Ice buckets are great to have for hosting parties in your home or bringing to social gatherings. They keep your ice cold, so your drinks will stay chilled. They can also add to your décor, especially if you prefer items that are sleek and modern looking.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ice buckets available on the market today:
1. Editor’s Pick: Bellemain Insulated Stainless Steel Ice Bucket with Bonus Ice Tongs
This beautiful ice bucket is classic and stylish, and made of brushed stainless steel design. It will fit with any home décor. It holds three liters of ice, which is large enough to hold your bottles, and yet small enough to be portable.
Its double wall insulation will keep it cold for as much as six hours. There is a removable tray that sits inside the bucket and lifts frozen ice out of the melted water, which keeps the entire set of ice from melting faster.
It comes equipped with easy-grab handles, a meltwater reservoir, and a pair of bartender’s tongs. The tongs are classically designed and made of stainless steel.
The stainless steel material is sturdy and will resist rusting. This ice bucket is constructed with high quality engineering, and while other models will create condensation on the outside which can damage your tables, this one will not. It is totally portable and mess-free.
This ice bucket is also easy to clean.
One drawback is the ice bucket scratches easily on the outside.
Features
- Classic and stylish ice bucket, made of brushed stainless steel
- Rust-resistant and does not create condensation on the outside
- Holds three liters of ice
- Double wall insulation keeps ice cold for up to six hours
- Removable tray within bucket lifts frozen ice out of the melted water
- Comes with easy-grab handles and a pair of stainless steel tongs
2. Best Splurge: Corkcicle Cooler Bag
This elegant ice cooler bag is a bit of a splurge but so worth it. The bag is gorgeous and comfy to carry around at the same time. It is more like an ultra-sleek and soft backpack, made of vegan leather. It is large capacity and has enough space to hold eight cans and two wine bottles at one time.
It comes in a variety of funky colors, including seafoam and rose quartz.
It is highly portable – try taking it with you hiking, or to festivals, picnics, etc.
This bag is made with high performance closed cell foam insulation, which keeps your beverages chilled throughout the day. The interior liner is made with food safe TPU, which keeps harsh chemicals away from your drinks and food. The liner is fully heat welded to resist mildew, mold, and odors.
It features a rear accessory pocket and adjustable straps. There is a YKK full zip closure. And the handles and base are made of reinforced vegan leather.
It is easy to clean. Simply wipe with a damp towel.
Features
- Elegant ice cooler bag is gorgeous yet comfy to carry around
- Made of soft vegan leather in a backpack style
- Large capacity, with enough space to carry eight cans and two wine bottles at once
- Made with high performance closed cell foam insulation to keep drinks chilled
- Interior liner is chemical-free and resists mildew, mold, and odors
- Features rear accessory pocket, adjustable straps, full zip closure
3. Best for Indoor Use: Crafthouse by Fortessa Professional Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
This unique oval ice bucket is a popular choice among pro bartenders when they entertain at home. The manufacturer designed it in collaboration with world champion bartender Charles Joly, whose aim was to make it the best choice for use indoors.
It features a streamlined design along the lines of art deco architecture.
The bucket is made of double walled stainless steel construction, which ensures excellent performance. The oval shape, measuring 12 by 5 inches, makes it easy to fit a six-pack of cans or two bottles beside each other. It has a low profile, which makes it easy to reach in and grab a drink without getting your hands cold with ice.
If you are using the bucket to store ice instead of drinks, the oblong shape makes it easy to run your ice scoop along the full length of the bucket.
It has an interior drain gate that lifts the ice out of the melted water. And it features a lid that, when not in use, easily clips to the wall of the bucket. How handy!
It is easy to clean by hand.
Features
- Unique oval ice bucket with art deco design
- Designed in collaboration with champion bartender Charles Joly
- Made of double walled stainless steel, for excellent performance
- Has interior drain gate that lifts ice out of melted water
- Lid clips to wall of bucket
4. Best Flip Top: Oggi Double-Wall Stainless Steel/Black Insulated Bucket with Lid & Ice Scoop
This ice bucket has a flip top lid, which is very convenient if you don’t want to have to worry about extra parts. It is double walled, which means it will keep your drinks cooler for longer. This four-quart model is a bit larger that most ice buckets, and It can hold two wine bottles at one time.
It is constructed with function and convenience in mind but it also looks great. It has a sleek outer shell and modern design. It is made of polypropylene wrapped with stainless steel, which not only keeps contents cold, it also reduces build up of condensation on the outside.
The lid is made of acrylic, which helps seal in the cold temperature for extra insulation. The lid is see-through, so you can keep an eye on your drinks without having to open the bucket. This also keeps your ice frozen and clean for longer.
The bucket has a convenient carry handle for easy portability. It also comes with an ice scoop. There is a convenient slot at the side of the bucket to store the scoop.
One drawback is, because the lid is hinged to the bucket, it is not as easy to clean and sanitize.
Features
- Sleek, stainless steel ice bucket
- Has flip top lid, which means fewer components to keep track of
- Slightly larger capacity than other ice buckets, at four quarts
- Keeps contents cold and reduces build up of condensation
- See-through acrylic lid helps seal in cold temperature and lets you see the contents inside
- Has convenient carry handle and ice scoop with holder
5. Best Insulation: OXO Good Grips Double Wall Ice Bucket with Tongs and Garnish Tray
This ice bucket is functional and durable. Its sturdy plastic construction withstands scratches to the inside and outside very well. It holds about one gallon of ice and keeps it solid for hours. The inner double wall is made of aluminum, which offers quality insulation and reduces condensation.
