Meghan LaHatte<\/span>
\n<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\nBr\u00fcMate Br\u00fcTank Rolling Cooler Field Tests: Parties in Blazing Summer Heat<\/h2>\n
Packed with craft beer, NA brews, sparkling water, and a 3-gallon drink tank full of homemade peach lemonade, the Br\u00fcTank quickly became my party\u2019s main hub. Despite spending the day baking in the sun, the drinks stayed ice cold, even through cleanup the following afternoon.<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler is designed to be more than a vessel for hauling ice. With attributes like a removable wire dry-storage rack and a beverage tank, it functions more like a portable outdoor refrigerator than a traditional cooler.<\/p>\n
From high-country campsites to backyard barbecues, the Br\u00fcTank is a versatile rolling cooler that\u2019s maneuverable and durable.<\/p>\n
We tested out the Br\u00fcTank during a hot and smoky summer in Colorado. We brought it to backyard barbecues, campsites, and local sporting events; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
First Impressions<\/h3>\n
Br\u00fcMate is best known for its highly insulated drinkware, soft coolers, and beverage accessories. So I was intrigued to see the company scale that same design philosophy into a hard-sided cooler. <\/p>\n
This Br\u00fcTank lineup comes in three sizes \u2014 25-, 35-, and 55-quart \u2014 with the 55-quart model serving as the flagship in 2021 and the version I tested.<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler arrived well packaged and pre-assembled. Right away, a few elements stood out. I noticed the oversized all-terrain wheels, large pivoting handle, removable beverage tank, and built-in organizational accessories.<\/p>\n
For my first outing, I packed the Br\u00fcTank for a 5-day mountain getaway with friends in Colorado. We filled it with ice and canned beverages, removing the drink tank to maximize storage space. The cooler spent the trip on our rental\u2019s deck. It was exposed to warm days and cool mountain nights.<\/p>\n
Durability and impressive insulation make the 55-Quart Br\u00fcTank stand out from the rest; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcTank not only kept our drinks consistently cold but also doubled as extra seating. It earned plenty of use thanks to the integrated bottle opener tucked into the lid. Even after several days in direct sun, much of the ice remained when it was time to head home.<\/p>\n
That first trip gave me confidence in the cooler\u2019s performance. It became my go-to companion for the rest of the summer. I brought it along on truck camping trips, backyard cookouts, and afternoons at our local whitewater park. <\/p>\n
Along the way, I packed it with everything from drinks and sandwich fixings to fresh vegetables, while putting the removable beverage tank to work with lemonade, water, and other cold drinks.<\/p>\n
Build Quality<\/h3>\n
Let\u2019s start with the fundamentals: build quality. A cooler can have all the bells and whistles in the world, but if it isn\u2019t durable, easy to maneuver, and well insulated, none of the extras matter.<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcTank from Br\u00fcMate makes for a great stepping stool for shorter folks; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
Material<\/h4>\n
The Br\u00fcTank is constructed from BPA-free rotomolded polyethylene, a material commonly used in premium hard-sided coolers. The rotational molding process creates a seamless, hollow shell that delivers excellent insulation while standing up to years of abuse.<\/p>\n
Throughout testing, the shell proved easy to clean and shrugged off bumps, scrapes, and the occasional run-in with rocks and truck beds. It\u2019s fully waterproof, and the integrated hinge design creates a seamless look while helping maintain a tight seal around the lid.<\/p>\n
Latch System<\/h4>\n
The heavy-duty rubber latches took some getting used to. Initially, they required more force than I expected to open and close, though they loosened slightly with use. Anyone with limited hand strength or dexterity may find this latch style challenging, so it\u2019s worth considering if ease of access is a priority.<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcTank wheels operate well on any variable terrain; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
Mobility: Powerful, All-Terrain Wheels<\/h4>\n
Where the Br\u00fcTank really distinguishes itself is in its mobility. The oversized, high-traction wheels rolled confidently over grass, pavement, gravel, dirt roads, and uneven campsites without getting hung up. For a cooler this large and heavy, the wheels made it surprisingly manageable across the kinds of terrain I encounter most often.<\/p>\n
Tow Handle<\/h4>\n
Complementing the wheels is a large metal tow handle that pivots smoothly and provides plenty of leverage whether you\u2019re pulling the cooler behind you or maneuvering it into place.<\/p>\n
Overall, the Br\u00fcTank feels genuinely premium. From the thick rotomolded shell to the rugged wheels and sturdy hardware, it inspires confidence that it\u2019s built for years of camping trips, tailgates, and backyard gatherings \u2014 not just a season or two.<\/p>\n
