How We Test

We test coolers to answer one core question: How many hours of safe, usable chill can you expect per pound of ice per quart of capacity in the conditions you actually face? Everything in our protocol exists to make that answer repeatable, comparable, and easy to plan around.

What We Measure

Cold Economy Score (CES): Chill‑hours per lb of ice per quart. Higher is better.
Heat Zones: Temperate, Hot, and Extreme scenarios to reflect shade, mixed, and full-sun use cases.
Standardized Pack‑Outs: Fixed ratios of ice types (block/cubed/dry), beverage/food mass, and air space.
Access Pattern: Timed openings to simulate realistic use (e.g., breakfast/lunch/dinner plus beverage raids).
Stability & Losses: Lid seal integrity, drain plug behavior, and gasket contact.
Mobility & Ergonomics: Handle comfort, lift/drag dynamics, stair/terrain handling, and footprint efficiency.

Instrumentation & Logging

Temperature: Multi‑point data loggers (food zone, air gap, wall) at 1–5 minute intervals.
Mass: Pre/post ice weight and meltwater measurement for loss calculations.
Environment: Ambient temperature, surface temperature, and solar exposure (when applicable).
Repeatability: At least two runs for baseline CES; more if variance exceeds our tolerance band.
Calibration: Sensors verified against a reference thermometer before test cycles.

Test Cycles

Pre‑Chill: Documented pre‑chill state (none/partial/full) and method.
Load & Seal: Standardized pack‑out with documented ice type and ratio.
Access Schedule: Timed openings with consistent duration and lid angle to model real behavior.
Endpoint: Food‑safe threshold (≤4°C/40°F) crossed in the food zone or a defined usability cutoff for beverages.
Data Reduction: Convert raw curves to CES, plus hold‑time estimates by climate zone and opening frequency.

Color, Materials, and Build

We record shell color/finish, wall thickness proxies, hardware, gasket design, and hinge/latch behavior. We run a light‑exposure scenario for select models to observe solar gain impacts. We also evaluate drain design, cleanability, and odor retention.

Mobility & Ergonomics Scoring

We measure handle spacing, grip comfort, two‑person carry angles, wheel efficiency on different terrain, and lift height versus common trunk/bed rails. We note pinch points, knuckle clearance, and how features affect real packing and access flow.

Powered Coolers Runtime

For 12V compressor coolers, we test in controlled ambient bands and in field conditions:

Instrumentation: Inline power meter for watt draw, logging duty cycle and average Wh consumption.
Power Sources: Bench power supply, portable power stations, and battery/solar setups to map realistic runtimes.
Modes: Eco/Max settings, set‑point ramps, and recovery after door openings.
Output: Runtime Planner estimates for common battery sizes and solar inputs.

Scoring & Rounding

We publish raw observations with context, then synthesize into scores: CES, Mobility/Ergonomics, Build & Seal, and Value by use case. Rounding reflects measurement precision; ties are broken by secondary metrics and long‑term reliability notes.

Sourcing & Independence

We acquire products via retail purchase, manufacturer loans, or reader loans. Acquisition method is disclosed. Loaned items receive the same protocol as purchased units; manufacturers do not preview or approve results.

Limitations

Real use varies: opening behavior, pack‑out, and shade can swing outcomes. Use our Ice Budget calculator to adapt to your specifics.
Materials evolve: manufacturers revise molds/gaskets; we note version/lot when known.
Extreme abuse: drops and impacts are outside core CES but may be noted qualitatively.

Replication

We encourage replication. Our pack‑outs, access schedules, and calculator assumptions are published so you can reproduce results and tune your own loadouts. If your conditions differ, adjust inputs and re‑run the plan—then tell us what you found.

Questions about our methods? Reach out at [email protected] or see our Editorial Policy for disclosure and corrections processes.