Who doesn’t love entertaining, and what could be more appealing than a chilled drink? Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a beverage solo, an ice bucket is an essential item to keep on hand. But with so many options available in the market, how do you find the one that best suits your needs?
We’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various ice buckets to identify the ones that stand out from the rest. We’ve considered factors such as size, material, insulation, and design to bring you the top picks that will keep your drinks cold and your guests happy.
After testing multiple ice buckets, we found that the best ones are made of high-quality materials that provide excellent insulation and durability. They also come in a range of sizes to accommodate different types of gatherings, from small intimate get-togethers to larger parties.
So, whether you’re looking for an ice bucket to complement your bar cart or to use for outdoor entertaining, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover our top picks for the best ice buckets on the market.
Best Ice Buckets
Looking for the perfect ice bucket to keep your drinks cold and refreshing? Look no further than our top picks for the best ice buckets on the market. We’ve tested and researched a variety of options to bring you the most reliable and stylish choices available. From small tabletop options to large outdoor party buckets, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and browse our top recommendations for your next gathering or event.
San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote, Ice Bucket with Drying and Storage Hook for Restaurants, Bars, Catering Events, Buffets, 6 Gallons, Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable ice bucket for your restaurant or bar, the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The built-in drip tray and drying rim make it easy to drain and dry the bucket, reducing the risk of spills and accidents.
- The heavy-duty construction and recessed handle make it durable and easy to transport, even when it’s full of ice.
- The bottom drain with plug makes it easy to empty and refill the bucket without having to lift it.
Cons
- The bucket may not be large enough to hold enough ice for very large events or gatherings.
- The blue color may not be suitable for all decor or branding schemes.
- The plastic material may not be as sturdy or long-lasting as metal or other materials.
We’ve used the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote for several events and have found it to be a reliable and convenient option. The built-in drip tray and drying rim are particularly useful for preventing spills and keeping the area around the bucket clean.
The heavy-duty construction and recessed handle make it easy to transport the bucket, even when it’s full of ice. The bottom drain with plug also makes it easy to empty and refill the bucket without having to lift it, which can save time and effort.
However, we’ve found that the bucket may not be large enough to hold enough ice for very large events or gatherings. Additionally, the blue color may not be suitable for all decor or branding schemes. Finally, the plastic material may not be as sturdy or long-lasting as metal or other materials.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and convenient ice bucket for your restaurant or bar, the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote is a solid choice. However, if you need a larger capacity or a different color, you may want to consider other options.
JoyJolt Metal Double Wall Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs and Strainer
If you’re looking for a sturdy and functional ice bucket for your home bar, the JoyJolt Metal Double Wall Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs and Strainer is a great option.
Pros
- The double-walled insulation keeps ice cold for hours, making it perfect for keeping drinks chilled at a party or gathering.
- The stainless steel construction is both durable and stylish, making it a great addition to any home bar.
- The ice tongs and strainer are convenient accessories that make it easy to fill and strain drinks without having to search for additional tools.
Cons
- The bucket only holds about 2.6 gallons of ice, which may not be enough for larger gatherings.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other ice buckets on the market.
- The metal construction may make it a bit heavy to move around if needed.
We’ve used this ice bucket for a few gatherings and have been pleased with its performance. The double-walled insulation keeps ice cold for hours, even in warm environments. The stainless steel construction is both durable and stylish, making it a great addition to any home bar. The ice tongs and strainer are convenient accessories that make it easy to fill and strain drinks without having to search for additional tools.
One potential downside is that the bucket only holds about 2.6 gallons of ice, which may not be enough for larger gatherings. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other ice buckets on the market. Finally, the metal construction may make it a bit heavy to move around if needed.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sturdy and functional ice bucket for your home bar, the JoyJolt Metal Double Wall Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs and Strainer is a great option to consider.
Ice Bucket 2 PCS,Acrylic Ice Buckets for Parties, Mimosa Bar Supplies Beverage Tub and Scoops for Champagne Beer Sparkling Wine Cocktails（5.5L）Extra Large Model (Clear)
If you’re looking for a large ice bucket to keep your drinks chilled at your next party, the Ice Bucket 2 PCS is a great option.
Pros
- The extra-large size of the ice bucket can hold up to 22 bottles of wine, making it perfect for large gatherings.
- The ice scoop is built into the lid, which is a convenient feature that saves space and keeps the scoop from getting lost.
- The acrylic material is durable and can withstand freezing temperatures without cracking.
Cons
- The lid can be a bit difficult to open and close, especially if you’re trying to do it with one hand while holding a drink.
- The ice scoop is a bit small, which can make it difficult to scoop out enough ice for a large group of people.
- The ice bucket is a bit heavy when it’s full of ice, which can make it difficult to move around.
We’ve used the Ice Bucket 2 PCS at a few different parties, and it’s always been a hit. The extra-large size is perfect for keeping a large quantity of drinks chilled, and the built-in ice scoop is a convenient feature that saves space and keeps the scoop from getting lost. The acrylic material is also a plus, as it’s durable and can withstand freezing temperatures without cracking.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lid can be a bit difficult to open and close, especially if you’re trying to do it with one hand while holding a drink. Additionally, the ice scoop is a bit small, which can make it difficult to scoop out enough ice for a large group of people. Finally, the ice bucket is a bit heavy when it’s full of ice, which can make it difficult to move around.
