Determining just how much ice to use in a cooler can be tricky, but shoot for approximately 30% of the internal volume of your cooler. All you need to do is add water and place the packs in the freezer to activate the cooling process. This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff, GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. If your cooling needs dont require a 48-hour chill and you dont need sub-freezing temperatures, you can save yourself a lot of money. We also love the Polar Tech Ice Brix Viscous Cold Packs because theyre exceptionally budget-friendly, but effective. If you can believe it, these super packs do the job of 18 pounds of ice to provide long-lasting cold temperatures with minimal sweating. Heres a helpful tip: Wetting the cork makes it easier to insert, but once the cork is is installed, it cant be removedso make sure youve filled them adequately. The multilayer. Also, dry ice is only appropriate in situations where you want to keep food frozen, rather than chilled because of its super-low temperature. We are easy to reach by phone . On the other hand, soft-sided packs won't be as durable as those with hard plastic casing and could be punctured or even burst. All rights reserved. Tourit ice packs are available in yellow and green as well as the standard cooler-pack blue. Sold in a set of 2, these ice packs are made from BPA-Free plastic thats appropriate for use around food. Keep in mind that how often you open your cooler and the ambient temperature of the day play a significant role in your ice packs melt rate. That means it doesnt sweat (like soft plastic ice packs) and cause moisture damage to the contents of your cooler. Some stay cold for around four hours, while others can last for up to 48 hours. Price at time of publish: $19 for 4 packs, Type: Gel pack | Dimensions: 4.8 x 0.7 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds, When you have a gigantic cooler for a large party, you might not want to line up tons (and tons!) We may receive commissions when you buy through links on our site. One of the most significant design flaws in regular ice packs is that they dont cool everything equally. Hard ice packs are more durable, but they're more difficult to stuff into a cooler. We left the cooler outside around 3 p.m. and checked in on it about three hours later. However, cubed regular ice is better at chilling food and drinks because it can be used to completely surround whatever youre trying to chill. When consumers consider the environmental hazards of discarding ice packs, theyre usually concerned about the bright blue gel inside the packs. The gels have a much lower freezing point than water. One pack in a 16-quart cooler can keep food cold for an entire day. These ice packs feature an impressive 5F (-15C) freezing point, which allows them to absorb more heat and keep your food colder for longer. Its commonly used in shipping and is a popular option because carbon dioxide sublimates (goes from a solid to a gas) at normal Earth temperatures. Price (Amazon) $20.00. Food, beverages, and ice stay cold, crisp, and refreshing inside this . Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews. $25.38. Ice packs come as either hard-sided packs or soft packs. best lunch ice pack featured in this Video:NO. Great for a smaller cooler. Theyre exceptionally slim, so they wont take up precious real estate in a compact cooler. Type: Ice sheet | Dimensions: 19.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 7 pounds, Multi-layer construction helps eliminate sweating. Perfect for your soft-sided cooler. You Add Water & Save! It allows it to freeze much quicker than a solid-block ice pack because there's more surface area. With its flat shape and six different-size options, this ice pack fits easily into most coolers. And if youre still searching for cool options, weve got a few more trusty ice packs lined up in our sleeves. 7. With dimensions of 10 inches by 13 inches and a thickness of 1.25 inches, this pack has plenty of surface area to emit cold while maintaining a slender profile for an easy fit in both coolers and freezers. You can even choose from five different styles. The Cooler Shock packs are available in three sizes: large (10 x 14 inches), medium (10 x 10 inches), and lunch bag (7 x 7 inches). Ice packs also come in handy in serious situations, such as during a power outage to prevent food from spoiling, say representatives from the CDC. It might not be as impressive as a 48-hour ice pack, but its fit for the purpose. Amazon.com : Cooler Shock 16 lb. Some of the best large ice packs can last up to two full days in a quality cooler. There are 3 key features that make for a great cooler ice pack : Best Budget Option : TOURIT Ice PacksSlim, convenient option for smaller coolers and short outdoor adventures., Best for the Money : YETI Ice PackBuilt to stay cold for days on end, especially inside a YETI cooler., Best for Deep Freezing : Arctic Ice Tundra Series Ice Pack Has a 5F (-15C) freezing point that allows you to keep your food colder for longer., Quickest to Freeze : Orion Frostbite Arctic IceCan be frozen in just 8 to 10 hour., Best Compact Sized : Fit & Fresh XL CoolersSlim shape also helps to save space within your cooler so you can pack in more food with less ice., Best Soft Ice Pack : Cooler Shock Freeze PacksDesigned to stay cold for about 8 hours in the heat, making them perfect for shorter day trips., Best Durability : Engel Coolers Hard Shell Ice PackMade from an extra durable hard-sided plastic thats non-toxic and non-hazardous.. These ice packs for coolers help soothe pain from injury or for post-surgery recovery. Food safe. In the event one should break (hey, it happens! Price at time of publish: $30 for 5 packs, Type: Ice pack | Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 7.05 ounces, Long-lasting cold temperatures in leak-proof plastic. However, we must say that in order to use this as a substitute or replacement for ice, you'll need to use several ice packs. Higher-quality cooler packs feature tough plastic shells that resist ballooning. Although they have a higher upfront cost, they help you save money down the line because you dont need to buy more ice for every trip. Cooler Shock Zero Degree F Cooler Freeze Pack - Best Ice Pack on the list; 1.4 4. The three-layer bags are designed to absorb and transfer energy and due to the bags large surface area, it can distribute an incredible amount of cooling power. 