FAQs

Each Esky is tested to ensure that it will hold the cold. Ice retention is the tested period of time that the Esky will keep ice. This test is conducted in laboratory conditions for consistent results. The main cooler compartment is filled ¾ full of ice and monitored in a constant 32 degrees Celsius to simulate a warm summer’s day. The temperature inside the cooler is monitored until it reached 4 degrees Celsius which is the safe limit for food storage. The length of time it takes to reach this state determines the ice retention claim.

There are many factors that prolong ice retention in your Esky. Things to consider are environmental factors like ambient temperature and direct sunlight. How often is the lid opened and how chilled the contents were inside the Esky before ice was added.

There are a few steps you can take to improve the performance of your Esky.

1. Ensure your Esky is chilled before adding contents. A warm Esky will immediately reduce the efficiency of the insulation. Store your Esky in a cool place before loading it. Pre-chill with an ice pack to reduce the inside temperature for best results.
2. Pre-chill or freeze contents before packing your Esky. If you add chilled drinks or frozen food items, your ice will last a lot longer as it has to work less to cool them initially.
3. Quality Ice matters. Performance is improved if the ice quality is high. Avoid wet ice as it is already melting. Where possible use large blocks of ice to reduce surface area. Freeze water bottles to compliment cube ice.
4. Avoid opening and closing the lid of your Esky more than is required. Each time the lid opens, warm ambient air enters the Esky and reduces the inside temperature. Always ensure the lid is completely shut and sealed.
5. Keep it Cool. While using your Esky, ensure it is placed in a cool shady spot to extend the life of your ice. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight as this will naturally reduce the efficiency of the insulation materials.

This is a topic hotly debated around the BBQ or campfire and is definitely a matter of personal preference. We suggest that the iced water from melted ice will compliment any remaining ice as its temperature is already chilled. A tip for utilising an “ice slurry” to keep you drinks or catch cold even longer, is to add some salt to the mix (where safe for contents). The salt will reduce the temperature of the slurry further prolonging the usable life of your ice.

We recommend packing in Layers. Pre-chill your cooler and add frozen contents first. Add ice in layers as you move up the cooler. Esky also has a full range of Ice Bricks and Gel Packs that make packing you Esky a breeze. Avoid packing items with paper or cardboard wrapping as there will deteriorate as the ice melts. Zip lock bags are a great way to save on bulky packaging and let you fit more inside your Esky.

We recommend cleaning your Esky after each use. Wipe the inside and outside of hard coolers with a mild detergent or anti-bacterial surface cleaner to avoid mildew and mould. If possible, store with the lid slightly open to promote ventilation. Unscrew the drain for added air flow. Avoid packing away with water still inside the main compartment.

For heavy stains bleach can be used in a well-ventilated area with appropriate P.P.E. Rinse with fresh water and allow to dry before re-use.

For soft coolers sponge with a damp cloth. Wipe out the liner with a mild detergent or anti-bacterial surface cleaner to avoid mildew and mould. If heavily stained hand wash with a mild detergent and thoroughly rinse in fresh water. Hang to dry in a shaded area away from direct heat sources.

We do not recommend washing in dishwashers or washing machines. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents as these will deteriorate the materials of your Esky.

There is a range of spare parts available for selected Esky coolers. Many components are universal across ranges and collections of coolers. Some of these spares are available for purchase at our retail partners. Please contact your Esky retailer or our customer service team for guidance.