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Top 5 best coolers without power for on the road tested
Time to read 6 min
Time to read 6 min
A passive cooler is the perfect solution for keeping your food and drinks fresh on the go – without relying on electricity. Whether you're heading to the beach, picnicking, or camping, a passive cooler keeps your drinks and other items nice and cold. Thanks to clever insulation, ice packs, or frozen water bottles, you can enjoy a cold drink for hours, even in warmer temperatures. It's a sustainable alternative to electric coolers and is often lighter and easier to carry.
We've thoroughly tested the best non-powered coolers for cooling power, capacity, portability, and ease of use. In this blog post, we've compiled a list of our top 5, so you can quickly find the perfect cooler for your needs. Whether you're looking for a compact cooler for two people or one with a capacity suitable for the whole family, we'll help you make the right purchase. From the popular Curver cooler to the best small cooler with a handy handle – discover which one will keep your food cool, wherever you are.
The Brisby Frigobox is a well-designed passive cooler with a 22-liter capacity and sturdy construction. It comes with four 450 ml cooling packs, securely locked into the lid.
The combination of smart insulation and double walls keeps your food and drinks cold for up to 40 hours, depending on the ambient temperature. This makes it one of the best off-grid coolers for day trips or short camping trips.
Smart and safe lid design
Our tests showed that the locking lid with a fixed space for the cooling elements not only provides extra cooling power but also prevents the elements from sliding around. This contributes to a consistent temperature throughout the box.
Long-term cooling without electricity
Even in summer temperatures, the contents stayed cool and drinks stayed cool until late in the day. Thanks to the combination of passive cooling and efficient insulation, this box is on par with some electric coolers.
Handy size and easy to carry
Its lightweight design and wide handle make it easy to take this cooler to the park, beach, or campsite. Ideal for those looking for a functional yet compact cooler.
This 40-liter cooler is ideal for families or larger groups. It features convenient wheels and a telescopic handle, making it much easier to transport over long distances.
With ample space for large liter bottles, meals, and snacks, this box is perfect for camping, festivals, or a day at the water. Thanks to its thick walls, it provides long-lasting cooling – even without power.
Lots of space and a clear layout
During use, it was striking how much food and drinks can be stored in this spacious compartment. Large bottles fit upright, which many other models can't accommodate.
Easy to transport
Thanks to the wheels and extendable handle, you'll never have to lug a heavy box again. This makes it ideal for camping or taking a cooler over longer distances.
Sturdy enough for intensive use
The box feels solid and, during testing, proved resistant to impact, moisture, and sand. Highly recommended if you're looking for a cooler for frequent outdoor use.
The classic Curver cooler with a 32-liter capacity has been a reliable choice for campers and picnic enthusiasts for years. Thanks to its recognizable design, sturdy handle, and robust insulation, your drinks and food stay fresh for hours. This passive cooler is ideal for use with frozen bottles, water, or individual ice packs. A fine balance between size, ease of use, and cooling capacity.
Reliable cooling performance under average use
Our test showed the Curver cooler to be ideal for a summer day trip. With a few good ice packs, everything stayed cold until the evening, even at an ambient temperature of 28°C.
Known for durability and convenience
The lid closes securely without a complicated click system, and the handle folds over it for extra security. This type of cooler is simple and effective – exactly what you'd expect from a classic.
Versatile size for everyday use
Whether you're going to work, the woods, or camping, this small cooler is big enough for a lunch, a few bottles, and some snacks. It's also lightweight and easy to carry.
The Relaxdays cooler is a compact cool box perfect for a small lunch, a few bottles, or keeping drinks cool on the go. Its lightweight design and compact size make it ideal if you only need to cool a small amount. This passive cooler works best with a small ice pack or a frozen bottle of water. A convenient choice for those who want to travel light.
Perfect for 1 to 2 people
Our test showed that this type of cooler is ideal for a solo trip or taking lunch to the office or school. Big enough for drinks and fruit, yet small enough for your backpack or car seat.
Super light and easy to carry
Thanks to its minimal weight and foldable handle, this cooler is easy to take anywhere. Ideal for hiking, the beach, or as a supplement to a larger box.
Surprisingly good insulation for its size
Even without much content, the coolness was retained well. The insulation in the lid and sides proved sufficient to keep everything cold for several hours.
The Lexium cooler is a lightweight and practical, non-powered cooler designed for camping, car use, and day trips. With a 24-liter capacity, it's spacious enough for multiple bottles, containers, and snacks. It features a sturdy handle, a tight-fitting lid, and ample insulation to keep your food cool. Ideal for those seeking a balance between portability and capacity.
Handy size with ample content
In practice, this cooler proved ideal for 2 to 3 people. Plenty of room for several bottles and lunch, without being too big or heavy.
Lightweight yet sturdy
The sturdy construction feels solid, while the total weight remains very light. This makes it ideal for quick grabs or taking along in the car.
Versatile for various activities
During testing, it proved suitable for everything from boat trips to camping. A good all-rounder among the various types of coolers.
How exactly does a cool box work without electricity?
A cooler without power, also called a passive cooler, doesn't use electricity to cool. Instead, it relies on insulation and cold sources like ice packs or frozen bottles of water. The double walls and tight-fitting lid keep the cold air inside and warm air out. This keeps your food and drinks cold for several hours, sometimes even up to a day. The better the insulation, the longer the cooler can keep its contents cool. It's important to open the cooler as little as possible to maintain its coolness. All you need to bring is the cooler itself, some ice packs, and your food – no electricity or eco mode required.
How long does a cooler box stay cool without power?
The cooling time depends on several factors, such as the quality of the insulation, the outside temperature, the number of times the box is opened, and the type of ice packs you use. Generally, good passive coolers can keep their contents cool for between 6 and 40 hours. Our tests showed that a model with double walls and a tightly sealed lid kept drinks and food fresh for a surprisingly long time, even in high ambient temperatures. It also helps to pre-cool the cooler beforehand and bring items that have already been cooled. Using large, frozen liter bottles of water as an alternative to ice packs extends the cooling time. So, if you choose the best cooler, you don't have to worry about warm cola or spoiled food.
How many liters of cool box do I need?
The desired capacity depends on your specific needs. A small cooler of 10 to 24 liters is perfect for one or two people, ideal for lunch, snacks, or a few drinks. For families or multi-day trips, a cooler of 30 to 40 liters or more is recommended. This can hold several liter bottles, meal containers, and other items. Also consider the space required for cool packs. Consider the weight, as the larger the cooler, the heavier it will be – especially if you don't have wheels. So, consider your own plans and choose a suitable cooler that meets your needs.
