Ice runs out at the worst time: halfway through the second round of margaritas, or right when the enchiladas hit the table and everyone wants a cold drink. A good ice bucket keeps cubes frozen and dry for a few hours, and a beverage tub keeps a dozen cervezas cold for a backyard party. They are different tools, and most homes that entertain end up wanting one of each.
This guide compares nine of them: insulated ice buckets with lids and tongs for the table, and bigger tubs for bottles. We used each maker’s specifications and the Amazon listings, and we say where a listing leaves out capacity, care or what comes in the box.
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Quick verdict: which ice bucket to buy
The best ice bucket for most homes is the OXO Steel Ice Bucket and Tong Set: 4 quarts, double-wall steel, a clear lid and channels that keep meltwater off the ice. For margarita nights, the OXO Good Grips bucket with garnish tray keeps the limes chilled on top. For bottles of beer outdoors, choose the YETI Rambler Beverage Bucket, and for a buffet table of bottles, the BREKX 12-quart tub.
Five ice buckets at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each way you use ice, with the capacity, insulation and accessories each maker states. All nine are reviewed in full below.
| Ice bucket | Capacity | Insulation | Lid and tongs | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Steel Ice Bucket and Tong Set, 4 QuartBest overall
|
4 qt | Double-wall | Clear flip-top lid; locking tongs | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Double Wall Ice Bucket with Garnish TrayBest for margaritas
|
Not stated | Double-wall | Hinged clear lid; nylon tongs; garnish tray | View on Amazon |
YETI Rambler Beverage BucketBest for cervezas outdoors
|
A six-pack or 3 wine bottles | Double-wall vacuum | Lid; no tongs listed | View on Amazon |
OGGI Double Wall Stainless Steel Ice Bucket, 3 QuartClassic steel
|
3 qt | Double-wall | Steel lid; steel tongs | View on Amazon |
BREKX Hammered Stainless Steel Beverage Tub, 12 QuartBest beverage tub
|
12 qt (3 gal) | Double-wall | No lid; no tongs | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best ice bucket
The first four are buckets for serving ice at the table; the BREKX, TRUE and OGGI acrylic tubs are for chilling bottles; the S’well and TableCraft fill the gaps for long parties and small spaces. Each entry lists the capacity, insulation, what comes with it and how to clean it.
1. OXO Steel Ice Bucket and Tong Set, 4 Quart – Meltwater Stays Off the Ice
The OXO Steel Ice Bucket is the one we would put on most tables. It holds up to 4 quarts of ice, which is enough to keep a round of margaritas on the rocks going through dinner, and OXO’s double-wall construction keeps the ice cold while stopping condensation from forming on the outside, so the bucket does not leave a wet ring on the table.
The detail that sets it apart is inside: deep channels in the base collect melted ice and keep it away from the cubes that are left, so you are not fishing wet, half-melted ice out of a puddle. A clear flip-top lid lets you see how much ice is left without opening it, and the non-slip base keeps the bucket still while you scoop.
The tongs lock closed, have sharp teeth for gripping cubes and clip onto the side of the bucket. OXO does not say on the listing whether the bucket can go in the dishwasher, so wash it by hand until you check. OXO states a satisfaction guarantee: return it for repair, replacement or refund.
Why we like it
- Holds up to 4 quarts, per OXO
- Channels keep meltwater away from the ice
- Double wall prevents outside condensation
- Locking tongs clip to the side
Key specifications
| Bucket | OXO 3107300 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 qt |
| Insulated/double-wall | Double-wall |
| Lid & tongs | Clear flip-top lid; locking tongs |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Best for | Table service, margaritas |
Why we recommend it
Anyone who wants a good-looking, well-designed bucket for dinners and drinks at home.
