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The best clear ice cooler method freezes water inside an insulated box so ice forms from the top down, the same way bars make crystal-clear blocks. Purpose-built kits do this in a compact shape that fits your freezer.
We compared clear ice molds and trays sold on Amazon by ice shape, batch size, freezing method and freezer space, using maker information. Sizes are listed figures.
Quick Answer: The Best Clear Ice Cooler
- Best OverallClearlyFrozen 21-Cube
- Best Mid-SizeClearlyFrozen 10-Cube
- Best for SpheresWintersmiths Ice Chest
- Most CompactTrue Cubes Tray
- Best Two-ShapeBerlinzo Sphere + Cube
- Best DIY Cooler PickTovolo Sphere Molds
ClearlyFrozen’s 21-cube kit is the best clear ice cooler-style system for big batches. The 10-cube ClearlyFrozen fits smaller freezers, Wintersmiths makes spheres, True Cubes is compact, Berlinzo gives two shapes and Tovolo molds work inside a small DIY cooler.
Best Clear Ice Cooler Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClearlyFrozen 21-Cube | Best Overall | Directional-freezing cube tray | 21 cubes per batch | Check Price |
| ClearlyFrozen 10-Cube | Best Mid-Size | Directional-freezing cube tray | Ten 2" cubes | Check Price |
| Wintersmiths Ice Chest | Best for Spheres | Directional-freezing sphere mold | Four 2.36" spheres | Check Price |
| True Cubes Tray | Most Compact | Directional-freezing cube tray | Four 2" cubes | Check Price |
| Berlinzo Sphere + Cube | Best Two-Shape | Directional-freezing mold set | 4 spheres + 4 cubes | Check Price |
| Tovolo Sphere Molds | Best DIY Cooler Pick | Sphere ice molds | Four 2.5" spheres | Check Price |
The 6 Clear Ice Picks We Recommend
Check the ice shape, batch size, freezer or counter space and how the clear ice is made before you order. Specs below come from each listing and the maker.
1. ClearlyFrozen High-Capacity 21-Cube Crystal Clear Artisanal Ice Maker
1. Largest output.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest batch here
- Clear cubes
- Good for parties
Cons
- Needs a big freezer shelf
- Higher price
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 21 cubes per batch (per listing title)
- Method: Directional freezing
- Use: Cocktails and whiskey
- Brand: ClearlyFrozen
The 21-cube ClearlyFrozen system makes the biggest batch of clear cubes among our mold picks.
Directional.
2. ClearlyFrozen High-Capacity Clear Ice Cube Maker, Ten 2-Inch Cubes
2. Fits more freezers.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- High capacity
- Classic 2-inch cubes
- Simple to use
Cons
- Bulky in the freezer
- Trim may be needed
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 10 cubes per batch
- Size: 2 in cubes (listed)
- Method: Directional freezing
- Brand: ClearlyFrozen
ClearlyFrozen’s tray makes ten 2-inch clear cubes at a time using directional freezing.
Clear.
3. Wintersmiths Ice Chest, Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker, 4 Spheres
3. Whiskey balls.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very clear spheres
- Bar-quality size
- Reusable
Cons
- Takes freezer space
- About a day per batch
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 4 spheres per batch
- Size: 2.36 in / 60 mm (listed)
- Method: Directional freezing
- Brand: Wintersmiths
The Wintersmiths Ice Chest makes four 2.36-inch clear spheres per batch using directional freezing.
Insulated.
4. True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray, Four 2-Inch Cubes
4. Small shelf.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy with tap water (maker)
- Compact
- Well-known clear ice tray
Cons
- Small batch
- Wait about a day
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 4 cubes per batch
- Size: 2 in (maker)
- Method: Directional freezing
- Brand: True Cubes
True Cubes turns tap water into four clear 2-inch cubes per batch, according to the maker.
Simple.
