One challenging dilemma for some people that love to host frequent social gatherings in their backyard is how to keep drinks cool and within reach of themselves and their guests. It can be tedious walking back and forth from your kitchen just to grab a drink. If you want to enhance your backyard space for entertaining guests, then a backyard patio cooler would definitely prove to be a great investment for you.
Patio coolers do a lot more than just serve as a standard ice chest. With each different patio cooler comes handy features that make life much more convenient. Patio coolers are growing in popularity because they not only make outdoor parties better they also add a touch of style and elegance to any formal or social gathering in any home setting.
What to Consider When Buying A Backyard Cooler
There are some key factors that make a backyard cooler good and suitable for a certain type of person’s needs. To help you pick out the best patio cooler you can get, I’ve compiled a guide list of the most important things to look for in your patio cooler.
The Cooler Capacity
You will want enough space for the ice and ice packs along with the drinks. Having a generous space for more ice is recommended in order for you to maximize the cooler’s cooling time and capability. If you aren’t sure how much space you need, then I would recommend you size up. It is always more convenient to have extra space to store your drinks.
Getting a patio cooler with a capacity of around 20 gallons is a decent choice. It can hold anywhere between 70 to 100 cans. If you prefer a compact patio cooler for smaller family uses, a cooler with a capacity of a little above 10 gallons is good.
Weatherproofing Capabilities
If you are investing in a patio cooler, it is also essential to make sure it is durable and is fit to face any weather conditions. Make sure that the body, base, and overall build of your patio cooler is made with tough weather-resistant, and/or weatherproof materials. Make sure that the patio cooler is also not prone to rust and corrosion.
Portability (Wheels or No Wheels)
The ease of portability is an important factor when choosing a patio cooler. If you have tried lifting a full cooler chest before, then you know how hard it can be. Having a rolling patio cooler is convenient as you can just simply push or pull it around. Rolling patio coolers with lockable wheels are a great choice for elderly people and those with back problems. The lockable feature ensures your cooler stays steadily in your chosen place and won’t be a cause of accidental tripping.
However, if you do not need much portability, then a stationary patio cooler might work well for you. There are plenty of great options for backyard patio cooling without wheels.
Its Style
The style and look of your backyard patio cooler are what helps enhance its surroundings. There are a wide variety of colors, shapes, and designs that are sure to meet your preferred look. It is important to consider what type of feel you are looking for, whether it’s a smart, rustic, or vintage vibe you want to express.
Insulation Ice Chest (will the ice melt quickly or slowly?)
The more insulated the patio cooler is, the longer it will keep the ice and drinks cool. Insulation is probably the best feature you should consider first before buying. Great insulation in a patio cooler ensures that your drinks stay cool and that the ice does not melt during your party or social gathering. If you want the cooler to keep the ice frozen for more than a day, then get a patio cooler with thicker insulation. An insulated lid may also prove useful.
Extra Accessories (are they important to you as a buyer?)
There are various extra accessories and features that some coolers have that may prove useful in different ways. Accessories such as a patio cooler cover is a great extra item that may help prevent future wear and tear on your item. Other accessories can help keep your patio cooler last long, while some extra (not necessarily important) accessories are designed to make life a little more convenient for you.
10 Best Backyard Patio Coolers with a Stand
Below are some of the best patio coolers you’ll find on the market. Each one has features that may make it a suitable choice for you.
1. Keter Breeze Bar 
The Keter Breeze Bar has a simple but quite elegant design. It is one of the patio coolers available on the market that is ideally-sized and versatile. It is basically a cooler that also functions as a very useful piece of furniture. As it keeps drinks cool, it can double as a party cocktail table when you’re entertaining guests. And because of its very durable all weather-resistant construction, it can also be used as an outdoor patio coffee table or as a hot tub side table. Feel free to check out our top 5 patio tables with ice bucket coolers similarly designed like this one!
The Keter Breeze Bar is well constructed and built sturdy, making its top surface strong enough to hold 110 lbs. of drinks and food. The top surface can also be lifted almost 10 inches (29.5 inches from base to surface) for use as a cocktail table and is sturdy enough to carry 55 lbs. of drinks and food.
