How to Make the Most of Dry Ice in Your Cooler
When you’re trying to keep a cooler full of food and drinks cold, ice alone is often less than desirable. Not only does ice melt quickly, but the resulting water can often ruin the items you wanted to keep fresh.
When you are trying to keep a cooler full of food and drinks cold, ice alone is often less than desirable. Not only does ice melt quickly, but the resulting water can often ruin the items you wanted to keep fresh. As it melts, you may not be certain of what the end temperature will be, resulting in food safety issues that can cause illness and waste. Dry ice, on the other hand, is a far cleaner and easier to regulate substance. We’ve spoken at length on our blog about how and why it’s useful for your cooler, today we’ll talk about the ins and outs of using it.
Use Better Coolers
When you’re using a cooler and dry ice, it’s important to remember that not all coolers are created equally. Using a cooler you’ve had for years may seem like a great idea, but if it’s not perfectly sealed or well insulated, you may lose more dry ice than expected over a 24 hour period. Additionally, not all coolers are dry ice compatible. Check with your manufacturer before you fill your cooler to make sure it’s the best fit. Coolers with vents are best, as dry ice can explode if left in an airtight environment.
Keep It Packed Full
The best way to help dry ice last as long as possible is to ensure that there is as little empty space as possible. This means that your cooler should be packed as full as it can be packed, If there is open space, and as you use your food and drinks, make sure that all open space is replaced with blankets, towels, or newspaper to prevent early melting.
Reduce Unnecessary Temperature Loss
In general, you should not be opening or closing your cooler any more than necessary. Regardless of whether you’re using dry ice or conventional ice the more often you release the cold air, the faster your ice will dissolve or evaporate. To help expand the life of your dry ice you may want to freeze as many of the items you will be bringing as possible. Dry ice starts at -109º if the majority of the contents of your cooler is simply refrigerated the overall temperature will rise much faster. Even under the best circumstances, dry ice often melts within a day and may need to be replaced relatively quickly.
Dry Ice for All of 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 onFacebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
