Hosting guests, especially in large numbers, can be stressful at times. This is why it’s ideal to find a way to keep party guests refreshed and happy. So, what are the available options for this?
First off, coolers are great for hot outdoor days but they can seem a bit too casual to use indoors. Another option are ice buckets (or beer kegs). They are excellent for small gatherings, but constantly refilling ice and swapping bottles can get tiring for bigger groups. This means that beverage tubs are likely the ideal choice.
Read on to learn more about the market for beverage tubs and discover five factors to consider that will ensure you are stocking the best options for your buyers in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why beverage tubs are the best option
Overview of the beverage cooler market
5 factors to consider when stocking beverage tubs
Final words
Why beverage tubs are the best option
Beverage tubs help keep drinks cool while adding style to the party, making them a functional and attractive choice. Plus, they are large, open containers that can hold plenty of ice, cans, or bottles.
Unlike coolers with lids, these tubs make it easy for guests to spot their favorite drink and help themselves, saving hosts the hassle of serving everyone. This makes them the best option for hosts catering to a large group of guests in an indoor (and outdoor) setting.
Overview of the beverage cooler market
A report from Maximize Market Research shows that the beverage cooler market (including tubs) had a US$ 2.92 billion value in 2023. The report projects that the market will reach a whopping US$ 5.77 billion by 2030, growing at a 10.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The market will experience tremendous growth thanks to the rising demand for cold beverages in various settings, like bars, restaurants, taverns, and buffets.
Another report says North America (especially the U.S.) dominates the beverage cooler market. The region’s growing interest in home entertainment and outdoor activities is boosting sales of portable beverage coolers.
5 factors to consider when stocking beverage tubs
1. Material
Stainless steel is a favorite for beverage tubs because it’s tough and keeps drinks colder longer. Aluminum is another excellent option. It’s lightweight, less expensive, and does a good job with temperature—though it’s not as durable as steel.
Businesses can also offer ice tubs made from plastic, silver, acrylic, or sturdy fabrics like rattan. Each material has its pros and cons regarding durability, keeping drinks cold, and style, so it comes down to what consumers like best. Here’s a table with more details.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Stainless steel | Highly durable.Excellent cold retention. | These heavy-duty tubs are heavier than other materials.Usually more expensive than other options. |
| Aluminum | Lightweight.Affordable.Good cold retention. | Less durable than stainless steel tubs.Aluminum tubs can dent easily. |
| Plastic | Lightweight.Affordable (even more than aluminum).Available in various colors. | Plastic doesn’t retain cold as well as other materials.It’s less durable and can crack in cold temperatures. |
| Rattan (with liner) | Stylish and natural look.Lightweight. | Needs a liner for ice.Rattan, on its own, has limited cold retention. |
| Silver | Elegant and stylish.Good cold retention. | ExpensiveRequires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing |
| Acrylic | Lightweight.Stylish and modern.Affordable. | Less durable than other materials.Scratches easily.Average cold retention. |
2. Size and capacity
Beverage tubs come in all shapes and sizes, from small enough for just a few drinks to big enough to hold over 100 cans or bottles. Most consumers will want enough ice to keep things cold for hours, so they’ll plan for about 2 quarts of space for each wine bottle and around 1.5 quarts for each can of soda or beer.
Based on this expectation, a 5-gallon tub would fit about ten wine bottles or 14 cans, perfect for a small party. However, consumers can get even larger sizes if they need more room. But the bigger the tub, the more space it will require.
| Beverage tub size | Capacity (wine bottles) | Capacity (cans – beer/soda) |
| 2 gallons | 4 wine bottles | 6 cans |
| 3 gallons | 6 wine bottles | 9 cans |
| 5 gallons | 10 wine bottles | 14 cans |
| 7 gallons | 14 wine bottles | 21 cans |
| 10 gallons | 20 wine bottles | 28 cans |
| 15 gallons | 30 wine bottles | 42 cans |
| 20 gallons | 40 wine bottles | 56 cans |
3. Insulation
Some beverage tubs come with insulation to keep drinks colder for longer. These products have two layers, like an insulated water bottle, which helps drinks stay cool while preventing condensation from forming on the outside. That means no water rings or marks on tables.
Businesses can also offer plastic tubs with foam insulation between the layers, similar to regular coolers. Both options keep things chilled while making cleanup easier and protecting the user’s furniture.
4. Portability
Consumers will probably need to move their beverage tubs a few times during parties or get-togethers, so portability is another big factor to consider when stocking beverage tubs. Consumers will look for an option with side handles if they want a large tub that gets heavy when full.
This feature makes larger tubs easier to carry and helps consumers avoid touching the cold sides of the beverage bucket tub. Handles will save them some effort and keep their hands more comfortable while moving them around. On the other hand, smaller tubs are easier to carry, so they may not need handles—but they are still a handy feature.
5. Features
Tubs can have different features to make the outdoor party drink experience even better. Here are some options businesses can look for when stocking beverage tubs.
Stand
Having a stand for beverage tubs is a great added feature. In addition to looking good, stands make drink tubs more versatile since consumers can place them anywhere without needing a table, from a keg blanket to a party mat.
The stand also gives the party tub a higher base, giving guests easy access to drinks. Some options even come with shelves underneath for storing napkins and other party essentials, keeping everything organized and within reach.
Drain spout
A drain spout is really helpful for getting rid of melted ice water during parties. Without one, consumers may be left with a tub full of water, which can be a hassle to empty. However, drain spouts make cleanup much easier and keep things tidy throughout the event.
Design
Some people like a plain steel tub’s simple, rustic look for their drinks, while others prefer a more stylish touch. Beverage tubs come in various designs, like vibrant colors or hammered metal, to add a fun and lively element to the party. However, consumers will always choose a design that matches the vibe they want to create.
Final words
Beverage tubs can make the difference between a host being the life of the party or frequently having to refill drinks and ice. This is because they offer a super convenient way to provide drinks (like cold beer) to guests. However, before jumping into the market, businesses must consider the five factors discussed in this article to provide the best options for party and event hosts.
