Backyard Coolers

Backyard coolers help keep cold drinks and picnic fixings close by, whether you’re grilling supper after chores or gathering the neighbors for a weekend cookout. Choosing an outdoor cooler starts with how you spend time outside and how many folks you plan to feed. A smaller cooler may be enough for a quiet evening on the porch, while a larger capacity makes sense for family reunions, backyard barbecues and long afternoons around the picnic table. Leave room for ice along with beverages and food, and check the cooler’s dimensions against the space where you plan to keep it. For a patio cooler that stays near the grill, think about easy access without crowding the cook or blocking a walkway. If your backyard cooler will travel between the house, shed and gathering spot, consider its filled weight and whether carrying handles or wheels would make moving it more manageable. Keep the route in mind, too: a smooth patio is a different haul from gravel or uneven grass. Getting the most out of backyard coolers takes a little planning before the first guest arrives. Chill drinks and perishable food ahead of time so the ice doesn’t have to do all the work, then pack everything close together with plenty of ice around it. Set your outdoor cooler in the shade, keep the lid shut between trips and follow the manufacturer’s packing and care directions. For bigger cookouts, separate beverage and food coolers can help limit how often the food cooler gets opened as folks reach for another drink. Keep raw meat in sealed, leakproof containers away from ready-to-eat food, and check that perishables stay at 40°F or below with an appliance thermometer inside the cooler. As you compare backyard coolers, think beyond capacity to everyday tasks such as reaching the contents, draining melted ice and cleaning up after supper. A cooler that suits your space, your usual crowd and your cleanup routine can make outdoor entertaining a whole lot easier, from a quick family meal to an all-day Fourth of July gathering.