Block Ice for cooler

[Bearikens]

Orlando locals: does anyone know if the local stores (and which one) sell block ice instead of cubes. Our 7 day cooler keeps ice cubes pretty well, but we need larger ice to improve the "cool" efficiency. Normally, we freeze gallon water jugs at home for the cooler...which works great for the first 5 days, but we usually stay nearly 2 weeks. In the past we haven't seen block ice sold at Walmart, Winn Dixie, or Publix.

 

[retired and happy]

You may know a lot more about this than I do, but I understood those coolers don't work well in the Southeast because of the humidity. I haven't seen a block ice distribution location since Hurricane Camille struck the Gulf Coast and they brought in a trainload of 50 pound blocks to give away. And of course that was 1969, so my info might be a little dated.

 

[articfox676]

I believe block ice is a thing of the past. Can't think of anywhere in FL for block ice.

 

[seashoreCM]

deleted

 

[chartle]

years ago i remember the camp store (not at fw) having block ice but haven't seen it in years.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Have you looked for dry ice at WalMart? Some of them use to sell it, not sure if they still do. They carried it for those who went fishing and needed to pack the fish on ice.

Just did a google search and found that most of the Publix in FL sell dry ice

http://www.dryiceideas.com/wheretopurchase/

 

[chartle]

Have you looked for dry ice at WalMart? Some of them use to sell it, not sure if they still do. They carried it for those who went fishing and needed to pack the fish on ice.

Just did a google search and found that most of the Publix in FL sell dry ice

http://www.dryiceideas.com/wheretopurchase/

dry ice is not always the best. i have read it can crack hard plastic coolers.

 

[retired and happy]

Bearikens: Are you asking about a room cooler or a food cooler?

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I highly recommend using dry ice. I used in in large plastic coolers for years when I had a business and sold food products at farmers markets and other outdoor events. The only problem with dry ice is that it doesn't last more than 24 to 48 hours, but it also doesn't melt like regular ice and get things wet. Most supermarkets carry dry ice and you purchase it by the pound.

 

[Bearikens]

Thanks for the information everyone. As I said our 7 day cooler works pretty well and kept ice for 5 days on our last trip to the fort, so they do work in the Southeast. Years ago, my brother worked for an ice company in MO and customers who wanted dry ice needed to contact the ice company directly. I haven't seen dry ice or block ice sold at stores for years. I had hoped that maybe Florida might sell block ice, but it appears not to be the case.

Maybe we could see if the trading post will let us refreeze our gallon water jugs in one of their walk in freezers.

Thanks again everybody

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

I live in Lakeland, which is in Central FL, about 45 minutes away from WDW, depending on traffic, and my local Publix sells dry ice. I've never looked in the cooler to see if they sell blocks.