HOW TO USE REUSABLE ICE IN A COOLER
A better-packed cooler begins before you leave home.
Reusable ice is a convenient way to keep drinks and food cold without filling your cooler with loose ice and melted water. However, how you freeze, arrange and use reusable ice can make a meaningful difference in your cooler’s performance.
This guide explains how to pack a cooler with NUGSAX® reusable ice cubes and get more from your cooler during boating, camping, tailgating, beach trips and other adventures.
FIVE STEPS FOR BETTER COOLER PERFORMANCE
FREEZE YOUR REUSABLE ICE COMPLETELY
Place your NUGSAX® in the freezer with enough time for the reusable ice cubes to freeze completely. We recommend 24+ hours.
- Freezer temperature
- Size of the NUGSAX®
- Bag position and air circulation
- Amount of unfrozen food in the freezer
PRE-CHILL THE COOLER WHEN POSSIBLE
A warm cooler can begin absorbing the cold from your reusable ice as soon as you start packing it. If it has been sitting in a hot garage, vehicle or direct sunlight, move it to a cooler space before packing. You can also temporarily place reusable ice inside the empty cooler.
- Long outings
- Hot summer days
- Large coolers
- Frequently opened coolers
START WITH COLD DRINKS AND FOOD
Reusable ice is most efficient when it maintains the temperature of already-cold contents. Room-temperature items force it to absorb additional heat and can cause things to thaw faster.
- Refrigerate drinks overnight
- Chill prepared food
- Freeze foods that can safely thaw
- Pack shortly before leaving
REDUCE EMPTY SPACE
Pack efficiently and reduce unnecessary open space with additional cold drinks, food or reusable ice.
NUGSAX® cubes shift within the mesh bag, helping it conform around bottles, cans and containers more easily than a rigid freezer block. Do not pack so tightly that the lid cannot seal.
PACK YOUR COOLER IN LAYERS
Do not place all your reusable ice in one corner. Distributing it throughout the cooler helps provide more balanced cooling.
BOTTOM LAYER
Build a cold base with one NUGSAX® or a layer of reusable ice.
MIDDLE LAYER
Add heavy drinks and food, with reusable ice alongside and between.
TOP LAYER
Place another NUGSAX® over the contents so cooling can move downward.
QUICK ACCESS
Keep frequently used items near the top to shorten lid-open time.
HOW MUCH REUSABLE ICE DO YOU NEED?
There is no universal amount for every situation. A short afternoon outing in mild weather will generally require less reusable ice than an all-day boat trip in direct summer sun.
For larger coolers or longer outings, use multiple NUGSAX® bags underneath, around and over the contents. When in doubt, add more reusable ice rather than leaving a large amount of empty space.
- Cooler size and insulation
- Outside temperature
- Length of the outing
- Starting temperature
- Amount of food and drinks
- Frequency of opening
- Direct sunlight exposure
- Available empty space
TIPS FOR GETTING BETTER PERFORMANCE FROM REUSABLE ICE
KEEP THE COOLER CLOSED
Decide what you need before opening the cooler, then close the lid securely afterward.
KEEP THE COOLER IN THE SHADE
Use a boat canopy, picnic shelter, umbrella or another shaded location whenever possible.
SEPARATE FOOD AND DRINKS
A separate drink cooler can prevent repeated opening of temperature-sensitive food.
ORGANIZE BEFORE PACKING
Keep frequently used drinks near the top and items needed later closer to the bottom.
USE THE RIGHT COOLER
Good insulation and a properly sealing lid help maintain the internal temperature.
KEEP COLD WATER WHEN USEFUL
If combining with regular ice, cold meltwater may continue cooling. Drain only when needed for packaging or food safety.
CAN YOU COMBINE REUSABLE ICE WITH REGULAR ICE?
Yes. Some people rely entirely on NUGSAX® because they want to avoid loose water and repeated ice purchases. Others use NUGSAX® as a foundation and add traditional ice for especially long outings.
NUGSAX® reusable ice cubes are made to cool the contents of your cooler. Keep them inside the mesh bag and do not place them directly into beverages.
- You need ice for drinks
- You are packing for an extended trip
- Temperatures will be especially high
- The cooler will open frequently
- You have room-temperature contents
- You are packing a large cooler
USING REUSABLE ICE FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES
BOATING AND FISHING
Pack around drinks, food and bait containers as appropriate. Keep the cooler under a canopy or away from direct sunlight.
CAMPING
Use NUGSAX® for short trips or combine it with traditional ice for longer stays. Refreeze between uses when power is available.
BEACH TRIPS
Keep the cooler beneath an umbrella, limit opening and brush sand from the seal before closing.
TAILGATING
Arrange drinks by type for quick access. Afterward, lift out your NUGSAX® and bring it home to refreeze.
ROAD TRIPS
Keep drinks and snacks cold without loose water sloshing around. Position the cooler for quick passenger access.
SPORTING EVENTS
Keep drinks and packaged snacks cold through practices, tournaments and long days at the field.
HOW TO CLEAN AND STORE REUSABLE ICE
After using NUGSAX®, remove them from the cooler and place back into your bags. Either toss directly back into the freezer or give them a quick cleaning.
- Wipe or rinse the exterior. For full cleaning simply soak in dish soap and warm water.
- Allow to air dry.
- Once dry simply throw them back in the freezer so they are ready for the next adventure. It's that easy.
REUSABLE ICE COOLER FAQS
SHOULD REUSABLE ICE GO ON THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF A COOLER?
For more even cooling, distribute reusable ice throughout the cooler. Place it underneath, alongside and on top of the contents instead of concentrating it in one area.
SHOULD DRINKS BE COLD BEFORE PACKING THEM?
Yes. Pre-chilled drinks require less energy to keep cold than room-temperature drinks. Starting with cold contents can help your reusable ice and cooler work more efficiently.
CAN I USE REUSABLE ICE IN ANY COOLER?
Reusable ice can be used in most insulated coolers. Overall performance will depend partly on the cooler’s insulation, lid seal and condition.
WILL REUSABLE ICE KEEP FROZEN FOOD FROZEN?
Reusable ice can help maintain cold temperatures, but results depend on the cooler, amount of reusable ice, outside temperature and length of time. Follow appropriate food-safety practices when transporting frozen or perishable food.
CAN REUSABLE ICE BE USED FOR MULTIPLE DAYS?
Reusable ice can remain useful as it gradually thaws, but cooling duration varies considerably. For multi-day trips, access to a freezer or a combination of reusable and regular ice may be necessary.
CAN REUSABLE ICE CUBES BE PLACED INSIDE DRINKS?
Up to you. NUGSAX® reusable ice cubes are intended to cool the contents of a cooler.