The Best Cooler for Beer: Our 5 Top Picks

Think of your bar equipment as a team. Your POS system is the manager, your glasswasher is the reliable new hire, and your beer cooler is the unsung hero working tirelessly behind the scenes. When you're looking for the right cooler for beer, you're essentially hiring for a critical role. It needs to be durable enough for a busy service, efficient enough to not drain your resources, and smart enough to maintain precise temperatures. A cheap, unreliable unit will let you down during a rush, costing you sales and customer trust. This guide will help you find a dependable workhorse that supports your entire beverage program.

Key Takeaways

• Invest in Quality, Not Just Cold: A great cooler does more than chill drinks. Focus on key features like dense insulation, durable materials, and precise temperature controls to protect your inventory and lower long-term operating costs.
• Align Your Cooler with Your Operations: Select a cooler based on its intended function, not just its capacity. Whether you need a portable unit for events or a glass-door merchandiser for sales, the right type will streamline your workflow.
• Master Your Cooling Technique: Get the best performance from any cooler by using it correctly. Pre-chilling the unit, layering ice and drinks, and keeping the lid closed are simple habits that extend ice life and guarantee a perfectly cold beer.

What Defines a Great Beer Cooler?

Choosing the right beer cooler is about more than just keeping drinks cold; it’s about protecting your inventory and delivering the perfect pour every time. A great cooler is the unsung hero of your bar, working behind the scenes to ensure every beer tastes exactly as the brewer intended. When you’re shopping for new restaurant equipment, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. But by focusing on a few key characteristics, you can find a unit that fits your space, budget, and service needs perfectly.

Think of it as an investment in quality control. The right cooler maintains a consistent temperature, which is crucial for preserving the flavor and carbonation of your beers. It should also be durable enough to handle the hustle of a busy service, easy for your staff to use, and sized appropriately for your inventory and floor plan. From superior insulation that saves on energy costs to precise digital controls that let you dial in the perfect temperature for every style of beer, the features of a great cooler all work toward one goal: serving a better drink and creating a happier customer. It's a foundational piece that supports your entire beverage program.

Look for Superior Insulation

The first job of any cooler is to keep the cold in and the heat out, and that all comes down to insulation. A good beer cooler ensures beer is stored and served at the right temperature for maximum enjoyment. Without quality insulation, your cooler’s compressor will have to work overtime, driving up your energy bills and causing temperature swings that can spoil your beer. Look for models with high-density, foam-in-place insulation, which creates a tight seal and offers excellent thermal efficiency. This not only keeps your beer consistently chilled but also contributes to the unit's structural integrity. Investing in a well-insulated cooler from our collection of refrigerators means you’re investing in lower operating costs and a longer-lasting product.

Find the Right Capacity and Size

Before you buy, take a hard look at your space and your sales. Beer coolers are designed to maximize limited space in a bar or restaurant by organizing drinks efficiently, but you need to choose the right fit. A cooler that’s too small will leave you scrambling to restock during a rush, while one that’s too large takes up valuable floor space and wastes energy. Consider your inventory needs: how many different types of beers do you carry? Do you store bottles, cans, or kegs? Look for models with adjustable shelving to accommodate your specific product mix. Whether you need a compact under-counter unit or a multi-door back bar cooler, planning your capacity needs will ensure you get the most out of your purchase.

Check for Built-to-Last Durability

A commercial kitchen or bar is a demanding environment, and your equipment needs to be tough enough to handle it. True beverage coolers feature advanced airflow cooling technologies and smart features that enhance performance, but they also need to be built like a tank. Look for coolers with stainless steel construction, which resists corrosion and is easy to clean. Reinforced shelves, durable door hinges, and a robust compressor are also non-negotiables. A cheaper, residential-grade unit might seem like a good deal upfront, but it won’t stand up to the constant opening and closing of a commercial setting. Choosing durable equipment, like our commercial freezers, ensures reliability when you need it most.

Consider Portability and Ease of Use

While you probably won’t be moving your main bar cooler around, its design should still prioritize convenience for your staff. Features that improve workflow can make a huge difference in the speed and quality of your service. Look for coolers designed with user convenience in mind. Self-closing doors prevent energy loss when a bartender is in a hurry, while interior LED lighting makes it easy to quickly identify and grab the right bottle. Glass doors are great for showcasing your selection and helping staff see inventory at a glance. Simple things like adjustable shelves and easy-to-clean surfaces also make daily operations smoother for everyone on your team.

