Top 20-Quart Coolers to Buy for the Beach & Outdoors

best-beach-cooler

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The perfect 20-25 quart cooler is out there, but it can be hard to find.

You need the right size for your needs and what you plan on doing with it!

If you’re going camping this summer or just spending lots of time outdoors in general then make sure that any piece of equipment will hold up against whatever else might happen along during those days.

Looking for the best 20-quart cooler is a lot easier than you think. You’ll need these for those summer beach trips.

Here is a quick breakdown:

Best Cooler Overall: Dometic CFX3 35 Powered cooler

Reduce energy consumption to minimize your cooling costs, all while keeping up with the unpredictable weather.

The Dometic CFX3 35 Powered Cooler efficiently refrigerates and deep-freezes foods for safekeeping at an average cost of 2 cents per hour.

With durable ExoFrame construction protected by fender frame–protected edges plus strong spring loaded handles, this cooler is adaptable to any location – indoors or out!

A high resolution color display lets you monitor your performance in real time, while soft touch buttons enable seamless control of operating modes.

Use 3-stage dynamic battery protection system when needed to limp past dead batteries on blistering hot days when little power is available.

Unbeatably sized for maximum coverage at 36 liters in capacity.

The only other thing is that it’s only available in 36 Quart and NOT 20 Quarts.

So if you don’t mind the size, then this may be what you’re looking for.

So whether you are going to the beach or camping outdoors make no mistake that this cooler is a beast. 

Features: 

  • Durable
  • Dimensions: 27.3 x 16 x 15.7 inches
  • Gear Capacity (L): 36 liters
  • Material: 35% plastic/32% other fiber/21% metal/12% polyurethane
  • Weight: 37 pounds

Best Runner Up: YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler

It comes as no surprise that the YETI Rodie is probably one of the best coolers ever created.

Now, it’s not the only one in the market that has risen to popularity, but make no mistake it is still number one the best. 

Due to its strong brand and leading results YETI has a variety of different coolers and sizes.

Although YETI  is not available as a 20-Quart cooler anymore, it does have a Roadie 24Qt hard cooler which has become very popular. 

Again, if the size difference does not bother you then go for the YETI.

Features:

  • Durable 
  • 3-inches of Polyurethane foam insulation
  • Freezer style sealing gasket
  • 12.8lbs Empty
  • Carrying Size: Using a 2:1 ratio|18 cans

Dimensions:

  • Outside 17 ½” x 16 ½” x 15 ¼”
  • Inside: 12 ½” x 13 ¼” x 10 ⅞”

BEST UNDER $200: ORCA 20 Cooler

The ORCA 20 compares with its great strength and durability.

It shows promise when it comes to taking this cooler on camping trips, the beach, or pretty much any outdoor adventure. 

The ORCA 20-quart cooler is also roto-molded which means every corner is perfectly designed with the right insulation.

The awesome thing about the ORCA cooler is that it comes with a large variety of colors to choose from.

Unlike most brands, it is always plain boring colors. Not ORCA. 

Features:

  • Durable 
  • Roto-molded Construction
  • Sealing gasket
  • 18lbs Empty Weight
  • Easy Flow Drainage Spot
  • Cargo Net for Extra Storage
  • Stainless Steel Handle
  • Assorted Colors
  • Carrying Size: Using a 2:1 ratio|18 cans|15 Bottles

Dimensions:

  • Outside 17 ½” x 16 ½” x 15 ¼”
  • Inside: 13 7/16” x 9 ⅞”x 9 ⅞” 

Best cooler under $150: Grizzly 20 Cooler

Grizzly is yet another yet powerful 20-quart cooler. It comes with similar features as its competitors.

So if you’re planning on going camping, to the beach, or whatever outdoor adventure then it is perfect to pack food, drinks, and everything.

Its motto goes: small but big on its performance. You can buy it in an array of assorted different colors

Features:

  • Durable 
  • Roto-Molded LLDPE Plastic
  • 2-inches of Polyurethane foam insulation
  • Freezer style sealing gasket
  • Empty Weight 16lbs
  • 2-inch Drain Plug
  • Non-slip Rubber Feet
  • Carrying Size: Using a 2:1 ratio|24 cans
  • Includes dry goods tray
  • Assorted Colors

Dimensions:

  • Outside 20 ¼”x 14 ¼” x 12 ⅜”

Best cooler under $130: RTIC 20 Cooler 

Another great competitor is the RTIC brand.

It provides the right amount of durability for practically any occasion.

From the beach, work, school, camping, and even fishing this cooler has been known to come on the top tiers.

It comes in four different colors. 

It also carries the roto-molded construction and has a v drain system.

It’s just as strong as its competitors.

Features:

  • Durable 
  • Roto-Molded Construction
  • Freezer style lid gasket
  • Empty Weight 16lbs
  • V drain system
  • Non-slip Rubber Feet
  • Carrying Size: Using a 2:1 ratio|24 cans

Dimensions:

  • Outside 20 ¼”x 14 ¼” x 12 ⅜”

Best Cooler under $100: IGLOO ECOCOOL

If you’re still looking for a 20-quart cooler that does the job then look no further than IGLOO ECOCOOL.

