As an outdoor enthusiast with extensive experience in selecting gear, I know the importance of a reliable passive cool box for your adventures. Whether it’s for a family picnic or a camping trip, a good cool box is essential for keeping your food fresh and drinks chilled. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best passive cool boxes available in the UK, focusing on material quality, size, insulation, and design, all based on thorough testing and real-world experience. Let’s find the perfect cool box to enhance your outdoor experience.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the top passive cool boxes available in the UK, ensuring you make an informed decision for your next outdoor adventure or picnic.
Campingaz Icetime Plus 26L
The Campingaz Icetime Plus 26L is an ideal choice for those seeking a sturdy and efficient passive cool box for their outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Sturdy construction with a lid-closing handle
- Efficient foam insulation keeps contents cold up to 24 hours
- Multi-purpose lid that doubles as a tray
Cons
- Lid insulation could be improved
- Slightly heavier compared to similar-sized cool boxes
- Limited colour options
We were impressed by the Campingaz Icetime Plus 26L’s overall sturdiness and build quality. The cooler box with a lid-closing handle provides a secure seal, and the foam insulation is quite efficient, keeping food and drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The ergonomic handle with a safety block system ensures it’s comfortable to carry, making it ideal for long trips or picnics.
While we appreciated the fact that the lid could also be used as a tray, the insulation could be better. However, it’s easy to tackle this issue by adding your own insulation if you need extra cooling. Weight-wise, it’s slightly heavier than some other options in the market; however, it is not too imposing, considering the robust construction.
The Campingaz Icetime Plus 26L is available in only one colour – blue – which may limit your choices if you’re particular about colour coordination. Nonetheless, the performance and durability of this cool box make it a valuable investment for any outdoor enthusiast.
In conclusion, the Campingaz Icetime Plus 26L passive cool box is a dependable and practical choice for keeping your perishables fresh during outings. With sturdy construction, efficient insulation, and a versatile lid design, it’s worth considering despite some minor drawbacks.
OKESYO 5L Small Cool Box
The OKESYO 5L Small Cool Box is a fantastic choice for those seeking a reliable and portable solution to keep their food and drinks cool or warm during outdoor activities.
Pros
- Large 5L storage capacity
- Excellent insulation for up to 24 hours
- Robust and durable construction
Cons
- May be too small for larger gatherings
- Limited customer reviews
- No electric cooling option
We recently used the OKESYO 5L Small Cool Box during a family picnic and found its 5-litre storage space more than sufficient for our needs. The cooler’s polyurethane foam insulation layer effectively maintained the temperature of our snacks and beverages for the entire day.
The compact size of the cool box, coupled with its sturdy handle, made transporting it to and from our picnic spot a breeze. We appreciated the robust design of this cooler, as it withstood the occasional bump and scrape typically seen during outdoor excursions.
One downside to the OKESYO 5L Small Cool Box is that it may not be large enough to accommodate the needs of bigger groups or longer trips. Additionally, there is a lack of customer reviews, which may be a concern for some buyers. Lastly, while the passive insulation keeps the temperature steady for a good amount of time, it does not provide active cooling like an electric-powered cooler would.
Overall, we believe the OKESYO 5L Small Cool Box is a great value for those looking for an easy-to-carry and effective cooler for small outings. Its insulation capabilities and durable design make it a solid option to consider for picnics, BBQs, fishing trips, or camping adventures.
Wheels N Bits 24 Litre Passive Cooler Box
The Wheels N Bits 24 Litre Passive Cooler Box is an eco-friendly and efficient cool box, perfect for camping, caravanning, or road trips.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Spacious 24-litre capacity
- Suitable for various outdoor activities
Cons
- Lid isn’t insulated
- Can make contents wet
- Some durability concerns
The Wheels N Bits 24 Litre Passive Cooler Box has proven to be an effective and environmentally friendly option for keeping our food and beverages cool during outdoor adventures. The 24-litre capacity provides ample space for storing a variety of items, making it the ideal companion for camping, caravanning, or road trips.
However, we did notice that the lid is not insulated, which may impact the overall cooling performance of the box. While we found it sufficient for our needs, it is worth considering if you require a more efficient option. Additionally, we encountered some condensation issues as the cooler box can make contents wet, which may not be ideal if you’re storing items that need to be kept dry.
