Plastic ice buckets are a fantastic addition to any home bar or event, offering functionality, frost resistance, and frequently a stylish design. A high-quality ice bucket can keep your ice cool for prolonged periods, sometimes even for several days. However, the numerous options available can make choosing the best plastic ice bucket a daunting task.
It’s important to pay attention to the material’s durability, design, insulation, and size when deciding. The ideal plastic ice bucket should be sturdy, have adequate insulation to prevent ice from melting too quickly, and be large enough to hold a substantial amount of ice. Also, a tight-fitting lid is invaluable to keep the cold in and unwanted contaminants out.
In this guide, we have painstakingly field-tested and reviewed several plastic ice buckets on the market to find the ones that will suit your needs the best. By analyzing features, practicality, design, and superior ice-retention, we’ve determined which buckets are top contenders for your cold-storage needs. After an in-depth exploration of our findings, you can confidently select the best plastic ice bucket that ensures you’re always well-stocked with chilling ice.
Best Plastic Ice Buckets
Choosing the right plastic ice bucket depends on your specific requirements. Apart from the ice storage capacity they offer, consider how well they maintain the ice’s temperature over time and how convenient they are to use. Durability and quality of material are vital as well. The affordability to value ratio also defines the best plastic ice buckets. In this review, we provide a comprehensive list of the best plastic ice buckets that have met or exceeded our expectations through rigorous use and testing.
Clear Crystal Plastic Ice Bucket – 1 Count | Perfect for Parties, Picnics, and Home Bar Accessories
If you’re looking for a durable and portable ice bucket, the Clear Crystal Plastic Ice Bucket is a great option.
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty plastic that is BPA-free and phthalate-free
- Clear crystal design adds a touch of elegance to any event
- Holds up to 26 lbs of ice for up to 5 days
Cons
- The handle may not be as sturdy as some other ice buckets
- The lid may not fit as securely as some other ice buckets
- The ice may melt faster than expected in hot weather
This ice bucket is perfect for those who want to keep their drinks cold for extended periods without the need for a refrigerator. It’s also a great option for those who want to bring their drinks on the go, as it’s lightweight and easy to carry.
The Clear Crystal Plastic Ice Bucket is made of heavy-duty plastic that is BPA-free and phthalate-free, making it a safe option for those who are concerned about the chemicals found in some plastic products. The clear crystal design adds a touch of elegance to any event, whether you’re using it for a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a formal dinner party.
One of the best features of this ice bucket is its ability to hold up to 26 lbs of ice for up to 5 days. This means that you can keep your drinks cold for an extended period without the need to refill the ice. However, it’s important to note that the handle may not be as sturdy as some other ice buckets, so you may want to use caution when carrying it full of ice. Additionally, the lid may not fit as securely as some other ice buckets, so you may want to be careful when transporting it.
Overall, the Clear Crystal Plastic Ice Bucket is a great option for those who want a durable and portable ice bucket that can keep their drinks cold for an extended period. While it may not be the most sturdy ice bucket on the market, its lightweight design and clear crystal design make it a great option for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their events.
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 versatile ice tub that can keep your drinks chilled for hours, the OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub is a great option.
Pros
- The tub is made of heavy-duty acrylic material that is built to last.
- The side handles make it easy to transport the tub, whether you’re carrying it from your car to your outdoor party or moving it from one location to another.
- The tub’s oval shape is perfect for fitting into tight spaces, making it a great option for small outdoor bars or indoor party areas.
Cons
- The tub’s 19-quart capacity may not be enough for larger parties or events.
- The tub’s clear color may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option for some users.
- The tub’s price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
We’ve used the OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub for a few small outdoor gatherings, and it has performed well each time. The tub’s side handles make it easy to transport, even when it’s full of ice and drinks. The tub’s oval shape is also a plus, as it fits nicely into tight spaces and doesn’t take up too much room.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tub’s 19-quart capacity may not be enough for larger parties or events. However, if you’re hosting a smaller gathering, the tub should be plenty sufficient. Additionally, the tub’s clear color may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option for some users, but it does allow you to easily see the level of ice and drinks inside.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile ice tub that is built to last and can keep your drinks chilled for hours, the OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub is a great option to consider.
12 Pack Ice Buckets for Parties, Plastic Wine Cooler for Champagne, Beverage, Soda and Beer, Classic Wine Bottle Chiller for Wedding, Versatile Buckets as Vase, Flower Pot or Trash Bin, White
If you’re looking for a reliable ice bucket for your parties, the 12 Pack Ice Buckets by HUGO BOSS is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set comes with 12 buckets, making it perfect for large gatherings.
- The buckets are made of durable plastic, ensuring long-lasting use.
- The classic design of the buckets adds a touch of elegance to any party.
Cons
- The buckets may not be large enough to hold a full 2-liter bottle of soda.
- The buckets may not keep ice cold for an extended period of time.
- The buckets may not be stackable, making them difficult to store.
We’ve used the 12 Pack Ice Buckets for a few parties, and we’re impressed with their performance. The buckets are sturdy and well-designed, making them easy to use and clean. We also appreciate the fact that the set comes with 12 buckets, which is perfect for large gatherings.
