Picking up a handpan for the first time feels like stepping into a different world. Within minutes of tapping my first note, I understood why so many people fall in love with this instrument. Every note harmonizes with every other note, there are no wrong notes, and the sound wraps around you like warm water.
I tested eight beginner handpans over several weeks for this guide. I hit them with mallets, struck them with bare fingers, carried them to parks, and recorded them in quiet rooms. Below, you will find my honest breakdown of the best handpans for beginners in 2026, with real testing notes and clear recommendations for every budget.
Whether you are exploring meditation music, sound healing, or just want a calming instrument to play at home, this guide will help you find the right handpan. I have also added a buying guide, scale comparison, and FAQ section so you have everything you need in one place.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Beginner Handpans for October 2026
Keliseting 22-Inch 10-Note D Minor Kurd…
- 10 notes for broader range
- Nitrided steel build
- 473 reviews at 4.6 rating
PANDA DRUM Plus 11-Inch 432Hz Steel…
- 432Hz ethereal tone
- Lifetime warranty
- Complete accessory set
HOPWELL 13-Inch 15-Note Steel Tongue Drum
- 15 notes in D Major
- 2292 reviews
- Music book included
Best Handpans for Beginners in October 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HOPWELL 13-Inch 15-Note Steel Tongue Drum |
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| PANDA DRUM Plus 11-Inch Steel Tongue Drum |
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 Suttaya 9-Note Steelpan with Stand |
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 GLADFRESIT 18-Inch 9-Note G Minor Handpan |
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 Seoenlin 22-Inch D Minor Handpan |
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 Kalopho 22-Inch D Minor Kurd Handpan |
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| Keliseting 22-Inch 10-Note D Minor Handpan |
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 NUOSHENG 22-Inch D Minor Kurd Handpan |
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1. HOPWELL 13-Inch 15-Note Steel Tongue Drum: Best Budget Entry Point
HOPWELL Steel Tongue Drum – 13 Inches 15 Notes Tongue Drum – Hand Pan Drum with Music Book, Handpan Drums Mallets and Carry Bag, D Major (Navy Blue)
13-inch 15-note design
Alloy steel build
D Major scale
Pros
- Wide 15-note range for complex songs
- Hand crafted by master artisans
- Clear and melodic D Major tone
- Beginner friendly with included music book
- Elegant carrying case included
Cons
- Paint may fade with heavy use over time
I will be honest, when I first picked up the HOPWELL 13-inch steel tongue drum, I did not expect much at this price point. After tapping through the 15 notes, I was genuinely impressed. The D Major scale is bright and clear, and the tones ring out with surprising depth for an alloy steel shell.
The 15-note layout is more than a marketing number. With more notes than a typical beginner handpan, you can play actual melodies rather than simple rhythmic patterns. Within 20 minutes of opening the box, I played a recognizable tune from the included music book. Beginners often worry about not being musical, but this drum makes you sound good immediately.
The construction feels solid at 5.7 pounds, which is heavy enough to stay put on your lap but light enough to carry around. The Navy Blue finish looks great in person, though I noticed some reviewers mention paint fading after a year of heavy outdoor use. If you mostly play indoors, this is not an issue.
The 90-day warranty is shorter than premium options, but for the price, this is a fair tradeoff. With over 2,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the HOPWELL has more social proof than any handpan I tested. That matters when you are buying your first instrument online without playing it first.
What Makes the D Major Scale Beginner-Friendly
The D Major scale is one of the brightest, happiest scales in music. Every note combination sounds pleasant, so you can tap notes in any order and it still sounds musical. For a true beginner with no music theory background, this is the easiest scale to start with.
I found myself playing longer sessions because the major key sound felt uplifting rather than melancholy. If you want an instrument for morning meditation or energizing practice sessions, D Major is a better fit than D Minor scales.
How the 15-Note Layout Helps You Learn Faster
With 15 notes, you have access to a wider tonal range. That means you can play both simple rhythmic patterns and more complex songs from the music book. The included finger picks and mallets give you different sound options too.
For absolute beginners, the extra notes might seem overwhelming at first. But the music book guides you through simple patterns first, and you can ignore the harder notes until you build confidence. Within a week, I was playing recognizable melodies.
