The Best Clear Ice Makers – Why Serve Cloudy Ice?

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If you need the best clear ice makers and you are having a hard time finding the ideal one, then you just stumbled on the right blog.

The best clear ice machines produce crystal ice cubes which are the purest quality of ice possible. Clear ice cubes create less fizzle in liquids, they also taste better and last longer than cloudy ones.

However, not all ice-making machines produce crystal clear ice cubes and we are here to help you find the right one.

Our foremost best option is Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker. It comes in a sleek and compact design which makes it easy to transport. The ice maker holds a lot of ice and is equipped with modern technology features including; LCD lights, transparent lid, ice shovel, and scoop amongst others. It is one of the few ice-making machines that makes crystal clear ice cubes at a fast pace.

After hours of thorough research, we have come up with a concise review of our 5 best clear ice makers with the combined benefit of portable size and fast ice making speed. We also included in this review, a detailed buying guide which we are sure would guide you to choose the most ideal option.

Best Clear Ice Makers
Title
Best Performance
Best Choice Products Compact Digital Ice Maker w/ 2 Cube Sizes (Silver)
Best Value
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop 26-Pound Automatic Ice Maker,...
Top Quality
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine | First Cubes In 15 Minutes, 28...
Picture
Best Choice Products Compact Digital Ice Maker w/ 2 Cube Sizes (Silver)
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop 26-Pound Automatic Ice Maker,...
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine | First Cubes In 15 Minutes, 28...
Rating
-
-
-
Manufacturer
Best Choice Products
Igloo
Luma Comfort
Weight
21 pounds
20.5 pounds
25.5 pounds
Dimensions
14 x 9.5 x 13 inches
9.61 x 14.69 x 12.4 inches
11.3 x 14.8 x 14.1 inches
Color
Silver
Black
Stainless Steel
Material
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Stainless-Steel
Installation Method
Countertop, Built-In
Ice Maker^Basket^Scoop
Ice Maker, Manual
Best Performance
Title
Best Choice Products Compact Digital Ice Maker w/ 2 Cube Sizes (Silver)
Picture
Best Choice Products Compact Digital Ice Maker w/ 2 Cube Sizes (Silver)
Rating
-
Manufacturer
Best Choice Products
Weight
21 pounds
Dimensions
14 x 9.5 x 13 inches
Color
Silver
Material
Stainless Steel
Installation Method
Countertop, Built-In
Best Value
Title
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop 26-Pound Automatic Ice Maker,...
Picture
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop 26-Pound Automatic Ice Maker,...
Rating
-
Manufacturer
Igloo
Weight
20.5 pounds
Dimensions
9.61 x 14.69 x 12.4 inches
Color
Black
Material
Plastic
Installation Method
Ice Maker^Basket^Scoop
Top Quality
Title
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine | First Cubes In 15 Minutes, 28...
Picture
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine | First Cubes In 15 Minutes, 28...
Rating
-
Manufacturer
Luma Comfort
Weight
25.5 pounds
Dimensions
11.3 x 14.8 x 14.1 inches
Color
Stainless Steel
Material
Stainless-Steel
Installation Method
Ice Maker, Manual

Benefits & Buying Guide of The Best Clear Ice Maker

Not all ice makers produce clear ice and the journey to getting the best clear ice ball maker starts from knowing the features that you need to watch out for to make the right selection.

This would help you to narrow down your search and screen out the ones that do not meet up the criteria.

Below is a list of the most important things that you would need to know to make the right choice:   

