Using Dry Ice in a Cooler

Here are some helpful tips and the benefits of using dry ice in a cooler.

Dry ice has many uses both in residential and commercial applications. It is ideal for cleaning, keeping mosquitoes away, creating a theatrical fog effect, and so much more. One of its most fundamental uses is to keep food frozen in a cooler. On using dry ice in a cooler, here are some practical tips.

Dry Ice Safety

Safety comes first when handling dry ice. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide, and at -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, one needs rubber or heavy cloth gloves to pick it up. The solid, white substance sublimates until it is gone, meaning that it turns directly from a solid to a gas. A high concentration of carbon dioxide gas can be deadly, so make sure to have enough ventilation in the car and at home. To avoid the hassle of transporting it carefully enough, order some online through Dry Ice Corp.

Best Type of Cooler

There are numerous coolers on the market for carrying dry ice. A suitable dry ice cooler will have decent insulation without sealing all the air inside the box. The carbon dioxide gas needs to escape, so having room for this will prevent an explosion. A styrofoam cooler is another effective way to store dry ice. When storing frozen goods with dry ice, make sure that the container you use is full. When the space is well-filled but not overstuffed, the cooling agent works at its full potential. You may want to use newspapers or towels for extra insulation.

As for how to place the dry ice and food together, there are two ways. You can put the dry ice on the bottom with a piece of cardboard or cloth on top, and then the food on top, or you can do it in the opposite order. 

Benefits of Dry Ice

Dry ice is best for freezing food rather than chilling it. Therefore, it is better to use dry ice for meats, ice cream, and other frozen products and use water ice for sandwiches, drinks, and other items you might use sooner than later. 

Dry ice is a lightweight, no-mess option for keeping provisions fresh. Because dry ice sublimates rather than melts, you don’t have to throw out any water at the end of the day. Only your goods will remain in the cooler. 

Dry Ice For All Your Needs

Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.