Introduction: Forever and Ever Ice Pack
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About: We are a 25 acre farm about an hour south of St. Louis run by a couple who are gaining experience as we go. With a ton of theoretical knowledge (crap we read in books but haven't had a chance to apply,) we dec…
This easy ice pack will last forever....and ever.
Okay- not forever, but 10+ hours for sure with no protection from the elements.
Sure, you can use them in a cooler for easy cooling without costly bags of ice that only last for a few hours with a few easy steps and a couple of bucks.
We use it for transporting meat and to cool meat rabbits and farm animals during the summer months.
Okay- not forever, but 10+ hours for sure with no protection from the elements.
Sure, you can use them in a cooler for easy cooling without costly bags of ice that only last for a few hours with a few easy steps and a couple of bucks.
We use it for transporting meat and to cool meat rabbits and farm animals during the summer months.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
We used:
* 3" PVC but any size will do depending on your cooking needs. I got a 12' piece though I only needed to make 7 of them. Too bad I forgot to take a picture before I cut them into 10" pieces.
* 2 end caps (of corresponding pipe size for each ice pack
* PVC glue
*This saw
* Good 'ol H20.
* 3" PVC but any size will do depending on your cooking needs. I got a 12' piece though I only needed to make 7 of them. Too bad I forgot to take a picture before I cut them into 10" pieces.
* 2 end caps (of corresponding pipe size for each ice pack
* PVC glue
*This saw
* Good 'ol H20.
Step 2: Just Kidding
This is the saw I really used.
Step 3: Make Sticky
We used an "all purpose" PVC glue, though there are many options. Slather the inside of the cap and slide that bad boy in there.
You might wanna do this outside. It's pretty stinky.
You might wanna do this outside. It's pretty stinky.
Step 4: Wait...
We let it dry for about an hour even though it seems to dry with superpower speed.
Step 5: Fill 'er Up.
Fill 80% with water (because it will expand when it freezes and you don't wanna ruin all that hard work.
We also added a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar (you could use bleach) just for good measure so the water doesn't get too yucky inside.
We know... If its water tight we will never know how gross it is, but we didn't want to take any chances. This part is not necessary:)
We also added a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar (you could use bleach) just for good measure so the water doesn't get too yucky inside.
We know... If its water tight we will never know how gross it is, but we didn't want to take any chances. This part is not necessary:)
Step 6: Lather, Rinse, Repeat Steps 3 and 4
Slather up the other cap and let sit for about an hour before going in the freezer. The moisture in the freezer (as well as the temp) will cause a poor seal of frozen before dried.
Step 7: FREEZE!
Ours go in the deep freezer overnight, but whatever freezer you use make sure it is frozen solid. If you hear any sloshing around in there. It is NOT frozen and will not cool to full potential.
Step 8: Place Where Needed.
Whether the cooler, a chicken coop, a rabbit hutch or the bottom of a sleeping bag on a hot summer camping trip-let this release some of the stress, cost and mess of keeping yourself or your goodies chilled.