Dry ice looks simple, but the shape and size matter. The wrong size can sublimate too fast, leave gaps in a box or work poorly in a blasting machine. This guide explains the common dry ice sizes and how to choose the right one for your job in Dubai and across the UAE.
The short answer
- 3 mm pellets: best for dry ice blasting and cleaning.
- 16 mm pellets: a flexible choice for shipping, catering and events.
- Blocks and slices: better for longer cooling, and can be cut to fit a container.
Sizes can vary from one supplier to another, so always confirm the exact dimensions when you order.
Why size matters
Smaller pieces have more surface area, so they warm up and sublimate faster. That is useful for cleaning and quick cooling, but it means they don’t last as long. Larger pieces and blocks have less surface area for their weight, so they generally last longer.
Shape matters too. Pellets pour easily into gaps and surround your items, but they take up more space than a solid block of the same weight because of the air gaps between pieces.
3 mm pellets: for blasting and tight packing
The 3 mm size is the standard for dry ice blasting. These small pellets sublimate quickly and clean surfaces effectively. Their small size also lets them pack tightly around small items.
Best for: industrial cleaning, machinery maintenance, small samples and tight spaces.
Trade-off: shorter cooling time than larger pieces.
Learn more about our dry ice blasting service.
16 mm pellets: a flexible all-rounder
The 16 mm size is a popular middle option. The pellets are large enough to last longer than small pellets, yet small enough to pour around items and fill gaps in a box. They are commonly used for shipping, delivery boxes, catering and events.
Best for: catering, delivery boxes, shipping, events and general cooling.
Trade-off: not designed for fine blasting work.
Blocks and slices: for longer cooling
Blocks and slices have less surface area for their weight, so they generally last longer than pellets. They can also be cut to fit the space in your container. This makes them useful for longer journeys and larger coolers.
Best for: longer shipments, large coolers and bulk storage.
Trade-off: harder to pack around irregular items.
Quick comparison
- 3 mm pellets: best for blasting and small items. They cool quickly and pack tightly, but don’t last long.
- 16 mm pellets: best for shipping, catering and events. They are flexible and last a good while, but aren’t suited to fine blasting.
- Blocks and slices: best for long shipments and large coolers. They last longest, but are less flexible to pack.
How to choose, by use
Dry ice blasting. Use 3 mm pellets as the standard choice, and check your machine’s specifications. Ask your blasting contractor if you are cleaning delicate parts.
Shipping and delivery. Use 16 mm pellets or blocks, depending on how long the trip is and how much space you have. Read our guide to shipping dry ice from Dubai for the rules.
Catering and events. 16 mm pellets are easy to portion and pack. If you use dry ice for drink or fog effects, follow safe handling guidance and brief your staff.
Laboratories and medical use. Choose pellets or blocks based on your validated procedure. See our page on dry ice for the medical industry.
Cooling in the UAE heat. In summer, use more insulation and larger pieces for long deliveries. Test your packing before you rely on it.
Packing tips
- Use an insulated, non-airtight container. Never seal dry ice in an airtight container, because the gas it releases builds pressure. Our insulated dry ice containers are designed for this.
- Place dry ice around or on top of the items you want to keep cold, because cold air sinks.
- Fill empty space, since gaps speed up loss.
- Handle dry ice only with cryogenic gloves.
- Keep the area ventilated, and never carry dry ice in a sealed passenger cabin.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What size dry ice is best for blasting?
3 mm pellets are the usual choice. Check your machine’s guidance.
Q. What size is best for shipping?
16 mm pellets or blocks, depending on how long the trip is and how much space you have.
Q. Do blocks last longer than pellets?
Generally yes, because they have less surface area for their weight.
Q. Can I mix pellets and blocks?
Yes. Some people use a block for duration and pellets to fill gaps.
Q. Are all suppliers’ sizes the same?
No. Confirm the dimensions and weight when you order.
Q. Does IceJet supply pellets and blocks?
Yes. See our dry ice pellets and blocks.
Order the right dry ice from IceJet
Tell us what you need to cool or clean, how long it must last and where to deliver it, and we’ll recommend the right size and quantity.