Overall, if you’re looking for a large ice bucket for your next party, the Ice Bucket 2 PCS is a great option. It’s durable, convenient, and can hold a large quantity of drinks. Just keep in mind the few minor drawbacks we mentioned.
3L Insulated Stainless Steel Ice Bucket with Lid, Scoop, Tongs & Strainer – Keeps Ice Frozen for Cocktails & Parties
If you’re looking for a high-quality ice bucket that can keep your drinks chilled for hours, the 3L Insulated Stainless Steel Ice Bucket is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The double-walled stainless steel construction keeps ice frozen for up to 3 times longer than other buckets.
- The included scoop, tongs, and strainer make it easy to prepare and serve your favorite cocktails.
- The elegant and classic design is perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to formal cocktail parties.
Cons
- The bucket only holds about 2.6 gallons of ice, which may not be enough for larger gatherings.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other ice buckets on the market.
- Some users have reported that the lid can be difficult to open and close.
Overall, we highly recommend the 3L Insulated Stainless Steel Ice Bucket for anyone who wants to keep their drinks chilled for hours without having to constantly refill the ice. The included accessories make it easy to prepare and serve your favorite cocktails, and the elegant design is perfect for any occasion.
The double-walled stainless steel construction is the standout feature of this ice bucket. It keeps ice frozen for up to 3 times longer than other buckets, which means you won’t have to worry about your drinks getting watered down. The insulation is also effective at keeping drinks cold, even when the ice has melted.
In addition to the insulation, the 3L Insulated Stainless Steel Ice Bucket also comes with a number of useful accessories. The scoop and tongs make it easy to add ice to the bucket, while the strainer is perfect for preparing cocktails without any unwanted debris. These accessories are all made from high-quality stainless steel, which means they’re durable and easy to clean.
One potential downside of this ice bucket is its size. It only holds about 2.6 gallons of ice, which may not be enough for larger gatherings. However, for smaller parties or events, this size is perfect and ensures that your drinks stay chilled without having to constantly refill the ice.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality ice bucket that’s both functional and stylish, the 3L Insulated Stainless Steel Ice Bucket is definitely worth considering.
OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub – Clear Beverage Cooler w/Handles, Wine Cooler, Beer Chiller, Ideal Party Tubs for Drinks, Use Ice Tub for Indoor or Outdoor Bars, 18.5″ x 11″
If you’re looking for a drink tub that can keep your drinks cold and make your outdoor or indoor party more enjoyable, then the OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The tub is made of durable acrylic, making it a sturdy and long-lasting choice for your party needs.
- With a large capacity of 27 lbs of ice and a 35-bottle capacity, this tub can hold a significant amount of drinks, making it ideal for large gatherings.
- The tub’s double-walled insulation system ensures that your drinks stay cold for an extended period, keeping them refreshing and enjoyable.
Cons
- The tub’s size might be too large for some small-scale parties, making it less ideal for intimate gatherings.
- The tub’s weight might be too heavy for some users, making it difficult to move around.
- The tub’s price might be too high for some users, making it less budget-friendly than other options.
The OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub is a great choice for those who want to keep their drinks cold and enjoy their parties to the fullest. With its durable construction, large capacity, and effective insulation system, this tub is sure to make your party a success.
The tub’s acrylic material is not only durable but also easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze. Its large capacity of 27 lbs of ice and a 35-bottle capacity is perfect for those who want to serve a large number of guests, ensuring that everyone stays hydrated and refreshed.
The tub’s double-walled insulation system is also a standout feature, as it ensures that your drinks stay cold for an extended period. This feature is especially useful for outdoor parties, where the heat can quickly warm up your drinks.
However, the tub’s size might be too large for some users, making it less ideal for small-scale parties. Additionally, the tub’s weight might be too heavy for some users, making it difficult to move around. Finally, the tub’s price might be too high for some users, making it less budget-friendly than other options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a drink tub that can keep your drinks cold and make your party more enjoyable, the OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best ice bucket, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various ice buckets to identify the key features that make a good ice bucket.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying an ice bucket is its capacity. The capacity of the ice bucket will determine how much ice it can hold. It is important to choose an ice bucket with a capacity that is suitable for your needs. If you are planning to use the ice bucket for a large gathering, you may want to consider a larger capacity ice bucket.
Material
The material of the ice bucket is also an important factor to consider. Ice buckets are typically made from materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or copper. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, plastic ice buckets are lightweight and affordable, but they may not be as durable as stainless steel or copper ice buckets.
Insulation
Insulation is another important factor to consider when buying an ice bucket. The insulation of the ice bucket will determine how long the ice will stay frozen. Ice buckets with better insulation will keep the ice frozen for longer periods of time. Look for ice buckets with multiple layers of insulation or those made from materials that are good insulators, such as stainless steel.
Portability
If you plan to move the ice bucket around frequently, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for ice buckets with handles or wheels for easy transportation. This will make it easier to move the ice bucket from one location to another without having to worry about spilling the ice.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the ice bucket. Ice buckets can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Determine your budget and choose an ice bucket that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean better quality, so be sure to compare features and read reviews before making a purchase.
In summary, when choosing the best ice bucket, consider the capacity, material, insulation, portability, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find an ice bucket that meets your needs and keeps your ice cold for longer periods of time.
