Is Costco's Popular Galvanized Steel Cooler Really Worth The Hefty Price For Outdoor Entertaining?

If you are planning for a barbecue get-together in your backyard, having a giant cooler with all your favorite drinks is essential. But instead of a small cooler you have to lug around by yourself, we recommend going big, and the Permasteel 120-quart Galvanized Steel Rolling Cooler with Cover is perfect for the job. While it has tons of features and a 4.9 star rating on Costco's site, it also has a notably steep price point. Let's take a look at its features and compare it to similar options to determine whether it's worth buying.

At first glance, the Permasteel 120-quart cooler is undeniably attractive. Its galvanized steel exterior offers a clean, classic design that'll make it an entertaining essential for your outdoor space. It holds up to 185 cans and has removable dividers you can use to organize your drinks, along with a flip-up removable top with four cup holder indents and a flat surface ideal for cutting limes or holding a charcuterie board. 

There's a built-in bottle opener on the side, a drain plug for when you're done, and a shelf below for holding cups, food, and anything else you'd like. Rolling caster wheels and stylish handles allow you to easily move the 50.7-pound cooler to precisely where you need it, and two of the wheels lock it into place. Plus, its compact design is great for small patios, making the best use of the space.

The Permasteel 120-quart cooler has plenty of nice features, but it's hard to ignore the $260 price point. What all are you paying for, and how does it stack up to similar coolers? Permasteel has been making outdoor products for over 20 years, and this cooler is far more than just your basic ice chest. It's made with galvanized steel — a premium material that's both attractive and durable enough for outdoor usage. Unlike wood-finished or plastic coolers, galvanized steel resists rust and won't degrade via UV exposure over time. Throw in its artillery of great features, and the Permasteel 120-quart cooler truly becomes impressive.

Comparable coolers include the Vingli 80-Quart Rolling Ice Chest for about $160, and the BLACK+DECKER Mobile Cooler for $239. Both offer nearly-identical feature sets, minus divider inserts, and lid options. However, both have a much smaller capacity, and the Vingli is made with less rust-resistant material (iron, which is not rust resistant by nature).

There's also the RTIC 72-Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler for $329. It offers better portability (for outdoor adventures, not patios), but is designed for rugged on-the-go cooling rather than being a permanent part of your patio setup, despite having a relatively similar feature set. Ultimately, it depends on what you primarily want to use your cooler for.

The aesthetics of the Permasteel 120-quart Galvanized Steel Rolling Cooler with Cover easily meet its functionality and unbeatable construction. It feels like it's not just a cooler, but actually a piece of outdoor furniture and a centerpiece for your gatherings. And given that just as much quality and effort go into building it as likely goes into your patio furniture, you can count on it fitting in (and keeping up) with your patio decor for years to come.

Those wanting a cohesive design for their outdoor spaces, who also value durable accessories that can withstand the elements make this cooler a compelling choice. Its enormous capacity, 36-hour ice retention, vertical drink dividers, and removable lid contribute to its higher cost, as does its durable steel construction (a trendy idea for designing the perfect patio). If you host regularly, appreciate high-quality craftsmanship, and view your outdoor space as an extension of your home's design, this $260 investment is likely worth it.

However, if you're just wanting a decent rolling cooler that will keep your drinks cold on (more of) a budget, there are absolutely more affordable options out there for you. Still, the Permasteel cooler sets itself up as a premium option in the realm of outdoor entertainment accessories, and for many, its combination of form and function justify its high price.