Updated October 2026: We rechecked every pick. Three products that are no longer sold, or now point to a different product, were swapped for current alternatives, and the specs and price ranges were refreshed.
Have you ever noticed that the ice at your favorite restaurant is clear, while the ice from your ice cube tray is cloudy and murky? Why doesn’t the ice we make at home have that same elegant look?
When you’re making drinks for friends and family, clear ice is a great way to raise your game. There is just something cool (no pun intended) about clear ice that’s hard to explain.
Clear ice is about more than looks. It’s better-quality ice, and we’re going to explain why in this article. We’ll also give you the best clear ice options for your home or business.
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Why Does Ice Look Cloudy?
White, cloudy ice forms when tiny air bubbles and dissolved minerals get trapped as the water freezes. Those bubbles and impurities don’t just affect the look of your ice; they can also change the way your drink tastes.
I have owned an ice maker for years, but when I heard about the benefits of clear ice, I had to do more research.
Why Clear Ice is Better
There are several reasons why clear ice is better ice and why you should consider using it for your beverages.
- Clear ice melts slower. Cloudy ice is full of trapped air, which makes it less dense, so it breaks down faster in your glass. Clear ice is solid, dense ice, so it holds its temperature longer.
- Clear ice tastes cleaner. Without the trapped air and impurities, clear ice has a cleaner, more neutral taste. Cloudy ice is also more likely to pick up other flavors from your freezer. If you’re like me, you want a cold drink without any extra flavors added.
- Clear ice won’t water down your drink. There is nothing worse than a glass of soda that tastes like water. Am I right? Cloudy ice melts quickly and leaves your drink watered down. Slow-melting ice is one of the most important reasons to get an ice maker that produces clear ice.
If you’re a mixologist, an ice snob, or you just like the luxury of clear, pure ice, a clear ice maker is perfect for you. And if you’re looking for an ice maker for your business, a clear ice maker is well worth the investment.
If you couldn’t care less what your ice looks like, check out my portable ice makers buyer’s guide. Those ice makers produce normal bullet-shaped ice that is cloudy in color. Click the link to learn which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for clear ice, keep reading. I’ve put together a list of the best clear ice makers on the market today, focusing on machines with strong customer satisfaction and good reviews. The list covers portable, under-the-counter, and commercial units, plus clear ice molds if you’d rather not buy a machine at all.
Your guests deserve the very best. Wait! Let’s correct that statement: you deserve the very best. So we want to help you make the kind of impression only clear ice can make.
Below are the best clear ice makers for your consideration.
The Best Portable Ice Makers That Make Clear Ice
Most countertop ice makers make cloudy, bullet-shaped ice or nugget ice. Only a handful make true clear cubes. We ranked these units by online reviews, our own research, and customer satisfaction, from our top pick down.
#1. Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker
The Luma Comfort is a compact unit that fits nicely on a countertop, a boat, an RV and more. It weighs about 25 lbs and is built mostly of plastic, wrapped in an attractive stainless steel finish.
This ice maker is a workhorse. The current version is rated for up to 40 pounds of solid, clear, restaurant-quality ice every 24 hours, with the first cubes in about 15 minutes. It fits nicely in a kitchen or home bar, and depending on how much ice you need, it could also work for a small cafe or office.
How does it make clear ice? Water constantly cascades over a super-cooled tray, so the ice freezes layer by layer. That steady flow of water gets rid of the air bubbles that would normally make your ice cloudy or murky.
Its hassle-free setup makes this ice maker a joy to own. There’s no plumbing and no water line. Just fill the reservoir, choose your ice size, and you’ll have clear ice in minutes.
| Ice Production | Up to 40 lbs a day |
| Weight | About 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.1″ L x 14.3″ W x 13.9″ H |
| First Ice | About 15 Minutes |
| Type of Ice | Clear Cubed |
| Type of Ice Maker | Portable |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
Another great feature is that it warns you when the ice bucket is full or the water reservoir is empty.
This ice maker has generally carried a list price of around $250, and stock comes and goes, so check availability before you set your heart on it. Who should buy it? Anyone who wants clear ice for their home or small business but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a commercial unit.