With its cooler being large enough to hold 75 twelve-oz. drink cans even with enough ice it makes for an excellent gift for the man of the house or a perfect accessory for your bar at home. Maintenance is also not difficult, because unlike most available coolers on the market, it has a drainage plug for easy and more convenient cleaning.
Below are some specification details about this product:
- Cooler Capacity: 14.8 Gallons
- Weight Capacity: 150 lbs.
- Color: Dark Grey & Teal
- 32.8 in. L x 15.9 in. W x 20.4 in. H
- Weight: 28 Pound
- Material: Very durable all weather-resistant resin
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If you’re looking for a smaller, more transportable cooler that also features the same functionalities and sturdy construction as this product, you can’t go wrong with the Keter Modern Cool Bar Outdoor Cooler. It features a 7.5-gallon cooler and can also be used as a coffee table, as a hot tub side table, or as a party cocktail table.
2. Permasteel Portable Rolling Patio Cooler
The Permasteel Portable Rolling Patio Cooler would be a perfect addition to your outdoor deck. The cooler cart has an injected insulation technology that ensures any drink you put in will be kept cold for several hours. It could fit in tons of beverages as it holds up to 110; 12 oz. cans, while leaving some extra space for ice. This sleek, elegant cooler is quite easy to maneuver to any desired spot with its two side handles and four casters; two of which are lockable – you could stabilize it anywhere on the patio.
The cooler comes with a cap catcher and a bottle opener attached on the side, and it also features a convenient lower rack to store the glass wines or any extra bottles for your guests to use. The rolling steel cooler had been made with a long-lasting powder-coated finish. And though it’s quite weather-resistant, it’s recommended that you still buy a weatherproof cover for it if you don’t have one already.
The durable patio cooler can come in five different colors and a Pepsi design edition. And this cooler cart provides for a quick clean-up process, with its split double lids being removable. You could simply remove the drain plug with more access and start cleaning!
Specs:
- Cooler Capacity: 20 Gallons (80 quarts)
- Colors: Black (default), Teal, Red, Sage Green, or White
- Dimensions:
- Weight: 49.5 Pounds
- Material: Plastic and metal
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3. Giantex Rattan Rolling Cooler Cart
The Giantex Rattan Rolling Cooler Cart is a very practical outdoor patio drinks storage that’s perfect for large family gatherings or for big house parties. Its 20-gallon cooler capacity is spacious enough for more than 70 drink cans or 50 drink bottles. This means it can easily keep a steady supply of drinks for even a large number of guests you are entertaining. Also, with its well-designed insulation that can keep drinks cold for 36 hours, it can surely keep the refreshing drinks coming.
The Giantex Rattan Rolling Cooler Cart has a number of very useful features that make it more functional than most coolers on the market. Its four swiveling wheels and its convenient handles on the sides make it easy to move around. Additionally, the wheels are equipped with locking mechanisms that can stabilize the cooler in place.
The round handles on its covers give everyone easy access to the drinks in the cooler. It also features a handy bottle opener on the side with a cleverly-placed cap catcher underneath. The Giantex Rattan Rolling Cooler Cart is equipped with a drainage plug that makes emptying the cooler and cleaning it very easy and convenient.
Below are a few more specifications of this product:
- Cooler Capacity: 20 Gallons (80 quarts)
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: 32.7”(L) X18.9”(W) X43.3”(H)
- Weight: 28 Pounds
- Material: Rattan, Steel, and Plastic, with Polyurethane cooler insulation
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4. Suncast Resin Wicker Outdoor Cooler
The Suncast Resin Wicker Outdoor Cooler could be an essential station for year-round entertaining on your backyard porch. This portable cooler’s four wheels have two lockable ones to secure its place on your deck. And its insulated basin has much room to put in up to 77 quarts, 72 cans, or 6 2-liter bottles, and it keeps your drinks cold, and your ice is frozen even in the hot summer. The cooler features an extendable drop leaf attachment that works as a prep counter and a cabinet below that adds space to store your necessary supplies.