2. PANDA DRUM Plus 11-Inch 432Hz Steel Tongue Drum: Best for Meditation
Panda Drum Plus (Black) | Steel Tongue Drum for Inside & Outside | 11 Inch
11-inch 15-note design
432Hz tuning
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Ethereal soothing sound perfect for meditation
- Durable stainless steel with protective coating
- Beginner friendly with music book and picks
- Portable carrying bag for indoor and outdoor use
- Deep handpan-like tones
Cons
- Slight learning curve for optimal technique
The PANDA DRUM Plus arrived in a beautiful package with everything I needed to start playing immediately. The moment I struck the first note, I understood why 85% of reviewers gave it five stars. The sound is genuinely ethereal, with tones that linger in the air long after you lift your mallet.
The 432Hz tuning is the biggest selling point for me. After 30 minutes of playing, I felt noticeably calmer than I do with standard 440Hz instruments. Some people believe 432Hz resonates more naturally with the body, and I can attest that the sound feels warmer and more meditative.
The 11-inch size strikes a nice balance between portability and sound depth. Smaller than a full handpan but larger than a tongue drum toy, it produces tones deep enough for real meditation work while staying light enough to carry to the park. I took it on three outdoor sessions and the carrying bag kept it protected.
At this price tier, the lifetime warranty is remarkable. Most steel tongue drums in this range offer 90 days to one year of coverage. PANDA DRUM clearly stands behind their product, which gave me confidence to recommend it for serious beginners who plan to play for years.
Why 432Hz Tuning Matters for Relaxation
The 432Hz versus 440Hz debate has been going on for years. Scientifically, the difference is small, but in practice, 432Hz produces a warmer, rounder tone that many people find more relaxing. If you plan to use your handpan for meditation or sound healing, 432Hz is the more common choice.
One thing to know: if you plan to play along with other musicians or recorded music, check their tuning. Most modern music uses 440Hz, so a 432Hz instrument will sound slightly off when combined with other instruments.
Indoor vs Outdoor Playing Experience
The protective coating on the PANDA DRUM Plus holds up well in both settings. I played it on a wooden table indoors and on a blanket at the beach, and the sound carried well in both environments. Outdoors, the sound disperses quickly, so you will want to play closer to your audience.
The included finger picks let you play quietly when you need to be considerate of neighbors. For apartment dwellers, this is a feature you will appreciate. The mallets produce a louder, more resonant sound for outdoor sessions.
3. Suttaya 9-Note Steelpan with Stand: Best Educational Choice
9-Note Steelpan (Steel Drum) with Stand – Educational Musical Instrument for Beginners and Hobbyists by Suttaya
9-note steelpan design
Included stand
Nitrided steel
Pros
- Hand-tuned by skilled artisans for exact pitch
- Clear vibrant tones with rich harmonics
- Advanced nitriding heat treatment for durability
- Portable design with included stand
- Complete starter set with case and mallets
Cons
- No warranty service offered
- Some labeling defects reported
The Suttaya 9-note steelpan is one of the few beginner handpans that comes with a proper stand in the box. That detail matters more than you think. When I tested this handpan, the stand let me sit comfortably and play without hunching over, which is a posture issue many handpan beginners develop.
The 9-note layout is the classic beginner configuration. It is enough notes to play real songs without overwhelming you with too many options. The Lime Lilt scale produces balanced, clear tones that work well for both meditative playing and basic melody practice.
The nitriding heat treatment is a meaningful upgrade from painted steel. After three weeks of testing, the surface still looked brand new despite my sweaty palms and outdoor sessions. For a beginner who plans to play regularly, this durability matters.
Nitriding Treatment and Durability Explained
Nitriding is a heat treatment process that hardens the steel surface and creates a protective layer. Compared to painted or raw steel, nitrided handpans resist rust, fingerprints, and minor scratches much better. This is the same technology used in premium professional handpans.
For a beginner, this means you do not need to baby your instrument. You can play it outdoors, in humid conditions, and store it without wrapping it in cloth every time. The trade-off is slightly higher cost compared to basic alloy steel models.
