4 Things to Know About Using a Cooler for Hot Food

Most coolers can keep food hot for hours A cooler is just an insulated box. Physics does not care if the heat comes from a steak or an ice block.

Avoid cheap injection-molded coolers for hot food Thin plastic from brands like Igloo Marine or Coleman can soften or deform with piping-hot food. Their insulation is also weaker.

Choose a rotomolded cooler instead Rotomolded plastic is denser and thicker, so it handles heat without warping. Brands like Yeti, RTIC, Pelican, and Orca also have thicker foam insulation for longer heat retention.

Preheat the cooler before adding hot food Pour hot water in for ten minutes so the foam does not steal all the heat. Never put hot food in a cooler that was just full of ice, as thermal shock can crack the liner.