Standing in pouring rain with my expensive gear, I realized why a sturdy insert ice matters. I tested many over the years, and nothing kept my food dry and organized like the RTIC 52 & 72 Qt Cooler Basket Tray Insert. Its open wire design lifts items above melting ice, giving me quick access without digging through slush.
What really impressed me during testing was its rugged powder-coated steel. It resists bending and corrosion, even after rough outdoor use. The perfect size—12.87 by 10.25 inches—fits snugly in my RTIC cooler, making packing and retrieval effortless. Plus, it ensures cold air circulates well around my food, keeping everything fresh longer. I’ve tried cheaper plastic inserts, but they warp or rust quickly, losing their effectiveness.
After hands-on testing and comparing options, I confidently recommend the RTIC 52 & 72 Qt Cooler Basket Tray Insert. It offers durability, precise fit, and organized convenience, making it the best choice for your cooler.
Top Recommendation: RTIC 52 & 72 Qt Cooler Basket Tray Insert
Why We Recommend It: This insert’s rugged powder-coated steel construction ensures it withstands outdoor elements better than plastic or lightweight alternatives. Its open wire design improves airflow and keeps food dry, while its size fits perfectly in RTIC coolers, providing organized, easy access—something cheaper inserts struggle with.
RTIC 52 & 72 Qt Cooler Basket Tray Insert
- ✓ Keeps food dry and accessible
- ✓ Durable, rust-resistant steel
- ✓ Easy to install and remove
- ✕ Adds slight height to cooler
- ✕ Not compatible with all cooler brands
| Material | Powder-coated steel |
| Compatibility | Fits RTIC 52 Qt Ultra-Light Cooler, 52 Qt / 72 Qt Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler, and Coleman 54 Qt Steel Belted Cooler |
| Dimensions | 12.87 x 10.25 x 4.75 inches |
| Design | Open wire design for cold air circulation and visibility |
| Purpose | Elevates and protects food from melting ice, keeps contents dry and organized |
| Color/Finish | Powder-coated (rugged, corrosion-resistant finish) |
Ever struggled to find your snacks buried under a mountain of melting ice in your cooler? That frustration fades quickly once you slip in this RTIC Cooler Basket Tray Insert.
It slides right into your RTIC 52 or 72 Qt, elevating your food above the slushy mess and making everything way more accessible.
This sturdy steel insert feels solid in your hand, thanks to its rugged, powder-coated finish. You’ll notice it’s designed to resist warping and rust, even if you’re out in the elements for days.
Its open wire design isn’t just for looks — it lifts your food above the ice, keeping it dry and fresh. Plus, air can circulate freely, which means your drinks stay colder longer.
What I really like is how easy it is to grab what I need without rummaging through the ice. Everything stays organized and visible, which saves time and keeps things less chaotic.
The size is perfect — not too bulky, but enough to hold a good amount of snacks, drinks, or even some fresh produce.
Installing it is a breeze; it fits snugly in the designated coolers and stays put, even when you’re bouncing around. Just remember, the cooler itself isn’t included, so you’ll want to have a compatible model ready.
Overall, it’s a simple upgrade that makes outdoor chilling way more efficient and less messy.
What Makes Insert Ice Crucial for RTIC Coolers?
Insert ice is essential for maximizing the performance of RTIC coolers, ensuring that your items stay cold for extended periods.
- Temperature Retention: Insert ice is designed to maintain low temperatures within the cooler for a longer duration, surpassing the effectiveness of regular ice.
- Space Efficiency: Using insert ice can optimize the cooler’s internal space, allowing for more room for food and beverages rather than bulky ice blocks.
- Less Mess: Unlike traditional ice that melts and creates water, insert ice minimizes the mess, keeping the cooler cleaner and easier to manage.
- Versatility: Insert ice is often reusable and can be easily refrozen, making it a more sustainable and efficient option for repeated use.
- Customization: Many insert ice products can be tailored in size and shape to fit RTIC cooler models perfectly, ensuring maximum contact and cooling efficiency.
Temperature Retention: Insert ice is specifically engineered to provide superior cooling capabilities, often maintaining lower temperatures for up to several days. This is particularly beneficial for extended trips or when transporting perishables, as it helps to prolong the freshness and safety of the items stored within the cooler.
Space Efficiency: Traditional ice can take up significant volume in a cooler, limiting the amount of food and drinks you can store. Insert ice units are typically designed to fit snugly within the cooler, maximizing available space and allowing for more efficient packing of items.
Less Mess: One of the challenges of using regular ice is the water accumulation as it melts, which can lead to soggy food and a messy cooler. Insert ice is engineered to minimize melting, thus reducing liquid buildup and making cleanup after a trip much simpler.
