Buying the wrong size of styrofoam box costs you twice. Too small, and you need two trips or two boxes. Too big, and the half-empty box warms up faster, so your fish or medicine spoils sooner. This guide to styrofoam box sizes helps you pick the right one the first time.
What do the styrofoam box sizes mean?
In Kenya, styrofoam boxes (also called thermocol, polystyrene or EPS boxes) are sold by weight: 3kg, 6kg, 10kg and so on. The number is roughly how much product the box carries, such as kilos of fish, meat or produce. It is not the weight of the empty box, which is very light.
Styrofoam box sizes at a glance
| Size | Best for | Who usually buys it |
|---|---|---|
| 3kg | Samples, medicine, breast milk, small portions | Clinics, labs, mothers, vets |
| 6kg | Small fish and meat orders, home deliveries | Fish vendors, butcheries, pharmacies |
| 10kg | Catering, dairy rounds, medium stock | Caterers, hotels, dairy sellers |
| 20kg | Daily bulk fish, meat and poultry | Fish traders, butchers, poultry sellers |
| 25kg | Larger bulk loads, long routes, export produce | Wholesalers, farmers, exporters |
| 41kg | The heaviest loads, temporary cold storage | Fish wholesalers, institutions |
Every size comes with a lid and is made from food-grade EPS.
Who needs which size?
- Carrying for yourself or one customer? 3kg or 6kg.
- Delivering to several customers or serving an event? 6kg or 10kg.
- Moving stock to a market or hotel every day? 20kg or 25kg.
- Moving bulk from a landing site or farm, or short of fridge space? 25kg or 41kg.
Why the right size keeps food colder
A styrofoam box stays coldest when it’s full. Empty air inside warms quickly and melts your ice faster. It’s better to fill one right-sized box than to rattle a small load around in a big one. If your load changes from day to day, keeping two sizes on hand is often cheaper than spoiled stock.
How to choose your size in three questions
- How much do you carry on a normal day? Match it to the size number, and leave a little room for ice.
- How far and how long is the trip? Longer trips need more ice, so go one size up.
- Who carries it? One person can carry up to a 10kg box comfortably when full. Plan two people for the 25kg and 41kg.
Want more detail on the smaller sizes? Read what fits in a 3kg styrofoam box and what fits in a 6kg styrofoam box.
When to choose a custom size
If none of the six sizes fit your product, for example long items or a set number of bottles, WhatsApp us your measurements and ask about a custom size.
Where to buy styrofoam boxes in Kenya
Bioflex Insulation Limited is in the Industrial Area, Nairobi, and is open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5pm. We deliver across Kenya’s counties and to Uganda, Tanzania and the rest of East Africa. See our full range of styrofoam boxes for sale in Kenya.
Still not sure? Send us a photo of what you carry on WhatsApp and we’ll recommend the right size.
[WhatsApp us for a quote 0722664867
Frequently asked questions
For most small businesses, a 6kg or 10kg box covers daily deliveries. Traders moving bulk stock usually choose 20kg or 25kg.
Yes. Every box we sell comes with its lid.
Yes. Mix sizes in one order, single boxes or bulk.
Yes. They are all names for the same white foam box. Some people also spell it “thermocool”.
