Buying a bag of ice is a simple process that most people do without much thought. However, there are a few key things to consider when purchasing ice so you get the type, shape, and amount you need for your intended use. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process to buy the perfect bag of ice.
Why Do You Need Ice?
Before purchasing ice, think about how you plan to use it. Ice has many purposes, including:
- Keeping beverages, food, and other items cold at parties, barbecues, or other events
- Making ice cubes for drinks
- Cooling down an injury or sore muscles
- Keeping fresh food cold and prolonging shelf life during transport or storage
- Making homemade snow cones or other icy treats
- Adding to an ice chest or cooler for camping trips, days at the beach, etc.
- Crafting ice decorations for events or holidays
- Cleaning, such as making a slush to clean tile grout
Once you know your intended use, you can determine the right type, shape, and amount of ice to buy.
Types of Ice
There are several common types of ice to choose from:
Cubed Ice
Cubed ice comes in small, medium, or large uniform cubes. This is a very versatile ice type and works well for drinks, coolers, ice buckets, food storage, and more. The small uniform cubes blend easily into beverages.
Crushed Ice
As the name suggests, crushed ice contains small irregular pieces and particles of crushed ice. It has a snow-like consistency. Crushed ice works well in blended or slushy frozen drinks, icy cocktails, ice buckets, and to keep seafood or other items very cold.
Nugget Ice
Nugget ice contains small rounded, chewable pellets of ice. The nuggets are typically about a quarter-inch across. This type of ice is popular for chilled drinks as the nuggets melt slowly and don’t dilute beverages as quickly as cubes. The chewable consistency makes it appealing for cocktails or sodas.
Block Ice
Block ice comes in large blocks, typically around 300 pounds. This type of ice is less common for individual use but may be found at some grocery stores. Block ice is useful for extremely large coolers, such as commercial chillers, walk-in refrigerators, or for packing seafood. It melts very slowly, keeping items cooler longer.
Dry Ice
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that evaporates as a gas without leaving a liquid residue. It maintains temperatures around -109°F. Dry ice is useful for keeping items frozen solid for an extended time. It can be used for ice cream trucks, shipping frozen goods, costume effects, and more. Use caution when handling dry ice as direct contact can cause cold burns.
Gel Ice Packs
Gel ice packs contain a gel substance that can be frozen and will remain cold for 1-2 hours at a time. These are reusable ice packs popular for lunch bags, coolers, injury treatment, and more. Gel packs come in various shapes and sizes.
Ice Shape and Size
In addition to the type of ice, consider the shape and size:
- Ice cubes – Typically 1 inch square cubes, but you can find various sizes from small chips to large 2+ inch cubes.
- Ice blocks – Larger blocks typically cut into a square shape. Easy to break into smaller pieces.
- Ice spheres – Large round ice balls, usually 1-3 inches across. Slower melting than cubes.
- Ice crescents or tubes – Crescent moon or round tube shaped ice.
- Crushed ice – Small irregular pieces about 1⁄8-1⁄4 inch across.
- Nugget ice – Small chewable ice pellets about 1⁄4 inch across.
The shape and size you choose depends on the application. For example, ice cubes and spheres work well in drinks, while crushed ice is preferable for snow cones. Measure your cooler or container ahead of time if the ice needs to fit inside.
Amount to Buy
When calculating how much ice to purchase, consider:
- Number of people or items you need to keep cold
- Size of the cooler, drink container, or storage area
- Length of time the ice needs to last
- Outside temperature and conditions
- Drainage – will melting ice drain out of the container or pool in the bottom
- Types of food or drinks to be chilled and how fast they will cause ice to melt
- How much ice you can transport conveniently
As a general rule of thumb, here are some estimates for amounts needed:
- About 8-12 pounds of ice per person for beverages at a party or event
- 10-14 pounds per standard 24-quart cooler
- 2-3 pounds of ice cubes for a large thermos or beverage dispenser
- 5-10 pounds for a small picnic cooler
- 40-50 pounds for a large chest cooler (roughly 100 quart capacity)
You can always estimate high for ample ice coverage and drain or dispose of any extra unused ice after your event.
Where to Buy Ice
There are several options for where to purchase ice, including:
Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores stock bags of ice in 5-20 pound sizes. Look for the freezer section near the cold or frozen foods. Selection is often limited to basic ice cubes or crushed ice.
Gas Stations/Convenience Stores
Stopping at a gas station or convenience store is a quick and convenient option. Most will sell bags of ice cubes, crushed ice, or block ice. Bag sizes usually range from 5-50 pounds.
Big Box Stores
Large retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale carry a wide selection of different ice types and bag sizes. You can often find cubed, crushed, block, and novelty ice shapes. Bag sizes range from 5 pounds up to 30+ pounds.
Ice Vending Machines
Specialized ice vending machines dispense bulk ice for a set price per pound or per bag. These are located at some gas stations, retail locations, and stand-alone sites. Ice vending allows you to select your preferred ice type and quantity. Common options include cubes, nugget, crushed, and block ice.
