There are few things more disappointing than a drink that’s not as cold as it was intended to be, and any good host knows the value of investing in a good vessel to maximize the lifespan of the ice cubes that will ensure your drink stays cold. Marvelous things, those ice cubes: surround a bottle with them, and the liquid inside gets chilly, or pop them straight into a beverage, and you've got several key minutes of peak imbibing temperature (before dilution rears its ugly head). Whatever purpose you'll need your ice cubes for, an ice bucket is just the thing to keep them at the ready.

Champagne Bucket Party Beverage Chiller Ice Buckets for Beer Drinking

What to Look For

Insulation

Sometimes you don’t need the ice to last too long; you’re at home, you’re going to use the ice quickly, you only need it to chill a bottle, and you can always replenish. But if you want solid ice that perseveres as you tend to guests and mix a bunch of drinks, go for double-walled construction that cushions the ice with a layer of insulating air between the walls.

Stainless Steel Beverage Tub Metal Ice and Drink Bucket Drink Chiller

Durability

Some ice buckets are simply too pretty to be made of indelible, long-lasting materials. But if you’re throwing big parties or toting your ice bucket along to the tailgate or another fest, you'll want it to be unbreakable. Stainless steel is a smart choice for durability.

Stainless Steel Champagne Ice Bucket

Attractiveness

There are plenty of utilitarian buckets that do the trick. But for home bartenders looking to impress, an ice bucket should ideally make a statement. Sleek design and high-end materials make for giftable, collectable centerpieces that convey a sense of prestige when you gracefully shovel ice cubes from them.  

Party Time Drinks Beverage Tub Portable Round Cooler Ice Bucket

FAQs

How big should an ice bucket be? 

That depends on how you’re using it. Do you need a massive tub for an outdoor shindig, or are you entertaining a couple of folks (or a certain someone, wink wink) at home? At minimum, it should hold ice for at least one refill or be big enough to surround a bottle of wine with cooling cubes.

How do they work? 

Insulated ice buckets have double walls, and the trapped air cushions the ice from outside temperatures. A lid completes the seal, keeping ice nice and solid-cold. Buckets with a detachable drain board inside keep the ice free of meltwater, which trickles down into the reservor beneath the drain board. All ice buckets, though, do what any bucket does: they contain stuff so you can hold and carry it. A handle, though not necessary, is a nice touch.

Are ice buckets worth it? 

An ice bucket is designed specifically to hold an essential cocktail ingredient and bar tool: the ice. There’s nothing worse that watching your painstakingly-made ice melting into tepid soup in a bowl simply because you don’t have the proper container for it. So an ice bucket is an essential investment for any home bartender who wants to keep her sanity.

Beer Champagne Wine Bottle Chiller Cooler Holder Bucket Metal Ice Bucket

How long do they last?

Their longevity depends on the materials they are made from. Stainless steel is the most reliable in terms of staying power. Glass and porcelain last as well, though they are prone to breakage. Plastic parts can degrade over time, and are less environmentally friendly.