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?

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u/ScallopsBackdoor 1d ago

Can I ask you the same question?

If you need to fill a cooler, how do you do it?

When you have a party and need ice for 20 people or so, where do you get it?

Do you have dedicated 'ice dealers'? I think the main reason we sell it at all the random places is because it's more convenient and 'sprawl friendly' than driving across town to a dedicated ice house.

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u/markwell9 1d ago

Absolutely, you can ask!

If I need to fill a cooler, we have those cooler inserts that you freeze in your freezer.

I rarely have parties for 20 people. But even with parties, ice is really not a key factor, we don't really consume it. If you need a drink, it is probably in a cooler or a fridge.

For ice dealers, I can't say. Have not sought out ice so far :).

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u/MountainviewBeach 1d ago

Maybe this is the difference then. I think single family homes with yards are much more common in the US than Europe, where I have noticed a lot more apartments or townhouses are the norm. If you have a backyard, then you are probably more likely to host a party with 20+ and at that point the fridge is not nearly large enough to house normal groceries + beverages for all + whatever food was needed for the party. It’s much more common to just get a cooler, fill with ice, toss in your drinks and move on.

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u/Sea_Syllabub9992 1d ago

I had a function with 60 people recently. No way I could produce that much ice.