Skip it if you need to chill whole bottles; this is an ice bucket for glasses, not a beverage tub.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Meltwater channels
- See-through lid
- Non-slip base
Cons
- Dishwasher use not stated
- Too small to chill bottles
- No carry handle mentioned
2. OXO Good Grips Double Wall Ice Bucket with Garnish Tray – Limes Ride on Top of the Ice
For a margarita night, this second OXO bucket solves a small but real problem: where to put the lime wedges. A removable garnish tray rests inside the bucket on top of the ice, so the limes, orange slices or jalapeño rounds stay chilled and covered instead of sitting out on a cutting board.
Underneath, an internal reservoir keeps meltwater away from the cubes, as on the steel version. The hinged lid stays attached and is clear, so you can see how much ice is left, and the carrying handle folds out of the way when you do not need it. The nylon tongs have sharp teeth and hang on either side of the bucket.
OXO does not state the capacity on this listing, or whether the bucket is dishwasher-safe. Check the listing photos against the space on your bar cart before you buy.
Why we like it
- Removable garnish tray sits inside the bucket, per OXO
- Reservoir keeps meltwater off the ice
- Hinged clear lid stays attached
- Tongs hang on either side
Key specifications
| Bucket | OXO 11169200 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Insulated/double-wall | Double-wall |
| Lid & tongs | Hinged clear lid; nylon tongs; garnish tray |
| Material | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Best for | Margaritas with fresh garnish |
Why we recommend it
Home bartenders who want ice and garnishes chilled in one place on a margarita or cocktail night.
Skip it if you want a stated capacity or an all-steel bucket; the OXO steel set above is clearer on both.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Garnish tray built in
- Lid cannot get lost
- Handle for carrying
Cons
- Capacity not stated
- Material and dishwasher use not stated
- Nylon tongs rather than steel
3. YETI Rambler Beverage Bucket – Vacuum Insulated, Built Tough
YETI’s Rambler Beverage Bucket is the pick for the patio. YETI says it holds a six-pack or three wine bottles, so it works both as an ice bucket and as a small beverage tub for a few cervezas on ice. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps ice longer than a single-wall tub, according to YETI.
It is 18/8 stainless steel, which YETI says is puncture- and rust-resistant, and it is dishwasher-safe. A rotating handle makes it easy to carry from the kitchen to the backyard, and a non-slip ring on the base stops it sliding or scratching a table. Take the lid off and the buckets stack for storage.
YETI does not give a capacity in quarts on the listing, and there are no tongs or scoop in the box. If you plan to serve ice into glasses from it, add a pair of tongs.
Why we like it
- Holds a six-pack or three wine bottles, per YETI
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- 18/8 stainless steel, dishwasher-safe
- Rotating handle and non-slip base ring
Key specifications
| Bucket | YETI Rambler Beverage Bucket |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Six-pack or 3 wine bottles (quarts not stated) |
| Insulated/double-wall | Double-wall vacuum |
| Lid & tongs | Lid; no tongs listed |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Best for | Beer and wine outdoors |
Why we recommend it
Backyard hosts who want one rugged bucket for bottles on ice that also goes in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you want tongs included or a stated capacity in quarts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Vacuum insulation
- Tough steel build
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- No tongs or scoop
- Capacity only given in bottles
- Large for a dinner table
4. OGGI Double Wall Stainless Steel Ice Bucket, 3 Quart – Steel Lid, Steel Tongs
The OGGI 3-quart bucket is the classic version: double-wall stainless steel, a steel lid and large steel tongs. OGGI says the double wall and lid keep ice frozen longer and keep it clean, and the bucket is sized for wine, champagne, beer and cocktails at a dinner party.
It has carry handles on each side, and the tongs clip over a handle so they are always there. At 3 quarts (2.84 liters), it holds less than the OXO steel set but takes up less room on a table.
OGGI recommends hand washing with soap and water, and the listing mentions a warranty against manufacturer’s defects without giving a length.
