A well-made Old Fashioned needs ice that chills steadily without quickly diluting the whiskey, bitters, and sugar. Large, slow-melting ice is a practical choice, and clear ice can add a polished look to your glass. The options below include round and square molds, with differences in batch size, freezing time, and storage that can help you choose the right fit for your freezer and home bar.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Ice shape and size | Batch size | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDDBI Clear Ice Ball Maker | 2-inch spheres | 8 spheres | Directional-freezing foam box |
| Unigul Stainless Clear Ice Ball Maker | 2.5-inch spheres | 2 spheres | Includes storage box and tongs |
| True Cubes Clear Ice Maker | 2-inch cubes | 4 cubes | Designed for clear ice in a standard freezer |
| OKLGO Clear Ice Cube Maker | 2-inch ice; shape details differ in the listing | Up to 10 pieces | Lid helps shield ice from freezer odors |
| Salty Squid Clear Ice Maker | 2-inch square cubes | 10 cubes | Insulated directional-freezing design |
Our Picks: Best Ice Cube Maker For Old Fashioned reviews
FDDBI Clear Ice Ball Maker: A Larger Batch of Round Ice
The FDDBI is a foam-insulated mold designed to make eight clear ice spheres, each about two inches across. Its directional-freezing design aims to freeze the water from top to bottom, pushing air bubbles toward a lower reservoir. For an Old Fashioned, the round shape offers a classic look and a substantial piece of ice for a rocks glass.
Plan ahead with this mold: the instructions call for about 24 to 30 hours in the freezer. The maker also advises keeping the mold on a flat surface and minimizing freezer movement while the ice freezes. Letting a finished sphere sit at room temperature for about three minutes before using it may help reduce the risk of cracking when it meets a drink.
The eight-sphere capacity is useful if you host or want to set aside ice for later, but the foam box is part of how the system works and should not be discarded. Compared with the smaller Unigul set, this one makes more ice per batch; compared with the square-cube options, it favors a round presentation.
Pros:
- Makes eight 2-inch spheres per batch
- Uses directional freezing to help produce clear ice
- Suitable for whiskey, cocktails, and other drinks
- Silicone mold is designed for easier release
Cons:
- Requires a long freeze of about 24 to 30 hours
- The foam insulation box takes up freezer space and must be kept
Verdict: Choose the FDDBI if you want round ice and a larger batch, and you have room to freeze it undisturbed overnight.
Unigul Stainless Clear Ice Ball Maker: Oversized Spheres with Storage
This Unigul set makes two larger-than-average 2.5-inch ice spheres per batch. Its insulated stainless-steel cup works with silicone molds to guide freezing from top to bottom. The larger spheres suit slow sipping and create a bold look in a whiskey glass, though their size may be too much for smaller glasses.
The set includes two molds, an ice storage box, and tongs. That makes it convenient to freeze a small batch, move the finished spheres into storage, and serve them later. The maker says to fill to the marked line and freeze for at least 20 hours. After freezing, it recommends waiting three minutes before gently loosening the silicone mold.
Its upright design measures 3.9 by 3.3 inches, which may be easier to place in a crowded freezer than a wide tray. The trade-off is limited output: it makes only two spheres at a time, so it is better for a couple of drinks than a large gathering. It also makes larger ice than the FDDBI and the 2-inch cube molds.
Pros:
- Makes oversized 2.5-inch spheres
- Includes two molds, a storage box, and tongs
- Compact upright footprint for freezer placement
- Directional freezing is designed to produce clearer ice
Cons:
- Produces only two spheres per batch
- The larger spheres may not suit every glass
Verdict: Pick the Unigul set if you prefer oversized round ice and value having a box and tongs for storing and serving a small batch.
True Cubes Clear Ice Maker: Straightforward Square Ice
True Cubes makes four large, 2-inch square cubes per batch. Its mold is designed to mimic directional freezing, and the supplied instructions say to fill it with water and freeze for about 18 to 22 hours. The maker says regular tap water can be used, so you do not need to source special water to try the system.
Square cubes are a practical match for an Old Fashioned: they sit neatly in many rocks glasses and are easy to handle with tongs. The four-cube output is more modest than the 10-piece Salty Squid mold, but may be enough if you typically make one or two drinks at a time. Its silicone construction is listed as BPA-free.
The product description also claims the freezing process removes 98% of total dissolved solids and metals. Treat that as a manufacturer claim rather than a guarantee about every water supply or finished batch. Unlike the Unigul set, the listing does not describe a separate storage box or tongs, so you may want a freezer-safe container if you plan to stockpile cubes.
Pros:
- Makes four large 2-inch square cubes
- Designed to work with regular tap water
- Listed as BPA-free silicone
- Freezing time is stated as about 18 to 22 hours
Cons:
- Makes fewer pieces per batch than the 10-cube options
- No separate storage box or tongs are listed
Verdict: The True Cubes mold is a good fit if you want simple, large square ice and do not need a high-output batch.
OKLGO Clear Ice Maker: A High-Capacity Mold with a Lid
The OKLGO is described as a compact mold that can make up to 10 pieces of 2-inch ice in one batch. Its listed dimensions are 11.5 by 5.5 by 5.3 inches, and it has a tight-fitting lid intended to help keep freezer odors from transferring to the ice. That higher capacity could be useful if you make several drinks or like to prepare ice ahead of time.
There is an important detail to check before choosing it: the product title calls the ice cubes, while the description refers to large spherical ice. Since those shapes are different, confirm the exact mold shape on the product listing before ordering if a square cube or round sphere is essential to you.