Check the current price of the Luma Comfort IM200SS on Amazon
#2. Newair ClearIce40 Countertop Clear Ice Maker
Newair, the company behind the Luma Comfort line, also sells the ClearIce40, a stainless steel countertop machine that makes clear cubed ice instead of the cloudy bullet ice most portable ice makers produce.
According to Newair, it makes up to 40 pounds of clear ice a day, with a new batch about every 7 minutes. Melted ice drains from the insulated storage area back into the machine, and the ice bin is removable. Like the Luma, it needs no water line. You just fill it and switch it on.
| Ice Production | Up to 40 lbs a day |
| Weight | About 23 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.4″ W x 14.5″ D x 13.75″ H |
| Ice Cycle | About 7 Minutes per batch |
| Type of Ice | Clear Cubed |
| Type of Ice Maker | Portable |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Newair.com |
Newair lists the ClearIce40 at around $280. It’s a good pick if you want a countertop clear ice maker that’s easy to find in stock.
The Best Undercounter Ice Makers That Make Clear Ice
Below are the best under-the-counter ice makers that produce clear ice for your home or business. We picked them because they rank highest in online reviews, customer satisfaction, and overall performance.
#1. Whynter UIM-502SS
This is the daddy of home clear ice makers.
The Whynter UIM-502SS is now rated for up to 80 lbs of clear ice every 24 hours. That’s a serious amount of ice. It has a 25 lb storage bin and stops making ice when the bin is full. The storage area is insulated but is not a built-in freezer, so some ice will slowly melt and drain away.
This is not a portable ice maker. It connects to a water line and uses a gravity drain, so Whynter recommends having a plumber handle the installation. If you need to drain the water up and out, you’ll need to buy a separate drain pump. The current model also comes with an NSF-certified inline water filter.
It makes clear ice using a water recirculation system. Minerals and deposits are carried away by the circulating water instead of being frozen into your cubes.
| Ice Production | Up to 80 lbs a day |
| Ice Storage | 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 32.8″ H x 14.6″ W x 23.6″ D |
| Water Filter | NSF-certified inline filter included |
| Type of Ice | Clear Cubed |
| Type of Ice Maker | Built-in / Freestanding |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
This ice maker has a beautiful brushed stainless steel finish and would make a great addition to any kitchen.
The Whynter UIM-502SS is a lovely unit that makes lovely clear ice, but it’s not the cheapest option. Expect to pay around $850 to $900. For that, you get a trusted name, premium design and materials, and an all-around excellent undercounter ice maker.
Check the current price of the Whynter UIM-502SS on Amazon
#2. Maxx Ice MIM50P-O Indoor/Outdoor
The Maxx Ice MIM50P-O is a great undercounter ice maker that produces up to 65 pounds of ice each day. The storage bin holds 25 pounds of ice at a time, and the extra insulation means it’s rated for outdoor use.
It has a reversible stainless steel door, a removable storage bin, and LED lighting that gives it extra flair. It’s a sharp-looking unit that would look good anywhere in your home. You can use it as a standalone unit, build it into your cabinets, or make it part of a home bar, kitchen, or storage room.
As I mentioned above, this ice maker can go on a patio and be used outside. If you’re looking for a clear ice maker that works both inside and outside, this is your pick.
| Ice Production | Up to 65 lbs a day |
| Ice Storage | 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 23.4 x 14.6 x 32.6 inches |
| Drain Pump | Yes |
| Type of Ice | Clear Cubed |
| Type of Ice Maker | Built-in / Freestanding / Outdoor Use |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
This ice maker has overflow prevention and a built-in drain pump, and it’s easy to operate. I found it quiet, and it’s Energy Star rated, which is a big plus. Expect to pay around $1,600. Overall, it’s a great ice maker, and outdoor use is a bonus.
Check the current price of the Maxx Ice MIM50P-O on Amazon
#3. EdgeStar IB450SSP Undercounter Ice Maker
This EdgeStar ice maker produces up to 50 pounds of clear ice every day. It freezes the ice in sheets that break apart into cubes. The ice is clear and restaurant quality.
It’s built with commercial-grade stainless steel and has an attractive design. I have no doubt it will fit into the decor of your home.
