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The best clear ice maker freezes water slowly from one direction, pushing air bubbles and minerals to the bottom so the top of the block is crystal clear. Insulated directional-freezing molds do this in your freezer, while countertop machines make small clear cubes continuously.
We compared six clear-ice molds and machines on Amazon US by clarity, capacity and reviews.
Quick Answer: The Best Clear Ice Maker
- Best Overall MoldCrystal Clear Ice Cube Maker, 4 Large 2 x 2 x 2 in. Cubes
- Best for SpheresCrystal Clear Ice Ball Maker, 4 Cavity 2.5 in. Spheres
- Best for Hosts2 Inch Clear Ice Cube Tray, 8 Large Square Crystal Cubes
- Best MachineFrigidaire EFIC452-SS 40 lb Extra Large Clear Ice Maker
- Best Budget MachineEUHOMY Clear Ice Cube Maker Countertop with 1.5L Top Tank, 34 lb/Day
- Best Sphere MachineEUHOMY 2.4 in. Clear Ice Ball Maker Countertop
The Crystal Clear 4-cube maker is our top mold pick, with about 4,400 ratings and 2-inch cubes. The clear ice ball maker is best for spheres, the 8-cube tray suits hosts, and Frigidaire’s EFIC452 is the best countertop machine.
Best Clear Ice Maker Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Clear 4-Cube Maker | Best Overall Mold | Clear ice mold | Directional freezing insulated box | Check Price |
| Clear Ice Ball Maker | Best for Spheres | Clear ice mold | Directional freezing spheres | Check Price |
| 8-Cube Clear Ice Tray | Best for Hosts | Clear ice mold | Eight cubes per batch | Check Price |
| Frigidaire EFIC452 | Best Machine | Countertop clear ice machine | Makes square clear cubes, 40 lb/day (maker) | Check Price |
| EUHOMY Clear Ice Maker | Best Budget Machine | Countertop clear ice machine | Top-fill tank, about 34 lb/day (maker) | Check Price |
| EUHOMY Clear Ball Machine | Best Sphere Machine | Countertop clear ice machine | Makes clear 2.4 in. spheres | Check Price |
The 6 Best Clear Ice Makers
Ranked by clarity, capacity and value.
1. Crystal Clear Ice Cube Maker, 4 Large 2 x 2 x 2 in. Cubes
1. 4 clear 2 in. cubes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 4,400 ratings, 4.4 average
- Real clear ice
- Simple to use
Cons
- Takes about 24 hours
- Bulky in freezer
📄 Detailed Review
- Cubes: 4
- Size: 2 x 2 x 2 in.
- Method: Directional freezing
An insulated box that freezes from the top down for clear cubes.
Our top clear-ice mold.
2. Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker, 4 Cavity 2.5 in. Spheres
2. 2.5 in. balls.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 1,400 ratings, 4.4 average
- Clear spheres
- Four at once
Cons
- Slow, about a day
- Bulky
📄 Detailed Review
- Shape: Sphere
- Size: 2.5 in.
- Cavities: 4
A directional-freezing box for clear ice balls.
Best for clear spheres.
3. 2 Inch Clear Ice Cube Tray, 8 Large Square Crystal Cubes
3. 8 cubes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 1,000 ratings, 4.3 average
- Eight clear cubes
- Good for hosts
Cons
- Large freezer footprint
- Slow
📄 Detailed Review
- Cubes: 8
- Size: 2 in.
- Method: Directional freezing
A larger clear-ice maker for batches.
Best for parties.
4. Frigidaire EFIC452-SS 40 lb Extra Large Clear Ice Maker
4. About 40 lb/day.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 4,700 ratings, 4.1 average
- Fast, no freezer space needed
- Clear cubes
Cons
- Smaller cubes than molds
- Countertop space
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: About 40 lb/day (maker)
- Ice: Clear square cubes
- Finish: Stainless steel
A countertop machine that makes clear cubes continuously.
Best if you need lots of clear ice.
5. EUHOMY Clear Ice Cube Maker Countertop with 1.5L Top Tank, 34 lb/Day
5. About 34 lb/day.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 1,000 ratings, 4.0 average
- Cheaper than Frigidaire
- Compact
Cons
- Small cubes
- Some reliability complaints
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: About 34 lb/day (maker)
- Tank: 1.5 L
- Ice: Clear cubes
A budget countertop clear-ice machine.
Good value for daily clear ice.
6. EUHOMY 2.4 in. Clear Ice Ball Maker Countertop
6. Clear balls.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 240 ratings, 4.3 average
- Clear spheres on demand
- No freezer needed
Cons
- Expensive
- Fewer reviews
📄 Detailed Review
- Ice: 2.4 in. clear spheres
- Output: About 48 balls/day (maker)
- Feature: Self-cleaning
A machine that makes clear ice spheres for cocktails.
For serious home bars.
How We Chose the Best Clear Ice Maker
To build this guide to the best clear ice maker, we compared ice makers, trays and molds sold on Amazon US by cube size and shape, material (silicone, plastic or stainless steel), lids, stacking, freezing method (standard or directional freezing for clear ice) and release. We then read patterns in verified-buyer reviews for clarity, cracking, leaks, odors and ease of release, and flagged listings with few ratings.
Use clean drinking water, wash trays often, and keep ice scoops out of the ice bin, following USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service cleanliness guidance. Our method is explained on the How We Test page; this is a research-based guide, not a lab test.
Buying Guide: Clear Ice
Directional Freezing
Insulated molds freeze from the top down for clear ice.
Time
Molds take about 18–24 hours.
Water
Filtered or boiled water helps, but direction matters most.
Machines
Countertop machines make smaller clear cubes quickly.
Freezer Space
Clear-ice molds are bulky; measure first.
Tips for Better Ice
- Use boiled or filtered water for clearer ice.
- Freeze clear ice slowly from the top down.
- Let large cubes temper for a minute before serving to stop cracking.
- Wash silicone trays and store them with lids to avoid freezer odors.
- Store finished cubes in a sealed bag or bin.
Quick answers to common questions about the best clear ice maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clear ice maker?
The Crystal Clear 4-cube directional-freezing mold.
How do clear ice makers work?
They freeze water from one direction so bubbles collect at the bottom.
Does boiling water make clear ice?
It helps a little; directional freezing matters more.
Are countertop clear ice machines worth it?
Yes if you need lots of clear ice daily.
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best clear ice maker is the Crystal Clear 4-cube mold. For a machine, choose Frigidaire EFIC452.
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