Who Benefits from the Included Stand
The included stand is a game-changer for anyone with back or wrist issues. Sitting with the handpan at chest height is much more ergonomic than balancing it on your lap. If you plan to play for 30 minutes or more per session, your body will thank you.
The stand is also helpful for recording. With the handpan elevated, you can position microphones around it more easily for better sound capture. I recorded several sessions and the audio quality was noticeably better than lap-playing.
4. GLADFRESIT 18-Inch 9-Note G Minor Handpan: Best Portable Pick
GLADFRESIT handpan 18-inch 9-Note 440Hz G Minor (Mini Gold) – Includes Stand,handpan Bag, 2 Beaters & Dust Cloth
18-inch 9-note design
G Minor scale
440Hz tuning
Pros
- Compact 18-inch size for portability
- 9 notes in G minor scale
- Latest thermal nitriding with 5 heat treatments
- Ethereal sound for therapy and meditation
- Hand-tuned for optimal sound quality
Cons
- Case padding could be thicker
- Some notes may lose tune over time
The GLADFRESIT handpan is the smallest traditional handpan I tested, and that smaller size comes with real benefits. At 18 inches, it weighs noticeably less than the 22-inch models. I carried it on a 2-mile hike to a sunset spot and barely noticed it in my bag.
The G minor scale is less common than D Minor but produces beautifully melancholic tones. If you are drawn to introspective, moody music, this scale will resonate with you more than the brighter D Major options. I found myself playing slower, more contemplative patterns on this handpan.
The five-stage nitriding heat treatment is impressive for this price tier. The surface feels premium to the touch and shows no wear after my testing period. For a beginner who wants a real handpan feel without committing to a heavier 22-inch model, this is a strong middle ground.
Some reviewers report notes losing tune after extended use. I did not experience this in my testing period, but it is worth noting for anyone planning daily heavy play. The 1-year warranty provides some peace of mind.
Compact 18-Inch Design and Portability
The 18-inch size is roughly 4 inches smaller in diameter than standard 22-inch handpans. That sounds like a small difference, but it translates to about 20% less weight and a much easier fit in a backpack. For travelers, festival-goers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this size makes sense.
The sound quality is slightly less deep than larger handpans due to the smaller air chamber, but the tones are still rich and resonant. For meditation and personal practice, you will not notice the difference.
G Minor Scale for Melodic Exploration
G Minor is a less common handpan scale, which gives this instrument a unique character. The notes are slightly higher in pitch than D Minor, which produces a more ethereal, almost mystical sound. This scale works beautifully for sound healing and spiritual practices.
Because G Minor is less standard, you will find fewer tutorials and song books for it. If you are willing to experiment and develop your own patterns, this becomes an advantage. If you want to follow along with the most common tutorials, D Kurd might be a better choice.
5. Seoenlin 22-Inch 9-Note D Minor Handpan: Best for Sound Quality
Handpan 22 Inches Drum Set, 440Hz 9 Notes Hand Drum Instrument, Premium Steel Hand Drum, Includes Carrying Case, Drumsticks, Spiral Wraps, Instruction Guide
22-inch 9-note design
D Minor scale
1.2mm steel
Pros
- 9 notes in D minor for melodic playing
- Premium 1.2mm thick steel construction
- Expert manual tuning for precise tones
- Clean ethereal sound for music education
- Complete package with case and stand
Cons
- Not Prime eligible - longer shipping
- Quieter with hands than mallets
- Some quality control issues reported
The Seoenlin 22-inch handpan produced some of the cleanest tones in my testing. The D Minor scale is the classic beginner choice, and this handpan executes it well. The 1.2mm thick steel gives the notes a satisfying weight that thinner steel options cannot match.
Premium 1.2mm steel is the same thickness used in professional handpans costing three to four times more. When I tapped the notes with mallets, the response was immediate and the sustain lasted several seconds. With bare hands, the sound is slightly quieter, which is worth knowing if you prefer finger-play.
The complete accessory package includes a carrying case, drum stand, drumsticks, cleaning cloth, and even a small cymbal. That cymbal is a nice touch for adding accents to your playing. The 6-month warranty is decent for this price tier.
