Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining a low internal temperature in items held in an open container system. Example embodiments generate a stationary, insulating layer of cold air that covers the exposed surface and slows the transfer of heat from the environment. One example embodiment includes a storage container employing a free convection cooling mechanism adjacent to an exposed surface of a perishable. The free convection cooling mechanism acts to chill the air immediately above the exposed surface, thereby creating an insulating layer of cold air. By raising or lowering the temperature of this layer, the example embodiment may further be able to raise or lower the internal temperature of the perishable.