Built for long ice retention and rugged use, hard sided coolers help keep food and drinks cold from sunrise on the lake to the last whistle at the tailgate. Explore the range of hard sided coolers at Ace Hardware from YETI, Igloo and other brands designed for outdoor recreation and work.
What to Look for in a Hard Sided Cooler
Hard sided coolers are built around durability and ice retention, so the right pick depends on how long you need it to hold cold and where you plan to take it.
Key features to weigh include:
- Construction type: Rotomolded polyethylene builds can support multi day ice retention, while standard injection molded plastic styles may suit shorter outings at a lower price point.
- Lid and latches: Latching lids and gasketed seals are designed to help lock in cold air and reduce ice melt.
- Carry style: Options may include side handles for two person lifts, rope handles for solo carries or wheeled bases with tow handles for hauling heavier loads.
- Sun and stability features: UV inhibitors are designed to help protect the shell from sun damage, while anti-skid feet can help keep the cooler in place on boat decks and other flat surfaces.
- Interior organization: Dividers and dry goods baskets can help keep items sorted and reduce the time the lid stays open.
Choosing the Right Cooler Size
Hard side coolers may range from compact 5 quart personal builds up to 125 quart group coolers. For quick reference, a 24-quart cooler typically holds around 18 standard cans. Use the table below to narrow your pick:
Choosing the Right Cooler Size
Hard side coolers may range from compact 5 quart personal builds up to 125 quart group coolers. For quick reference, a 24-quart cooler typically holds around 18 standard cans. Use the table below to narrow your pick:
| Capacity | Best For | Typical Use |
|---|
| 5 to 20 qt | Solo trips or job sites | Lunches, fishing, work breaks |
| 25 to 50 qt | Couples or small groups | Day camping, beach trips |
| 55 to 125 qt | Large groups or multi day trips | Hunting, marine, extended camping |
Pair Your Cooler with Accessories and Drinkware
Ice packs, dry goods baskets and replacement latches from the cooler accessories selection can help extend ice life and keep contents organized. Round out your setup with insulated drinkware to keep individual beverages cold once they leave the cooler.
How Long Does Ice Last in a Hard Cooler?
Ice retention typically depends on insulation thickness, ambient temperature and how often the lid is opened. Rotomolded hard sided coolers can hold ice for 3 to 7 days when prechilled and packed with a high ice to content ratio, while standard plastic builds may hold ice for 1 to 3 days.
Do You Need a Rolling Cooler or a Carry Style?
A rolling cooler with a telescoping tow handle can help make hauling heavier loads easier across pavement, sand or grass. Carry style coolers may be a better fit for shorter distances, boat decks or tight spaces where wheels are not practical. Trip distance, terrain and total load weight are the biggest factors in choosing between the two.
Shop Hard Sided Coolers Near You at Ace Hardware
Shopping online offers the convenience of browsing the full selection from home with fast shipping options. Visiting your local store allows you to compare sizes in person and get helpful advice from knowledgeable staff in the outdoor living department. Shop hard sided coolers near you at Ace Hardware to find the right pick for your next adventure.
For lighter or more packable options, browse the soft sided coolers selection or shop the full coolers department to compare every style side by side.
