easily, compartmentalized storage area.
You may be disappointed by this cooler’s flimsy handle, and the false promise on its ice retention; the Igloo Quantum, nonetheless is a good budget fishing cooler. The storage unit is compartmentalized for orderly storage.
Its body is made from highly durable material that guarantees longer product life. Also, it is coated with a UV protectant inhibitor. Transportation has been made much easier by the extendable handles, which can be adjusted to fit any height.
The wheels also contribute to that as they roll easily. The superior insulation techniques used enable the cooler to hold ice for more than four days. For increased security, the lid is lockable.
The drainage plug is recessed and works optimally.
Igloo BMX—light, durable, five days
Despite its bulky design and that it has no size larger than 72 Qt., the Igloo has figured out a way of producing quality products at a low price.
The base is highly reinforced to increase its durability, not to mention it can be placed on any surface. With all the materials used and the size of the cooler, you will be surprised how much it weighs; it is one of the lightest on the market.
It can hold ice for about five days. Remember that this depends on the average temperature of the surroundings. The BMX shell is coated with ultraviolet protectant. The hinges are made from stainless steel, which is rust-resistant.
The latches used to secure the lid are made of rubber. The insulated lid also plays a major role in the cooler’s extended ice retention.
Igloo Maxcold—durable telescoping handle, pocket-friendly price, effective insulated lid
Despite this product’s leaking drainage spout, reported by some customers, and low-quality hinges as reported too, this Igloo model is still good for several reasons. First is the excellent ice retention capabilities.
They don’t have wheels or expandable handles, but that does not mean they are hard to transport. They are made using lightweight materials, and this translates to a highly portable product. Also, the handles are fitted using two screws on each side for two people to carry.
At the back, two hinges enable the lid to open easily. On the inside, there is a cord that holds the lid in position and prevents it from opening all the way down. The ice chest is able to retain ice for longer because of the thick insulation foam that is pressure injected.
Igloo Island Breeze—easy storage, Cool Riser technology, good storage capacity
Despite its weak handles which may snap off and having no wheels, this model by Igloo retains outstanding features. It has a beautiful, compact size, which makes it easy to store.
It is fitted with the handle to enable you to carry it around, leaving an extra handle to grab other essentials. The Cool Riser Technology has also been used here, the base which is molded is raised, and this helps keep the cooler away from the ground or any surface that may be hot, thus increasing its ice retention efficiency.
The lid can be converted into a cup holder and tray. The cooler also has enough room to store drinks and foodstuff for a small group of people.
You have it all here now; what will you decide to do? A cooler under $100 could serve you optimally for the purpose you need it; so, always remember why you’re looking for one. Your preference is a pretty good starting point!
Conclusion
Having a durable and reliable cooler gives you an easy time chilling your provisions both indoors and outdoors. However, the presence of many falsely advertised brands makes it hard to get a reliable product. Getting one for the right price is even harder.
It is for this reason that I recommend to you my favorite low-cost cooler, the Lifetime Cooler. This product has been perfected over many years, and it is now the most reliable low-cost cooler in the market.
The product comes in different sizes, ranging from small to large-sized products, giving you a chance to select the most suitable one. I also love the product for its waterproof feature; therefore, you have to worry about water sipping out whenever it topples or falls.
The product is also durable and sturdy enough to support your weight. Therefore, you can use it as an extra seat when you are outdoors camping without breaking it. This, together with its affordable price, makes it a perfect low-cost cooler.
Get the Lifetime Cooler today!
