Find the Best Chilly Bin for Your Adventure
Whether you're heading out on the boat for the weekend or just need something dependable to haul to your mate's Sunday BBQ, chilly bins keep your items cold and stored securely.
When choosing the right chilly bin, think about how many people will use it and for how long. You'll find multiple capacities at Burnsco suited to different needs:
- Small chilly bins & cooler bags (4.5L to 30L): Beach days, solo adventures and personal use see our 4.5L Edge cooler bag and 8.9L Edge cooler bag
- Medium ice bins (35L to 70L): Overnight boating trips and small group outings
- Large chiller boxes (75L to 270L): Extended fishing and camping trips with the whole family
Portable Chilly Bin Options
Beyond a range of capacities, we've got chilly bins built to handle different conditions and activities.
Our soft cooler bags for short trips provide lightweight convenience without sacrificing reliable insulation including the Edge insulated cooler bag.
Burnsco Blue ice boxes
Durable, Burnsco-branded hard ice boxes made from food-grade polyethylene are excellent for storing your perishable food and bottles securely. These sturdy cooler boxes retain ice for up to 5 days, whether you're on the water or in the wilderness:
- 25L Burnsco Blue ice box
- 50L Burnsco Blue ice box
- 70L Burnsco Blue ice box
- 105L Burnsco Blue ice box
- 150L Burnsco Blue ice box
- 270L Burnsco Blue ice box
Dometic ice boxes
For something even mightier, purpose-built heavy-duty chilly bins withstand New Zealand's toughest environments. Featuring refrigeration-grade polyurethane foam insulation, Dometic ice chests keep salt ice for up to 10 days when packed correctly:
- Dometic 15L ice box
- Dometic 28L ice box
- Dometic 43L ice box
- Dometic 56L ice box
- Dometic 87L ice box
- Dometic 92L ice box
- Dometic 111L ice box
Salt ice: Salt ice is only available in-store at selected Burnsco sites, but it is the best ice for maximum hold time in heavy-duty chilly bins. Pair it with ice packs for longer trips. For bait and fish, see our bait ice range.
12V & 24V Fridges & Freezers
Skip the ice altogether on longer trips with portable 12V and 24V refrigeration or a built-in AC/DC fridge for your caravan or motorhome. Compressor coolers run from your boat or vehicle battery and keep food chilled without melt water. Read our Brass Monkey portable fridge guide for setup tips and popular models.
Accessories for Chilly Bins
Level up your cooler with must-have additions from our ice box accessories range.
- Large Coleman ice pack (750ml)
- Burnsco ice box cushions extra seating on board or at camp
- Replacement catches, handles, latches and bungs
Ice packs enhance your chilly bin when paired with salt ice, or work on their own when you want minimal slurry. Internal baskets and dividers keep food organised and separated from bait ice where needed.
Find Outdoor and Marine Kitchen Gear at Burnsco
Keep your drinks and food cool on long, warm days spent outdoors. Shop chilly bins and ice boxes online at Burnsco, or visit us in-store to see the selection in person ask your local team about salt ice availability. For assistance, call us on 0800 10 20 41.
Need powered cooling? Browse 12V and 24V fridges and freezers for boats, 4WDs and caravans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an insulated cooler keep food and drinks cold?
It depends on the type of cooler, the ice, and the environmental conditions. When paired with high-quality ice packs, cooler bags can keep your goods chilled for up to two days. Without ice packs, your food will remain cold for up to 6 hours thanks to the bag's built-in insulation.
If you need something that lasts a bit longer, fill a heavy-duty chilly bin with salt ice available in-store at selected Burnsco sites and the best option for extended hold times (up to 10 days when packed well). Add ice packs for extra chill.
To keep your food and drink chilled, we recommend covering the cooler with a wet towel (especially if it's in direct sunlight), filling it to capacity, and avoiding unnecessarily opening it.
Can insulated coolers be used for both food and bait storage?
They can, but good cooler storage management is crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Use a chilly bin divider or basket from our ice box accessories range. Use ice packs instead of loose ice where possible, and keep bait ice separate from food and drinks.
Do ice packs work better than loose ice?
Yes, for maintaining cold conditions. Loose ice cools items down quickly, but also melts quickly.
The best approach is to use both. Ice packs offer sustained chill while loose ice speeds up cooling. For maximum duration in a heavy-duty bin, salt ice (in-store at selected sites) outperforms standard bagged ice.
What is the best way to pack food and drinks in a cooler?
Firstly, pre-chill your cooler with ice packs or salt ice at the bottom. Next, prioritise items such as meat, dairy, salads, and any other items that require the most refrigeration. The coolest part of your chilly bin is the bottom, so use this space wisely. Then place another layer of ice on top of the items already stored and add your lower-priority goods, such as fruit, drinks, and snacks. Finish it off with another layer of ice or packs.
It's important to make sure your food is packaged tightly and safely, especially if you are storing raw and cooked food in the same chilly bin.
How do I clean and maintain a chilly bin?
Remove your items from your chilly bin, then drain it completely. Rinse it with warm water to remove any lingering residue. Then, mix mild dishwashing liquid with warm water and use a soft brush to give it a good scrub.
For stubborn stains, mould or persistent odours, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water, apply the solution directly to the problem area and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
Always finish off your cleaning routine by thoroughly rinsing your chilly bin again and waiting for it to dry completely before storing it away for next time.
