Looking for ways to get free ice without spending a penny? Whether you’re hosting a party or just need some extra ice, we’ve got you covered.
During the dog days of summer, many people purchase ice to cool off their favorite drinks or tend to an injury.
That said, some individuals would rather get free ice because they’re either going through tough financial times or just trying to save money.
You’re likely interested in getting ice without spending any money too, and want to know how to do it.
Well, you’ll be glad to know that it doesn’t involve ice cutting, the method people used to obtain ice before modern refrigeration.
Read on for strategies you can use to get ice without spending a penny.
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How to Get Free Ice Near Me
Consider these techniques to get ice at no cost.
1. Twice the Ice/Ice House America
Twice the Ice/Ice House America is an ice vending machine company with over 4,000 locations worldwide.
Its ICE2U app offers four ways to get ice for free (or at a discount):
- Sign up—Once you sign up and confirm your email, you receive one free bag of ice.
- Load the app with $20—Link your credit card with the app and deposit at least $20 for another free bag of ice.
- Purchase 10 bags of ice—Earn loyalty points towards one free bag for every 10 you buy.
- Free ICE2U coupons—By downloading the app, you become eligible for coupons and future promotions.
Find the nearest ice vending machine by clicking the above link and entering your city, state, or zip code.
(Note: Not every machine supports the ICE2U app. Narrow your results to participating locations by checking the box that says, “Only show ICE2U participating locations.”)
2. Restaurants and Fast Food Chains
Some restaurants and cafes offer cups of ice at no charge.
However, this method works best if you’re a paying customer, similar to how most eateries won’t let you use their Wi-Fi unless you buy something.
Consider asking for a cup of ice in addition to your meal.
Some places may also fill up a bag or container with ice if you ask nicely. Years ago, you could fill up a cooler with ice from McDonald’s with a small “donation.”
3. Neighbor
Have you seen TV shows or movies where a character visits their neighbor to ask for a cup of sugar?
That’s based on truth because it was common for neighbors to ask each other for ingredients. (You don’t see it often today, but I once had a neighbor ask me for a pinch of salt.)
Depending on your relationship with your neighbor and comfort level, you might ask them for some ice. They might be more than happy to give you a cup or bag of it.
4. Hotel
One of the perks of staying at a hotel is free ice.
You’ll typically find ice vending machines on the main floor, and you can store ice cubes in the bucket located in your room. (I should know, as a former hotel housekeeper, I had to pour out the water from the ice buckets and wipe them down before placing fresh bags inside.)
Keep this in mind for your next vacation.
5. Ice Maker
If you own a countertop or refrigerator ice maker, you’re in luck!
Unlike an ice tray, you don’t have to bend it back or bang it on the sink to retrieve the ice.
With a countertop ice maker, you just plug it in, add water, and get ice within minutes. (A refrigerator ice maker can take between 90 minutes and a few days depending on various factors, but at least you can instantly fill a cup with ready-made ice when the process is finished.)
6. Ice Tray
This method is very easy since most people own one or more ice trays.
Just fill it with water, put it in the freezer, and you’ll have ready-made ice cubes within a few hours.
Be Cool: Snag Some Ice for Free!
Whether you need ice to nurse a sprained ankle or to drink a chilly beverage (or even to make mini popsicles with an ice tray), you now know where to get ice at no cost.
Don’t wait; beat the heat with free ice today!