Why we like it
- Double-wall stainless steel with a steel lid
- Steel tongs clip over the handle
- Carry handles on both sides
- 3-quart size suits a dinner table
Key specifications
| Bucket | OGGI 7044 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 qt (2.84 L) |
| Insulated/double-wall | Double-wall |
| Lid & tongs | Steel lid; steel tongs |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand wash recommended |
| Best for | Dinner parties |
Why we recommend it
Anyone who wants an all-steel bucket with tongs that will look right on a dinner table for years.
Skip it if you want to see the ice level at a glance; the steel lid is solid.
Pros and cons
Pros
- All steel, including tongs
- Handles both sides
- Compact
Cons
- Hand wash only, per OGGI
- Smaller than the OXO
- No meltwater channel mentioned
5. BREKX Hammered Stainless Steel Beverage Tub, 12 Quart – Insulated Tub for Bottles
When you need to chill bottles rather than serve ice into glasses, a beverage tub is the right tool. The BREKX tub holds 12 quarts (3 gallons), enough for a good number of beer bottles or several wine bottles packed in ice, and it is double-wall insulated stainless steel with a hammered finish.
BREKX says the tub is designed to keep ice cold for hours with no lid, and none is included. The floor and outer walls are joined in one piece of steel, which BREKX says means it will not leak. Double-hinged handles fold down for carrying.
BREKX does not state whether it is dishwasher-safe, and at this size it may not fit in many dishwashers anyway. There are no tongs, because this is for bottles, not for ice that goes into a glass.
Why we like it
- 12-quart capacity
- Double-wall insulated, per BREKX
- Floor and walls joined, per BREKX
- Hinged carry handles
Key specifications
| Bucket | BREKX 17689 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 qt (3 gal) |
| Insulated/double-wall | Double-wall |
| Lid & tongs | No lid; no tongs |
| Material | Hammered stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Best for | Beer and wine bottles on ice |
Why we recommend it
Hosts who want a good-looking insulated tub for bottles of beer, wine or Topo Chico on a buffet table.
Skip it if you need ice for glasses; buy a lidded bucket with tongs for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large insulated capacity
- Hammered finish looks good on a table
- Leak-proof construction, per BREKX
Cons
- No lid
- Dishwasher use not stated
- Takes real storage space
6. S’well Stainless Steel Ice Bucket XL, 100 oz – Triple-Layer Vacuum Insulation
S’well uses the same triple-layer vacuum construction as its bottles. It holds 3 liters of ice (100 ounces), and S’well says it keeps drinks and ice cold for up to 60 hours, the longest figure any maker here gives. The outside stays free of condensation, so no wet rings on the table.
It comes with a stainless steel lid and a scoop, and S’well says it fits a standard wine or champagne bottle for chilling. It is food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, and S’well says it is BPA- and BPS-free.
Care is by hand only. One small inconsistency: the listing title says it comes with a lid and scoop, while one bullet calls it the Ice Bucket XL with Tongs, so expect a scoop and treat tongs as a maybe.
Why we like it
- Holds 3 liters of ice, per S’well
- Up to 60 hours cold, as S’well states
- Fits a standard wine bottle
- Condensation-free outside
Key specifications
| Bucket | S’well 5313433 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 100 oz (3 L of ice) |
| Insulated/double-wall | Triple-layer vacuum |
| Lid & tongs | Steel lid; scoop |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | No, hand wash |
| Best for | Long parties, wine |
Why we recommend it
Hosts of long parties who want the ice to last and also want to chill a single bottle of wine.
Skip it if you want something dishwasher-safe.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest stated ice time here
- Fits a wine bottle
- Steel lid and scoop
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Listing is unclear about tongs
- Holds one wine bottle, not several
7. TableCraft Ripple Ice Bucket, 2.75 Quart – Ribbed Steel, Dishwasher-Safe
TableCraft makes restaurant and catering serveware, and the Ripple bucket comes from that world. It is a small, ribbed, double-wall stainless steel bucket that holds 2.75 quarts and measures 7.5 by 6.75 by 7.5 inches, so it fits on a small table or a bar cart next to the bottles.
