The Purpose of the Ice Block
One of the persistent hurdles to an effective cold plunge during sizzling summer months is keeping the water adequately chilled. For this, there are two solutions:
- Investing in a chiller.
- Relying on traditional ice.
The problem is that chillers can be expensive, and normal ice melts very fast. Enter the Ice Block. A massive upgrade to conventional ice, this product allows you to create a 7-pound block of ice in the convenience of your home. Its sizeable mass and square shape allow for a significantly slower melting rate. In my testing, I exposed the Ice Block to direct summer sunlight, and it took over 4 hours to fully melt.
How to Use the Ice Block
- Begin by pouring water into the mold. Remember to leave a little space at the top; as we all recall from our middle school science lessons, water expands when it freezes.
- Place it in your freezer and wait. After a while you’ll have a big block of ice ready for your plunge.
We’ve found that it takes almost 24 hours to freeze fully, so for ease of use, we recommend re-using the ice blocks by putting them back in your freezer when you’re done plunging.
What We Love
Its build quality is top-notch. The silicone used is robust and gives a reassuring sense of durability. What’s more, it’s reinforced with steel and is even dishwasher-friendly.
Though I’ve only been using it for a month, its solid build suggests it’s here for the long haul.
And a bonus: it’s designed to be stackable, making storage a breeze.
The Negatives
The Price: At $36, the Ice Block is certainly pricy. Fortunately, the more you buy, the more you save but it is still one expensive piece of ice – luckily it’s reusable!
Storage Struggles: Its significant footprint in the freezer can be both a blessing and a curse. While it does commandeer a good chunk of space, it’s all in the name of creating very large ice. So if you have the extra freezer space – go for it!
The Freeze Factor: While I didn’t keep an exact tab, the freezing process hovered around the 16-hour mark. This might feel like an eternity for some, but the upside? When it’s finally ready, it promises prolonged cooling power.
Final Thoughts
The Ice Block is a great alternative for your summer cold plunges. While it’s expensive we feel that you will not regret this purchase as you will save a lot of money on ice the more you use it!
I am dedicated to sharing all of my cold plunge-related adventures and research to give you the best knowledge base. As a videographer and biohacker, I blend visual storytelling with health optimization to share insights and guide others in their cold plunge journey.
