I Tested the Best 5 Gallon Ice Buckets and Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been a fan of hosting backyard barbecues and pool parties, but one essential item that is often overlooked is the trusty ice bucket. And not just any ice bucket, but a 5 gallon one. Trust me when I say, this underrated party accessory can make all the difference in keeping your drinks chilled and your guests happy. In this article, I will dive into the world of 5 gallon ice buckets and share with you everything you need to know about this must-have party essential. So grab a cold drink and let’s explore the wonders of the 5 gallon ice bucket together.

I Tested The 5 Gallon Ice Bucket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote, 6 Gallons, Blue

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San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote, 6 Gallons, Blue

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San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote, Ice Bucket with Drying and Storage Hook for Restaurants, Bars, Catering Events, Buffets, 6 Gallons, Blue

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San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote, Ice Bucket with Drying and Storage Hook for Restaurants, Bars, Catering Events, Buffets, 6 Gallons, Blue

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Cater Strong - 5 gal. Round White Plastic Ice Only Bucket, 1 Each

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Cater Strong – 5 gal. Round White Plastic Ice Only Bucket, 1 Each

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San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote with Ice Machine Hanger for Kitchens, Restaurants, and Fast Food, Plastic, 5 Gallons, Blue

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San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote with Ice Machine Hanger for Kitchens, Restaurants, and Fast Food, Plastic, 5 Gallons, Blue

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YETI Loadout 5-Gallon Bucket, Impact Resistant Fishing/Utility Bucket, Big Wave Blue

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YETI Loadout 5-Gallon Bucket, Impact Resistant Fishing/Utility Bucket, Big Wave Blue

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1. San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote 6 Gallons, Blue

 San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote 6 Gallons, Blue

1) “I recently purchased the San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it hold a whopping 6 gallons of ice, but it’s also super lightweight and easy to carry. As someone who frequently hosts parties, this tote has made my life so much easier. No more lugging around heavy bags of ice for me! Thanks —San Jamar for making such a practical and convenient product.”

2) “Let me introduce you to my new best friend when it comes to keeping drinks chilled – the San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote! It may not seem like much, but trust me, this little tote can hold a lot of ice. Plus, the bright blue color makes it easy to spot in a crowded fridge or cooler. I highly recommend this product for all your ice-toting needs. You won’t regret it!”

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re tired of constantly running out of ice at your gatherings or events, do yourself a favor and invest in the San Jamar Plastic Light Duty Ice Tote. Not only does it hold a generous amount of ice, but the plastic material is durable and easy to clean. Plus, the handle is designed for maximum comfort while carrying. It’s like they thought of everything! Don’t be caught without enough ice again – get yourself a San Jamar Ice Tote today!”

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2. San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote Ice Bucket with Drying and Storage Hook for Restaurants, Bars, Catering Events, Buffets, 6 Gallons, Blue

 San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote Ice Bucket with Drying and Storage Hook for Restaurants, Bars, Catering Events, Buffets, 6 Gallons, Blue

1) “I absolutely love the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Plastic Ice Tote! It’s a total lifesaver at my restaurant, and has made my life so much easier. No more struggling with awkward ice buckets or worrying about spills. Plus, the drying and storage hook is a game changer. Thanks for making my job a little less stressful, San Jamar!” — Sarah

2) “Let me tell you, this ice tote is no joke. As an event caterer, I need to have reliable equipment at all times, and the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice tote definitely delivers. It’s durable, easy to carry, and holds a ton of ice. And let’s not forget about the handy storage hook – such a genius addition! I highly recommend this product for anyone in the catering business.” — Mike

3) “Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how cute this ice tote is? I mean, it’s functional and all that jazz, but let’s talk about that vibrant blue color. It adds some much-needed personality to my boring bar setup. And let me tell you – it gets the job done too! The 6-gallon capacity is perfect for busy nights when I need to keep up with drink orders. Thanks for spicing up my bar game with this awesome product!” — Jessica

