Coleman · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
Coleman Chiller Cooler
Lower concern cooler. No known PFAS-treated materials typical.
Coleman coolers use standard plastic and foam construction without common PFAS-treated coatings. Brand makes no PFAS claims. No independent testing found in public records.
Shop Coleman on Amazon →Material
Plastic (polypropylene) cooler body, foam insulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Coleman Chiller coolers are constructed from polypropylene (PP) plastic for the body and polyurethane or polyiso foam for insulation. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic with a melting point around 130°C, making it stable under typical food storage and ambient conditions. Polyurethane foam insulation does not off-gas significantly at room temperature, though some batches may release trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during initial curing; this dissipates within days to weeks of airing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coleman, owned by Newell Brands, does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or chemical disclosure statements for consumer coolers. The brand has not faced major recalls or public health controversies tied to cooler construction. No third-party certifications (NSF, FDA preapproval) are typical for this product class, as coolers fall outside stringent food-contact vessel regulation.
How it compares in its category
Coleman coolers occupy the mid-market segment and are comparable in material hazard profile to competitors like Igloo and Rubbermaid coolers, all using PP bodies and polyurethane foam. Glass or stainless-steel coolers eliminate plastic leaching entirely but are heavier and more expensive. Coleman's design does not employ antimicrobial coatings, halogenated flame retardants, or dyes of known concern, distinguishing it from some novelty or imported coolers.
If you buy it
Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent UV degradation and minor warping; polypropylene becomes brittle with prolonged UV exposure. Do not fill with liquids hotter than 60°C (140°F), as this approaches polymer stress limits. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive scrubbing that may scratch the interior and expose foam. Replace every 5-10 years if heavily used, as foam compression and minor cracks reduce insulation and can harbor mold.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Polypropylene plastic leaching
Polypropylene is chemically stable and does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal food and beverage storage conditions. No recalls or documented cases of harmful leaching from Coleman coolers exist in public records.
Polyurethane foam off-gassing
Polyurethane insulation may emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and unreacted isocyanates during initial curing, especially if the cooler is unopened in warm storage. This risk is negligible after the first week of open air use and does not accumulate during normal food storage.
Microbial growth in insulation
If water enters the foam layer (from cracks, seams, or prolonged contact), mold and bacterial colonies can develop. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing hazard and is preventable with proper drainage and drying.
Degradation and microplastic shedding
Extended UV exposure or mechanical stress can cause the PP body to crack or fragment. While large pieces are easily visible and removable, microscopic plastic particles from wear are theoretically possible if the interior is scratched repeatedly. This is a long-term cumulative risk, not an acute hazard.
Heavy metals in foam or dyes
Coleman coolers do not use colorant systems or coatings known to contain lead, cadmium, or antimony. Standard polyurethane foams are not treated with these additives under current manufacturing standards.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More waterproof outdoor gear storage grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.