When summer comes along (or even in other seasons for that matter), one of our favourite things to do as a family is head out on a camping trip – whether it’s for a day or a week or more.
As I’ve been sharing in my other recent posts, I’ve been spending time getting to grips with all our camping gear, working out what is essential, what we’ve needed to upgrade, and what we no longer need for our camping trips. When it comes to camping essentials, our large esky is definitely up there!
I spent some time wondering if we should invest in another small esky for local trips this year, and in the process went down a research rabbit hole looking for all the tips on how to find the best coolers and best esky Australia has to offer.
Click here to see the best esky Australia offers now!
As it turns out, there’s quite a lot to consider when searching for the best esky for camping (or even if you’re just on the lookout for a super cheap esky cooler), and the information online can be quite overwhelming – so I decided to put together this post to help you choose the best cooler box Australia has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a small esky bag, a large esky on wheels, or the very best cooler bag Australia has available, this guide contains all you need to know about how to find the best esky on the market for you, plus reviews of my favourite eskies.
Let’s get started!
Contents
Compare The Top 10 Best Buy Esky Cooler Australia 2023
| Name | Weight | Capacity | Wheels | Ice Retention | Price | Features | Rating |
| Dometic Cool Ice 42 Heavy Duty Esky Cooler | 8.7kg | 43L | No | up to 10 days | Check | Spacious, durable, strong handles | 4.5 |
| Esky Arctic Pro Rugged 70 Cooler Ice Box on eBay | 9.9kg | 70L | No | up to 7 days | Check | Large, 3 separate sections, cushioned carry handles | 4.5 |
| Techni Ice Esky Classic Hybrid Ice Box | 12kg | 55L | No | – | Check | Spacious, rope handles | 4.0 |
| Techni Ice Cooler Compact Series | 4kg | 28L | No | up to 3 days | Check | Lightweight, optional shoulder straps | 4.0 |
| Coleman Soft Cooler 16 Can Small Esky Bag | 0.7kg | 16 can | No | up to 24 hours | Check | Affordable, lightweight, everyday use | 4.5 |
| Coleman Extreme Wheeled Cooler | 23.1kg | 58.7L | Yes | up to 5 days | Check | Large capacity, wheels, eco-friendly | 4.5 |
| Evakool Esky E047 47L Fibreglass Icebox | 9kg | 47L | No | up to 15 days | Check | Long ice retention, fibreglass, spacious | 4.0 |
| Evakool Icebox Icekool | 7kg | 46L | No | up to 10 days | Check | Lightweight, durable, spacious | 4.5 |
| Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler | Varies (around 2.5kg) | 9, 16, 30, 48 can | No | up to 36 hours | Check | Range of sizes, well insulated, lightweight | 4.5 |
| Willow Wheelie Cooler on eBay | 5.9kg | 55L | Yes | up to 30 hours | Check | Affordable, lightweight, wheels | 4.0 |
Top 10 Best Esky Australia 2023
Here is a handy reference list of the different options for the best ice box Australia offers – see all full esky for sale reviews below!
- Dometic Cool-Ice Heavy Duty Esky Cooler, 43L
- Esky Arctic Pro Cooler, 50L
- Techni Ice Esky Classic Hybrid Ice Box, 55L
- Techni Ice Cooler Compact Series, 28L
- Coleman Soft Cooler Small Esky Bag, 16 cans
- Coleman Extreme Wheeled Cooler, 58.7L
- Evakool Esky E047 Fibreglass Icebox, 47L
- Evakool Icebox IK045 Icekool, 45L
- Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler, 9, 16, 30 and 48 can
- Willow Wheelie Cooler, 55L
How To Choose The Best Esky To Buy
First off, if you’re new to Australia and wondering what is an esky in Australia, don’t worry, we’re not headed to the arctic circle! An esky is simply the Australian term for a cold box/ice box or cool bag to keep your food or drinks cool when you head out camping or on a day trip. If you’re from across the ditch you might be more familiar with the term “chilly bin” They are all the same thing.
Below I’ll cover the most important features to keep an eye out for when comparing esky prices and reading reviews.
Capacity
First up, you’ll want to consider what you want to put in the esky. Are you going to be camping for a week with the family, or just heading out for a day’s fishing? A small esky on wheels is great for carrying beers to the beach, or an extra large esky may be needed for longer trips with larger groups. Esky capacities are usually given in litres.
