7 Best Instant Beverage Coolers for Satisfyingly Cold Drinks in 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
April 04, 2023We recommend the best products that we believe will offer value for our readers —learn more about our review process . If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As the weather gets warmer, you need to think about how to keep cool. An ice-cold drink is a perfect way to beat the heat, but what if you forgot to stock your fridge with beverages?
It can be a hassle to wait for your drinks to get ice cold in the refrigerator, and if you add ice to your drink, it will get watered down. But you won’t have to experience these problems if you have an instant beverage cooler!
Whether you're craving a beer , iced coffee, soda , or wine , these devices are up to the task of quenching your thirst. Without further ado, here are the best instant beverage coolers to help you stay refreshed anytime!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller Runner-Up: Chill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler Most Versatile: MINXUE Drink Cooler with Wireless Charger Best Design: HyperChiller Instant Beverage Cooling Tumbler Best for Outdoors: CHILLPILL Instant Beverage Cooler Most Durable: Cupcooler Desktop Beverage Instant Cooler Best Value: Mollbok Patented Instant Beverage Cooler |
1. Best Overall: Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller
Why We Think It’s Great
- SIMPLE TOUCHPAD: User-friendly controls with 5 different settings.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Compatible with various beverage containers, including soda cans, standard bottles, and wine bottles.
- REMOVABLE LID: Designed to chill wine, making it a great gift for wine lovers and wine enthusiasts.
- AUTOMATIC OFF FUNCTION: The drink is ready and cold when the device turns off.
- AVAILABLE WARRANTY: One-year guarantee on new items and a 30-day guarantee on refurbished ones.
What We Don’t Like
- Wine bottles are loud when spinning.
- Water splashes into the counter when in use.
What Our Experts Say
“If you're looking for an instant beverage cooler that is both high-quality and luxurious, the Cooper Cooler rapid beverage cooler is the perfect choice. While it is more of a splurge, its quality and features make it worth the investment,” says Kelsey Waddell from Winning Homebrew .
“This silver gadget can chill your drinks in just a few minutes, making it ideal for parties, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to keep your beverages icy-cold. It also includes a handy spin cycle that ensures even cooling and a no-spin option for delicate beverages,” she notes.
Material: Plastic | Cooling Time: 1-6 minutes | Used for: Standard beverage bottles and cans, standard wine bottles
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2. Runner-Up: Chill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler
Why We Think It’s Great
- PORTABLE: Compact size and battery-operated for maximum convenience on the go.
- QUICK CHILLING: Efficient chilling in as fast as 60 seconds.
- NO FIZZING: Spins rather than shake, resulting in cool, non-explosive carbonated beverages.
- EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly operate the device with just one button.
What We Don’t Like
- It drains the batteries quickly.
What Buyers Say
“We can attest that this cooler is adequately designed for its function. Its battery-operated feature makes it highly portable, while its speed and convenience are simply unbeatable. In just 60 seconds or less, we enjoyed a super chilly can of soda!
We are surprised to find that the suction cup fits our 12-oz. can perfectly, and just as advertised, there's no foaming or fizzing after the chilling period. Plus, the cover keeps everything contained, so there's no mess to clean up.”
Material: Plastic | Cooling Time: 1 minute | Used for: Standard beverage cans
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3. Most Versatile: MINXUE Drink Cooler with Wireless Charger
Why We Think It’s Great
- MULTIPURPOSE: Enjoy the convenience of a drink cooler, warmer, and wireless charger in one compact device.
- HEAT-RESISTANT: Made from premium fire-resistant materials to ensure safe and efficient use.
- AUTO SHUTDOWN: Turns off after 4 hours of inactivity to conserve energy and prevent overheating.
- FREE MUG: Designed to fit in the heating/cooling area perfectly.
- GIFTABLE: Excellent for birthdays, housewarmings, weddings, etc.
What We Don’t Like
- It has a motor noise while charging.
- It doesn’t make drinks as ice cold as other coolers.
What Our Editors Say
“With a temperature range of 50°F to 131°F, this device can accommodate a wide range of cold drinks and warm beverages. It only takes a press of a button to switch between the two options with ease.
We also love the built-in wireless phone charger for Android or iOS because it is an unconventional yet cool feature for a cooler to have. While the included mug is helpful, you can directly place a 12-oz. can on it for convenience.”
Material: ABS and food-grade PP material | Manufactured: China | Used for: Standard beverage cans
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4. Best Design: HyperChiller Instant Beverage Cooling Tumbler
Why We Think It’s Great
- FOOD-GRADE MATERIALS: High-quality stainless steel and BPA-free plastic to ensure durability and safe drinks.
