An ice crusher is an important tool for use in a home bar, and particularly appropriate and convenient when it comes to entertaining guests. Ice crushers are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. They also range from manual to automatic and can be designed with a retro look or a modern 21st century look.

When using an ice crusher, one must place a standard ice cube inside the gadget. Chipped ice, which can be used for a variety of purposes, is then released. Most ice crushers are sold with an ice scoop and a special container for retrieving the chipped ice. Some also have suction cups to hold them in place on the counter top.

Some people, such as those who own or operate a bar, purchase an ice crusher for professional reasons. Others purchase an ice crusher because they entertain often in the home. An ice crusher is often used to crush ice into mounds in order to be shaken into cocktails and other drinks, such as martinis. Crushed ice in a non-alcoholic drink can also be a refreshing treat. Commercially, crushed ice is also used to make an ice bed in order to chill fruits and salads, such as those commonly found in restaurant salad bars or catered food displays.

Before choosing an ice crusher, it is important to consider how much ice you will need at any given time and how often you will need to crush ice. Some ice crushers can produce up to a quart of ice in just two minutes. Similarly, some ice crushers can crush up to 50 pounds (about 22.68 kilograms) of ice in one hour. For home use, however, it is likely unnecessary to purchase an ice crusher that is capable of such a large output.

An electric ice crusher is the type most commonly found in homes. This type of ice crusher is fully automatic and can chip ice into uniform shapes and sizes. There are also ice crushers available that double as cocktail shakers and, therefore, are capable of making ice so tiny that it looks like splinters. A standard ice crusher sells for approximately 50 US dollars (USD) and is about the size of a blender. For a more sophisticated and heavy-duty ice crusher, expect to pay about 200 USD or more.