August 3, 2020
Everyday Tip : Use an Ice Scoop
This little hack is simple and maybe you’re already doing it, but if you aren’t it’ll take your ice dispensing to the next level for around $10. Why did I add an ice scoop to our ice dispenser? In our old refrigerator, we dispensed the ice from the door and from a container in the freezer. In our new refrigerator, we chose to go without the door dispenser for a simpler refrigerator appearance. That means that there is one ice dispenser and either hands or glasses were going into the ice daily. This was driving me nuts and I was afraid that a glass would be chipped in the ice and we wouldn’t know it or hands (maybe clean, maybe not) would be in the ice.
Here’s where a scoop comes in. I looked for a scoop with a handle that would be sturdy and dishwasher safe. This idea came from my restaurant days – there was always a scoop outside the ice maker and it went through the dishwasher at the end of the night.
I chose this dishwasher-safe stainless steel scoop. It holds 8 ounces which feels like just right amount of ice for a glass. One scoop and you’re done. If you choose an aluminum scoop, it will get black if you accidentally wash it in the dishwasher because it will oxidize with the heat and detergent, also leaving a dark gray powder on your hands. You could also use acrylic, but I find that to crack and deteriorate over time. Here’s a softer plastic one that would work too. You can see this scoop in my Amazon Favorites under Kitchen Favorites here.
We keep our scoop in the ice with the handle out to keep germs out of the ice. It’s washed in the dishwasher regularly and it’s just made our ice-retrieval that much easier. Of course, feel free to keep your scoop out of the ice in a bowl or hanging from a hook in your freezer if you’d prefer. Not a big, life-changing tip, but an Everyday Tip that makes things run a little more smoothly. I hope you try it! Want to see the full kitchen tour complete with all the details on the refrigerator? Go here.
Sometimes a quick and simple tip that can make the mundane a little easier or make your life a little better makes a BIG difference. This is an ongoing series here on the blog where I share simple tips, finds, and suggestions to make life a little easier. I share these tips regularly on the blog and on Instagram– make sure you’re following along! You can see all the Everyday Tips here.
Amanda Says
Great idea! What model is your fridge!? I love that the ice goes into a pull out drawer.
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI just detailed it in this post:
https://cleanmama.com/kitchen-tour-an-easy-to-clean-organized-family-kitchen/
Maggie Says
Our icemaker can’t keep up…and is a door dispensor ..this looks so much nicer…
MJ Chen Says
Yup! Been doing this since I got my fridge and totally makes sense since that’s what I saw restaurants do!
Mary Says
My mother in law made cloth covers (think tiny pillow cases) for her scoops so the handles wouldn’t feel cold on her hands!
Leah Says
I love this tip and immediately bought the scoop you recommended. I too, hated hands in the ice bin but never gave a thought to adding a scoop to the ice bin. Thanks.
ShelleyRae Says
I learned this while visiting afriend in Georgia 3 years ago. Both she, and my parents who live nearby, had scoops in their freezer. Even though they do have the dispenser on front. If you are using a lot of ice (like for Dads 80th party), or on a hot day, the dispenser slows down – or just cannot keep up the demand. Therefore a scoop. When i returned home, i found a set of measuring scoops that are colorful, and sturdy quality. So the 1/2 scooper (bright green) stays in the covered ice container. We have a refrig from 2008) hat was an update through a local energy assistance grant, for appliances that are more energy efficient. Now we really wish we had a frig with an ice maker, but the re routing the plumbing and electrical would be a nightmare. My house was built in 1894 (still have some gas plugs from the lighting) and remodeled in the 50s. And now that we both are disabled, it is not going to happen.
Julie Barnes Says
Love this idea! What brand refrigerator did you purchase?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorIt’s a KitchenAid – you can see it and all the details in this new post:
https://cleanmama.com/kitchen-tour-an-easy-to-clean-organized-family-kitchen/
Lovey Says
I have had a Disney cup with a handle in my freezer for years. Kids didn’t use it but didn’t want to throw it away. As I was scooping ice one day, I thought why not leave it in there.
Stella Napier Says
I guess it’s from being raised in my grandparents restaurant, I always used a scoop! It sure saves fingers from freezing and glasses from breaking!