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Are you tired of limp cocktails, watery slushies, or dull-looking drinks at your parties? An ice crusher or ice shaver is a small change that makes a big difference. Whether you want fine snow for cocktails, coarse chips for margaritas, or chunky ice for a seafood platter, the right tool elevates the whole experience. In this guide I’ll walk you through standout products from Menkind and Nordic Nest, and compare those with other trusted UK stores so you can pick the best ice crusher for your kitchen and bar needs.
Menkind’s Lewis Ice Crusher Set is one of those gadgets that looks stylish on the counter and does the job without fuss. If you like hosting, it’s ideal because it usually comes with a hand-crank or tabletop mechanism that’s simple to use and easy to clean. The Lewis set appeals to people who want a mix of retro charm and practical performance.
The Lewis set typically includes a handle-operated crusher, a sturdy base to grip the surface, and a collection cup to catch the crushed ice. Expect durable components that feel weighty in the hand, with blades designed to grind rather than smash, delivering consistent chips. For reference, many crushers in this style handle ice cubes roughly 1 inch square, breaking them into pieces about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide — perfect for cocktails.
If you value design, want a manual tool that doesn’t need power, and host drinks regularly for small groups, Menkind’s Lewis set is a great fit. It’s a good middle ground between cheap single-use gadgets and heavy-duty electric machines that take up a lot of space.
Nordic Nest offers Scandinavian-inspired kitchenware, and the Dorre Connor stainless steel ice crusher is a fine example of clean design meeting function. The stainless finish not only looks slick but also resists rust and holds up to frequent use. This model is geared toward people who want something compact, stylish, and robust.
You’ll notice the Connor’s compact profile and solid build. The blades are typically stainless steel and the housing is built to last. Expect crushed ice sizes that range from snow-like shavings to larger chips depending on how you feed the cubes. The design usually emphasizes ease of cleaning — a must when you’re dealing with melting ice.
Nordic Nest is known for products that look at home in a modern kitchen, so if you like minimal design, this crusher is appealing. It’s a smart choice for someone who wants a reliable tool that doubles as a countertop accent rather than an appliance you hide away in a cupboard.
Choosing between electric and manual ice crushers comes down to how often you’ll use it and what type of ice you prefer. Electric crushers make quick work of large volumes — great for parties or busy bars — while manual units give you control and usually cost less. Think about how much counter space you have, how noisy you can tolerate the machine to be, and whether you want the convenience of a plug-in device.
Electric: faster, better for large batches, less effort but heavier and pricier. Manual: quieter, cheaper, often more compact, but takes physical effort and time for large amounts. If you make cocktails for two or three people regularly, a manual crusher might be ideal. For gatherings of a dozen or more, an electric model is worth the investment.
Beyond Menkind and Nordic Nest, a number of UK retailers offer quality ice crushers and shavers. Here’s a quick tour of popular options and what they bring to the table.
John Lewis often stocks both manual and electric ice crushers from reputable brands. They’re a good place to look if you want a balance of quality and customer protection. Expect a range spanning compact hand-crank models to mid-range electric units suitable for entertaining.
Lakeland focuses on practical kitchenware and tends to offer clever, space-saving designs. If you want a gadget that’s been tested for kitchen life and is designed for functionality rather than flair, Lakeland is worth a browse.
Argos can be a go-to if you want a quick buy and a broad price range. From budget-friendly hand crushers to electric shavers that handle moderate volumes, Argos offers options for different budgets and delivery preferences.
Amazon has one of the widest selections, including niche brands and top-rated electric machines. The benefit here is customer reviews: you can read real-world experiences to see how a crusher performs for cocktails, slushies, or crushed-ice desserts.
Robert Dyas stocks a small but solid range of kitchen gadgets. Their items are often targeted at everyday home cooks and those furnishing a first flat, so you’ll find reliable, simple options at a fair price.
Choosing the best ice crusher is less mysterious than it seems. Ask yourself a few simple questions about volume, style, and maintenance before you buy. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you.
