Introduction: DIY Ice Cubes

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About: I am a paper engineer, writer, maker and chemist wannabe. In addition to pop-up cards I design and build furniture, lights, costumes or whatever I happen to need at the time. Lipstick, a mixing studio, all-pur…

I recently discovered on a cooking website that it' is possible to make your own ice cubes, just like they used to do in the olden days.

You don't need the double door refrigerator, you don't need to worry that your pitcher can't fit into the ice dispenser slot. With some simple equipment and a little patience you can make your own ice cubes.

Since I am merely copying this wonderful idea for the instructables community, I feel it's important to link to the site that inspired me. It is worth checking it out, if only for the really helpful comments.

I look forward to getting your feedback too!

Step 1: Materials and Equipment

You will need:
  • An ice cube tray (this is a mold, usually made of plastic or silicone, which can be purchased at most hardware or houseware stores for a couple dollars. Make sure you get the kind with small cavities; if it's made of metal and the cavities are the size of a tennis ball then it's probably a muffin tin, not an ice cube tray)
  • a freezer (even a small one will work if you bought the right kind of ice cube tray)
  • Water (IMPORTANT: use potable water only)

Step 2: Instructions

Fill your ice cube tray (rinse it first) with potable water and carry it very carefully to the freezer. It can be useful to open the freezer door first, before filling out your tray, unless you have someone who can help you. It is almost impossible to get a full tray into the freezer without spilling a bit of water, but with practice you can do it. Don't give up!

Try to fit the tray in so that it's level, close the freezer door, then wait at least 2 hours and thirty minutes. 

Step 3: Enjoy!

Use these the same way your would use normal or store-bought ice cubes. Put them in your drink, or, if you've been injured, put them on your body to reduce swelling.

I've heard you can put rocks in your drinks too (for "on the rocks" margaritas, for example), but this has never worked for me. Even when I rinse and scrub the pebbles really hard my drink always gets a little muddy, and they don't seem to cool down the beverage either. I might have to bite the bullet and buy those expensive whiskey stones. Though I love the idea of making my own ice cubes, it is a big time commitment so I might have to save this recipe for special occasions.

If you'd like to get serious about ice, here are a couple instructables for more advanced techniques:

Crystal clear ice

Ice ball maker

If you'd like to find out what else I'm making, check out my blog

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