Wholesale Custom Metal Cooler Manufacturer
We are a professional metal cooler manufacturer with several exclusive production lines and comprehensive manufacturing strength. Relying on many years of manufacturing experience, we can efficiently produce solid metal coolers, support all kinds of surface finishes, and ensure the quality of each metal cooler. They are all suitable for a variety of scenarios, such as camping, fishing, parting, self-driving, and other outdoor activities.
In addition, we provide a one-stop full set of customized services: size/color altering, private labeling, laser logo engraving, diverse surface treatments, and a wide accessory selection.
Sturdy metal shell & anti-rust finish
Great ice retention performance with thick insulation layer
Flexible optional fittings & complete OEM/ODM service
Versatile for outdoor gatherings & commercial promotion
KingStar Wholesale Metal Cooler
Key Features of Our Metal Coolers
Vintage Metal Construction & Reliable Sealing Insulation:
The shell of metal coolers is durable, filled with a thick PU insulation layer, and lined with food-grade material. The box is often equipped with a solid metal latch and a full-circle sealing rubber strip, which effectively isolates the internal and external heat exchange. The solid metal shell is also scratch-resistant and wear-resistant, and it is not easy to deform even after long-term use.
Multiple Size Options & Portable Design:
Our metal coolers are available in a variety of sizes to meet different usage needs. Small-capacity models are suitable for short-distance travel for two people; Large-capacity style can store a large number of bottled drinks, which is suitable for multi-party use. These classic and durable coolers are not only practical storage boxes but also atmosphere decorations for outdoor occasions.
Human-Centered Practical Details:
KingStar metal coolers are designed to be user-friendly. For example, we can customize reinforced corner protectors so they can be wear-resistant during transportation; a built-in drain plug allows you to quickly drain the melted ice water. The box lid is tightly sealed, and the sturdy handle withstands frequent lifting. The polished vintage appearance comes in multiple color options to match varied outdoor styles.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Trips With Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Metal Coolers!
Reliable Thermal Performance, Solid Metal Craftsmanship, Ready for Every Outdoor Excursion.
Metal Cooler VS Plastic Rotomolded Cooler


Compare metal coolers and rotomolded plastic coolers in insulation, durability, weight, and customization so that you can find the best coolers for sourcing or personal use.
Metal Coolers
The metal box is often filled with a 25-35 mm PU insulation layer, and the ice retention time can reach 24-48 hours under standard conditions. Under the same inner capacity, its self-weight is 35%~45% lighter than that of rotational molding. Metal coolers also have a low customization threshold, supporting small-batch OEM, color spraying, and laser engraving, suitable for single-day outdoor leisure, social gatherings, and commercial promotion scenes.
With its built-in 50-65 mm high-density PU insulation layer, high-quality rotomolded coolers can keep drinks cold for 3-7 days. The integrated seamless HDPE shell has outstanding impact resistance; the thick shell brings more self-weight, and the cost of mold modification is higher. It only supports simple customization such as basic color changes and sticker logos. Suitable for multi-day camping, sea fishing, long-distance cross-country, and professional outdoor scenes that pursue extreme durability and long-term thermal insulation.
Professional Manufacturing Process of Metal Cooler

Precision Metal Forming
Adopting 0.8–1.0mm high-quality galvanized steel sheet with CNC precision cutting and one-piece stamping bending, the box body achieves integrated molding without splicing gaps. Full-seam reinforced welding and fine polishing ensure smooth, burr-free surfaces. Combined with dual primer and outdoor finish painting with 60–80μm coating thickness, the whole shell delivers excellent anti-rust, scratch-resistant, and weather-resistant performance for long-term outdoor use.

Food-Grade Interior Assembly
The cooler is fitted with odorless, high-temperature resistant food-grade PE inner liner to ensure safe beverage storage. The entire cavity is fully filled with 25–35mm thick high-density PU foam (38–40kg/m³) with no hollow spaces. This integrated insulation structure stably supports 24–48 hours of ice retention, effectively blocking internal and external heat exchange and maintaining long-lasting cooling performance.

