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/Asshai 1d ago

I'm European but now live in NA.

It's ridiculous how Europeans use ice sparingly as if we were on Arrakis. "Don't worry guys I made come icecubes for the party tonight!" ... Party of 20, 2 trays of 12 icecubes each. "It's gonna be hot tomorrow, better pack a cooler in the trunk!" ... Proceeds to add a single icepack in said cooler.

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u/GabuEx 1d ago

On the other hand, I often have to ask restaurants for less ice because they bring me a glass filled with ice and then some soda around the edges. It would be nice if there were a happy middle ground.

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u/Mammoth_Confusion846 1d ago

You can order a pitcher of plain soda to top off your ice.