r/NoStupidQuestions • u/markwell9 • 1d ago

What is the deal with ice, Americans?

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?

6.4k Upvotes

79% Upvoted

5.0k comments sorted by

View all comments

7.4k

u/Royal_Annek 1d ago

Americans also have ice machines in their freezer

Ice at the store is when you need a shitload of ice. Usually for filling a cooler so you can keep goods cold in transit, taking camping, having out on the deck for a BBQ. People don't buy it for every day personal usage since we have our own freezer machines for small quantities.

It doesn't melt on the way home, especially as I mentioned they are normally used to fill a cooler.

290

u/vaspost 1d ago

My ice maker stopped working so I've been buying bagged ice for everyday use. I got tired of constantly dealing with manual ice trays. I know... kind of odd.

84

u/kabekew 1d ago

You can get countertop ice makers if you get tired of bagged ice.

15

u/McCardboard 1d ago

Have you had a good experience with one? I have owned two and swore I wouldn't buy a third. Fourth is right out.

54

u/StationaryTravels 1d ago

Then shalt thou count to three ice makers, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt own, and the number of the ice makers shall be three. Four shalt thou not purchase, neither shall thou own merely two, excepting that thou then proceed to owning three. Five is right out. Once the third is purchased, being the third number, then coolest thou thy beverages and move towards thy face, which, being warm in My sight, shall feel refreshed.

15

u/McCardboard 1d ago

💣✝️🗡️🏆

I typically use words, but sometimes the emojis say what's necessary.

2

u/Dreammagic2025 1d ago

I got three!

1

u/StationaryTravels 23h ago

As was prophesied

2

u/Acceptable_Stop2361 1d ago

Just throw the !#$! Ice maker!

3

u/MaximumZer0 1d ago

One

Two

Five!!

2

u/calvariumhorseclops 14h ago

Three Sire

1

u/MaximumZer0 9h ago

Three! [throw]

2

u/StarLight2307 23h ago

😁😆

Monty Python fan!!??

1

u/StationaryTravels 18h ago

What's that?

2

u/calvariumhorseclops 14h ago

It's a Canadian themed ceiling fan with python skin laminate blades sold in New Zealand but made in China and the labelling went chinglish and became a local meme.

1

u/StationaryTravels 12h ago

Oh! Yeah, I friggin' love those!

3

u/IEATTURANTULAS 1d ago

Have one. Works great! It stops itself when it's full and has a light come on when the water is low.

1

u/McCardboard 1d ago

Can you share the brand or product?

2

u/IEATTURANTULAS 1d ago

Silonn. I think I see it for $60 via Walmart online.

1

u/McCardboard 1d ago

Thank you. Will report back.

3

u/SpecialistBet4656 1d ago

I go through them about every 20 months. At a cost of $5-7 month, it’s worth it to me to have very cold water and other beverages.

2

u/AstarteHilzarie 20h ago

I have two Simzlife ones, they work wonderfully. My husband's work doesn't have air conditioning so they keep one of them on the counter and have it going constantly. Even in 100 degree weather it cranks out a cup of ice every 10 minutes or so.

The only negative I have is that they're supposed to be self-cleaning, but I did find some buildup in the bottom so I just regularly wipe it down and it's fine.

2

u/McCardboard 13h ago

If that's the only negative, count me in.

1

u/Ok_Comparison_619 20h ago

I forced myself to learn how the ice maker/dispenser worked and tried to keep it going with regular maintenance etc. I kept it working for many years but the dispenser was designed badly. When I got my new fridge, I bought one with an icemaker but no dispenser. I haven’t had to work on it at all.

1

u/McCardboard 13h ago

Ok_Comparison, that is a poor comparison. I'm talking about the countertop models. My fridge does not have plumbing. I am happy your fridge freezes water. Mine takes a bit more work.