Summer is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a spot of al fresco dining? However, with the sun beating down on us, the last thing we want is a lukewarm pint or a soggy sandwich (it is no fun). That’s where one important question comes into the minds of picnic enthusiasts or even people who want to spend a good time outdoors: are cool boxes better than cool bags?

Well, we say it’s time to weigh anchor and set the record straight! Cool bags have been a staple for as long as we can remember, but have you ever stopped to consider the cooler, more refined option? Cool boxes, with their sturdy construction and reliable insulation, are the future of picnicking. No more soggy sandwiches or warm drinks, just perfectly chilled refreshments for hours on end. So, sit back and let us take you on a journey to discover the truth about cool boxes and cool bags. Who will come out on top? Let the battle commence!

everything you need to know about cool boxes

What is a cool box, you ask? Well, imagine a mini fridge that you can take with you on-the-go, except instead of electricity, it relies on ice blocks to keep your food and drinks cool. That, our dear readers, is a cool box in a nutshell. No longer will you have to suffer through a warm sandwich or a tepid tipple while enjoying the great outdoors. With a cool box, you can have all the creature comforts of home minus the hassle.

Cool boxes come in two forms: passive and electric. Passive cool boxes are the classic version (and the most popular ones), relying solely on ice blocks to keep their contents cool. Just add ice packs, sit back, and relax. On the other hand, electric cool boxes offer a little extra spark, with the option to switch between cooling and warming. However, for this discussion, we’ll be focusing on the best cool boxes that rely on ice to keep your food and drinks chilled.

These camping coolers are a picnic essential, designed to keep things cool indefinitely (not in a literal sense, but you know what we mean). And with their robust construction and impressively advanced insulation, you can be sure that your food and drinks will stay cold, even on the hottest of days. The beauty of cool boxes is that they trap the cold air inside, preserving your contents at the perfect temperature. So, whether you’re heading out on a camping trip, to the beach, just lounging in the park, or even to a little family picnic day, a cool box is a perfect companion to keep your refreshments ice-cold.

benefits of a cool box

There are many benefits of a cool box, making it a must-have item for all types of outdoor activities, such as camping, paddle boarding, BBQs, or festivals. This convenient portable refrigeration unit offers benefits such as:

  • Maintain A Constant Temperature: A cool box is a smart little invention designed to keep your food and drinks at the right temperature, so you can enjoy a chilled sandwich or a crisp, cold drink no matter where you are. No more warm lunches or tepid drinks on a hot day!
  • No Need For Electricity: With a cool box, you can say goodbye to the hassle of finding a power source to keep your food and drinks at optimum temperature. It relies solely on ice packs to keep your food and drinks cool, so you can take it anywhere without having to worry about plugging it in.
  • Built To Last: Cool boxes are made from super sturdy materials, meaning they can withstand the rough and tumble of the great outdoors. No more flimsy cool bags that fall apart at the first sign of a bump!
  • Impressively Versatile: Cool boxes come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a week-long camping adventure, there’s a cool box for every occasion.
  • Cost-Effective: Investing in a good quality cool box may seem pricey initially, but it can save you money in the long run. No more having to replace cheap cool bags every summer, and you won’t have to fork out for new ice packs every time you want to keep your food and drinks cool.

The pros of cool boxes are numerous, from keeping your food and drinks perfectly chilled, to being cost-effective, eco-friendly and stylish. Whether you’re heading out for a picnic, a camping trip, or just lounging in the park, a cool box is an ultimate companion to keep your refreshments perfectly chilled.

drawbacks of a cool box

While cool boxes have a multitude of benefits, it’s only fair to take a look at the other side of the coin. From their weight to their bulkiness, there are a few cons to consider before making the switch from a cool bag to a cool box. But fear not; these cons of cool boxes are minor and can easily be overlooked when you consider all the fantastic benefits that a cool box has to offer.

  • Weight: Cool boxes can be heavy, especially when they’re filled with ice packs and food and drink. While this is a small price to pay for perfectly chilled refreshments, it’s worth considering if you’ll be carrying your cool box for long periods of time.
  • Space: A cool box takes up more space than a cool bag. While this may not be an issue if you’re travelling by car, it’s worth considering if you’ll be using public transport or have limited storage space at home.
  • Price: Cool boxes can be more expensive than cool bags. However, it’s worth considering that you get what you pay for, and a good quality cool box will last for years, whereas a cheap cool bag may only last one season.

benefits of a cool bag

 

For many years, cool bags have been a must-have for outdoor activities like picnics, barbeques, and camping trips since they provide a convenient method to keep your food and beverages cold while you’re on the road. While cool boxes have gained popularity in recent years, cool bags still have many advantages that make them a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their refreshments perfectly chilled.

