It goes without saying that a construction worker needs a quality meal and a good lunch box to keep their meal.
As they likely spend the entire day working under the sun, exposed to the heat, it’s important to have the best lunch cooler for construction workers that will prevent the food inside from warming up. Here’s a comprehensive post that will help anyone find the perfect product.
Here are the best lunch coolers for construction workers you can buy in 2024:
- Easy To Clean (Soft Body Lunch Cooler): Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
- Leak Proof (Soft Body Lunch Cooler): OPUX Insulated Collapsible Soft Cooler
- Water Resistant (Soft Body Lunch Cooler): Husky 82021N11
- Most durable (Hard Body Lunch Cooler): Igloo The Boss Playmate Cooler
- Spacious (Hard Body Lunch Cooler): Columbia PFG Skiff Guide Zipperless Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack
- Best For Long Shift (Hard Body Lunch Cooler): Klein Tools 55600
| 6 Best Lunch Coolers For Construction Workers | ||
|---|---|---|
Easy To Clean | Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
| |
Leak Proof | OPUX Insulated Collapsible Soft Cooler
| |
Water Resistant | Husky 82021N11
| |
Most durable | Igloo The Boss Playmate Cooler
| |
Spacious | Columbia PFG Skiff Guide Zipperless Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack
| |
Best For Long Shift | Klein Tools 55600
| |
Easy To Clean (Soft Body Lunch Cooler): Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth - waterproof plastic walls & dirt-resistant, waterproof coating on the outside
- Well-organized – include a 6-pack capacity main compartment, a top compartment, and a pocket
- No leakage – 100% sealed inner PEVA lining
- Strong and smooth zippers – YKK zippers
- The strap isn’t removable
“Easy to clean” is the very first phrase of words that we think of to describe the Carhartt Deluxe Cooler Bag. It is constructed of waterproof plastic walls on the inside and a dirt-resistant, waterproof coating on the outside.
To clean, you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth. For deep cleaning, use a solution of baking soda and water.
The capacity of this cooler is roomy enough to accommodate 6 packs at a time. We love the completely sealed inner PEVA lining so if something unfortunately spills, it never leaks out.
Aside from this main compartment, there’s a separate front zippered pocket for your utensils and atop one for storing extra foods. All the zippers are made by YKK.
| Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 9.8 Ounces |
Material | Polyester |
Interior Dimensions | 10w x 9h x 7d inches |
Capacity | A 6-pack |
Highlight Features | waterproof plastic walls & dirt-resistant, waterproof coating on the outside include a 6-pack capacity main compartment, a top compartment, and a pocket 100% sealed inner PEVA lining YKK zippers |
Built to be waterproof and dirt-resistant that can be easily wiped with a damp cloth, the Carhartt Deluxe Cooler Bag is hands down our most easy-to-clean option.
Leak Proof (Soft Body Lunch Cooler): OPUX Insulated Collapsible Soft Cooler
- Allow for packing your foods and beverage in style – offer 6 color choices
- Able to hold more water bottles and cans – the 9-quart capacity & the height of 9.8”
- No spillage while transporting – leak-proof PEVA lining
- The bottom isn’t rigid
- Straps aren’t made of heavy-duty stuff
If you want a leak-proof lunch cooler but on a larger capacity, this option is a nice try.
Its capacity is 9 quarts, capable of holding 16 cans. The height is good to accommodate 8 standard size water bottles vertically as well.
This lunch cooler features a main compartment designed as a hook-and-loop fastener top flap while the PEVA lining is 100% sealed for no leakage. Therefore, it is easy to clean, quick to access, and convenient for transporting.
It also provides you with an adjustable shoulder strap and two handle straps for hand-free capability. Plus, there are six color options to choose from.
| OPUX Insulated Collapsible Soft Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Material | 600D Polyester/Nylon |
Interior Dimensions | 15.71 x 9.8 x 3.7 inches |
Capacity | 9 quarts |
Highlight Features | offer 6 color choices the 9-quart capacity & the height of 9.8” leak-proof PEVA lining |
Highlighting a 100% sealed PEVA lining combined with a hook-and-loop fastener top flap, the OPUX Insulated Collapsible Soft Cooler offers the highest leak-proof levels.
