What Is Inside Reusable Ice Cubes?
Long gone are the days that we had to wait for our water to freeze to get ice cubes. Times have changed and we now have a great substitute – reusable ice cubes.
Not only do they help you conserve water but they also don’t dilute your drinks. And let’s not even talk about how they reduce your chances of getting food poisoning. In short, they solve all the problems we have with traditional ice cubes.
However, most of us don’t know much about how they are manufactured. For instance, what is even inside them?
Well, today we have the answer to that very question.
What is inside reusable ice cubes?
While most ice cubes contain silica gel in a plastic or silicone encasing, some are made fully of stone or food-grade stainless steel. There are also reusable ice cubes with a stainless-steel exterior and a silica gel core. Some companies even go as far as using other forms of gel that they deem safer.
Are reusable ice cubes safe?
Considering most ice cubes contain silicone gel inside a coating of plastic or silicone, there is a real possibility of leaking. And while silica gel itself isn’t toxic, it can be dosed with toxic additives like Cobalt (II) Chloride that is carcinogenic. As such, you are better off with a purely stainless-steel ice cube.
This eliminates the chances of leaking and leaching. With such, you just have to ensure that the ice cube is clean and you’re good to go.
Do reusable ice cubes affect the flavor of my drink?
No matter what type of reusable ice cube you use, it will most probably affect the flavor of your drink.
For instance, stainless steel ice cubes can impart a tinny flavor to your drink, quite similar to that of water drank from a metallic can.
On the other hand, ice cubes with a plastic exterior can retain the flavors of previous drinks and transfer them to what you’re currently drinking. The only type of reusable ice cubes that manages to avoid this has to be stone ones.
Can reusable ice cubes remain cold for 30 minutes?
While 30 minutes is the average time most reusable ice cubes remain cold, this is highly dependent on the type you use.
For instance, plastic ones only last 15 to 20 minutes while stainless steel can remain cold for anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes. And soapstone takes the lead here, keeping its cool for up to one hour.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to reusable ice cubes, there is no perfect one. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The key is figuring out which one is best for you.
For instance, if you’re looking for something colorful and really don’t mind cubes floating on top of your drink, you should definitely opt for plastic gel-filled ones.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more demure and classic, then stainless steel is the way to go.
Whatever the case, just make sure you know what you want.
