"Crucial Insights: Review of Coleman's 16-Can Cooler"

Many people have fond memories of using a lunch box at some point in their life and the Coleman 16-Can Cooler brings that nostalgia to mind. Unlike some flashy coolers on the market, this one is no-frills and straightforward, designed for simple uses with no grandiose claims. What you see is what you get.

A Performance Comparison

The Coleman 16-Can is a small cooler in this category, capable of holding 16 cans without any ice but barely accommodates a standard seven-pound bag of ice. It features a regular zipper on top, lacking any leak-proof qualities. Not surprisingly, we discovered that this cooler performed poorly during our insulation testing compared to others tested.

Comparing insulation test results of models 20L and smaller, the REI Pack Away 24 falls into this category since we tested it in its most convenient configuration - a cube - which we measured just under 20L.

Although it can maintain safe food temperatures for 27 hours at or below 40°F, it is not the best option for storing raw food. Additionally, it only maintains optimal beer temperatures of 50°F or less for only 31 hours. However, it is essential to note that this model is the cheapest among those we tested, and it does not boast any grand claims.

Ease of Use

The Coleman is a basic and uncomplicated cooler that does its job effectively. It is easy to carry over the shoulder, with a large zippered top that provides plenty of space to load and unload. However, the narrow design may prevent certain sandwich boxes or bottles from fitting comfortably. Washing is a breeze, as the plastic insert easily comes out. Without it, the fabric absorbs water, making it non-waterproof.

Testers found some additional features, such as several mesh pockets on each side and under the lid, to be too small to hold anything substantial, like wrappers. Additionally, bungees on the lid had no apparent purpose other than aesthetics and did not enhance usability.

The exterior of the Coleman is adorned with pockets on three sides, and the top features some bungee straps.

Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Portability at its Finest

The Coleman boasts exceptional portability, making it ideal for transporting small food items or a few beverages. With its lightweight design, only 1.7 lbs when empty, and a relatively low profile, you'll find it easy to carry. Though the shoulder strap is slightly unremarkable, the compact size allows you to keep it on an accessible shelf. However, it's important to note that this cooler's diminutive size means it's not equipped to carry a heavy load. While it's the smallest model we tested, we found other personal coolers that were more comfortable to carry than this one.

The Coleman 16-Can Soft Cooler is a breeze to carry around, thanks to its small size.

Credit: Derrick Krause

No Match for Rough Use

If you're looking for a durable cooler, the Coleman may not be your best bet. The cooler features a light nylon canvas exterior and a plastic liner, making it prone to tears and damage. It's not the best option for rough use, so be careful how you handle it. Despite that, the build quality doesn't inspire confidence.

Compared to its intense competition, the Coleman falls short in the durability department.

Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

An Affordable Option

The Coleman is the least expensive soft cooler we've analyzed. It's a straightforward choice that provides some insulation, but it's not the go-to option if you intend to keep your items fresh all day in a hot car. Nevertheless, if you need a simple lunchbox to stash under your office desk, this is an ideal buy.

This cheap, no-frills option is perfect for those looking for a basic lunchbox. If you need a cooler that performs well, you may want to look elsewhere.

Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Final thoughts

If you find yourself in search of a compact, uncomplicated, effortless, and budget-friendly cooler, the Coleman 16-Can cooler might be a good fit for you. It is straightforward, user-friendly, and there are no hidden surprises. It is an ideal selection for an indoor-packed lunch; nevertheless, if you are planning a thrilling summer escapade, we suggest exploring other options.

For a brief picnic, the Coleman cooler provides enough space for a few chilled beverages, and it does so without breaking the bank.