· Mason Everett · Reviews · 7 min read
8 Best Clear Ice Cube Makers in 2026 for Perfect Drinks
Finding the perfect tool to elevate your home bar experience can be surprisingly difficult given the flood of options on the market.
To help you discover the Best Clear Ice Cube Maker for your specific needs, we evaluated these products based on essential criteria like ice clarity, mold durability, overall value, and freezing performance.
We also considered material safety and eco-friendly designs to ensure your drinks remain pure and free from unwanted chemicals.
Whether you are a whiskey aficionado or a cocktail enthusiast, our guide will help you make an informed decision to impress your guests.
Expert Recommendations ✨
Our Top Picks
After testing dozens of products, we've selected the best options for every budget and need. Each recommendation has been thoroughly evaluated for performance, durability, and value.
ClearlyFrozen High Capacity Tray
This unit stands out because it produces ten large cubes at once using directional freezing. It offers the best balance of output and price for serious home bartenders.
True Cubes Crystal Clear Mold
Winner of multiple awards including Americas Test Kitchen, this mold is incredibly easy to use and produces four flawless cubes. The construction quality is top-tier.
Unigul Stainless Steel Ball Maker
Using a stainless steel vacuum insulated cup, this innovative design creates perfectly round, bubble-free ice spheres. It is ideal for those who prefer the aesthetics of a round ice ball.
Kismile Countertop Ice Maker
If you need volume, this machine pumps out 155 pieces a day without needing freezer space. It creates high-quality clear ice automatically.
8 Best Clear Ice Cube Maker
Upgrading to clear ice transforms your drink from a standard beverage into a high-end cocktail experience. These products remove trapped air bubbles and impurities, resulting in slower-melting ice that keeps your drink colder for longer without diluting the flavor.
ClearlyFrozen High Capacity Clear Ice Tray
Best in class for high volume production
The ClearlyFrozen system is a powerhouse for anyone who entertains frequently or just hates running out of good ice.
Unlike many competitors that only yield two or four cubes, this mold produces ten large 2-inch cubes in a single freezing cycle.
It utilizes directional freezing technology to force air bubbles out of the bottom of the mold, leaving you with glass-like blocks.
The design is practical and focuses on output, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts who want efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 10 Cubes |
| Cube Size | 2 Inches |
| Material | Silicone & Foam |
| Freezing Method | Directional |
Features
- Makes ten 2-inch glass-like cubes
- Uses directional freezing technology
- BPA-free silicone mold
- Works with regular tap water
- Insulated foam box included
- High rated customer support
What We Like
- Highest cube capacity in its class
- Excellent value for money
- Simple to use with tap water
- Responsive US-based support
What We Don't Like
- Requires significant freezer space
- Foam box feels utilitarian
Why We Selected This Product
We selected this model as our top pick because of its unmatched capacity-to-price ratio.
Most clear ice molds are limited to four cubes, but this one delivers ten, making it far more practical for parties.
The positive feedback from reputable food and drink publications reinforces its status as a reliable tool.
User Experience
Users frequently praise the sheer volume of ice this tray produces, noting it is a game changer for hosting.
Many mention that while the foam box is simple, it is highly effective at directional freezing.
A common tip from users is to let the mold sit for a few minutes before removing the ice to prevent cracking.
True Cubes Crystal Clear Ice Cube Maker
Best in class for ease of use and purity
True Cubes has established itself as the gold standard for home ice clarity, mimicking the freezing process found in nature.
This mold is designed to filter out up to 98 percent of TDS and metals, resulting in ice that is not just clear but also purer than the water you put in.
It produces four substantial 2-inch cubes that melt slowly.
The construction is robust, and the silicone liners are easy to handle, ensuring you can pop the cubes out without a struggle.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 4 Cubes |
| Cube Size | 2 x 2 x 2 Inches |
| Material | BPA-Free Silicone |
| Freezing Time | 18-22 Hours |
Features
- Mimics natural freezing process
- Removes 98% of TDS and metals
- Makes four large 2-inch cubes
- BPA-free silicone design
- No additives required
- Award-winning design
What We Like
- Superior ice clarity
- Purifies water as it freezes
- Very easy to demold
- Durable construction
What We Don't Like
- Only makes four cubes at a time
- Higher price point per cube
Why We Selected This Product
This product was chosen because of its incredible reputation and validation by Americas Test Kitchen.
It simplifies the process of making clear ice down to just filling a tray with tap water.
The focus on water purification during the freezing process sets it apart from standard silicone molds.
User Experience
Owners love the consistency of this product, stating it works perfectly every time without complex steps.
Bartenders and home mixologists appreciate the perfect square shape and clarity.
Some users note it takes about 18 to 22 hours to freeze fully, but the wait is worth it for the visual appeal.
