Dry ice is a versatile substance commonly used for shipping temperature-sensitive items, preserving food, and creating special effects in theatrical productions.
If you're searching for "where to buy dry ice near me", several options are available depending on where you live. This article will explore the best places to buy dry ice near you.
Although dry ice is not frequently purchased, it is available in most grocery, general merchandise, and hardware stores.
You can use Dry ice for freezing food, making attractive and exciting drinks, and even assisting your plants in growing.
The cost of dry ice is primarily decided by how much you need, which vary based on what you plan to use it for.
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Contents
Where To Buy Dry Ice Near Me
1. Grocery Stores
Many large grocery stores carry dry ice, especially during the peak holiday season.
This is when people usually use it for shipping food. If you want to purchase dry ice, try checking the large chain grocery stores in your area.
2. Specialty Stores
Specialty stores that cater to the needs of restaurants, caterers, and other food service businesses carry dry ice.
These stores may also have a broader range of dry ice products, including blocks and pellets in different sizes.
3. Ice Suppliers
Ice suppliers are one of the best places to buy dry ice. These suppliers specialize in producing and selling ice products, including dry ice.
They may also offer delivery services for customers who need larger quantities.
4. Online Retailers
Online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart offer dry ice for sale. These retailers offer a wide range of dry ice products and may also provide shipping services.
5. Local Distributors
Local distributors of dry ice products may also be available in your area. These distributors may offer a range of dry ice products and delivery services.
When purchasing dry ice, it is vital to keep safety in mind. Dry ice should always be handled with gloves or tongs, as it can cause skin damage due to its extremely low temperature.
Additionally, it should be stored in a well-ventilated area, as dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it vaporizes.
Grocery Stores That Sell Dry Ice
The following grocery stores sell dry ice:
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Costco
- Speedway
- Home Depot
- Acme
- Safeway
- Meijer
- Kroger
- Ralph's
- Walgreen's
- Publix
- HEB
- Albertsons
- Dillon's
How to Transport and Store Dry Ice
Transporting and storing dry ice requires proper handling and care to ensure safety and maximize its longevity.
Here are some valuable tips on how to transport and store dry ice:
Transportation:
- Always transport dry ice in a well-insulated container, such as a Styrofoam or insulated cooler, to slow down the sublimation process and prevent the release of carbon dioxide gas.
- Do not transport dry ice in an airtight container, as the carbon dioxide gas produced by the sublimation process can build up and pose a risk of explosion.
- Keep the windows open slightly when transporting dry ice in a vehicle to ensure proper ventilation.
Storage
- Always keep dry ice in a well-ventilated area, as it releases carbon dioxide gas as it vaporizes.
- Do not store dry ice in an airtight container, as the carbon dioxide gas produced by the sublimation process can build up and pose a risk of explosion.
- Do not let dry ice come into direct contact with food, as it can cause food to freeze.
- Put dry ice away from children and pets, as it can cause injury due to its extremely low temperature.
- Dry ice should always be in a well-insulated container, such as a Styrofoam cooler, that can hold your dry ice for an extended period.
- Never put dry ice in any freezers. This is because freezers have poor ventilation, and the carbon dioxide buildup caused by dry ice can be harmful in such conditions.
- To slow down the sublimation process, keep the cooler in a cold area of the house or even outside.
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Where Can I Get Dry Ice Online?
Dry ice can be challenging to find online because many retailers refuse to sell and ship dry ice via the internet.
It can be stressful to deliver to a home because it must be delivered within ten hours. After this point, it is likely to evaporate and become useless.
Some stores, including Walmart and Costco, do not deliver dry ice to homes. Purchasing smaller quantities of dry ice in-store may be your best option.
Also, you can ship more significant quantities of dry ice, and you may have some delivery options if you want your purchase delivered.
When purchasing dry ice online, one option is to go directly to a dry ice supplier, a dry ice delivery service, or a specific distribution center.
These retailers are in the best position to make home deliveries, and you may also find that these retailers are more likely than other retailers to offer you a discount on large-quantity purchases.
Online retailers selling dry ice include:
- Dry ice delivered
- Dry Ice Corp
- Acme Dry Ice
- Ice Factory
- Continental Carbonic
- Emergency Ice
- Amazon
Things To Know Before You Buy Dry Ice
Before you go out and buy something, there are a few things you should think about.
To begin, consider your age, as some locations may need proof of age before allowing you to purchase dry ice.
As a result, bring some identification to avoid being refused a purchase and disappointed.