Explore Precise Temperature Controls

Not all beers are created equal, and they shouldn’t be stored at the same temperature. While a crisp pilsner is best served ice-cold, a complex stout reveals its flavors at a slightly warmer temperature. That’s why having precise temperature controls is so important. Look for models with digital temperature controls for accuracy, which allow you to set and monitor the internal temperature with ease. This level of control ensures every beer you serve is at its optimal temperature, preserving its intended flavor profile and carbonation. Just as you need precise heat for your deep fryers, you need precise cold for your beer. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact on quality.

Find the Right Type of Beer Cooler for You

Choosing the right beer cooler really comes down to how you plan to use it. Are you stocking a bar, heading out for a weekend camping trip, or just bringing drinks to a friend’s barbecue? Each scenario calls for a different style. From rugged, hard-sided chests that keep ice for days to sleek electric models designed to showcase your selection, there’s a cooler built for the job. Let’s walk through the most common types so you can find the perfect match for your needs.

Hard-Sided Coolers

If you need your beer to stay ice-cold for several days, a hard-sided cooler is your best bet. These are the workhorses of the cooler world, built with thick insulation for maximum ice retention. Their durable, rigid construction makes them tough enough for camping trips, fishing excursions, or any extended outdoor event where keeping beer cold is the top priority. While they can be heavy, their performance is unmatched for long-haul cooling. Think of them as a portable, non-electric freezer for your drinks, ensuring everything stays perfectly chilled from the first day to the last.

Soft-Sided Coolers

For casual outings and day trips, a soft-sided cooler offers the ideal blend of convenience and performance. These coolers are much lighter and easier to carry than their hard-sided counterparts, making them perfect for picnics, beach days, or tailgating. Their flexible design also means you can squeeze them into tight spaces for storage. While they won’t keep ice frozen for a week, they provide more than enough cooling power to get you through an afternoon or evening, ensuring your drinks are crisp and refreshing when you’re ready for them.

Wheeled Coolers

A wheeled cooler gives you the best of both worlds: the large capacity and superior insulation of a hard-sided model with the convenience of easy transport. If you’re catering an event or hosting a large party, you know how heavy a fully stocked cooler can be. Wheels eliminate the back-breaking work of carrying it, allowing you to easily roll a large supply of cold beer and other beverages right where you need them. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who needs to move a lot of drinks without the strain.

Electric Models

For a bar, café, or retail space, an electric cooler is more than just a place to chill drinks—it’s a sales tool. These commercial beverage coolers often feature glass doors and bright LED lighting to beautifully display your products and entice customers. They offer precise temperature control, ensuring every beer is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike portable coolers, these units are designed for stationary, long-term use and are an essential piece of restaurant equipment for any establishment looking to serve perfectly chilled beverages while maximizing visibility and appeal.

Backpack Designs

When you need to keep your hands free, a backpack cooler is the ultimate solution. Perfect for hiking, festivals, or even a food vendor navigating a crowded market, these coolers let you carry your drinks comfortably on your back. Most are designed to be leak-proof and lightweight, with extra pockets for snacks and other essentials. A backpack cooler allows you to bring cold beer along on activities where lugging a traditional cooler would be impossible, combining portability with practical, on-the-go cooling.

Key Features Worth Paying For

When you're shopping for a beer cooler, it's easy to get focused on size and price alone. But for a busy restaurant or bar, the right features can make a world of difference in your day-to-day operations, product quality, and even your bottom line. Investing a little more in specific functionalities isn't just about getting a fancier piece of equipment; it's about making a smart choice for your business. These are the key features that truly pay for themselves over time through efficiency, savings, and serving a better product. From precise temperature controls to simple organizational aids, paying attention to the details will help you find a cooler that works as hard as you do.

Smart Temperature Management

The single most important job of a beer cooler is to keep your beer at the right temperature. But "cold" isn't specific enough. Different beer styles have different ideal serving temperatures, and a cooler with smart temperature management lets you dial in the perfect setting for maximum flavor. This feature is crucial for maintaining the quality and taste your brewers intended. Precise digital controls ensure consistency, so every pint you pour is as good as the last. High-quality commercial refrigerators offer this level of control, protecting your inventory and your reputation.

