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15 Best Coolers for Catering

When it comes to catering, keeping food and beverages at the right temperature is essential to ensuring that your guests enjoy a delicious and safe dining experience. One of the most important tools in your catering arsenal is a high-quality cooler, which can keep your food and drinks cold for hours on end.

But with so many coolers on the market, how do you know which ones are the best for catering? In this article, we will take a closer look at the best coolers for catering, taking into account factors such as capacity, durability, portability, and temperature retention.

Best Coolers for Catering

  1. YETI Tundra 65

The YETI Tundra 65 is a high-end cooler that is well-suited for catering due to its large capacity and impressive ice retention capabilities. It has a 65-quart capacity, which is suitable for storing large amounts of food and beverages for catering events.

The Tundra 65 is made of rotomolded plastic and features a 2-inch polyurethane foam insulation that provides excellent ice retention for up to 10 days. The cooler also has a non-slip feet design, which prevents it from sliding around on slick surfaces. It has tie-down points for securing it to a boat or truck bed and a T-latch that keeps the lid securely closed.

The Tundra 65 also has a durable rubberized handle that makes it easy to carry, even when fully loaded. While the YETI Tundra 65 is more expensive than other coolers, it is a top-of-the-line option for catering due to its capacity, durability, and impressive ice retention capabilities.

  1. Igloo MaxCold Cooler

The Igloo MaxCold Cooler is a popular option for catering because of its large capacity and excellent insulation. It is available in various sizes, ranging from 40 quarts to 165 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs. The MaxCold technology used in the cooler allows it to retain ice for up to 5 days, making it ideal for catering events where long-term cooling is required.

The cooler is also designed to be durable and is made of rugged materials that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Other features of the Igloo MaxCold Cooler include built-in cup holders, a fish measuring ruler, and a fish scale.

  1. Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler

The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler is a classic option for catering due to its durable design and retro aesthetic. It is available in various sizes, including 54 quarts, 85 quarts, and 100 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The cooler is made of stainless steel and features a hinged lid with built-in cup holders. The steel construction of the cooler ensures that it is durable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it ideal for catering events.

The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler also features good insulation, which keeps food and beverages cold for extended periods. The cooler has comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when fully loaded. Overall, the Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler is a reliable option for catering due to its durability, sound insulation, and classic design.

  1. Pelican Elite Cooler

The Pelican Elite Cooler is a high-end option for catering due to its superior insulation and durability. It is available in various sizes, including 20 quarts, 30 quarts, 45 quarts, and 65 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs. The cooler is made of rugged polyethylene and features thick walls that provide excellent insulation, keeping food and beverages cold for up to 10 days.

The Pelican Elite Cooler also features a freezer-grade gasket, which ensures that the lid seals tightly to prevent warm air from entering the cooler. The cooler has a built-in bottle opener, a lockable lid, and four cup holders on the lid, making it a convenient option for catering events.

The Pelican Elite Cooler also has heavy-duty handles and tie-down points, which make it easy to transport and secure during transit. While the Pelican Elite Cooler is more expensive than other options, its superior insulation and durability make it a top-of-the-line choice for catering events.

  1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products CaterMax Insulated Carrier

The Rubbermaid Commercial Products CaterMax Insulated Carrier is a versatile option for catering due to its unique design and excellent insulation. The carrier is available in various sizes, ranging from 4 pan carriers to 6 pan carriers, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The CaterMax Carrier is made of durable plastic and features thick insulation that helps keep food at the right temperature for up to 4 hours. The carrier also has a unique design that allows for easy loading and unloading of pans, making it a convenient option for catering events.

The CaterMax Carrier has built-in latches that keep the lid securely closed and a built-in vent that allows steam to escape, preventing food from getting soggy. The carrier also has comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.

  1. ORCA Classic Cooler

The ORCA Classic Cooler is a premium option for catering due to its high-quality construction and excellent insulation. It is available in various sizes, including 20 quarts, 26 quarts, 40 quarts, and 58 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The cooler is made of roto-molded plastic and features thick walls that provide excellent insulation, keeping food and beverages cold for up to 10 days. The ORCA Classic Cooler also has a gasket lid that seals tightly, preventing warm air from entering the cooler.

The cooler has a built-in bottle opener and four cup holders on the lid, making it a convenient option for catering events. The ORCA Classic Cooler also features heavy-duty handles and tie-down points, which make it easy to transport and secure during transit.

While the ORCA Classic Cooler is more expensive than other options, its superior insulation and durability make it a top-of-the-line choice for catering events.

