How to Pack a Cooler with Dry Ice
You must be careful when you pack a cooler with dry ice.
Whether you’re going on a long camping weekend or going to the beach for a few days, packing your cooler with dry ice is a great way to keep your perishables frozen and fresh, even in the summer heat! However, dry ice should be handled a little differently than regular ice. So, taking the time to pack your cooler correctly will ensure your goodies stay frozen or cold, and you stay safe, so you can focus on having fun.
Pick The Right Cooler
Did you know that the right cooler can actually prolong the life of your dry ice? Using a dry-ice compatible insulated cooler can help keep your dry ice frozen for days, or even weeks, depending on how much dry ice you have. If you’re taking a long trip and need to keep food frozen for a while, you should invest in a larger block of dry ice that will stay intact longer than a smaller one. If you take a short trip, you can also get dry ice pellets for a smaller cooler. Of course, any cooler you use shouldn’t be airtight, or the carbon dioxide gas can cause it to explode. You should always store your cooler outside or in a well-ventilated area as well.
Layer For Efficiency
When packing your cooler with dry ice, you should consider what you’ll need to stay frozen and what just needs to be cold. Start with your block of dry ice at the bottom of the cooler, and cover it with something like a towel, aluminum foil, or a piece of cardboard. Since heat rises, anything that needs to stay frozen should be at the bottom of your cooler next to the dry ice block. Anything that just needs to keep cold should be at the top. Keep in mind that every time you open your cooler, you’ll be losing cold air, so you should pack any high-frequency items in an easy-to-find spot so you can get in and out of your cooler as quickly as possible.
Fill Your Cooler with Dry Ice From Dry Ice Corp
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our 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 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.
