Best Large Ice Cube Maker For Bourbon

For bourbon, a large piece of ice can chill a drink while melting more slowly than small cubes. The right maker depends on whether you want clear spheres, square cubes, or a simple mold that lives in your freezer. Below, we compare five options by ice shape, production method, capacity, and the amount of effort they take to use.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Large Ice Cube Maker For Bourbon reviews

EUHOMY 2.4-Inch Clear Ice Ball Maker: A Large Sphere with Scheduling

This countertop machine makes two large, clear ice spheres per cycle. At 2.4 inches across, each sphere is a substantial option for a rocks glass and a slow-sipping bourbon. The maker is designed to produce clear ice, and its schedule function lets you set a delay so production can start later.

The compact unit measures 14.25 × 6.85 × 13 inches, so it needs counter space but is smaller than a dedicated bar appliance. A built-in cleaning cycle is another practical feature for a machine that holds water and makes ice. The product title and description give different cycle times: the title says 60 minutes, while the description says 40 minutes. Treat the timing as something to confirm with the listing before buying.

This is a good fit if you value large, clear spheres and want an electric machine rather than a freezer mold. Its output is limited to two spheres per cycle, so it is less suited to preparing drinks for a larger gathering than the four-sphere EUHOMY model below.

Pros:

• Makes large 2.4-inch spheres for bourbon and cocktails
• Schedule mode offers a delayed start
• Built-in self-cleaning cycle
• Compact countertop footprint

Cons:

• Produces only two spheres per cycle
• Cycle time is inconsistent between the product title and description

Verdict: Choose this EUHOMY if you want large clear spheres and scheduling, and you usually need only a few at a time.

EUHOMY Four-Sphere Maker: More Ice for a Home Bar

This electric sphere maker is the higher-output choice in the EUHOMY pair. It makes four clear ice balls in a stated 40-minute cycle and can produce up to 144 spheres per day. Its bin holds up to 56 spheres, which gives you more room to build a supply than the two-sphere model.

One-touch operation keeps the process straightforward, and a self-cleaning function helps reduce hands-on upkeep. The maker is designed for home bars that serve several people, but the listed daily output is a maximum production figure, not a promise that every batch will be ready at the same pace in every setting. The description also recommends using freshly made spheres soon after production.

The spheres are listed as 2 inches, smaller than the 2.4-inch balls from the first EUHOMY. That trade-off may suit you if quantity matters more than having the largest sphere. Note that the product description says the machine is ideal for small bars serving 20–30 guests; consider your own serving needs and storage space before relying on it for a gathering.

Pros:

• Makes four spheres per stated 40-minute cycle
• Storage bin holds up to 56 spheres
• One-touch operation and a self-cleaning function
• Higher stated daily output than the other electric sphere maker here

Cons:

• Its listed 2-inch spheres are smaller than the 2.4-inch EUHOMY option
• Needs countertop space and access to power

Verdict: Pick this model if you want an electric sphere maker that can build a larger supply, and a 2-inch ball is large enough for your glassware.

Mooues Clear Ice Ball Mold: A Freezer-Based Set of Eight

Mooues uses an insulated freezer mold rather than an electric countertop machine. Its directional-freezing design is intended to guide freezing from top to bottom, leaving trapped air and impurities away from the clearer ice. The set makes eight spheres per batch, with a stated freeze time of about 24–30 hours.

This approach takes planning: fill the mold, place it in the freezer, and wait. In return, you do not need to run a countertop appliance or manage repeated machine cycles. The mold is described as BPA-free silicone with an insulated core. The listing is inconsistent about sphere size: its title says 2 inches, while its description refers to 2.5-inch spheres. Check the product details if exact dimensions matter for your glassware.

For a bourbon drinker who makes a few drinks at a time, eight spheres per batch can be a useful reserve. It is less convenient when you need ice right away, and the mold takes up freezer space while it freezes. Compared with the electric options, it favors advance preparation over speed and automation.

Pros:

• Makes eight spheres per batch
• No countertop machine or power connection required
• Directional-freezing design aims to produce clearer ice
• Reusable silicone mold

Cons:

• Requires roughly 24–30 hours of freezing time
• Sphere size is inconsistent between the title and description

Verdict: Choose the Mooues mold if you want to prepare several spheres in advance and are comfortable giving up freezer space.

OYLUS Clear Ice Cube Maker: Adjustable Square Cubes from a Countertop Machine

The OYLUS takes a different route from the sphere makers: it produces four 1.6-inch square cubes per cycle. Its spray-based process is designed to make solid, clear ice, and the machine lets you adjust ice thickness across 10 settings by changing the freezing time.

The maker has a 2.2-liter water reservoir, a 24-hour timer, and alerts for low water and a full bin. Its stated cycle time is about 25 minutes at an ambient temperature of 15°C, and about 40 minutes at 30°C. The description also lists a maximum output of 26.5 pounds per day. Those figures are useful for comparison, though actual results may vary with the room temperature and how often you use the machine.

This is the strongest match for someone who prefers square ice or wants to adjust cube thickness. The cubes are smaller than the 2.4- and 2.5-inch spheres in this group, so they may not offer the same oversized presentation. The child lock and sensor alerts add controls to learn before use.