This cooler gets the job done for under $100.

Igloo ECOCOOL 30 is the coolest way to keep your drinks and food cold while out on the trail.

Not only will you feel great about reducing waste, but you’ll also be able to enjoy your favorite drink right during lunchtime, even if it’s 40 degrees outside!


This tough cooler offers plenty of room for 2-liter bottles and sports, with innovative technology that delivers 3 days of superior cooling performance in hot weather.

Plus, our patented Thermecool™ foam insulation does two things: it outperforms traditional insulation technologies because it wicks heat away from whatever is inside the Igloo ECOCOOL cooler better than most other coolers.

These coolers are perfect for a beach weekend getaway or any outdoor activity such as camping.

What more can you ask for?

Features:

  • Camping & Outdoors 
  • Material: High-density polyethylene/polypropylene
  • Gear Capacity (L): 28 Liters
  • Dimensions: 18 x 17.25 x 11.8 inches
  • Weight: 6 lbs. 6.4 oz.
  • Sustainability: Contains recycled materials

Best Cooler Under $50: IGLOO RETRO PICNIC BASKET/COOLER

The Retro Picnic Basket Cooler is perfect for any beach, park or backyard adventure to keep your food fresh and cold.

At 25 quarts, the full-size chest has bright molded-in side handles that meet to allow for easy one-handed carrying and additional comfort on long hauls.

Stuff it into lunch bags with salads and sandwiches and feel secure taking your coolers (or “cooleries”) anywhere – even off of plastic picnic tables!

Durable impact resistant hinges make sure no one stomps on this trusty cooler’s dried goods.

Pro: 

  • Durable
  • Dimensions: 17.79 x 13.12 x 12.88 inches
  • Gear Capacity (L): 23.67 liters
  • Material: Polyurethane/polystyrene
  • Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz.

FAQ

What is the Best 20 Qt Cooler?

There are plenty of awesome 20-quart coolers out in the market.

The only person that can really decide what cooler to buy is you!

Hopefully, this guide will help you to choose the one based on your preferences, but again it all depends on your lifestyle and destination.

Although, choosing the correct cooler for your lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated.

A lot of the best coolers out there are made by Sportneer, YETI, ORCA, RTIC, GRIZZLY, and even Igloo.

All these coolers are known as heavy-duty coolers that will last you a long time. 

What can you fit in a 20-Quart Cooler?

Give or take, each cooler is slightly different in dimensions.

As a medium, a 20-quart cooler fits roughly 15-20 lbs of ice (more or less) and roughly 18-25 cans of beer.

Every cooler varies in dimensions. For example, the ORCA 20 cooler fits 18 cans, while the GRIZZLY 20 quart cooler fits 24 cans.

For comparison, the RTIC 20 fits approximately 24 cans while the fits roughly 10-15 cans.

Again, it’s all an approximate number, all cooler vary slightly in volume, and dimensions.

Which Cooler keeps ice the longest?

Ice is dependent on each special circumstance.

Different external factors can impact ice retention on a number of different levels.

It is different for everyone because everyone’s external environment is different.

Though some coolers say they retain more ice than others based on a number of different tests, a lot of these tests do not really base reality.

What most coolers, like the ones listed above, do offer is double insulation allowing you to keep ice cooler than room temperature. 

What is the best cooler for the money?

There are plenty of great brands out there. The best coolers for your money include popular and durable brands such as Sportneer, GRIZZLY, YETI, ORCA, and RTIC.

These top brands have been shown to prove their durability and strength.

Built with polyurethane, these coolers come with double-wall insulation that is built to last.

Whichever brand you buy, it will definitely be worth it. 

Conclusion

Whether your summer is full of beach vacation trips, kayaking, boating, or camping, finding the right cooler to fit your lifestyle is a priority.

Finding the right cooler to fit your needs is something that we need to put careful consideration into.

I find that the best cooler for my lifestyle and carry capacity is around a 20-quart cooler.

Not only does it fit my lifestyle perfectly, but it is portable for me to bring to the beach. 

Photo by Sandrene Zhang

When you are ready to buy an awesome cooler that will keep your food fresh and drinks cold then look no further than the ones mentioned above.

If you’re going on a weekend beach trip or even a beach camping trip be sure to pack the right cooler.

There are a lot of coolers out there. Let’s just put that out there right now. They all do the job pretty well. Some more than others. 

All the coolers listed have the durability you need for your things, though external circumstances vary in each person as far as ice retention goes.

Make sure you buy a cooler that fits your exact lifestyle and destinations. Choose right. We did the work for you. Now it’s your turn.

Jess-and-Jeanette-at-the-beach

Jess & Jeanette

Jess and Jeanette, two sisters who founded Unseen Beaches, were inspired by their family’s beach vacations while growing up.

Their passion lies in guiding you toward the most remarkable beach destinations across the U.S., while also protecting and preserving these beautiful coastal treasures! 🌊❤️

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3. BeachBub Umbrella: Stay cool and protected with a durable, stylish UPF beach umbrella.

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