FDDBI 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.

After much trial and error experimentation to get this to work, It does make ice but is highly dependent on water quality, time & temperature. When using plain cold tap water the ice formed is not very clear, bubbles, cloudy etc… Directions suggest using distilled water, that will never happen, worst tasting water money can buy. I get fantastic results from an old 6 pack size Coleman Cooler filled about 2/3 full of water in a 0 degree freezer for @ 18 hours. This product’s design can be improved. My best results come from using very hot tap water and around 20 to 22 hours in a 0 degree freezer. Doing this results in almost clear ice, no bubbles, no cloudiness. My results suggest an increased volume of water and perhaps better insulation to slow down the process of ice formation so as not having to resort to using distilled water and/or hot water, 24 to 30 hours is way too long a time in the freezer.

This makes the best balls of ice

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.

Love this! A little tough to get the mold out the first time, but use warm water and it helps a lot!!!