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The best clear ice cube tray makes cubes you can see through, not the cloudy blocks a standard tray leaves. Directional trays are bulkier and slower, but they give bar-quality cubes from ordinary tap water.
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 Cube Tray
- Best OverallTrue Cubes Tray
- Best CapacityClearlyFrozen 10-Cube
- Best for PartiesClearlyFrozen 21-Cube
- Best Two-ShapeBerlinzo Sphere + Cube
- Best Big CubesTrue Cubes Colossal
- Best BudgetKitchFort 2" Tray
True Cubes is the best clear ice cube tray for most people: four 2-inch cubes from tap water in a compact shell. ClearlyFrozen makes ten cubes, its 21-cube system suits parties, Berlinzo adds spheres, Colossal makes bigger ice and KitchFort is the budget tray.
Best Clear Ice Cube Tray Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Cubes Tray | Best Overall | Directional-freezing cube tray | Four 2" cubes | Check Price |
| ClearlyFrozen 10-Cube | Best Capacity | Directional-freezing cube tray | Ten 2" cubes | Check Price |
| ClearlyFrozen 21-Cube | Best for Parties | Directional-freezing cube tray | 21 cubes | Check Price |
| Berlinzo Sphere + Cube | Best Two-Shape | Directional-freezing mold set | 4 spheres + 4 cubes | Check Price |
| True Cubes Colossal | Best Big Cubes | Directional-freezing ice maker | Large clear ice | Check Price |
| KitchFort 2" Tray | Best Budget | Large silicone cube tray | 2" silicone cubes | 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. True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray, Four 2-Inch Cubes
1. Easy and compact.
👍 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.
Tap water.
2. ClearlyFrozen High-Capacity Clear Ice Cube Maker, Ten 2-Inch Cubes
2. More per batch.
👍 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.
Directional.
3. ClearlyFrozen High-Capacity 21-Cube Crystal Clear Artisanal Ice Maker
3. Biggest batch.
👍 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.
Clear.
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. Bigger pieces.
👍 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.
Simple.
6. KitchFort Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray with Lid, 2-Inch Cubes
6. Cheap, lidded.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheap
- Lid blocks freezer odors
- Easy release
Cons
- Cubes are not fully clear
- Needs a cooler trick for clarity
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: 2 in cubes (listed)
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Lid: Yes
- Method: Standard tray, not directional
KitchFort’s lidded silicone tray makes big 2-inch cubes on a budget; they are not clear on their own.
Not fully clear.
How We Chose the Best Clear Ice Cube Tray
To choose the best clear ice cube tray, 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 Cube Tray
Directional trays versus silicone trays
Directional trays sit inside an insulated case so ice freezes from the top down and comes out clear. Plain silicone trays freeze from all sides and leave a cloudy core.
Cube size
Two-inch cubes fit rocks glasses and melt slowly. Smaller trays are better for highballs and iced coffee.
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 cube tray.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clear ice cube tray?
True Cubes for most people, ClearlyFrozen for more cubes and the 21-cube system for parties.
How do clear ice cube trays work?
They insulate the sides so water freezes from the top down.
How long do they take?
About 18 to 24 hours.
Are silicone trays clear?
Not on their own; use them inside a small cooler for better clarity.
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.
Final Verdict
True Cubes is the best clear ice cube tray for most homes, with ClearlyFrozen for bigger batches and its 21-cube system for parties. Give the best clear ice cube tray a full day in the freezer.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
