Whether you’re planning a family reunion, outing to the park, trip to the beach or picnic with your neighbors, a key part of the success of your event will be a good cooler. This utilitarian piece of equipment is incredibly necessary – imagine how everyone’s enthusiasm would melt away if they were presented with warm drinks on a 90-plus-degree day. The clever people at Igloo Coolers have a nifty online device to help you find the cooler you need. Click on the type of event (the categories are “park, beach or backyard,” “team sports or tailgating,” “camping,” “sportsman” and “lunch”) and then click on the number of people your cooler needs to serve. Seconds later you’ll have a selection of Igloo coolers to choose from. For example, someone needing a cooler for a tailgate party serving a large group could buy the Ice Cube Max Cold 70 roller ($80), which has wheels, a telescoping handle, the capacity to hold 101 cans and can keep ice cold for five days. Families who enjoy camping should consider the Igloo All-Terrain Cooler 120 ($150), which has heavy-duty rubber tires for hauling it over sand, grass and gravel, and holds up to 185 cans and ice. Not to be outdone, Coleman has its own vast selection of coolers. Its top-of-the-line offerings include the 100-quart Wheeled Extreme Cooler ($130), which can hold 130 cans plus ice, has a tow handle with two large wheels and can keep ice from melting for up to five days with outdoor temperatures of 90 degrees. Coleman has also reintroduced its classic steel-belted cooler, and its redesign makes it look more like an appliance for a luxury kitchen than an accessory for a picnic. The 54-quart steel belted cooler is durable and comes with a rust-resistant drain ($200). For use at the pool, the Sam’s Club Float-A-Bout Cooler (pictured) holds up to 18 cans inside and up to six cans outside on a ring attached to the main container. It floats and comes with its own nylon carrying case, for easy storage ($33). For backyard parties, L. L. Bean sells this attractive steel cooler ($260) mounted on a rolling serving cart. The inside is a watertight molded interior, with a drain. Pour your ice around the beer bottles, park it near the barbecue grill, and your guests can take care of themselves.