Clear Ice Ball Maker for Whiskey: Circle Ice Cube Tray Make 2Inch Ice Sphere - Clear Ice Cube Maker for Old Fashioned Bourbon Whisky

I had previously purchased a different model and brand and absolutely fell in love. Something about clear ice and the fact that it lasts for hours is a lifestyle I find addicting and a lingering hobby in search of the best yet most affordable way. And next to an ice press this is hands down the best tool for the job I’ve come across. With that said, when I purchased this model I saw the sale price and without hesitation jumped on it. Making 16 a round now instead of 8. But when it showed up it was missing the plastic protective sleeve. Or so I thought it was. I would be wrong with that assumption however. It simply isn’t made with one. Which is absolutely shocking. So I washed it and loaded it with water thinking it don’t matter as long as the ice is up to expectations. Well the ice was clear or about 90% was and that is completely acceptable in my book. However pulling the silicone molds out is an absolute nightmare. I have to let it sit at room temp for an hour before I can peel them out. Where as with the other model they simply pull out with ease directly from the freezer. I don’t know if this is due to not having the plastic sleeve, which certainly would provide a small degree of extra insulation. Or if the silicone is a different grade. But I’m not happy at all. For 15 more dollars I could have had a second version of the much higher quality ice box. I’d avoid this in favor of better and available quality. It does the job but it’s certainly made much cheaper and the release issue is to much for my patience. Not to mention if accidentally dropped it would almost certainly bust the exposed foam.

I really enjoy the product but there is a learning curve. Some might say these are basics but these details would have saved me sometime. 1. if the sphere has an incomplete "bottom" half, you probably took it out too soon. Freezers might vary but in mine fridge the time required is 24 hours minimum. 2. if the sphere has an incomplete "top" half, there might be a few problems but basically the freezing process did not begin where it was supposed to begin. Recommendations include: Making sure you are tipped off before closing the freezer and also checking the unit after about one hour to see if the water level has dropped. I would theorize that the compression of the unit might push out the rubber causing the surface level water level to drop below the ideal plateau.

I love everything about this product, with extra positive review. I’ve bought 3 or 4 different ice ball makers in the past, and they all ended up failing eventually, one in the 1st day. What I like beast about this is how easy the ice is to remove. Now I’m a man, and I’m not much at reading the directions, but what works the best is how the molds remove . First slide the styrofoam box, then just lift the 3 mold handles all at once. So friggin’ easy!!! I put it all together, add water till it stops bubbling, drop it in the deep freeze and by morning, 8 new ice balls. Now with having the other models and brands of ice ball makers, LET THE WATER IN THE PLASTIC BIN MELT ON ITS OWN! Trying to run water to melt the bottom ice could crack the plastic bin. I’m saying that because I had problems with other ice ball makers. This one gets a little deformation on the bottom when it’s frozen. I have not had any problems with this one at all.

Makes great ice spheres in a relatively short amount of time. If you do it properly, they will be crystal clear. Sometimes they can be a bit tricky to get out of the mold, but it's not a problem. You have to wait for it to melt out to reuse the device unless you ice pick everything out which would be a pain, in my opinion, so make sure to make your enough ice ahead of your events.

I have used this product several times now and have had consistent results. It took a couple times in the beginning to get it just right, but it’s not impossible. Like another review said, this is science so it should be treated with patience and persistence if you want to see results. What you put in is what you get out. I have gotten the best results giving it a full 36 hours so I’d suggest doing the same. Removal is really not a big deal like most everyone is saying for this product. It just takes some muscle, which apparently is hard to come by.