Quick answer

Load standard ice cubes into the Cuby ice crusher, close the lid, and press or turn the handle with steady pressure to break them into crushed ice. Work in small batches, empty the crushed ice straight into your glass or dessert bowl, and repeat as needed. For the cleanest results, use ice that has drained slightly and crush only what you will use right away.

What the Cuby ice crusher is designed to do

The Westmark Ice crusher »Cuby« is a compact, easy-to-handle tool for preparing crushed ice at home. It is made for standard ice cubes and simple operation, so it fits everyday drinks, cocktails, and desserts rather than large-scale bar service. Because it is a manual tool, you control the pressure and the texture. That makes it useful when you want crushed ice for cocktails but do not want to run a blender or clean a countertop appliance.

Before you start: ice and setup checks

Use standard ice cubes, not oversized blocks or irregular shards that can jam the mechanism. If your ice has just come out of the freezer and looks wet or frosty, let it sit in a colander for a minute so surface water drains away; drier ice cracks more cleanly and does not clump as fast. Set the crusher on a stable, non-slip surface and have your glass, shaker, or dessert bowl within reach before you begin.

How to get the texture you want

For cocktails, aim for small, even pieces that chill quickly without watering down the drink too fast. For desserts, a slightly coarser crush works better because it holds its shape under sauce or cream. You can influence texture by how full you load the crusher and how much pressure you apply: lighter loads and moderate pressure give more control, while overloading tends to produce uneven results and extra effort.

Cleaning and storage after use

Empty any leftover ice immediately and rinse the parts that touched ice with warm water. A quick rinse prevents sticky residue and keeps the next batch tasting clean. Dry the crusher fully before storing it so frost and mineral buildup do not affect the moving parts. Because the Cuby is compact, it stores easily in a drawer or on a shelf, but keep it away from heavy items that could bend the handle or mechanism.

Step-by-step: using the Cuby ice crusher

  1. Step 1: Chill and drain the ice: Take standard ice cubes from the freezer and let them drain in a colander for about a minute so surface water runs off. Checkpoint: if the cubes look wet and glossy, they will clump and dilute faster.
  2. Step 2: Load a small batch: Fill the crusher about half to two-thirds full with ice cubes, leaving room for the mechanism to move freely. Common mistake: overloading, which makes crushing harder and produces uneven pieces.
  3. Step 3: Crush with steady pressure: Close the lid and press or turn the handle with smooth, even pressure rather than short, forceful jabs. Checkpoint: stop when the ice reaches the texture you want; continuing past that point can melt it.
  4. Step 4: Empty immediately into your glass or bowl: Tip the crushed ice straight into your cocktail shaker, serving glass, or dessert dish without letting it sit in the crusher. Common mistake: leaving crushed ice in the crusher, where it starts melting and refreezing into a block.
  5. Step 5: Repeat in small batches as needed: Crush additional ice one batch at a time until you have enough for all your drinks or desserts. Checkpoint: small batches keep the texture consistent and protect the mechanism from strain.
  6. Step 6: Rinse and dry right away: Rinse the ice-contact parts with warm water, then dry them fully before storing the crusher. Common mistake: storing it damp, which can leave residue or affect the moving parts next time.

Product facts

  • Ice crusher »Cuby«: Compact and easy-to-handle design for convenient crushing, suitable for use with standard ice cubes, with simple operation for quick results. It fits everyday home use and small batches, so you can crush ice for one or two drinks without setting up a large appliance.