It also has a basket screwed on the side for easy cup storage and a holder on the other side for paper towels. And the cooler’s hinged lid is quite easy to open and is about waist-high for quick access. Inside at the bottom of the cooler is a drain plug that is connected to a plastic tube that sticks out the back for drainage; makes clean-ups quite easy.
The cooler’s instructions for assembly may be difficult for some if not read and followed carefully. And as its name implies, the durable Suncast cooler was made of resin, which makes for years of quality use. And its simple but pleasant design and ideal size make for a nice addition to your outdoor deck.
Specs:
- Cooler Capacity: 25 Gallons (77 quarts)
- Color: Java
- Dimensions: 22 (L) x 26 (W) x 34 (H) inches
- Weight: 31 Pounds
- Material: Resin
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5. Leigh Country Char-Log Cooler
The Leigh Country Char-Log Cooler would be a pleasant surprise to your guests as it doesn’t look anything like a cooler at all. With its rustic charred wood design, it actually looks more like a beautifully-crafted side table. Its varnish finish and powder-coated metal parts give the product a more durable and long-lasting quality.
The Leigh Country Char-Log Cooler features a readily available bottle opener as well, allowing you to enjoy your cold bottled drink right away. It also has a drain valve for a much simpler and quicker cleaning and maintenance. This cooler is just the right size for big families and for entertaining guests and friends who visit occasionally.
Here is a quick look at some specific details about this product:
- Cooler Capacity: 5 Gallons (54 quarts)
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: 19 (L) x 27 (W) x 30 (H) inches
- Weight: 26.4 Pounds
- Material: Wood, with Polypropylene insulation and some Metal pieces
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6. Permasteel Rolling Patio Cooler with Bottom Tray in Stainless Steel
This Permasteel simple and vintage style stainless steel patio cooler is sure to enhance your outdoor area with an elegant look. This patio cooler has a well-constructed insulated cooler that can hold up to 110 cans with enough room for the ice and ice packs as well. It also features a split double lid that allows easy access to your chilled drinks.
You can also easily pop the cap off with the built-in bottle opener. This Permasteel patio cooler features easy mobility with the help of four heavy-duty casters. It is also quite easy to clean up and drain with the help of a stainless steel drain tube and cap. If you want to add a touch of class to your party, then this cooler is for you.
Specs:
- Cooler Capacity: 20 Gallons (80 quarts)
- Color: Stainless steel finish
- Dimensions: 34” H x 35.5” W x 19.25” D
- Weight: 47.4 Pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
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7. Margaritaville 77 Quart Oval Stainless Steel Outdoor Cooler
The Margaritaville Oval Stainless Steel Outdoor Cooler would be a wonderful addition to your backyard patio. It could hold up to one hundred 12 ounce cans with its 77-quart capacity. The cooler’s side handles and four rolling wheels make for easy transport; and with two locking casters, you could fix it securely in place in your backyard.
While the outdoor cooler can keep your beverages cold, it also features a convenient sidebar for towel placement, an additional bottom tray for storage, a functional bottle opener and cap catcher built-in on the front, and a butterfly lid for easy access. It also comes with a one year warranty! This steel cooler has a durable powder-coated base and a drainage cap that’s both quite rust-resistant. You can also separate the cooler from its base for more portable means.
- Cooler Capacity: 25 Gallons (77 quarts)
- Color: Stainless Steel with Blue accents
- Dimensions: 22 (W) x 32.5 (L) x 32.75 (H) inches
- Weight: 41.45 Pounds
- Material: Steel
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8. Outsunny Rolling Cooler Ice Chest
The Outsunny Ice Chest on Wheels is a gorgeous patio cooler that’s designed to stand out in your backyard. Not only is this patio cooler attractive, but it also has plenty of space for storing and chilling enough drinks for a large number of guests.
