Oxo SteeL Ice Bucket and Ice Tongs with Tong Holder

I have been very pleased with this bucket. The holder is a perfect place to keep the tongs, and the lid works great. I've been able to fill mine almost to the rim with ice without a problem, and I love that the lid flips open without having to set it somewhere. Some have complained about the capacity, but my opinion is if you need more ice, then you probably need to use a cooler. This has been ideal for parties with about 10 guests. In addition, after purchasing this, I had a problem with my tongs not opening correctly, so I emailed the company with my purchase information and asked for a replacement set of tongs. 2 weeks later I received an entire new ice bucket with tongs and holder in the mail free of charge. Excellent customer service and product!

I saw the Oxo Ice Bucket used at work and had to have it. Oxo solved 2 related problems. First, what to do with the tongs used to get the ice out when not in use, and second, how to have a functional lid that wouldn't have to stay open with the tongs inside when not in use. They provide a holder that fits on the outside of the bucket, keeping them out of the way and clean. The hinged lid stays open while you are getting the ice out so you don't have to put it down on your table or hold it in your hand, again, keeping it clean. It looks sleek and solid and works like a charm. Rarely has something come along that so completely answers my prayers. Bravo Oxo!

I admit that I ended up purchasing mine at Linens and Things for the same price that Amazon has it listed as. I always do my research on Amazon with reviews etc. and 80% of the time purchase from Amazon but not without free shipping which was not applicable to this item.

I loved the item, great look, kept my ice frozen from 4pm Saturday to the next afternoon! There was some melting but it sat on the counter and was only about 1/3 melted which meant it does the job perfectly and looks awesome on your bar/counter for parties. I also really like the tongs and the tong holder hanging on the side. Again, great! Lastly, no condensation or drippage on the outside either so truly great item.

Now for the BAD. I opened an undamaged box, perfect condition, pulled the plastic off the ice bucket and lifted the clear plastic lid up to look inside. Well....there are two tiny PLASTIC tabs - One on the right and one on the left on the inside of the bucket. This allows you to lift the lid UP - similar to a hinged lid - not off. This is great in that your hands are free to hold your glass and the other can pick up Ice and put it in your glass plus you do not need to look for a place to put the lid or hold it. The bad thing is that one tab broke off as I lifted the lid. Clearly it snapped right off, clean break, but there isn't a way to fix it. You can't glue it back on and you can't easily pop the lid back on either.

SO....why go through the trouble of making a great item, solid all around, put your money in good design to "save" on something as simple as the tab to hold the lid in place! I was so mad that a $40 itme that I LOVED I had to return and that was a pain in the next. They did not have a quality replacement and to be honest if someone else wasn't aware of how to take the lid off it would just break again. Period.

So I would not buy this item again and would not recommend it unless you are fine with the lid being a pain to work with. Other than that? Great item. OXO - don't try to save money on something this basic.

Let me just say.... after reading the reviews about the lid I almost did not get it. But I went and looked at it at Bed Bath and Beyond and I decided the people who complained about this bucket are whiners..... The lid doesn't detach but that doesn't bother me personally because when you take it off you have to put it somewhere (taking up counter space) and then people don't put it back on. This way they get ice and flip it down SIMPLE.... and they make it sound like you can only fill it up halfway with ice which is totally not true.... You can fill it almost all the way to the top... the hinge for the lid is in the back of the bucket so barely any of the lid goes into the bucket when it is open ... maybe 2-3 inches of the back part of the bucket cannot be used.... this is a 1 GALLON bucket... it is larger than most other ice buckets anyway to make up for the little bit you cannot use... and you cant lose the lid.... I would def recommend this bucket to anyone who wants a very nice looking and functional ice bucket!!

My husband purchased this the day of a get together. I was impressed that the tongs (which were quality with a built in lock) were included and there was an outside slot for them to rest in. As people arrived, we received compiment after compliment on this! I actually liked that the lid was attached, this way you didn't have to find a place to put it while you were getting your ice. It also has a bit of a lift at the bottom so the water from the melted ice can rest at the bottom. The only flaw I've found was that the holder of the handle falls off a little too easily. It's a substantial weight and a nice gripper attached to a sturdy handle. Plus the tongs and holder fit nicely inside for storing. This was really a good purchase.