In terms of durability, there have been mixed reviews. While our cooler box has held up well so far, some customers have reported receiving damaged products. Although we cannot comment on individual cases, it is essential to consider the possibility of durability concerns over time.
In conclusion, the Wheels N Bits 24 Litre Passive Cooler Box is an efficient and eco-friendly option for those seeking a cool box for their outdoor pursuits. While there are some minor drawbacks to consider, overall it is worth the investment if you’re looking for an affordable, spacious, and environmentally friendly cool box.
Coleman Performance 30 QT Cooler 28L Blue
The Coleman Performance 30 QT Cooler is a reliable and efficient choice for keeping your food and drinks chilled during camping trips and other outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Large 28L capacity for food and drinks
- Effective PU foam insulation for up to 2 days of cooling
Cons
- Strictly best for chilled food and drinks with ice cubes or freezer packs only
- Handle might be uncomfortable for prolonged carrying
- May not hold ice solid for the advertised 5 days
We recently tried out the Coleman Performance 30 QT Cooler during our weekend camping trip and were pleased with its performance. The lightweight and portable design made it easy to transport, and the 28L capacity allowed us to store ample food and beverages for our group.
The cooler’s PU foam insulation kept our contents chilled for the entire trip, which was roughly two days. However, we did find that it worked best when we used ice cubes or freezer packs in combination with our chilled food and drinks. It’s worth mentioning that the cooler might not hold ice solid for the advertised five days, but it was still sufficient for our needs.
On the downside, we found the handle to be slightly uncomfortable when carrying the cooler for extended periods. Moreover, according to some reviews, the Coleman cooler may not hold ice solid for the claimed 5 days.
Despite these drawbacks, the Coleman Performance 30 QT Cooler served us well during our trip, and we would certainly recommend it to fellow campers and outdoor enthusiasts in need of a reliable and efficient cool box. Remember to combine chilled items with ice cubes or freezer packs for the best cooling performance.
Click here to view the Coleman Performance 30 QT Cooler 28L Blue on Amazon.
Tanness 24L Cool Box
We recommend this cool box for its large capacity, efficient insulation, and convenient features for outdoor and everyday use.
Pros
- Large 24L capacity
- Effective insulation design
- Integrated lock and carry handle
Cons
- Potential handle durability issues
- Some users may find it bulky
- Not suitable for extremely long trips
We recently used the Tanness 24L Cool Box on a weekend camping trip, and we were quite impressed with its performance. The 24-litre capacity provided ample space for our food and drinks, allowing us to store various bottle sizes upright and carry a decent number of soft drink cans.
The insulation on this cool box was quite effective, as it utilises advanced insulation foam. Throughout our trip, it kept our beverages cool and snacks fresh, proving to be a reliable choice for our outdoor adventures. However, it might not be the best option for extremely long trips without frequent access to ice or cooling elements.
A particularly convenient feature of this cool box is the integrated locking system within the carry handle. This ensured that the contents remained secure during our trip. However, we should note that some users have mentioned issues with the handle’s durability.
The Tanness 24L Cool Box not only proved itself useful during our trip but also for everyday purposes like picnics, BBQs, and road trips. Despite its bulkiness, it is still a valuable addition to any outdoor gear collection.
In conclusion, the Tanness 24L Cool Box is an excellent choice for those seeking a large capacity, effective insulation, and convenient features in a cool box. Although it might not be perfect for every situation, it caters well to a wide range of outdoor and everyday uses.
Rammento Premium Insulated Cooler Box
This cooler box is an excellent choice for those needing a spacious, sturdy, and efficient cooling solution for outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Large capacity and long-lasting cooling
- Versatile thermal performance for hot and cold items
- Durable, premium construction with convenient features
Cons
- Handle locking mechanism may be unintuitive for some
- Limited insulation for extremely long trips
- Colour options dependent on stock availability
We recently used the Rammento Premium Insulated Cooler Box for an all-day picnic, and we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. With a capacity of 24 litres, this Cooler Box allowed us to pack various food items and drinks, ensuring that our food remained fresh throughout the day.