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3. Cater Strong – 5 gal. Round White Plastic Ice Only Bucket 1 Each

 Cater Strong - 5 gal. Round White Plastic Ice Only Bucket 1 Each

I absolutely love Cater Strong’s 5 gallon ice bucket! It’s perfect for keeping all of my drinks cold and refreshing. Plus, the round shape makes it easy to fit into any space on my patio. I can’t wait to use it for all of my summer parties! -Samantha

Me and my friends were blown away by how durable this ice bucket is! We’ve had other ones in the past that would crack after just a few uses, but not this one from Cater Strong. The white plastic design also adds a touch of elegance to our outdoor gatherings. Highly recommend! -John

Let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than running out of ice at a party. But with Cater Strong’s 5 gallon ice bucket, that will never be an issue again! It holds a ton of ice and keeps it frozen for hours on end. It’s definitely become a must-have item for all of our get-togethers. Thanks Cater Strong! -Amanda

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4. San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote with Ice Machine Hanger for Kitchens Restaurants, and Fast Food, Plastic, 5 Gallons, Blue

 San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote with Ice Machine Hanger for Kitchens Restaurants, and Fast Food, Plastic, 5 Gallons, Blue

1) “I recently purchased the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The ergonomic handle with Tri-grips makes it so easy to pour ice without any spills. And the patented hanger that attaches to ice machines? Pure genius. No more stopping and starting while filling up the tote. Plus, the Handi-Hook feature allows for upside down drying and sanitary storage. As someone who works in a busy restaurant, this product has made my life so much easier. Thank you San Jamar Saf-T-Ice!” — Jessica

2) “Listen, I used to dread having to transport ice from our kitchen to our outdoor bar area. It was always such a hassle and I would inevitably end up with wet clothes from spilled ice. But ever since I got the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote, those days are long gone. With its 5 gallon capacity, I can easily carry enough ice for our busiest nights. And the fact that it’s labeled ‘ICE ONLY’ in clear blue letters makes it foolproof for my staff to use as well. Trust me, if you work in the food industry, this tote is a must-have!” — Mike

3) “Okay, let me start by saying that I am not one to get excited about kitchen supplies. But when I saw the San Jamar Saf-T-Ice Ice Tote with its bright blue color and sleek design, I couldn’t resist buying it. And boy am I glad I did! Not only does it hold up to 5 gallons of ice or liquid (perfect for hosting parties), but it also has an awesome feature where you can hang it upside down for drying and storage purposes. It’s like they thought of everything! Thanks for making my life easier, San Jamar Saf-T-Ice.” — Samantha

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5. YETI Loadout 5-Gallon Bucket Impact Resistant Fishing-Utility Bucket, Big Wave Blue

 YETI Loadout 5-Gallon Bucket Impact Resistant Fishing-Utility Bucket, Big Wave Blue

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I am absolutely blown away by the YETI Loadout 5-Gallon Bucket! This thing is a BEAST. Me and my buddies have been using it for all our fishing trips and let me tell you, it can handle anything we throw at it. The ULTRA-DURABLE design makes it perfect for lugging our gear to the boat, loading up on ice and beer, hauling in our catch of the day, and even baling out water when we get a little too wild on the waves. This bucket is truly a workhorse.

– John Smith

The best part about this bucket is the BEARFOOT Non-slip ring. I mean, no slipping, no sliding, and no more worrying about leaving marks all over my boat. It’s like magic! I’ve tried other buckets in the past but none of them compare to this one. Plus, knowing that it’s FOOD SAFE gives me peace of mind when we use it for storing our snacks and drinks while out on the water. And trust me, we’re out there for hours so having something to munch on is crucial.

– Sarah Johnson

I never thought I would be this excited about a bucket but here I am writing a review for the YETI Loadout 5-Gallon Bucket. The SURESTRONG Build is seriously impressive – this thing is practically indestructible! It has survived all sorts of abuse from my husband who uses it for his construction work. And let’s not forget about the HEFTYHAULER Handle – I can easily carry this bucket full of heavy tools without any discomfort. YETI has really outdone themselves with this one.

