Ice Cubes vs Crushed Ice vs Block Ice: Which Do You Need?
Not all ice does the same job. The shape of the ice changes how fast it chills, how fast it melts and what it's good for. Here's a simple guide.
Ice cubes
Cubes are the all-rounder. They melt slowly enough to keep a drink cold without watering it down too fast, so they're the right choice for soft drinks, spirits and mixers, ice buckets and coolers. If you're not sure what to buy, buy cubes.
Crushed ice
Crushed ice has much more surface area, so it chills a drink almost instantly. That's why cocktails like mojitos, juleps and brambles use it. It's also the standard for displaying seafood, oysters, fish and fruit, because it packs around food and keeps it evenly cold. The trade-off: it melts faster than cubes, so keep it for serving rather than for long-term cooling. More: Crushed ice vs ice cubes for cocktails.
Block ice
Large blocks melt the slowest of all, which makes them useful for very long cooling jobs, ice sculptures and some catering setups. Nice Ice doesn't sell block ice – for most parties, bars and events a mix of cubes and crushed ice does the job.
Quick comparison
| Type | Melts | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cubes | Slowly | Drinks, ice buckets, coolers |
| Crushed | Fast | Cocktails, seafood and fruit displays |
| Block | Slowest | Very long cooling, sculptures |
How much should I buy?
For drinks, plan about 0.5–1kg of ice per guest; more on a hot day. See how much ice you need for a party.
Ordering ice in London
- £10 per 12kg box: ice cubes, crushed ice or 6 x 2kg bags.
- Free delivery across London from 5 boxes.
- Order by 5pm for next-day delivery, Monday to Saturday, in a morning or afternoon slot.
- Book your date up to a year ahead.