Coleman 316 Series 52 Review

The Coleman 316 Series 52 cooler is a simple cooler that features a drain plug and four integrated cup holders. It weighs in at just 9.5 pounds, making it easy to transport around. It can hold up to 74 cans, but it won't keep them cold for more than a few days.

Performance Comparison

Insulation

The Coleman 316 is one of the few options in our lineup that isn't rotomolded. Instead, it's blow-molded plastic, which tends to not do as well at holding colder temperatures. We set the Coleman, among the others, in a temperature-controlled room for 10 days. It was filled with ice and a device that recorded its internal temperatures. After 10 days, we collected the data to see how well it held up. It lasted four days below the FDA-recommended food-safe temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It lasted an additional nine and a half hours below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which represents the ideal beverage temperature. Though this isn't the most impressive performance, it should be enough to last you through the weekend. It's also worth noting that we didn't prechill the cooler prior to testing. Prechilling might squeeze a few extra hours into the chilly lifespan of the Coleman.

Durability

As a part of our durability test, we stood, sat, and yanked on the 316. We had no concerns when sitting on the lid. However, when we stood on the cooler, it made a loud creaking noise and bowed easily. We also picked it up and sloshed it around, which resulted in significant leakage from the lid. We don't feel confident in this model's overall longevity due to its weak-feeling handles, latches, and hinges. It also developed a strange discoloration within the lid.

Ease of Use

We measured the Series 52qt in at 44 quarts. After filling this cooler up with cans, we documented that it can hold a capacity of 72 12-ounce cans. The lid is straightforward to open as it has no latches. It also won't close on your hand while packing as it opens just past 90 degrees. We appreciate how easy it is to get in and out of this cooler. It includes an attached drain plug, so you won't need to worry about misplacing it. We also didn't notice any leaks from the drain plug after the ice had melted. However, we could see this becoming weak over time as it doesn't feel the most durable. In addition, the drain did a decent job of emptying the cooler, but we still needed to pick it up and shake it around to get the remaining water out.

Portability

The Coleman 316 Series is delightfully lightweight at just over nine pounds. It also has a fairly small footprint for its larger internal capacity. Unlike many of the other larger models, we were able to carry this around alone. Additionally, it was one of the easiest to load in and out of the car. Our only concerns lie with the durability of the handles and the leaky lid. When weighed down, the handles feel like they are being strained. We could imagine these breaking over time. We also experienced significant leakage from the lid when the cooler was tilted sideways.

Additional Features

The Coleman has four cupholders integrated into the lid. Beyond that, it doesn't have much in terms of features. For its price, you're not necessarily paying for all the bells and whistles. Instead, with all the money saved, you can focus on filling it up with lots of goodies and treats. Furthermore, it's available in two colors.

Should You Buy the Coleman 316 Series 52?

The Coleman 316 is one of the few that isn't rotomolded in our lineup. Because of that, it lacks strong insulation performance and durability. However, it is impressively lightweight and inexpensive. If you're planning on using this just a few times a year, you'll likely be just fine. However, if you're looking to spend more than a few days away from home, we'd recommend checking out another option that holds its chilly temps for longer.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

If longevity and insulation power are a must, we recommend the Orca 58. Though it's quite a bit pricier, you'll be set for years of journeys with ice-cold beverages. However, if you'd prefer to keep costs down while not sacrificing performance, the Xspec 60 is a great option. This cooler does well in every metric with a middle-of-the-road price.