What Is Ice Chest?
Ice Chest Is an insulated, boxlike container that can be filled with ice and used to cool beverages, preserve food, etc.
Ice cubes are most commonly placed in it to help the contents inside stay cool. Ice packs are sometimes used, as they either contain the melting water inside, or have a gel sealed inside that stays cold longer than plain ice (absorbing heat as it changes phase).
Coolers are often taken on picnics, and on vacation or holiday. Where summers are hot, they may also be used just for getting cold groceries home from the store, such as keeping ice cream from melting in a hot automobile. Even without adding ice, this can be helpful, particularly if the trip home will be lengthy. Some coolers have built-in cupholders in the lid.
Insulated beverage cooler They are usually made with interior and exterior shells of plastic, with a hard foam in between. They come in sizes from small personal ones to large family ones with wheels. Disposable ones are made solely from polystyrene foam (such as is a disposable coffee cup) about 2 cm or one inch thick. Most reusable ones have molded-in handles; a few have shoulder straps. The cooler has developed from just a means of keeping beverages cold into a mode of transportation with the ride-on cooler. A thermal bag, cooler bag or cool bag is very similar in concept, but typically smaller and not rigid.
Why Do People Buy Ice Chest?
Chest freezers are the more energy-efficient and frugal purchase, and performance-wise, they preserve your foods longer. Upright freezers prove to be the lower-maintenance and easier-to-organize counterpart, with auto-defrost, storage accessories and a more accessible configuration.
How Does A Ice Chest Work?
The insulation, which is usually made from foam or plastic, lines the inside of your cooler, slowing down the circulation of warm air. The ice, meanwhile, keeps the inside of your cooler nice and chilly. The insulation inside the cooler slows down the warm air through a process called convection.
What To Look For In Ice Chest:
DURABILITY
When thinking about which cooler to purchase, consider how much punishment it will take. If your cooler will be sitting underneath a picnic table or cozily in the bed of your vehicle for only a few hours, then you won’t have to search for tough exterior materials. Softshell coolers that are light and easy to carry can be a much easier and efficient option in these situations.
Another factor to consider, especially for those camping in areas prone to bear sightings, is a making sure your cooler is bear-resistant. The smell of tasty treats can attract these animals, and if bears find the food source (your cooler) they can cause major damage to your campsite and themselves. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) has a complete list of products with added locks that they have found to be durable enough to withstand a bear interaction. If you believe that run-ins with these creatures is a possibility, consult the IGBC website for a list of bear-resistant products.
INSULATION
Keeping your food and beverages cool is the main purpose of a cooler, so naturally, you should consider your container’s insulation capabilities when making a purchase. Hard-shell coolers are better suited for ice retention than their softshell counterparts because there is more insulating material designed into them. If you plan on packing perishable food, or items that might spoil, you might want to consider a hard-shell cooler, especially if you’re packing for multiple days. While softshell coolers will work for a few hours, the more insulated hard-shell coolers are better equipped to keep food below the recommended 40-degree mark set by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for longer periods of time.
As is the case with durability, when it comes to a cooler’s insulation, you often get what you pay for. Higher-quality coolers feature a denser, thicker insulating material, which creates a better ice retention rate. Traditional coolers will work fine for a few hours to a day, but you might want to consider making the investment in a high-end cooler if you know you won’t be able to easily replenish your ice or plan to be out for long periods of time.
SIZE
The size of your desired cooler should be determined by two factors: how much food and drink you are trying to keep cool, and how much space you have available for the cooler itself. Most cooler hulls are measured in quarts, with some smaller options measured by how many cans they can comfortably carry. Coolers measuring 25 quarts or less are great for overnight or evening trips and can house plenty of ice and food or drinks for one individual or a small group. If your trip will be an extended excursion, look for larger options. There are a number of sizes available, with some coolers reaching more than 75 quarts in size. Coolers designed for marine use or housing meat from a hunting trip are the largest options, tipping past the 100-quart mark.
Always remember to factor room for ice or ice packs into your size decision; a good rule of thumb is to think of one part ice for every two parts food or beverage. Larger coolers will also require more space, so be sure your container can fit in your vehicle before opting for the largest one available. A cooler will be most efficient when the ice levels reach the top of the cooler, so look for a container that allows for ample storage but doesn’t require loads upon loads of ice to reach this prime level.
MATERIALS
There are a few material options available when it comes to a cooler’s construction. Softshell coolers made from fabric are ideal for short trips or for events calling for a little food or drink. The lightweight, collapsible design also makes storage simple. Softshell coolers can also feature additional pockets on their exterior that can house extra snacks and smaller items like your phone, wallet or keys. What you gain in storage and versatility, though, you lose in insulation, so keep this fact in mind.
Hard-shell coolers are typically made from plastic or metal. These materials allow for thicker insulation, thus keeping items cold longer. While these containers are great for keeping larger amounts of food and beverages chilled and can really retain ice for lengthy trips, you have to plan for space. Hard-shell coolers do not break down or collapse, so you have to designate some room to tote them around. Also, be sure you’re prepared to store these coolers away with the proper space when they are not in use.
PORTABILITY
Having a cooler with unequaled insulation and durability is fantastic, but it doesn’t do much when you can’t transport the container to your desired location or event. When making a purchase decision, consider how cumbersome the cooler’s design will be and how that will affect portability. Some smaller options offer a single-handle design and many larger coolers offer side handles or ropes for a more efficient two-person carry. There are also coolers with built-in wheels, like a suitcase, for easy mobility. Some wheeled coolers also feature a telescopic handle which increases comfort by allowing you to walk upright without bending over to reach the container. Once you’ve reached your destination, the handle discretely folds away to save space. Shoulder straps and coolers designed to be worn as a backpack are also available in some models.
SPECIALTY MODELS
While shopping for a new cooler, you might also stumble upon a few specialty models, which either have a designated purpose or have unique features to their design. For example, one of the most popular specialty coolers is the marine cooler. As mentioned before, these containers can reach more than 100 quarts in size and are constructed from a white, antimicrobial plastic. The antimicrobial materials can help limit bacteria buildup on the interior and exterior, letting you confidently store your day’s catch with less fear of spoiled meat. Combine these features with a marine cooler’s great thermal capabilities and you have the perfect container for an expedition on the open water.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
There are a few final qualities to consider once you have narrowed down your cooler options. Some models come with a locking or latching mechanism, especially those marked as bear-resistant. Make sure that these locking systems are easy to use and meet your comfort and safety needs.
How Long Do Ice Chests Last?
Plus five tips for extending how long ice lasts. Ice in a cooler will last from 12 hours to 7 days. Premium hard coolers will last the longest at up to 7 days (or more). Some soft and styrofoam coolers will keep ice for less than 24 hours.
Ice Chest Prices In Ghana:
Igloo Max Cold Ice Chest – 165qt – White
GH₵ 1,450.00
Igloo 150 Litres Ice Chest Cooler – White
GH₵ 101,010.00
Eskimo Cooler Ice Chest – 18Litres- Blue
GH₵ 170.00