Gone are the days when regular ice cubes would cut it for your cocktails or cold brews. Welcome to the world of craft ice makers—appliances designed to create slow-melting, aesthetically pleasing ice that enhances the flavor and presentation of your favorite drinks.
Whether you’re an aspiring home bartender or just want a touch of luxury in your daily beverage routine, a craft ice maker is a game-changer.
❄️ What Is Craft Ice?
Craft ice refers to large, often spherical or cube-shaped pieces of ice that:
- Melt more slowly than standard ice cubes
- Dilute drinks less
- Offer a premium, visually striking appearance
Common shapes include:
- Spheres (ideal for whiskey or bourbon)
- Large cubes (great for cocktails like Old Fashioneds)
- Clear blocks or gourmet shapes (used in upscale bars and lounges)
🧊 What Is a Craft Ice Maker?
A craft ice maker is a specialized appliance (standalone or built-in) that produces large-format or uniquely shaped ice. These machines are engineered to freeze water slowly and evenly, often in layers, to prevent bubbles or cracks, resulting in clear, long-lasting ice.
Types include:
- Countertop models
- Refrigerator-integrated models (like LG's InstaView)
- Manual molds with directional freezing
✅ Benefits of Craft Ice Makers
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Slower Melting | Keeps drinks cooler for longer without quick dilution |
Enhanced Presentation | Adds a luxurious touch to cocktails, mocktails, and spirits |
Flavor Purity | Less surface area means slower flavor loss or change |
Entertaining Value | Impress guests with bar-quality drinks at home |
🔍 Key Features to Look For
- Ice Shape & Size Options – Choose between spheres, cubes, and specialty shapes
- Production Speed – Look for models that produce ice within a few hours
- Capacity – Consider how much ice you need daily (ideal: 2–4 lbs/day for home use)
- Clear Ice Technology – Helps eliminate cloudiness caused by trapped air and impurities
- Ease of Cleaning – Removable trays and self-cleaning options are a big plus
- Footprint & Design – Compact models fit better in kitchens or home bars
🧼 Maintenance Tips
- Use filtered water for best clarity and taste over fresh water
- Clean the ice maker every 1–2 weeks to avoid mold and mineral buildup
- Store ice in a sealed container or freezer if not used immediately
🥃 Best Uses for Craft Ice
- Whiskey, bourbon, and scotch on the rocks
- Premium cocktails like Negronis, Old Fashioneds, or Manhattans
- Cold brew, iced lattes, and mocktails
- Entertaining guests with a touch of elegance
ecozy 2" Clear Ice Ball Maker with CrystalFlux Technology, 4 pcs in 40 Mins, 144 pcs/Day, Sphere Ice Maker with Enhanced Insulation, Automatic Water Supply, Self-Cleaning for Whiskey & Bourbon
- Crystal Clear Ice for Perfect Chill: Powered by CrystalFlux technology, our ultra-transparent sphere ice is crafted with minimal air bubbles for pristine clarity and slower melting, keeping your drinks perfectly chilled without dilution
- Whiskey Ice in 40 Minutes: Perfect for whisky nights with friends—no long waits, no hassle. Impress all your guests with four ultra-clear, slow-melting ice spheres in just 40 minutes, keeping drinks perfectly chilled and full of flavor
- Tech-Driven Insulation Technology: Double-layer insulation and GlacioLock technology slow ice melt by 15% at full capacity, keeping your whisky perfectly chilled without dilution for a smoother, more flavorful experience
- Ice Ball Always Ready: Produce 144 ice balls per day with a basket storing up to 56 spheres—perfect for bars serving 20–30 guests. Ensuring a continuous supply of premium, slow-melting ice for whiskey and drinks
- Easy Water Entry: Connect to a water line for endless ice without interruptions, saving time and effort. Or use the 0.45-gallon built-in tank for flexibility. Plus, the bottom drain design allows easy water removal when placed on a countertop
- Clean Made Simple: One-touch auto-cleaning keeps every ice ball pure and fresh, while the interior and ice basket can be manually wiped for a deep clean anytime
Klaris Clear Ice Maker for Cocktails, Whiskey & Bourbon - Makes 4 Large, 2 in. Clear Ice Cubes in 8 to 12 Hours
- CRYSTAL CLEAR ICE, EVERY TIME - Our clear ice cube maker sets a new standard for ice clarity with innovative technology that ensures perfectly transparent, craft ice cubes. Klaris eliminates impurities and air bubbles and won't trap smells or tastes. Great for whiskey, cocktails, or mocktails.
