Which would make canned drinks in an ice chest last colder longer, cubed ice, crushed ice or solid block ice?

Question

I know Myth Busters did the episode with the "coldest, fastest" way for canned drinks.

But my question is...which would last longer, cubed, crushed or solid blocks of ice in an ice chest, and which would keep the drinks colder.

For clarity, the solid block would actually fit perfectly around the cans (I would freeze the water into the block with empty cans in the ice chest then take them out and put the full cans in their place)

Answer 1

If the ice is in a block , the ice will last longer, therefore, the drinks will. If the ice is crushed it will cool the drinks faster, but they will not last as long.

Answer 2

Because cube and crushed ice have more surface area than a block weighing the same, I say a block of ice would keep the cans cold the longest.

Answer 3

I am guessing a large block of ice will last longer but I think that using cubes will both last longer than crushed AND keep the stuff colder than a large block because it can surround the food without being so small that it melts faster. i think that answers your question but i'm not sure?

Answer 4

Presumably the solid block. You want the most ice possible--the form doesn't matter a whit--most ice by weight wins hands down because it contains the most btus.

Answer 5

hi Melanie M you mentioned a magic word ESKY. you would be able to desire to be an Aussie and you ask that question. Ice cubes interior the backside upload your bottles or cans than conceal them with yet another bag or 2 of ice CUBES. i became into taught that from you adult males whilst i became into down there. Chris

Answer 6

crushed ice it packs the air tighter