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methods
1Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
2Making Larger Ice Cubes
3Storing the Ice Properly
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Article Summary
Co-authored byBess Ruff, MA
Last Updated: March 30, 2023Fact Checked
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Storing ice for a party or an event longer than a few hours can seem like an impossible task, especially if you are running around chatting with your guests and don’t want to have to worry about melting ice. To ensure all your guests’ co*cktails stay cool, you should have about 2.3 pounds (1.0kg) of ice per guest.[1] Keeping your ice from melting midway through the party can be done with the right method and some simple steps.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
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1
Use a light colored container. Look for a light-colored cooler or ice bucket that is made of reflective material. Light colors absorb less heat, and will help to keep your ice from melting.[2]
- A cooler or ice bucket made from nylon or Styrofoam will keep the ice cool for at least the day. A plastic container will keep ice cool overnight, as long as it is not placed in direct sunlight. Avoid metal coolers and buckets, as they hold heat and will not keep your ice from melting for a long period of time.
2
Line the cooler or bucket with aluminum foil. The reflective surface of aluminum foil is scientifically proven to keep ice from melting longer than other materials. Before you put the ice for the party in the cooler or bucket, place one layer of aluminum foil in the container.[3]
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3
Wrap the ice bucket in a towel. If you don’t have access to a good cooler or ice bucket, put the ice in the container and then use a clean towel or blanket to wrap the container. This will keep the ice cold for longer and prevent your ice from melting within the first hour of the party.[4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Making Larger Ice Cubes
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1
Use boiled water, instead of tap water. Boiling the water before putting them in the ice trays will reduce the number of air bubbles in the ice. This will make the ice last longer and appear more clear and less hazy.[5]
- If you are using plastic ice trays, let the water cool slightly before pouring it in the trays so you don’t melt the trays.
2
Pour the boiled water in large ice trays. Go for bigger ice trays to make larger ice cubes, or use a muffin pan to make ice chunks. Pour the boiled water evenly over the tray or pan and place it in the freezer.[6]
- In fact, crushed ice and small ice cubes melt a lot faster than larger ice cubes and a large block of ice. Large pieces of ice have a reduced surface area, relative to their mass (or density), so they are less exposed to the warm air around them and less prone to melting.[7]
3
Place a towel in the bucket or container before putting it in the ice cubes. This will insulate the ice and keep it cold. You can also use bubble wrap and then a towel in the container to keep the ice insulated and less prone to melting.[8]
- You should also place a lid over the bucket or container, once it is full of ice, to prevent exposure to air and to keep the ice from melting.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Storing the Ice Properly
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1
Keep the ice in a cool room or area. Choose a cooler spot in the room, by a fan or air conditioner, to keep the ice bucket during the party. Avoid spots in direct sunlight and place your cooler in a shady area under a tree or the covered area of your deck. Don’t put the piping hot macaroni and cheese dish next to the ice cooler or the flaming BBQ plate next to your ice bucket.
- The ice will absorb heat from the atmosphere around it, so make sure you put it in a spot where it will have minimal to no contact with heat or warmth.
2
Use frozen ice packs to keep the ice from melting. The ice packs will help to keep the container nice and cold, thereby ensuring your ice doesn’t melt until the end of the party.[9]
- If you are using a large cooler, you can also use frozen plastic bottles of water or other drinks that are not carbonated, to act as ice packs. Place them among the ice to keep the cooler frosty.
3
Fill up the ice often. This will ensure there is always fresh ice keeping the container cold and preventing the rest of the ice from getting too warm.[10]
- If you use a good insulating container and larger ice cubes, you likely will not have to check on the ice very often as it will stay cool on its own.
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Community Q&A
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Question
How does the towel keep it cool?
Community Answer
The towel keeps cold air in and warm air out if you seal it correctly.
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Question
Will adding salt to the ice lower the melting point?
Community Answer
Yes, adding salt to the ice will lower its melting point and make it colder. As the ice block melts, it will get colder because the energy is being used to break the solid state bonds.
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Question
What's the best way to keep an ice cube from melting?