TINANA Upgrade 2 Inch Clear Ice Cube Tray
Best in class for value and capacity
The TINANA ice maker offers a fantastic middle ground for those who want more than four cubes but want a compact design.
It produces eight large, crystal-clear ice cubes using advanced freezing technology to push impurities away.
Ideally suited for whiskey lovers, these 2-inch cubes provide significant thermal mass, cooling your drink rapidly while melting at a snail's pace.
The unit is straightforward to operate and makes a great gift for anyone looking to upgrade their home bar setup.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 8 Cubes |
| Cube Size | 2 Inches |
| Material | Premium Silicone |
| Freeze Time | 30-36 Hours |
Features
- Makes 8 clear ice cubes at once
- Advanced directional freezing
- Large 2-inch slow-melting cubes
- Premium silicone material
- Smooth surface for easy release
- Perfect for whiskey and bourbon
What We Like
- Great capacity for the size
- Excellent clarity results
- Durable silicone build
- Slow melting performance
What We Don't Like
- Requires 30-36 hours to freeze
- Requires flat freezer surface
Why We Selected This Product
We picked the TINANA model because it effectively doubles the capacity of standard molds to eight cubes while maintaining a reasonable price.
It is an excellent choice for users who want to build up a stock of clear ice quickly without buying multiple smaller trays.
User Experience
Customers generally report that the ice comes out looking like it was served at a high-end bar.
The 8-cube capacity is a major selling point for users who host small gatherings.
A few reviews mention that ensuring the water is filled to the very top helps achieve the best clarity.
Unigul Stainless Steel Ice Ball Maker
Best in class for premium spherical ice
Unigul brings a premium touch to ice making with this stainless steel insulated cup design.
Unlike typical foam-insulated boxes, this unit uses a vacuum-insulated stainless steel vessel to control the freezing temperature precisely.
It creates large 2.5-inch ice spheres that are completely transparent.
The use of stainless steel ensures there are no lingering odors, and the silicone mold is designed for an easy release, solving the common struggle of removing sphere ice from molds.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 2 Spheres per pack |
| Ice Size | 2.5 Inch Sphere |
| Material | Stainless Steel/Silicone |
| Insulation | Vacuum Insulated |
Features
- Stainless steel vacuum insulated cup
- Creates 2.5-inch clear ice balls
- Bubble-free freezing technology
- Non-BPA premium silicone
- Odor-free construction
- Compact space-saving design
What We Like
- Premium stainless steel build
- Makes extra-large spheres
- No foam box to wear out
- Hygienic and odor-free
What We Don't Like
- Makes smaller batches (2 pack)
- Higher cost per ice ball
Why We Selected This Product
This product was selected for its innovative use of materials.
The stainless steel cup is more durable and hygienic than the styrofoam found in cheaper models.
If you prefer the look of a sphere over a cube for your Old Fashioned, this delivers the best clarity and shape consistency.
User Experience
Users are impressed by the build quality and the aesthetic of the stainless steel container.
They find the ice spheres to be perfectly round and free of the seam lines often seen in cheaper molds.
The easy-release design is frequently cited as a major benefit compared to rigid plastic molds.
FDDBI 2-Inch Clear Ice Cube Tray
Best in class for classic cocktail presentation
The FDDBI tray is a reliable workhorse for creating classic square cocktail ice.
It employs a foam insulation box to facilitate directional freezing, ensuring the water freezes from the top down.
This pushes all air bubbles into a lower reservoir, leaving you with eight pristine 2-inch cubes.
It is designed to be user-friendly, with a flexible silicone liner that makes popping the ice out simple after a short rest at room temperature.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 8 Cubes |
| Cube Size | 2 Inches |
| Freezing Time | 24-30 Hours |
| Material | Silicone/Plastic/Foam |
Features
- Directional freezing technology
- Makes 8 large 2-inch cubes
- Slow-melting for whiskey
- Foam insulation box included
- Premium silicone and plastic
- Easy release design
What We Like
- Good capacity for parties
- Consistent clarity
- Sturdy construction
- Simple operation
What We Don't Like
- Foam box is essential (don't discard)
- Takes up freezer height
Why We Selected This Product
We included this model as a solid contender for the 8-cube category.
It offers consistent performance and durable materials.
The separation of the clear ice from the cloudy waste ice is managed well by the design, making it a dependable choice for regular use.
User Experience
Home bartenders appreciate the visual upgrade this tray provides to their drinks.
Reviews mention that the directional freezing works exactly as advertised, provided the freezer does not vibrate excessively.
Users also like that the silicone is flexible enough to remove cubes without breaking the tray.
Berlinzo Premium Clear Ice Maker with Prints
Best in class for novelty and gifting
Berlinzo adds a fun twist to the clear ice market by incorporating conversation prints directly onto the ice.
This non-electric mold creates four extra-large 2.1-inch squares that feature unique imprints, turning your drink into a talking point.