  • Ease of use and maintenance: Some ice makers have to be dismantled and defrosted to clean them thoroughly while some feature automatic defrosting and can be cleaned in place, the latter is easier to clean. Generally, ice makers are easy to use and maintain last longer than others. hence, we advise that you choose clear ice cube makers with simple maintenance features.
  • Portability: It is important to consider the weight and size of a clear ice cube maker, especially if you don’t have too much space. You have to decide where you want to place the ice-making machine and how much space you have to spare. If you also plan to move your machine around, then you should look out for the weight of the machine as light-weighted options are easier to carry around.
  • Quietness: Most ice-making machines tend to make an unpleasantly loud noise while in use or during freezing, this is even more important if you plan to use the machine in a public space. However, not all machines make this unpleasant noise, there are fast and powerful machines that work efficiently without making so much noise. Alternatively, you can place the ice-making machine under a counter or behind closed doors, to help reduce the sound effect of the machine.
  • Ice making capacity: Before buying an ice maker, you should have an idea of how much ice you would need in a day. Some under counter machines make up to 30 lbs. of ice per day while some make as low as 12 lbs. of daily ice. Also, If you intend to use it for business or to run occasional parties, you should get a machine with a large ice-making capacity, most preferably, a commercial ice maker that can produce as much as 1000 lbs. within a day.
  • Ice holding capacity: The ice holding capacity of an ice maker is usually higher than its ice production rate. Different ice makers have different ice storage capacity, some ice makers can store more ice cubes than others. If you plan to use the ice cubes as fast as you make them, you might not have any issues with their storage capacity. However, if you plan to keep the ice cubes for a while, especially when the weather is hot, then you would need an ice maker with a large storage capacity. Alternatively, you can also save the ice cubes in an ice bag if the storage capacity of the ice maker is not large enough.
  • Price tag: You need to consider your budget before choosing an ice-making machine, especially clear ice makers. If you want clear ice and you don’t have a lot of money to spare, you can consider going for a clear ice maker or a clear ice mold. However, you should ensure that the ice maker meets your needs and produces quality ice for your favorite drinks.

Top 5 Best Clear Ice Makers of 2021


Clear Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker – Best choice option

Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker is our best clear ice maker option.  The ice-making machine is a pro at making crystal clear ice cubes.

With a large storage capacity, portable size, and other topnotch features that are easy to access, Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker is one of the best countertop clear ice makers in the market.

Features

  • Sleek and compact design: Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker comes in a portable yet elegant stainless-steel design, hence cleaning it, is entirely hassle-free and it would be a good blend for your decor. Also, its lightweight and compact design make it easy to move around. Also, the machine doesn’t take up too much space and that is one of the things we love about it the most.
  • Crystal clear ice cubes: Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker is one of the few ice makers that makes the best clear ice cubes for premium quality drinks.
  • Ease of use: The ice maker is absolutely easy to use and simple to plug in and operate, they are loaded with functions that are easy to understand, hence, you do not need to be a tech expert to enjoy quality ice.
  • Varying sized ice cube options: The ice maker features three cube size options; large, medium, and small, giving you the liberty to choose the best cube size for your favorite drink.
  • Ice shovel and scoop: Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker comes with an ice shovel and scoops which helps you to collect ready-mades ice, neatly and seamlessly.   
  • LCD lights: It features two light indicators, one alerts you when the ice tray is full and needs to be offloaded while the other alerts you when the water tank is full and needs to be refilled.
  • Translucent lid: The ice cube maker features a see-through window that allows you to see through the machine without touching the lid while the machine is running.
  • Fast and quiet machine: Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker is one that is capable of making clear ice cubes within 10 minutes and unlike other machines with similar functionalities, it does this without making unnecessary noise.
  • Ice making capacity: Countertop Digital Ice Cube Maker can hold up to 2.2 liters of water and can make up to 33 lbs. of crystal clear ice within 24 hours.  

Pros

  • Clear ice cubes
  • No disturbing noise
  • Easy to use functions
  • Light indicators
  • Transparent window
  • Quick ice maker

Cons

  • No freezer

Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker

Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop 26-Pound Automatic Ice Maker,...
  • DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Portable, convenient and compact in size, this retro metallic red ice maker looks good on a...
  • LARGE ICE MAKING CAPACITY: Keep the water tank filled and this unit will produce 26 pounds of ice in a 24 hour period enough...
  • WATER TANK CAPACITY: 3 quarts

If you are looking for an ice maker with a combo of elegance and topnotch efficiency, here you have it. Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker is one of our best portable clear ice makers and it is one of the very few ice makers that makes crystal clear ice.

It is compact and light-weighted, and it is equipped with easy to use features that you can’t help but love including a see-through lid, light indicators, a drain plug, and other amazing features.

