How to Pack a Dry Ice Cooler
Using dry ice allows for things to be kept cold much longer than regular ice.
Dry ice is actually one of the best ways of keeping meat products, food, and beverages cold for a long amount of time. And, unlike regular ice, it does not produce any condensation or watery residue on the food. Therefore, it is a valuable ally for any weekend-long family camping trip or even just a long day barbeque in the hot heat of summer. However, you cannot simply fill a regular cooler to the brim with a bunch of dry ice as you would regular ice. But how does one safely pack a cooler with this kind of ice? Here’s how you can keep the contents of your cooler ultra-cold using dry ice with this easy and safe method.
Preparing the Cooler
Dry ice should be purchased or set to arrive on the day you’ll need to be using it. The reason for this is that ice can actually give off fumes that can make people sick in closed spaces. Although it sublimates slowly, by the next day, the pieces of ice will be much, much smaller after exposure to the air, especially when it is hot. Secondly, make sure that the cooler itself is dry ice compatible. Ice can actually burn through thin plastic, so a styrofoam cooler or cooler made specifically for dry ice use is best. For best safety, make sure to never use a cooler that is completely air-tight because ice can actually explode when in airtight conditions. Instead, use one that has decent ventilation or a lid that is not closed all the way.
Packing the Cooler
Make sure that you are loading the cooler outside or in a very well-ventilated area such as a sunroom with the windows open so as not to cause any gas buildup from the dry ice. Then, use a ten-inch block of dry ice for every 15 inches of the cooler, and wrap it in a newspaper or other soft paper. This will prevent the ice from coming into direct contact with food or drinks, which can be toxic. Place the ice into the bottom of the cooler, and then place the items needing to be stored on top of it.
If you are taking a trip somewhere and driving, make sure to drive with the windows or roof down to make sure the ice cooler is well ventilated. Once you arrive at your destination, it may be worthwhile to cover the cooler with a blanket or towel to keep in as much cold as possible until the contents need to be used.
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.