Beyond the novelty, the ice quality is crystal clear thanks to directional freezing.
The set comes with interchangeable plates for different occasions and a storage bag to keep your inventory fresh.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 4 Cubes |
| Cube Size | 2.1 Inches |
| Extras | Print Plates, Bag |
| Material | Food Grade Silicone |
Features
- Creates ice with conversation prints
- Extra-large 2.1-inch cubes
- Includes interchangeable plates
- Comes with ice storage bag
- BPA-free durable silicone
- Directional freezing process
What We Like
- Unique printed ice feature
- Larger than average cubes
- Great for gifting
- Includes storage accessories
What We Don't Like
- Prints may fade as ice melts
- Limited to 4 cubes per freeze
Why We Selected This Product
This product was chosen for its unique ability to customize the drinking experience.
It is the perfect gift option because it combines the utility of a clear ice maker with the fun of printed messages.
It stands out in a crowded market of plain square molds.
User Experience
Buyers love using this for parties and special occasions, noting that the prints are clearly visible and spark conversation.
The extra-large size of the cubes is also a hit, as they last a very long time in a glass.
The included storage bag is seen as a thoughtful bonus.
Mooues Clear Ice Ball Maker Mold
Best in class for high capacity spheres
The Mooues mold addresses the low capacity issue of many sphere makers by producing eight large 2-inch ice balls in a single go.
Using the same proven directional freezing method as square trays, it ensures that your spheres come out looking like glass marbles.
This is an essential tool for those who prefer the geometry of a sphere for their scotch or bourbon but need to serve multiple guests at once.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 8 Spheres |
| Size | 2 Inch Diameter |
| Material | Silicone/Plastic |
| Freeze Time | 24-30 Hours |
Features
- Makes 8 clear ice balls
- Large 2-inch sphere size
- Directional freezing design
- BPA-free silicone and plastic
- Slow-melting spherical shape
- Durable construction
What We Like
- High capacity for spheres
- Excellent clarity
- Long-lasting ice shape
- Good value for quantity
What We Don't Like
- Filling spheres can be tricky
- Requires careful water level management
Why We Selected This Product
We selected the Mooues model because finding a high-capacity sphere mold that actually produces clear ice is difficult.
Most sphere molds are single or double capacity.
This unit allows you to stock up on premium ice spheres efficiently.
User Experience
Users are thrilled to finally make multiple clear spheres at once.
The clarity is reported to be excellent, and the silicone mold is flexible enough to release the spheres without damaging them.
It is frequently recommended as a gift for dads and whiskey lovers.
Kismile Countertop Clear Ice Maker
Best in class for automated production
For those who want clear ice without managing molds and freezer space, the Kismile Countertop Ice Maker is the ultimate solution.
This electric appliance produces crystal clear square cubes automatically, capable of churning out 155 pieces per day.
It features variable thickness settings and a self-cleaning function.
This is a true luxury appliance for the home bar, ensuring you never run out of quality ice during a party.
Product Specs
| Output | 155 pcs/day |
| Cycle Time | 20 Minutes |
| Ice Type | Clear Square |
| Features | Self-Clean, Timer |
Features
- Produces 155lbs/pcs per day
- Crystal clear square cubes
- 24-hour timer function
- Self-cleaning capability
- 5 levels of ice thickness
- Visual observation window
What We Like
- Huge daily output
- No freezer space needed
- Adjustable ice thickness
- Fully automated
What We Don't Like
- Takes up counter space
- Significantly higher price
Why We Selected This Product
This was chosen as the premium electric option.
While molds are great, they are slow.
This machine solves the volume problem entirely.
It uses layers of freezing technology to ensure clarity, distinct from the cloudy bullet ice produced by cheaper machines.
User Experience
Owners love the convenience of having a constant supply of clear ice.
The ability to adjust the thickness of the ice sheet is a popular feature.
Users note that it operates relatively quietly and the self-cleaning mode makes maintenance much easier than expected.
What to Look for Before Buying the Best Clear Ice Cube Maker
Find Your Need
Before purchasing, consider how many drinks you typically serve. If you usually have a solo nightcap, a premium 2 or 4-cube mold is sufficient. However, if you host dinner parties or game nights, you will likely find low-capacity molds frustrating. In that case, look for trays that produce 8 to 10 cubes at once or consider an electric countertop machine for unlimited supply.
Budget
Clear ice makers vary significantly in price. Simple directional freezing molds typically range from $30 to $60. While this might seem high for an ice tray, you are paying for the insulated housing and specialized silicone liners. Electric clear ice makers are a larger investment, often costing between $150 and $300, but they offer automation and speed that manual molds cannot match.
Key Features
The most critical feature is the insulation method. Look for thick foam or vacuum-insulated bases, as these are required for directional freezing (the physics principle that makes the ice clear). Also, check the ease of removal; flexible silicone liners are superior to rigid plastic because they allow you to pop the ice out without cracking it or fighting with the tray.
