Using Dry Ice in A Cooler
Many people may not think about using dry ice for the sake of keeping things cool or even frozen in their cooler. But the truth is that dry ice is an interesting and viable option to use in your cooler, such as when you are going on a long car trip or are going camping. However, note that you must exercise some precautions to ensure your safety when using dry ice in your cooler. Also, there are some disadvantages regarding using dry ice in comparison to using regular ice.
Dry ice is much colder in comparison to regular ice. This is due to the fact that dry ice is made from carbon dioxide that has been frozen. It only freezes once it reaches a temperature that reads -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes lower. Ice that is made from plain old water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Due to the fact that dry ice is colder in comparison to regular ice, you will appreciate the fact that it will keep your items much colder. The nice thing is that dry ice will not leave a puddle of water in the bottom of your cooler, because it cannot melt. It simply returns to a gas form when it reaches temperatures below the freezing level.
How Long Does Dry Ice Last in Cooler?
Do note that dry ice does not possess a long life span. This means that you cannot freeze it in your freezer at home until the time that you need it for your cooler, as it will simply dissipate in the form of a gas. It is wise to buy your dry ice just before you need it because you can experience a loss of five to as much as ten pounds of dry ice within a period of 24 hours.
Handle with Care
Keep the cooler at a good distance from your camper or tent to prevent exposure to a high level of carbon dioxide. When handling dry ice, it’s imperative for you to put on gloves and also wear long sleeves. This is due to the fact that dry ice has the potential to burn your skin, similar to the way a hot fire can burn you. It is a good idea to wrap the dry ice in newspaper and then put it above the food. It is also a good idea to freeze items before putting them in your cooler with the dry ice to get a longer cooling effect from the dry ice.