Hardware Installation & Quality Control
We equip each unit with thickened metal latches, reinforced corner protectors, integrated metal handles and full-surround sealing gaskets to upgrade overall tightness and impact resistance. All finished products undergo 24-hour sealing aging tests and professional ice retention simulation tests. Every item is strictly inspected in appearance, structural stability and airtightness before delivery.
About KingStar
Why Choose KingStar as Your Cooler Supplier?
Specializing exclusively in vintage metal coolers, KingStar stands apart from suppliers mainly offering rotomolded plastic coolers. We focus on the unique demands of metal insulated boxes and tailor every service to fit this product category for global brands, retailers, and promotional businesses.
We maintain targeted component supply chains dedicated to metal cooler production. We continuously optimize metal shell texture, sealing hardware, and exterior coating schemes to enhance outdoor durability and user experience. Our R&D team launches updated metal cooler models regularly, allowing you to enrich your catalog and capture more market share.
We deliver customer-oriented support built for the metal cooler trade. We offer quick prototype samples for new designs and provide professional market suggestions for metal cooler pricing, packaging, and sales positioning. Our team is familiar with overseas retail compliance standards for metal beverage storage containers.

Quality Index
Metal Cooler Ice Retention
Looking for a reliable metal cooler manufacturer?
KingStar provides one-stop metal coolers supporting services and follows up on all aspects of product development. From the initial creative conception and scheme design to the selection of raw materials to the sample making, performance testing, and mass production, we work closely with you to turn the idea into a finished metal cooler that fits the brand positioning. Not only manufacturing but also global logistics arrangements so that coolers can be safely and efficiently sent to all over the world.
Feel free to reach out via online chat or email at sales@waterbottle.tech. We promise to give a reply within 24 hours.
Metal Cooler Structure & Material Composition
Outer Shell: 0.8–1.0mm galvanized steel plate is selected for the casing of the box. After the plate is bent and formed, it is sprayed with electrostatic antirust coating, which makes the structure firm and stable. The metal shell can resist daily bumps and scratches and adapt to the changing outdoor environment.
Inner Shell: The cavity between the inner and outer shells is filled with high-density polyurethane foam. The material has uniform density and can effectively block heat transfer. As the core cold preservation structure, it makes the metal cooler can keep ice for 24-48 hours at room temperature.
Thick Insulated Walls: The cavity wall is composed of metal plates and polyurethane foam. Uniform wall thickness, eliminate cold and hot conduction channels, stabilize the temperature in the box, and avoid the rapid loss of cold air caused by different insulation wall thicknesses.
Rubber Sealing Gasket: The edge of the box lid is embedded with a high-elastic EPDM rubber strip. After the lid is sealed, the adhesive tape forms a closed interlayer to isolate the infiltration of hot air from the outside.
Hardware Accessories (Latch & Hinge): Adopt high-strength engineering plastics with reinforced metal fittings. The sturdy latch firmly locks the box lid and the rustproof hinge can withstand repeated opening and closing.
Flexible Customization Options of Metal Coolers

Exterior Appearance Customization:
The metal shell has a variety of paint colors to choose from, and we can allocate exclusive color matching according to the brand color card. At the same time, it supports laser engraving and screen printing and can directly print brand LOGO, slogan, and exclusive pattern on the surface of metal coolers.

Internal Structure Adjustment:
We can re-plan the layout of the liner according to your needs. Optional accessories include detachable dividers, built-in bottle openers, and storage pockets, which is convenient for classified storage of drinks, food, and various outdoor equipment.

Hardware Upgrades:
Standard latches, portable handles, and hinges can be replaced freely. You can choose reinforced metal hardware or customize color-matching hardware accessories. Upgrading accessories can not only improve the look and feel of the box but also adapt to long-term outdoor high-frequency use and prolong the service life.

Optional Support Stand & Mobile Wheel Kit:
By installing a detachable bracket, the cooler can be raised off the ground. You can also choose a universal roller kit to make it a wheeled cooler. This combination is very suitable for camping, outdoor markets, and various outdoor activities.