You should buy dry ice at most a couple of hours before you need it because the shelf-life of dry ice is very short, and any longer than this could cause it to evaporate.
It is also a good idea to call ahead to ensure that the store you are visiting has the amount of dry ice you require and that you can pick it up conveniently.
Related Questions
Does Walmart sell Dry Ice?
Yes, one store that sells dry ice is Walmart.
Dry ice is available for purchase at most Walmart locations. However, it may be in every store or have consistent stock available.
In this case, it is a good idea to call ahead of time to see if your local store has dry ice on hand.
Try calling ahead to see if they have it in stock. It will also save time and ensure you get the right amount.
How much does Dry Ice cost at Walmart?
The cost of dry ice at Walmart will be determined by the quantity required.
A pound of dry ice should cost between $1 and $3 at Walmart, with most Walmart locations selling dry ice for around $1.44 per pound of ice.
There may be some price differences when comparing specific brands, but there is likely to be little difference in quality.
When purchasing dry ice, keep the time of year in mind. The price and sales of dry ice will likely vary depending on when you buy it.
Because of its many applications, dry ice is in high demand around Halloween, and its price can rise.
If you buy dry ice around October, you may spend more money.
Is Dry Ice available in supermarkets?
Dry ice is available at most supermarkets or grocery stores, as well as general merchandise and hardware stores.
How long will Dry Ice last?
When stored in a styrofoam cooler, dry ice will last about 24 hours.
This period, however, only applies to a regular-sized cooler that can hold up to two dry ice blocks.
With more dry ice blocks, the dry ice will last about 3-4 days in large styrofoam.
How Dry Ice is Made
Dry ice is made by compressing carbon dioxide gas into a solid form. The process typically involves the following steps:
Collection of Carbon Dioxide Gas: Carbon dioxide gas is typically obtained as a by-product of industrial processes, such as ethanol or natural gas processing.
It can also be produced by burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
Compression: The collected carbon dioxide gas is then compressed and cooled to a temperature below -109.3°F (-78.5°C), at which point it transforms into a solid form.
Formation of Dry Ice Pellets or Blocks: The solid carbon dioxide is then formed into dry ice pellets or blocks of various sizes and shapes, depending on the intended use.
Packaging: The dry ice pellets or blocks are then packaged in containers designed to prevent the release of carbon dioxide gas. They are typically sold in small bags to large bulk containers.
What can I use instead of Dry Ice?
If you don't have access to dry ice or need an alternative, here are some common substitutes:
- Frozen Gel Packs: Gel packs are one common way to keep food and beverages cold during transport. They have a non-toxic gel that remains frozen for a long time.
- Reusable Ice Bricks: Ice bricks are similar to gel packs but are designed to be frozen and reused multiple times.
They are sturdy and can withstand repeated freezing and thawing.
- Block Ice: Block ice is made by freezing water in large containers or molds.
It has a longer lifespan than regular ice, making it ideal for keeping food and drinks cold for extended periods.
- Regular Ice: Regular ice, also known as cube ice, can substitute for dry ice in many applications. It is readily available at most grocery stores and can keep food and drinks cold for a shorter period than dry ice.
- Refrigerated Trucking: Refrigerated trucks are an alternative to dry ice for large shipments. The shipment is kept at a constant temperature in a refrigerated truck, ensuring the products remain fresh and safe during transit.
These alternatives can serve in place of dry ice in many applications.
However, they may not be as effective or efficient as dry ice in preserving temperature-sensitive products over long periods.
Can you put Dry Ice in a drink?
Yes, you can put dry ice in a drink, but it requires caution and care. Dry ice is safe for cocktails as long as you don't swallow. Dry ice can cause injury due to its shallow temperature.
When adding dry ice to a drink, always use gloves or tongs to handle it, as it can cause frostbite on the skin.
Additionally, make sure only to use small pieces of dry ice, as too much dry ice can cause the drink to overflow due to the production of carbon dioxide gas.
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Can Dry Ice be stored in the refrigerator?
Dry ice should never be stored in a home refrigerator freezer.
This is due to the warmer freezer temperature causing the dry ice to sublimate (transform into a gas) and the initial freezing temperature of the dry ice causing the freezer thermostat to shut down (and potentially break).
Wrapping up
If you're looking to buy dry ice, several options are available. Whether you prefer to purchase dry ice from a grocery store, specialty store, ice supplier, online retailer, or local distributor, you can easily find a source near you.
Remember to carefully handle dry ice and store it properly to ensure safety.
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