Buying Ice vs. Ice Maker? Compare Your Best Summer Options

Summer is the season of sunshine, barbecues, pool parties, and endless cold drinks. With all that fun, the need for ice becomes essential. If you find yourself frequently running to the store for bags of ice, you might be wondering if it’s time to invest in an ice maker instead. Deciding between buying ice and purchasing an ice maker involves weighing convenience, cost, and a few key factors. If you’re unsure about where to invest or need help understanding what to consider before buying an ice maker, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll break down both options to help you make the best choice for your summer needs.

The Convenience Factor

Buying Ice Throughout the Summer:

Running to the store to grab a bag of ice seems like no big deal, right? But consider how often you need to do this during the hot summer months. Depending on the size of your gatherings or how many cold drinks you enjoy, those quick trips can start to add up in time and effort. Plus, there’s the frustration of running out of ice at the worst possible moment—like right before your guests arrive.

Buying an Ice Maker:

An ice maker, whether portable or built-in, provides you with a steady supply of ice whenever you need it. No more last-minute dashes to the store or worrying about running out. You can produce ice on demand, and depending on the model, some ice makers can whip up a fresh batch in as little as 10 minutes. The convenience of having ice readily available all summer long is hard to beat.

Cost Considerations

Buying Ice Throughout the Summer:

At first glance, buying ice seems like the cheaper option. A few bucks here and there for a bag of ice doesn’t seem like much. But let’s do some quick math. If you’re buying a 10-pound bag of ice for around $2-3 every other day, that can add up to around $90-$135 over a typical summer (assuming a 90-day period). Multiply that by a few summers, and the cost of convenience starts to look a bit steep.

Buying an Ice Maker:

Ice makers come in a range of prices, from around $100 for a basic portable model to several thousand dollars for a high-end built-in unit. But once you’ve made the initial investment, the ongoing cost is minimal—just the electricity to run it and the occasional cleaning supplies. Over time, an ice maker could actually save you money compared to buying bag after bag of ice, especially if you entertain frequently or have a large family.

Environmental Impact

Buying Ice Throughout the Summer:

Those plastic bags that ice comes in? They’re not exactly eco-friendly. While some bags are recyclable, many end up in landfills, contributing to the growing plastic waste problem. Plus, the energy used in transporting ice to and from stores adds to your carbon footprint.

Buying an Ice Maker:

Owning an ice maker reduces the need for plastic bags and minimizes your trips to the store, which can be a small but meaningful step towards reducing your environmental impact. While ice makers do use electricity, many modern models are designed to be energy-efficient, balancing convenience with a lighter environmental footprint.

Quality and Availability of Ice

Buying Ice Throughout the Summer:

Store-bought ice is convenient, but it’s not always the best quality. Those big, solid chunks might cool your drink, but they can also water it down quickly. Plus, store-bought ice is often made from tap water, which might not be as clean or fresh-tasting as the water you use at home. And then there’s the availability factor—if there’s a heatwave or a big event, you might find your local store sold out.

Buying an Ice Maker:

With an ice maker, you control the quality of the water you use, resulting in purer, better-tasting ice. Some models even offer different ice shapes and sizes, from nugget ice (perfect for munching) to large cubes that melt more slowly. And with your own ice maker, you’ll never have to worry about running out, even during the hottest days or biggest parties.

Final Thoughts: Which Is the Best Option?

Ultimately, the choice between buying ice throughout the summer or investing in an ice maker comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.

• If you only need ice occasionally and don’t mind the occasional trip to the store, buying ice as needed might be the simplest and cheapest option.
• However, if you entertain frequently, have a large family, or just love the convenience of having ice on hand whenever you need it, an ice maker is likely the better investment. Not only could it save you money in the long run, but it also offers the added benefits of better-tasting ice, reduced environmental impact, and—let’s be honest—one less thing to think about during the busy summer months.

So, as you plan your summer fun, consider how much ice you’ll need and weigh the pros and cons. Whether you decide to keep it cool with store-bought ice or go the extra mile with your own ice maker, you’ll be ready to chill in style!