While it is quite heavy to carry at 45 pounds, the Br\u00fcTank is easy to roll around thanks to the large metal handle and wheels; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
Maneuverability & Weight<\/h3>\n
As I mentioned earlier, the Br\u00fcTank\u2019s oversized all-terrain wheels and sturdy aluminum tow handle make it remarkably easy to move without ever having to carry it. Whether I was rolling it across gravel campsites, grass, or pavement, it tracked smoothly and required less effort than I expected from a cooler of this size.<\/p>\n
When it does come time to lift the Br\u00fcTank, there are molded grab handles on both sides of the cooler that make two-person carries straightforward. That said, this is a heavy cooler. Empty, it weighs around 40 pounds, and once you add 10 to 20 pounds of ice, a couple of 12-packs, a full beverage tank, and food, it\u2019s easy to push the total weight into the 60- to 70-pound range.<\/p>\n
As someone who is 5\u20193\u2033, I found it manageable to roll on my own, but lifting it into the bed of my truck was another story. Unless it was mostly empty, I usually needed a second person to help.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the tradeoff. Many less expensive coolers weigh considerably less, but they also sacrifice insulation, durability, and premium features. If you primarily transport your cooler by rolling it from the car to camp or around the backyard, the Br\u00fcTank\u2019s weight is rarely an issue. If you frequently have to hoist it into a truck bed, boat, or rooftop storage, expect to recruit a helping hand.<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcTank\u2019s most unique feature is the included drink tank, ideal for serving ice-cold beverages at camp; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
Organization & Unique Features<\/h3>\n
The Br\u00fcTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler separates itself from the competition with thoughtful organization and a handful of features that make it feel less like a traditional cooler and more like a mobile beverage station.<\/p>\n
Just beneath the lid sits a removable metal dry-storage basket that\u2019s perfect for keeping food out of the meltwater while still within easy reach. I used it to stash carrots, fruit, cheese, and other snacks that I wanted to stay dry and crisp throughout the day. When I needed more room for drinks or ice, the basket lifted out in seconds.<\/p>\n
Across the entire Br\u00fcTank lineup, you\u2019ll also find Br\u00fcMate\u2019s signature removable beverage tank. For me, this was the cooler\u2019s standout feature. The nearly 3-gallon reservoir slides into the cooler and dispenses through a spigot that replaces the front drain plug, allowing anyone to pour ice-cold water, lemonade, or cocktails without opening the lid and letting cold air escape.<\/p>\n
Forget your camp chair? The Br\u00fcTank makes for a comfortable bench anywhere; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
The spigot does have its limits. It works great with water, juice, and other thin beverages, but thicker drinks like smoothies, slushies, or beverages with pulp can clog the opening.<\/p>\n
One feature I especially appreciated was the tank\u2019s self-sealing design. When you remove it, the reservoir automatically seals. So, you don\u2019t have to worry about spilling your lemonade or camp cocktails while rearranging the cooler. <\/p>\n
Br\u00fcMate also includes interchangeable drain plugs depending on whether you\u2019re using the beverage tank. My only suggestion would be to add dedicated storage for those extra plugs inside the cooler or beneath the lid. It\u2019s a small accessory that\u2019s easy to misplace between trips.<\/p>\n
The lid itself is topped with EVA foam, making it surprisingly comfortable to sit on when camp chairs are full. Throw a seat cushion on top, and it becomes a perfectly respectable camp seat.<\/p>\n
Finally, there\u2019s the integrated bottle opener tucked into the underside of the lid. It\u2019s a small detail until you find yourself 45 minutes from the nearest town with a cold bottle and no opener. The little things can make the biggest difference.<\/p>\n
In the right conditions, the Br\u00fcTank can retain ice for up to 7 days; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n
Ice Retention<\/h3>\n
To evaluate the Br\u00fcTank\u2019s insulation, I conducted a weeklong ice retention test. Br\u00fcMate claims the 55-Quart Rolling Cooler can keep ice for up to 7 days. So, I wanted to see how it performed under controlled conditions.<\/p>\n
I placed the Br\u00fcTank in my mudroom, where temperatures remained between 65 and 75 degrees throughout the test. After filling it roughly three-quarters full with about 35 pounds of ice, I left the lid closed except during inspections. I checked the cooler every 6 to 12 hours over the course of the week.<\/p>\n
Ice Test: Days 2\u20133<\/h4>\n
From 5 o\u2019clock on the first evening until 7 the following morning, I observed virtually no change in the ice. The first noticeable melting didn\u2019t occur until about 36 hours into the test, when roughly an inch of water had accumulated in the bottom of the cooler.<\/p>\n
The Br\u00fcMate from Br\u00fcTank is available in an array of fun colors and patterns; (photo\/Meghan LaHatte)<\/p>\n