The colourful, high-quality plastic double walls on the cooler box, coupled with the thermal insulation layer, provided excellent temperature preservation for both hot and cold items. This made it particularly useful for our day-long outing – whether we needed to chill our beverages or keep our burgers and hotdogs warm, the Rammento Premium Insulated Cooler Box delivered.
One feature we appreciated was the multifunctional design of the cooler box. We used the lid as a makeshift table for our snacks, making our outdoor picnic experience much more enjoyable and less messy. Although the handle serves as a secure latch lock, it took a bit of practice to figure out how to firmly lock and unlock the lid.
Having ventured to picnics, beach trips, and BBQs with the Rammento Premium Insulated Cooler Box, we can confidently recommend it to campers, travellers, or anyone in need of a reliable and versatile cooling solution. The only drawback is that the insulation may not suffice for extremely long trips beyond 9 hours, but for most day-long adventures, this cooler box will meet your expectations.
Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler 47 L
The Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler is an excellent choice for keeping your food and drinks cool during outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Large 47-litre capacity
- Up to 4 days of cooling performance
- Durable wheels and telescopic handle for easy transport
Cons
- May not keep items cold as long as expected for some users
- Larger size might be inconvenient for smaller trips
- potential for items to get stuck in the lid
We recently took the Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler on a camping trip and were impressed by its 47-litre capacity, as it provided ample space for our beverages, snacks, and BBQ food for the weekend. The cooler kept our drinks and food cold for up to 4 days, thanks to its high-quality PU full foam insulation.
Ease of transport is essential for a cooler, and Coleman has nailed it with this model. Featuring two rugged wheels and a telescopic steel handle that easily extends and collapses when not in use, we had no trouble manoeuvring it across different terrains. Side handles provided an alternative option when wheels were not suitable.
Aside from its cooling capabilities, this cooler also serves as a practical seat, with a lid strong enough to hold up to 113 kg. The lid also features four built-in cup holders for added convenience. At the end of our trip, we appreciated the EZ-clean surface on the lid, which made washing away spills a breeze.
However, we experienced a slight issue when an item got stuck in the lid, impacting the cooler’s efficiency for a short period. This may not be a common occurrence but is worth keeping in mind when using the cooler.
In conclusion, the Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler is a reliable and functional option for those who need a spacious and efficiently insulated cooler for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities. With easy transport and some added convenience features, it’s a valuable addition to your outdoor gear collection.
Coleman Xtreme Cooler
The Coleman Xtreme Cooler is an impressive choice for keeping your food and drinks cool on camping trips, picnics, and festivals.
Pros
- Large 26-litre capacity
- Efficient cooling performance lasting up to 3 days
- Robust design serves as both a cooler and a seat
Cons
- Might not maintain optimal temperature for as long as claimed
- Hinges could appear flimsy
- Bulky and cumbersome for some users
The Coleman Xtreme Cooler’s high-quality Polyurethane (PU) insulation kept our food and drinks cold for days during our recent camping trip. The cooler’s 26-litre capacity was ample for carrying our beverages, BBQ food, snacks, and more. The hard HDPE plastic material and sturdy handle made for easy transportation.
In addition to serving as a cooler, we found that its robust design allowed us to use it as a seat, supporting up to 113 kg. The lid featured recesses for securing cans and bottles, which proved convenient during picnics and outings. Despite these pros, we noticed that the insulation might not last as long as claimed, although it remained within a reasonable range for most situations.
The only real downside to the Coleman Xtreme Cooler was that the hinges appeared somewhat flimsy, casting doubt on their long-term durability. Additionally, for some, the cooler’s size might seem bulky and cumbersome to transport, particularly on longer trips or when storage space is limited.
Overall, this Coleman Xtreme Cooler offers impressive cooling capacity and useful bonus features in a robust design. While there are minor concerns about durability and size, the cooler’s performance is ideal for campers, picnic enthusiasts, or festival-goers looking for a reliable and effective solution to keep their food and drinks cool over multiple days.
Vivo Large 30L Cooler Box
The Vivo Large 30L Cooler Box is an excellent choice for those who need a versatile, lightweight cooler with spacious storage capacity.
