Frequently Asked Questions
Ice Performance & Packing
How long will ice last in an ICEY TEK cooler?
How long will ice last in an ICEY TEK cooler?
ICEY TEK coolers are built so you can stop stressing about ice and focus on the trip.
When packed correctly, customers can easily achieve 5 days of ice retention, and in the right conditions, even longer. We’ve seen ice last up to 10 days in 33°C heat — not in a lab, but out in real Australian conditions.
Why ICEY TEK performs:
- Thick, pressure-injected insulation
- Tight, reliable lid seal
- Rotomoulded construction that resists warping and heat leakage
- Use 2kg of ICEY TEK Gel Ice per 25L, per 24 hours
- Pre-cool the cooler before loading
- Only load food and drinks straight from the fridge
- Keep the cooler shaded and limit lid openings
Do it right, and you’ll stop throwing out spoiled food, and start opening your ICEY TEK to solid ice days later.
How much ice should I use?
How much ice should I use?
ICEY TEK coolers don’t need to be stuffed full of ice - they need to be packed smart.
As a guideline:
- Pre-chilled contents
- Ambient temperatures around 25°C
- Cooler stored in the shade
ICEY TEK 2 & 4 size Gel Packs can replace the same weight of ice, without the mess or draining.
Warm items will always shorten ice life, that’s unavoidable, but ICEY TEK insulation slows the melt so you get maximum performance from every kilo of ice you carry.
Can I use ICEY TEK Gel Packs instead of ice?
Can I use ICEY TEK Gel Packs instead of ice?
Yes — and for many customers, ICEY TEK Gel Packs are the cleaner, more reliable, weight-for-weight option.
They’re designed to:
- Stay frozen longer than normal ice
- Keep contents cold without flooding the cooler
- Be reused trip after trip
Freeze for 48 hours or more, pair with pre-chilled contents, and you’ll get dependable cold without soggy food or wasted space.
Does draining water improve ice retention?
Does draining water improve ice retention?
The answer depends on how you are using the box. Generally, for long-term ice retention, don’t be too quick to drain.
- Thermal Mass: Cold meltwater helps "hug" your contents and the remaining ice, providing better surface contact and thermal mass than air gaps. If you drain all the water, you create an air pocket that the ice then has to work harder to cool down.
- When to Drain: You should only drain the water if you are replacing it with fresh, solid ice, or if the water level is high enough to risk contaminating your food (unless you’re using ICEY TEK baskets to keep supplies elevated).
- The Golden Rule: Keep the bung tight. "Slightly loosening" a bung to let water drip out actually compromises the seal and lets precious cold air escape.
Can I use dry ice in an ICEY TEK cooler?
Can I use dry ice in an ICEY TEK cooler?
Yes, ICEY TEK coolers can be used with dry ice.
Because dry ice is extremely cold at minus seventy nine degrees, the lid may temporarily warp due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside. In most cases, it returns to its normal shape once the dry ice is removed.
Design & Construction
What’s the difference between the OneSkin and Classic ranges?
What’s the difference between the OneSkin and Classic ranges?
Both ranges use the same tough outer plastic, similar insulation thickness, and deliver very similar ice retention.
- Premium, super-smooth interior finish
- Integrated hinges with no rear protrusions
- Low-profile silicone latches with no sharp edges
- Rubber feet to prevent sliding
- Tie-down points moulded into handles
Classic Range (Cube & Long Boxes):
- Proven, functional design
- Hinges and latches fitted after moulding
- Plastic skids underneath for sliding
- Rope handles on Long Boxes
- End tie-down points on Cube Boxes (do not overtighten)
Different designs. Same ICEY TEK reliability where it matters most.
What insulation do ICEY TEK coolers use?
What insulation do ICEY TEK coolers use?
This is where ICEY TEK earns its reputation.
We use specially formulated medium density expanded polyurethane insulation that is pressure injected into the walls, base, and lid. It expands to fill every cavity and bonds directly to the shell.
