Key takeaways
- Freezer space: Insulated trays need a level shelf and often more height than a normal ice tray. Measure before ordering.
- Cube size: Two-inch cubes fit most rocks glasses but may be too large for narrow tumblers.
- Water: Filtered or boiled-and-cooled water can help reduce cloudiness, though the freezing method matters most.
- Cleaning: Wash trays by hand unless the maker says dishwasher safe. Follow the manual for any machine, including descaling schedules, and empty the reservoir when the unit will sit idle.
- Safety: Keep electrical machines on a dry, level surface and plug them directly into a wall outlet unless the manual says otherwise. Contact a qualified electrician for wiring concerns.
If you make clear ice for a few drinks a week, a directional-freezing tray such as True Cubes (four 2-inch cubes) or ClearlyFrozen (ten 2-inch cubes) is the most practical route; if you want clear-looking cubes on demand with no planning, a countertop machine such as the Frigidaire EFIC452 is the electric option; and if you enjoy a project, the cooler method gives large blocks for very little outlay. Each suits a different kind of buyer, and none is a perfect answer for everyone.
Our top picks
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Clear Ice Cube Makers at a Glance
| Option | Type | Best for | Key stated specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Cubes | Insulated directional-freezing tray | Reliable results, small households | Four 2-inch cubes; reviewers cite 18 to 22 hours freezing time | Bulky, hard to release if left too long |
| ClearlyFrozen | Foam box with silicone insert | Higher capacity | Ten 2-inch cubes per batch, per The Humble Garnish | Fragile materials; centre cubes may cloud |
| OnTheRocks | Insulated mold with swappable inserts | Compact, flexible | Six 2-inch cubes; sphere inserts available | Higher price tier |
| Wintersmiths Phantom Mini | Multi-piece stainless system | Durability, sphere fans | Three large and three small spheres | Premium tier, limited quantity |
| Cooler method | DIY block freezing | Lowest cost, custom size | Cut your own cubes after two to three days | Labour intensive |
| Frigidaire EFIC452 | Compressor countertop machine | On-demand clear square cubes | Listings state up to 40 lb per day, 2.4 lb storage, about 14 by 11 by 15 inches | Large footprint; cube size not specified in listings |
| Silonn, ecozy machines | Countertop machines | Alternatives to the Frigidaire | Named by roundup outlets as clear-ice options | Confirm model details before buying |
Figures are the makers’ or reviewers’ stated numbers. Outlets disagree on some details such as reservoir units, so use the maker’s page as the final reference for the exact version you buy.
How Clear Ice Actually Gets Clear
The Humble Garnish review explains that water is unusual because it expands rather than contracts when it freezes. When ice forms slowly from one direction, impurities and dissolved air get pushed ahead of the freezing front, away from the finished cube. This mimics how a lake freezes from the top down. Directional-freezing trays achieve the effect by insulating all sides except one, usually the top, so the water freezes from the top down at a pace the impurities can escape. The result is a clear upper section and a cloudy section at the bottom, which most systems have you remove or leave behind in the base.
Basic molds do not do this. The same review reports that OXO, Tovolo and Dexas molds lack directional freezing and produce cloudy or cracked ice not suitable for presentation. That distinction should drive your purchase: if a product does not state how it controls the freezing direction, assume cloudy ice.
Option 1: Insulated Trays and Molds
True Cubes
True Cubes earned a Best Clear Ice Mold mention from America’s Test Kitchen according to a 2026 roundup, and several outlets call it the most reliable option. The system makes four 2-inch cubes and requires roughly 18 to 22 hours in an ordinary freezer. The Humble Garnish praises its solid build and reasonable cost but notes its bulky design and that cubes can be difficult to remove if over-frozen. Timing therefore matters; pull the tray out when the maker says and let it sit briefly before releasing.
ClearlyFrozen
ClearlyFrozen is the capacity pick, making ten 2-inch cubes per batch through a foam box and silicone mold insert. The Humble Garnish calls it the most affordable of the group but warns of fragile materials and that cubes in the centre may become cloudy. If you entertain and need many cubes, this is the tray to consider, with the caveat that not every cube will be equally clear.
OnTheRocks and Wintersmiths
OnTheRocks makes six 2-inch cubes and offers swappable sphere inserts, and the Humble Garnish calls it compact and well engineered but expensive. The Wintersmiths Phantom Mini is stainless steel and produces three large and three small spheres, with a premium cost and limited quantity. These are for buyers who want a polished set and are happy to pay a premium tier for the build.
