There are three ways to make clear ice at home: a cooler, a clear ice mold, or a countertop machine. They all work, but they cost very different amounts and suit very different people. Here is how they compare, and what to check before you buy.
The short answer
For most home bars, the best clear ice maker is a non-electric clear ice mold. On Amazon US most cost about $20 to $42 (October 2026). It needs no power, fits in a normal freezer and makes ready-shaped cubes or spheres in about a day. The cooler method costs almost nothing but means cutting a block by hand. Countertop clear ice machines are the fastest, but they start around $95 for cube models and run $225 to $300 for sphere models, and they take up counter space.
How they compare
- Cooler method. Cost: a small cooler. Time: about a day. Effort: high, because you cut the block yourself. Best for: people who make a lot of ice and enjoy the process.
- Clear ice mold. Cost: about $20 to $42. Time: about a day, depending on the mold and your freezer. Effort: low. Best for: most people.
- Countertop clear ice machine. Cost: about $95 to $300. Time: the listings quote batches in under an hour. Effort: medium, because there is a water tank to fill and a machine to clean. Best for: people who host often and want ice on demand.
How a clear ice mold works
A clear ice mold uses directional freezing. An insulated case slows freezing from the sides and bottom, so the water in the top tray freezes from the top down. The air and minerals that make ice cloudy get pushed down into the reservoir underneath. You lift out the tray, and the cubes or spheres in it are clear. The cloudy ice left in the reservoir goes in the sink. For the science behind it, see how to make clear ice at home.
What to look for in a mold
- Shape and size. Two-inch cubes suit a rocks glass. Spheres look striking in a whiskey glass. Check that the size fits the glasses you own.
- Pieces per batch. Most make between two and eight. If you host, more pieces per batch saves days of waiting.
- Freezer space. These boxes are bulky. Measure the height and depth of your freezer shelf first.
- Food-grade materials. Look for food-grade silicone and BPA-free plastic, stated clearly by the seller.
- Easy release. Flexible silicone trays let the ice pop out without cracking it.
What to look for in a machine
- Make sure it says clear ice. Most portable countertop ice makers make small, bullet-shaped ice that is cloudy. Clear ice machines are a separate, more expensive category.
- Cube or sphere. Sphere machines cost the most.
- Batch size and speed. Check how many pieces it makes per cycle and how long a cycle takes.
- Cleaning. Any machine that holds water needs regular cleaning. Check how easy the tank is to empty.
Which one should you get?
- You want clear ice for a few drinks a week: a mold.
- You want a lot of ice and like the craft: the cooler method.
- You host often and have counter space: a machine.
- It is a gift: a mold. It is easy to use, needs nothing plugged in, and pairs well with a cocktail smoker.
Common questions
Do clear ice molds really work?
Yes, if you follow the instructions. The clear ice forms in the top tray and the cloudy part collects underneath, which is the point. Taking the ice out too late, after the reservoir has frozen solid, is the usual reason for a cloudy result.
How long does a clear ice mold take?
Usually around a day. It depends on the mold and how cold your freezer runs.
Is clear ice worth the effort?
For drinks served over one big piece of ice, yes. It looks better, and a large cube waters a drink down more slowly than small ice.