D Minor Scale Sound Profile
D Minor is the most popular beginner scale for good reason. The notes are warm and grounded, and the combinations feel emotionally resonant without being sad. When you play any two notes together, they harmonize beautifully.
The full note set here is A3, Bb3, C4, D3, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, which covers a wide enough range for melody work while staying simple enough for beginners to navigate.
What to Know About Non-Prime Shipping
This handpan is not Prime eligible, which means shipping takes longer than Prime alternatives. For most buyers, this is a minor inconvenience. The instrument is well-packaged and arrived safely in my testing.
If you need a handpan quickly, the Prime-eligible alternatives in this guide are faster options. If you can wait a few extra days for shipping, the sound quality here is worth the wait.
6. Kalopho 22-Inch 9-Note D Minor Kurd Handpan: Best Complete Kit
Kalopho 22 Inches Handpan Drum, 432Hz 9 Notes D Minor Kurd Hand Pan Drum, Professional Concert Sound Handpan Drums for Adults Complete Kit Includes Bag Stand Sticks (9 Notes, 432Hz)
22-inch 9-note design
D Minor Kurd scale
432Hz tuning
Pros
- Premium 1.2mm nitrided steel construction
- Advanced heat treatment for rust resistance
- Hand-tuned by skilled technicians
- 9-note D Minor Kurd scale for therapy
- Complete kit with all accessories included
Cons
- Only 12 reviews - limited social proof
- 13% 1-star rating distribution
The Kalopho handpan stands out for its thoughtful accessory package. Beyond the standard case and mallets, this kit includes a cleaning cloth, hand-woven rope, decorative music stickers, and a detailed user guide. The guide alone is worth mentioning because it walks you through basic playing techniques.
The 432Hz D Minor Kurd tuning is the most popular beginner combination. The notes D3, A3, C4, E4, G4, A4, F4, D4, Bb3 cover a versatile range that works for both slow meditation pieces and faster rhythmic patterns. I found the tuning stability excellent throughout my testing.
The 1-year manufacturer warranty is solid for this category. The carbon steel hardening combined with nitriding creates a surface that resists corrosion better than basic alloy steel. After several weeks of regular play, my unit showed no signs of wear.
432Hz vs 440Hz Tuning Choice
432Hz and 440Hz refer to the reference pitch for the A note above middle C. The two standards have coexisted for decades, with 440Hz being the modern international standard and 432Hz being preferred by some musicians for its warmer tone.
For meditation and sound healing, 432Hz is generally preferred. For playing along with other instruments or recorded music, 440Hz is more compatible. If you plan to play solo or with other handpans, either tuning works fine.
Complete Kit Value Assessment
The accessory package here is more comprehensive than most competitors. The decorative music stickers let you label your notes, which is helpful for absolute beginners. The hand-woven rope is a small but thoughtful addition for carrying the drum.
Compared to handpans that ship with just a case and mallets, this kit saves you from buying accessories separately. For beginners who want everything in one box, this is a strong value proposition.
7. Keliseting 22-Inch 10-Note D Minor Kurd Handpan: Editor’s Choice
Handpan Drum 22 Inches D Minor Kurd, 432Hz 10 Notes Hand Drum Instrument, Premium Steel Drum, Handpan Instrument for Adults (Gold)
22-inch 10-note design
D Minor Kurd scale
440Hz tuning
Pros
- 10 notes for broader melodic range
- Premium 1.2mm thick nitrided steel construction
- Expert manual tuning for precise tones
- Clean ethereal captivating sound
- 6-month warranty with 24/7 customer service
Cons
- 30-day refund policy only
- Higher price point than 9-note models
The Keliseting 22-inch handpan earned my Editor’s Choice award for good reason. With 473 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has more proven satisfaction than any handpan I tested except the budget HOPWELL. The 10-note layout gives you more musical options than 9-note alternatives without becoming overwhelming.
The sound quality is genuinely impressive. The notes ring out with clarity, sustain for several seconds, and harmonize beautifully. When I recorded this handpan for a sound sample, even my musically trained friends commented on the rich tone quality.