Option 2: Countertop Clear Ice Machines
The Frigidaire EFIC452 is the machine that Reviewed lists as its clear-ice choice. Retail listings describe it as a compressor-cooled unit with a transparent window and an LCD panel, producing up to 40 lb of square cubes a day, storing around 2.4 lb at once, and making 24 cubes in under 15 minutes. It weighs about 21 lb and measures roughly 14 by 11 by 15 inches. Listings carry a one-year parts and labour warranty. A reviewer quoted in a roundup says its square cubes approach the clarity of directional-freezing molds, which is a fair way to set expectations: clearer than bullet ice, but not necessarily identical to a hand-frozen block. Other machines named for clear ice include models from Silonn and ecozy. The major advantage is convenience; the main drawbacks are footprint, noise and the need for regular cleaning.
Option 3: The Cooler Method
The cooler method freezes water in a small insulated cooler with the lid off, so the block freezes from the top down. The Humble Garnish lists it at roughly the lowest cost of any option and says it produces excellent results, but requires two to three days plus cutting by hand. Use a serrated knife or an ice pick carefully, and wear gloves; cutting ice is the one step in this guide with real injury potential. If you serve many guests, large blocks also look impressive.
Choosing by Budget Tier
Budget tier
The cooler method and ClearlyFrozen are the lowest-cost routes according to the Humble Garnish. Both take effort or accept some compromise in clarity.
Mid-range tier
True Cubes and other insulated trays sit here. They are dependable, do not need electricity and suit people who drink cocktails a few times a week.
Premium tier
OnTheRocks, the Wintersmiths system and countertop compressors such as the Frigidaire sit at the upper tiers. You are paying for convenience, build quality or capacity.
Fit, Space and Care Notes
- Freezer space: Insulated trays need a level shelf and often more height than a normal ice tray. Measure before ordering.
- Cube size: Two-inch cubes fit most rocks glasses but may be too large for narrow tumblers.
- Water: Filtered or boiled-and-cooled water can help reduce cloudiness, though the freezing method matters most.
- Cleaning: Wash trays by hand unless the maker says dishwasher safe. Follow the manual for any machine, including descaling schedules, and empty the reservoir when the unit will sit idle.
- Safety: Keep electrical machines on a dry, level surface and plug them directly into a wall outlet unless the manual says otherwise. Contact a qualified electrician for wiring concerns.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| If you… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want a dependable, no-power tray | True Cubes | Praised for reliability and build |
| Host often and need many cubes | ClearlyFrozen | Ten cubes per batch |
| Want compact flexibility and spheres too | OnTheRocks | Swappable inserts |
| Want clear ice with no planning | Frigidaire EFIC452 | On-demand, large daily output listed |
| Enjoy DIY and need big blocks | Cooler method | Very low cost, custom sizes |
Alternatives
- Sphere molds: Directional spheres such as TINANA and UNIGUL suit those who prefer round ice.
- Standard silicone large-cube trays: Slow-melting but cloudy; fine for taste, weaker for photos.
- Nugget or bullet machines: Better for quantity than clarity.
How to Get the Best Results From a Tray
- Fill the insulated tray with cold water to the maker’s line and place it on a level freezer shelf with the lid arrangement the instructions describe.
- Leave it for the stated time. Reviewers cite roughly 18 to 22 hours for True Cubes; a different product will have a different window.
- Remove the tray before the water freezes solid. The cloudy section is usually at the bottom and is trimmed or discarded as the maker describes.
- Let the block rest briefly at room temperature, then release it gently. Over-frozen cubes are the most common complaint.
- Store finished cubes in a sealed bag so they stay clean and avoid fusing together.
Keeping a second tray in rotation is the simplest way to make sure you always have clear ice ready, since a single tray ties up a freezer shelf for most of a day.
Bottom Line
True Cubes is the safe tray choice, ClearlyFrozen the capacity choice, the cooler method the thrifty hobbyist choice, and the Frigidaire EFIC452 the convenience choice. Decide how much planning and counter space you are willing to give, then buy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does clear ice matter?
Clear ice is denser and has fewer trapped bubbles, so it looks better and, reviewers note, tends to melt more slowly and crack less in a glass. It does not change a drink’s safety or flavour dramatically; the benefit is mostly appearance and slower dilution.
How long does directional freezing take?
Roundups report roughly 18 to 22 hours for True Cubes, with some sphere systems needing 26 to 30 hours. Plan to start the day before you need the ice.
Can a countertop machine make truly clear ice?
Machines such as the Frigidaire EFIC452 make clearer, square cubes than bullet machines, and one reviewer says they approach mold-made clarity. Results vary with water quality and conditions, so expect good but not always flawless clarity.
Do I need special water?
No special water is required. Filtered or boiled-and-cooled water may help, but the direction of freezing is the main factor.
Why are my cubes stuck in the tray?
The Humble Garnish notes that True Cubes can be hard to remove if over-frozen. Let the tray sit at room temperature for a few minutes and never force or pry with sharp tools.
Is the cooler method safe?
It is safe if you cut carefully. Use appropriate tools, work on a stable surface and wear gloves. If you are not comfortable cutting large blocks, choose a tray or machine instead.
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