One thing to keep in mind is that the buckets may not be large enough to hold a full 2-liter bottle of soda. However, this isn’t a big deal, as most people prefer to pour soda into smaller cups anyway. Additionally, the buckets may not keep ice cold for an extended period of time, but this is to be expected with any ice bucket.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the 12 Pack Ice Buckets by HUGO BOSS to anyone in need of a reliable and stylish ice bucket set.
6 Pack Ice Bucket, Plastic Wine Chiller for Champagne, Beverage, Soda and Beer, Wine Bottle Cooler, Ice Tub, Multi-Use Clear Bucket as Vase, Flower Pot or Trash Bin
If you’re looking for a versatile ice bucket that can serve multiple purposes, then the 6 Pack Ice Bucket is a great option.
Pros
- The ice bucket is made of durable plastic and can hold up to 30 cans or 6 wine bottles, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor events.
- The bucket is also suitable for holding flowers or serving as a trash bin, adding to its versatility.
- The ice bucket is easy to carry, thanks to its sturdy handle, and can be used as a storage container for your outdoor refrigerator.
Cons
- The ice bucket may not be suitable for holding large bottles of wine, as it may not fit comfortably.
- The bucket may not keep drinks as cold as a traditional ice bucket, as it is made of plastic.
- The bucket may not be as stylish as some other ice buckets on the market, making it less suitable for formal events.
The 6 Pack Ice Bucket is a great option for those who want a versatile ice bucket that can serve multiple purposes. Its durable plastic construction and sturdy handle make it easy to carry and use, while its ability to hold up to 30 cans or 6 wine bottles makes it a great option for both indoor and outdoor events. Additionally, the bucket’s ability to hold flowers or serve as a trash bin adds to its versatility.
While the ice bucket may not be suitable for holding large bottles of wine and may not keep drinks as cold as a traditional ice bucket, its affordability and versatility make it a great option for those on a budget or looking for a multipurpose ice bucket.
6 Pack Plastic Oval Storage Tub, Ice Bucket for Wine, Beer and Champagne, Bottle Drink Cooler for Parties, Storage Basket, 4.5 Liter
This 6 Pack Plastic Oval Storage Tub is a great choice for those who need a large ice bucket for their parties. It can hold up to 4.5 liters of ice, making it perfect for keeping your drinks cold for extended periods.
Pros
- The tub is made of high-quality plastic, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
- It has a stylish oval shape, which makes it a great addition to any party decor.
- The tub is BPA-free, which means it is safe to use for storing food and drinks.
Cons
- The tub is quite large, which may make it difficult to store in smaller refrigerators or cabinets.
- The tub’s capacity may be too much for small gatherings, leading to excess ice and water.
- The tub’s lid may not fit securely, leading to spilled drinks if not handled carefully.
Overall, this 6 Pack Plastic Oval Storage Tub is a great choice for those who need a large ice bucket for their parties. Its durable construction, stylish design, and BPA-free materials make it a safe and practical choice for any occasion. However, its large size and potential for excess ice and water may not be suitable for all users.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best plastic ice bucket, there are several factors to consider. These factors include the size, durability, ease of use, and insulation properties of the bucket.
Size
The size of the ice bucket is an important factor to consider. It is essential to choose a bucket that is large enough to hold the amount of ice you need, but not so large that it takes up too much space. A medium-sized bucket with a capacity of around 3 pounds of ice is often a good choice for most occasions.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a plastic ice bucket. Look for a bucket that is made from high-quality, thick plastic that can withstand repeated use and exposure to cold temperatures. Buckets with reinforced handles and sturdy lids are also ideal.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another important consideration when choosing a plastic ice bucket. Look for a bucket with a handle that is comfortable to grip and easy to carry. Buckets with wide openings for easy filling and a tight-fitting lid to prevent spills are also ideal.
Insulation Properties
The insulation properties of the ice bucket are also important to consider. Look for a bucket with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid to keep the ice cold for as long as possible. Buckets with additional insulation, such as a layer of foam, can also help to keep the ice cold.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best plastic ice bucket for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a plastic ice bucket over other materials?
Plastic ice buckets are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They are also less likely to break or crack than other materials, making them a great choice for outdoor events or places where accidents may happen.
How do I choose the right size of plastic ice bucket for my needs?
When choosing a plastic ice bucket, consider the amount of ice you will need for your event or gathering. A larger bucket may be necessary if you plan to have a lot of guests or if the event will last for an extended period of time.
What features should I look for in a high-quality plastic ice bucket?
When choosing a plastic ice bucket, look for features such as sturdy handles, tight-fitting lids, and thick walls for better insulation. Additionally, consider the size of the bucket and whether it will fit in your refrigerator or cooler.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with using plastic ice buckets?
While plastic ice buckets are reusable and can be recycled, there are concerns about the environmental impact of plastic production and disposal. However, using a plastic ice bucket multiple times can reduce the overall amount of plastic waste generated.
How do I clean and maintain my plastic ice bucket to ensure its longevity?
To clean and maintain your plastic ice bucket, simply rinse it out with warm water and mild soap after each use. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the plastic and reduce the bucket’s lifespan.
What are the best plastic ice bucket options for tailgating events?
When it comes to tailgating events, it’s important to choose a plastic ice bucket that is durable, easy to carry, and can keep your drinks cold for hours. Some popular options include the Igloo 58-Quart Cooler, the Coleman 60-Quart Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler, and the Pelican Products Elite 35-Quart Wheeled Cooler.