- 12-OUNCE CAPACITY: The appropriate size to enjoy your drink and quench your thirst.
- VERSATILE: Use it to chill coffee, tea, wine, spirits, or any other beverage.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Uses water rather than cooling gels, making it compatible with a dishwasher.
- FAST COOLING: Features two ice chambers, effectively chilling beverages in one minute or less.
What We Don’t Like
- It needs to be frozen for hours before it can be used.
What Buyers Say
“We are impressed with how easy and straightforward this instant beverage cooler is. The instructions have helpful pictures, making it practically fool-proof, and we’re able to enjoy a perfectly chilled coffee without any weird aftertaste.
Cleaning it is also a breeze since it's top-rack dishwasher safe and can also be easily taken apart for handwashing. The top opening is spacious enough to get our hands all the way to the bottom to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned.”
Material: Pastic and stainless steel | Cooling Time: <1 minute | Manufactured: China | Used for: Any beverage
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5. Best for Outdoors: CHILLPILL Instant Beverage Cooler
Why We Think It’s Great
- NO FOAM: Smooth rotation with no shaking so as to not agitate the drinks.
- BATTERY-OPERATED: Stock up on two AAs and use this gadget wherever you go.
- HEAVY-DUTY: Made with premium plastic and a high-performance motor.
- OVAL SHAPE: Not bulky with no awkward edges, making it easy to pack for travel and store when not in use.
What We Don’t Like
- There are no handles to make it easy to lift.
What Our Editors Say
“We like that this cooler has a transparent lid, as it allows us to see what's inside without having to open it. We also appreciate how it can fit not just 12-oz. cans but also up to 16-oz. cans and bottles.
The high-quality, solid plastic used to make this cooler is another standout feature because it assures longevity and makes it an impressive gift. And with the high-performance battery-operated motor, you can enjoy cold beverages anytime, anywhere.”
Material: Plastic | Cooling Time: 2 minutes | Manufactured: China | Used for: Standard and 16-oz. beverage bottles and cans
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6. Most Durable: Cupcooler Desktop Beverage Instant Cooler
Why We Think It’s Great
- SLEEK APPEARANCE: Available in gold and silver to match any aesthetic.
- CONVENIENT AND EFFICIENT: Cools drinks below -18℃ and maintains the coldness, like wine chillers.
- VARIOUS PLUG COMPATIBILITY: Good for EU, US, UK, and AU for users' convenience.
What We Don’t Like
- The drink is not fully encased in the cup.
What Our Editors Say
“One can immediately acknowledge the elegance that this beverage cooler exudes with its sleek silver or gold color. And the fact that this cooler can cool drinks within one minute astonishes us. It is also capable of maintaining the temperature between 32-41°F.
It can cater to cans and bottles, but if a container doesn’t fit, you can directly pour the drink into the cup. It's also an electric-powered cooler which is convenient if you don’t want to buy batteries constantly.”
Material: Aluminum | Cooling Time: 1 minute | Used for: Any beverage
Related: The Best Portable Ice Makers
7. Best Value: Mollbok Patented Instant Beverage Cooler
Why We Think It’s Great
- CRACK-RESISTANT: Bottom pressure release valve prevents water expansion.
- SAFE TO USE: Designed without BPA and phthalates, making it a safer and more environmentally-friendly option.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Can be used to chill various beverages such as coffee, beer, wine, soda, iced tea, and more!
- NON-SLIP: The silicone sleeve ensures a firm grip and prevents warming the drink with your hand.
What We Don’t Like
- The lid leaks sometimes.
What Buyers Say
“The cup is built to last, with high-quality stainless-steel cups inside that won't crack and a sturdy rubber top that keeps odors out. We also love that it’s easy it is to use – just fill it up with water and pop it into the freezer for a few hours before use.
While we wish it could hold more than 14 oz, it’s not a big deal since we can just make a second batch. The suction on the lid is great, and the bottom is easy to fill with water and freeze. We can even pop it in the top rack of the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.”
Material: Stainless steel | Cooling Time: 3 minutes | Manufactured: China | Used for: Any beverage
Related: The Best Ice Trays
Final Verdict
If you need a quick, easy way to chill your drinks without any dilution and hassle, an instant beverage cooler is definitely the way to go.
Our top pick for this post is the Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller because of its speed and ability to accommodate different drinks in different container sizes.
Which instant beverage cooler do you think is perfect for you? Tell us in the comments below!