TableCraft says the double wall keeps ice chilled longer and cuts down on moisture outside, and it is dishwasher-safe, which is not true of every steel bucket here.
The listing does not mention a lid or tongs, so plan on an open bucket and a separate pair of tongs or a scoop. It is the right size for drinks for two to four people, not a party.
Why we like it
- Double-wall stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe, per TableCraft
- Compact 7.5-inch footprint
- Made for home or commercial service
Key specifications
| Bucket | TableCraft 12972 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.75 qt |
| Insulated/double-wall | Double-wall |
| Lid & tongs | Not stated (no lid or tongs listed) |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Best for | Small tables and bar carts |
Why we recommend it
Couples and small households who want a tidy steel bucket that goes in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you want a lid to slow melting; none is listed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe steel
- Small footprint
- Restaurant-supply maker
Cons
- No lid or tongs listed
- Smallest capacity here
- Listing gives only the basics
8. TRUE Galvanized Beverage Tub, 6.3 Gallon – Big, Simple Party Tub
For a backyard party with a cooler’s worth of drinks, a galvanized tub is the simplest answer. TRUE’s oval tub holds 6.3 gallons (23.8 liters), enough for plenty of bottles and cans of beer, soda and water packed in ice, and it fits 1.5-liter wine bottles, according to TRUE.
It is galvanized steel with sturdy handles at each end. It is not insulated, so the ice melts faster than in the double-wall picks, and you will want to drain and top it up during a long afternoon.
TRUE states no warranty on the listing. Use it for chilling sealed bottles and cans; for ice that goes into glasses, keep a lidded bucket with tongs on the table.
Why we like it
- 6.3-gallon capacity
- Fits 1.5-liter wine bottles, per TRUE
- Handles at each end
- Simple galvanized steel
Key specifications
| Bucket | TRUE 10522 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6.3 gal (23.8 L) |
| Insulated/double-wall | No |
| Lid & tongs | No lid; no tongs |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated |
| Best for | Sealed bottles and cans for a crowd |
Why we recommend it
Backyard parties and cookouts where you need lots of drinks on ice in one place.
Skip it if you want ice to last for hours without topping up; it is not insulated.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest capacity here
- Rustic look that suits a backyard
- Easy to carry by the handles
Cons
- Not insulated
- No warranty stated
- Bulky to store
9. OGGI Acrylic Oval Party Tub – Shows Off Every Bottle
OGGI’s acrylic tub is the indoor version of a party tub. It is crystal-clear acrylic, oval, 18.5 by 11 inches and 9 inches tall, with handles molded into the sides. Packed with ice, it shows off the bottles inside, which is nice on a buffet next to a tray of tacos.
It is a single-wall tub, not insulated, so treat it like the galvanized tub: expect melting and keep extra ice nearby. OGGI says to wash it by hand.
OGGI does not give a capacity in quarts or gallons, only the dimensions.
Why we like it
- Clear acrylic shows the drinks
- 18.5 x 11 x 9 inches, per OGGI
- Integrated handles
- Light to carry
Key specifications
| Bucket | OGGI 7465 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Not stated (18.5 x 11 x 9 in) |
| Insulated/double-wall | No |
| Lid & tongs | No lid; no tongs |
| Material | Acrylic |
| Dishwasher-safe | No, hand wash |
| Best for | Indoor buffets and parties |
Why we recommend it
Indoor parties where you want drinks on ice to look good on the table.
Skip it if you need it to keep ice for hours; it is not insulated.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Looks clean on a buffet
- Light
- Will not rust
Cons
- Not insulated
- Hand wash only
- Acrylic can scratch
Ice bucket or beverage tub?
An ice bucket holds ice that goes into glasses. It should have a lid, tongs or a scoop, and ideally a double wall so the cubes stay frozen and the outside stays dry. Three or four quarts is plenty for a dinner table.