1. To help you pick the best one, we researched and tested dozens of ice packs, judging effectiveness, longevity, and value. You add the water, seal and save! Here's how it works: The gel material in the packs gradually change from a solid to a liquid, making them colder and more effective than ice. The idea here is that ice packs with lower freezing points will last longer because they need to absorb more heat before they melt. Type: Gel pack | Dimensions: 4 x 7 inches | Weight: Not listed. Another claim to fame? They come in a set of five to keep the whole broods packed lunches cool. The outdoor brands ICE blockswhich are available in 1-, 2-, and 4-pound optionsare made from tough, drop-resistant plastic. With a depth of just a quarter of an inch, they take up very little space. Retailing for roughly $23, the Cooler Shock Dry Packs offer superior performance for a reasonable price. Cooler Shock Ice Packs BEST OVERALL These packs ship dry with their proprietary dry ice cooling formula inside. Available in packs of four and eight, consumers can purchase the number of ice packs for their cooling needs. These diminutive freezer bags have a freezing point of 18 degrees Fahrenheita temperature they maintain throughout the thawing processand will stay cold up to 10 hours. Artic Ice Chillin Brew Cooler Pack; 1.6 6. We're used to throwing our ice packs in the freezer for 12 or so hours overnight, so we were a little surprised by the long freeze time. To keep swelling down, its often essential to use a cold compress, and these packs will do the job nicely. While theyre a bit on the pricey side, the made-in-the-USA YETI Ice Packs are some of the most durable around thanks to their high-density polyethylene construction. However, some larger models with lower freezing points can take up to 36 hours to freeze solid. How well does Cooler Shock Perform. They measure a whopping 10 inches by 14 inches. It allows it to freeze much quicker than a solid-block ice pack because theres more surface area. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. The one downside? Finally, Perez said, leave the other side for food. our process. Cooler Shock Dry Packs need to be kept in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours to achieve their full effectiveness. The ice pack is an impressive 13 x 10, but it has a uniquely slim design that allows it to sit basically flush with the floor or walls of your cooler. These compact packs from freezer pack specialists Cooler Shock are just the right size for smaller coolers and lunch bags. This is normal. Still, we think the benefits outweigh the small trouble. Made in the USA with an extra-large construction, these ice packs are built to be layered on the bottoms and sides of a hard-sided cooler for improved cold retention. Depending on which size you choose, the packs take anywhere from six to eight hours to freeze, but theyll keep drinks cold for a day or more. Overnight: Order by 11AM EST for overnight delivery.Rates vary based on order total. As promised, it holds 28 cans and a few ice packs, even leaving a little room to spare. FSA & HSA Approved Optional: Add an Adjustable Temperature Flow Control: Optional: Add a 5-Foot Insulated Tubing Extension: Optional: Add Additional Power Options: So, care is needed when handling it to prevent freezing injuries. Cooler Shock is one of the most popular ice packs for your cooler. Packed with high-quality gel, these ice packs are built to stay cold for days on end, especially inside a YETI cooler. If youre looking for a versatile and durable ice pack for your lunch box, this is one of the best. When ice packs melt, they usually don't leave any puddles behind. The large packs are definitely intended for high-capacity coolers (16 quarts and up). Freezing point is also a concern with ice packs, but each of these picks freezes quickly at 0 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These hard and soft ice packs are also lightweight at 0.2 kilograms to 4 pounds to avoid weighing down your backpack cooler or lunch box. The real problem is the plastic coating that contains the gel, which is not biodegradable. Keep reading for our full product review. Each 16oz ice pack freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and their 7-inch by 3-inch design is small enough to fit in your cooler or freezer without taking up too much space. Kona offers a great solution. You can use a measuring cup to add the appropriate amount of water. If youre looking for something a little more rugged, though, YETI offers a great alternative. Note: 3 Years warranty. Each pack has one screw cap in the top left corner, so you have to pop that off and then fill the bag with water using the included funnel. The instructions also warn that the sides of the pack can become sharp when frozen, so we werent messing around. We purchased the GenTap Cooler Shock Dry Packs so our reviewer could put it to the test in her kitchen. When durability is your top concern, the Engel Coolers Hard Shell Ice Pack is tough to beat. These ice packs come in packs of four and are made with BPA-free plastic. It serves as an absorbent layer, so nothing in your lunch box will get soggy from condensation. ZeroF Cooler Freeze Pack look like its just a foil pack that you fill with water, but some serious chemical engineering has gone into these packs. Price at time of publish: $18 for 12 packs, Type: Cold pack | Dimensions: 6 x 5.75 x 1 inches | Weight: Not listed. Theyre also appropriately-sized. Once