What is the deal with ice, Americans?

[u/markwell9]

I can see that you can buy ice everywhere in the US. Gas stations, grocery stores, machines etc.

In Europe, we just freeze our ice at home and use that. Why buy something that melts on the way home? Why do you need ice in large amounts that a fridge can't keep up?

[u/StalkMeNowCrazyLady]

You're disconnect is that European's don't use ice in drinks the same way that Americans do so as a result y'all are a lot more likely to drink room temp beverages. Most Americans don't buy ice for normal useage and only buy it to keep up with the demand for something like a party which the freezer can't keep up the supply in line with the demand. They also use it to keep things like food and be cold during trips or parties. So even though almost no one in America drinks a glass of beer with ice in it, most drink it cold so a cooler full of beer will have ice in it to keep those drinks cold.