Easy Organization and Access

In the heat of service, every second counts. A well-organized cooler can be the difference between a smooth shift and a chaotic one. Look for features like adjustable shelving, sliding racks, and clear glass doors. These elements help you maximize your storage space and allow your staff to quickly locate specific beers without rummaging around. This efficient organization not only speeds up service but also makes inventory checks much simpler. When your team can see and access everything easily, they can work faster and more effectively, which directly impacts your customer service and sales.

Energy-Efficient Performance

A commercial cooler runs 24/7, which means it can be a major contributor to your utility bills. Opting for an energy-efficient model is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. These units use advanced insulation, modern compressors, and LED lighting to consume less power without sacrificing performance. While they might have a slightly higher price tag, the monthly savings on your electricity bill add up quickly, leading to a lower total cost of ownership. Thinking about the upfront cost? Restaurant equipment financing can help you invest in a better, more efficient model from day one.

UV Protection and Security Locks

If your cooler will be in a customer-facing area or near a window, UV protection is a must-have. Sunlight can degrade beer, causing an unpleasant "skunky" flavor that can ruin a customer's experience. Coolers with UV-protected glass doors safeguard your beer's quality while still showcasing your selection. On a more practical note, security locks are essential for protecting your investment. They prevent theft and ensure your valuable inventory is secure after hours. These two features work together to protect both the quality of your product and the product itself, giving you peace of mind.

Convenient Built-in Features

Modern beer coolers come with a range of built-in features designed to make your life easier. Self-closing doors prevent energy waste and keep temperatures stable, even during the busiest rushes. Bright, interior LED lighting makes your products look more appealing to customers and helps staff see what’s inside. Digital temperature displays provide at-a-glance confirmation that everything is running correctly. While these might seem like small details, they add up to a more efficient, user-friendly experience that streamlines your operations. When you shop restaurant equipment, keep an eye out for these thoughtful additions.

Why Beer Storage Temperature Matters

Serving beer at the right temperature is about more than just offering a cold, refreshing drink. It’s one of the most critical factors in preserving the flavor, aroma, and overall quality that the brewer intended. Storing beer improperly can quickly turn a top-shelf craft ale into a disappointing pour. For any restaurant or bar owner, mastering beer temperature is key to protecting your inventory and keeping customers happy.

Understanding the nuances of temperature control will help you serve a consistently great product. From knowing the ideal temperature for different styles to busting common myths, getting this right sets your establishment apart. It ensures that every sip your customers take is as delicious as the last.

Find the Optimal Temperature for Different Beers

Not all beers are created equal, and they shouldn't be stored at the same temperature. Each style has an optimal temperature range that brings out its best characteristics. A good beer cooler ensures your beer is stored and served at the right temperature for maximum enjoyment. Lighter beers like lagers and pilsners are best served very cold to highlight their crispness, while darker, more complex ales and stouts benefit from being slightly warmer to allow their rich flavors and aromas to shine. Storing every beer at a single, ice-cold temperature can mute the complex notes you’re paying for.

Debunk Common Temperature Myths

You’ve probably heard the one about a beer getting "skunked" if it gets warm and is then re-chilled. It’s one of the most common beer myths out there. The truth is, that skunky flavor is caused by a chemical reaction that happens when beer is exposed to UV light, not from temperature changes. While extreme and repeated temperature fluctuations can degrade a beer's flavor over time by accelerating aging, it won't skunk it. So, if a delivery gets a little warm before you can stock it in the cooler, don't panic. Just get it chilled and keep it away from direct sunlight.

See How Temperature Impacts Taste and Quality

While light is the culprit for skunking, heat is beer’s other mortal enemy. Excessive heat will certainly ruin your beer, and much faster than you might think. When beer gets too warm, the aging process speeds up dramatically, leading to oxidation. This creates stale, papery, or cardboard-like off-flavors that can completely mask the beer's intended taste. Proper storage in commercial refrigerators is non-negotiable if you want to protect your investment and serve a quality product. Consistent, cool temperatures are essential for maintaining freshness and carbonation from the keg to the glass.

