Costco is a popular retail store known for its bulk products and affordable prices.
Hosting an outdoor party or do you need to keep your catch at the pond fresh in the cooler for transport? You may be wondering if you can get dry ice at your nearest Costco.
If you’re looking to get information on dry ice availability at Costco, you’re not alone in this as many Costco shoppers have asked this question at some point.
Well, there is no direct answer to this question. After contacting a couple of Costco stores around, we discovered that only a handful of Costco locations with enough freezer space offered to sell dry ice. Most Costco stores do not sell dry ice.
In this article, we will be taking a look at dry ice availability at Costco stores. Can you buy dry ice online at Costco? What other stores can you get dry ice easily? Let’s find out.
Can You Buy Dry Ice At Costco?
As we mentioned earlier, the availability of dry ice at Costco depends on the Costco location you visit.
Most Costco stores do not sell dry ice due to limited freezer space and resources that need to be used for other items. However, some stores that have enough freezer space/sections may offer to keep dry ice in stock for customers.
To find out if your local Costco store sells dry ice, it’s recommended to reach out to them first before making a trip. You can call or visit the store’s website to check for availability.
It’s important to note that to purchase dry ice from Costco, you must be a member. If you’re not a member, you can still purchase dry ice from other retailers.
Does Costco Sell Dry Ice Online?
Unfortunately, Costco does not sell dry ice online, and it is not available for purchase on their website or mobile app. This means that customers cannot order dry ice from Costco and have it delivered to their homes.
Additionally, dry ice is not available for delivery via Instacart with Costco. Therefore, anyone who needs dry ice will have to visit a physical Costco store where is it available or look for other options.
So What Stores Can You Buy Dry Ice From?
Dry ice is a unique product that can be found in various stores across the United States.
Here are some places where you can find dry ice near you.
Grocery Stores & Supermarkets
Grocery stores and supermarkets are the most common places to purchase dry ice.
Stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Safeway, Publix, Albertsons, and Meijer carry dry ice. Walmart, for example, sells dry ice for less than $1.5 per pound at some of its locations, making it an affordable option for Costco shoppers.
While many retail stores readily have dry ice available for purchase, we still recommend calling ahead to be sure that they have dry ice in stock before taking a trip to the store to avoid disappointment.
Specialty Shops
Specialty shops such as ice cream parlors and shops mostly have dry ice in stock and available for retail.
These shops usually sell dry ice in small quantities, making them ideal for home use so if you’re looking to purchase large quantities of dry ice, you may want to look elsewhere.
Gas Stations
Gas stations are another place to purchase dry ice. While not all gas stations carry dry ice, some do, and they are often open 24/7.
How Long Does Dry Ice Last?
Dry ice is a popular choice for keeping food and drinks cold during transportation or storage. But how long does it last?
Typically, a whole, intact, five-pound block of dry ice will last for 18-24 hours in a cooler. If you’re using dry ice outdoors, you can expect it to last for about 3-5 hours.
If you’re using dry ice in liquid, such as a punch bowl, you should expect it to last for up to 45 minutes or less depending on the liquid.
It’s important to note that dry ice sublimates and turns to gas as it evaporates, so you should plan for how much it may sublimate before you need to use it.
To make your dry ice last longer, you can store it in a well-ventilated area, such as a cooler with a towel over it, but avoid storing it in your refrigerator or freezer since it will melt quicker and in some cases, cause the freezer to shut down.
It’s also important to handle dry ice with care and wear gloves when touching it, as it can cause skin damage. When storing dry ice, make sure not to store it in a tightly enclosed area, and avoid leaving it out where people or pets can come into contact with it.
How Much Does Dry Ice Typically Cost?
Dry ice is typically sold by the pound, and the price can vary depending on the retailer. The average cost of a block of dry ice is between $1.00 to $3.00 per pound, but some stores may offer it for even less.
It is important to note that the cost of dry ice can vary depending on the quantity purchased. Bulk purchases, such as those made by businesses or organizations, may be available at a discounted wholesale price.
When considering the cost of dry ice, it is also important to factor in any additional fees that may be associated with the purchase. For example, some retailers may charge a handling fee or a delivery fee for orders of dry ice.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, it is important to note that the availability of dry ice at Costco varies by location. While some Costco stores sell dry ice, most do not. Therefore, contacting your local Costco store before your visit is recommended to confirm whether they have dry ice available for purchase.
If you need dry ice for transportation, it is important to handle it with care. Dry ice blocks should be transported in well-ventilated containers to prevent carbon dioxide buildup and potential explosion. Additionally, wearing protective gloves and handling dry ice with care is important to prevent frostbite.
Overall, while Costco may not be the most reliable source for dry ice, there are many other options available for obtaining it. Whether you need dry ice for transportation, preservation, or special effects, there are many dry ice suppliers and delivery services available to meet your needs.