The description says the mold can be used with the lid on, or that removing the lid may shorten freezing time by around three hours. It does not give a single total freeze time, so planning a batch may take some trial and error. Compared with the other picks, its main appeal is the stated 10-piece capacity and lid, while the shape information is less clear.
Pros:
- Listed capacity of up to 10 pieces per batch
- Large 2-inch ice is intended for slower melting
- Lid helps shield ice from freezer odors
- Listed dimensions give a clear idea of its footprint
Cons:
- The product information differs on whether the ice is cube-shaped or spherical
- No specific total freezing time is provided
Verdict: Consider the OKLGO if batch size and a lid matter most, but verify the ice shape on the listing before buying.
Salty Squid Clear Ice Maker: Ten Large Square Cubes per Batch
The Salty Squid mold is designed to make 10 clear, 2-inch square cubes at once. Its insulated construction uses directional freezing to move trapped air and impurities downward as the water freezes. Large cubes have less surface area relative to their volume than small pieces of ice, which can help slow melting in a drink.
This mold is a strong option for someone who prefers square ice and wants more than a few pieces ready at once. The flexible silicone mold is designed for easier release than a rigid tray. It does not list a specific freezing time or include a separate storage box, so you will need to allow enough freezer time and plan how to store any extra cubes.
Compared with True Cubes, Salty Squid offers a larger stated batch of the same general size and shape. It is also more straightforward about shape than the OKLGO listing. If your priority is a polished square cube for an Old Fashioned, this one has a clear, practical focus.
Pros:
- Makes 10 large 2-inch square cubes per batch
- Insulated directional-freezing design aims for clearer ice
- Flexible silicone is designed for easier cube removal
- Suitable for whiskey, cocktails, and mocktails
Cons:
- No specific freezing time is provided
- A separate storage container is not listed
Verdict: Choose Salty Squid if you want a clear square-ice mold with a larger stated batch and can manage freezing and storage yourself.
How to Choose an Ice Cube Maker for an Old Fashioned
Pick a Shape That Suits Your Glass
Both large cubes and spheres work well for slow sipping, but they look and fit differently. A square cube can sit neatly in many rocks glasses, while a sphere gives a round, distinctive presentation. Check your glass opening and interior space, especially if you are considering the Unigul’s larger 2.5-inch spheres.
Consider Ice Size and Drink Dilution
Large ice is often a better match for a drink you plan to sip slowly than small, fast-melting cubes. These products make pieces around two inches or larger. A larger piece may take up more of the glass, so consider whether you prefer one substantial piece or several smaller cubes.
Match Batch Size to Your Routine
A mold that makes two spheres may be enough for occasional drinks, while a 10-piece mold can help you prepare for company or store extra ice. More capacity can also mean a larger mold that needs more freezer space. Check the product’s stated dimensions where available and leave room for it to sit flat.
Plan for Freezing Time
Clear-ice molds can take many hours to freeze. The products here list times ranging from about 18 to 30 hours where a specific estimate is provided; some do not provide a total time. If you want ice ready for a particular evening, make it ahead and follow the mold’s instructions about positioning and handling.
Understand How Directional Freezing Works
Several of these molds use insulation or another directional-freezing design to guide the freezing process and move air bubbles downward. The result depends on using the mold as directed, including keeping it level when needed. For the FDDBI, the foam box is part of the design and should be kept rather than discarded.
Think About Releasing and Storing the Ice
Flexible silicone can make it easier to remove finished ice, but some molds may need a short rest at room temperature before release or use. If you want to freeze a batch in advance, look for included storage accessories: the Unigul set includes a box and tongs, while the other listings do not describe the same combination.
Check Product Details That Affect Your Choice
Read the listing carefully when a specific shape or accessory matters. The OKLGO description uses both cube and sphere language, so its exact ice shape should be confirmed before purchase. Also check whether the product states a freezing time, includes a lid, and fits your freezer and glassware.
FAQs
What kind of ice is best for an Old Fashioned?
A large cube or sphere is a useful choice for an Old Fashioned because it can chill the drink while melting more slowly than small ice. Choose the shape that fits your glass and the presentation you prefer.
Is clear ice necessary for an Old Fashioned?
No. Clear ice is mainly an appearance and presentation choice. These molds are designed to make ice that looks clearer, but a standard ice cube can still chill the drink.
Do these ice makers need special water?
Not all of them. True Cubes says its mold can use regular tap water. Follow the instructions for whichever mold you choose, since the supplied product information may differ.
How long does clear ice take to freeze?
It depends on the mold. The supplied details list about 18 to 22 hours for True Cubes, 20 hours or more for Unigul, and about 24 to 30 hours for FDDBI. The Salty Squid and OKLGO descriptions do not give a total freeze time.
Should I use a sphere or a square cube?
Either shape can work. A sphere has a rounded look and may suit a larger glass, while a square cube has a familiar rocks-glass style and may be easier to handle with tongs. Glass size and personal preference are the deciding factors.
Why should I let ice sit out before using it?
Some makers recommend letting ice rest briefly at room temperature before putting it in a drink. FDDBI and Unigul both specify a wait of about three minutes, which their instructions say may help prevent cracking.
Conclusion
For most home bars, the Salty Squid is a practical choice if you want a larger batch of clearly specified 2-inch square cubes. The FDDBI is a better fit if you prefer round ice and want eight spheres per batch, while the Unigul stands out for oversized spheres and included storage accessories. Before choosing, consider your glass size, freezer space, preferred ice shape, and how far ahead you can prepare a batch.