Pros:

• Makes four square cubes per cycle
• Ten ice-size settings let you adjust thickness
• Includes a 24-hour timer and low-water and full-bin alerts
• Large water reservoir reduces the need for frequent refills

Cons:

• Its 1.6-inch cubes are smaller than the largest spheres in this comparison
• Cycle time changes with ambient temperature

Verdict: Select the OYLUS if you want a countertop machine with adjustable square cubes rather than large round ice.

Unigul 2.5-Inch Ice Ball Mold: Two Large Spheres with Storage Accessories

This freezer-based set makes two large 2.5-inch ice spheres per batch. It uses a stainless-steel insulated cup and a silicone mold, with a directional-freezing design intended to make clearer ice. The set also includes an ice storage box and tongs, so you can keep finished spheres together and serve them without handling them directly.

The maker recommends filling to the marked line and freezing for at least 20 hours. After removing it from the freezer, the instructions say to let it stand for three minutes before gently releasing the sphere. That wait and the long freeze time mean it is best for planned drinks rather than last-minute ice.

Compared with the Mooues mold, this set makes fewer spheres per batch but clearly states a 2.5-inch size and includes storage accessories. It is a practical pick if you want oversized round ice and do not need the speed or larger output of an electric machine. Check that your freezer has room for the molds and the finished ice box.

Pros:

• Makes large 2.5-inch spheres
• Includes two molds, an ice storage box, and tongs
• Stainless-steel insulated cup and silicone mold
• Small stated mold dimensions allow flexible freezer placement

Cons:

• Needs at least 20 hours to freeze
• Makes two spheres per batch

Verdict: The Unigul set is a good fit if you want especially large spheres, useful serving accessories, and do not mind preparing ice well ahead.

How to Choose a Large Ice Maker for Bourbon

Pick the shape and size that fit your glass

Large spheres and square cubes both work for bourbon, but they create different looks and fit differently in a glass. The options here range from 1.6-inch square cubes to spheres listed between 2 and 2.5 inches. Measure the inside of your favorite rocks glass before choosing, especially if you want a single oversized piece of ice.

Decide between an electric machine and a freezer mold

A countertop maker is built for more frequent production and may include a timer, storage bin, alerts, or cleaning cycle. A freezer mold uses no power and can be simpler to store, but you have to wait for the ice to freeze. Choose the style that matches how often you serve bourbon and how much counter or freezer space you have.

Consider how many pieces you need at once

Batch size matters if you serve guests or like to keep ice ready. The electric sphere makers produce two or four spheres per cycle, while the freezer molds make two or eight per batch. Also look at storage capacity: a larger production claim is less useful if you have nowhere to keep the finished ice.

Check the time and planning involved

Countertop machines list cycle times that can vary with the product and, in the OYLUS description, with room temperature. Freezer molds require much longer lead time, ranging from a stated 20 hours to about 24–30 hours. If you often decide to have a drink at the last minute, an electric model may be more convenient; if you plan ahead, a mold can work well.

Look closely at size claims and instructions

Two listings in this group give conflicting sphere dimensions: the Mooues title says 2 inches while its description says 2.5 inches, and the first EUHOMY title and description list different cycle times. Check the product details before ordering if exact dimensions or timing are important. Follow the fill lines and release instructions for freezer molds to help avoid damaging the mold or ice.

Think about cleaning and ongoing care

Electric makers include water systems and may need regular cleaning; the EUHOMY models describe built-in cleaning cycles. Freezer molds have fewer machine parts, but still need to be washed and dried between uses. Consider which routine is easier for you, and follow the maker’s care instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a large sphere or a large square cube better for bourbon?

Either shape can chill bourbon. A large piece of ice is generally chosen for a slower-sipping drink because it has less exposed surface than many small pieces. The best shape comes down to your glass, preference, and how you want the drink to look.

Which option makes the largest ice in this comparison?

The Unigul mold lists 2.5-inch spheres, while the first EUHOMY lists 2.4-inch spheres. Check the glass opening before choosing, since these larger pieces may not fit every glass.

Do freezer molds make clear ice?

The Mooues and Unigul molds use insulated, directional-freezing designs intended to produce clearer ice. Clarity can depend on the mold, the water, and how the instructions are followed, so it is best to treat clear ice as the design goal rather than a guaranteed result.

How long do the freezer molds take?

The Unigul listing recommends at least 20 hours. The Mooues listing gives a freeze time of about 24–30 hours. Allow enough time before serving, and follow the instructions that come with the mold.

Which model is best for making ice for a group?

The EUHOMY four-sphere model has a stated capacity of up to 144 spheres per day and a bin that holds up to 56. The OYLUS lists up to 26.5 pounds of ice per day, but makes smaller square cubes. These are maker-stated figures; consider your serving needs and storage space as well.

Can I use these ice makers for drinks other than bourbon?

Yes. The product descriptions mention uses such as whiskey, cocktails, tequila, iced coffee, cold brew, and mocktails, depending on the model. Large ice can be used in many cold drinks as long as the shape fits the glass.

Final Recommendation

For the largest clearly specified sphere in this group, the Unigul 2.5-inch mold is a strong choice if you can plan ahead and want included storage accessories. If you prefer an electric machine, the EUHOMY four-sphere model offers higher stated output, while the 2.4-inch EUHOMY is better suited to making a smaller number of larger balls. Choose the OYLUS if square cubes and adjustable thickness matter more than oversized spheres. For a simple freezer-based option with a larger batch size, consider Mooues, but verify its sphere dimensions before ordering.