Extra Functional Accessories:
A variety of practical accessories are available, including a drain plug, a non-slip bottom pad, and a portable strap. These accessories expand the use scenarios of the metal coolers and further enhance the overall practicality.
FAQs About Wholesale Metal Cooler Boxes
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to make it easier for you to find the information you need. Whether you’re looking for details about our wholesale blank bottles or custom metal coolers, you can quickly access helpful answers here.
A metal cooler is a sturdy ice chest used for keeping fresh food or drinks cool for quite a long time. The shell is usually made of stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and galvanized steel. The inside of the box is equipped with a thickened heat insulation layer to maximize its ice retention performance.
The metal box is specially designed for harsh outdoor environments, and it can retain ice for 5-10 days under normal use conditions. High-quality metal cooler boxes all have these core features:
- The whole box is fully welded or seamlessly formed, with freezer-grade rubber gasket for an airtight seal;
- It’s equipped with a solid latch, a reinforced hinge, and a durable box lid.
- The actual use scenarios of a premium metal cooler box are very extensive: camping, fishing, hunting, outdoor parties, and marine activities. At the same time, it has also been put into commercial use for cold chain transportation, field catering, remote worksite food storage, and mobile vending.
Most metal cooler boxes have passed IGBC bear-resistant certification. As long as it is properly maintained, a metal cooler can be a lifetime investment, and its durability and ice retention effect are not comparable to those of ordinary plastic coolers.
| Feature | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Galvanized Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent. Naturally rust-resistant. Best for marine and high-humidity environments. | Rustproof, but should be rinsed after saltwater exposure. | Relies on zinc coating. Prone to rust once the coating wears off, especially at weld points. |
| Weight | Heaviest | Lightest. Great portability. | Medium |
| Ice Retention | Excellent. Ice retention mainly depends on insulation and sealing; metal shell reflectivity has negligible impact. | Excellent. Slightly higher heat reflectivity brings no practical difference in ice retention performance. | Excellent. Consistent ice-preserving performance with the other two metal types. |
| Durability & Strength | Extremely tough and impact-resistant. | Softer metal, more prone to dents. | Hard and sturdy, but weld points are the weak spots. |
| Look & Style | Premium, modern. Bright brushed finish. | Modern, industrial. Matte finish. | Classic, retro aesthetic. |
| Maintenance | Low. Resists fingerprints and stains. | Medium. Needs care to avoid scratches. | High. Scratches must be touched up promptly to prevent rust. |
| Cost | Highest | Mid to High | Most Budget-Friendly |
Ice retention performance and service life of all metal coolers in KingStar are built with four core manufacturing processes.
- Full-welded seam sealing: All the boxes are treated by a full welding and sealing process. It can completely prevent water vapor from infiltrating into the internal insulation layer and eliminate common problems such as water accumulation, mildew, and insulation layer failure.
- High–pressure Polyurethane Foam Injection: The insulation layer is made of high-pressure polyurethane foam injection molding. This advanced technology makes the foaming material evenly fill every gap in the interlayer of the box, and there will be no holes, lack of materials, or weak heat preservation areas inside.
- Freezer-Grade Rubber Lid Gasket: Each KingStar metal cooler is equipped with a precision-molded, freezer-grade rubber gasket. The joint between the box lid and the box body forms a complete and tight seal, which locks the internal cold air and isolates the invasion of external hot air.
- Durable Surface Finishing: In order to maintain the cooler looking good for a long time, we adopt the top surface finish technique in the industry. Generally, there are 3 ways: powder coating, polishing, and electrophoresis (E-coating). We choose each finish technique according to coolers’ material and intended use.
Because metal coolers outperform rotomolded plastic coolers in terms of bear-resistance, durability, and appearance. Many of them have IGBC bear-resistant certification, which can prevent bears without an extra latch.
Rotomolded plastic coolers are lighter and cheaper, but their ice retention performance cannot compare with that of metal coolers. Moreover, metal boxes are not easy to crack or deform.
KingStar supports the whole process of one-stop OEM/ODM custom metal coolers, which fits all kinds of brand positioning and market sales needs.
The full set of customized services includes tailor-made cooler dimensions, embossed or laser-etched brand logos, powder coating perfectly matched to your brand’s Pantone color code, custom graphic printing on lids, personalized surface finishes for latches and hinges, plus bespoke full-color gift packaging design for retail sales.
- General outdoor adventures
For enthusiasts who enjoy off-road driving and long-term camping, our rotomolded cooler boxes can be used to retain low temperature for 5 to 10 days. Their sturdy construction also enables them to serve as a stepping stool, seat, or tabletop in the wild.
- Fishing and other water activities