Water Resistant (Soft Body Lunch Cooler): Husky 82021N11
- Able to resist light rain and splashes - made of heavy-duty 600D spun-stuff water-resistant material
- Offer lots of extra storage - two-sided mesh pockets and the front zippered pocket
- Easy to access your foods – dual-sided zippers & top flap main compartment
- The strap needs improvement for more comfort
If “water-resistant” remains atop of your priority list when looking for a lunch cooler, then this option might be the best bet.
It is made of heavy-duty 600D spun-stuff water-resistant material that can handle splashes or light rain. In the meantime, the waterproof well-sealed PEVA liner retains the heat of your beverage and food without leaking.
Making it to the highlight is two-sided mesh pockets and the front zippered pocket.
It also has a top handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. The zippers are dual-sided, strong, and big enough for easy pulling, which gives a durable and long-lasting feel.
| Husky 82021N11 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.95 Pounds |
Material | 600-denier fabric |
Interior Dimensions | 9.25 x 7.5 x 10.5 inches |
Highlight Features | made of heavy-duty 600D spun-stuff water-resistant material two-sided mesh pockets and the front zippered pocket dual-sided zippers & top flap main compartment |
Constructed of 600D spun-stuff material, the Husky 82021N11 is our solid choice in terms of water resistance.
Most durable (Hard Body Lunch Cooler): Igloo The Boss Playmate Cooler
- Feel rugged, strong, and reliable - the heavy-duty diamond-plate texture on the exterior
- Easy to use - a molded-in handle & a spill-proof swing-to-open push button lid
- Look cool and outstanding – the signature tent-shaped top design
- No shoulder strap
Igloo The Boss Playmate Cooler excellently passed all of our tests relating to durability. It feels rugged, strong, and reliable, all thanks to the unique exterior outfitted with heavy-duty diamond-plate texture.
It also features a molded-in handle and a spill-proof swing-to-open push-button lid for extra convenience during use.
One notable thing is its iconic, signature tent-shaped top design built to be bigger than the previous versions, which means it can hold more.
| Igloo The Boss Playmate Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.7 Pounds |
Material | Other |
Interior Dimensions | 14.57 x 10.63 x 13.78 inches |
Capacity | 14.8 Quarts |
Highlight Features | the heavy-duty diamond-plate texture on the exterior a molded-in handle & a spill-proof swing-to-open push button lid the signature tent-shaped top design |
If you’re finding the most durable hardbody lunch cooler, look no further than the Igloo The Boss Playmate
Spacious (Hard Body Lunch Cooler): Columbia PFG Skiff Guide Zipperless Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack
- Keep more ice and drinks – the 22-can capacity & expandable front compartment
- Not strain or put stress on your shoulders while carrying it around - cushioned Backsaver shoulder strap
- Easy access to food and drinks - flip-open zipper-less lid design
- High-quality & safe to use - removable, recyclable, and FDA compliant SmartShelf liner
- The stitches could be stronger
This hard-body lunch cooler is perfect for a large group of construction workers due to its ultra-large 22-can capacity and the additional expandable front compartment.
What surprised us the most is its modest size, only 10.5" x 5.5" x 10.5", just like the smaller ones but a bit taller. And, it feels more comfortable to carry this cooler around, thanks to the adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with pad.
But the real star is its ThermaCool high-performance insulation and leak-proof lining combined with the patented, flip-open zipper-less lid design. Not only is it easier to access food and drinks but this cooler also can keep ice for 5 hours and drinks up to 8.
One more plus is its SmartShelf liner. It’s removable, recyclable, and FDA compliant for safety.
| Columbia PFG Skiff Guide Zipperless Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Material | Plastic |
Interior Dimensions | 12.25 x 10 x 12.5 inches |
Capacity | 22-can |
Highlight Features | the 22-can capacity & expandable front compartment the Backsaver shoulder strap flip-open zipper-less lid design removable, recyclable, and FDA compliant SmartShelf liner |
If you’re a big group of construction workers who plan to share cool beverages after the shift ends, the Columbia PFG with its spacious 22-can capacity might be what you’re after.