A beverage tub holds bottles and cans packed in ice. Size matters more than a lid, and you do not serve ice from it. Insulated tubs like the BREKX keep the ice longer; galvanized and acrylic tubs are cheaper to fill with more ice. If you mostly chill a bottle or two of wine, our guide to the best wine chiller covers chillers made for that.
How to choose an ice bucket
1. Capacity for your crowd
A 2.75- to 3-quart bucket covers drinks for two to four people. Four quarts suits a dinner party. For bottles, think in gallons: BREKX’s 12 quarts for a buffet, TRUE’s 6.3 gallons for a backyard.
2. Double wall or vacuum
A double wall slows melting and stops condensation from dripping on the table. Vacuum insulation (YETI, S’well) goes further, and S’well gives the longest stated hold here. Single-wall tubs need more ice and a towel underneath.
3. Lid, tongs and drainage
A lid keeps warm air and dust off the ice. Tongs or a scoop keep hands out of it. OXO’s meltwater channels and reservoir keep the remaining cubes dry, which matters as the evening goes on.
4. Material and care
Stainless steel is the most durable. YETI and TableCraft list their buckets as dishwasher-safe; OGGI and S’well say to wash by hand; others do not say. A clear acrylic tub looks good but scratches more easily.
5. Where it will sit
Measure the bar cart or the table space. A tall bucket with a handle carries well to the patio; a wide tub needs a sideboard or a spot on the floor.
Keeping drinks cold for a Mexican dinner
Margaritas on the rocks melt fast, and the ice in the glass matters as much as the ice in the bucket; our guide to frozen vs. on-the-rocks margaritas explains the difference, and our margarita accessories guide covers the rest of the home bar. Chill the glasses too: our guide to the best beer glasses covers the glassware for cervezas.
If you go through bags of ice every weekend, a countertop ice maker can keep the bucket full. Fill the bucket a little before guests arrive, keep the lid on, and use the tongs rather than a glass to scoop.
How we picked these nine ice buckets
We did not test these ice buckets. We compared what each maker states on its Amazon listing: capacity, insulation, lid and tongs, material, care and warranty. We checked that every pick was in stock on Amazon when we wrote this. We chose recognized makers of barware and drinkware (OXO, OGGI, YETI, S’well, TableCraft) and two simple tubs, and we left out the many near-identical unbranded double-wall buckets and listings that were scarce.
Ice bucket questions, answered
What is the best ice bucket brand?
There is no single best brand, but OXO stands out here for practical design (meltwater channels, locking tongs), YETI for rugged vacuum insulation and OGGI for classic all-steel buckets.
What is the best ice bucket for home use?
For most homes, the OXO Steel Ice Bucket and Tong Set: 4 quarts, double-wall, a clear lid and tongs that clip on. For a small apartment, the TableCraft Ripple is compact and dishwasher-safe.
How long does ice last in an insulated ice bucket?
It depends on the room, how often the lid comes off and how full the bucket is. Most makers only say “longer” or “for hours”; S’well is the only one here to give a figure, up to 60 hours.
Is an ice bucket the same as an ice cream bucket?
No. An ice bucket holds ice for drinks. “Ice cream bucket” usually means the freezer bowl or canister of an ice cream maker, or a tub for serving ice cream, which this guide does not cover.
Do I need tongs with an ice bucket?
For ice that goes into glasses, yes, or a scoop. The OXO and OGGI buckets include tongs and S’well includes a scoop; the YETI, TableCraft and the tubs do not.
Our pick for the table
Buy the OXO Steel Ice Bucket and Tong Set for dinners and drinks at home. Choose the OXO garnish-tray bucket for margarita nights, the YETI for beer outdoors, the OGGI for a classic all-steel look, and the BREKX or TRUE tub when you are chilling bottles for a crowd.
More drink-station guides: iced tea makers, beverage coolers, drink dispensers, tumblers, soda makers, glass pitchers, ice ball molds.
Related guide: Best beverage tub.
Related guide: Best ice tongs.
Not up for mixing tonight? Our bar menu has the margaritas, and the menu has the food to go with them. Call to order.