Owning a portable cooler has become something that’s beyond popular in the last few years and that’s because these coolers are capable of turning things around when it comes to spending quality outdoors time.
What’s even better is that you can get a personal cooler that you can keep on you anywhere you go which is definitely worth considering especially for someone who spends the whole day out during work days.
That would sound a little limited but here’s the thing, small portable coolers are great for road trips, picnics, beach days and even fishing if you’re into it. The bottom line when it comes to how to use these small coolers is that they’re extremely versatile which makes them a super practical purchase.
Today, we’re bringing you a list of Best 20 quart coolers for the money that you need to check out before placing your order.
This review might be the help you need to find the perfect small cooler that you’re looking for. Without further ado; here they are.
Best 20 Quart Coolers Compared
Coolers | Dimensions (L.W.H) | Weight (Lbs) | Price |
---|---|---|---|
YETI Roadie 20 Qt Cooler | • External 19.125" x 14.25" x 13.6" • Internal 8-3/8" x 9 7/8" x 13" | 15 | Check on Amazon |
RTIC 20 Quart Cooler | • External 20" x 12" x 17.75" • Internal 13.75" x 10.87" x 8.75" | 17.5 | Check on Amazon |
Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler | • External 18.80" x 12.60" x 17.70" • Internal 12" x 6.70" x 14.10" | 12.52 | Check on Amazon |
ORCA 20 Quart Cooler | • External 19" x 13.75" x 15" • Internal 14" x 10" x 11" | 18 | Check on Amazon |
Grizzly 20 Quart Cooler | • External 20.25" x 14.50" x 14" | 16 | Check on Amazon |
Driftsun 20 Quart Cooler | • External 21" x 13" x 14.5" • Internal 14" x 8" x 10" | 14.5 | Check on Amazon |
Elkton Outdoors 20 Qt Cooler | • External 21" x 13" x 14.5" • Internal 14" x 8" x 10" | 14.5 | Check on Amazon |
Vibe Element 20 Quart Cooler | • External 21.1" x 13.3" x 14.3" • Internal 14.1" x 7.8" x 9.8" | 14.4 |
Best 20 Qt Coolers Reviews
1. YETI Roadie 20 Qt Cooler
What did you expect? Yeti is the first name we put on our list because this brand is technically the bar setter of this industry. Their 20 qt cooler the Roadie is loved and trusted by all different users around the world; its name suggests that it’s a great road companion and that’s why this cooler is super practical to use and transport.
The Roadie 20 qt is a roto-molded and bear-resistant cooler that weighs 15 lbs when empty and it can hold up to 14 cans plus ice which is pretty good. Yeti was the first to launch roto-molded coolers and that eventually led to countless brands following their lead.
The extra thick FatWall design allows better insulation ability where the Roadie is given 2 inches of PermaFrost Insulation Foam that’s guaranteed to keep the ice action going for at least 6 days.
The features on the Roadie 20 qt are neat, sharp and to the point; you’ll find the famous T-Rex rubber latches, the thick rubber lid gasket, and the stainless steel handle along with molded lock-holes as it comes in 6 different colors.
This cooler might be double the price compared to the ones that we’re yet to review but it is what it is; Yeti sells both; quality and their name.
2. RTIC 20 Qt Cooler
Now a lot of people tend to think that RTIC is Yeti’s greatest rival because they offer pretty much the same quality and nearly the same design. This RTIC 20 qt cooler is roto-molded and bear-resistant as well and it can hold up to 24 cans or 25 lbs of ice.
This cooler comes in 4 different colors and is featured with a stainless steel handle that locks upright to ensure a comfortable grip, 2 heavy duty rubber latches, a rigid freezer style gasket…and more.
The ice retention ability here relies on both; the insulation foam and the cooler’s Cool-Lift Design that raises it above hot surfaces. With all of these features combined together, RTIC promises an ice retention that could last up to 10 days.
However, being al little realistic; some of the best 20 qt cooler could last up to 4-5 days on a hot day given their size and the amount of insulation put into them.
Now here’s the thing about RTIC coolers; their motto is that their coolers are “overbuilt. Not overpriced.” And that slams Yeti right in the face if we’re going to be honest here.
All in all, it’s impossible that you could go wrong with any of RTIC’s coolers especially the 20 qt.
3. Pelican Elite 20 Qt Cooler
Another strong name in this industry is definitely Pelican; their roto-molded coolers are virtually indestructible with some really interesting designs and features.
The Pelican Elite 20 qt is the case here; this is one hell of an outstanding personal cooler; it comes with 2 inches of polyurethane insulation with a 360 degree freezer-grade gasket to keep everything chill inside for up to 5-6 days which pretty awesome for a 20 qt cooler.
What’s even better is that this cooler can handle big bottles standing very nicely thanks to its height which offers more versatility using it.
The Features here include a carry handle, molded lock-hole and locking latches which are pretty unique compared to the norm. There is also a bottle opener and 4 molded cup holders on the lid to serve as a secure mini-table.
The Pelican Elite 20 qt comes in 6 different colors and they all come with a life time warranty; “you break it, we replace. Forever”, that’s Pelicans proud slogan.
That being said, it might make a difference to you knowing that Pelican, just like Yeti, is an American brand both; by design and manufacturing except for the fact that Yeti remains the priciest so far.
4. ORCA 20 Qt Cooler
Another monster brand that managed to establish a reputation of its own is ORCA and it’s definitely getting a spot on our Best 20 quart coolers; is a strong cooler brand that’s highly praised for its rigidity and performance.
The ORCA 20 qt is featured with a stainless steel handle for one person to carry the cooler, 2 orca-tail design latches, non-slip bottom feet and a mesh pocket on the back to pack more cargo that needs to remain dry, and once you decide on this cooler, you’ll find endless color options to choose from.