Ice Delivery Services
Some companies offer ice delivery for large events, businesses, or residential needs. After ordering, trucks deliver and unload bulk ice in sizes ranging from 300 pound blocks to 10 or 15 pound party bags.
Ice Rinks
Skating rinks may sell and distribute ice for temporary cooling needs. This is a convenient option if already visiting a rink.
Comparing Ice Prices
Ice prices vary depending on location, quantity, retailer, and delivery fees. On average, expect to pay:
- Ice Vending Machine: $1.75-$2.50 for 5 pound bag
- Grocery Store: $2-$3 for 7-10 pound bag
- Gas Station: $1.75-$2.50 for 7-10 pound bag
- Big Box Store: $2-$2.50 for 8-10 pound bag
- Ice Delivery: $5-$15 per 10 pound bag; $60-$100 per 300 pound block
To get the best value, compare bulk prices at large retailers or wholesale clubs. For convenience, vending machines and gas stations charge slightly more per pound.
Ice Storage Tips
To extend the life of your ice, follow these storage tips:
- Pre-chill coolers with ice water for 30 minutes before filling with ice.
- Pack beverages and other items in tightly around ice to limit empty air space.
- Place ice bags or blocks on top of items rather than directly underneath.
- Drain off excess water as ice melts to keep items drier.
- Keep cooler out of direct sunlight.
- Use a foam ice blanket or thermal barrier wrap to insulate the cooler.
- Open cooler minimally to maintain interior temperature.
- Add more ice as needed rather than completely replacing melted ice.
- Consider using dry ice for extended temperature retention.
Ice Safety Tips
When handling and storing ice, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use gloves or cloth when handling dry ice to prevent cold burns.
- Never ingest ice cubes made from water that wasn’t potable.
- Avoid direct skin contact with any ice intended for consumption. Use tongs.
- Never store packaged raw meats on top of exposed ice.
- Don’t allow ice bags to touch food items directly.
- Keep ice stored sealed and out of direct sunlight to prevent contamination.
- Discard old ice rather than topping off cooler with fresh ice.
- Don’t use chemical products on surfaces that will later contact ice.
- If making your own ice, use sanitized trays and potable water.
Exercising smart safety when handling ice will help prevent foodborne illnesses and other health hazards.
FAQs
What is the shelf life of bagged ice?
Properly stored ice can be kept 3-6 months in the freezer before quality degrades. Use within 1-2 days for best results.
How long will ice keep items cold in a cooler?
With proper packing, ice can keep a cooler at safe temperatures for 1-3 days depending on outside conditions.
Can you reuse ice?
Avoid reusing ice for consumption. Old melted and refrozen ice increases risk of bacterial growth.
Does ice expire?
If kept frozen, ice does not technically expire. Discard if it develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance.
Why does ice melt faster some times?
High outside temperatures, direct sunlight, excessive air space, and certain items like produce or beer can cause ice to melt more quickly.
Buying Ice for a Party
Planning an outdoor bash or backyard party? Here are some ice-buying tips to keep drinks frosty cold:
- Allow for 8-12 pounds of ice per expected guest for beverages.
- Buy a 50% ice, 50% beverage ratio for large coolers.
- Use small cubes for beverage machines or self-service drinks.
- Fill tubs with crushed or cubed ice for chilling beer, wine, and soda cans.
- Place ice in serving trays, buckets, or fountains for easy access.
- Chill non-alcoholic beverages in separate coolers for kids.
Keep the party rocking from afternoon until evening with plenty of chilled ice on hand. Purchase extra bags as needed.
Buying Ice for Fishing
Fresh ice is a fisherman’s best friend on long trips. Follow this advice when loading the boat:
- Allow 1 pound of ice per pound of fish expected.
- Layer ice on bottom of coolers for drainage.
- Interlace block ice with bagged cubes for extended cooling.
- Wrap fish tightly in parchment paper before nestling in ice.
- Prioritize ice for fish storage over drinks.
- Bring twice as much ice as you think you’ll need.
- Supplement with dry ice for 1-2 week long excursions.
Keeping the catch cold preserves freshness and prevents spoilage during days out on the water.
Buying Ice on a Road Trip
If your summer road trip involves packing food and drinks, ice will come in handy. Use these tips to buy ice en route:
- determine cooler capacity and ice needs before leaving.
- Stop at convenience stores, gas stations, or grocers when ice runs low.
- Buy block ice for the base to keep items cold longer.
- Supplement bagged ice as needed for top layer.
- Pre-freeze water bottles or jars to use as ice packs if ice isn’t available.
- Grab a bag at hotel vending machines or ice stations if staying overnight.
- Opt for cheap bags at grocery stores when possible.
Having a cooler packed with ice helps keep snacks and drinks cold when traveling or taking a road trip.
Conclusion
While buying a simple bag of ice may seem straightforward, thinking through your ice needs and options ensures you get the right product for the job. Calculate the correct quantity and choose a type that suits your purposes, whether for parties, storage, injuries, or recreational use. Compare prices and purchase ice from grocery stores, convenience marts, warehouses, or vending machines. Proper storage and safety precautions help ice maintain proper temperatures and prevent contamination. Keep these tips in mind for all your ice-related needs!