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The best clear ice sphere maker gives you round, glass-clear ice that melts slowly in whiskey and stirred cocktails. You can choose an automatic countertop machine or a directional freezer mold.
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 Sphere Maker
- Best OverallFrigidaire Sphere Maker
- Best MoldWintersmiths Ice Chest
- Most CompactCorkcicle Invisiball
- Best Two-ShapeBerlinzo Sphere + Cube
- Best BudgetTovolo Sphere Molds
- Simplest SystemTrue Cubes Colossal
Frigidaire’s EFIC240 is the best clear ice sphere maker if you want spheres on demand. Wintersmiths is the best freezer mold, Corkcicle Invisiball is compact, Berlinzo adds cubes, Tovolo is the budget mold and True Cubes is a simple system.
Best Clear Ice Sphere Maker Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Sphere Maker | Best Overall | Countertop clear sphere ice maker | Up to 84 spheres/day | Check Price |
| Wintersmiths Ice Chest | Best Mold | Directional-freezing sphere mold | Four 2.36" spheres | Check Price |
| Corkcicle Invisiball | Most Compact | Clear sphere ice kit | Clear spheres | Check Price |
| Berlinzo Sphere + Cube | Best Two-Shape | Directional-freezing mold set | 4 spheres + 4 cubes | Check Price |
| Tovolo Sphere Molds | Best Budget | Sphere ice molds | Four 2.5" spheres | Check Price |
| True Cubes Colossal | Simplest System | Directional-freezing ice maker | Large clear ice | 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. Frigidaire EFIC240 Countertop Artisanal Clear Sphere Ice Maker
1. Automatic.
👍 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.
2. Wintersmiths Ice Chest, Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker, 4 Spheres
2. Very clear.
👍 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.
Reusable.
3. Corkcicle Invisiball Clear Ice Sphere Kit
3. Small kit.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clear spheres from tap water (maker claim)
- Compact kit
- Gift-friendly
Cons
- Small batch
- Spheres need a few minutes to release
📄 Detailed Review
- Ice: Clear spheres
- Water: Tap water (maker)
- Method: Insulated directional freezing
- Brand: Corkcicle
Corkcicle’s Invisiball kit is built to make clear spheres from plain tap water, according to the maker.
Tap water.
4. Berlinzo Clear Ice Cube Maker Mold, 4 Spheres and 4 Cubes
4. 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.
5. Cheap.
👍 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.
Use a cooler.
6. Easy.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large clear ice
- Simple system
- Reusable
Cons
- Freezer space
- Check batch size on listing
📄 Detailed Review
- Method: Directional freezing
- Ice: Large clear cubes
- Use: Whiskey and cocktails
- Brand: True Cubes
True Cubes Colossal is a larger directional-freezing system for big clear cubes.
Reusable.
How We Chose the Best Clear Ice Sphere Maker
To choose the best clear ice sphere 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 Sphere Maker
Machine or mold
A sphere machine makes ice continuously but costs far more and takes counter space. Molds cost little and fit in the freezer, but each batch takes about a day.
Releasing spheres
Let molds sit at room temperature for a few minutes before opening. Forcing them can crack the sphere.
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.
Freezer space matters
Directional freezing systems are bulky because they include an insulated shell. Measure your freezer shelf height and depth before you buy, especially for high-capacity trays.
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 sphere maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clear ice sphere maker?
Frigidaire EFIC240 for an automatic machine and Wintersmiths for a freezer mold.
How long do sphere molds take?
About 18 to 24 hours.
Why are my ice spheres cloudy?
They froze from every side; use a directional mold.
What size sphere is best?
About 2.3 to 2.5 inches for rocks glasses.
Can I use tap water?
Yes.
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.
Does boiling water make clear ice?
It helps a little, but directional freezing matters far more.
Final Verdict
Frigidaire’s EFIC240 is the best clear ice sphere maker for on-demand spheres, with Wintersmiths as the best freezer mold. Let spheres from the best clear ice sphere maker temper before serving.
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