The EdgeStar IB450SSP is front vented, which means you can install it right inside your cabinets so it blends into your kitchen. It’s not light at about 87 pounds, but it’s probably not going to be moved around much anyway. Most people will use it as an undercounter ice maker in a home bar or kitchen. Some may use it as a standalone unit in a rec room, but no one is going to be carrying it from place to place.
| Ice Production | Up to 50 lbs a day |
| Ice Storage | 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 32.9″ H x 14.6″ W x 23.4″ D |
| Front Venting | Yes |
| Type of Ice | Clear Cubed |
| Type of Ice Maker | Built-in / Freestanding |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
The 25 lb bin is removable, which makes it easier to get to the ice. The leveling legs are adjustable, and it comes with everything you need to get started.
It’s easy to install. The drain line is included, the IB450SSP has a built-in drain pump, and the electronic controls make the unit simple to operate.
Overall, it’s a solid ice maker for the price, which usually runs roughly $1,300 to $1,400. It’s a good pick for an undercounter ice maker that produces high-quality clear ice.
Check the current price of the EdgeStar IB450SSP on Amazon
The Best Commercial Ice Makers That Make Clear Ice
Below are the top commercial ice makers that produce wonderful clear ice for your business. We recommend adding a water filter to the water line to make sure your ice is clean and always clear.
If you need to know how much ice your business is going to need, click here to learn more.
#1. Scotsman CU0515GA
The Scotsman CU0515GA commercial ice maker (sold by most dealers today as the CU0515GA-1) produces up to 84 pounds of slow-melting gourmet ice a day in ideal conditions. Its certified everyday rating is lower, about 58 pounds, which is a more realistic number to plan around. The bin holds 24 lbs of ice at a time.
Its durable stainless steel, undercounter design means you can install it right where the ice is easy to reach.
This model uses a gravity drain, so you’ll need a floor drain for the melted ice. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to buy a pump to move the water to the nearest drain.
| Ice Production | Up to 84 lbs a day |
| Ice Storage | 24 lbs |
| Dimensions | About 15.2″ W x 23.6″ D x 34.1″ H (with legs) |
| Drain | Gravity |
| Type of Ice | Clear Gourmet Cubes |
| Type of Ice Maker | Commercial |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
The Scotsman CU0515GA is a professional commercial ice maker, and installation takes some planning. You’ll need a 3/8″ water line and a 1/2″ ball valve to install it properly. A standard 1/4″ saddle valve for refrigerator ice makers will not do. If your water pressure is higher than normal, I recommend installing a pressure regulator to bring it down to 40–50 PSI.
Commercial dealers typically sell the current CU0515GA-1 for around $3,300 to $3,700.
Check the current price of the Scotsman CU0515GA on Amazon
#2. Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker
The Euhomy commercial ice maker is a budget unit that produces up to 100 lbs of clear ice every day. It’s front vented, so it can go under your counter, and it stores 33 lbs of ice at a time.
It’s made from stainless steel and is ETL certified for commercial use. It’s not the best-looking ice maker out there, but looks aren’t everything. It does the job, and online reviews show that people enjoy using it.
It produces about 45 cubes per cycle, roughly every 11 to 15 minutes. The ice comes out as a sheet that breaks apart easily with your ice scoop. You’ll need to run a water line to the unit and provide a gravity drain for the melted ice. There’s no pump included, so the drain has to sit lower than the machine.
| Ice Production | Up to 100 lbs a day |
| Ice Storage | 33 lbs |
| Dimensions | About 17.5″ W x 16″ D x 31.3″ H |
| Front Venting | Yes |
| Type of Ice | Clear Cubed |
| Type of Ice Maker | Commercial |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
All of the controls are on the front of the unit. You can run a cleaning cycle and adjust the ice thickness there, and it alerts you when the storage bin is full.
This ice maker is a good fit if you need more ice at home than a portable unit can make. Above, I listed great portable ice makers that produce clear ice for home use, but if you want a larger unit, this one is worth a look. Anyone looking for a cheaper option for their business should also consider it. It would work well for a small restaurant, bar, or coffee shop. Prices usually land in the $300 to $400 range.
