A stylish and functional ice bucket is a must-have for any home, garden party, or event. Whether you're serving champagne, cocktails, or soft drinks, the right ice bucket keeps everything perfectly chilled and easily accessible. With so many options available in the UK, finding the right one might feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve reviewed the top ice bucket picks, ideal for both personal and professional use.
Why Every Home Needs an Ice Bucket
An ice bucket is more than just a container. It’s essential for hosting, entertaining, and even solo evenings with a good drink. Without it, melting ice can quickly turn your beverages into a watery mess. In fact, over 68% of UK households that entertain regularly own at least one ice bucket.
Here's why it's worth having one:
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Keeps drinks chilled longer
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Adds class to gatherings
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Portable and easy to handle
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Prevents ice from melting too fast
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Saves trips to the freezer
Types of Ice Buckets You Can Buy
There are various styles and materials used to create a durable and appealing ice bucket. Each type suits a different need.
1. Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
These are the most common. They're sleek, rust-resistant, and hold cold temperatures well. Great for modern kitchens or bars.
2. Acrylic Ice Bucket
Lightweight and clear, acrylic ice buckets are perfect for casual use. Ideal for picnics or beach outings.
3. Glass Ice Bucket
Elegant and timeless. These look great during formal dinners. However, they can break if not handled carefully.
4. Plastic Ice Bucket
Affordable and colorful. They’re good for kids’ parties or outdoor BBQs.
5. Insulated Ice Bucket
This type comes with double walls. It keeps ice frozen for several hours, even on hot days.
Top 10 Ice Buckets in the UK
1. Viners BarCraft Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
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Durable and classy
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Comes with matching tongs
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Priced around £25
2. Argos Home Large Ice Bucket
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Affordable and spacious
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Perfect for big parties
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Easy to clean
3. OXO Good Grips Ice Bucket
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Comes with a built-in garnish tray
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Non-slip base
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High-rated on Amazon UK
4. Bar@drinkstuff Acrylic Ice Bucket
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Lightweight and sturdy
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Ideal for wine or champagne bottles
5. John Lewis Hammered Ice Bucket
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Textured finish
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Double insulation
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Great gift option
6. KitchenCraft Double Wall Ice Bucket
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Sleek stainless design
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Keeps ice frozen for over 5 hours
7. Lakeland Insulated Ice Bucket
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Compact and functional
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Popular among UK homeowners
8. Premier Housewares Glass Ice Bucket
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Elegant crystal-clear design
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Best for formal events
9. Argon Tableware Galvanised Bucket
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Rustic design
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Popular in pubs and restaurants
10. VonShef 3L Ice Bucket with Lid and Tongs
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Complete set with all accessories
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Trusted UK brand
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Great online reviews
Features to Look for in a Good Ice Bucket
Buying a high-quality ice bucket? Keep these features in mind:
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Material: Stainless steel lasts longer.
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Insulation: Double walls prevent condensation.
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Size: 3-litre buckets suit most parties.
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Accessories: Lids and tongs are a plus.
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Design: Match it with your décor.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Ice Bucket
Proper cleaning increases your ice bucket’s lifespan. Here’s how to care for it:
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Empty after each use
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Wipe dry to avoid water stains
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For steel or glass, use mild soap
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Don’t use harsh scrubbers
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Store in a dry place
Where to Buy Ice Buckets in the UK
Top stores across the UK offer excellent ice bucket options. Consider checking:
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Amazon UK
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John Lewis
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Lakeland
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Argos
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Dunelm
Local supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s also stock seasonal ice buckets, especially during summer.
Ice Bucket vs. Cooler Bag: Which Is Better?
If you’re unsure whether to pick a ice bucket or a cooler bag, here’s a quick comparison:
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Ice Bucket: Better for indoor events and presentation.
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Cooler Bag: Portable and ideal for travel.
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Insulation: Buckets retain cold longer for short durations.
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Capacity: Bags often hold more but aren’t as stylish.
For home parties, an ice bucket wins. It adds charm and convenience without needing power or refills.
Best Ice Bucket Brands in the UK
Here are some trusted names:
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VonShef
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BarCraft
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KitchenCraft
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John Lewis
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Premier Housewares
These brands offer long-lasting quality and attractive designs.
Ice Bucket Uses Beyond Drinks
An ice bucket is more versatile than most expect. Try these ideas:
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Chilling desserts at a picnic
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Holding small bottled water at meetings
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Displaying flower arrangements
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Using it as a mini waste bin during travel
Expert Quote
“An ice bucket isn’t just about chilling. It’s about creating an experience that people remember.”
— David Morris, UK Event Planner with 15+ Years Experience
How Much Should You Spend?
In the UK, you can find good ice buckets from £10 to £60. Stainless steel and branded options usually cost more but last longer. If you host often, spending £30–£40 gets you a bucket that balances quality and design.
Final Thoughts
A reliable ice bucket adds value to any home or event. It keeps drinks cold, looks stylish, and reduces hassle during parties. Whether you're looking for a modern stainless option or a rustic galvanized style, the UK market offers plenty of choices.
Choose one based on your needs, space, and budget. Once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without one.