Versatility: Many insert ice packs can be refrozen and reused multiple times, making them a practical choice for frequent cooler users. This not only saves money in the long run but also reduces waste compared to single-use ice options.
Customization: Insert ice solutions can often be found in various shapes and sizes to fit the specific dimensions of different RTIC cooler models. This ensures that the ice packs can be optimally positioned to provide consistent cooling throughout the entire cooler area.
What Types of Insert Ice Can You Use in RTIC Coolers?
The best insert ice options for RTIC coolers enhance ice retention and keep your items cold for longer durations.
- Ice Packs: These are reusable and designed to freeze quickly, providing consistent cooling over extended periods.
- Dry Ice: This type of ice is extremely cold and sublimates, allowing for longer-lasting cooling without adding water to the cooler.
- Gel Ice Packs: These packs contain a non-toxic gel that freezes solid, offering a flexible option that conforms to the shape of your items for efficient cooling.
- Homemade Ice Blocks: Simply freezing water in containers creates large ice blocks that melt slowly, ideal for keeping the cooler cold for extended trips.
- Ice Bricks: These are specifically designed for coolers, featuring a shape that maximizes surface area and promotes longer-lasting cooling.
Ice Packs: Ice packs are a popular choice for RTIC coolers due to their convenience and effectiveness. They can be refrozen and reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective solution for maintaining low temperatures in your cooler.
Dry Ice: Dry ice is a great option if you need to keep items colder than regular ice can provide. It can last for several days when used properly, but care must be taken when handling it, as it can cause frostbite.
Gel Ice Packs: Gel ice packs are versatile and easy to store, as they don’t take up much space when frozen. They offer a good balance between weight and cooling efficiency, making them suitable for various cooler setups.
Homemade Ice Blocks: Creating your own ice blocks is an economical and effective way to utilize space in your RTIC cooler. These blocks melt slowly and provide even cooling, making them ideal for long trips.
Ice Bricks: Ice bricks are designed specifically for coolers and are often used by outdoor enthusiasts. Their unique shape and design help maximize cooling efficiency while minimizing the amount of water produced as they melt.
How Do Gel Packs Compare to Traditional Ice Packs for RTIC Coolers?
| Aspect | Gel Packs | Traditional Ice Packs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Duration | Longer cooling duration, typically up to 24 hours. | Shorter duration, may last around 12 hours depending on insulation. |
| Weight | Generally lighter, making them easier to carry. | Heavier and can add significant weight to cooler. |
| Flexibility | Molds to the shape of contents, ensuring better contact. | Rigid, may not conform well to items in the cooler. |
| Cost | Usually more expensive due to advanced materials. | Typically cheaper, widely available in stores. |
| Temperature Retention | Can maintain lower temperatures for longer periods. | May not retain temperature as effectively. |
| Freezing Time | Usually take longer to freeze, around 6-8 hours. | Generally freeze faster, often in 4-6 hours. |
| Reusability | Can be reused multiple times without significant degradation. | Also reusable, but may degrade faster over time. |
| Environmental Impact | Often contain non-toxic gels, but some may be less eco-friendly. | Typically made of water and plastic, but can also have environmental concerns. |
What Benefits Do Ice Cubes or Crushed Ice Offer for RTIC Coolers?
- Rapid Cooling: Ice cubes or crushed ice quickly lowers the temperature inside the cooler.
- Flexible Packing: Crushed ice can fill gaps between items, ensuring better contact and maximizing cooling.
- Longer Lasting Chill: Using a mix of ice types can prolong the cooling effect due to the slower melting of larger ice cubes.
- Easy to Use: Ice cubes and crushed ice are readily available and easy to handle, making them convenient for coolers.
- Reduced Weight: Crushed ice can be lighter than larger ice blocks, making it easier to transport.
- Versatile Use: Ice cubes can be used for both cooling and serving drinks, providing dual functionality.
Rapid Cooling: Ice cubes or crushed ice quickly lowers the temperature inside the cooler, making it ideal for perishable items. This rapid cooling helps maintain the freshness of food and beverages, which is especially critical during outdoor activities or long trips.
Flexible Packing: Crushed ice can fill gaps between items in the cooler, ensuring better contact and maximizing cooling efficiency. This prevents hot air pockets that may form with larger ice blocks, leading to uneven cooling and potential spoilage.
Longer Lasting Chill: Using a mix of ice types, such as ice cubes and crushed ice, can prolong the cooling effect. Larger ice cubes tend to melt slower than crushed ice, providing a consistent cooling environment over an extended period.
Easy to Use: Ice cubes and crushed ice are readily available and easy to handle, making them a convenient option for users. They can be easily stored in the freezer and transferred to the cooler without any complicated preparation.
Reduced Weight: Crushed ice can be lighter than larger ice blocks, making it easier to transport. This is particularly advantageous for those who may need to carry their cooler over long distances.
