Do you ever find yourself polishing Champagne flutes for a special celebration or reaching for your favorite wine glasses to enjoy a crisp rosé, only to be disappointed by drinks that aren’t perfectly chilled? We’ve all been there, and we know there’s nothing like a properly chilled drink. That’s why the best ice buckets are essential—they keep your beverages cold and add a decorative touch with stunning designs in stainless steel, mixed metal, and marble, perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, and more.
We’ve put together a curated list of ice buckets just for you. Considering size, style, material, and insulation from classic ice buckets to large beverage tubs, we bring you the top choices. Read on to find the best ice buckets for any occasion you’ll be hosting.
Comparing Ice Cube Buckets
The selection of ice cube buckets is extensive. You can find them in different sizes and materials and sometimes with accessories. You should pay attention to this when buying:
- Most ice cube buckets are made of stainless steel or plastic. While stainless steel models look particularly elegant, simple plastic ice buckets are cheaper and somewhat more robust.
- Ice cube trays with tongs are not only practical, but also stylish. Handles help when carrying. Additional cooling elements extend the cooling time and a sieve insert ensures that any melting water can drain away better.
- Double-walled models insulate better and protect your ice cubes from melting for longer.
The Yeti Rambler Beverage Bucket – $150,00
We love how easy it is to toss this durable Yeti ice bucket into the trunk and hit the trails, bringing along cold beverages with no hassle. This bucket can hold more than six cans of beer or three standard-size bottles of wine—or even better, a few cans or a bottle of wine alongside your favorite chilled snacks. The double-walled vacuum insulation ensures your drinks stay perfectly chilled under the honeycomb lid. Plus, its stackable design and rubber guard on the bottom make it easy to pack and prevent scratches.
When we tested the Yeti Rambler, it kept our drinks cold for over 24 hours with the lid on, and a bit less without the lid. We also loved the rubber guard on the bottom, which protected our furniture from scratches. The practical design, combined with its ideal size and weight (6.7 pounds), makes it perfect for small outdoor gatherings with friends.
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We Like:
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We Don't Like:
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Design
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The price tag
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Use it outdoors too
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Large capacity
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The OXO Good Grips Double Wall Ice Bucket – $39,50
Famous for its user-friendly cookware, OXO offers an affordable ice bucket perfect for cocktail enthusiasts. This compact bucket is designed to hold just ice cubes, unlike larger buckets that can accommodate bottles, but it includes a handy garnish tray for maraschino cherries, lime wedges, and other cocktail toppings. It’s an excellent choice for parties.
The double-walled construction ensures the ice stays frozen, while the practical flip-top lid enhances insulation and keeps garnishes fresh. Plus, it comes with convenient tongs, making it even more user-friendly.
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We Like:
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We Don't Like:
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Comes with convenient extras
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Does not hold too many ice cubes
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Has a garnish tray
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Value for money
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The Crafthouse by Fortessa Ice Bucket – $130,00
This stainless steel ice bucket is more of a tub than a bucket, perfect for chilling enough refreshments for a larger group. Ideal for barbecues and pool parties, this beverage tub can hold two bottles of wine simultaneously. Its spacious dimensions accommodate even large bottles, and the drain grate at the bottom ensures you won’t drip water across your table when you pull out a bottle to pour. With a large handle across the top, it’s easy to move around or top off with more ice as needed.
However, remember to fill up all your ice cube trays to keep the supply coming. Or get yourself an ice cube maker to help produce enough ice cubes for your party!
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We Like:
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We Don't Like:
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Interior drain gate
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Requires large supply of ice cubes
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Underside clip on lide
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Very spacious
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The S’well Stainless Steel Ice Bucket – $49,99
We have to say that this stainless steel ice bucket from S’well has quickly become one of our favorites. Its sleek, rounded shape and fun marbled exterior instantly caught our eye. We love how the simple lidded design, combined with double-wall insulation, keeps the ice from melting too quickly. With a generous 67-ounce capacity, it’s perfect for serving ice cubes or chilling a single bottle of wine at any gathering.
It also comes with easy-to-use tongs, making serving so much simpler. Plus, it’s top-rack dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup at the end of the night so effortless. This ice bucket truly adds a touch of style and convenience to any event.
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We Like:
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We Don't Like:
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Triple-layer insulation
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Does not have a handle
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Great appearance
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Capacity a bit limited
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