Reusable Ice Cubes: Are They Worth It?

Ever tried reusable ice cubes? Forget the old-fashioned way of filling trays with water and sticking them in the freezer. With these handy alternatives, just wash, freeze, and reuse. It’s that simple!

Why opt for these nifty gadgets? First off, they're a cleaner option. We’ve all heard horror stories about the bacteria lurking in restaurant ice—yuck! With reusable ice cubes, those worries melt away. Plus, you dodge the murky waters of your home ice machine. When was the last time you cleaned that thing, anyway?

These cubes come in various materials, like plastic and steel, though bamboo is a choice I’d skip. Each type offers different chill times and how well they keep your drink cold. The process? Freeze, use, wash, repeat. It couldn't be easier.

Here’s a fun fact: most fridges come with built-in ice machines that hike up your utility bills. By switching off yours and switching to reusable cubes, not only do you save money, but you also reduce your energy footprint. So, it’s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet.

Let’s be honest, cleaning out an entire ice machine is a chore most of us avoid. With reusable ice cubes, it’s just a quick scrub and back they go into the freezer.

Let’s take a deeper dive into reusable ice cubes and how you can make the best use of them.

What Are Reusable Ice Cubes? How Do They Work?

Reusable ice cubes are also often called chilling cubes. These nifty little things cool your beverage to the perfect sipping temperature without melting away like traditional ice.

Perhaps you've spotted these in summertime store displays, often molded into fun shapes and filled with silica gel. The goal? To chill your drink without diluting its flavor. Yet, while silica gel cubes are great at preventing watered-down lemonades, they're not without their drawbacks in terms of practicality, health, and environmental impact.

More on that shortly. 

The idea behind reusable ice cubes is really simple. Reusable ice cubes either contain a liquid that freezes or are crafted from materials like steel or granite that chill quickly. 

Pop them into your drink, and they swap temperatures with your beverage, keeping it cold for longer. Traditional ice cubes can't compete—they leave you with a diluted mess as they melt.

The beauty of reusable ice cubes is their efficiency. Whether they’re housing a freeze-friendly liquid in a plastic shell or made entirely from a solid, non-melting material, these cubes keep your drinks pure and undiluted. Plus, you won't find yourself constantly refilling ice trays or cleaning out bulky ice machines—a win for anyone who loves a cold drink with minimal fuss.

Types of Reusable Ice Cubes 

Here are the main types of reusable ice cubes with some information on whether I would recommend them.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel ice cubes are not only some of the coolest looking accessories for your drink but also among the most effective.

These small, solid blocks conduct heat exceptionally well, allowing them to freeze quickly and chill your drink faster than other types. Compared to their plastic or silica gel counterparts, stainless steel cubes provide a more efficient cooling effect without diluting your beverage.

The advantage of their high conductivity means they can be smaller, leaving more room in your glass for the actual drink. This leads to a quickly cooled beverage and allows you to enjoy more of it without compromise.

Stone Ice Cubes or Whiskey Stones

If you're anything like me, you've probably noticed whiskey stones in stores or online and wondered about them. These stones, often made from various types of marble, are a stylish alternative to traditional ice cubes.

One thing that stands out to me is their ability to chill drinks without absorbing liquid—thanks to their highly polished surface. This feature is crucial because it means they won't harbor bacteria or mold, making them a safer option for repeated use.

What really catches my eye about these stone ice cubes is the range of colors they come in. It's fascinating how choosing the right color can complement your drink, adding a touch of elegance to your whiskey or any other beverage. 

Plastic Ice Cubes

I've noticed that the most popular reusable ice cubes out there are the ones filled with distilled water. They're pretty versatile, coming in a variety of shapes that can add a fun twist to your drink.

The beauty of these cubes is in their simplicity: they freeze and then help cool your drink without watering it down. This is a game-changer for anyone who loves their beverages at the perfect temperature without compromising taste.

However, I must stress the importance of choosing BPA-free options for these plastic cubes. Not only is it better for your health, but it also ensures you're using a product that's safer for the environment. And if they're dishwasher safe, that's a bonus, making cleanup a breeze.

But here's a thought for those of us looking to make a more significant eco-impact: consider opting for chill rocks instead. While the plastic cubes are convenient, chill rocks offer a more sustainable way to keep your drinks cold without any plastic involved.

Silica Gel-Based Ice Cubes

Have you come across those silica-gel filled plastic ice cubes? I've seen them around and thought they seemed like a neat idea at first. However, after digging a bit deeper, I've grown cautious about recommending them. The reason? There's a significant health risk that comes into play.