It has a reservoir for melted water, which helps keep the remaining ice frozen for longer.
It features a removable tray, to keep your drink garnishes protected and chilled, as well as a convenient carrying handle. It includes a pair of nylon tongs, which have sharp teeth to easily grab ice. The tongs can be conveniently stored by hanging on the either side of the bucket.
Features
- Functional and durable ice bucket
- Sturdy plastic construction and aluminum double wall withstands scratches well
- Offers quality insulation and reduces condensation
- Holds one gallon of ice and keeps it cold for hours
- Has reservoir to keep melted water away from ice
- Features removable tray for garnishes, a carrying handle, and pair of tongs
6. Best Budget: Winco WB Four-Quart Wine Bucket
This four-quart wine bucket is affordable, yet sleek, reliable, and effective. It is a great choice if you are on a tight budget. It can accommodate two bottles of wine, but it is a snug fit.
The stainless steel construction for the bucket is a bit thin compared to other models, which will still keep your ice cold, but might not protect as well against condensation.
It has convenient carry handles.
Features
- Affordable
- Sleek, stainless steel construction
- Reliable and effective
- Keeps ice cold for hours
- Convenient carry handles
How to choose an ice bucket
Ice buckets are wonderful to have around during a get together or party. You can use them to chill your wine when hosting guests. Or you can bring them with you to a gathering, since they are quite portable. Let’s take a look at some features to consider when looking for an ice bucket of your own.
Insulation
When you are looking for an ice bucket, insulation is a top priority. The ice bucket has one job, really, and it should do that job well. Insulation is important not just to keep your ice cold, but also to minimize moisture. Condensation can cause all sorts of problems, such as ruining your furniture and corroding certain materials.
To ensure you have a well-insulated bucket, choose a model that is made of two materials. They will work together and be more effective at maintaining coolness and reducing moisture.
Materials
Most ice buckets are made of metal, although there are a few exceptions. Metal gives the ice bucket a sleek and higher end look. Metal options include copper, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. They may have a lacquer coating to prevent wear.
Some ice buckets are made of rattan, which gives a more rustic look. These are often lacquered so the ice does not cause water damage.
Plastic and vinyl ice buckets tend to be very functional. They keep ice cold and they also prevent condensation from forming on the outside of the bucket. Plastic and vinyl buckets are generally sleek and contemporary, and tend to suit a modern décor.
Rarely, you might find an ice bucket made of stone. They might have a marble design, for example. These look great in a high class, regal setting, or in a contemporary space.
Ice buckets made of glass are very versatile. When not holding ice, they can be used as candy jars, flower vases, and candle holders. They look great in any type of décor.
Crystal ice buckets are vintage and elegant. They look wonderful at any party.
Styles
The most popular style tends to be sleek and modern. Usually, these ice buckets are smooth and rounded. They tend to come in a neutral shade or a metal. They tend to look upscale and suit any type of party.
Another common style is hammered metal, which gives a more rustic look. These look great at casual parties. You might find the hammered style in large open buckets that can hold multiple bottles.
Some ice buckets have a theme, for example, nautical.
Other ice buckets have an antique look, with a rustic finish. They may be distressed. They suit country themed parties really well.
The perfect ice bucket can really enhance your home, and provide hours of ice chilling for your parties. They can make entertaining your guests more convenient, and they look great, too. Take a look at the various styles available on the market, and compare their features. Soon you will find a brand that most fits your needs.
Accessories
Ice Buckets can also come with a variety of great accessories. These can include tongs, locks, filters, lids and the link. Ice buckets are already a product of flash and class, so why not elevate the experience with an all-in-one purchase? Now the biggest question is whether you want to go with a scoop or tongs!
FAQs
Are ice buckets worth it?
In particular, stainless steel ice buckets are definitely worth it. They dramatically extend ice’s shelf life for parties and the like, which makes it easy for guests to always grab a cold one. Stainless steel is particular desirable as the material avoids condensation while looking sharp too. As mentioned elsewhere in this article, ice buckets are also multi-purpose containers. They’re great to have around for storage, or even as a compost bin in a pinch.
How long does ice last in an ice bucket?
Ice should last in an ice bucket for a bar minimum of 4 hours. Some ice buckets advertise longer periods, up to 18-hours. With that said ice buckets are not ice chests. Chests can be purpose-built to last for multiple days at a time for camping while ice buckets are best for entertaining or BBQs.
What is the right way to use an ice bucket?
Generally speaking you want to fill your ice bucket about 1/3 of the way full with ice. Next add cold water until the ice if floating a little – about the halfway mark. This makes the ice last longer and will allow your favorite summer drinks to get ice cold. Sous Vide Guy also highly recommends chilling your ice bucket in advance of use. This will let you get every extra hour of your ice!
How do you clean an ice bucket?
The best way to clean an ice bucket is with a mixture of ½ ounce of bleach to 1 gallon of water. After mixing and donning protective gloves wipe down all of the exposed surfaces. Next allow the bucket to air dry – this is an important step as it completes the sanitation process. However, if you’re using your ice bucket solely for ice with no double duty then warm water and detergent is perfectly fine. This is also the method you should use if your ice bucket is made of stainless steel.
What can you use an ice bucket for besides ice?
Ice buckets are usually built to be sturdy and odor-free. This means that they make fantastic compost bins or garbage cans when you’re not using them for outdoor gatherings. With that said, always make sure to clean thoroughly before reusing.