Dry ice works in a standard cooler, but crack the lid.

Yes, you can use dry ice in a standard cooler — just don’t seal it tight. Dry ice sublimates into CO2 gas, and if your cooler is airtight, pressure can build up and pop the lid off or crack the plastic. Leave the drain plug open, or prop the lid slightly ajar.

A few other things: line the bottom with cardboard or newspaper so the dry ice doesn’t sit directly on the cooler surface (which can get cold enough to crack plastic). And don’t put it next to food you don’t want freeze-burned — dry ice is -109°F. It’s best used on top of items in a chest-style cooler, so the cold sinks down.

How long does it last? In a standard 50-quart rotomolded cooler (like a discount Coleman or Igloo), a 10-pound block lasts about 24 to 36 hours if you open it sparingly. In a cheap foam cooler, maybe 12 hours. The key is insulation quality and how often you open the lid — every peek shortens the life.

If you need multi-day ice for a camping trip, a proper dry ice cooler (like a Yeti or similar) is worth it. But for a single day at the beach or a tailgate? A standard cooler with a cracked lid and a 5-pound block works fine.

Just don’t seal it. Ever.