5. Berlinzo Clear Ice Cube Maker Mold, 4 Spheres and 4 Cubes
5. Variety.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Two shapes in one set
- Clear ice
- Good value
Cons
- Two parts to store
- About a day per batch
📄 Detailed Review
- Spheres: Four 2.4 in (listed)
- Cubes: Four 2.1 in (listed)
- Method: Directional freezing
- Brand: Berlinzo
Berlinzo’s set makes four 2.4-inch spheres and four 2.1-inch cubes, all clear.
Value.
6. Use in a cooler.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low price
- Stackable
- Easy release
Cons
- Ice is cloudy unless you use a cooler method
- Small batch
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 4 spheres
- Size: 2.5 in (listed)
- Method: Standard molds, not directional
- Brand: Tovolo
Tovolo’s stackable molds make 2.5-inch spheres; for clear results freeze them inside a small insulated cooler.
Cheap.
How We Chose the Best Clear Ice Cooler
To choose the best clear ice cooler, we compared clear ice makers and molds sold on Amazon in the U.S. on how they make clear ice (directional freezing or a layered machine process), ice shape and size, batch size or daily output, freezer or counter space and ease of release and cleaning, using each listing and the maker’s information. We read owner feedback for recurring problems such as cloudy centers, cracked ice, leaks and slow batches. We did not run our own lab tests, so output and timing figures are maker claims.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Clear Ice Cooler
The DIY cooler method
Fill a small hard-sided cooler with water and freeze it with the lid off. After about a day, the top is clear and the bottom is cloudy; remove the block, trim the cloudy part and cut the clear ice.
Kits versus a DIY cooler
A DIY cooler is cheap but needs cutting. Kits give you finished cubes or spheres with no knife work, at the cost of smaller batches.
Why normal ice is cloudy
Ordinary trays freeze from every side at once. Air bubbles and dissolved minerals get pushed to the middle and trapped, which leaves the white, cloudy core you see in most home ice.
How directional freezing works
Directional freezing insulates the sides and top of the water so it freezes slowly from one direction. Bubbles and impurities are pushed into the last bit of water to freeze, which you then discard, leaving clear ice above it.
How clear ice machines work
Countertop clear ice machines freeze water in thin layers on chilled prongs or plates while the water keeps moving. Moving water lets air escape, so the cubes come out clear instead of cloudy.
Why bartenders prefer clear ice
Clear ice is dense, so it melts more slowly and dilutes a drink less. It also looks better in the glass and does not add the off flavors that cloudy freezer ice can pick up.
Boiled water is not a magic fix
Boiling or using distilled water removes some air, but it rarely gives fully clear ice on its own. The freezing direction matters far more than the water you start with.
Give molds enough time
Most directional molds need 18 to 24 hours in a typical home freezer. Pulling them early leaves unfrozen water in the middle, and waiting too long can push cloudiness into the ice.
Temper ice before serving
Very cold clear ice can crack when you pour a room-temperature drink over it. Let spheres and cubes sit for a minute or two until the surface turns glossy before you use them.
Tips for Making Crystal-Clear Ice
- Freeze 18 to 24 hours Do not pull molds early.
- Temper before serving Prevents cracking.
- Bag finished ice Stops frost and odors.
- Measure your freezer Insulated molds are bulky.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best clear ice cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clear ice cooler?
ClearlyFrozen’s 21-cube kit for large batches, the 10-cube kit for smaller freezers and Wintersmiths for spheres.
Can any cooler make clear ice?
A small hard-sided cooler that fits your freezer works with the lid off.
How long does cooler clear ice take?
About 18 to 24 hours, depending on size.
How do I cut a clear ice block?
Let it temper, score it with a serrated knife and tap gently.
Why freeze with the lid off?
So the water freezes from the top down.
How do you make clear ice at home?
Use a directional freezing mold or a small insulated cooler so the water freezes from the top down, or buy a clear ice machine.
Why is my homemade ice cloudy?
Trapped air and minerals freeze into the middle when ice freezes from all sides at once.
How long do clear ice molds take?
Most take 18 to 24 hours in a home freezer.
Final Verdict
ClearlyFrozen’s 21-cube kit is the best clear ice cooler-style system for big batches, with the 10-cube kit for smaller freezers and Wintersmiths for spheres. Freeze the best clear ice cooler for about a day.
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