The main issue with these types of cubes is their potential to get damaged and start leaking. And trust me, silica is not something you or your loved ones should be ingesting. Even though many of these products are made from BPA-free plastic and claim to be dishwasher safe, the risk of leakage remains.

For me, it's a risk that's not worth taking, especially when it comes to the health and safety of family and friends.

How Safe Are Reusable Ice Cubes?

Are reusable ice cubes really safe? Let's break it down simply and clearly.

When considering plastic ice cubes, there are two main safety points to keep in mind. First, ensure they are made from non-BPA plastic. BPA can leach into your drinks, posing health risks. Secondly, steer clear of cubes containing silica gel. Both silica and BPA have the potential to be toxic, especially if they leak into your drinks over time due to wear and tear.

Although these substances aren't immediately lethal, regular exposure could accumulate in the body, potentially leading to health issues down the line. It's something to think about, especially if you're using these cubes daily.

On the safer side, we have ice cubes made from non-porous materials like stone or food-grade stainless steel. Not only do these materials pose no health risks, but they might even be a better choice in areas where the drinking water quality is questionable.

Personally, I lean towards stone ice cubes. They not only look good but also have a lower environmental impact compared to stainless steel. Plus, there's something satisfying about clinking a natural stone in your glass—it feels earthy and authentic. So next time you're looking to chill your drink, consider going the natural route for both safety and style.

Environmental Benefit of Using Reusable Ice Cubes

Switching to reusable ice cubes isn't going to single-handedly save the planet, but it's a small step in the right direction. Let’s face it, your shower probably guzzles more water in one go than your ice tray does in a week.

However, every little bit helps.

From a health perspective, I've already touched on why you might want to skip plastic and silica gel cubes. Beyond health, reducing plastic use is another compelling reason to consider alternatives.

By opting for stone or steel ice cubes, you’re not just chilling your drink; you're cutting down on plastic—one fewer item at a time.

Now, let's talk about the environmental footprint. In my journey to find the most eco-friendly option, stone ice cubes come out on top. Many are crafted from leftover material from construction or home furnishings, tapping into recycling in a smart way. The process of shaping these stones consumes less energy compared to manufacturing steel, which involves intensive iron ore mining.

Sure, swapping your ice cubes isn’t going to dramatically shift climate change, but it's a simple, proactive choice we can all make. Plus, tossing a few stone cubes into a glass feels surprisingly good—like a small toast to doing our part for the earth.

Understanding Cooling Efficiency of Reusable Ice Cubes

This is an important part of choosing the right reusable ice cubes. And I'll just get into some basic physics to give you an idea of which type will help your drinks stay cold. 

How Long Does It Take To Cool Them?

If you have plastic reusable ice cubes, then they will take about the same amount of time as regular ones that you make in ice cube trays. Those trays are typically also made of plastic, which is not a good conductor of heat and cold. 

You can prove this by taking two water ice cubes and placing one on a steel plate or spoon and the other on a plastic plate. The one on the steel plate will melt a lot faster as there is more temperature exchange. 

The silica ice cubes that I said you should avoid will probably take less time to freeze, and on average, I'd say that a plastic one will take 2 to 3 hours.

In my experience, the steel ice cubes tend to cool down the fastest in the freezer and typically are ready in about 2 hours. The stone ones take a bit longer and sometimes over 3 hours.

How Long Do They Stay Cold?

I've tested out stone and steel reusable ice cubes and placed them in a cold drink. I made sure two glasses of water had the same temperature and then took out the ice cubes every ten minutes to measure the temperature. 

The stone ones seem to stay cool for longer, up to 30 minutes, while the steel ones last about 20 to 25 minutes. But that's technically a good thing, as you want your drink to be cold as soon as possible, right?

Do Certain Materials Work Better?

Yes, my experience is that steel reusable ice cubes are the most efficient because they are so temperature conductive. Plastic ice cubes seemed to be the least efficient as the plastic casing creates a small barrier for the temperature to cross. 

At the same time, the marble chilling stones that I have are a very close second and I prefer the look of them as well. 

How To Choose The Best Reusable Ice Cubes: Buyer's Guide

I've done quite a bit of trial and error testing with reusable ice cubes, and ultimately that has given me these four main areas that I think you need to focus on. 

Material 

So, the ones I've mentioned are plastic, steel, and stone. And it's important to understand the benefits they might have. 

Plastic ice cubes are probably the cheapest ones you'll find, but they also have certain health risks if they contain BPA and/or silica. I also found that they don't last all that long, and most aren't dishwasher safe. 

