Ice, Ice, Baby: A fad is born

You might think it’d be a cold day in that infernal afterworld before ice—rather, chewing ice—joined Kobe beef, foie gras, truffles, and other delicacies as a food fad.

But that’s what has happened, according to “Chew This Over: Munchable Ice Sells Like Hot Cakes,” in the January 30, 2008, edition of The Wall Street Journal. Many fast-food restaurants, reports Ilan Brat, sell cups of ice to all those frozen-water eaters out there. A 32-ounce cup of the cold stuff will cost you 25 cents at a Taco Time near Seattle, for instance.

The story also notes that sales of machines that make easy-chewing ice climbed about 23 percent from 2003 to 2006. Still, that’s only 16,673 total units, far less than the millions of refrigerators and freezers sold each year in the United States.

But you don’t need a pricey separate machine to make your own “chewable” ice if you’ve got a fridge with a through-the-door ice dispenser. Most side-by-side refrigerators offer a crushed-ice dispenser, and some French-door models with ice dispensers also offer crushed ice. To get pieces that are a good chewing consistency, fill your cup with crushed ice, add some water to soften it, then chew away. Drink the water you add or drain it away—your choice. Remember, chewing ice can harm your teeth, according to the American Dental Association. (Note: The cubes shown here would not be considered quintessential chewing ice along the lines of the Chewblet, Nugget Ice, and Pearl Ice "varietals" cited in the WSJ article.)

Essential information: Read about refrigerators and freezers to find the best appliances for your home. And if you want to have some soda with your ice, read our report on home soda makers. For more on chewing ice, check out the Ice Chewers Bulletin Board.—Steven H. Saltzman

Comments

[Hal]

I am in need of a very good but easy to use pasta maker? Any ideas?

[alw]

Some families happen to need a larger volume of ice than a built-in can keep up with or perhaps the "ice-chewers" whom the above reporter has determined do not really need chewable ice are actually iron deficient pica sufferers. In any case, anemics, large families and cooks would be well-served by a comprehensive guide that did not exclude small, separate ice-makers in its kitchen appliance reviews.

[JCM]

Where can I find information to help me select a stand-alone ice maker: reliable brands, determining the correct output for my needs, and information I need to know or consider before making a decision?

[sdc]

Our family is large and loves having a stand alone ice maker. We have had a Kenmore Elite for the last eight years. It has been repaired about 4 times. This is an appliance that is fickle. It must be cleaned regularly by using a cleaning solution and by sweeping the coils. We have also heard that certain types of water are hard on ice makers. I think lots of families use ice makers and would appreciate information from Consumer Report on a reliable brand to purchase.

[Merrill Guice]

For your information, the ice from the portable machines is MUCH softer than crushed ice from the refrigerator door. I read you to rate products. Instead of getting on your high horse and dictating to me what kind of ice I should eat, just test the darn portable ice makers. It's called customer service.

[Sherry Geno]

I live in an area where plumbed ice makers are destroyed by well water. I've been looking for some comparison of portable or counter top ice makers and I haven't found anything helpful. Can anyone out there direct me to comparative info on portable ice makers?

[Cold]

This is very disappointing. I would love to be able to afford the $1500+ machines that produce clear ice (made by a different process.) I was hoping you could tell me which of the smaller portable machines makes the clearest and HARDEST ice. I find myself buying up to 50 pounds of ice a week which could justify a $300 range unit but I need SOLID ice from an energy efficient machine. Who can tell me which one that is?

[Ric W.]

Does anybody out there have a recommendation on a reliable, affordable, free standing ice machine?
I thought CR would should have a review, Oh well.

[Megan Barber]

I'm also disappointed CR does not have any info on stand alone ice machines. We also have a large family; new fridg w/ 'in the door' ice feature DOES NOT keep up w/ demand. Please CR - we're waiting!

[Elizabeth Williams]

Yes, please rate ice makers!

[Susie]

There are many consumers that are in need of these appliances for their travel trailers, bars, gamerooms or where 'city' water is unavailable. I fall into the later category and have chosen to not hookup my refrigerator to the well water to avoid the costly repairs associated with the minerals and to provide for a higher resale value later, should I need it. Please do not ignore the need for reviews of portable and midsize appliances for your loyal, but disappointed customers.

[zoracollie]

I joined this moment to read about portable ice makers. I bought one one line and it is of no value. If I return it It will cost over half the price pay shipping both ways and perhaps restocking.I told them it didn't operate in a manner that a consumer would expect, they are calling it "buyers Regret" wet dripping ice cubs as soon as they are released.

[zoracollie]

I just applied for a subscription and went straight to ice makers
I do not have an ice maker in my freezer. I ordered a portable ice
maker and it does not perform like anyone would expect. Ice cubes as soon as they are released are wet and dripping it is advertised to make up to 33 lbs in 24 hrs it made 2 gallons of water 8.4 lbs
roughly 17lbs. but it says up to. now there are many for sale refurbished. i have to pay shipping both ways and restocking charges. So I see why there are so many refurbished for sale. I am disappointed now that I ordered this service and there is not a word about portable ice makers.

[J Bodinar]

Re stand alone ice machines. I bought a Prodis machine in March, am now on third machine and this one doesn't work.

[joaniepony]

I didn't see this comment area until after I purchased a subscription to C R. It would be helpful if we could see a real index of items and brands,before we have to hand over personal information, like credit card information.

[CSherman]

I am so disappointed in Consumer Reports. Have had a Kitchen Aid under the counter Ice Maker for the last five years and have had to have it worked on 3 times and now is the fourth, possibly final repair. Went to find your recommendations for Ice makers and nothing! Get with it CR, not everyone has just a regular fridge with in the door ice.

[bret]

I,too, just now applied to CR for ONLY a review on
stand alone ice maker (under counter)recommendations
and am angry I wasted by subscription and didnt get
any reviews or recommendations.
Can I get a refund on my subscription?

[DBryant]

You've been reminding me for almost a year that my credit card expires before my renewal date with you. I now need your recommendation on ice makers. Wanna trade? My new expiration date for your recommendation?

[DBryant]

You've been reminding me for almost a year that my credit card expires before my renewal date with you. I now need your recommendation on ice makers. Wanna trade? My new expiration date for your recommendation?

[Joe]

Any suggestions on buying a machine to make fresh pasta at home?

[Gina Lazzari]

I also subscribed hoping to find useful info on under counter ice makers and trash compactors! Guess what? Nothing on either!
Very disappointing. You should strive for a comprehensive recommendation list. PLEASE ADD THESE APPLIANCES!!

[Linda Riek]

I also subscribed because I wanted to find out about ice Makers and can't believe you have nothing!!! I have a Kitchenaid that has been repaired more than 10 times and wanted to find out if there were any decent brands out there. Where do you go for this information if Consumer Reports doesn't test them?

[TMcIntosh]

I also would like information on a free-standing ice maker. My top of the line GE is very noisy, and even after 4 service visits, the problem remains. Please research these!
Thanks.

[Mary Lee Stubblefield]

I need to compate undercounter ice makers and trash compactors,just as several others have mentioned. Where is that info, please?

[Jerry Cayford]

Everything I want to say is said above by others. Please review ice makers.