Icicle Maker

Icicles can be a lovely treat in the winter...provided the weather is cold and precipitous enough, and they aren't contaminated. Why not make them available all year long?

Inside a freezer, a valve slowly drips water over a set of downward pointing ridges, which encourage icicles to start in desired positions. Slow dripping water forms thicker icicles for bulk cooling, while fast dripping water creates sharp thin ones. When the icicles grow all the way down to a base plate, a sensor measures the water resistance, and turns off the valve.

When desired, simply reach in and break off a suitable length. It will grow back soon enough. Icicles can double as stirring rods for cool beverages, and can even skewer olives or lemon slices without any extra instruments.