Quality & Durability
Since these molds live in the harsh environment of a freezer, material quality matters. High-quality, food-grade silicone (BPA-free) is essential for safety and longevity. Cheaper plastics may become brittle and crack over time due to the expansion of freezing water. For the outer insulating box, denser foam or stainless steel will last longer than cheap styrofoam.
Brand Reputation
Stick to brands that specialize in barware or ice products. Established manufacturers understand the physics of freezing and design their reservoirs to accommodate the displaced water and air properly. Generic knock-offs often get the dimensions wrong, leading to cloudy ice or cracked containers.
Portability/Size
Clear ice systems are bulky by design. The insulation box takes up significantly more vertical space than a standard ice tray. Measure your freezer shelf height before buying. Some units are quite tall and may not fit in smaller freezer compartments or side-by-side freezer drawers.
Is it A Wise Decision to Buy clear ice cube maker?
Investing in a clear ice cube maker is absolutely worth it if you appreciate the quality of your beverages. The primary benefit is not just aesthetic; it is scientific. Clear ice is free of air bubbles, which means it has a higher density than cloudy ice. This results in a slower melt rate, keeping your whiskey, scotch, or cocktail chilled without diluting the flavor profile quickly.
Furthermore, standard freezer ice often absorbs odors from food stored nearby, imparting a garlic or freezer-burn taste to your drink. Clear ice makers isolate the freezing process and push impurities out, ensuring a pure taste. While the initial cost is higher than a standard tray, the long-term enjoyment of bar-quality drinks at home makes it a smart purchase for any enthusiast. It is a small luxury that makes a noticeable difference in every glass.
What Is the Best Way to Choose clear ice cube maker?
Choosing the right unit involves a simple step-by-step process. First, measure your available freezer space. These units are tall, often 6 inches or more, so ensure you have the vertical clearance. Second, decide on your preferred shape. Large cubes are versatile for most cocktails, while spheres look stunning in a rocks glass but can be trickier to fill.
Next, assess your patience versus your volume needs. If you need ice daily for a family, an electric machine is best. If you only need ice for weekend drinks, a manual mold is perfect. Finally, look for user-friendly features like separate silicone liners. Avoid molds where the rigid plastic is in direct contact with the ice, as these are difficult to unload. Upgrading to a model with a dedicated water reservoir will always yield better clarity than single-layer trays.
FAQ
What is the best clear ice cube maker for beginners? For beginners, the True Cubes mold is ideal. It requires no technical knowledge—just fill it with tap water and freeze. Its design is forgiving and produces consistent results without needing to temper the ice or manage complex parts.
How much should I spend on clear ice cube maker? Expect to spend between $30 and $50 for a high-quality manual mold. Anything cheaper often lacks the necessary insulation thickness to produce truly clear ice. Electric models will cost upwards of $150.
What features are most important in clear ice cube maker? The quality of the insulation box is paramount. Without effective insulation on the sides and bottom, directional freezing cannot occur, and the ice will be cloudy. Flexible silicone molds are also crucial for easy removal.
How do I maintain my clear ice cube maker? Wash the silicone liners with warm soapy water after every few uses. Ensure the foam insulation box stays dry; do not put the foam box in the dishwasher or soak it, as it can degrade or harbor mold if it stays wet.
Are expensive clear ice cube maker worth it? Yes, if you drink premium spirits. Cheap trays produce ice that melts fast and tastes like freezer burn. A specialized maker produces dense, pure ice that honors the quality of the drink you are pouring.
What brands make the best clear ice cube maker? ClearlyFrozen, True Cubes, and Berlinzo are highly reputable in the manual mold category. Kismile is a strong contender for electric countertop units. These brands consistently deliver on their clarity promises.
How long do clear ice cube maker typically last? The silicone molds can last for years if treated well. The foam insulation boxes are the weak point; however, if handled carefully and kept dry, a manual system should last 3 to 5 years easily.
Can I find good clear ice cube maker on a budget? Yes, brands like TINANA offer excellent directional freezing trays at a lower price point. They may use slightly different materials for the box, but they still achieve the physics required for clarity effectively.
Final Verdict
After extensive analysis, we recommend the ClearlyFrozen High Capacity Tray as the best overall choice. Its ability to produce ten cubes at once combined with its directional freezing technology offers the best utility for home bartenders who do not want to constantly refill trays.
For those on a stricter budget or looking for a compact solution, the TINANA Upgrade Tray is a fantastic alternative that delivers great clarity for a lower price. If you want the absolute easiest experience and premium build quality, the True Cubes mold remains the gold standard for purity.
To start enjoying better drinks today, check out the ClearlyFrozen tray here: ClearlyFrozen High Capacity Clear Ice Tray.
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