Best For Long Shift (Hard Body Lunch Cooler): Klein Tools 55600
- Perfect for extended shifts – ice retention capacity up to 30 hours
- Heavy-duty and spacious – the 17-quart size & 300-pound weight capacity
- Allow for uninterrupted access – 90-degree open lid
- Able to hold some more 1L water bottle – the uniquely recessed hinged lid design
- A bit pricey
- The strap shoulders need more improvement
The Klein Tools 55600 is not a budget-friendly option but its decent ice retention capability (up to 30 hours) does sweeten the deal.
In addition to that, it excellently supports 300 pounds and has a 17-quart main compartment with a full 180-degree open-to-access lid design. Once opened, this lid can stay upright at 90 degrees so you can quickly grab your utensils, foods, or drinks.
The most brilliant, innovative thing about this lid is the recessed part that can hold some 1L water bottle nicely.
| Klein Tools 55600 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.8 pounds |
Interior Dimensions | 16.75 x 12.5 x 13.5 inches |
Capacity | 17-Quart or 18 Cans |
Highlight Features | ice retention capacity up to 30 hours the 17-quart size & 300-pound weight capacity 90-degree open lid the uniquely recessed hinged lid design |
With an emphasis on 30-hour ice retention capacity, the Klein Tools 55600 is the most potential candidate for a long shift.
How To Choose The Best Lunch Cooler For Construction Workers?
Insulation (Cooling Time)
The insulation of a lunch box indicates how long it can maintain the temperature of the food inside. It’s a crucial factor to consider because nobody wants their ice cream to melt inside the box. Therefore, find a model that offers good insulation.
In addition, you should pick a cooler with room for 1 to 2 ice packs. This will help keep your food cold for 10-14 hours.
Microwave-Safe
If you want to heat up your food in the microwave, you should go with a lunch cooler with removable containers. Not just that, the containers must be safe for use in the microwave as well. To check for this feature, you can look at the packaging to see if it’s BPA-free.
Size & Design
Choosing sizes is easy because all you need to think of is how much food you will put in the cooler, which is completely based on your daily food consumption.
There are small and large coolers. Smaller ones are suitable for the school and office, providing enough room for a sandwich, a bottle of water, and some fruit. On other hand, large coolers are suitable for construction workers and similar users. They are big enough to hold lunch and water for an entire day.
While the design is not a priority when shopping for a cooler, having a product that’s both great and beautiful doesn’t hurt. At all times, and efficient design must be chosen over a beautiful one, keep that in mind.
Durability & Leak-Proof
A lunch cooler is the type of product that you will use every day for a very long time, which is why durability is very important to take into account. It should be durable enough to last for at least a year or so.
Durability is often determined by the material of the product, so choose a solid material.
Leak-proof is an amazing additional feature to get when you buy a lunch cooler since there will be accidents and spillages can happen any time.
If your cooler is both waterproof and leakproof, you will be able to use it with great comfort.
Which Brands Make The Best Lunch Cooler For Construction Workers?
Carhartt
Since its establishment in 1889, this company has been a leading brand in the industry. Here, you will find coolers of different sizes so you can choose one that fits your needs the most.
Igloo
Founded in 1947, this company has dedicated years of its experience in changing how we work, live, and play. It creates its own product with the aim of improving our experience day by day.
Columbia
With 80 years in the industry, this company focuses on making your outdoor activities better and better. It relies on technological advancement to manufacture the best products with the highest quality.
FAQs
How do I keep my lunch cold at work?
You should use a lunch cooler with room for 1 or 2 ice packs. This will help you keep your lunch cold for 10 to 14 hours.
How long does food stay cold in a lunch bag?
This depends on the specific product, but on average, a lunch bag can keep your food cold within 2 to 2.5 hours.
Can you put hot food in a cooler bag?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that hot food may cause the plastic inside the bag to melt. Therefore, you should wrap your hot food in a towel to keep it hot for longer and prevent melting.
Can you put hot liquid in an Igloo cooler?
This depends on the model, but you can do this sometimes. The cooler will not heat up the liquid but only maintain the heat for as long as possible.
Are Igloo coolers insulated?
Yes, they are insulated.
Conclusion
Through this post, we hope that you have figured out what to look for in the best lunch cooler for construction workers. We have also included some of the best brands in the market that make and sell lunch coolers, you should look into them to make sure you get a quality product on your hands.
