Americans love ice, and it's no surprise given the food's (yes, you read that right; ice is a food) rich history and its start as an American invention. In this episode, we look at the history, science, and culture of ice and why it's such an iconic culinary item. Claudia Rosenbaum reports.

If directional freezing is too much of a hassle for you, try our Reviews Team's favorite Countertop Ice-Makers!

Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠here⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices