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The best clear ice maker turns out dense, bubble-free cubes that melt slowly and look sharp in a glass, without waiting a day for a freezer mold. Output, cube size, install type and counter space decide which machine fits.
We compared clear ice makers sold on Amazon by listed output, ice type, size and install needs, using maker information. Output figures are maker claims.
Quick Answer: The Best Clear Ice Maker
- Best OverallNewair 40 lb FrozenFall
- Best Fast StartLuma Comfort 40 lb Clear
- Best SpheresFrigidaire Sphere Maker
- Best Big CubesSilonn Clear Cube Maker
- Best CompactLuma IM200SS 28 lb
- Best Built-InEdgeStar IB250SS 15"
Newair’s 40 lb FrozenFall model is the best clear ice maker for most homes, with adjustable cube thickness. Luma Comfort matches its 40 lb output, Frigidaire makes clear spheres, Silonn makes big 1.6-inch cubes, Luma IM200SS is compact and EdgeStar is the built-in pick.
Best Clear Ice Maker Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newair 40 lb FrozenFall | Best Overall | Countertop clear ice maker | 40 lbs/day, adjustable cubes | Check Price |
| Luma Comfort 40 lb Clear | Best Fast Start | Countertop clear ice maker | 40 lbs/day, ~15 min first ice | Check Price |
| Frigidaire Sphere Maker | Best Spheres | Countertop clear sphere ice maker | Up to 84 spheres/day | Check Price |
| Silonn Clear Cube Maker | Best Big Cubes | Countertop clear ice cube maker | 1.6" cubes | Check Price |
| Luma IM200SS 28 lb | Best Compact | Countertop clear ice maker | 28 lbs/day | Check Price |
| EdgeStar IB250SS 15" | Best Built-In | Built-in clear ice maker | 25 lbs/day, 15" wide | 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. Newair 40 lb Countertop Clear Ice Maker with FrozenFall Technology
1. Strong output.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong output
- Adjustable cube thickness
- Established ice-maker brand
Cons
- Large footprint
- Louder than small units
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 40 lbs per day (listed)
- Technology: FrozenFall (maker claim)
- Ice type: Clear cubes, adjustable thickness (listed)
- Brand: Newair
Newair’s countertop clear ice maker lists 40 lbs a day using what it calls FrozenFall technology.
Known brand.
2. Luma Comfort Countertop Clear Ice Maker, 40 lbs per Day
2. Quick first batch.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- High output for a countertop clear machine
- Quick first batch
- No plumbing
Cons
- Bin not refrigerated
- Needs counter depth
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 40 lbs per 24 hours (listed)
- First ice: About 15 minutes (listed)
- Ice type: Clear cubes
- Brand: Luma Comfort
Luma Comfort’s clear ice machine lists 40 lbs a day with first cubes in about 15 minutes.
No plumbing.
3. Frigidaire EFIC240 Countertop Artisanal Clear Sphere Ice Maker
3. Automatic spheres.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Makes clear spheres automatically
- Known appliance brand
- No molds to fill
Cons
- Premium price
- Sphere output is slow next to cube machines
📄 Detailed Review
- Ice type: Clear spheres
- Output: Up to 84 spheres a day (listed)
- Brand: Frigidaire
- Model: EFIC240
Frigidaire’s EFIC240 is one of the few countertop machines that makes clear ice spheres on its own, listed at up to 84 a day.
Frigidaire.
4. Silonn Clear Ice Cube Maker Countertop, 3 Large 1.6-Inch Cubes in 20 Minutes
4. Large clear cubes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large clear cubes
- Fast cycle for its type
- Plugs in on a counter
Cons
- Small batches
- Newer model
📄 Detailed Review
- Cube size: 1.6 x 1.6 in (listed)
- Speed: 3 cubes in about 20 minutes (listed)
- Ice type: Clear square cubes
- Brand: Silonn
Silonn’s countertop machine lists clear 1.6-inch cubes, three at a time in about 20 minutes.
Countertop.
5. Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker, 28 lbs per Day
5. Small footprint.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact
- Long-running model
- Simple controls
Cons
- Lower output
- Bin melts slowly over time
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 28 lbs per day (listed)
- Ice type: Clear cubes
- Install: Plug in, no plumbing
- Model: IM200SS
The Luma Comfort IM200SS is a compact countertop clear ice maker listed at 28 lbs a day.
Simple.
6. EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Built-In Clear Ice Maker, 25 lb Daily Production
6. Undercounter fit.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits a 15-inch opening
- Clear cubes
- Adjustable harvest control
Cons
- Needs a water line
- Modest output for built-in
📄 Detailed Review
- Width: 15 in
- Output: 25 lbs per day (listed)
- Install: Built-in or freestanding
- Brand: EdgeStar
EdgeStar’s IB250SS is a 15-inch built-in machine that lists 25 lbs of clear ice a day.
Clear cubes.
How We Chose the Best Clear Ice Maker
To choose the best clear ice maker, 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 Maker
Clear machine versus mold
A clear ice machine makes cubes continuously on your counter, while a mold needs a day in the freezer for a small batch. Machines cost more but suit people who use a lot of ice every day.
Cube size from machines
Most countertop clear ice machines make smaller cubes than molds. Adjustable thickness lets you trade speed for bigger, slower-melting ice.
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.
Tips for Making Crystal-Clear Ice
- Use filtered water Less scale, cleaner taste.
- Bag ice in the freezer The bin is not a freezer.
- Descale on schedule Keeps cubes clear.
- Leave space around vents Better output.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best clear ice maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clear ice maker?
Newair’s 40 lb FrozenFall for most homes, Luma Comfort for a fast start and Frigidaire for spheres.
How long does a clear ice maker take?
Many list first cubes in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Do clear ice makers keep ice frozen?
Most countertop models do not; bag ice in the freezer.
Do clear ice makers need plumbing?
Countertop models do not; built-in models need a water line and drain.
How often should I clean one?
Follow the maker; many suggest cleaning every few weeks.
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.
Final Verdict
Newair’s 40 lb FrozenFall model is the best clear ice maker for most home bars, with Luma Comfort as a strong alternative and Frigidaire for spheres. Use filtered water in the best clear ice maker.
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