So, whether you’re looking for the best cool bag for your summer camping trip, or just want to find out more about these handy items, here are just a few of the many pros of cool bags:

  • Portable: Cool bags are incredibly lightweight and portable, making them the perfect choice for anyone who wants to keep their food and drinks cold while on the move. They can be easily carried in one hand, or thrown into a backpack, making them ideal for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor adventures.
  • Affordable: Cool bags are typically much more affordable than cool boxes, making them a great option for anyone who wants to keep their refreshments cold without breaking the bank. They are also available in a range of different sizes and styles, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
  • Good Cooling: Cool bags are designed to keep your food and drinks cold for hours, so you can enjoy a refreshing snack or drink whenever you like. They are also great for keeping things cool for long periods, making them ideal for camping trips and other outdoor adventures.
  • Great Build Quality: Cool bags are made from high-quality materials, which means that they are built to last. They are also available in a range of different colours and styles, so you can choose the perfect one to match your personal style.
  • Easy Access: Cool bags typically have a zippered top, which makes it easy to access your refreshments whenever you like. They are also designed to be easy to open and close, so you can quickly and easily get to your food and drinks.

It is worth noting that cool bags are usually a great option if you have a limited budget. While they don’t offer the convenience, space, or longer cooling power like cool boxes, they can do a pretty decent job.

Drawbacks of a Cool Bag

If you’re considering a cool bag, here are a few of the many cons you may want to keep in mind.

  • Limited Capacity: Cool bags have a smaller capacity than cool boxes, making them less ideal for large families or groups. They also typically have a more limited amount of space for food and drinks, so you may need to sacrifice one item for another.
  • Less Insulated: Cool bags tend to be less insulated than cool boxes, which means that they may not be able to keep your food and drinks as cold as you’d like. This can be especially problematic if you’re storing perishable items, such as dairy products or raw meat.
  • Easy to Tear: Cool bags are often made from lighter and more flexible materials, which makes them more susceptible to tearing and damage. This can be especially problematic if you’re using your cool bag for outdoor activities, such as camping or hiking.
  • Shorter Cooling Time: Cool bags typically have a shorter cooling time than cool boxes, which means that you may need to add an ice pack more frequently. This can be especially problematic if you’re away from a source of ice for an extended period of time. They are not really good at keeping food cold for longer. On the other hand, high-quality cool boxes have thicker insulation to deliver an ambient temperature and a cooling time of 5-7 days (pretty cool, right?)
  • Not as Durable: Cool bags are often not as durable as cool boxes, which means that they may not last as long. This can be especially problematic if you’re using your cool bag for outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
  • Less Convenient: Cool bags can be less convenient than cool boxes, as they typically don’t have handles or wheels for easy transportation. This can make them less ideal for large families or groups or anyone who wants to keep their food and drinks cold while on the move. On the contrary, you get compartments, cup holders, a bottle opener, a drain plug, and so much more in a cool box.

the verdict: cool boxes are better than cool bags

Cool boxes are definitely better than cooler bags. But why, you may ask? Well, let us enlighten you with some reasons that will leave no room for doubt.

First of all, let’s talk about efficiency. A passive cool box is better than a cool bag or even an electric cool box any day. They are powered by ice blocks and will keep your food and drink cool for up to 5-7 days, depending on usage and proper storage. On the other hand, cooler bags rely on pre-chilling and will only stay cool for a matter of hours. What’s the point of investing in a cooler bag that can’t even keep your drink cool for a whole day?

In addition to this, cool boxes come in a range of styles and sizes to accommodate your needs. They are not just practical, but they are also attractive. They are the perfect addition to any outdoor excursion and will make sure that your food and drinks stay at the perfect temperature. And if you’re wondering how to keep food last longer in a cool box, don’t worry, it’s easy! Simply add ice packs to keep the contents cool, and you’re good to go. Please read this informative piece on how to keep the ice from melting and food cool in a cool box.

So there you have it, folks. The verdict is in, and it’s clear as day. Cool boxes are better than cool bags, hands down. So why settle for a mere cooler bag when you can have a large cool box that will keep your food and drinks cool for days on end? Make the switch today and experience the ultimate in outdoor refreshment.

buy premium-quality cool boxes from utoka

At Utoka, we believe in providing our customers with the best of the best cool box, and that’s why we’re proud to offer a range of premium-quality cool boxes. Our cool boxes are not only stylish and practical, but they’re also incredibly effective at keeping your drinks and food cool for up to 5-7 days, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor adventure.

Based in Bristol, in the South West of the UK, we’ve designed and crafted our cool boxes to provide you with the best possible solution for keeping your food and drinks cool and fresh, no matter where your travels take you. Our cool boxes come in a range of sizes to accommodate your needs and can even be customised to meet your specific requirements.

To make your shopping experience even better, we offer free UK shipping on orders over £50, and for our customers outside the UK, we have worldwide shipping options available. So why wait? Start your outdoor adventure the right way with a premium-quality cooler box from Utoka!

Please check our range of best cool boxes or contact us if you have any queries.