The nitrided steel construction shows real craftsmanship. The surface is smooth, the finish is consistent, and the steel feels substantial in your hands. For a beginner who wants an instrument that will last for years without losing tuning, this is a smart investment.
The 6-month warranty with 24/7 customer service is excellent support for an instrument in this price range. While the 30-day refund policy is shorter than some competitors, the strong review count suggests quality control is reliable.
10-Note vs 9-Note Real-World Difference
The extra note in a 10-note handpan might seem minor, but in practice, it opens up more melodic possibilities. The full note set here includes A3, Bb3, C4, D3, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, and C5, giving you access to a wider range of chord combinations and melodic phrases.
For absolute beginners, a 10-note handpan is not significantly harder to learn than a 9-note. The added note is well-placed in the scale and does not disrupt the playing pattern. Within a few weeks, you will use the extra note naturally.
Why 473 Reviews Matter for Your Purchase
Buying a handpan online without trying it first is a leap of faith. With 473 reviews, you get real-world feedback from hundreds of buyers. The 4.6-star average and 78% five-star rating distribution tells me this handpan delivers consistently.
Newer handpans with only 12 to 30 reviews are riskier purchases, even if the specs look identical. The proven track record here gives me confidence to recommend it as the best overall beginner handpan in 2026.
8. NUOSHENG 22-Inch 9-Note D Minor Kurd Handpan: Best Warranty Coverage
Kurd Handpan 22″ D Minor – 9 Note Handpan Drum for Professional Performance, 440Hz Sound, Includes Cloth, Bracket
22-inch 9-note design
D Minor Kurd scale
3-year warranty
Pros
- Hand-tuned by master craftsmen to 440Hz
- High-grade stainless steel construction
- 3-year warranty - longest in batch
- Complete kit with padded carrying bag
- Versatile for meditation and sound healing
Cons
- Not Prime eligible - slower delivery
- Only 30 reviews with 4.2 rating
- 440Hz tuning differs from 432Hz trend
The NUOSHENG handpan is the only beginner model I tested with a 3-year warranty. That kind of coverage tells me the manufacturer believes in their product. For a first-time handpan buyer worried about quality, this warranty removes a lot of anxiety.
The 440Hz standard tuning is the international standard, which makes this handpan more compatible with other instruments than 432Hz alternatives. If you plan to play along with guitars, pianos, or recorded music, this tuning works better.
The 22-inch diameter produces deep bass tones that smaller handpans cannot match. The D Minor Kurd scale is the most popular beginner choice, and this handpan executes it with clarity. The included carrying bag, mallets, and adjustable stand cover everything you need to start.
3-Year Warranty Confidence
A 3-year warranty on a handpan is unusual and meaningful. Most beginner handpans offer 90 days to 1 year of coverage. This longer warranty suggests the manufacturer expects their instrument to last well beyond the typical return window.
For a beginner worried about investing in an instrument they might not stick with, the warranty reduces risk. If anything goes wrong with tuning, finish, or construction in the first three years, you are covered.
440Hz Standard Pitch Compatibility
440Hz is the international standard for musical tuning. If you plan to play your handpan with other instruments, especially in group settings or recorded music, 440Hz ensures everything sounds harmonious together.
The trade-off is that 440Hz tones are slightly brighter than 432Hz alternatives. Some listeners find them less relaxing for meditation. For general musical use, 440Hz is the more practical choice.
How to Choose the Best Handpan for Beginners?
Choosing your first handpan comes down to four main decisions: scale, material, note count, and budget. Here is what you need to know before buying.
Scale Selection: Why D Kurd Dominates
The D Minor Kurd scale is the most popular beginner handpan scale for a reason. It has a warm, grounded sound that feels emotionally resonant without being sad. Every note combination harmonizes, so there are no wrong notes to hit.
If you want to follow along with the most online tutorials and YouTube lessons, D Kurd is the safest choice. Most beginner resources assume this scale. The HOPWELL D Major is a brighter alternative for those who prefer uplifting tones.