Check the current price of the Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker on Amazon
#3. Maxx Ice MIM452-B580SS Modular Ice Machine and Bin
For a large operation, Maxx Ice’s MIM452-B580SS pairs a 30-inch modular ice machine with a matching stainless steel storage bin. It’s rated for up to 460 pounds of full dice cubes a day, and the bin holds up to 580 pounds of ice.
Maxx Ice says the machine makes clear slab ice that breaks into cubes as it falls into the bin. The bin has a polyethylene liner for sanitary storage and a stainless steel door and exterior that resist corrosion and are easy to clean. Overflow prevention is automatic.
This is a machine for a large-scale business that goes through a lot of ice and always needs ice ready to serve: busy restaurants, hotels, or bars. Like any modular unit, it needs a water line and a drain, and we recommend adding a water filter so the ice stays clear and clean.
| Ice Production | Up to 460 lbs a day |
| Ice Storage | Up to 580 lbs |
| Width | 30 inches |
| Power | 115 V |
| Type of Ice | Clear Full Dice Cubes |
| Type of Ice Maker | Commercial (Modular + Bin) |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
Maxx Ice lists the MIM452 machine head alone at around $3,350, so expect the machine-and-bin combination to cost more. Confirm exactly what’s included before you order.
Check the current price of the Maxx Ice MIM452-B580SS on Amazon
The Best Clear Ice Molds
If you don’t want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on an ice maker, a clear ice mold may be your best choice for crystal-clear ice.
Most clear ice molds use directional freezing. The water freezes from the top down, which pushes air and impurities to the bottom, the last part to freeze, leaving the ice on top clear. We’ve listed the top clear ice molds below, with Amazon links so you can check prices and read more reviews.
#1. The Glacio Clear Sphere Ice Duo
The Glacio Clear Sphere Ice Duo is a great way to make two crystal-clear, slow-melting spheres for your drinks. They keep your drink colder for longer without diluting it.
Just fill the molds with water and put them in your freezer. Wait a few hours, and you’ll be amazed by these crystal balls of clear ice. The molds are made from silicone, and the Glacio Clear Ice Duo also comes in a cube version and in four-piece sets.
| Ice Shape | Sphere (cube version available) |
| Size | About 2.5″ |
| Materials | Silicone |
| Price | Around $46 |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
This is a great tool for any home bar, and it’s just as good for non-drinkers. It also makes a great gift.
Check the current price of the Glacio Clear Sphere Ice Duo on Amazon
#2. The True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray
With the True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray, you can make clear ice from your tap water.
It makes four large, crystal-clear 2-inch cubes at a time. The two-level design moves dissolved solids into the lower section as the water freezes, leaving the cubes on top clear. It’s simple to use: fill it with water, put it in the freezer, and wait about 18 to 22 hours. Your ice won’t just look great; it will be odorless and tasteless, so you can enjoy your drink the way it was meant to taste.
| Ice Shape | Cubed |
| Size | 2″ x 2″ x 2″ |
| Materials | Silicone mold |
| Price | Around $40 |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
Now you don’t have to taste everything else in your freezer, just your drink. Don’t use regular ice cube trays for your beverage; give it the respect it deserves.
Check the current price of the True Cubes tray on Amazon
#3. ClearlyFrozen Clear Ice Tray
If you want more than four cubes at a time, the ClearlyFrozen Clear Ice Tray makes ten 2-inch clear cubes per batch. It’s one of the highest-rated clear ice trays on Amazon, with thousands of reviews.
It uses a BPA-free silicone mold that sits inside an insulated foam box. The box is part of the system, not packing material, so don’t throw it away. It insulates the sides and bottom so the water freezes from the top down. ClearlyFrozen also sells molds for smaller 1.3-inch cubes and tall 5-inch spears for highball glasses.
| Ice Shape | Cubed (10 per batch) |
| Size | 2″ |
| Materials | BPA-Free Silicone + Insulated Box |
| Price | Around $40 |
| Where Can I Buy It? | Amazon.com |
It’s a great value if you entertain often and want enough big, clear cubes for a whole round of drinks.