Size, Weight and Portability
Along with your esky’s capacity, you’ll want to consider the size – especially does it fit well in your vehicle – its weight, and how portable it is.
Depending on what material your esky is made from, it may be heavier or lighter, but it’s important to ensure it can easily be lifted in and out of your car or truck when filled. Having a cheap esky on wheels will make it easier to move around once you’ve got it out of the car too. The best small esky is usually more portable but do make sure you check the weight measurements too.
If you’re wondering what the best size esky for camping is, if you’re heading out as a couple for a weekend, a 20 litre esky may well be enough. For more people and longer trips you’ll, of course, need a larger cooler.
Last but not least you’ll want to check the dimensions of your cooler if you want to store bottles of wine or soft drink in there – make sure it’s long/tall enough.
Insulation, Material and Durability
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Is the most commonly used material for coolbox insulation, but how thick the insulation is also makes a big difference to how cold your esky will stay – the thicker the better.
The quality of the seal on your esky will also prevent the cool box from losing cool air, so you’ll want to make sure that yours has a decent seal, especially if you buy one of the cheap eskies for sale.
The exterior of most cool boxes are made from plastic, though if you are concerned about knocks and bumps, some high heavy duty large cool boxes have metal plated corners to avoid damage in transit. Some top end mobile fridges and cool boxes are made from fibreglass which is a high quality insulator but more fragile than plastic.
Handle
Especially when you’re looking at large esky for sale options, it’s important to invest in a good esky that has good quality handles for carrying. A handle should be ergonomic and non slip, and there should ideally be more than one of them on a large esky. You don’t want all your drinks and snacks flying out of your best fishing esky and into the water after all!
Straps are fine for a small lunch esky or cool bag but don’t have much use on a larger cool box.
Wheels
If you are considering getting a large esky then I highly recommend looking at eskies with wheels. You’ll be glad when you’re able to smoothly wheel your cooler from your vehicle to your picnic spot rather than stagger a few hundred yards with a cool box laden with heavy drinks!
Lids, Latches and Locks
Another set of features to look into when choosing the best esky is to consider the lid and latches. Although an esky with an attached lid with hinges might sound like a smart idea, in reality, you’ll need extra space to open these if keeping them inside a car or tight space, and an empty esky may fall over if you leave the lid open on its hinges. For that reason I prefer simple coolers with a lift off lid.
A lock can be useful if you’re planning on leaving your esky un-attended for any period of time, or you don’t want your kids finding your beer supply!
Other Great Features
As with a lot of camping gear, the best camping cooler box is likely to come with a whole host of extra features, but you don’t need them all. Here are some additional features that I personally find helpful:
- Easy Clean – No one wants to spend their time after returning from a trip cleaning out the esky. Make sure the inside of the esky is easy to wipe down after use.
- Drain Plug – Drain melted ice and water out of your esky easily after use with a drain plug in the bottom. It makes it easy to keep clean as well.
- Internal Lighting – Super helpful if you’re going to be using your esky inside. It saves lots of rummaging around for what you’re after!
- Use as a Seat – A great feature of some camping cool boxes is you can add a cushion on top and use it as a seat. Do check before sitting on it though!
- Dry Ice Compatibility – Not all eskys are compatible with dry ice (some can become damaged) so you’ll want to check this in advance.
Best Coolers Australia 2023 Reviews
Dometic Cool Ice 42 Heavy Duty Esky Cooler Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Weight: 8.7kg
- Capacity: 43L
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 10 days
First up in my ice box coolers reviews is this Dometic Cool-Ice 42 litre cool box. If you’re looking for a medium-large size esky with space for drinks and snacks for the family, this option is well worth a look.
Featuring a lightweight but durable construction, this esky has extra thick insulation and a unique sealing design meaning your food and drinks will stay chilled for longer. There are strong ergonomic handles at either end for easier carrying, and thanks to its drain plug, this esky is easy to clean too.
If you’re looking for a good esky cooler review that delivers on quality and has enough space for a weekend trip’s refreshments inside, this Dometic cool box is definitely worth considering.
What I like:
- It is a spacious esky
- Strong handles for easier carrying
- Durable enough to travel on boat or 4wd without spilling
What I dislike:
- Some reviewers state the esky does not keep chilled for 10 days
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Esky Arctic Pro Rugged 70 Cooler Ice Box Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Weight: 9.9kg
- Capacity: 70L
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 7 days
This huge Esky Rugged 70 litre option is perfect if you’re looking for a tough Esky that can not only handle a few knocks and bumps, but can keep your drinks and food chilled for up to 7 days!
The esky Rugged is designed to withstand regular use and comes with built in corner protectors, 7 day ice retention thanks to its superior insulation and fully insulated lid (which is also lockable). It comes ready fitted with the Arctic pro accessory pack which divides the cool box into three separate sections for convenient storage. There are heavy duty carry handles with cushioning – ideal for carrying this large esky.
If you’re looking for a large cool box that can fit all the family’s drinks and snacks for several days, then this rugged esky will not disappoint.
What I like:
- A large esky capable of holding plenty of food and drink
- Ability to divide cool box into three seperate sections
- Cushioned heavy duty carry handles
What I dislike:
- Again, certain reviews have said the esky does not keep ice for 7 days
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews on eBay.
Techni Ice Esky Classic Hybrid Ice Box 55L Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Weight: 12kg
- Capacity: 55L
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: –
If you’re looking for a large esky with plenty of space for food and drinks for a day out with the family then you’ll want to check out this Techni Ice Cooler.
The capacity of this Techni Esky makes it a great option if you’re looking for the best ice box for camping with plenty of space. The resilient silicone seal makes for efficient insulation and there’s a quick drain water release for easy cleaning too. One of the best features is the rope handles which make it easy to carry between two people on shoulders – no stooping down to pick up this cool box when it’s heavily loaded. There’s also a divider and basket included.
All in all, the Techni Ice esky is a good deal with its sturdy construction and is definitely worth adding to your esky comparison shortlist. For Techni Ice Esky deals check the link below.
What I like:
- Plenty of space for food and drink
- Rope handles for easier lifting between two people
What I dislike:
- The esky is quite heavy, making it difficult for one person to carry
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Techni Ice Cooler Compact Series 28L Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Weight: 4kg
- Capacity: 28L
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 3 days
Next in my ice box comparison reviews is another of the Technice coolers, this time with a 28L capacity. If you’re looking for something more compact that’s perfect for a few hours on the beach or to keep the beers cool outside while you’re having a barbie, this is a good option.
This Techni Ice icebox comes with a host of features designed to keep your drinks and snacks colder for longer. The high compression seals ensure no loss of air through the lid, helping this Techni Ice chest to stay cold. There’s an easy carry handle or detachable shoulder strap for carrying it from the car to the beach. A lift out tray for ice or other small snacks is also included.
All in all if you’re looking for a good medium sized esky for occasional use or for extra storage space at home for parties, why not consider this esky? You can find options to buy Techni Ice Australia using the link below.
What I like:
- A lighter weight esky making it easier to carry
- Easy carry handle and shoulder strap
What I dislike:
- Doesn’t keep contents cold for as long as other options
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Coleman Soft Cooler 16 Can Small Esky Bag Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.7kg
- Capacity: 16 can
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 24 hours
If you’re looking for a small esky cooler bag to take to a mate’s BBQ or to the park with the kids then this 16 can Coleman esky cooler could be the perfect choice for you.
This Coleman cooler Australia comes with a load of features packed in and has an adjustable carry strap and front storage pocket for easy access to snacks too. The design is leak-proof to preserve the integrity of the esky, so you don’t have to worry about any spills, and thanks to the antimicrobial liner, you don’t have to worry about mold in this Coleman esky range either.
If you’re wondering what the coolest esky for sale is when you just want something small and simple instead of a large Coleman ice box, you really can’t go wrong with this great little esky bag for everyday needs and thoughtful design.
What I like:
- Super lightweight option great for everyday use
- A very affordable option
- Waterproof and mould-proof
What I dislike:
- It isn’t going to hold as much as a regular esky will
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Coleman Extreme Wheeled Cooler 58.7L Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Weight: 23.1kg
- Capacity: 58.7L
- Wheels: Yes
- Ice Retention: up to 5 days
If you’re looking for a large esky which you can load with drinks and be able to move it around, then I recommend this Coleman esky on wheels. This Coleman esky cooler is perfect if you want a second beer cooler you can wheel in and out of the house.
