5 Best Lunch Coolers & Boxes for Construction Workers
The great news is that there are many lunch coolers on the market, but so many don’t cut it for construction workers. Your needs are different from a child or an office worker. Your lunch box is unlikely to be placed into a fridge and left there all day! You will need one that can withstand extreme weather conditions – snow, ice, baking sunlight, wind, and rain.
It will also need to accompany you wherever you are on-site and withstand the rigors of the dusty environment. Sadly, a lot of manufacturers try and sell their lunch coolers to everyone. By that, we mean school children through to roofers, and it isn’t easy to quickly find one that is the right for the job you do.
Kids don’t tend to eat their lunch perched high up on a roof, so durability to withstand a fall from height is not a consideration they have when purchasing a lunch box! We have spent hours testing out the current ones on the market and have reviewed our top 5. At the bottom of the page, we have written a buyer’s guide on the things you may need to consider so that you can buy with complete confidence.
Here’s what we cover in this best lunch coolers review article:
- First, we compare our top picks side-by-side in a comparison table. Perfect if you’re short on time!
- Next, we describe their features and benefits you’ll find handy
- Then, we share their drawbacks we think you should know about
- And finally, our buying guide will give you a better insight into the product range
Sound good? Let’s get started!
Buy on AmazonComparison of our Favorite Lunch Coolers:
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag | Check Price | 4.8 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Stanley Adventure Cooler | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Columbia PFG | Check Price | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Arctic Zone Titan | Check Price | 4.4 / 5 |
  | Igloo Playmate Cooler | Check Price | 4.3 / 5 |
5 Best Lunch Coolers for Construction Workers – Reviews
1. RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag (Best Overall)
- The ORIGINAL all-weather, all-purpose soft lunch cooler. This lunch bag is 100% leakproof and puncture-resistant. It is tough as nails and can hold ice for days. Other brands have a floppy and collapsible lunch bag that happens to hold ice! Step up your game with RTIC insulated lunch box!
- RTIC soft lunch box coolers are tough as nails and can hold ice for days. Best of all, it is 100% leakproof and puncture-resistant so you won't have to worry about wet messes!
- RTIC Soft coolers can take everything you can throw at them. Made with heat-welded seams in a heavy-duty vinyl outer shell, up to 2 of closed-cell foam insulation, and a leakproof and puncture-resistant liner, this insulated cooler is built tough.
- Store wet packed lunch items safely inside the exterior mesh pocket for spills that may happen. Tired of sitting around while your ice pack slowly melts? Say so long to those problems! This insulated lunch bag will keep anything iced for days on end because it's not made from temperature-sensitive materials, like cloth, that hugs icy beverages close together--it stores things separately on an engineered cooling grid system designed to maintain optimal temperatures. Your favorite beverage will be just the right temperature!
- It comes with a 12-month warranty, but an issue to be aware of is with the zipper closure. If used regularly it may break and if that happens you will need to return it to RTIC for repair. But, they won't cover the shipping cost. A remedy is to use the zipper lube and be gentle when opening and closing.
- This is a brilliant lunch cooler bag that is big enough to store cold food, snacks, and drinks but not so bulky it becomes a mission to carry. Its durable and can be thrown around without damaging it.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Stanley Adventure Cooler (Best Value)
- Get the Stanley Adventure lunch box cooler if you enjoy chilly beverages and like to be on the go for long durations. With double-wall foam, your drinks will stay cool even when its scorching outside! Enjoy up to 27 hours of cold water thanks to Stanleys leakproof Adventure Cooler.
- Its made with durable materials so that excursions can last all day without having life needlessly complicated by spills on the job site, or on the side of the trail or in a fishing boat.
- The high-density polyethylene outer shell is tough and durable, and the latches make a secure seal. Its made out of BPA-free materials only.
- The rolltop closure snaps shut tight so you dont have floppy lids where bugs could get into your food or treats. Its easy to carry since it has a heavy-duty top handle and also features straps that can hold down a water bottle or thermos for you! The lunch cooler is lightweight at only 9.4lbs when empty, making it perfect for trips down the shore.
- With 21 cans capacity, theres plenty of room for burgers, hot dogs, or whatever it is you want to bring on your next adventure.
- Although it has a handle there is no shoulder strap and so this is a disadvantage if you are working away from your vehicle. Depending on the contents, it could also be heavy to lift.
- It is 100% leakproof but there is only one main compartment so soft food items could get squashed inside. An issue you may find is the lid is firmly shut on delivery and very difficult to open. In extreme cases, it stays shut!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. Columbia PFG Hardbody Lunch Box
- The Columbia PFG Skiff Guide Zipperless Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack can keep your food and drinks chilled for up to 3 days. The super-insulated design with the ThermaCool high-performance insulation will protect against heat, breakage, punctures, condensation, and spills.
- This model features an expandable insulated front compartment as well as a leak-proof easy clean insulated lining in order to eliminate leaks. The exterior of the pack is made from durable water repellent material that resists scuffs exposure and retains its color integrity when wet.
- With its patented flip-open zipperless lid and removable hard front liner with SmartShelf, its never been easier to stay cool while on your adventure. This Ultra Safe bag chills and keeps food as cold as lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to its ThermaCool insulation and a leak-proof interior lining that is also FDA approved!
