When it comes to enjoying a cookout or a quick trip, having the right cooler can make all the difference. America’s Test Kitchen dove into the world of soft-sided coolers to find the perfect lightweight option that keeps your drinks cold without the hassle of lugging around a bulky hard cooler. Whether you’re packing for a day at the park or a weekend getaway, this guide highlights the top contenders tested for cooling performance, usability, and convenience. Let’s explore the best soft coolers that blend functionality with style, and keep your essentials perfectly chilled for hours.
Why Choose a Soft-Sided Cooler?
Soft-sided coolers are ideal for short trips when you want to avoid carrying one of those heavy, hard-sided coolers. The biggest appeal is their lightweight design. In fact, the heaviest soft cooler tested in the lineup weighed just six and a half pounds — about twenty pounds lighter than a favorite hard cooler. This makes them much easier to carry around, especially when you’re juggling other gear for your outdoor adventure.
Testing the Coolers: Price, Capacity, and Cooling Power
Seven soft-sided coolers were put to the test, with prices ranging from $50 to $300 and capacities between 16 and 20 liters. To put that in perspective, these coolers can hold between 23 and 36 twelve-ounce cans — plenty of space for your favorite beverages and snacks.
The first challenge was to see how long these coolers could keep things cold. Each cooler was packed with 10 pounds of ice, and temperatures were checked every 12 hours until all the ice melted and the meltwater temperature hit 50°F. The results? The best coolers kept the water below 50°F for a full three days, while the least effective models lasted about two days.
The secret to better cooling was insulation thickness. Most of the top performers featured insulation about an inch thick on the sides and top, while the less effective one had insulation less than half an inch thick (0.38 inches). Even so, keeping things cold for two days is perfectly fine for many casual outings.
Maximizing Usable Capacity: Shape Matters
Beyond just capacity, the shape of the cooler affected how efficiently you could pack your items. The team tested each cooler with a mix of real ice, ice packs, bottles, cans, sandwiches, and stackable food containers ranging from 5 ounces to nearly two quarts. One cooler stood out for being a bit tapered, making it trickier to pack efficiently. In contrast, coolers with a more squared shape offered better usability and made organizing your food and drinks simpler.
The Surprising Impact of Zipper Quality
One unexpected factor that influenced the testers’ preferences was the zipper operation. Opening the cooler should be effortless, but some models had zippers that were stiff and required significant force. For example, the green cooler’s zipper demanded some muscle to open, while the red one next to it zipped smoothly with ease.
Since a hard-to-use zipper can be frustrating, especially when you’re outdoors and want quick access to your refreshments, the team prioritized models with smooth, easy-to-operate zippers.
The Winner: Engel 22-Quart Soft-Sided Cooler Tote Bag
After evaluating all the factors — cooling performance, capacity usability, and zipper ease — the Engel 22-quart soft-sided cooler tote bag emerged as the top pick. Priced at $200, it may be on the higher end, but it delivers where it matters most:
- Keeps ice cold for three full days
- Easy-to-use zipper that glides smoothly
- Practical, squared shape for efficient packing
- Stylish design that looks great on any outing
This cooler strikes the perfect balance for anyone looking to keep their cookout essentials cold and organized without the weight of a traditional hard cooler.
Bringing It All Together for Your Next Cookout
If you’re on the hunt for a soft-sided cooler that won’t weigh you down but will keep your drinks and food cold for days, the Engel 22-quart soft-sided cooler tote bag is a smart choice. It combines thoughtful design, reliable insulation, and user-friendly features to make your outdoor cooking and eating experiences even better.
For those passionate about cooking, recipes, and enjoying meals outdoors, having the right cooler is just as important as having the right ingredients. This cooler ensures your beverages stay refreshingly cold, so you can focus on what really matters — good food and great company.
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This article was created from the video The Best Soft Coolers that Actually Keep Drinks Cold | America's Test Kitchen with the help of AI.
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