Mathilde Lacombe

So you want to go camping, fishing, or similar outdoor activity. If you are planning a trip sometime soon, make sure you remember to buy an icebox as part of your top priority. Iceboxes are practical solutions to keep your food and drinks cool, and over the years, they have evolved in design and efficiency.

Once you start shopping for an icebox, you might be surprised to find a wide range of options in the market. There are plenty of decision points to consider, from the construction material to the size, to find the right icebox to fit your needs. Check out the information below to help you with your decision.

Material

The two main types of iceboxes are polyethylene and fiberglass, which differ based on the material used to make them.

1. Polyethylene Icebox

These boxes are made with polyethylene plastic and contain an insulation layer between the outer coatings. They are primarily built using the roto-moulded method, which allows for fewer gaps in the box. This design feature helps maintain low heat absorption and prevent the cold from seeping out, so you can keep your ice and drinks cold for longer.

Generally, polyethylene iceboxes are highly durable and energy-efficient. Their main drawback would be that they retain odor easily, so you need to clean them thoroughly after every trip.

2. Fiberglass Icebox

Fiberglass iceboxes are made of fiberglass and also made with an insulation layer between the interior and exterior layers. They are non-porous and less likely to retain odors, so if you enjoy fishing, these will be perfect for your fish and food. However, they tend to be more expensive, so you may need to check your budget before deciding.

Size

Size is a critical consideration if you want to buy an icebox. To determine the optimal size, try to ask yourself the following questions:

• How much space does your car or vehicle have?
• What do you plan to put inside the ice ox?
• How many people will the food and drinks stored inside be good for?
• How long do you plan to be out on your trip?

You will find iceboxes in varying sizes, from as little as 15L to as big as 200L. Thus, you should think carefully about where you plan to use yours before choosing specific size.

Color

Color might seem like a minor thing, but you may be surprised to know that this feature can affect your icebox’s cooling capabilities. Lighter-colored boxes tend to be more efficient, retaining cold for longer, so opt for colors like blue or white to maximize functionality. The last thing you want is for your ice to melt halfway through the trip!

Latches

The number, type, and design of the latches in an icebox can influence thermal efficiency, so you should pay close attention to these. Make sure that when you latch the box, the seal is tight to prevent warm air from getting inside.

Warranty

As much as possible, choose an icebox that comes with a good warranty. Naturally, you should check to see that you purchase from a reputable manufacturer who produces quality products to ensure you get a durable icebox. However, in case you run into issues, a warranty ensures that you can repair or replace your box or its parts without incurring the cost.

Author bio: Steffy Alen is a copywriter and content strategist. She helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI. She loves writing as much as she loves the cake.