Features

  • Elegant and portable design: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker comes in a clean and elegant design with 5 beautiful color designs that would sit pretty on your countertop or any other place of your choice, without eating up too much space.
  • Quick ice: You don’t have to wait for hours to get clear ice cubes for your favorite beverages as the ice maker makes 9 cylinder-shaped ice cubes in 7 minutes.
  • Transparent window: It features a see-through lid that allows you to monitor what is going on in the machine without necessarily taking off the lid.  
  • Clear and varying sized ice cubes: It is another one of the few ice makers that makes clean and clear cylinder-shaped ice in large and small sizes.
  • Large ice making capacity: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker has a 3 quartz water tank capacity and it can make up to 26 pounds of ice within 24 hours for your favorite drinks all day long.
  • LED lights: It also features LED lights that notify you when your water tank needs to be refilled and when your ice basket needs to be offloaded by illuminating the control panel.
  • Ice basket and scoop: With its ice basket and ice scoop, you get to easily and neatly harvest ice cubes into your favorite mixed beverages and other drinks.
  • Drain plug: The ice making machine features a drain plug that allows you to easily clean and drains water from the ice maker after use.

Pros

  • Crystal clear ice cubes
  • Translucent lid
  • Control widget
  • A compact and lightweight piece
  • Makes ice in no time
  • Easy to use
  • Features Light indicators

Cons

  • Parts might break apart easily

 Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker

Sale
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine | First Cubes In 15 Minutes, 28...
  • [MAKE CLEAR ICE THE EASY WAY] - Home mixologists, meet your new best friend. This innovative ice maker makes clear ice cubes...
  • [THE CLEAR CHOICE] - Clear ice makes a big difference in the quality of your drinks. It melts more slowly so you don't water...
  • [BPA CERTIFIED PARTS] - Safe drinking water is important to everyone and that includes the ice you add to your glass. This...

The small and compact design of the Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker makes it one of our best portable clear ice makers.

The machine is easy to set up and use, churning out premium quality clear ice in a jiffy. It is additionally strong and durable with parts that are free from harmful chemicals.

When it comes to making ice cubes, it is one of the best crystal clear ice ball maker.

 Features

  • Classic and petite design: The ice maker comes in a sleek and compact stainless steel casing that is a beauty to see. Because of its petite size, it wouldn’t need too much countertop space, and carrying it around wouldn’t be a bother.
  • Easy to use: best crystal clear ice ball maker is an innovative machine that is easy to set up and use with no need for installation or complicated settings. It is equipped with user-friendly features that make ice making a walk-over. All you need to do is to fill your water reservoir, plug into a power source, choose your ice cube size and turn on the switch and crystal clear ice cubes would be ready in no time.
  • Crystal clear and safe quality ice: Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker is made of parts that are free from toxic chemicals. The machine makes one of the best quality safe and clear ice cubes with varying sizes that last even longer and give you premium quality drinks. It is one of our best clear ice cube makers. Light indicators: Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker features light indicators that alert you when the ice basket is full and needs to be offloaded and when the water reservoir needs to be refilled.
  • Super thick insulation: All thanks to its thick insulated parts, Ice cubes last even longer and stay cold in the ice maker when not used.
  • Ice making capacity: Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker provides a fast way to make quality ice cubes as it churns out premium quality ice in 15 minutes and a total of 28 lbs. of ice in just 24 hours.

Pros

  • Clear and longlasting ice cubes
  • Insulated and BPA free parts
  • Easy to use functions
  • Light indicators
  • Compact design

Cons

  • The lids are not transparent
  • Might start making uncomfortable noise after a while.

RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker – Most affordable and portable piece

RCA RIC102-Silver Compact Ice Maker, Silver
  • Compact ice maker in Silver
  • Enjoy a batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes
  • Produces 26lbs of ice per day in choice of 2 ice sizes

RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker is fast and reliable and it is easy to set up and use. With little or no tech expertise, you can have access to clean and clear ice to grace your favorite drinks at any time of the day.

With a compact size and modern ice-making technology features including a see-through lid, LCD indicators, varying cube sizes, and more, RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker is one of our countertop clear ice makers.  