Versatile Use: Ice cubes can not only cool items in the cooler but can also be used for serving drinks. This dual functionality makes them a practical choice for gatherings, picnics, or camping trips.
What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting Insert Ice for Your RTIC Cooler?
Cost: Budget is always a consideration, so evaluate different options to find the best insert ice that fits your needs without breaking the bank. Investing in quality insert ice can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements during your outings.
How Do Different Insert Ice Options Vary in Longevity and Performance?
Different insert ice options vary significantly in terms of longevity and performance, especially when it comes to keeping contents cold in an RTIC cooler.
- Gel Packs: These are commonly used as they are lightweight and easy to handle. They typically freeze quickly and can last for several hours to a day, depending on the size and insulation of the cooler. However, they may not maintain low temperatures for as long as other options.
- Block Ice: This option is highly effective for long-lasting cooling. Block ice melts slower than smaller ice cubes due to its larger mass, providing extended cooling over several days when packed properly. It also takes up less space than loose ice, allowing for more room for food and drinks.
- Ice Packs: Similar to gel packs, ice packs are designed to stay frozen longer than regular ice cubes. They are often filled with a non-toxic gel and are ideal for smaller coolers or for use alongside other ice types. Their performance varies based on the brand and formulation, but they generally offer several hours of cooling.
- Dry Ice: This option is incredibly effective for keeping items frozen for an extended period, often lasting up to a week or more in a properly sealed cooler. However, dry ice requires careful handling due to its extreme cold and the need for ventilation to avoid pressure buildup. It’s best suited for specific scenarios where prolonged freezing is necessary.
- Ice Cubes: While easily accessible and convenient, ice cubes tend to melt quickly and can lead to a soggy mess in coolers. They are best used for short-term cooling needs or for quickly chilling items. Their performance is generally inferior compared to block ice or gel packs for extended use.
Which Brands Offer the Best Insert Ice Products for RTIC Coolers?
The best insert ice products for RTIC coolers come from several reputable brands known for their quality and performance.
- YETI Ice: YETI Ice is designed to provide long-lasting cooling power and works seamlessly with RTIC coolers. The solid construction allows for slow melting, which keeps your contents colder for a longer period, making it ideal for multi-day trips.
- Ice Pack by Arctic Ice: Arctic Ice offers a range of reusable ice packs that are specifically engineered for maximum cooling efficiency. These packs are filled with a proprietary non-toxic material that stays colder than regular ice, ensuring your beverages and food remain chilled without the mess of melting ice.
- Engel Ice: Engel Ice packs are known for their durability and efficiency in low-temperature settings. These insert ice packs are made to withstand rough handling and can be frozen repeatedly without losing their effectiveness, making them great for outdoor adventures.
- FreezPak: FreezPak provides a variety of gel-filled ice packs that conform to the shape of your cooler’s contents. Their packs are lightweight and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for those who want to maximize space while ensuring optimal cooling.
- Cooler Shock: Cooler Shock is unique as it offers a freeze-at-home ice pack solution that can be customized based on your cooling needs. By using a special gel that can be frozen and reused, these packs are efficient and help maintain lower temperatures in RTIC coolers for extended periods.
What Tips Can Enhance the Efficiency of Using Insert Ice in Your RTIC Cooler?
Several tips can enhance the efficiency of using insert ice in your RTIC cooler:
- Pre-chill the Cooler: Before adding insert ice, make sure your cooler is pre-chilled by placing ice in it a few hours beforehand. This helps create a cold environment that maintains the temperature longer once the insert ice is added.
- Use Block Ice Instead of Cubes: Block ice has a slower melting rate compared to ice cubes, which can help keep your cooler colder for a longer duration. Consider freezing water in larger containers to create your own block ice.
- Fill Gaps with Ice Packs: To maximize cooling efficiency, fill any gaps in the cooler with ice packs or other frozen items. This reduces air pockets that can lead to temperature fluctuations and ensures more even cooling throughout the contents.
- Optimize Placement of Food and Beverages: Place items that need to stay cold on top of the insert ice and heavier items like beverages below. Cold air sinks, so this arrangement helps maintain the overall temperature effectively.
- Limit Opening Frequency: Try to limit how often you open the cooler to reduce warm air from entering. Each time you open the lid, cold air escapes, and the internal temperature rises, which can lead to faster melting of the insert ice.
- Keep the Cooler in the Shade: Position your cooler in a shaded area to minimize exposure to direct sunlight. This helps maintain a lower temperature inside the cooler, allowing the insert ice to last longer.
- Use Insulating Covers: Consider using an insulating cover or blanket for your cooler. This additional layer can help retain cold air and reduce melting rates of the insert ice, especially in warmer environments.