- CREATE LUXURY DRINKS AT HOME - Our clear ice cubes are visually stunning and melt more slowly than regular ice, preserving drink flavor and integrity. Bring high-end bar sophistication home and elevate your drinks with clear, slow-melting ice cubes.
- EASE OF USE - Creates 4 large 2" crystal-clear ice cubes with the press of a button. Includes a delayed start option (2, 4, or 8 hours) to fit your schedule. Produces ice in 8-12 hours, which is 2-3x faster than other comparable craft ice solutions. Not intended to be an indefinite ice storage device. Once the ice has grown to full height, the machine will hold the ice just below freezing for 6 hours.
- CRAFTING SPECIAL MOMENTS - Impress guests with a stunning home bar centerpiece that creates clear ice for cocktails. Whether hosting a party or an intimate gathering, Klaris adds a touch of sophistication to every drink. To build up a stash, we recommend keeping your craft ice in the freezer using Klaris storage containers with lids.
- ONE YEAR WARRANTY, SIMPLE CLEANUP - Klaris is committed to customer satisfaction. Every Klaris comes with a one year warranty and lifetime technical support. Klaris was designed to be easily cleaned and maintained. The clear ice maker includes a durable and reusable tray, allowing you to maximize your ice production and simplify clean up.
Frigidaire Countertop Artisanal Sphere Ice Machine, Transparent Window, Gourmet Ice Maker, 84 Sphere per Day Capacity, Auto Self-Cleaning Ice Making Machine (White)
- Artisanal Sphere Ice - Craft your own unique and elegant artisanal sphere-shaped ice that elevates the drinking experience, making it perfect for special occasions and gatherings
- Effortless Touch Control - Tap into intuitive ice-making with our intelligent control panel. Producing up to 86 beautifully crafted ice spheres daily, the first spheres are ready in just 30 minutes
- Compact size - Conveniently sized, this compact ice maker fits under cabinets for seamless countertop placement
- Convenient Design - Designed with drawer access and a viewing window, this small sphere ice maker allows you to quickly view ice levels. No water hookup needed, just plug in and fill the reservoir for immediate use
- Automatic Self-Cleaning - The auto self-cleaning function ensures fresh-tasting ice every time, maintaining optimal hygiene and taste
- Important: This ice maker is designed to produce ice, not store it. The unit does not keep ice frozen once it's made. To prevent melting, transfer the ice to your freezer promptly after it is produced
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Craft Ice Makers
🔹 What is the difference between regular ice and craft ice?
Craft ice is typically larger, slower-melting, and often comes in spherical or cube shapes. It’s designed to chill drinks without watering them down quickly and is often clearer and more aesthetically pleasing than standard ice cubes.
🔹 Are craft ice makers worth it?
Yes, craft ice makers are worth it for anyone who enjoys premium beverages. They improve drink quality, reduce dilution, and add a professional touch to home entertaining, especially for cocktails and whiskey.
🔹 How do you make clear craft ice at home?
To make clear craft ice, use filtered or boiled water and freeze it slowly in a directional freezing mold. Many high-end craft ice makers use this technique automatically to eliminate bubbles and impurities.
🔹 Can I use tap water in a craft ice maker?
You can, but filtered or distilled water is recommended for clearer, better-tasting ice. Tap water often contains minerals and air that can cloud the ice and affect flavor.
🔹 How long does it take to make craft ice?
Production time varies:
- Manual molds: 18–24 hours
- Countertop machines: 2–4 hours per batch
- Built-in models: Usually make a few spheres per day
🔹 Do craft ice makers keep ice frozen?
Most countertop or built-in craft ice makers do not store ice long-term—they make it but don’t keep it frozen. For best results, transfer ice to a freezer or insulated container.
🧊 Final Thoughts
A craft ice maker adds luxury, function, and flavor to your home beverage experience. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just enjoy a good iced coffee, investing in high-quality ice can truly elevate your drinks and impress your guests without silicone molds. Grab your glass and a bottle of your finest, and expect the perfect temperature—you won't be disappointed! Order today!