  1. Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Cooler

The Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Cooler is a reliable option for catering due to its large capacity and sound insulation. It can hold up to 100 cans, making it suitable for catering events with a larger number of attendees. The cooler features thick insulation in the lid and walls, which helps it to keep food and beverages cold for up to 5 days in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Cooler also has a hinged lid with built-in cup holders and a channel drain for easy draining of melted ice. The cooler has comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.

The Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Cooler is a more affordable option for catering compared to some of the other high-end coolers on the market. Overall, it is a practical and reliable choice for catering events that require a larger capacity cooler.

  1. Engel Deep Blue Cooler

The Engel Deep Blue Cooler is a high-end option for catering due to its superior insulation and durability. It is available in various sizes, including 25 quarts, 35 quarts, 50 quarts, 65 quarts, and 80 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The cooler is made of rotomolded plastic and features thick walls that provide excellent insulation, keeping food and beverages cold for up to 10 days. The Engel Deep Blue Cooler also features a freezer-grade gasket, which ensures that the lid seals tightly to prevent warm air from entering the cooler.

The cooler has built-in tie-down points, which make it easy to secure during transit and comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when it is fully loaded.

The Engel Deep Blue Cooler also has a built-in bottle opener, four cup holders on the lid, and a built-in cutting board, making it a convenient option for catering events. While the Engel Deep Blue Cooler is more expensive than other options, its superior insulation and durability make it a top-of-the-line choice for catering events.

  1. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler

The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is a reliable option for catering due to its good insulation and practical features. It is available in various sizes, including 16 cans, 30 cans, 48 cans, and 60 cans, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The cooler features thick insulation in the lid and walls, which helps it to keep food and beverages cold for up to 3 days. The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler also has a flip-open lid with a zippered closure and a patented “flip-open” design that makes it easy to access the contents of the cooler.

The cooler has a leak-proof lining and a Microban antimicrobial product protection, which helps to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler also has a padded shoulder strap and multiple handles, making it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.

  1. Stanley Adventure Cooler

The Stanley Adventure Cooler is a rugged and durable option for catering due to its sturdy construction and good insulation. It is available in various sizes, including 7 quarts, 16 quarts, and 30 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The cooler features thick insulation in the lid and walls, which helps it to keep food and beverages cold for up to 36 hours. The Stanley Adventure Cooler also has a leak-resistant gasket, which helps to prevent warm air from entering the cooler.

The cooler has a hinged lid with four cup holders, making it a convenient option for catering events. The cooler also features a durable exterior that can withstand tough conditions and has tie-down points that make it easy to secure during transit.

The Stanley Adventure Cooler also has a sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry, even when fully loaded. While the Stanley Adventure Cooler is not as high-end as some of the other coolers on the market, its rugged construction and good insulation make it a reliable option for catering events that require a medium-sized cooler.

  1. Grizzly 60 Quart Cooler

The Grizzly 60 Quart Cooler is a high-end option for catering due to its superior insulation and durability. It features a rotomolded construction with thick walls that provide excellent insulation, keeping food and beverages cold for up to 10 days.

The Grizzly 60 Quart Cooler also features a freezer-grade gasket, which ensures that the lid seals tightly to prevent warm air from entering the cooler. The cooler has a hinged lid with two built-in cup holders, a built-in ruler, and a drain plug for easy draining of melted ice.

The Grizzly 60 Quart Cooler also features comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when it is fully loaded, and tie-down points that make it easy to secure during transit. While the Grizzly 60 Quart Cooler is more expensive than some other options, its superior insulation and durability make it a top-of-the-line choice for catering events.

  1. KONG Coolers

KONG Coolers are a high-end option for catering due to their superior insulation and durability. They are available in various sizes, including 25 quarts, 50 quarts, and 70 quarts, making them suitable for different catering needs.

KONG Coolers feature a rotomolded construction with thick walls that provide excellent insulation, allowing them to keep food and beverages cold for up to 10 days. They also feature a freezer-grade gasket, ensuring the lid seals tightly to prevent warm air from entering the cooler.

KONG Coolers have a hinged lid with a built-in ruler and four cup holders, making them a convenient option for catering events. They also feature comfortable handles that make them easy to carry, even when they are fully loaded and tie-down points that make them easy to secure during transit.

Additionally, KONG Coolers are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your branding and event theme. While KONG Coolers are more expensive than some other options, their superior insulation and durability make them a top-of-the-line choice for catering events that require a high-end cooler.

  1. Canyon Coolers Outfitter 35

The Canyon Coolers Outfitter 35 is a high-quality option for catering due to its excellent insulation and practical features. It is available in various sizes, including 22 quarts, 35 quarts, and 50 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs.