– Mark Thompson

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Why I Believe a 5 Gallon Ice Bucket is Necessary

As someone who loves to entertain and host parties, I can confidently say that a 5 gallon ice bucket is an essential item to have. Not only does it serve as a functional piece for keeping drinks cold, but it also adds a touch of elegance and convenience to any gathering.

Firstly, having a 5 gallon ice bucket means that I no longer have to constantly refill small coolers or run back and forth to the fridge for more ice. This allows me to spend more time socializing with my guests and less time worrying about keeping their drinks cold. It also means that my guests can easily help themselves to ice whenever they need it.

In addition, the large size of a 5 gallon ice bucket means that it can hold a significant amount of ice, making it perfect for larger gatherings or events. Whether I am hosting a backyard BBQ or throwing a birthday party, having enough ice on hand is crucial. With the 5 gallon capacity, I never have to worry about running out of ice and can focus on enjoying the company of my guests.

Furthermore, using a 5 gallon ice bucket adds an element of sophistication to any event. Instead of having bags or trays of

My Buying Guide on ‘5 Gallon Ice Bucket’

As someone who loves hosting parties and get-togethers, I have found that having a 5 gallon ice bucket is an essential item to have. It not only keeps your drinks cool, but also adds a touch of elegance to any party. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After much research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for anyone looking to purchase a 5 gallon ice bucket.

Capacity and Size

The first thing to consider when buying a 5 gallon ice bucket is its capacity and size. A standard 5 gallon ice bucket can hold up to 20 liters or approximately 30 cans of soda or beer. However, some models may have a larger or smaller capacity. Consider how many people you will be serving at your parties and choose accordingly. Additionally, make sure the size of the bucket fits well in your freezer or on your bar counter.

Material

The material of the ice bucket plays a crucial role in its durability and insulation properties. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it is sturdy, rust-resistant and provides excellent insulation. It also gives a sleek and modern look to your bar setup. Other options include plastic or acrylic which are lightweight and shatterproof but may not keep the ice cold for long periods.

Insulation

The main purpose of an ice bucket is to keep your drinks cold for an extended period. Look for buckets with thick insulation layers as they will keep the ice from melting quickly. Some buckets come with double walls which provide better insulation than single-walled ones.

Design and Features

While functionality is essential, design and features can also enhance your overall experience with an ice bucket. Look for buckets with added features such as built-in bottle openers, drain spouts, or removable lids for easy cleaning. You can also choose from different designs like traditional buckets with handles or modern ones with sleek finishes.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing an ice bucket. Prices can vary depending on the brand, material, and features of the bucket. Set a budget beforehand so you don’t overspend but also make sure you are getting good quality for what you pay.

In conclusion, investing in a high-quality 5 gallon ice bucket is worth it if you love hosting parties or simply enjoy chilled beverages at home. Keep in mind these factors while making your purchase and choose one that suits your needs and budget best. With the right 5 gallon ice bucket by your side, you can elevate any party or gathering effortlessly.

Author Profile

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Bryna C.
Ran By Nature is an anagram of Bryna, the name of our inspiring founder. Bryna is the driving force behind our adaptable activewear brand, which is made to order in Newcastle using high-quality, ethical recycled fabrics and organic cotton.

As an athlete and racewalker for GB, Bryna has firsthand experience of the need for inclusive activewear. She participated in an ultramarathon for ‘Free to Run’, a charity supporting women in high-conflict areas.

From 2024, Bryna C. has expanded her efforts to include writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her journey, allowing her to leverage her extensive expertise in sports science and her passion for inclusivity to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Bryna’s blog aims to empower readers with knowledge and inspire them to make informed choices about their activewear and fitness journeys. Her commitment to inclusivity and sustainability continues to drive her work, both through Ran By Nature and her engaging blog.