Hosting a party means keeping drinks cold, accessible, and stylish. The right beverage tub is essential for any gathering, from a casual backyard barbecue to a large formal event. This roundup focuses on ten top-rated options that combine functionality with design, ensuring your beverages are perfectly chilled and your presentation is on point. Whether you need massive capacity, rugged portability, or a specific aesthetic to match your decor, there’s an ideal tub here for your next celebration.
We’ve evaluated products based on capacity, durability, insulation, and special features. The list includes classic galvanized tubs, heavy-duty rolling coolers, and innovative accessories. Our goal is to help you find the perfect vessel to keep the party flowing, so you can focus on your guests instead of running back and forth to the kitchen.
Our Top Picks for Party Beverage Tubs
- Tablecraft Coca-Cola Galvanized Beverage Tub Set
- Prodyne Big Square Party Beverage Tub, Clear
- Twine Seaside Jute Rope Wrapped Farmhouse Beverage Tub
- Achla Designs Oval Copper Plated Galvanized Tub
- Igloo 125 qt Gray Party Bar Wheeled Cooler
- Coleman Xtreme 50qt Rolling Cooler with Wheels
- Grizzly Dry Goods Tray for 40 qt Cooler
- Igloo IMX 24 Qt. White Cooler
- RTIC 45QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Ice Chest
- Rubbermaid Commercial Products Beverage Cooler
Tablecraft Coca-Cola Galvanized Beverage Tub Set
This set brings classic Coca-Cola charm to your party setup. The 6-gallon galvanized tub is paired with a condensation tray and a stand, creating a complete serving station that keeps surfaces dry and drinks easily accessible. Its rustic design makes it a natural centerpiece for any casual gathering.
Beyond its visual appeal, the set is practical. The stand elevates the tub, making it simpler for guests to grab a drink. The included tray catches drips from cold bottles and cans, helping to maintain a clean area. It’s an excellent choice for themed parties or anyone who appreciates vintage branding.
Prodyne Big Square Party Beverage Tub, Clear
For a modern, functional look, the Prodyne Big Square Tub is a standout. Its clear design allows you to see the ice and drink selection at a glance, while the spacious 17.75-quart capacity holds plenty of beverages for a crowd. The square shape maximizes space efficiency on a table or counter.
Constructed from break-resistant styrene, this tub is built for repeated use at indoor and outdoor events. It is lightweight yet durable, and its simple design makes cleaning straightforward. This tub is a reliable, no-fuss option that prioritizes capacity and clarity over decorative style.
Twine Seaside Jute Rope Wrapped Farmhouse Beverage Tub
This tub combines galvanized metal with wrapped jute rope handles for a distinct farmhouse or coastal aesthetic. It holds up to 4.5 gallons, providing ample room for dozens of bottles. The design fits perfectly with rustic, vintage, or modern chic decor themes.
The sturdy rope handles are both a style element and a practical feature, offering a comfortable grip for carrying the full tub. The galvanized construction is rust-resistant, suitable for outdoor use. It’s a versatile piece that works as a beverage cooler, a decorative container, or even a planter when not in use for entertaining.
Achla Designs Oval Copper Plated Galvanized Tub
This oval tub features a beautiful copper-plated finish over a durable galvanized steel base. The classic farm tub design, complete with side handles, adds a touch of rustic elegance to any setting. It measures 21″L x 15″W, providing a generous serving area.
The zinc coating under the copper plating prevents rust, ensuring longevity even with outdoor use. The warm copper finish makes it a sophisticated choice for parties where decor is important. It’s a multifunctional piece that can serve beverages, act as a centerpiece with ice and bottles, or be used for other decorative purposes.
Igloo 125 qt Gray Party Bar Wheeled Cooler
For the largest gatherings, the Igloo Party Bar Cooler offers a massive 125-quart capacity. Its key feature is a removable lid that transforms it from a sealed cooler into an open-air beverage tub, giving you flexibility based on your needs. Ultratherm insulation provides long-lasting ice retention.
Heavy-duty locking casters make transporting this large cooler manageable, even when fully loaded. This product is ideal for all-day events like tailgates, open houses, or community parties where a high volume of drinks is required. It’s a heavy-duty workhorse designed for serious entertaining.
Coleman Xtreme 50qt Rolling Cooler with Wheels
This rolling cooler balances substantial capacity with excellent portability. Its Xtreme insulation technology is designed to keep ice for up to five days, making it reliable for multi-day events or simply reducing ice runs during a long party. It can hold up to 84 cans.
The integrated wheels and sturdy handle allow you to move it easily across various terrains, from pavement to grass or sand. It functions as a traditional sealed cooler but also works perfectly as a dedicated beverage tub when the lid is open. It’s a versatile choice for beach trips, camping, and backyard parties.
Grizzly Dry Goods Tray for 40 qt Cooler
This is a clever accessory that upgrades your existing cooler into a more organized beverage tub. The RotoTough tray hangs from the rim of your cooler, creating a dry shelf above the ice. This keeps items like bottle openers, napkins, snacks, or phones dry and easily accessible.
Available in multiple sizes to fit various coolers, it’s a simple add-on that significantly improves functionality. It helps separate food from melting ice water and prevents smaller items from getting lost at the bottom. It’s a practical solution for anyone who uses their cooler for both drinks and dry goods.
