Going to the beach or the park with a cooler full of sweets is the best. If it's a hot day, you might want to bring some ice cream with you, but how can you keep it from melting? Fortunately, there are some tricks that will help you make it last longer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Dry Ice
Step 1. Purchase about 5-10 pounds of dry ice for a 40-liter cooler
You can find it in almost any supermarket for € 2-6 per kilo. Dry ice evaporates at a rate of about 2-5 kg per day, so if you buy it too early, you won't have any more when you need it.
- Dry ice is usually sold in 25cm x 5cm squares, which weigh around 5kg. You will need one square for every 45cm of the bag's length.
- You can make dry ice yourself by spraying a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher into a pillowcase for 2-3 seconds. Put on gloves, closed shoes, and other protective clothing if you want to try.
Step 2. Choose an insulated cooler bag with an air vent
Since dry ice creates steam, make sure your bag has an air vent or valve that allows the gas to escape. If you put ice in a fully sealed bag, the steam will cause the internal pressure to rise, which can cause an explosion.
- If your bag doesn't have a valve, leave it slightly open.
- Portable refrigerators made of plastic and polystyrene are the most suitable for containing dry ice.
Step 3. Use thick gloves when handling ice
Dry ice can "burn" your hands; of course, at a temperature of -80 ° C, the burns are actually very severe chilblains. In any case, don't touch the ice block with bare skin when you take the ice cream out of the bag!
Step 4. Put the ice cream on the bottom of the cooler
Since cold air moves downward, dry ice is more effective if you place it on top of the object to be cooled. If possible, you should always place ice on top of the rest of the items in the bag.
Step 5. Wrap the dry ice with a towel and place it in the cooler
This way it will be isolated and will last longer. Also, you will prevent it from damaging the rest of the items inside the bag.
Step 6. Keep drinks and other snacks in a second bag so they don't freeze
Dry ice is powerful enough to freeze anything underneath. Have a separate bag for drinks and other snacks so they won't freeze and dry ice will last longer.
Step 7. Fill in any space left in the bag
Empty space causes dry ice to evaporate more quickly. If you don't have enough food to put in your bag, you can fill it with regular ice or other materials, such as a towel or crumpled newspaper. Alternatively, buy more ice cream!
Close the lid tightly after filling the cooler
Step 8. Put the cooler bag in the trunk if you want to take ice cream with you
When dry ice evaporates it turns into carbon dioxide. In a small, enclosed space like the passenger compartment of a car, the accumulation of gas can cause dizziness and even cause you to lose consciousness.
If there is no space in the trunk, be sure to open the windows or turn on the climate control to let the air in from outside
Step 9. Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight
Dry ice will last longer in the shade.
Step 10. Leave the dry ice at room temperature when you're done using it
Cleaning will be very simple! Once the ice cream is finished, open the cooler and leave it in a well-ventilated area. Dry ice will turn into carbon dioxide and disperse into the air.
Never throw dry ice down the drain, sink, toilet, or garbage disposal. This material can freeze, rupture pipes, and even cause explosions if it expands too quickly
Method 2 of 2: Using Normal Ice
Step 1. Choose a high quality insulated cooler bag
Not all cooler bags are the same! Each brand uses a different method of insulation. A quality icebox keeps ice cream intact much more efficiently than a disposable Styrofoam container.
Step 2. Cool the cooler before filling it
You should definitely avoid putting ice cream in a hot cooler. Bring it indoors and, if necessary, pour a bucket of ice inside. When you are ready to put the ice cream in, remove the ice and replace it with new fresh cubes.
Step 3. Put the ice cream on the bottom of the cooler
The objects on the bottom are the ones that remain coldest. You can put things on top that don't have to stay frozen. However, do not put any hot objects with the ice cream, otherwise it will melt sooner!
Step 4. Freeze a large block of ice to slow melting
Use a large pot or baking sheet to make a large block. The bulkier the ice, the longer it will stay frozen, cooling your ice cream too!
Step 5. Add a layer of rock salt to the ice to slow melting
This material helps slow the rate of melting of the ice. In the past, it was even used to make ice cream! Sprinkle a handful or two of rock salt directly over the ice.
Step 6. Put the ice cream in fridge bags to insulate it even better
Reusable thermal bags are often used in supermarkets to keep food warm or cold. Try putting the ice cream container in one of these bags, then slip it into the cooler bag and surround it with ice.
Step 7. Fill in the empty space inside the cooler bag
Empty space causes ice to melt more quickly. If necessary, use towels to take up all the space.
Step 8. Avoid opening the cooler if not necessary
The more often you open the bag, the faster the ice will melt. Keep drinks in a different bag, as people have a tendency to take them often.
Step 9. Try to keep the cooler out of direct sunlight
It won't be easy if there is no shade, but try to find a sheltered spot behind a chair or under an umbrella.
Warnings
- Always store dry ice in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear gloves when handling dry ice.
- Keep dry ice out of the reach of children and pets.
- Never swallow dry ice.
