Most of us probably own or have access to an Esky/Chiller Box, whether it be for Fishing, Camping or a Mates BBQ. What a life saver, it keeps the Food cool and the Beverages chilled, right?

They are great things, but when it comes to long term and extended periods, possible fail.

You ask what is not to like about a cold Chiller Box? Being in the Commercial Refrigeration trade we tend to be somewhat pedantic when it comes to the danger zone.

Not wanting to take the fun out of the occasion but its worth noting!

So you and your friends turn up to your Party with your beloved Chiller Box, you have the BBQ Sausages, some Chicken, Beverages and at the last minute your Partner has thrown in a Salad (what harm can a little bit of Cheese and some Egg do?).

Take a look in those fine Chillers, some are jammed pack with ice and then there is the ultimate, everything has been thrown in, raw meat, cooked Chicken, salad and a couple of handfuls of ice.

What is the problem you ask? Depending on the Clock, it could be a lot!

Some Chillers may be better insulated than others but it is difficult to cool Food evenly. The less ice you have, the more chance of your food becoming cross contaminated.

so here is a few tips that may help:

Your temperature needs to stay under 5 degrees, you do not want to hit the bacterial zone between 5 degrees and 60 degrees.

Put your Food in the Refrigerator and chill it before putting it in the Chiller Box.

Pack your raw Meat/Poultry at the bottom of the Chiller surrounded by lots of ice and keep the lid shut as much as possible to avoid warm ambient air getting in.

When you get to your Venue put your Perishable Food in the Refrigerator or use your Food as soon as possible.

Keep the Chiller in the shade/cooler position.

Better still, if you are having a larger Function hire a Mobile Cool Room. They are designed exactly for keeping Food and Beverages chilled to the correct temperatures.

Enjoy your celebrations and keep your Esky Chilled!