Dry ice in a cooler: yes, but safety first

Yes, you can put dry ice in a cooler — just don’t be careless.

Dry ice is -109°F. It keeps things frozen for days, not hours. But it’s not regular ice, and a few rules matter.

First, never seal the cooler airtight. Dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas, and that pressure can pop a latch or — in a truly sealed container — cause an explosion. A small vent or a lid that isn’t locked tight is fine.

Second, wear gloves. Touching dry ice with bare skin gives you a frostbite burn in seconds. Use tongs or heavy leather gloves. And keep the cooler in a ventilated area — don’t put it in your car trunk with the windows up for long trips. CO₂ is heavier than air and can pool, which is dangerous if you’re transporting it in an enclosed space.

Third, don’t put dry ice directly in a soft cooler or a cheap plastic one. It can crack the liner or melt the insulation. A rotomolded hard cooler works best. If you’re just keeping food cold (not frozen), wrap the dry ice in newspaper or a towel to avoid freezing what it touches.

One more thing: dry ice evaporates completely