Community Answer
Encase it in Styrofoam and thick towels. If you want to go full on, slide ice-packs between a Styrofoam box and a the thick towel that it's wrapped in. This should stay cold for several hours, depending on how well sealed the box is, the outside temperature, the quality of the insulation materials, and the size of the ice cube.
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Things You'll Need
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
- Good quality cooler or ice bucket
- Towel or blanket
Making Larger Ice Cubes
- Kettle or stove top with pans
- Large ice trays or muffin tins
- An ice container
- A towel or bubble wrap
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyV9gvlfp4M
- ↑ http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-prevent-ice-from-melting-6207.html#sthash.hkWWK4n0.dpuf
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/keep-ice-from-melting-in-cooler
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/keep-ice-from-melting-in-cooler
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/can-you-really-make-crystal-clear-ice-cubes-by-using-boiling-water-putting-tips-to-the-test-in-the-kitchen-218344
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyV9gvlfp4M
- ↑ http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-prevent-ice-from-melting-6207.html#sthash.hkWWK4n0.dpuf
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyV9gvlfp4M
- ↑ http://www.desertusa.com/dusablog/how-to-keep-ice-cold-in-the-desert.html
More References (1)
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been viewed 416,913 times.
235 votes - 71%
Co-authors: 48
Updated: March 30, 2023
Views:416,913
Categories: Physics
Article SummaryX
To keep ice from melting, try lining the cooler with aluminum foil or ice packs to further insulate the ice. Also, put a towel in the bottom of the cooler before filling it with ice to prevent air exposure. Then, wrap the whole cooler in another towel to trap the cold air inside. Next, keep the container of ice in a cool, shady spot so that the ice has as little contact with warmth as possible. For the best types of coolers to keep ice from melting, read on!
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In other languages
Français:empêcher la glace de fondre
Deutsch:Eis vom Schmelzen abhalten
Português:Impedir que o Gelo Derreta
中文:防止冰融化
Español:evitar que el hielo se derrita
Bahasa Indonesia:Menjaga Es Agar Tidak Mudah Mencair
Nederlands:Zorgen dat ijs niet smelt
العربية:الحفاظ على الثلج من الذوبان
Tiếng Việt:Giữ nước đá lâu tan
日本語:氷を長持ちさせる
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I am an expert in the field of thermodynamics and heat transfer, with a deep understanding of the principles governing the behavior of matter in different temperature conditions. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making me well-equipped to discuss the nuances of keeping ice from melting, as outlined in the article on storing ice for a party.
In the realm of thermodynamics, it is crucial to consider the heat transfer mechanisms involved in maintaining the integrity of ice. The article covers various methods to prevent ice from melting, and I'll elaborate on the scientific principles behind each concept.
-
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket:
- The recommendation to use a light-colored container aligns with the basic principle that light colors absorb less heat. Reflective materials, such as those used in coolers made of nylon or Styrofoam, minimize heat absorption, contributing to prolonged ice preservation.
- Lining the cooler with aluminum foil enhances its reflective properties, as aluminum foil is scientifically proven to reduce heat transfer. This aligns with the fundamental principle of minimizing heat exchange to keep the ice from melting.
-
Making Larger Ice Cubes:
- Boiling water before freezing minimizes the formation of air bubbles in the ice. This reduction in air content enhances the clarity and density of the ice, leading to increased longevity. The article correctly points out that larger ice cubes have a reduced surface area relative to their mass, making them less susceptible to melting.
- The use of a towel or bubble wrap in conjunction with larger ice cubes serves as insulation, preventing external heat from reaching the ice. The principle here lies in minimizing heat flow and maintaining a cold environment.
-
Storing the Ice Properly:
- Choosing a cool room or area and avoiding direct sunlight align with the basic understanding that ice absorbs heat from its surroundings. Placing the ice in a cooler spot minimizes contact with warmth, ensuring sustained cooling.
- The use of frozen ice packs or other frozen items as additional cooling agents helps maintain the low temperature within the container. This is an application of the principle that introducing colder elements aids in preserving the overall coldness of the system.
In summary, the methods outlined in the article leverage principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer to maximize the preservation of ice. Whether through reflective surfaces, insulation, or strategic positioning, each approach aligns with scientific principles to ensure a cool and refreshing experience for party guests.
