Everyone knows you can use a cooler to keep drinks chilled on the go, but they’re also great for transporting warm dishes to Thanksgiving dinner! Follow these tips to safely use your cooler to take food to your next holiday potluck.
Choose a Quality Cooler
Insulation that locks in cold can also trap heat inside a robust cooler with a high-quality construction. Start with a design that’s engineered to control the temperature of contents for days.
Preheat with Water
To prevent the walls of a room-temperature cooler from sucking the heat from hot food, first fill it with hot water. Allow it to fully preheat for 30 minutes to 2 hours then drain.
Add Aluminum Foil & Heat Packs
Placing a layer of aluminum foil inside the cooler after it’s preheated will help reflect the heat inside and keep your food hotter longer. Adding heat packs, hot water bottles, or foil-wrapped bricks can further extend heat time.
Fill Empty Space
Empty space can cause your cooler to cool down faster. Fill unused space with towels or cardboard to prevent heat loss