Learn the Benefits of Digital Controls

Modern beer coolers and kegerators often come equipped with digital temperature controls, and for good reason. This feature allows for incredible accuracy, letting you dial in the exact temperature needed for specific beer styles. Forget guessing games—digital displays give you a clear reading and peace of mind. For a busy restaurant, this level of precision ensures consistency across every pour, which is vital for quality control. Investing in reliable restaurant equipment with these features helps you manage your inventory effectively and serve every beer at its absolute best.

How to Choose the Perfect Size

Picking the right cooler size is about more than just counting cans. It’s about efficiency. A cooler that’s too large wastes ice and energy, while one that’s too small means warm drinks and unhappy customers. The perfect size depends entirely on your needs, whether you're stocking up for a weekend rush, catering an off-site event, or just keeping a few special brews at the perfect temperature. Think about your typical usage: How many drinks do you need to keep cold, and for how long? Answering these questions will help you find a cooler that works for your space and your service, ensuring you have a reliable tool that supports your operations without getting in the way.

For Small Gatherings (12-24 Cans)

For smaller, more intimate settings or off-site catering gigs, a compact cooler is your best friend. Think about soft cooler bags or even backpack styles. These are incredibly easy to transport and are often designed to be leak-proof, which is a lifesaver when you’re on the move. This size is perfect for keeping a curated selection of craft beers chilled for a special tasting menu or for a food truck with limited space. It gives you flexibility without the bulk of a larger unit, ensuring your drinks are always ready to serve at the ideal temperature without a major investment.

For Medium Events (25-50 Cans)

When you need a reliable workhorse for daily service or medium-sized events, a cooler in this range is the sweet spot. This is where you’ll find durable hard coolers and ice chests that are built to withstand the demands of a busy environment. Many of these models can keep ice frozen for several days, which is a huge advantage during a long weekend or a multi-day event. Some even come with wheels, making it much easier to move your stock from the walk-in to the service area. These coolers are a great step up and perfectly complement your main refrigerators.

For Large Parties (50+ Cans)

For large-scale events, outdoor festivals, or high-volume bars, you need a cooler that can handle serious capacity. Look for big, tough hard coolers, like 54-quart models and larger, that can hold a significant amount of product and keep it cold for extended periods. When you consistently need to store this much beer, it might also be time to consider more permanent solutions. Investing in dedicated commercial-grade equipment ensures you can always meet customer demand without a second thought. You can shop restaurant equipment of all sizes to find a permanent fit for your high-volume needs.

Remember to Consider Your Space

Before you buy, measure your space. A cooler is only useful if it fits where you need it to go. Whether it’s tucked under a bar, stored in a prep area, or loaded into a catering van, dimensions matter. The right cooler helps you maximize limited space and keep your drinks organized for fast, efficient service. For businesses with high demand and the square footage to match, a walk-in cooler or "beer cave" can be a fantastic investment. It creates a great customer experience and can streamline your inventory management, just like our commercial freezers do for your kitchen.

Our Top Beer Cooler Picks by Budget

Finding the right cooler doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. Whether you're stocking up for a catering event, need a reliable option for your cafe's patio, or are outfitting a food truck, there's a cooler that fits your budget. The key is knowing what to expect at different price points so you can find the perfect balance of performance and cost. From high-end models built for the rigors of a commercial kitchen to budget-friendly picks that get the job done, we've broken down the best options to help you make a smart choice for your business.

Premium Options ($200+)

If you’re looking for top-tier performance and are ready to invest in equipment that lasts, the premium market has fantastic choices. High-end consumer models like the Natural Light Natty Shack 54qt Cooler are known for exceptional insulation and rugged durability, which are qualities every business needs. For a commercial setting, however, investing in professional-grade refrigerators is always a smart move. These units are designed for the heavy-duty, daily demands of the foodservice industry, offering consistent temperature control and reliability that consumer coolers can't match. They are built for the long haul, making them a worthwhile investment.

Great Mid-Range Selections ($100-200)

You can find incredible value in the mid-range category, where performance often rivals more expensive brands without the premium price tag. Coolers from companies like RTIC are a great example, known for keeping ice frozen for days at a fraction of the cost of some competitors. This price point is the sweet spot for many business owners who need reliable equipment without overspending. It proves that quality and affordability can go hand-in-hand, especially when you shop for restaurant equipment from suppliers who focus on providing excellent value. This approach lets you secure dependable gear that supports your operations without straining your budget.