filled, the pack will turn to gel in about 20 minutes. This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including coolers and ice packs. A bulky ice pack can really interfere with what you can store and how you can store it. Theres hardly any prep time involved, either. This low freezing point ensures that your ice pack stays colder, longer. Instructions for Use Cut ice packs into desired configuration with scissors. Efficiently uses space within the cooler. Do you want big ice packs to cool a large cooler of food or smaller versions you can use for lunch boxes and other containers? The Cooler Shock Refreezable Reusable Cooler Hard Ice Packs includes two ice packs for better cold coverage in your cooler. Block-style regular ice melts more slowly because it has a less exposed surface area. The Best Soft Coolers for Taking Drinks and Peris May be too large for small coolers or lunch bags, Stays cool for 48 hours (32-quart cooler only), Reinforced with aluminum, nylon, and polyethylene, Large construction; may take up room in the cooler, Made with industrial-strength food grade plastics. The Nordic Ice Gel Packs will stay cold for around four hours in a well-insulated cooler. As the instructions advised, we separated the packs before freezing them. The sheets are completely chemical-free, too! Each ice pack weighs in at 5 pounds and can replace up to 7 pounds of ice to keep drinks and snacks cool If what you want is a short-term chill to keep that lunch box cool, this is the solution for you. To be responsible, cut open the gel pack, empty the gel into the garbage, and then dispose of the plastic part by taking it to a plastic bag recycling center. She has over 10 years of experience, which has included articles for Gore-Tex, Gear Junkie, Outside, Backpacker, Yoga Journal, Gore-Tex, Men's Journal, and Men's Fitness. Remains at 18 degrees Fahrenheit and keep snacks in your cooler, beach bag, and picnic basket cool for 24-48 hours. But, if youre concerned about chemicals, you might still opt for a water-filled pack. Thrive Bag REVIEW DETAILS By Tony Carrick Updated Jan 25, 2022 10:58 AM. As the instructions advised, we separated the packs before freezing them. Please note: Hot Topic ships to all 50 states, APO/FPO addresses, U.S. territories and possessions. The main difference is that you fill these ice packs yourself, open up the lid and fill them with water, and after a few hours in the freezer, they are ready to go. The following ice packs are made by some of the most innovative companies in the business. At 18 degrees, the gel material in these packs gradually changes from a solid to a liquid, making them colder and more effective than ice. Hard-sided packs are good for keeping the temperature down, but may not fit if you have awkwardly shaped items in your cooler or need lots of direct contact with items, such as canned drinks or bottles. Are you packing a lunch box or a tiny cooler with drinks and sandwiches to go? Unfortunately, like most of the cheaper ice pack manufacturers, they dont advertise the freezing temperature or how long the packs will stay cold. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Cooler Shock 3X Large Freeze Packs at Amazon, Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Ice Packs at Amazon, FlexiFreeze Reusable Ice Sheets at Amazon, Arctic Ice Alaskan Series Cooler Pack at Amazon, LotFancy Contoured Freezer Packs at Amazon, Healthy Packers Original Cool Pack at Amazon, Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Ice Packs Review, YETI ICE 2 lb. However, anyone that accidentally ingests it should see a physician for evaluation. These reusable packs are simply filled with water and can replace 18 pounds of ice. Weighing 4 pounds, each unit packs ample amounts of ice and becomes frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Models, like the TOURIT Ice Packs, which have a slender shape, are easier to fit into smaller coolers. Each Engel Coolers Hard Shell Ice Pack is made from an extra durable hard-sided plastic thats non-toxic and non-hazardous for use around food. Takes only 12 hours. before using, add water once using the funnel, shake, screw cap on, & freeze until ready to use. These gels are contained in a bag or hard shell made of vinyl or plastic. Each ice pack is filled with a powerful cooling gel that can freeze solid in just 8 to 10 hours. Check Price at Amazon: 5: Amazon Basics Reusable Hard Sided Rectangular Ice Pack, 6.5" X 4.3" X 1.2", Blue, Pack of 4 : Check . There are two main categories; those that freeze around 32F (0F), like the Engel Coolers Hard Shell Ice Pack, and those that freeze below 20F (-6.7C), such as the Cooler Shock Freeze Packs. We ordered the large ones, which come in a pack of three. The reason customers love them so much is that they freeze at a very low temperature -28.4 F (-2 C). Soak packs or sheets in water, the kitchen sink or a shallow pan will work fine. 1.1 1. The packs are made from high-density polyethylene, a material thats thicker than others and wont deform or break after being frozen. At this point, the Cooler Shock pack had fully thawed, but it was still ice cold as were all of the beverages. The thawed gel in the ice pack was somewhat cool, but it had lost its effectiveness and our beverages were starting to get warm and sweaty. Type: Gel packs | Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches | Weight: 1 pound. If youre the kind of person that takes their lunch to work every day, you need Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers. We left two packs in the freezer for about 36 hours and when we removed them, we wore a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves as the ice packs were so cold that they hurt our bare hands. Water-Filled pack but it was still ice cold as were all of the best one, we the. For post-surgery recovery instructions also warn that the sides of the most innovative companies the... 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