Our cooler shells have been specially treated to have UV protection. Some models even come with anti-slip foot pads. Even when exposed to direct sunlight, they can maintain the freshness of fish and seafood, and have the resistance to seawater corrosion, and thus are perfect for use on the deck.
- Cold chain logistics
In cases where vaccines, biological samples, or high-end perishable or deteriorating goods that require strict temperature control are transported over short or long distances, some vehicles or shipping devices do not have sufficient power sockets to supply electricity to refrigerators. This passive cooler, combined with ice packs and dry ice, can perform the task excellently without requiring any power connection.
- Hunting
The large-capacity and sturdy cooler can be used for storing the meat after hunting. The pre-cooled cooler with ice blocks inside can be used for quickly cooling fresh meat. Combined with the easy-to-operate drainage valve, the melted water can be promptly discharged.
- Humanitarian aid and disaster relief
These hard coolers become essential basic facilities for storing food and water needed by emergency rescue workers and disaster victims in places without a steady power supply, particularly during the summer or at low latitudes.
A high-quality hard cooler is a long-term value investment with a lifespan of over ten years. Correct maintenance not only keeps it in a brand-new appearance but also ensures that the silicone gaskets and insulation materials remain in optimal performance.
- Clean after each use
After each use, especially when after storing raw meat or fish, clean the interior with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. For stubborn odors, you can use a solution made of water and baking soda, or a mild bleach and water ratio (1:10). Do not use rough scrubbers or irritating industrial chemicals as they may damage the food-grade lining material.
- Drainage plug and gasket
The freezer-grade gasket is the key component for maintaining the sealing effect.
- Check for debris: Ensure that the groove of the sealing gasket strip is free of sand or dust, as these debris can cause air leakage, and foreign substances remaining in the gasket for a long time may cause it to deform and affect the sealing effect.
- Lubrication maintenance: Occasionally(every 6 to 12 months) wipe the gasket with a silicone-based protective agent to keep the rubber soft and prevent it from cracking over time.
- Storage
Although our cooler features UV protection, prolonged and unnecessary direct sunlight exposure may still cause the outer wall to fade. Please store the cooler in a cool and dry place, such as a garage or basement.
- Latch and hinge inspection
After each use, it is necessary to regularly inspect the T-shaped lock and hinge pin. If any problems are found, they should be dealt with as soon as possible, such as applying lubricating oil or replacing them in time. If your cooler has come into contact with salt water, please thoroughly rinse these metal/rubber parts with clean water to prevent salt crystallization and premature wear.
We understand that brand-building takes time. We maintain a “Ready-to-Ship” inventory of neutral colors that allow for Low MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) logo customization, enabling you to test the market without heavy upfront capital investment in thousands of units.
We adopt the tiered pricing, where the larger the production volume, the lower the unit cost. This is because for bulk orders, the fixed costs (machine calibration, color matching, and labor costs) can be spread over more products. For large importers, this significantly increases their retail profit margin. Of course, we also offer assistance to small or start-up businesses, providing lower minimum order quantities(MOQ) or trial orders, but the unit cost will be slightly higher.
We offer both simple customization and deep customization.
- Simple customization: You can modify the color of any of our existing model (any Pantone color code), add logos (screen printing, heat transfer printing, embossed plates…), text and specific patterns, as well as unique surface treatments (mirror polishing, unique textures…), etc.
- Deep customization (new mold required): This is a complete OEM/ODM process. During this process, we will create new molds to build specific capacities, unique shapes, or exclusive features that are specific to your brand. However, due to the high initial cost, you may need a larger quantity or a higher pricing to achieve certain profit margin.
Our different models of coolers may adopt different production techniques. All these three are included. If you want to know which manufacturing technique is adopted of a certain product model, please refer to the specifications table or detailed description on the specific product page. Rotational molding, injection molding and blow molding each have their own advantages and disadvantages. When customizing, you can consider your desired brand positioning and product performance requirements comprehensively to make a choice, or discuss with our engineers for recommendations.
- Rotational molding (rotomolding)
Rotational molding is the top industry-standard manufacturing technique for durability and ruggedness. Many high-end brands such as YETI use this technology for their hard coolers.
During the rotomolding process, a hollow mold is filled with plastic powder (usually low-density polyethylene) and then heated and rotated. The plastic melts at a certain temperature and evenly covers the inside of the mold (especially the corners) under the effect of centrifugal force. This process can directly produce the inner and outer double-layer walls of the cooler, which are formed as a single piece and seamlessly connected; while other technologies usually form the inner and outer walls separately and then assemble them together, thus there are weak points at the seams, making them more prone to damage and potentially affecting the insulation performance during collisions.