Features

  • Sleek and portable design: RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker comes in a classic and compact silver design that would blend well with any type of decor. It is also incredibly light weighted and portable so that whether you just need it sits on a conservative space on your countertop or you want to move it around, you can do that without stress.
  • Simple to use: The ice maker comes with features that are easy to use and understand. Ice making has never been more easy, just by filling the ice reservoir with water and connecting it to a power source, you are one step away from getting clean and clear ice cubes.
  • Clean clear ice cubes with varying sizes: RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker produces 2 sizes of crystal clear ice cubes without hassle.
  • Fast and quiet machine: Not all fast-working machines make excessive noise and RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker is a perfect example. The ice maker serves ice in 6 minutes without making a loud noise.
  • Transparent lid: It has a see-through window that allows you to view the content of the ice maker without opening the lid till the first batch of crystal clear ice is ready.
  • Ice making capacity: The machine has a 2.3-quart reservoir and it contains up to 1.5 lbs. of ice. The machine makes up to 26 lbs. within 24 hours to cater to your ice needs for the whole day.
  • LED controls: RCA RIC102 Silver Compact Ice Maker features LED control that alerts you when the ice basket is filled up with ice cubes and when the water reservoir is empty and needs to be refilled.
  • Ice basket and scoop: The ice maker comes with an ice basket and scoop that helps you to harvest ice neatly and without stress.

Pros

  • No noise
  • Lightweight piece
  • Classic and compact design
  • Fast and crystal clear ice

Cons

  • Needs to be thoroughly cleaned before use.

Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine

Sale
Igloo 26-lb Automatic Electric Countertop Ice Maker - 9 Cubes in 7 Mins,...
  • Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product and confirm it fits your space
  • DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE - Portable, convenient and compact in size, this retro metallic red ice maker looks good on a...
  • LARGE ICE-MAKING CAPACITY - Keep the water tank filled and this unit will produce 26 pounds of ice in a 24 hour period -...

Igloo ICEB26RR ice maker is a smart choice for making clear ice cubes. Whether you want large or small-sized cubes for your regular drinks, Igloo ICEB26RR is your go-to, ice maker.

The ice machine is fast, churning out cylinder-shaped and crystal clear ice just by following simple short steps.  It is one of our best crystal clear ice ball makers.  

It is also compact and very easy to move around when necessary and it is equipped with modern technology features including LVD indicators, translucent lid, ice scooper, and basket amongst others.

The features are highlighted more precisely below.

Features

  • Sleek and compact: Igloo ICEB26RR Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker comes in a nice and elegant metallic red design that is portable and easy to move around. It would be a good match for your countertop and it sure won’t take up too much space.
  • Clear ice cubes with different sizes: It is one of the best clear ice machines in the market that makes large and small sizes of crystal clear ice balls.
  • Translucent lid: It features a transparent window through which you can view the content of the machine while it is working without opening it.  
  • Fast ice: Igloo ICEB26RR Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker makes ice fast and without hassle. It would have 9 clean and clear ice cylinder-shaped ice, delivered to you in about 7 minutes.
  •  Large ice making capacity: Igloo ICEB26RR Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker has a 3 quartz water tank capacity and it can make up to 26 pounds of ice within 24 hours for your favorite drinks all day long.
  • LED lights: It also features LED lights which work by illuminating the control panel, notifying you when your water tank needs to be refilled and when your ice basket needs to be offloaded.
  • Easy to clean with drain plug: When not in use, Igloo ICEB26RR portable electric countertop automatic ice maker is easy to clean and drain using its drain plug.
  • Ice basket and scoop: Igloo ICEB26RR Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker comes with an ice basket and scoop, you get to easily and neatly transfer clear ice cubes into your favorite mixed beverages and other drinks.

Pros

  • Makes clear ice cubes
  • See-through lid
  • Makes quick ice
  • Simple to use
  • LCD control

Cons

  • It makes a little noise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What is a clear ice maker?

A clear ice maker is a machine that churns out crystal clear ice. It works at a temperature of 320°c, which discards all forms of impurities and forms transparent clear ice by spraying water in an upward motion onto a metal plate.

What is the best clear ice maker?

Choosing the best clear ice maker is a choice that is based on personal preference. There are lots of clear ice makers that can be described as the best in their way.

Apart from making clear ice cubes, the best clear ice cube maker for you is the one that meets your need the most. In the review above, we have 5 of the best clear ice machines to help you narrow down your choice.

What kind of water makes the clearest ice cubes?

Distilled water would give more clearer ice balls, however, with a good clear ice maker, any kind of portable water should do.

Why is clear ice better?

Clear and transparent ice is the purest form of ice that you can possibly get, this is because they last longer and make less fizzle in drinks while enhancing its taste and overall quality.

Is cloudy ice safe?

When impurities are trapped in solid ice giving it a characteristic white color, we have cloudy ice.

Apart from the fact that when compared to clear and transparent ice, they don’t essentially look too good, Cloudy ice is not necessarily harmful.