Why Most Ice Cubes Are Square

History and Practical Reasons

Most ice cubes are square or rectangular because of history and practicality. In the early 1800s, people used to saw ice blocks from frozen lakes. But after the invention of metal ice trays in the 1930s, square cubes became standard. Why? Because square shapes are easy to produce, fit neatly in trays, and are space-efficient. They also stack well and melt slowly, making them perfect for chilling drinks without watering them down too quickly.

 

Most ice cubes are square or rectangular because of history and practicality.

대부분의 얼음은 역사적 이유와 실용성 때문에 정사각형이나 직사각형입니다.

 

In the early 1800s, people used to saw ice blocks from frozen lakes.

1800년대 초반에는 사람들이 얼어붙은 호수에서 얼음 덩어리를 톱으로 잘라 썼습니다.

 

But after the invention of metal ice trays in the 1930s, square cubes became standard.

하지만 1930년대 금속 얼음틀이 발명된 후, 정사각형 얼음이 표준이 되었습니다.

 

Why? Because square shapes are easy to produce, fit neatly in trays, and are space-efficient.

왜일까요? 사각형 모양은 만들기 쉽고, 얼음틀에 딱 들어맞으며, 공간을 효율적으로 사용하기 때문입니다.

 

They also stack well and melt slowly, making them perfect for chilling drinks without watering them down too quickly.

또한 잘 쌓이고 천천히 녹아서, 음료를 빠르게 희석시키지 않으면서 차갑게 만드는 데 아주 적합합니다.

 

Different Shapes for Different Needs

Today, there are many ice cube shapes designed for specific uses. Large spheres melt slowly and are great for whiskey. Crushed ice melts fast and chills drinks quickly, like in iced coffee or tropical cocktails. Nugget ice is popular for its soft, chewable texture. Some ice shapes are just for fun—like stars or flowers for parties. But experts agree: the basic square cube is still the most versatile. It’s easy to make, stackable, and cools drinks effectively.

 

Today, there are many ice cube shapes designed for specific uses.

요즘에는 다양한 목적에 맞춰 설계된 여러 가지 얼음 모양이 있습니다.

 

Large spheres melt slowly and are great for whiskey.

큰 구형 얼음은 천천히 녹기 때문에 위스키에 적합합니다.

 

Crushed ice melts fast and chills drinks quickly, like in iced coffee or tropical cocktails.

잘게 부순 얼음은 빠르게 녹고 음료를 금방 식혀 주며, 아이스 커피나 열대 칵테일에 자주 사용됩니다.

 

Nugget ice is popular for its soft, chewable texture.

너겟 얼음은 부드럽고 씹기 좋은 식감 때문에 인기가 많습니다.

 

Some ice shapes are just for fun—like stars or flowers for parties.

별 모양이나 꽃 모양처럼, 파티용으로 재미를 위해 만든 얼음도 있습니다.

 

But experts agree: the basic square cube is still the most versatile.

하지만 전문가들에 따르면 기본 정사각형 얼음이 여전히 가장 다용도로 쓰입니다.

 

It’s easy to make, stackable, and cools drinks effectively.

만들기 쉽고, 잘 쌓이고, 음료를 효과적으로 차게 해주기 때문입니다.