Steel is a great choice for reusable ice cubes, but they tend to be quite heavy. And the larger ones can be quite expensive too. 

The stone ones might be a bit slower to cool down than steel, but you can get them at a reasonable price, and they look great. 

Shape And Style

You'll find that the plastic reusable ice cubes come in the widest variety of shapes and colors. They often use fruit and animal shapes as I imagine that they are mainly marketed for children. But they still look great in a summer cocktail or long drink for a party with friends. 

With the steel and stone reusable ice cubes, I have found that they almost always come in cubes (surprise, surprise). But as they have become more popular, I have occasionally seen round and pyramid-shaped ones. 

What I haven't seen is shapes other than geometric ones, as I imagine that those shapes would be difficult and expensive to make. 

Size and Weight

OK, I generally prefer having metal and stone ice cubes that are about the same size as a regular ice cube you'd get out of a tray. This gives me more flexibility to adjust how many I might need depending on whether I want to cool down an already cold drink or one at room temperature. 

But you can get larger ones that are over one inch on each side, and they tend to stay cold for quite a bit longer. 

The other thing I would mention is that the stone and stainless steel cubes tend to be quite heavy, with the steel ones being the heaviest. That's why I don't use large stainless steel ones for my kids, as it does make the glass quite heavy. 

Health Factor

My experience is that the stainless steel ice cubes are the easiest to keep clean, just like your cutlery is. They also don't rust, so there really is no health issue to be concerned about. 

With the stone ones, you have to be a bit more careful to choose the right ones. One of the most common materials for these is marble, and they are polished and sealed. That means they won't absorb any liquids that could turn moldy and smelly. 

However, I would still recommend regularly cleaning them with a sanitary solution just to be on the safe side. 

And finally, there are the plastic and silica-filled ones. I would not recommend using these at all. They contain toxins that could build up in your body over time and cause health issues. I also found that they are often very small, making them a choking hazard for young kids. 

5 Best Reusable Ice Cubes

I've tested out all of these and ordered them to give you my favorite one first. 

1. Kollea Whiskey Stones

As someone who loves whiskey but hates how ice waters it down, I was thrilled to discover Kollea Whiskey Stones.

This top-notch set of high-quality stainless steel cubes cools drinks fast to an ideal 18°C/64.4°F using just 2-3 stones, keeping the robust flavors intact. They're made from safe, food-grade materials and are a breeze to clean and reuse.

The package includes eight stones, silicone-topped tongs, and a storage tray, all in a stylish gift box.

It's the perfect present for any whiskey lover. While the cooling effect can vary with room and beverage temperature, this minor issue hardly dims the shine of these efficient chillers. Plus, with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty, the Kollea Whiskey Stones offer both peace of mind and a dash of elegance for any drink enthusiast.

2. DERGUAM 8 Packs Fast-Cooling 304 Stainless Steel Ice Cubes

Each one weighs about 1 ounce, and they chill in the freezer in about 2 1/2 hours. 

The company also supplies them with a convenient tray, which beats keeping them in a zip lock bag. And there's also a non-slip ice tong that helps you avoid that splash effect when you drop one into your drink. 

I've placed two of these in an 8-ounce glass of room temperature water, and the water was nice and cool within two minutes. 

3. Yawall Stainless Steel Metal Ice Cubes

I find they look particularly well in hurricane glasses, and I know some of my friends who like whiskey have favored these as well. 

It's a high-grade 304 stainless steel, which makes it suitable for any kind of food consumption utensils. It also means that they won't rust or tarnish. 

The only downside I found with this is that the tong is a bit awkward to grip the cubes. 

4. Quiseen Beverage Chilling Stones

5. NIFTY5 Stainless Steel Diamond Shaped Reusable Metal Ice Cubes

The gold color makes them blend in especially well with whiskey, brandy, rum, and other alcoholic beverages.

And the diamond shape really makes them stand out a lot. 

They also come in a nice gift box that includes a tray and silicone grip tong to make it easier to put them in your glass without dropping them. 

FAQ

Should You Get Reusable Ice Cubes?

I'm certainly not going to tell you that reusable ice cubes are going to save the planet. But I always remind my kids that even if there are small actions we can take, then those are the right thing to do. 

Ever since we stocked up on the reusable ice cubes, we've enjoyed cold drinks all the more. Plus, they’ve become a fun conversion starter whenever my family and friends visit us.

They are definitely worth trying out to make your drinks stay cold longer.