A cool drink is always refreshing on hot days, but if the weather is stifling, your beverage might not stay cold for very long. The best koozies, sometimes called can coolers, help provide insulation for drinks to keep them cool for longer. While most commonly used for canned drinks, koozies are also available for glass bottles and even to-go cups. Our top recommendation is the BruMate Hopsulator Trio, which has an insulated design that fits both 12- and 16-ounce cans and doubles as a leakproof tumbler.
The best koozies help provide insulation for drinks to keep them cool for longer.
There are several benefits to using a koozie on your drink, especially during the summer. “The primary benefit of using a koozie is its ability to insulate drinks and keep beverages cold longer,” explains Cassie LaMere, founder of Cassie LaMere Events. “This insulation also prevents condensation, keeping hands dry and tables free from moisture rings.” Koozies can be made from insulated stainless steel, which keeps your drink cool for long periods, or flexible neoprene, which is more affordable and easy to store when not in use. No matter which option you’re looking for, here are the best koozies to help you enjoy your favorite drinks.
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To help you make the most of summer, the Forbes Vetted team has spent hundreds of hours testing and researching the best outdoor products for your personal enjoyment and seasonal entertaining. We’ve reviewed everything from the best fire pits to the best patio umbrellas, as well as lots of kitchen and dining essentials.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- The author of this piece, Camryn Rabideau, is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
- For tips on choosing the right koozie, we spoke with Cassie LaMere, founder and creative director of the luxury event planning company Cassie LaMere Events, as well as Aleka Shunk, entertainment blogger at Aleka's Get-Together.
How We Chose The Best Koozies
To find the best koozies for every situation—from hanging out by the pool to throwing an elaborate backyard bash—we looked for top-rated products and used the guidance from our experts to narrow down our options to the absolute best products for your money.
- We looked at bestselling koozies from trusted drinkware brands like BruMate, Yeti and Corkcicle.
- At the advice of our experts, we focused on koozies made from either stainless steel or neoprene, which both offer good insulation and keep condensation contained.
- We prioritized options that are easy to clean and maintain, whether in the dishwasher or washing machine.
- We read through dozens of user reviews for each product, only selecting options that have a minimum of 4-star ratings with few (if any) negative reviews.
What To Look For In The Best Koozies
Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a koozie.
Material
There are two main types of koozies to choose from: metal or fabric. Metal drink holders like the BruMate Hopsulator Trio are made from stainless steel, which provides superior insulation thanks to vacuum-insulated walls. These koozies tend to be more expensive, but they last for years if cared for properly.
There are also fabric koozies like the Sok It Java Sok Iced Coffee Cup Sleeve: “Koozies can be made with a few different materials like foam, neoprene or polyester,” says Shunk. “I prefer koozies made with neoprene since it's waterproof, durable and stays pliable.” Neoprene koozies don’t offer quite as much insulation as metal ones, but they’re more budget-friendly and take up less room in storage, as they fold flat when not in use.
You may also want to look for koozies that offer some type of non-slip grip on the exterior. For instance, the WKieason Can Sleeves has a textured neoprene fabric that makes it easier to hold, reducing risk of spills.
Compatible Drinks
Most koozies only fit on one type of drink—common sizes include 12-ounce cans, 16-ounce cans or 12-ounce slim cans. However, you can also find sleeves for glass bottles and even iced coffee cups. “Ensure the koozies fit the types of beverages you’ll be serving,” says LaMere. “Some events may feature a variety of drink sizes, so consider versatile options that can accommodate different cans and bottles.”
If your koozie doesn’t fit properly, your drink may slide around or not sit flat on the table: “The only downside to using a koozie is that they don't always sit flat, making them more susceptible to falling over. If using, make sure to find ones that fit snugly on your can.”
Design
While there are plenty of plain koozies out there, you can also find options with fun colors or patterns that offer a bit more personality. These types of koozies can be beneficial at large events, as you’ll easily be able to locate your drink.
If you’re buying koozies for an event, consider an option like the Shutterfly Custom Can Cooler, which can be personalized for an extra-special touch: “Koozies can be customized to reflect the theme or branding of your event, adding a personal touch that enhances the overall experience,” says LaMere. “They can serve as memorable keepsakes for your guests, reminding them of the wonderful time they had.”
Care
Because they’re generally used outdoors, koozies often get dirty, so you’ll want to double-check the care guidelines. Some metal koozies like the BruMate Hopsulator Trio are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, but others need to be hand-washed. Similarly, many neoprene options, including the WKieason Can Sleeves, can simply be tossed in the washing machine for hands-off maintenance.
What Is The Best Insulated Can Koozie?
For maximum insulation, you’re best off with a stainless steel koozie such as the BruMate Hopsulator Trio. Its 3-in-1 design can hold both 12- and 16-ounce cans, and it also converts into a drink tumbler. Thanks to its double-wall vacuum-sealed design, the koozie can keep your drink cool for multiple hours, and if you’re using it with a 12-ounce can, you can also pop the freezer insert into the bottom for added cooling power.