The result is no air gaps, no weak spots, and consistent ice retention across the entire cooler, even in extreme heat.
Are ICEY TEK coolers food safe?
Are ICEY TEK coolers food safe?
Yes. All ICEY TEK coolers are made from approved food grade plastic.
They are trusted by fishmongers exporting seafood interstate and overseas, because when food quality matters, failure is not an option.
Can I sit on an ICEY TEK cooler?
Can I sit on an ICEY TEK cooler?
Yes. ICEY TEK coolers are built strong enough to be used as a seat on the boat, at camp, or on the beach.
Optional cushions are available if comfort matters as much as cold drinks.
Repairs & spares
Can an ICEY TEK cooler be repaired?
Can an ICEY TEK cooler be repaired?
ICEY TEK coolers are professional thermal assets designed for long-term ownership. We don't believe in disposable gear. Most wear-and-tear issues can be resolved quickly with our range of genuine replacement parts, ensuring your box stays on the deck and out of the landfill.
- Replacement Components: We stock genuine replacement latches and drainage bungs for all standard models. These are designed to be easily swapped out with basic tools if they are damaged during heavy use.
- Structural Integrity: The rotomoulded linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) shell is incredibly resilient. While deep scratches or scuffs are a sign of a cooler earning its keep, they do not affect thermal performance.
- Seal Maintenance: If your lid seal is compromised, we provide advice to ensure your thermal barrier remains airtight.
If your cooler has taken a serious hit and you’re unsure if it’s salvageable, reach out to our team. We’d rather help you fix a legend than see you replace it unnecessarily.
Can I get replacement lid seals?
Can I get replacement lid seals?
Yes. Replacement lid seals are available.
Send us a photo of your cooler and we will supply the correct seal, because a tight seal is critical for ice performance.
If you need a temporary fix, EVA weather seal from a hardware store can be used.
Where can I get spare drain bungs?
Where can I get spare drain bungs?
ICEY TEK coolers are designed so you are never stuck.
Classic Range coolers from forty to three hundred litres can use twenty five millimetre BSP bungs, available from the Accessories page, or you may be able to source from your local hardware store.
Oneskin Range and large models can be purchased directly from the Accessories page or your local dealer.
Soft Coolers and Fish Bags
What are ICEY TEK Soft Coolers made from?
What are ICEY TEK Soft Coolers made from?
ICEY TEK Soft Coolers are built for real-world use.
From 2023 onwards, they are made from TPU-coated fabric chosen for strength, flexibility, and durability.
What are ICEY TEK Super Fish Bags made from?
What are ICEY TEK Super Fish Bags made from?
Super Bags use eight hundred and forty denier TPU and feature airtight watertight gasket-sealed zippers with no metal parts to corrode.
Can fish bags and soft coolers be repaired?
Can fish bags and soft coolers be repaired?
Yes. Damage should not mean replacement.
Small punctures can be repaired using Tear Aid, extending the life of your gear and saving money over time.
Gel Packs
What is inside ICEY TEK Gel Packs and how do they work?
What is inside ICEY TEK Gel Packs and how do they work?
ICEY TEK Gel Packs use a non toxic gel mixture engineered to stay frozen longer than standard ice.
They hold cold longer, do not flood your cooler, and work trip after trip.
Freeze for at least forty eight hours, allow room for expansion, and place them in direct contact with contents for best performance.
Warranty and Support
What warranty do ICEY TEK products come with?
What warranty do ICEY TEK products come with?
ICEY TEK stands behind its gear.
Hard Coolers come with a five year warranty for recreational use.
Soft Coolers, Gel Packs, and accessories are covered by a twelve month warranty.
We do not build disposable coolers. We build gear meant to be relied on.
What does the warranty not cover?
What does the warranty not cover?
The warranty does not cover commercial use, misuse, or neglect.
ICEY TEK coolers are built tough, but like any serious equipment, they are designed to be used properly. If you are unsure, ask us. We would rather help early than disappoint later.