Every summer, I find myself at picnics, markets, and events where one thing is always needed — a way to keep food cold and safe. Whether you’re a caterer, a market vendor, or just packing for a day at the beach, maintaining the right temperature for food and drinks is essential. That’s where a good chilly bin comes in — and when paired with the right ice pack, it becomes even better.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how pairing chilly bins with hydratable or gel ice packs can improve temperature control. You’ll see why this simple combo is useful not just for casual outings but also for food transport, events, and catering across New Zealand.

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Why Temperature Control Matters

New Zealand’s warmer months bring plenty of reasons to be outdoors. But they also bring heat — and with it, the challenge of keeping food fresh. Left at room temperature for too long, items like meat, dairy, seafood, and prepared meals can spoil quickly. This isn’t just inconvenient; it can also pose serious health risks.

Here’s where chilly bins become essential. They’re an easy, portable way to store temperature-sensitive items without needing powered refrigeration. But a chilly bin on its own can only do so much. To really maintain low temperatures — especially over several hours — you need to add ice packs.

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Hydratable and Gel Ice Packs: What’s the Difference?

Both hydratable and gel ice packs work well inside chilly bins, but they have different strengths.

• Hydratable Ice Packs:
  These come flat and lightweight when dry. Once soaked in water, they expand and freeze like a solid ice block. They’re reusable, easy to store before use, and great for long trips.

• Gel Ice Packs:
  These contain a thick gel that stays colder for longer than regular ice. They’re flexible, can be moulded around food containers, and don’t leak if punctured. Many caterers and food transporters prefer them for their consistent cold output.

Pairing either type of ice pack with a chilly bin creates a complete, efficient cooling system — one that doesn’t rely on electricity and is easy to manage.

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Where You Can Use This Combo

1. Picnics and Beach Days
Planning a day out with family or friends? Load your chilly bin with sandwiches, drinks, fruit, and treats. Add a couple of gel ice packs to keep everything cool from morning until sunset.

2. Transporting Perishables
Whether you’re a small-scale farmer sending produce to a local grocer or a vendor transporting seafood to a market, chilly bins with hydratable ice packs help keep goods fresh until they reach their destination.

3. Catering and Events
Caterers often have to transport prepared meals to locations without kitchen facilities. Chilly bins paired with long-lasting ice packs are perfect for storing cold dishes, desserts, or ingredients that need to be kept chilled until serving.

4. School and Sports Functions
Running a sausage sizzle or lunch stall? Use chilly bins to store meat and dairy safely throughout the day. Gel ice packs work well in high-turnover environments where the lid may be opened frequently.

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Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Chilly Bin and Ice Packs

• Pre-chill the bin before packing to give your food a head start.

• Use multiple ice packs for larger bins or longer trips — one at the top, one at the bottom.

• Minimise opening the lid — each time it opens, warm air enters.

• Pack tightly so there’s less air space, which helps maintain cool temperatures.

• Use a thermometer if food safety is critical, especially for commercial uses.

By following these simple steps, your chilly bin and ice pack combo can keep food at safe temperatures for hours.

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Chilly bins are already a reliable cooling solution, but pairing them with hydratable or gel ice packs takes their performance to the next level. Whether you’re keeping drinks cold at the beach or transporting fresh meals to an event, this combo helps maintain the right temperature and avoid food spoilage. IFP Group’s selection of bins and ice packs makes it easy to build a setup that suits your needs. Check out their range today and get ready for a cooler, safer way to handle your food on the go.