1) How much ice will I crush at once? If it’s more than a few pounds for each gathering, go electric. 2) Do I want a snow-like shave or chunky chips? Different machines produce different textures. 3) Is cleaning easy? Look for parts that come apart. 4) How noisy can it be? Electric crushers are louder. 5) Does it match my kitchen’s style? If looks matter, stainless steel and designer options like Dorre Connor win.
Ice crushers aren’t just for cocktails. Think beyond the mojito: crushed ice is perfect for shaved-ice desserts, iced coffees, smoothie bases, and cooling seafood platters. Need a visual? Imagine a bowl of crushed ice glistening under a platter of oysters — suddenly your dinner looks restaurant-grade.
For cocktails, fine snow is ideal for juleps and tiki drinks, while larger chips work for margaritas and frozen daiquiris. Crushing fresh cubes at the moment gives drinks better dilution control and fresher presentation than store-bought ice that's been sitting in a freezer bag.
Shaved ice desserts, like a classic granita or a quick fruit slush, benefit from the fine texture an ice shaver can produce. Mix crushed fruit, a squeeze of citrus, and a touch of sweetener to make a refreshing treat in minutes.
Proper care extends the life of your crusher. It’s not rocket science — just a few best practices will keep blades sharp and housing rust-free, especially for stainless steel models like the Dorre Connor.
Always unplug electric models before cleaning. For manual devices, disassemble any removable parts and wash them in warm, soapy water, then dry immediately to prevent rust. Wipe down stainless steel surfaces with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners that dull the finish. If the crusher has blades you can remove, check them regularly and replace if they become dull or damaged.
Store your crusher in a dry place away from damp or freezing conditions. If it’s a manual unit that you use seasonally, consider a breathable cover to keep dust off the blades and keep seals in good condition.
Prices for ice crushers vary widely. Manual hand-crank options from Menkind or smaller brands can start quite affordably, while mid-range electric shavers and stainless steel models sit in the mid-price bracket. High-end professional units designed for heavy use cost more, but most household buyers won’t need that level of investment.
Don’t chase the cheapest model if you plan to use it often — a sturdier device will save money in the long run. Look for a good warranty, solid construction, and user reviews that mention consistent chopping performance. Often a mid-priced electric model offers the best balance of durability and cost for regular hosts.
Here are short, practical recommendations based on common use cases to help you find the right match fast.
Choose a manual crusher like the Menkind Lewis set. It’s stylish, easy to store, and perfect for a handful of cocktails or desserts at a gathering.
Consider a mid-range electric shaver. It handles larger batches with less effort and can switch between coarse and fine textures for different recipes.
The Dorre Connor stainless steel from Nordic Nest is a great pick for those who want a product that looks good on display and stands up to regular use.
Look at commercial-grade electric crushers available via specialist kitchen retailers or large online marketplaces. These units handle constant use and larger volumes reliably.
Before you click buy, watch out for a few common mistakes. Avoid models with poor customer feedback about jamming or rust. Check whether replacement blades or parts are available. If noise matters and you live in a flat, look for quieter motors or choose a manual model. Finally, think about cleaning — machines with too many tiny crevices are a pain to maintain.
When reading reviews, look for comments on consistency of ice size, how long the motor lasted (for electric models), and whether the product arrived with any damage to blades or housing. These details often tell you more than star ratings alone.
Choosing the right ice crusher or shaver transforms ordinary drinks and desserts into something memorable. Whether you prefer Menkind’s Lewis Ice Crusher Set for its charm or Nordic Nest’s Dorre Connor stainless steel for its sleek durability, there are excellent options across UK retailers like John Lewis, Lakeland, Argos, and Amazon UK. Decide on manual versus electric based on volume and convenience, follow a few care tips, and you’ll enjoy professionally chilled drinks and stunning presentations at home. Ready to crush it?
| Ice Crushers & Shavers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dorre Ice Crusher Connor Stainless Steel | £ 44,80 | |
| Gastroback Gastroback 41127 Electric Ice Crusher Silver | £ 71,- | |
| Gastronoma Ice Crusher Machine 3l-1kg Per Min Slushie Machine & Crushed Ice Maker Stainless Steel Blades - Feed Hopper | £ 97,99 |
