When our chest freezer gave out last summer (naturally, right before a long weekend), I had to improvise—and fast. A friend of mine suggested dry ice, and honestly, I thought they were joking. Turns out, dry ice isn’t just for Halloween fog or shipping meat across the country. It’s a legit way to turn a regular cooler into a functioning freezer, and it works surprisingly well when you do it right.
So whether you’re prepping for a power outage, going on a long road trip, or just looking to boost your cold storage temporarily, here are some practical tips for using dry ice to make a freezer that actually works.
🧊 First, What is Dry Ice?
Quick refresher: dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Unlike regular ice, it doesn’t melt into a puddle—it sublimates, turning directly into gas. That’s what makes it so useful for freezing and shipping items without the watery mess.
Picking the Right Container
You don’t need anything fancy, but insulation is key. A hard-sided cooler with a snug-fitting lid works best. The thicker the insulation, the longer your dry ice will last and the better your makeshift freezer will perform. Styrofoam coolers can also work in a pinch, but they won’t retain the cold as long.
Pro tip: Make sure the container is well-ventilated somewhere—don’t seal it airtight. Dry ice releases CO₂ gas, which needs to escape safely.
How Much Dry Ice Do You Need?
This really depends on what you’re trying to freeze and for how long. As a rough guide:
- 10 to 20 pounds of dry ice can keep a standard-sized cooler frozen for 24-48 hours.
- For deeper freezing or longer durations, plan on refreshing your supply daily.
At Ice Maven, we usually recommend starting with about 5-10 pounds per day per cooler, then adjusting based on your situation.
Layering for Maximum Cold
To really make your cooler act like a freezer, place the dry ice on top of the items you’re trying to keep cold. Cold air sinks, so putting the dry ice on top ensures the coldest temperatures reach everything below. You can put a layer of newspaper or cardboard between the dry ice and your items if you’re worried about freezer burn.
And don’t forget gloves! 🧤 Always handle dry ice with care—it’s -109°F and can cause serious skin burns if touched directly.
Monitor & Adjust
Depending on the temperature around you, your “freezer” setup might need tweaking. Check the ice periodically (just visually, don’t poke it!), and if you notice it’s mostly gone, it’s time for a refill.
We’ve had people use this method while camping in the Rockies and others who needed backup cold storage during a fridge repair. It’s super versatile—you just need to plan ahead a little.
Stay Safe
- Never store dry ice in an airtight container.
- Always use in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep it out of reach of kids and pets.
- Don’t sleep in an enclosed space with dry ice—it releases CO₂ gas which can displace oxygen.
Bonus: It’s Great for Emergencies
If you’re in a rural area or prepping for hurricane season, having a dry ice plan in place gives you a serious edge. Ice Maven can help you stock up with either local pickup or overnight shipping, depending on your location.
Dry ice is one of those things that sounds a little intimidating until you try it—and then you wonder why you haven’t been using it all along. Whether it’s for food preservation, a DIY emergency freezer, or just a little peace of mind, dry ice is a tool worth knowing how to use.
And if you’re ever in a pinch? Ice Maven has you covered. We deliver dry ice straight to your door, ready for whatever your freezer—or lack thereof—throws your way.