The Outsunny Ice Chest features two top access doors and lockable casters, and it has carrying handles in case you get to areas where you won’t be able to roll it. The patio cooler also has a built-in cap collector, bottle opener, and a useful drain plug for easy drainage and cleaning. This cooler is excellent for people who love to host social gatherings and cold drinks.
- Cooler Capacity: 20 Gallons (80 quarts)
- Weight Capacity: 165 lbs.
- Color: Red or Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 33 (W) x 18 (L) x 16 (H) inches
- Weight: 42.5 Pounds
- Material: Steel
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9. Furinno Tioman Outdoor Hardwood Cooler
The Furinno Tioman Hardwood Cooler enhances its surroundings by bringing a sense of tropical relaxation to your patio. The cooler is built from Malaysian dark red Meranti wood that is strong and tough. The simplicity in its beautiful design is what makes it stand out from the other patio coolers.
This patio cooler has enough space for storing and chilling drinks, making it suitable for any home events or activities. The sturdy build of this Furinno cooler is waterproof and weatherproof. And if you love to fully immerse yourself into this cooler’s vibe you may also purchase from the other pieces of outdoor furniture in this Furinno outdoor set. This outdoor natural series includes benches, coffee tables, armchairs, and flower boxes.
Specs:
- Color: Natural hardwood
- Dimensions: 18.5 (W) x 25 (L) x 17.3 (H) inches
- Weight: 26.4 Pounds
- Material: Dark meranti wood treated with teak oil
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10. Permasteel Dark Wicker Backyard Cooler
This wicker Permasteel patio cooler will make a great addition to any backyard setting. The Permasteel Wicker cooler features a powder-coated steel and cane cover construction finish that makes it very durable as well as pleasing to the eyes. It also has four heavy-duty casters (two lockable) for easy mobility and maneuverability.
And it can keep drinks cool for up to 36 hours. Like most of the patio coolers in this list, the Permasteel Wicker cooler has a built-in bottle opener and cap catcher. This stylish wicker patio cooler is suitable for any environment and any party event.
- Cooler Capacity: 20 Gallons (80 quarts)
- Color: Dark Wicker
- Dimensions: 37.8 (W) x 21.3 (L) x 34.3 (H) inches
- Weight: 41.8 Pounds
- Material: Wicker, Steel
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Recommended Patio Cooler Accessories
Lodgewerks Cooler Cart Cover – Universal Fit
A cooler cart cover is a very handy accessory to have. The cover can help your patio cooler last longer and protect it from the outdoor elements. This Lodgewerks cover can fit most 20-gallon patio coolers from various brands. This cover is made from water-resistant 600d polyester with a UV coating for maximum protection. It also has two handles on the top, making it easy to remove. The cover also features a zippered pocket in which you can store smaller patio cooler accessories.
- Dimension: 36″L x 19″W x 31.5″H
StarBright Cooler Light
The StarBright Cooler Lights are a waterproof and rechargeable light. It can provide up to 60 hours of white light and up to 31 hours of red lighting. It has a convenient design that does not require mounting. You can place it anywhere in your cooler, and it can stay for up to 48 hours submerged in your patio cooler. It takes around 5 hours to fully charge this light.
AIEVE Cooler Tie Down Kit
If you love to travel often and bring your cooler with you, then these Tie Down Straps easy to use cooler tie-down kit would make a great purchase for you. It is useful for decks, boats, trailers, and trucks.
Includes:
- 2 57-inch heavy-duty straps
- 2 Stainless steel deck plates
- 2 Adjustable cam buckles
- Screws
Final Thoughts
A backyard patio cooler is useful for many reasons. A cooler can save you money and time while serving as an attractive centerpiece or piece of useful furniture in your backyard setting. And, if you love having parties and having cold drinks ready, then getting a patio cooler would be a wise move. I hope this guide helps you figure out what you want for a patio cooler and which one suits your home best.
When you have a better view of what to look for it will make shopping for a cooler significantly easier. These patio coolers are great for any size of social gatherings. And no matter how big or small your space is, these patio coolers are sure to satisfy your needs. Purchase any one of these patio coolers, and you are sure to have convenient access to your chilled drinks at any time.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.