Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Review

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Review: Worth The Hype?

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I never arrive at a tailgating event without a reliable cooler. I mean, how else will I avoid being vulnerable to the ravage that is drinking warm beverages?! But I’ve been around cold chests long enough to know that not all of them are worth your money. Chances are you feel the same and that’s why you’re going through Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler reviews.

Well, at Simply Tailgating, we left nothing to chance while writing this Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler review. So if you want the truth and nothing but the truth, stick around and we’ll loop you in!

About Coleman Products:

Company Highlights

  • Company Name: The Coleman Company, Inc.
  • URL: Coleman.com
  • Address: 1767 Denver West Blvd., Golden, CO 80401, US
  • Owner: Newell Brands

The Coleman Company is an American manufacturer of outdoor recreational products, mostly camping gear. The company is a subsidiary of Newell Brands and they are headquartered in Chicago, IL, USA.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Construction and Design:

Specs

  • Exterior Dimensions (width, length, height): 26 x 14 x 14.5 inches
  • Storage Capacity: Holds 63 cans
  • Weight: 7 pounds
  • Construction/Materials: Polyurethane construction, thermo-zone insulation
  • Insulation Thickness: 0.75 inches
  • Ice Retention: 3 days at 90°F
  • Shelf Life of Food: 1-3 days at 90°F
  • Keeps Beverages Cold: 3 days at 90°F

Besides keeping your beverages nice and cold, a cooler can offer so much more at your tailgate parties. So let’s see what makes up the Coleman Performance 48 Quart:

Polypropylene Construction & Thermo-zone Insulation – A polypropylene exterior is pretty strong, able to last a lifetime, and the thermo-zone insulation enables the cooler to comfortably retain ice for 2 days in hot air or up to 3 days at 90°F.

Leak-Resistant Drain – The drain system lets you empty the melted ice without turning the cooler upside down, adding to the cooler’s durability, in addition to being leak resistant.

Hinged Lid & 2-Way Handles – You’ll only need one hand to open the 0.5 inch-thick lid, while the 2-way side handles also make it super easy to lift and carry the cooler.

Additional Features

  • Low CO2 insulation
  • Available in red and blue
  • Tall enough to carry 2-liter bottles

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Insulation Ability:

The 48-Quart Performance Cooler’s insulation allows it to retain ice for up to 3 days at 90°F. That’s quite impressive for a cooler that can hold 63 12-ounce cans. That may be a common characteristic of foam insulation, but you’re guaranteed at least 2 days of stone cold ice even on a hot summer afternoon, as long as the lid remains closed for the most part.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Portability:

The Coleman 48-Quart Cooler weighs around 7 lbs when assembled, which is again surprisingly light for a cooler of this size. We also like the two-way handles that are usually more convenient than the one-handle versions for easy transport. Also, at 26 x 14 x 14.5 inches it won’t take up too much trunk space.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Durability:

You should expect your Coleman Performance 48-Quart to last a lifetime with the right tender love and care. Polypropylene will basically stand the test of time, not forgetting the leak-resistant design of the drain. But be sure to keep it off direct sunlight whenever possible, as there’s no indication that they added UV inhibitors to the chest’s exterior. Some say it’s strong enough to double up as a seat, but I’ll leave that to you to determine!

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Ease of Use:

Using the Coleman Performance 48 Quart Cooler shouldn’t be a bother. The pressure-fit lid doesn’t require a latch to close. So you’ll require just one hand to open it. Unlike most other coolers that don’t have a drain hole, you won’t have to turn this one upside down to empty out the ice and water. Water will just drain once you open the knob. So in terms of ease of use all you need to do is add ice and open the lid whenever necessary, then open the drain knob when you want to clean and store it.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Visual Appeal:

The Coleman Performance Cooler is available in red and blue. It looks solid and sturdy thanks to the polypropylene exterior. You also have the brand name “Coleman” embossed on the front. The surface is rough and rugged, a common characteristic of polypropylene coolers. And finally you have the protruding handles on either side and the drain knob at the base.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Warranty:

The 48-Quart Performance Cooler comes with a one year limited warranty against manufacturer defects. If you’re within the warranty period you can contact Coleman at 1-800-835-3278 or go here for more information. Be sure to keep your original receipt!

But I bet you know how difficult it can be to get warranty issues sorted out, especially when you shop online. So to be sure you don’t fall victim to poor customer service, be sure to shop at reliable stores, like at Amazon.com, that’s known for its world class customer service and easy returns.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Accessories:

There’s more to tailgating coolers than just the main chest. To get ahead of the game, here are a couple of Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler accessories that you should check out:

You can check them out Amazon.com for the best prices on these accessories and more, and take advantage of offers like the Free 1-3 Day Delivery if you’re a Prime member.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Replacement Parts:

The Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler is a lightweight, spacious and durable chest that will definitely keep your beverages cold. However, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. That being said, at the time of writing, here’s what you can replace:

You can buy them on Amazon.com and get them fast with the Free 1-3 Day Free Delivery if you’re a Prime Member.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Cost:

The Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler costs around $25. You can get it on Amazon.com for the best deals online. You can also save on shipping if you’re a Prime member with the Free Guaranteed 1-3 Day Delivery.

What Do We Like?

Lightweight and Durable – Don’t be misled by the lightweight nature of this cooler. It’s as strong as they come. Long term owners of the chest say their coolers look good as new. We can thank the overall design of the cooler, with the most vulnerable parts like the handles and drain system made to last. In addition, the construction is basically unbreakable unless you have something against polyurethane.

Portable and Spacious – This cooler fits over 60 cans without ice in it, and is tall enough to fit 2 liter bottles. Again 2-way side handles are great while carrying coolers. The cooler may not have a skid resistant base, fancy latches or extra compartments, but if you’re looking for a portable and spacious cooler while on a budget, Coleman took a pretty good shot at that with the 48-Quart Performance Cooler.

Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler Complaints:

Nothing is as painful as being blindsided when buying something. So we thought you’re better off knowing the story on the opposite side of the coin.

Hinges eventually come off – The lid hinges loosen up and will eventually come off, if what some customers are saying is anything to go by. But perhaps it’s reassuring that they make replacements for these hinges available for purchase.

Other Coolers to Consider:

If you’re still on the fence after reading this review, here are a couple of Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler alternatives you can consider as well:

Should You Buy The Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler?

If you’re out for a budget cooler that will do exactly what it claims, then the Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler is a worthwhile buy. With no latches, 2-way handles, generous interior space, and lightweight sturdy construction, the cooler is well worth it for only $25. You’ll also definitely get some good years out of the cooler. So, if you’re planning on going all in on it, check out Amazon.com for the best prices and deals, such as the Free Guaranteed 1-3 Day shipping if you’re a Prime member.

Best Features:

  • Lightweight and Durable
  • Portable and Spacious

Worst Features: 

  • Hinge screws may come off

Thanks for checking out my Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler review. If you still have questions about this cooler, you can find answers in the product’s Amazon page. Finally, we love hearing what you guys think about the products we review at Simply Tailgating. So be sure to leave a comment about this cooler or any other product in the comments section below!

Cheers!

Chris

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