What Is Dry Ice? Temperature, Uses and Safety

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the same gas we breathe out. It is called "dry" because it never melts into a liquid: at normal pressure it turns straight from a solid into gas. That makes it very useful for keeping things frozen without leaving water behind.

How cold is dry ice?

Dry ice has a surface temperature of about −78.5°C (−109.3°F). That is far colder than normal water ice (0°C) and much colder than a household freezer (around −18°C). It can cause cold burns within seconds, so it should only be handled with insulated gloves or tongs.

What is dry ice made of and how is it made?

Dry ice is pure carbon dioxide. Producers capture CO₂ gas, compress and cool it until it becomes a liquid, then release the pressure. Part of the liquid turns into a fine CO₂ "snow", which is pressed into pellets, nuggets or blocks.

Can you make dry ice at home?

Not in any practical or safe way. Making dry ice needs pressurised liquid carbon dioxide and specialist equipment. Freezing water, however cold, only makes normal ice. If you need dry ice, buy it from a supplier; see where to buy dry ice in the UK.

What is dry ice used for?

• Shipping and cold chain – keeping frozen goods, samples and medicines frozen in transit.
• Keeping food frozen – in freezers and cool boxes during power cuts, moves or long trips (packed separately, never in contact with food you will eat).
• Events and theatre – low-lying fog effects using the right equipment and plenty of ventilation.
• Science and education – demonstrations of sublimation, with adult supervision.
• Industrial uses – cooling, shrink-fitting metal parts and cleaning.

Is dry ice dangerous?

Dry ice is safe when it is handled properly, but it has three real hazards: cold burns from touching it, carbon dioxide build-up in small or closed spaces, and pressure if it is sealed in an airtight container. It must never be eaten or added to food or drinks. Read our full dry ice safety and handling guide.

Ordering dry ice from Nice Ice

• Dry ice in 5 kg packs, £45 a pack.
• Minimum order 10 kg (2 packs). You can order dry ice on its own.
• Order at least 2 days in advance, delivered Monday to Saturday across London.
• Read our dry ice safety and handling guide before ordering; you confirm this at checkout.
• Order on our homepage order builder or see dry ice delivery London.

Dry ice turns into gas from the moment it is packed, so the weight delivered can be lower than the weight ordered. Nice Ice is not responsible for weight loss caused by sublimation.

Safety first

• Never touch dry ice with bare skin; use insulated gloves or tongs. It can cause cold burns.
• Only use and store it in well-ventilated spaces. It releases carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in small rooms, cellars and vehicles.
• Never seal it in an airtight container; the gas can build pressure and burst it.
• Never eat it, swallow it or put it in food or drinks.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is dry ice? About −78.5°C (−109.3°F) at normal atmospheric pressure.

What is dry ice made of? Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2). It turns directly from solid to gas without melting.

How long does dry ice last? In a good insulated cool box, dry ice usually loses roughly 2 to 5 kg a day. See our guide on how long dry ice lasts.

Is dry ice the same as an ice pack? No. Ice packs contain gel or water and can be refrozen. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide at −78.5°C and disappears as gas.