Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of dry ice do I need?

Dry ice comes in three forms: blocks, slices and pellets. Each form is suitable for specific needs.

  • Blocks: Suitable for freeze branding, industrial usage, shipping, and certain dry ice smoke machines. As a 10kg dry ice block is one solid piece (and therefore has less surface area than 10kg of dry ice pellets or slices), it will last longer than the same weight of slices or pellets. This makes blocks ideal for long-lasting shipping or storage.
  • Slices: Ideal for the storage and/or transportation of perishable goods such as food or medical supplies. Dry ice slices are often used to precondition Cold Caps for chemotherapy treatments. Each slice is individually foil-wrapped for ease of use and to help reduce sublimation levels.
  • Pellets (9mm diameter): Ideal for smaller-scale needs. University and hospital laboratories often use dry ice pellets in experiments, small scale storage, and for delivery purposes. Dry ice pellets are ideal to make fog effects for theatrical and entertainment purposes. Commercial businesses often use dry ice pellets for small-scale or one off storage or delivery purposes.
  • Drice (3mm diameter pellets): Specially designed for use in clean-blasting – not for domestic use.
How long does dry ice last?

Dry ice has a limited shelf life. Once it has been compressed into a solid form, the dry ice slowly begins to revert to its original gas form. For this reason, smaller quantities like 10kg should be used within 48 hours of delivery/collection. Smaller amounts of dry ice should ideally be used the same day.

How should I store dry ice?

We have various dry ice storage containers. These containers are highly insulated, protecting the dry ice from ambient temperature and reducing sublimation to as low as 2% in a 24 hour period. These containers are most suitable for storing quantities in excess of 100kg.

We also have packaging suitable to store smaller quantities (e.g. 10kg) of dry ice. These containers are the most practical solution for storing small quantities and will reduce sublimation rates to less than 30% a day.

Note: It is very important that you do not store dry ice in your refrigerator freezer. The extremely low temperature could cause the thermostat to turn off the freezer or damage the element.

How should I dispose of dry ice?

When finished with your dry ice, unwrap it and leave it at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. It will sublimate from a solid to a gas. Due to the CO2 released by the sublimation process, ensure that the dry ice is kept clear of children and animals.

Can I store dry ice in my refrigerator/freezer?

No. It is very important that you DO NOT store dry ice in your refrigerator freezer. The extremely low temperature could cause the thermostat to turn off the freezer or damage the element.

Can I put dry ice into drinks?

No. Dry Ice should NEVER be put loose into drinks intended for consumption. Dry ice can cause serious internal injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a medical professional immediately. Chillisticks allow dry ice to be safely used in drinks and cocktails. You can purchase Chillisticks here.

Can I collect dry ice in person?

Yes, you can collect your order from any one of our four collection points, located in Armagh, Dublin, Laois and Cork.

Alternatively, you can have your dry ice delivered to any of the DPD depots in Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, sending dry ice to a DPD Depot for collection carries a delivery charge.

Do Polar Ice deliver?

Yes, we deliver to businesses and homes across Ireland.

Large bulk orders are delivered by our own Polar Ice drivers. Smaller online orders are delivered by DPD couriers.

Nationwide next-day delivery with DPD (Tuesday – Friday). 

Contact Us

Can’t find the answer to your question. Send us a message. Just fill out the form below and a member of our Customer Focus Team will be happy to help.

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What happens next? 

We’ll review your message and get back to you within 1-2 business hours.  If your request is urgent, please call us directly on +353 (0)57 862 3860 or email info@polarice.ie 
Please note, if you are contacting us out of hours, we will respond to your query on the next working day.

OUR LOCATIONS

Head Office
Unit 3 Portarlington Ind. Est.,
Portarlington,
Co.Laois
R32 XR7Y
T: +353 (0)57 862 3860

E: info@polarice.ie

Northern Ireland Depot
Unit 47 CIDO Business Complex,
Portadown,
Co. Armagh
BT63 5WH

T: +44 (0)2843758045

Dublin Depot
c/o Expert Air,
Unit 42 Airways Industrial Estate,
Santry, Dublin 9,
D17 V672

T: +353 (0)1 862 3730

Cork Depot
Unit 624 Harbour Point
Business Park,
Little Island, Co. Cork
T45 RK26

T: +353 (0)21 463 4607