Main features: rugged construction, prolonged ice retention, low upfront mold costs; heavy in weight, high manufacturing costs
- Injection molding
Melted plastic at a high temperature is injected under high pressure into a metal mold that has been precisely machined. This enables the cooler to have greater design flexibility, such as complex shapes, internal partitioned walls, surface treatment methods (such as in-mold labeling or decoration), etc. Injection-molded coolers are usually lighter than rotomolded cooler boxes, but more durable than blow-molded ones, with manufacturing costs in between.
Advantages: Lightweight, high dimensional accuracy, excellent surface finish & thermal insulation performance; supports complex designs; moderate cost.
Disadvantages: High initial mold cost (increasing production can reduce the unit cost per product); slightly thin wall thickness
- Blow molding
Blow molding, as the name suggests, is the process of injecting molten plastic into a mold and forcing it to expand by air pressuring. Molten plastic is pushed into the mold and inflated. The high air pressure squeezes the plastic to change its shape until it matches the mold. This method results in thinner cooler walls but lighter in weight and lower manufacturing costs, mainly suitable for entry-level outdoor activities for the mass market.
Features: The most lightweight and portable, with the lowest production cost; Relatively thin wall thickness, and relatively short ice preservation time(usually 1-2 days).
Yes. For our standard model, samples can be dispatched within 3 to 5 working days. For simple customization requests (such as color customization, logo printing, etc.), the delivery period for samples is approximately 7 to 10 days; for complex customization requests requiring a new mold, the sample delivery period is longer, ranging from several weeks to several months. The sample cost is usually deducted in your first large-scale production order.
Yes. The majority of the hard-sided coolers we produce are made of food-grade LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), and all the different materials of our models do not contain bisphenol A. Our products comply with the food contact standards of FDA and LFGB, ensuring their ability to come into direct contact with dairy products, fish, meat and other perishable items, and guaranteeing their safety. In addition, our production facilities have also obtained ISO 9001 certification to ensure the consistency of quality control. In your order, we will include relevant certificates or third-party test reports.
Most of our high-performance ice chests use high-density polyurethane (PU) foam, which is pressed into the inner layer between two plastic walls. This creates a layer of insulation barrier, and its insulation effect is much better than that of the air gaps or EPS foam used in cheaper alternatives.
Unlike refrigerators that require the use of electricity to generate cold air and maintain low temperatures, a cooler is a passive heat insulation barrier that achieves its insulation effect by slowing down the transfer of external heat to the interior. It accomplishes this through the following three scientific principles:
- Utilizing poor heat conductors to block heat transfer: Thick polyurethane (PU) foam is filled in the core of the cooler. Millions of tiny bubbles in this foam form a “heat barrier zone”.
- Reflecting heat radiation: The outer shell is usually made of low-density polyethylene and is treated with UV protection on the surface, which can reflect solar radiation, preventing the surface of the cooler from heating up when exposed to sunlight.
- Sealing: The inner part of the lid uses silicone rubber gaskets. By creating a sealing effect, this design prevents “convection” between the hot air outside the box and the cold air inside the box.
KingStar has built a reputation as a trusted partner in the OEM/ODM manufacturing industry by adhering to strict ethical standards and complying with international intellectual property laws. We fully understand the importance of protecting your unique designs, innovations, and business ideas, especially in a competitive industry like drinkware manufacturing. To provide peace of mind, we are more than willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or a Non-Use, Non-Disclosure, Non-Circumvention Agreement (NNN) before you share any proprietary designs, sketches, or specifications with us.
When you collaborate with KingStar:
- Confidentiality is our priority: Whether you’re a start-up or a well-established brand, we value your trust and ensure that your proprietary information remains secure.
- Dedicated project management: From the moment you submit your design to the final production phase, a dedicated project manager oversees your project, ensuring that your intellectual property is treated with care and respect.
- Data security: We utilize secure communication channels to share and store files, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or leaks.
T/T 30% deposit after order signed and 70% against copy of B/L.
L/C at sight is acceptable too.
If you would like to get samples from us in order to test or make reviews, please contact our Sales / Branding department at sales@waterbottle.tech.
Normally It takes 4 weeks.
For existing model samples, it takes 2-3 working days. If you want samples with your own designs, it takes 5-7 days or even longer. Let’s discuss case by case.





