Cool Boxes & Cool Bags

Cool Boxes & Cool Bags: frequently asked questions

How long does a cool box keep ice?

It depends on the insulation, the size, how full it is and how often you open it. Soft cool bags typically keep contents cold for around a day, standard hard cool boxes for one to three days, and well-insulated rotomoulded coolers for longer, especially when pre-chilled and kept in the shade. Manufacturers test in ideal conditions, so expect less in a hot car.

Hard cool box or soft cool bag?

Soft cool bags fold flat, weigh little and are comfortable to carry, so they suit picnics, packed lunches and walks. Hard cool boxes hold temperature for longer, can double as a seat or step and stand up to car boots and campsites, but they're heavier and bulkier. Wheeled hard boxes make larger capacities manageable across grass and car parks.

How cold should food be kept in a cool box?

The Food Standards Agency advises keeping your fridge at 5 °C or below, which is a sensible target for a cool box too. Pack raw meat in sealed containers at the bottom, away from ready-to-eat food, and keep drinks in a separate cool bag if they'll be opened often. Use plenty of ice packs, and throw away perishable food that has been left warm for a long time.

What size cool box do I need?

As a rough guide, 10–15 L suits one person for a day, 25–30 L a couple for a weekend, and 40–60 L a family camping trip. Allow about a third of the space for ice or ice packs, which reduces how much food fits. Check the external dimensions against your car boot before choosing a large box.

Sources: food.gov.uk