Creating a Dry Ice Cooler for Outdoor Events: A Step-by-Step Guide

A dry ice cooler is a great option for keeping food and drinks chilled during outdoor events.

Planning an outdoor event often comes with the challenge of keeping food and beverages chilled for hours. Traditional coolers filled with ice work, but melting ice can turn a cooler into a slushy mess, and the constant need to drain water can be inconvenient. This is where dry ice offers an effective, long-lasting, and hassle-free cooling alternative. Here’s a step-by-step guide on creating a dry ice cooler that will keep your drinks, food, and perishables perfectly chilled for any outdoor event.

Gather Your Materials

To create a dry ice cooler, you’ll need the following items:

• A high-quality cooler (preferably a well-insulated one)
• Dry ice (plan on 5-10 pounds, depending on the cooler size and event duration)
• Insulating material, like towels or cardboard
• Gloves (dry ice is extremely cold and can burn skin on contact)
• Optional: additional ice or ice packs to maintain an even temperature

Prepare the Cooler

Dry ice works best in a well-insulated cooler, as it will help retain the extreme cold and slow down the sublimation process. If your cooler is new, clean it out to prevent any residual odors or dust. Then, line the cooler with insulating material, such as towels, which will help protect any food or beverages from direct contact with the dry ice.

It’s important to note that dry ice is so cold (about -109.3°F or -78.5°C) that it can freeze anything it directly touches. To avoid frozen drinks or spoiled food, place a layer of cardboard, plastic, or towels between the dry ice and the contents you want to keep chilled but not frozen.

Add the Dry Ice

With gloves on, carefully place the dry ice block or pieces at the bottom of the cooler. If your cooler has a drain plug, keep it open, as dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which needs a place to escape. This venting will also help maintain the temperature by preventing any pressure buildup. Place an insulating layer, like a piece of cardboard or additional towels, on top of the dry ice if you’re adding sensitive items that might freeze.

Tip: If you want an extra layer of cooling, you can place regular ice or ice packs on top of the dry ice, creating a dual-layered cooling effect. This combination works well if you have a mix of items that need to be kept frozen (like ice cream) and others that only need to stay cold (like beverages).

Safety Precautions

Handling dry ice requires caution, as it can burn skin on contact and produces carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in closed spaces. Follow these safety tips:

• Always wear gloves when handling dry ice to avoid skin burns.
• Store the cooler outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Never keep a dry ice cooler in a closed vehicle or small space, as carbon dioxide buildup can displace oxygen.
• Never store dry ice in airtight containers. Pressure from the sublimating gas could cause the container to rupture.
• Keep the cooler out of reach of children and pets.

Monitor the Cooler Throughout the Event

While dry ice is remarkably effective, it won’t last indefinitely. Check the contents periodically to ensure they’re at the desired temperature and that the dry ice hasn’t fully sublimated. If you’re hosting a long event, you may need to add more dry ice to keep things consistently cool. To do this safely, wait until most guests are not near the cooler, open it briefly to add fresh dry ice, and close it quickly to maintain the temperature.

Dispose of the Dry Ice Properly

Once your event wraps up, it’s essential to dispose of any remaining dry ice correctly. Let any leftover dry ice sublimate in an open, well-ventilated area. Avoid disposing of dry ice in sinks, toilets, or drains, as it can cause damage and create dangerous gas buildups in confined plumbing spaces. Leave the cooler open in a safe outdoor spot until all dry ice is gone.

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 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.