High-performing, heavy-duty, and well worth the investment.
Whether you camp, host barbecues regularly, or just don’t love filling your fridge with drinks and extras when you don’t have to, having a cooler is essential. I’ve owned my fair share of models, including a very basic Coleman model from the years of yore and a mini Igloo cooler, which I still love using for trips to the beach.
In recent months, I’ve been looking for a replacement for my larger model that’s spacious enough for parties and durable enough to take into the wild or toss in the back of my car. While diving deep into the details on offerings from fan-favourite brands like YETI and Stanley, I stumbled upon one of Ninja’s newest launches: the FrostVault 45-Quart Wheeled Cooler.
It seemed to tick all the right boxes, and I love the Ninja appliances I currently have in my kitchen, but it comes with a hefty price tag. I’m here to let you know if it’s actually worth every penny.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 72.59 cm L x 44.09 cm W x 47.98 cm H
- Weight: 30.2 lbs
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Sizes: 30-quart, 45-quart
- Colours: Blue, Grey, White
My review of the Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler
The Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler is a serious upgrade if you’re used to basic, no-frills models. Designed with a rock-solid, ultra-durable hard shell and a whopping three inches of insulation, it can keep food and drink uncrushed and ice cold for days at a time.
For reference, I packed it with ice and drinks early on a Saturday afternoon for my partner’s birthday party, and come Monday morning, there was still ice in it (yes, some cubes had melted, but that’s still pretty impressive). By Tuesday, the cubes were almost all melted, but the water inside was still cold. Keep in mind that this was during a heat wave, and some guests left it open during the party. The ice definitely would have lasted longer if it had remained closed for most of the evening, but I still give that lasting power 5 stars.
The spacious main compartment is large enough to fit 68 standard-size cans without ice or 30 cans with ice (it has a 45-quart capacity overall). At my partner’s birthday, there were 20+ guests, and everyone could comfortably fit their beers and seltzers inside, on top of the three bags of ice I had poured in. This saved me from clearing out my fridge or bringing in a second cooler, which I was thankful for. When it was time to empty, it was as easy as unplugging the drain plug; no tipping necessary.
I think it would also be large enough for a weekend camping trip or a larger outdoor barbecue, depending on how many people you are travelling with or hosting. Just keep in mind that you may have to forego some ice (and therefore some cold-blasting power) if you want to cram it full of food and drink.
Thanks to its size and durability, I’ve found that the hinged top also makes for an excellent makeshift table. I think this would be especially handy for camping trips, as you can use it as a prep station or dining surface, wiping it clean between meals.
One feature that sets this cooler apart from more basic models is the Dry Zone drawer. Positioned below the main compartment—beneath the ice—it keeps snacks and sandwiches cold and dry for days, maintaining temperatures under 40°F. Be aware that this section is made for flatter, more compact items, measuring only three inches tall, so you won’t be able to fit large boxes of fridge food or a week’s worth of ingredients. I find that it’s good for garnishes, small road trip snacks, and the like.
And if you'd like to take your cooler with you on the go? Easy-peasy. An upgrade from the original FrostVault model, this one is equipped with two all-terrain wheels that are ultra-durable, puncture-resistant, and can handle all types of weather. The handle folds down and tucks into the body of the cooler, keeping things as compact as possible when it’s not in use. It’s easy to snap in and out, and it has a wide, ergonomic grip for easy hauling. The integrated handles on the body of the cooler also make it easy to tie into your truck bed with ratchet straps or secure in your car to keep it safe on bumpy roads.
One thing worth taking into account is that because this cooler is so heavy-duty, it has some serious heft to it. The whole thing weighs in at over 30 pounds, and when you’ve packed it full of cans and snacks, it’s even heavier. That’s definitely something to consider if you’re planning on hauling it in and out of your car alone, or will be taking it across uneven stretches of ground that the wheels can’t handle. Otherwise, it’s near-perfect.
Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler Pros
Keeps food and drink cold for days
Hard shell ensures everything inside stays in perfect condition and resists wear and tear
Dry Zone drawer keeps snacks from getting soggy
All-terrain wheels make it easy to move around
Built-in drain spout makes for easy emptying
Large capacity
Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler Cons
- It’s very expensive and won’t be within everyone’s budget
It's heavier than most coolers, even when empty
