coolers!

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by gasdad

So what's the secret trick to keep buckets from bursting when freezing ice??

Ice expands about 10% when it freezes. When using any "open top" container, the top of the water will freeze first. When the remaining water freezes, it will expand "downward" and usually crack the bottom of the container.

To help prevent breaking the bottom, two things can be done.

1) only put about 2-3" of water in the bucket. This will allow the water on the top and bottom to freeze about the same time and with only a couple of inches to freeze, there will not be as much expansion. When the the water is frozen, add a couple more inches of water to the bucket. Repeat until you have as much as you want. Using cold water from the refridgerator will speed up the freezing time.

2) put a lid on the bucket. The lid creates an air space inside the bucket which slows down the freezing process on the top part of the water. This allows the water to freeze from the bottom and expand upward.

You will have to experiment some [and probably break a bucket or 2] until you learn what is the max amount of water you can freeze and not break the bucket.

I freeze water in 5 quart plastic container that ice cream comes in. To fill up the container takes adding water 3 times.