Igloo IMX 24 Qt. White Cooler
The Igloo IMX offers a compact, sleek option with reliable performance. Its 24-quart capacity holds about 35 cans, making it suitable for smaller gatherings or as a dedicated drink station alongside a larger food cooler. The clean white design looks sharp in any setting.
Featuring Ultratherm insulation in the body and lid, it can retain ice for up to four days. The injection-molded construction provides durability without excessive weight. This cooler is a great mid-size choice that’s easy to carry, easy to clean, and efficient at keeping drinks cold.
RTIC 45QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Ice Chest
Built for extreme conditions, the RTIC 45-quart cooler is a rotomolded, heavy-duty option known for exceptional ice retention and impact resistance. With up to 2.8 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, it keeps contents cold for extended periods, perfect for long parties or weekend trips.
While it’s a premium cooler designed for rugged use, its manageable size and superior performance make it an excellent investment for serious entertainers. The sturdy construction ensures it will last for many seasons. It’s an ideal choice if you need a beverage tub that doubles as a top-tier cooler for all your adventures.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Beverage Cooler
For the absolute largest scale events, a commercial-grade beverage cooler like this 60-gallon option from Rubbermaid is the ultimate solution. These coolers are built to withstand constant use in restaurants and bars, meaning they are incredibly durable and easy to clean for home use.
The enormous capacity is suited for weddings, block parties, or any event with a very high guest count. They typically feature a drain plug for easy emptying and are made from sanitary, stain-resistant materials. While substantial in size, it provides a professional, efficient way to serve a very large quantity of bottled or canned drinks.
How to Choose the Best Beverage Tub for Your Party
Picking the right beverage tub can make or break your party vibe. I’ve learned from experience that it’s not just about grabbing the biggest bin you can find. You need to think about where you’ll use it, what you’ll put in it, and how you’ll handle the cleanup afterward. Let’s break down what actually matters when you’re looking for the best beverage tubs for parties.
First, consider size and capacity. This is about more than just guest count. Think about your drink menu. Are you chilling a few bottles of wine and some beer? A compact 15-quart tub might be perfect. Hosting a backyard bash with cans, bottles, and mixers? You’ll want something 50 quarts or larger. I always recommend going a bit bigger than you think you need. A half-empty tub still works, but a tub that’s overflowing with ice and drinks is a messy headache.
Material is a huge deal for durability and insulation. Plastic is lightweight and affordable, but it can crack in cold weather. Metal tubs, like galvanized steel, look fantastic and are very sturdy, but they can get dinged up. For keeping things cold the longest, insulated plastic or foam-lined models are winners. They might cost more upfront, but they save you money on ice over the course of a long party. Also, check if it has a drain plug. Trust me, lugging a tub full of icy water to dump it is a terrible way to end your night. A drain plug is a game-changer.
Finally, think about portability and extras. Handles are non-negotiable—you need to be able to move the tub when it’s full. Some tubs come with bottle openers built into the rim, which is a clever touch. Others include dividers to separate wine bottles from beer cans. Consider the style, too. A rustic metal tub fits a different aesthetic than a sleek, modern plastic one. Your choice should work for the kind of gatherings you host most often. By focusing on these practical features—size, material, drainage, and portability—you’ll find a tub that serves your drinks perfectly and makes hosting easier. Getting the right gear is part of throwing a great party, and a good tub is a core piece of that puzzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ice do I need for my beverage tub?
A good rule of thumb I use is a 1:1 ratio of ice to drinks by volume. So, for a 50-quart tub, plan for about 25 quarts of drinks and 25 quarts of ice. Always start with a solid layer of ice on the bottom before adding any beverages. For longer parties or hot days, lean heavier on the ice. Using larger ice blocks or freezing some water in plastic containers can also make your ice last much longer than using only small cubes.
Can I use a beverage tub for food instead of drinks?
You absolutely can, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re using it for food, ensure it’s been thoroughly cleaned. A tub with a drain plug is ideal for food, as melted ice water can collect and soak your items. I’d recommend dedicating one tub to drinks and another to food if possible, to avoid cross-contamination and to make sure you have enough space for both. Always use a liner for food items for extra safety.
What’s the best way to clean and store a beverage tub after the party?
Once you’ve drained the water, wash the tub with warm, soapy water. For metal tubs, dry it immediately with a towel to prevent water spots and rust. For plastic, let it air dry completely upside down so no moisture collects. Before storing, make sure it’s 100% dry to prevent mold or mildew. I like to keep mine in a garage or shed, out of direct sunlight which can degrade plastic over time.
Are more expensive beverage tubs really worth it?
It depends on how often you entertain. A basic plastic tub from a discount store works fine for occasional use. If you host regularly, investing in a tub with better insulation, a sturdy drain plug, and durable construction pays off. You’ll spend less on ice, and it will withstand the wear and tear of many parties. For my money, a mid-range insulated tub offers the best balance of cost and long-term value for most people looking at the best beverage tubs for parties.
What should I avoid putting in a beverage tub?
Avoid putting glass bottles in a metal tub without care, as they can clink together and chip or break. Also, don’t put hot items into a cold tub (or vice versa) as the sudden temperature change can stress the material, especially plastic. Never use harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool on metal tubs, as this can strip coatings and cause rust. Stick to its intended purpose for the longest life.