Budget-Friendly Choices (Under $100)

On a tighter budget? You don’t have to sacrifice performance. Brands like Coleman have been trusted for decades, offering lightweight and effective coolers that are perfect for smaller events, pop-ups, or as a reliable backup. Many users report these coolers keeping ice solid for several days, even in direct sun, which is a testament to their solid construction. This just goes to show that a well-made, simple cooler can be a true workhorse. For a business, having a few of these on hand can be a practical and cost-effective solution for managing overflow or handling off-site events without a major investment.

The Best Overall Value

For a business, finding the best value is about more than just the initial price—it’s about securing durable, reliable equipment that supports your success long-term. While online marketplaces offer thousands of consumer options, the sheer volume can be overwhelming. Instead of getting lost in reviews, focus on equipment built for professional use. True value comes from a product's longevity and the support behind it. To make high-quality gear more accessible, many suppliers offer flexible restaurant equipment financing. This allows you to acquire the durable, efficient coolers you need now, making it a smarter investment in your business's future.

Get the Most Out of Your Cooler

You’ve found the perfect cooler, but your work isn’t done just yet. Getting that perfectly chilled beer is as much about your technique as it is about the cooler itself. Think of your cooler as a high-performance tool; to get the best results, you need to know how to use it properly. A few simple tricks can make your ice last longer, keep your beer at the ideal temperature, and make serving a breeze, whether you're using a portable cooler for an event or managing the commercial refrigerators in your restaurant.

Putting warm cans into a warm cooler on a hot day is a recipe for lukewarm drinks and melted ice. By taking a few extra minutes to prep and pack your cooler the right way, you ensure every beer you pull out is crisp, cold, and refreshing. These tips will help you master the art of the chill, so you can spend less time worrying about your ice and more time enjoying the moment.

Pre-Cool It Before You Load It

Starting with a cold cooler is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of your ice. If you store your cooler in a hot garage or shed, its insulated walls will absorb that heat. When you add ice, its first job will be to cool down the cooler itself, not your drinks. You can avoid this by bringing your cooler inside a few hours before you plan to use it. For an even faster pre-chill, toss in a sacrificial bag of ice or a few frozen water bottles the night before. This will bring the internal temperature way down, so your main supply of ice can focus on its real job: keeping your beer frosty.

Use Smart Loading Techniques

How you pack your cooler makes a huge difference. Don’t just dump everything in. For the best results, use a layering method. Start with a layer of ice on the bottom, then add a single layer of beer. Cover that with another layer of ice, and repeat until the cooler is full. This technique ensures every can or bottle is completely surrounded by ice, chilling them faster and more evenly. This kind of efficient organization also helps you maximize your limited space, so you can fit more inside and find what you’re looking for without digging around and letting all the cold air out.

Manage Your Ice Effectively

Not all ice is created equal. While cubed ice is great for filling in gaps, it also melts quickly. The secret to long-lasting cold is to use a mix of ice types. Start by placing large freezer packs or big blocks of ice at the bottom of your cooler. Because they have less surface area, they’ll melt much more slowly, creating a consistently cold foundation. Then, you can use smaller cubes to fill in the spaces between your beers. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: the staying power of block ice and the fast-chilling coverage of cubed ice.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

The main job of any cooler is to maintain a stable, cold environment. Fluctuating temperatures can affect the taste and quality of your beer. To keep things consistent, start by keeping the cooler out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Find a shady spot or cover it with a blanket. It also helps to limit how often you open the lid. Every time you open it, you let cold air out and warm air in, forcing the ice to work harder. In a professional setting, this same principle applies to your main kitchen equipment, which is why having reliable freezers is so important for food safety and quality.

Grab These Must-Have Accessories

A few simple accessories can seriously improve your cooler experience. Wire baskets or trays that sit along the top rim are perfect for keeping food items or delicate garnishes out of the icy water below. Cooler dividers can help you organize different types of drinks, making it easy for guests or staff to grab what they want quickly. Many coolers also have tie-down slots, which are great for securing them during transport. Small additions like these can streamline your setup and make your cooler even more functional. You can find a wide range of helpful restaurant equipment and accessories to complete your beverage station.