Best Instant Beverage Coolers Buying Guide
Different instant beverage coolers cater to different people’s needs. Here are some factors to consider so you can easily choose one.
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Cooling Time
Some machines can chill drinks in a minute or even less, while others may take a few more. This can also depend on the type of device and the drink you’re cooling.
Battery-operated ones are generally quicker in cooling since they have spin options, allowing the liquid in containers to circulate and contact the ice cubes evenly.
Moreover, aluminum cans take less time to cool since they quickly adapt to the cold, whereas glass and plastic bottles may take more.
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Material and Finish
The most popular options nowadays are made of stainless steel and plastic. Just make sure that the container is food-grade and safe to use.
For people that are always on the go, select an instant drink cooler that is durable and easy to carry. If you plan to use it at home or office, pick one that doesn’t take up too much space.
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Noise and Power Source
Most electrically-powered and battery-powered coolers produce audible mechanical sounds, which can be bothersome for some people but negligible if it is going to be used outside or if you’re alone at home.
If you don’t like noisy machines, you may opt for instant drink cooler designs that don’t need power. Manual shaking of the container is enough to chill the drink quickly.
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Versatility
While some coolers are designed for a specific type of beverage, such as canned drinks or a wine bottle, others are more versatile and can accommodate a wide range of drinks, including bottles, cans, wine, coffee, and more.
Nobody likes limiting drink options, so we suggest getting a versatile unit, as it allows you to adapt to your changing beverage preferences over time. It can help you save money and space in the long run, as well.
Rather than having to purchase multiple units for different types of drinks, a versatile cooler can chill various beverages. This can be especially helpful for small apartments or homes with limited space.
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Ease of Use and Features
The ease of use of a rapid beverage cooler is critical because it can impact how frequently you use the appliance. If the cooler is difficult to use or operate, you may be less likely to use it regularly, defeating the purpose of having it in the first place.
Battery-operated instant beverage coolers are portable and compact, useful for outdoor events. On the other hand, electricity-operated coolers are reliable for home or office use since there’s no worry of dying batteries. Still, they may not be as versatile in terms of mobility.
Nevertheless, both are relatively easy to operate and only require ice, water, and a push of a button. Others even have multiple functions and are dishwasher-safe.
Manual cooler cups are also easy to use because you just have to pour the drink directly into them. But you have to put them in the fridge for a number of hours before using them.
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Price
In general, the price of beverage coolers will depend on their size, capacity, features, and overall quality. It's important to choose a cooler that won't break the bank and has all the features and performance you need.
Instant beverage coolers can cost anywhere from $18 for a basic model with few features and a small capacity to $100 for a large, high-end model with lots of features.
Best Instant Beverage Coolers FAQ
1. How does an instant beverage cooler work?
An instant beverage cooler is a handy electrical appliance that uses a rolling motion to quickly chill aluminum cans, glass bottles, or plastic bottles. It simply passes icy cold water over the surface of your drink, and it rapidly becomes frosty cold.
Other coolers take the form of a cup with separate chambers inside that will be filled with water and put in the freezer. Once frozen, a chosen beverage is poured into the cup, and the ice with cool it down without diluting it because the ice cubes and drink are not in direct contact.
2. Why is my instant beverage cooler not getting cold?
One reason is that the evaporator may be damaged or broken. Another reason is that ice may have built up inside the cooler, preventing the cold air from circulating properly. Finally, a dirty or blocked fan can prevent the cool air from reaching your drinks.
These problems can often be fixed by clearing up any accumulated debris within and around the cooler parts. With a bit of troubleshooting, you should get your instant beverage cooler working properly in no time.
3. How long does an instant beverage cooler take to cool?
Usually, it takes 10-12 minutes to chill a drink when covered in ice. However, if you use ice water in the instant beverage cooler, you can cut the cooling time in half to 4-6 minutes. Some even need only a minute!
This is because the ice water will help to absorb the heat from the drink more quickly. As a result, your drink will be chilled much faster.
4. What is the difference between a beverage cooler and a refrigerator?
An instant beverage cooler is a small refrigeration unit designed to cool beverages quickly, one at a time. On the other hand, a refrigerator is a larger appliance designed to store and cool multiple drinks. However, refrigerators can take longer to cool drinks due to their larger size and capacity.
If you have limited refrigerator space and only need to cool a few beverages, an instant beverage cooler is a more practical choice than a refrigerator. Additionally, instant beverage coolers are portable and can be easily moved to different locations, such as a bedroom or office.
Why Trust Advanced Mixology?
We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
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