Which melts faster, crushed ice or cubed ice?

Crushed ice melts faster than cubed ice. This is because the former is made up of smaller ice pieces compared to the latter.

Since crushed ice is made up of smaller pieces, it has a bigger surface area compared to cubed ice. Heat transfer mainly occurs at an object's surface. Thus, crushed ice melts faster, giving the effect of cooling faster. If a person wants a more concentrated drink, he should select cubed ice. Crushed ice is a better choice for a slushy drink.

Ice is commonly used to reduce inflammation after an injury. Since it causes local anesthesia around the injury, it also aids in reducing pain. Normally, cubed or crushed ice is used in ice packs for medical treatment.