The cooler features a rotomolded construction with thick walls that provide excellent insulation, keeping food and beverages cold for up to 10 days. The Canyon Coolers Outfitter 35 also features a freezer-grade gasket, ensuring the lid seals tightly to prevent warm air from entering the cooler.

The cooler has a hinged lid with four cup holders and a built-in ruler, making it a convenient option for catering events. The Canyon Coolers Outfitter 35 also features comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when it is fully loaded, and tie-down points that make it easy to secure during transit.

The cooler also features a drain plug for easy draining of melted ice. While the Canyon Coolers Outfitter 35 is more expensive than some other options, its superior insulation and practical features make it a great investment for catering events that require a high-quality cooler.

  1. AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler

The AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler is a lightweight and portable option for catering events. It is available in various sizes, including 12 cans, 24 cans, 36 cans, and 48 cans, making it suitable for different catering needs. The cooler features a durable and flexible soft-sided construction that makes it easy to carry and store.

The AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler has thick insulation that helps it to keep food and beverages cold for up to 24 hours. The cooler also features a leak-proof liner that prevents any leaks from occurring.

The AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler has a removable shoulder strap and two side handles that make it easy to carry, even when it is fully loaded. Additionally, it is easy to clean and store, as it can be collapsed for compact storage when not in use.

While the AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler may not have the same level of insulation as some of the high-end hard-sided coolers on the market, its lightweight and portable design makes it a convenient option for smaller catering events or as a secondary cooler for larger events.

  1. Coleman Steel Belted Portable Cooler

The Coleman Steel Belted Portable Cooler is a classic and reliable option for catering events. It is available in various sizes, including 54 quarts and 84 quarts, making it suitable for different catering needs. The cooler features a durable steel exterior with a rust-resistant coating that makes it sturdy and long-lasting.

The Coleman Steel Belted Portable Cooler also features thick insulation that helps it to keep food and beverages cold for up to four days. The cooler has a hinged lid with four cup holders and a built-in bottle opener, making it a convenient option for catering events.

The Coleman Steel Belted Portable Cooler also features comfortable handles that make it easy to carry, even when it is fully loaded, and tie-down points that make it easy to secure during transit. The cooler also has a rust-resistant drain plug for easy draining of melted ice.

While the Coleman Steel Belted Portable Cooler may not have the same level of insulation as some of the high-end coolers on the market, its classic design and reliable performance make it a great option for catering events.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Coolers for Catering

  1. Size and Capacity: Consider the size of your catering business and the amount of food and drinks you need to keep cool. Choose a cooler with sufficient capacity for your needs.
  2. Insulation: Look for coolers with good insulation to keep your food and drinks at the right temperature for longer periods.
  3. Durability: Choose coolers made of high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear from frequent use and transportation.
  4. Portability: Consider the weight and ease of transporting the cooler, especially if you will be moving it frequently.
  5. Accessibility: Look for coolers with easy-to-use and reliable opening mechanisms that allow for quick and easy access to the contents.
  6. Cooling Performance: Choose coolers that can maintain the desired temperature range for the length of time you need, whether that’s for a few hours or a few days.
  7. Versatility: Look for coolers that can accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers, such as bottles, cans, or food containers.
  8. Price: Consider your budget and choose a cooler that offers the best value for your money.
  9. Brand Reputation: Look for coolers from reputable brands known for producing high-quality products.
  10. Additional Features: Consider additional features such as built-in drainage systems, lockable lids, and tie-down points for securing the cooler during transport.
  11. Compatibility: Ensure that the cooler is compatible with any existing equipment or accessories you may need to use, such as ice packs or dry ice.
  12. Ease of Cleaning: Choose coolers that are easy to clean and maintain, with removable and washable parts.
  13. Aesthetics: Consider the appearance of the cooler and whether it fits with the overall aesthetic of your catering business.
  14. Customer Reviews: Look for customer reviews to get an idea of the cooler’s performance and any issues that may arise.
  15. Warranty and Customer Support: Choose a cooler with a good warranty and customer support in case of any issues or defects.

In Conclusion,

When it comes to catering, having a high-quality cooler is essential for keeping food and drinks at the right temperature. Whether you need a heavy-duty option that can withstand extreme conditions or a portable cooler for smaller events, there are plenty of great options on the market.

By considering factors such as capacity, durability, and temperature retention, you can choose a cooler that will meet your catering needs and ensure that your guests enjoy a delicious and safe dining experience.