Heading outdoors to enjoy picnics, boating, hiking and other activities is a norm during the summer. With the warm season quickly approaching, it’s time for entrepreneurs to plan out their upcoming rendezvouses. Every business owner needs a vacation to relax and get away from the hustle and grind of managing a venture. Whether that’s a day trip or a weekend away, the break will be very beneficial for your well-being.
Even though food safety concerns are possible due to the magnified temperatures, the draw of going on outdoor trips cannot be contained. A basic necessity to take care of when planning a day at the beach or a leisurely hike is deciding how to keep the food cold.
Many people tend to use either a backpack ice chest or insulated coolers to keep food at the right temperature. They can do a great job, but an issue with foam chests is that they are not durable. Coolers are made of sturdier materials that are effective for keeping your perishables fresh.
Keeping the cooler cold
It is important to cool the cooler first so your foods can also be kept cold. The cheapest way to do this is with ice. Block ice tends to stay cold longer than cubes of ice. Plastic bottles of water can be frozen to form ice blocks. Frozen gel packs are also good alternatives, however, they are expensive to purchase.
Packing the cooler
In order to keep the food cold for as long as possible, store it in the refrigerator until the last minute before you leave home. When ready to leave, pack the food from the refrigerator into the cooler.
Foods that are packed first must be the ones that you expect to be consumed last. This way you will not have to dig through the cooler. Also pack it with cold products. Fill the cooler with foods that are already cold. The coldness from frozen foods will help to chill other items in the cooler.
Keep the cooler closed
Keeping the cooler closed as much as possible will help your cooler remain cold for a long period of time. This can be accomplished by using separate coolers. One can be used for snacks and drinks while the other may be used for spoilable items.
Also keep the cooler away from the sun as much as possible. Cover it with either a blanket or any other form of effective insulation. Coolers can be partially buried in the sand if you are at the beach or placed in the shade under an umbrella.
How to choose the right cooler
The market is full of a variety of options. Coolers are available in a wide range of prices and sizes — many are considered to be the same as YETI and include many features. Here are some factors to take into account when choosing the right cooler:
- Choose the right type. Generally, there are three basic types available: basic, soft-side and heavy-duty. Choose the right option according to your preferences and frequency of its usage.
- Price is an important factor to consider. Coolers are available at different price points. Choose one according to your budget.
- Coolers come with a multitude of features. Choose an option that offers the ideal functionalities. Look out for additional features such as extra insulation, waterproof zippers and better seals.
Keep these tips in mind when choosing a cooler for your getaways! Find one that is of good quality but does not hinder your finances, and enjoy your time of rest and relaxation.