Check the current price of the ClearlyFrozen tray on Amazon
Clear Ice FAQ
Do regular portable ice makers make clear ice?
Usually not. Most countertop ice makers make cloudy, bullet-shaped ice or chewable nugget ice. To get clear ice from a machine, look for one that specifically makes clear cubes by running water over a chilled plate, like the Luma Comfort and Newair models above.
Does boiling or filtering water make ice clear?
It can help a little, but it won’t make perfectly clear ice on its own. The bigger factor is how the water freezes. Ice frozen from one direction, as in an insulated clear ice mold or a clear ice machine, pushes air and impurities out of the ice instead of trapping them in the middle.
Should I get a clear ice mold or a clear ice maker?
A mold is the cheapest way to get big, crystal-clear cubes and spheres for cocktails, but it only makes a few at a time and takes most of a day. If you need clear ice in volume for parties, a home bar, or a business, a clear ice maker is the better choice.
Do undercounter clear ice makers need a drain?
Yes. Built-in and commercial machines need a water line and a way to drain melted ice. Some, like the Maxx Ice MIM50P-O and the EdgeStar IB450SSP, have a built-in drain pump. Others, like the Scotsman and Euhomy units, rely on a gravity drain, so you’ll need a floor drain or a separate pump.
My Conclusion
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope your questions have been answered and that you found the clear ice maker that’s right for you.
Clear ice takes everything up a level, at home or in your business. Mixologists know how much solid, clear ice matters and how it affects the taste of your drinks.
Any one of these ice makers or molds will serve you well and give you excellent clear ice for years to come.
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8 Comments
Hi!
It would be awesome if you can include COMMERCIAL clear ice machines that makes cubes (not gigantic blocks)
Sure. I will work on that right away.
I am surprised why more attention isn’t given to the style and clarity of the ice, my major concerns. I must have clear and I want cubes. I am seriously looking at YOUR suggestions b/c I cannot trust my Samsung frig ice maker anymore and refuse to spend more on repair. To ask some personal advice: I am 72, widowed and am afraid of limited ability to clean and handle the machines b/c of weight and size. I am leaning toward the Sentern or Luna and will use them, then put away after desired amount of ice is accumulated. Whatever I choose, I will not be making ice 24/7 unless I have company so speed isn’t my concern. Do you agree with my selections? Just the look of the cloudy bullet shaped ice in a glass of liquid makes me sick.
Both the Sentern and the Luma Comfort IM200SS portable ice makers weigh the same at 25 lbs. It’s not the heaviest ice maker on the market, but I wouldn’t want to be carrying it around a lot. The ice quality for both of these machines (Sentern and Luma) are the same. They produce clear cubes of ice that often need to be broken apart to use. These are both great units. It all comes down to how much ice you want. The Luma only produces 26lbs of ice a day, and the Sentern Portable Ice Maker produces 48 lbs of ice each day. Personally, I would go for the unit that produces the most ice that way I am covered if I have company. You can check out the price of the Senern Portable Ice Maker on Amazon here.
Thank you for your reply. So sick of “hoping” Samsung frig maker will decide to work and tired of putting $$ in it. Lost husband a year ago and afraid to make purchases of anything more mechanical than a nail file without some advice. :( The Sentern sounds good to me too! Bless your heart for helping me!!!
Love a good Manhattan with ice and they will look sooo much better with a few clear ice cubes.
Thank you thank you.
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Just received my new Sentern Ice maker and am surprised how quiet this is! Just a low hum. The first couple of batches are test cubes so I quickly added some tap water and am seeing that they aren’t completely clear. I am assuming that was my first mistake? Also adding some time equals the full cube I was hoping for. Thank you again for your advice.
Pat
It’s probably better to use distilled water for clearer ice. This is a great unit and I am glad that you like it.
I took your advice and make my ice from distilled water and get perfectly clear ice. Thank you, I’m thrilled.
My clear ice is then stored separately.
I also make ice to fill my ice dispenser in my Samsung frig, it dispenses ice, just never makes it. I use filtered water for just regular use ice.
However, this is the absolute truth although probably unbelievable: as soon as I start filling my ice dispenser with my Sentern Ice, my Samsung frig starts making ice too. Is it jealous?