Now of course; all of ORCA’s coolers are roto-molded and that makes them virtually indestructible and suitable for all kinds of environments and activities.
Mentioning that, the ORCA 20 qt cooler will help you enjoy a solid 6 days of ice retention which is enough for a road trip, fishing or even camping. However, high temperature during summer days or inside the car is normally capable of affecting any cooler’s performance. Thus, it’s recommended that you pay attention to where you leave your cooler regardless of its brand name.
To wrap it up, the ORCA 20 qt in a compact cooler that has a lot to offer just like that most expensive brand does.
5. Grizzly 20 Qt Cooler
This is another roto-molded cooler that’s designed for adventures and nonstop challenges, and just like the name suggests; this cooler is bear- resistant and that is the result of almost 20 years of testing and innovating.
The Grizzly 20 qt cooler is featured with awesome Bearclaw™ latches that are a Grizzly exclusive design and Grip/Slick Feet that’ll allow you to either make sure the cooler stays in place or be pushed around easily. Also, there is a locking system, an integrated hinge and molded handles in addition to the stainless steel one.
It doesn’t stop here, this cooler comes with a dry goods tray and you can pick your own color from 10 different ones as it’s featured with a huge draining hole. This is technically one of the most minutely built coolers with its neat and simple design.
What’s even better is the fact that this cooler got a life time warranty with an unbeatable price compared to Yeti for example. So if you’re looking for a relatvely cheap 20 quart cooler where the name doesn’t change much for you, this Grizzly 20 qt cooler should make you happy because it can hold ice up to 4-5 days even when it’s hot thanks to the 2 inches of polyurethane foam that’s been used to fill the coolers walls.
6. Driftsun 20 Qt Cooler
This Best 20 qt Coolers list is not stepping back; all of the coolers here are guaranteed to be someone’s favorite choice because they are all designed to keep things cool and fresh which is what we all need to keep our adventure going.
The Driftsun is not an unfamiliar name; they make inflatable water products and accessories along with ice chests. Driftsun 20 qt cooler looks so much like Yeti’s especially the white version as it comes in other 4 colors.
This cooler is featured with Quick-Click latches for ease of use, a stainless steel handle with a foamy grip to boost comfort, nylon rope handles, a bottle opener, non-skid feet and a really good lid gasket. This is basically everything that makes a cooler a good one.
Like usual though, what makes the difference is the ice retention ability. However; you’ve got nothing to worry about because the Driftsun 20 qt has 3 inches of Commercial Grade insulation foam injected into its roto-molded body allowing the cooler to remain cool up to 4-5 days. That way, this cooler is not only functional in terms of its purpose but also indestructible. One got to say that this cooler is a really good deal given its size, performance, quality and price.
7. Elkton Outdoors 20 Qt Cooler
This is a brand that came to existence because someone was passionate enough about spending quality time in the outdoors that he made his own inexpensive gear that’ll serve him and others.
We can all agree that The Elkton Outdoors 20 qt cooler is such an attractive cooler; it comes in 3 different colors and it weighs 14.5 lbs empty. Again, this is a cooler that’s similar to Yeti’ in terms of design and that’s not bad at all. However, Elkton Outdoors 20 qt costs way less than its rival while reflecting great potentials.
This cooler comes with 3 inches of commercial grade insulation foam and that’s the best any brand could offer. The thick walls of the Elkton 20 qt’s roto-molded body being injected with this much foam offers you up to 6 days of solid ice retention and that’s what anyone would ask from a 20 qt cooler.
Now in terms of features, this Elkton Outdoors cooler sports a rigid handle, bottle openers, non-slip rubber feet, pressure release valve, heavy duty ColdSeal latches and a molded ruler on the lid which also featured with a freezer style gasket. This cooler literally lacks nothing to be called perfect and fully equipped.
8. Vibe Element 20 Qt Cooler
This brand is definitely sending the right vibe when it comes to dealing with the outdoors. The Vibe is such a cool brand that’s founded and ran by people who are even cooler.
The Vibe Element 20 qt cooler deserves more recognition than what we might give it; it’s sleek, neat, compact and super attractive. It comes in 2 colors and with a good set of features.
The lid here is featured with bottle openers, heavy duty rubber latches, rubber gasket, pressure release valve, a basket, a divider and a cup holder.
Now take all of this and add it to the fact that the Vibe Element 20 qt is also roto-molded; that means the walls of this cooler are filled with insulation foam to keep your goods as fresh as ever. The Vibe 20 qt could keep the ice action going up to 5-6 days which is always outstanding for small sized coolers.
You could get all of this for a price that might seem unrealistic compared to Yeti for example. Bottom line, you literally have nothing to lose going for such an affordable, good looking and durable cooler that’s also fully equipped and 100% functional.
Bottom Line
This Best 20 qt Coolers review was honestly dazzling to write because those little guys we mentioned were actually huge on the field. Getting at an end, we hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for especially that all the coolers we talked about will do great for a practical and personal cooler.
Amazon Recommends:
- ALL ABOUT THE EXTREMES – The RTIC Ultra-Tough Cooler is designed for impact resistance, durability, and long-lasting ice retention. Perfect for anywhere adventure takes you.
- LONG-LASTING ICE RETENTION – Keep your drinks, food, and meat cold on that weekend trip in an insulated cooler; it’s all about the extremes, offering long-lasting ice retention.
- Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection
- Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention
- YKO HARD COOLERS - YKO Hard Coolers from Yukon Outfitters are hard construction coolers that are available in 4 size options: 20qt, 45qt, 65qt, and 110qt to be a reliable storage option
- ROTO-MOLDED CONSTRUCTION - The Hard Coolers feature roto-molded construction that makes the cooler strong, single-pieced, enhance safety of food and highly durable