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10 Best Ice Scoops

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Ice Scoops

Choosing the right ice scoop may seem simple, but it's essential for keeping foodservice and home environments clean, efficient, and safe. The ideal ice scoop should make the task of moving ice easy, hygienic, and suitable for your intended usage—whether that's for small beverages at home or commercial-scale operations. Understanding the key features will help you pick a scoop that matches your needs and is comfortable to use.
MaterialIce scoops are commonly made from stainless steel, polycarbonate (plastic), or aluminum. The material affects durability, ease of cleaning, and potential for harboring bacteria. Stainless steel scoops are robust, resist corrosion, and are best for heavy or commercial use. Polycarbonate scoops are lightweight, resistant to breaking, and ideal for home and less demanding settings. Aluminum is lightweight and conducts cold quickly, but may dent and is less common for food safety reasons. Choose a material based on how much ice you're moving, how often, and your cleaning preferences.
CapacityCapacity means how much ice the scoop can hold at one time, usually measured in ounces or liters. Small scoops (2-6 oz) are ideal for home bars or individual drink servings, making them easy to handle. Medium scoops (7-24 oz) work for moderate needs, like filling pitchers. Large scoops (25 oz or more) are best for quickly transferring a lot of ice, as in restaurants or catering. Think about what tasks you'll do most often—choose a smaller scoop for precise serving, a larger one for speed and efficiency.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle affects comfort, grip, and safety. Handles may be straight, curved, have finger grips, or come with a guard to prevent hand contact with the ice. A well-designed handle reduces hand fatigue during frequent use and helps prevent slips. If you'll be scooping for long periods or want to minimize touching the ice (for hygiene), look for ergonomic or guarded handles. For light, occasional use, a basic handle may suffice.
Sanitation FeaturesSanitation is crucial, especially when scooping ice that will go directly into drinks or food. Some scoops have features like drain holes to prevent water buildup, a built-in guard to separate hand from ice, or are certified as dishwasher safe. Consider if you'll need to wash the scoop frequently, and whether you'll store it exposed at a bar or in an ice bin. Choose features that make clean-up easy and reduce risk of contamination in your environment.
Weight and BalanceHow heavy and well-balanced a scoop feels will impact ease of use, especially with repetitive scooping or larger capacities. Heavier scoops provide stability but may cause fatigue, while lightweight versions are easier for everyone to handle but might feel flimsy. Test or consider what weight feels comfortable based on the typical amount of ice you'll move and who will be using it.