Pros
- Large 30L capacity for both hot and cold items
- Lightweight and durable with secure airtight seal
- Convenient lid doubles as table or tray
Cons
- Not suitable for mixing hot and cold items simultaneously
- Some users reported the lid and handle being less sturdy
- Maintains freshness for 9 hours, which may be insufficient for longer trips
We recently had the opportunity to use the Vivo Large 30L Cooler Box on our camping trip, and we were quite impressed with its functionality. Its generous 30L capacity was more than enough for us to store our cold beverages and hot meals separately, thanks to the warning against mixing hot and cold items.
The design of the cooler box is quite lightweight, which made it easy for us to carry around during our outdoor activities. We particularly liked the fact that the lid can double as a table or tray when needed. This allowed us to easily prepare food, while also saving space in our limited camping environment.
However, we did notice that the lid and handle seemed slightly less sturdy compared to other coolers we have used in the past. They still held up well during our camping trip, but it might be worth being gentle with these components to avoid any potential damage.
One potential drawback we observed was the claim that this cooler box keeps contents fresh for up to 9 hours. While we found this to be adequate for our day trips, it may not be sufficient for those planning to be away from home or a fridge for extended periods.
Overall, we were pleased with the Vivo Large 30L Cooler Box, and we recommend it to anyone looking for a spacious, lightweight cooler that is easy to transport. Just remember to be mindful of the 9-hour freshness window and take care when handling the lid and handle.
Coleman Rigid 16 QT High Performance Insulated Cool Box, 15 L Capacity
A reliable and effective passive cool box for transporting and keeping food and drinks chilled on your outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Compact size, ideal for transportation and storage
- Sturdy and stable construction
- Effective cooling performance, keeps cold for up to 1 day
Cons
- Lid doesn’t lock shut like some cool boxes
- May not keep items as cold as a thermos
- Larger ice packs might not fit
When we first picked up the Coleman Rigid 16 QT Cool Box, we were immediately impressed by its compact size and sturdy construction. Despite having thin walls, which makes more room for cooling contents, it is quite stable and feels built to last.
During our outings, this cool box was the perfect companion. We found that it comfortably accommodated enough food and drinks for a weekend camping trip. The handle designed for one-handed transport made carrying it around easy and convenient.
One minor issue we faced was that the lid doesn’t lock shut like some other cool boxes we’ve used. However, this wasn’t a deal-breaker, as the cooling performance surpassed our expectations. The box managed to keep our food and drinks cold for up to 1 day with the help of ice bricks. Just keep in mind that finding the right size ice packs is key since larger (A4 size) ones might not fit.
Ultimately, the Coleman Rigid 16 QT Cool Box offers an excellent balance of portability, capacity, and cooling performance. If you’re in need of a reliable passive cool box for your outdoor activities, this is certainly a strong contender.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best passive cool box in the UK, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will discuss some essential features to help you choose the right product for your needs. Remember to always use your judgement when considering which cool box is best for you.
Capacity
The first factor to consider is the capacity of the cool box. Think about how much food and drink you need to store and for how many people. Larger cool boxes are suitable for family trips or group outings, while smaller ones are ideal for individuals or couples.
Insulation
Insulation is a key aspect of passive cool boxes, as they rely on this feature to keep their contents cool. Top-quality insulation helps maintain the temperature inside the cool box, protecting your food and drink from spoilage. Look for cool boxes with thick, high-quality insulation materials.
Durability
The durability of a passive cool box is crucial if you want it to last a long time. Choose a product made from strong, durable materials that can withstand the rigours of outdoor use. Solid construction and robust hinges are also essential for a cool box to stand the test of time.
Portability
Consider how easy the cool box is to transport. Look for features such as lightweight construction, carry handles, and wheels that make it easier to move around. A convenient cool box is especially useful if you are planning to take it to different locations like beach trips, picnics, or camping.
Ease of Cleaning
Finally, a passive cool box should be easy to clean. A removable inner lining or drain plug can make it simpler to wash out the inside after use. Look for cool boxes with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices, as these will be easier to wipe clean and reduce the chances of dirt or bacteria buildup.
By paying attention to these factors, you can choose a passive cool box that meets your requirements and keeps your food and drinks cool and fresh during your outdoor adventures.