When it comes to keeping your cooler cool, there are a variety of options available – and when it’s blistering hot in the summertime, we all want the best option possible. Two of the most popular options that we deal with are dry ice and regular ice. But which one is better for your cooler? Let’s take a closer look at both options using our industry learned KnowHow. Keep reading! 

 

Uses and advantages of dry ice

 

To start, dry ice is simply the solid form of carbon dioxide. Unlike other solids, it does not melt into a liquid – it turns into carbon dioxide gas. Dry ice has a holding temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a great packing material, keeping items colder, longer. It has many uses in various industries including but not limited to, medical, food and beverage and research.  

 

One of the main advantages of dry ice is that it doesn’t melt. As previously mentioned, it sublimates, which means that it turns from a solid directly into a gas. This means that there is no mess to clean up and no water to drain from your cooler. That is a big advantage! However, it is good to note that you do need to be careful when handling dry ice, as it can be dangerous if not handled properly.

 

Another advantage of dry ice is that it can be purchased in large quantities and stored for long periods of time. This makes it a good option for people who are planning extended trips or who need to keep their cooler cold for several days at a time.

 

Uses and advantages of regular ice 

 

Regular ice, on the other hand, is a more affordable and widely available option. As you probably know, it’s made from frozen water and is often sold in bags or blocks. You can purchase it at almost any store you walk into, making it a more convenient option. 

 

One of the main advantages of regular ice is that it’s easy to handle and pack in your cooler. It does not pose any danger to whoever is handling it and is easy to move around and transfer without worrying about safety. Regular ice can be used for various applications such as packing down a cooler or icing an injury. 

 

Disadvantages of using regular ice

 

While we do use regular ice more often, there are some drawbacks to using it in your cooler. To start, it melts relatively quickly, which means that you need to drain the water from your cooler regularly. This can be a hassle, causing you to have to make stops while on a long trip, or have to replace items that have now become sopping wet from the water filled chest. 

 

That leads us to another potential drawback – affecting the taste and smell of your food and drinks. As it melts, the water can mix with your food and drinks, diluting their flavor and affecting their quality. Additionally, regular ice can be less effective at keeping your cooler cold for extended periods of time, which means that you may need to add more ice frequently.

 

So, which is better for your cooler: dry ice or regular ice? 

 

There really is no right or wrong answer as it ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a longer-lasting, more effective cooling option and are willing to pay a little extra, then dry ice may be a good choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and easy-to-handle option, then regular ice may be a better match. 

 

The most important thing is to choose an ice option that will help keep your food and drinks cold and safe. Whether you opt for dry ice, regular ice, or some other option, make sure to pack your cooler carefully and keep it out of direct sunlight to ensure the best possible cooling performance. Want to learn more about dry ice and how you can get signed up for a consistent supply? Reach out to our team – we’d love to get you started and answer any questions that you may have!