How to Make Dry Ice in Fridge (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)

Introduction: The Dry Ice Dilemma

You open your freezer, stare at your melting groceries, and think: Could I make dry ice in here? Could I just crank it colder?
Or maybe you’ve got some dry ice on hand and wonder: Can I store dry ice in my fridge to make it last longer?

If you’ve ever asked how to make dry ice in fridge or if it’s safe to keep dry ice in a refrigerator, you’re not alone—but the answers might surprise you.

Let’s break down the science, the safety, and what you should actually do instead.

1. Can You Make Dry Ice in Your Fridge?

The short answer: no—you cannot make dry ice in a fridge or home freezer.

Why Not?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂), and it only forms at -109.3°F (-78.5°C). Even your best deep freezer maxes out around -10°F to -20°F—nowhere near cold enough to compress and freeze CO₂ into solid form.

To make dry ice, you need:

• A tank of liquid CO₂ (stored under high pressure)
• A proper nozzle or expansion chamber
• Protective gear and strict handling precautions

That’s industrial-level territory—not kitchen appliance friendly.

So if you’re wondering how to make dry ice in a fridge, the honest answer is: you don’t. It’s not possible, and it’s not safe to try.

2. Can You Put Dry Ice in the Fridge?

Now this is a more common question—and the answer here is technically yes, but with major warnings.

What Happens If You Put Dry Ice in the Fridge?

Dry ice sublimates, meaning it turns from solid to gas without becoming liquid. When you place dry ice in a refrigerator:

• It rapidly releases CO₂ gas, which can build up in enclosed spaces
• The cold can damage sensors, fan motors, or the compressor in your fridge
• You may unknowingly expose yourself to carbon dioxide buildup, which can displace oxygen if the area isn’t ventilated

Verdict?

You should not store dry ice directly inside your refrigerator—especially for long periods. It can ruin your appliance and pose health risks if ventilation is poor.

3. Dry Ice vs Regular Ice in the Fridge

Let’s compare the cooling capabilities and use cases.

So why do people try this?

• Power outage backup – keeping food frozen during emergencies
• Transporting perishable goods
• Camping or off-grid cooling

But again, dry ice works best in standalone coolers, not plugged-in appliances.

4. How to Use Dry Ice for Refrigeration—The Safe Way

If your goal is to keep items cold, dry ice is a powerful solution—but it needs to be used outside your fridge, not inside it.

The Right Way to Do It:

• Place your items in a thick Styrofoam cooler or hard-sided cooler
• Line it with a silver mylar bag or insulation liner
• Add dry ice on the bottom or sides (use gloves!)
• Close the lid but leave a small vent or crack for gas to escape
• Keep it in a well-ventilated area like a garage or shaded porch

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t seal dry ice in an airtight container—it can cause pressure buildup and damage or burst the container.

This method is ideal for:

• Emergency food storage
• Long road trips
• Outdoor events or vaccine transport
• medical shipments

5. Where to Get Dry Ice (Instead of Trying to Make It)

Since making dry ice at home isn’t an option, where should you get it?

Here are your main sources:

• Grocery store chains like Kroger, Publix, or Safeway
• Welding gas and CO₂ suppliers
• Restaurant or lab-grade ice distributors

But the easiest, safest solution?

Sub Zero Dry Ice

We specialize in dry ice solutions for:

• Emergency cooling
• Perishable food storage
• Breast milk shipping
• Medical supply transportation

With ready-to-use dry ice kits, silver mylar bags, coolers, and expert guidance, we make cooling and shipping simple—even in high-stress situations.

→ Order your dry ice kit now from Sub Zero Dry Ice and keep things cold the safe way.

Final Thoughts: The Truth About Dry Ice in the Fridge

If you came here wondering:

• Can I make dry ice in my fridge?
• Can I store dry ice in the fridge to make it last longer?

Here’s what to remember:

• You can’t make dry ice in a home fridge—the temperature isn’t low enough.
• You shouldn’t store dry ice in your fridge—it can break it and create safety hazards.
• The best way to use dry ice is outside the fridge, inside a cooler, with proper ventilation and insulation.

Don’t risk your health—or your appliance.