It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and churns out restaurant-quality ice cubes in minutes.

Something happened to me postpartum that made me crave and delight in icy beverages like no other time.

I love them, but they require routine and upkeep.

Aldi sign

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

As a result, I sometimes run out of ice.

Like other people’s post-work cocktail or glass of wine, this is my reset.

It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and churns out restaurant-quality ice cubes in minutes.

Aldi Ice Maker

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailer below

Leading up to the party, I simply let the machine run and refilled the reservoir as needed.

I bagged the ice in paper bags in the freezer over a few days.

(I learned from a friend that storing ice in paper bags helps prevent it from sticking together.)

For $70, this splurge is worth every penny.

Because I’m an ice snob, I won’t give up my other favorite ice cube molds.