Loved for its ability to retain ice for up to 5 days, this Coleman wheeled esky has a lot of other features to love too. The leak-resistant drain makes it easy to remove ice water without turning the Coleman ice box upside down, and superior insulation means it’ll keep ice frozen at ambient temperatures of up to 90 degrees C! This Coleman cooler Australia is also a hit for its low CO2 insulation for reduced carbon emissions through foam manufacturing.
The Coleman esky range offer some of the most popular eskis for sale in the market, and this is definitely a great esky Australia buy if you’re looking for something sturdy yet portable.
What I like:
- A large esky capable of fitting all you would need
- The esky is on wheels for easy transporting
- An Eco- friendly esky
What I dislike:
- Quite a heavy esky – it requires two people to lift it
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Evakool Esky E047 47L Fibreglass Icebox Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Weight: 9kg
- Capacity: 47L
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 15 days
For those in search of esky coolers for sale that offer superior insulation and can keep food and drinks chilled for longer, look no further than this Evakool esky!
What makes this possibly the best esky ever is that it can store ice for up to 15 days – the longest of any esky in these reviews. It’s built perfectly for the harsh Australian climate, and the fibreglass insulation means that you won’t have to deal with mould or odours from the contents. With it’s 47L capacity, there’s plenty of space to use this as a second beer fridge or for a camping trip.
When people ask me what is the best ice box in Australia then I often suggest this one if you’re in search of an esky box to use for longer periods of time and want something that’s great quality.
What I like:
- Long ice retention
- Fibreglass insulation to prevent mould and odours
- plenty of space
What I dislike:
- It’s on the more expensive side
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Evakool Icebox Icekool 46L Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Weight: 7kg
- Capacity: 46L
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 10 days
If you’re wondering what is the best esky that offers great value to your money then the Evakool icebox is another good choice.
If you’re looking to buy polystyrene esky, you could consider this polyethylene esky, which is known to be more durable and with Evakool’s premium insulation it can keep your drinks or snacks cool for up to 10 days.
Featuring superior, lightweight refrigeration grade insulation, the inner walls are hygienic and easy to clean. Other features include nylon fittings, and handles which can be used as tie down points. It’s also light coloured to further improve its insulation efficiency. The lid is tough enough to be used as a seat too.
This mid-size ice box esky for sale is ideal for family picnics, camping, beach, parties, or boating.
What I like:
- It is a durable and spacious esky
- It is a lightweight esky
What I dislike:
- In my experience, it did not keep ice for 10 days
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Weight: Varies (around 2.5kg)
- Capacity: 9, 16, 30 and 48 can
- Wheels: No
- Ice Retention: up to 36 hours
Next up is this Arctic Zone Titan cooler which is a great option if you’re looking for a quality ice box that’s comfortable and easy to transport.
One of the best things about these Arctic Zone eskies is that they’re seperated with a Smartshelf to keep softer things separate from hard. If you’re just looking for something to keep your 6-pack cool then this cool ice esky review will do the trick. With a zipperless lid, it’s easy to flap open and includes great insulation for keeping things cool. Easy to carry down to the park, beach or your mate’s house.
Made in a range of sizes, these coolers have been tested to keep ice cool for days at a time.
What I like:
- Available in a range of sizes and colours
- Lightweight and good for everyday use
- Keeps cool for extended periods
What I dislike:
- Pricier than some
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
Willow 55L Wheelie Cooler Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Weight: 5.9kg
- Capacity: 55L
- Wheels: Yes
- Ice Retention: up to 30 hours
Last but not least in my best esky Australia reviews is this 55 litre Willow esky which is perfect if you’re looking for a Willow esky on wheels. A great option for if you love to throw barbies at home.
The Willow 55 litre esky is Australian made and is great if you’re looking for a cheap mid-size esky on wheels. The clever fold up handle makes it easy to move around without bending over – perfect if you have an esky laden with beer! There’s a drain plug to release molten ice and water at the bottom easily, hinged lid for easy access, and soft rubber carry handles for carrying when empty too.
If you want a simple wheeled esky for use at home or camping, then this Willow esky cooler is a great buy – it’s no wonder it gets so many good reviews!
What I like:
- A lightweight esky on wheels making it very manageable
- A spacious esky with drain plug
- An affordable esky
What I dislike:
- Esky doesnt retain ice nearly as long as other options
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews on eBay.
Looking for other camping products? Read about the best camping table and best camping bbq or find all my guides to the best camping gear here.
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