- Includes an expandable insulated front compartment along with adjustable back saver padded shoulder strap for extreme comfort every step of the way - allowing you to go worry-free without ever having to stop and check if your food is still intact!
- An issue to consider is the stitching on the handles and lid seams. They are prone to tearing if used regularly. All things considered, this is a well-designed and versatile lunch box that can easily store enough provisions for even the hungriest worker.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
- The Arctic Zone zipperless hardbody lunch box cooler is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts whether they be construction workers, boaters, or campers.
- With a patented flip-open design, this portable ice chest can keep your food and drinks cool for days on end, not to mention the freezer temperature offers radiant heat that keeps you warm while sitting under those hot summer suns.
- Throw in an Ultra Safe easy clean lining and leakproof interior liner with a removable SmartShelf shelf and this cooler will have all of your needs met! The front pocket features insulation to prolong freshness (and freezing) time, plus has ties to hold items such as beverage cans or ice packs necessary in times of need. Now featuring FDA-compliant materials in its construction, this high-performance cooler can safely store food and drinks.
- The exterior will maintain its quality year after year without cracking, while the interior lining is water and stain resistant and designed to be easily wiped clean whenever accidents happen.
- With an adjustable shoulder strap, this high-performance lunch cooler bag not only has ample room to store all your food, beverages, and ice packs but also has a hand-held strap so you can carry it with one of the loops.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. Igloo 14.8 Quart Playmate Cooler
- The Igloo Playmate Cooler has an innovative design. The patented lid with in-built molded carry handle swings open both ways, perfect for tight spots.
- It is made from impact-resistant plastic and diamond plating on the exterior. This cooler measures 12.5 x 8.63 x 8.63 inches and weighs 3.7 pounds.
- One downside with this model is the lack of insulation and so it won’t keep ice frozen for long. If you want to keep your lunch cool for more than one day you’ll need to look elsewhere because this model won’t cut it.
- Durability is an issue too if you are using this regularly. The push button to open the lid is a bit temperamental and can pop off rendering the cooler useless.
- It is great value for money though and is available at around half the price of the others reviewed.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: RTIC Lunch Cooler Demo
|
Buyers Guide
As we emphasized in our introduction, your set of considerations are pretty unique. Construction workers do not have access to a canteen, and shops and restaurants may not be close by. Therefore, you have no choice but to take your rations with you. A standard lunch box won’t last, so you need one that is durable, versatile, and portable.
Durability
This was the first factor we assessed when testing out the lunch coolers. It cannot be understated with the type of environment you will be taking it to. A poorly constructed lunch box will fail on you quickly. Either it will begin to leak and spoil the contents, or the structure will fail if dropped from a height.
A construction worker’s lunch cooler has to be strong. Think about where you store your lunch box or insulated bag when working. Is there a chance something could fall and hit it? If it is made from flimsy plastic or is a soft fabric with no hardened shell, it could smash into pieces. Heat resistance is another important consideration. You will likely be outside on a hot baking day, or your lunch cooler is left inside your boiling hot vehicle. Either way, it won’t be enjoyable to drink warm water or juice!
Some manufacturers make bold claims about keeping ice for days on end, which is not something you may need to do. But, it does need to keep your drinks and food cold for a day and so investing in one that has adequate insulation is vital.
Versatility
Working in the construction industry is your job but is unlikely to be the only interest you have. Buying a lunch box cooler that is versatile enough to take with you on family camping trips, fishing expeditions, mountain biking, or family picnics will save you money in the long run. As we said in our introduction, manufacturers try and market their products to the masses and so it’s likely the one you choose for your day job can serve you well in your hobbies too.
We reviewed some of the boxes that enable different configurations, with removable shelving and space for an ice pack. This allows a larger capacity for drinks in one compartment. Having expandable side pockets is always handy to store sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and wipes.
An extra consideration is whether you can put the insulated bags directly into the freezer. Having a freezable lunch bag will save you a lot of time in meal-prepping.
Portability
Jobs in the construction industry are wide and varied. From working deep underground to way up high, you will need a lunch cooler that is not a burden to carry around. Therefore, size and weight are key buying factors. You will need a big enough box to carry all your rations but not so bulky that you can’t take it on site. Having a shoulder strap will free up hands to bring tools and enable you to pack more in as the weight is more manageable carried over your shoulder.
Conclusion
The RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag came out on top for construction workers due to its high build quality, leakproof design, capacity, and warranty.
A close second was Stanley Adventure Cooler. It has a lifetime warranty, great insulation, durable construction, and 2 size options.
The Columbia PFG is a great alternative and is very similar in design to Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze. Both are versatile, have expandable pockets, great insulation, and are easily kept clean.
The Igloo 14.8 Quart Playmate Cooler is great for tight spaces as the lid opens either way. It’s great value for money.
So, that’s our review of the top 5 lunch coolers. We hope it’s given you the confidence to make a purchase that is right for your needs.
Here are some other articles you may like:
Best Snap Ring Pliers – Reviews and Buyers Guide
Top Rotary Tool – Reviews and Buyers Guide
Best Needle Nose Pliers – Reviews & Buyers Guide
5 Best Work Pants for Construction Workers
Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
- How to Select the Best Drill Bit For Your Project - November 29, 2021
- The Benefits of Leaf Blowers for Yard and Garden Maintenance - November 15, 2021
- The Best Paint Stripper for Concrete | Reviews and Buying Guide - November 12, 2021