It’s no secret that a Yeti cooler can keep your food cold for a long time. But how long, exactly?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of food you’re storing, the ambient temperature, and how often you open the cooler.
Most food stays frozen for about two days in a Yeti cooler. But with the use of dry ice or by pre-freezing your food before storing it in the cooler, you can extend the length of time to 7+ days.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re storing ice cream or other similar desserts, they will usually only stay frozen for one day. This is because these types of foods have a high-fat content, which causes them to melt more quickly.
On the other hand, if you’re storing meat or fish, it will usually stay frozen for three days or longer. Because meat and fish have a lower fat content, they are less likely to melt. This blog post will discuss how long different types of food will stay frozen in a Yeti cooler.
Table of Contents
What Is a Yeti Cooler and How Does It Work?
A Yeti cooler is an insulated cooler designed to keep food and drinks cold for a long time. Yeti coolers are designed with a high layer of insulation, which helps to keep the inner temperature chilly.
The insulation in a Yeti cooler is Typically made from polyurethane foam, a type of plastic. This material is very effective at insulating, which is why it’s often used in refrigerators and freezers.
In addition to the insulation, Yeti coolers also have a tight-fitting lid that helps to keep the cold air inside the cooler. The lid is usually made from rubber or plastic and seals when you close the cooler.
Yeti coolers are available in various sizes, from small to large. They’re also available in different shapes, such as rectangular or round.
How Long Will Different Foods Stay Frozen in a Yeti Cooler?
As we mentioned earlier, the time that food will stay frozen in a Yeti cooler depends on a few factors. These factors include the type of food, the ambient temperature, and how often you open the cooler.
1. Frozen & Raw Meat
Frozen and raw meat will usually stay frozen for 3-5 days. Meat has a lower fat content, making it less likely to melt. However, if the ambient temperature is hot or you open the cooler frequently, the meat may only stay frozen for 1-2 days. Dry ice can help extend the time that meat stays frozen.
2. Drinks
Most drinks will stay cold for at least 24 hours in a Yeti cooler. This includes soda, beer, and water. If you’re storing mixed drinks or cocktails, they may only stay cold for 12 hours.
3. Ice Cream & Other Desserts
Ice cream and other desserts will usually only stay frozen for 1-2 days. Because it contains a higher fat content, it melts more quickly than other types of food.
4. Dry Ice
If you’re using dry ice, it will usually keep food frozen for 7–10 days. However, you should check the food regularly to ensure it’s still frozen. To use dry ice in a Yeti cooler, place the dry ice at the bottom and put the food on top of it. Leave space between the dry ice and the food to circulate the cold air.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Yeti Cooler?
There are many benefits to using a Yeti cooler, such as the following:
- Keep Ice Longer: One of the main benefits of using a Yeti cooler is that it will keep ice longer than a regular cooler. This is because of the thick insulation and tight-fitting lid.
- Keep Food & Drinks Cold: Yeti coolers will keep food and drinks cold for a long time. It is helpful if you’re going on a picnic or camping trip and want to ensure that your food doesn’t spoil.
- Durable: Yeti coolers are also very durable. They’re made with high-quality materials, such as polyurethane foam (food-grade), which makes them resistant to wear and tear.
- Waterproof & Airtight: Yeti coolers are also waterproof and airtight. This means they won’t leak if they get wet, and the contents will stay fresh for a long time.
- Warranty: Most coolers come with a 5-year warranty, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.
- Available at Any Size: 12 primary sizes are available, from 8 quarts to 316 quarts, so you can find the perfect size for your needs.
Tips for Using Yeti Cooler
If you’re planning on using a Yeti cooler, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
- Fill It Up: The most straightforward way to keep food and beverages cold is to fill the cooler as efficiently as possible. It will aid in keeping the contents of the cooler colder for longer by reducing the amount of air within.
- Use Ice Packs: Another way to keep your food and drinks cold is to use ice packs. You can buy ice packs or make your own by freezing water in plastic bags. Place the ice packs on top of the food and drink to help keep them cold.
- Pre-Cool the Cooler: Before putting your food and drinks in the cooler, pre-cool it by putting ice. It will help keep the contents of the cooler cold for longer.
- Avoid Opening It Frequently: Every time you open the cooler, warm air will enter and cause the contents to start melting. To avoid this, only open the cooler when you need to.
- Use Dry Ice: If you want to keep your food and drinks frozen for a more extended period, you can use dry ice. However, you must be careful when using dry ice because it can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
- Clean It Regularly: It’s essential to clean your Yeti cooler regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. You can clean it with soap and water or use a vinegar solution.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Using a Yeti Cooler?
While Yeti coolers have many benefits, they also have a few disadvantages.
- They’re Expensive: One of the most significant disadvantages of Yeti coolers is that they’re more expensive than other coolers. Usually, pricing starts from $250 for the Tundra 35 to $1,500 for the Tundra 350.
- They’re Heavy: Yeti coolers are also quite heavy, making them difficult to carry. It takes about two strong people to carry the 350-quart model.
- Not Eco-Friendly: Yeti coolers are also not very eco-friendly because they’re made with polyurethane foam, which is not biodegradable.
- Require Maintenance: Yeti coolers also require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. For example, you need to clean them regularly, and you should avoid leaving them in the sun for too long.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re planning a camping trip, a road trip, or a day at the beach, a Yeti cooler can be an excellent option for keeping your food and drinks cold. Even though they’re more expensive than other coolers, they’re made with high-quality materials and have a longer warranty. However, they’re pretty heavy, and they’re not very eco-friendly.
Yeti coolers also require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. Yeti coolers are an outstanding option for keeping your food and drinks cold, but you need to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if one is right for you.
