Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to gear up for all those exciting warm-weather adventures. The outdoor opportunities are limitless — whether you plan on hosting patio parties, packing up for a tailgate season, or hitting the trails for some hiking expeditions.
In any of those scenarios, there is one item that you can’t go without: the perfect cooler. A sturdy, reliable, weather-resistant cooler is a saving grace on a hot day outdoors. We’ve looked far and wide for the best cooler to keep your drinks and snacks refreshing and chilled, and the unmatched Ninja FrostVault Cooler certainly sits at the top of our list, even stacking up against top competitors like YETI and Rtic.
Ninja’s latest cooling contraption hit the shelves this March, and it’s already flying off the shelves. The innovative, first-of-its-kind cooler has distinguished itself with premium ice retention and a unique cold dry storage section, so you can keep select items completely separate from the wet ice section. You know what that means: no more squished, soggy sandwiches mixed in with your icey cool beers. Cheers to that!
Read on for our full review of Ninja’s latest addition to their stunning outdoor portfolio, and find out how you can score a free prize with a purchase of your very own Ninja FrostVault Cooler during the brand’s exclusive Spring into Savings event.
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Ninja FrostVault Cooler
Depending on your capacity needs, you can purchase the Ninja Frost Cooler comes in two sizes, 30-quart or 50-quart. Choose between three sleek, stunning shades: lakeshore blue, cloud white, and slate gray.
Our Review
What we like about the Ninja FrostVault Cooler
- This cooler offers a separate compartment that keeps select drinks and snacks dry at food-safe temperatures, meaning that you can grab your favorite items hassle-free without opening the cooler lid.
- Upon testing this out, I was very impressed with how cool the items stayed in the dry storage zone, but I should also note that items stay even cooler for longer when placed on ice. Plus, you won’t have to subject your hands to digging through freezing ice just to find what you need.
- This separate area is also ideal for adults looking to keep alcoholic drinks in a separate area for family-friendly use. Or, use it to keep raw protein out of the way. It’s exceptionally convenient.
- The ice storage section holds ice for up to five days. This is ideal for people planning longer trips, as there is no need to worry about constantly changing out the ice. I hardly noticed any condensation or sweating after a day of packing this cooler with ice and drinks.
- If you’re looking for a sturdy cooler that can withstand some blows, tumbles, and drops, you’ve found it. The Ninja FrostVault features exceptionally durable hard-sided construction and up to three inches of insulation.
- Customer can choose between two separate sizes to best fit their needs. The 50-quart option stores up to 80 cans and 50 bottles and the 30-quart option stores up to 48 cans.
- In terms of security, you should be completely set. These coolers feature lockable lids and drawer latches that can be opened with just one hand. You can also use the handles to tie it up to the back of your rig.
What we don’t love about the Ninja FrostVault Cooler
- While this cooler is built with very grip-friendly molded handles on each side, there are no wheels, so it does need to be carried. It would be great if it came with another extendable handle so it could be steered with one hand.
- This cooler is a bit on the heavier side, which you should keep in mind when planning on transportation. I wouldn’t necessarily try taking it up the side of a mountain unless you’re looking to get a great workout.
- The insulation is impeccable on this cooler. However, it’s important to note that the thick walls take up some internal storage space. Don’t be surprised if it seems that the cooler is smaller on the inside than the outside.
Ninja cooler vs. Yeti vs. Rtic
Every outdoor adventurer has their own needs and preferences for picking a cooler. Some may opt for smaller cooler packs or totes that can be carried on solo expeditions, while others need something sturdier for hosting larger groups. This option from Ninja is certainly better for the ladder — especially family barbeques, picnics, or week-long camping trips.
Both Rtic and YETI have a wide selection of high-quality coolers, from hard-sided to soft-sided options. However, I will say that it’s rare to come by any hard-sided cooler that offers two separate food-safe cooling areas. It’s a true game-changer. If you’re looking for something secure, that offers two sections, Ninja is probably the way to go.
Customer reviews seem to agree that Ninja stacks up against some of the larger competitors in the cooler sphere: “The insulation is nice and does keep ice for a long time so it’s good for long road trips or trips in general. This makes for good portability in the long term and I find this comparable to other brands and is just as good. We have a similar cooler in another brand and feel that this holds up just as well. I do like that this one has drawers…”
The final verdict
The Ninja FrostVault Cooler is worth the splurge. You may be spending more money on this cooler than you would for something from Amazon, but you’re paying for high-quality, long-lasting materials, durability, convenience, and security. Not to mention, Ninja offers a five-year limited warranty, so you can be reimbursed if you run into any issues. Between that, free shipping, and a surprise gift, this cooler certainly gets the check from me.
How can you score a free item with a purchase of the Ninja FrostVault Cooler?
At the time of publish, when you purchase the Ninja FrostVault 30-quart cooler, you will receive one free mint-colored Ninja Thirsti 18-ounce Travel Bottle. The Travel Bottle is engineered to keep drinks colder for up to 24 hours and lock in ice for two days. It also fits in most cupholders and is dishwasher-safe. It’s hard to pass on a free high-quality bottle worth $30!
How we tested
To provide a well-rounded review of the Ninja FrostVault, I evaluated the cooler based on a few factors: portability, durability, and cooling capacity. I’ve also tested some best-selling coolers from Rtic and YETI, to see how Ninja compares to competitors.
- Portability: A cooler should be easy to transport — especially when you’ve got to load it up, put it in the back of the car, and carry it outside. I carried this cooler myself to gauge how heavy it was, whether the handles were comfortable, and if it fit well enough in my arms (I have a short wingspan!).
- Durability: Coolers carry precious drinks and snacks, so we’ve got to ensure they’re sturdy and secure. I evaluated the strength of this cooler by putting it through a quick test. Can it withstand some blows? What if it’s dropped? Banged? Hit? I wasn’t very friendly with this cooler, because I wanted to ensure it was as durable as described.
- Cooling: To determine the cooling capacity, I loaded both compartments of the Ninja FrostVault with snacks and drinks. Every couple of hours, I checked to see how chilled the items were, how melted the ice was, and whether there were any signs of condensation or sweating.
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