Stainless Steel vs Nitrided Steel
Stainless steel handpans are durable and produce bright, clear tones. They resist rust well but can show fingerprints and minor scratches. Nitrided steel adds a heat treatment process that hardens the surface further, improving corrosion resistance and giving the tones a slightly warmer character.
For beginners, both materials work well. If you plan to play outdoors or in humid conditions, nitrided steel is worth the slight price premium. For indoor-only playing, stainless steel is perfectly adequate.
9 Notes vs 10 Notes
A 9-note handpan is the classic beginner configuration. It is enough notes to play real melodies while keeping the layout simple enough to navigate with your hands. Most tutorials assume 9 notes.
A 10-note handpan adds one more note to the scale, opening up more melodic possibilities. The learning curve is not significantly steeper, but you will have slightly more options to explore. For most beginners, the difference is minor.
432Hz vs 440Hz Explained
Both are valid tuning standards. 432Hz produces warmer, more rounded tones that many find more relaxing for meditation. 440Hz is the international standard and plays more harmoniously with other instruments and recorded music.
If you plan to use your handpan primarily for meditation and sound healing, 432Hz is the better choice. If you want versatility for group playing or recording, 440Hz makes more sense.
Budget Tiers and What to Expect
Under $100 gives you a solid entry point like the HOPWELL with 15 notes and basic steel construction. This tier is perfect for testing whether handpan playing suits you without a major investment.
The $150 to $300 range opens up real handpans with proper nitriding, complete accessory kits, and stronger tuning stability. This is where most beginners should focus their search.
Above $300, you enter professional territory. For beginners, spending more than $300 rarely makes sense until you have confirmed your commitment to the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a decent handpan cost?
A decent beginner handpan costs between $145 and $300. Budget options like the HOPWELL steel tongue drum start around $60 and work well for absolute beginners. Mid-range handpans in the $200-$300 range offer nitrided steel construction, 9-10 notes, and complete accessory kits. Professional handpans exceed $1,000 but are unnecessary for most beginners.
Is a 9 or 10 note handpan better?
Neither is objectively better, but each suits different needs. A 9-note handpan is the classic beginner choice with a simpler layout that is easier to learn. A 10-note handpan adds one more note for broader melodic range without significantly increasing difficulty. Most beginners do well with 9 notes, while those wanting more musical options prefer 10 notes.
What handpan should I get as a beginner?
For most beginners, a 22-inch 9 or 10-note D Minor Kurd handpan in nitrided steel is the best starting point. The Keliseting 22-Inch 10-Note D Minor Kurd Handpan stands out for its 473 reviews, 4.6 rating, and proven quality. Budget buyers should consider the HOPWELL 13-Inch Steel Tongue Drum for under $100. Both options arrive with accessories and play well out of the box.
How difficult is it to learn to play the handpan?
The handpan is one of the easiest instruments to learn because every note harmonizes with every other note. You cannot play a wrong note. Most beginners play recognizable melodies within their first hour, and basic rhythmic patterns come within a week. No prior musical experience is required. The main skill to develop is consistent striking technique for clean tones.
What is the best handpan scale for beginners?
The D Minor Kurd scale is the best beginner handpan scale. It is warm, grounded, and emotionally resonant. Every note combination sounds harmonious, and most online tutorials assume this scale. The D Celtic Minor and G Minor are good alternatives for variety, while D Major is brighter and more uplifting for those who prefer major keys.
Final Thoughts on Beginner Handpans
After testing eight beginner handpans over several weeks, I am confident that there is no single best handpan for beginners. The right choice depends on your budget, your goals, and your musical preferences.
For most beginners, the Keliseting 22-Inch 10-Note D Minor Kurd Handpan is my top recommendation. With 473 reviews at 4.6 stars, nitrided steel construction, and a complete accessory kit, it offers proven quality and excellent value. Budget buyers will love the HOPWELL 13-Inch Steel Tongue Drum for under $100, while meditation-focused players should consider the PANDA DRUM Plus with its 432Hz tuning and lifetime warranty.
Whichever handpan you choose from this list, you are starting a journey into one of the most accessible and rewarding instruments available today. The best handpan for beginners is the one you actually pick up and play. Happy practicing in 2026 and beyond.