A Quick Guide to Smart Shopping and Care

Once you’ve found the right beer cooler, a little bit of care goes a long way in making sure it lasts for years of parties, tailgates, and busy restaurant service. Making a smart purchase is about more than just the initial price—it’s about understanding the value you’re getting and how to protect your investment. From routine cleaning to knowing what the warranty covers, these simple steps will help you get the most out of your new cooler. Think of it as a partnership: you take care of your cooler, and it will keep your beer perfectly chilled every time.

Clean and Maintain Your Cooler

A clean cooler is essential for keeping your beer tasting its best. Regular maintenance ensures your unit functions efficiently and prevents any unwanted odors or mildew from developing. After each use, take a moment to wipe down the interior with a clean cloth. For a deeper clean, use a simple solution of mild soap and warm water, then rinse it thoroughly. The most important step? Make sure it’s completely dry before you close the lid for storage. This simple habit keeps your cooler fresh and ready for its next use, ensuring every beer you serve is as crisp as the brewer intended.

Find the Best Deals

Finding a great deal isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about finding the best value. When you’re shopping, look for a cooler that balances cost with quality construction and the features you actually need. Reading customer reviews and comparing different models can give you a clear picture of a cooler’s long-term performance. Investing in a well-made piece of restaurant equipment from a trusted supplier often saves you money down the road by avoiding the need for frequent replacements. A reliable cooler is an asset, so choose one that’s built to handle your needs without breaking your budget.

Check the Warranty

Think of a warranty as a safety net for your purchase. It’s a manufacturer’s promise that their product will perform as expected, giving you peace of mind. Before you buy, always check the warranty details. How long does it last, and what exactly does it cover? A solid warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship shows that the company stands behind its quality. For larger or more expensive coolers, this protection is especially important. If you're considering a significant upgrade, exploring restaurant equipment financing can make it easier to invest in a high-quality model with a great warranty.

Store It Properly When Not in Use

How you store your cooler during its downtime is just as important as how you use it. Proper storage extends its life and ensures it’s in great shape for your next event. After cleaning and drying it completely, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the plastic over time. To prevent musty smells from getting trapped inside, leave the lid slightly ajar to let air circulate. This simple trick makes a huge difference. Taking these small steps ensures your cooler will be fresh, clean, and ready to be filled with ice and beer whenever you need it.

Related Articles

• Bottle Cooler 101: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide
• Back Bar Fridge
• 3 Door Cooler Used: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just use a regular cooler for my bar, or do I need a commercial one? While a high-end residential cooler is great for an event, it's not built for the demands of a business. Commercial coolers are designed to withstand constant opening and closing and maintain a precise, consistent temperature, which is crucial for product quality and safety. They are built with more durable materials and powerful compressors to handle the daily grind of a professional kitchen or bar, making them a much more reliable long-term investment.

Do I really need a cooler with precise digital controls? If you serve a variety of craft beers, then yes, it's a feature you'll be glad you have. Different beer styles show their best flavors at different temperatures, and digital controls let you dial in the perfect setting for everything from a crisp lager to a complex stout. This level of accuracy protects the quality of your inventory and ensures you're serving every beer exactly as the brewer intended, which your customers will definitely appreciate.

My beer cooler has a weird smell. What's the best way to clean it and prevent odors? That musty smell usually comes from trapped moisture. To get rid of it, give the cooler a thorough cleaning with a simple mix of mild soap and warm water. After rinsing it well, the most important step is to let it air dry completely before you close it up. When you're storing it, leave the lid cracked open slightly to allow for air circulation. This simple habit will keep it fresh and ready for your next service.

Is it true that letting a beer get warm and then re-chilling it will ruin it? This is one of the biggest myths in the beer world. That "skunky" flavor is actually caused by a reaction to UV light, not by temperature changes. While you want to avoid drastic temperature swings because they can speed up the aging process and make the beer taste stale over time, a single instance of a beer warming up and being re-chilled won't skunk it. Just get it back in the cooler and keep it out of the sun.

What's more important for keeping things cold: the type of ice I use or how I pack the cooler? They are both incredibly important because they work together. You can have the best ice in the world, but if it's not packed correctly, it won't be effective. The best strategy is to use a mix of large blocks of ice on the bottom for long-lasting cold, then use smaller cubes to fill in the gaps. Layering your drinks and ice ensures everything is surrounded and chills down quickly and evenly.