An ice ball mold makes large round ice that melts more slowly than small cubes, which suits whiskey, cocktails and iced drinks. Molds differ in size, in material (silicone or plastic) and in whether they aim for clear ice, so the listing details matter.
The six molds below range from a four-cavity small-ball tray to a stainless cup system for clear spheres. Sizes and materials come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these molds ourselves. Slow-melt and clarity statements are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sphere size | Match it to the glass; about 2 inches is common |
| Material | Silicone flexes for release; plastic holds its shape |
| Clarity | Only directional-freezing designs aim for clear ice |
| Stacking | Lids and flat tops save freezer space |
Specs at a Glance
| Mold | Size and count | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tovolo | Set of 2 molds, each 3.5 x 3 x 2.1 in | Plastic per the details; BPA free silicone in the text | Stackable; fill lines; warm water release |
| Zoku | Set of 2; 2.5 in spheres | Silicone | Stackable; dishwasher safe; designed in the USA |
| Berlinzo | 4 spheres at 2.4 in | Plastic and silicone | Aims for clear ice; XL storage bag |
| Housewares Solutions Froz | 4 balls at 4.5 cm | Silicone | Dishwasher and microwave safe per the listing; lifetime guarantee |
| Ticent | 6 spheres at 1.75 in plus 6 cubes at 2 in | Silicone | Set of 2 trays; BPA free |
| Unigul clear maker | 2 spheres at 2.5 in | Silicone with stainless steel | Directional freezing; ice box and tongs; 3.9 x 3.3 in each |
The 6 Best Ice Ball Molds
1. Tovolo Sphere Ice Mold Set of 2
Two stackable molds, each 3.5 x 3 x 2.1 inches, with water fill lines so each ball comes out the same size. The listing says they are leak-proof and describes warm water release. It also lists the material as plastic while the text mentions BPA free silicone, so check what arrives.
Suits: a simple pair for the freezer. Strengths: fill lines and stacking. Weaknesses: the material details are not consistent on the page. Skip it if you want more than two at once.
View Tovolo Sphere Ice Mold Set of 2 for Whiskey Bourbon and Cocktails, Charcoal on Amazon
2. Zoku Ice Sphere Molds, 2.5-Inch, Set of 2
Two silicone molds that each make a 2.5 inch sphere. The silicone inverts so the ball pops out without rinsing, the units stack, and the listing calls them dishwasher safe.
Suits: larger glasses. Strengths: a flexible design and an inverting release. Weaknesses: two spheres per batch. Skip it if your glasses are small.
View Zoku Ice Sphere Molds, Stackable Easy-Release, 2.5-Inch, Set of 2, Black on Amazon
3. Berlinzo Ice Ball Maker Mold, 4 Clear 2.4 Inch Spheres
A non-electric kit that aims for four clear 2.4 inch spheres by freezing slowly in an insulated case. It lists silicone and plastic parts, foam insulation and an XL bag that holds up to 12 finished spheres. The maker says to use room-temperature water and freeze at 0 F.
Suits: clear ice without a machine. Strengths: four spheres and a storage bag. Weaknesses: bulky with its insulated case. Skip it if freezer space is tight.
View Berlinzo Ice Ball Maker Mold – 4 Clear 2.4in Whiskey Spheres, Non-Electric on Amazon
4. Housewares Solutions Froz Ice Ball Maker
A silicone tray with four 4.5 cm ball cavities, smaller than the others here. The listing says it is dishwasher and microwave safe, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and can also freeze jelly or chocolate.
Suits: small balls for water and coffee. Strengths: four at a time and a guarantee. Weaknesses: small spheres. Skip it if you want a large whiskey ball.
5. Ticent Ice Cube Trays, Set of 2
Two silicone trays: one makes six 1.75 inch spheres and the other makes six 2 inch square cubes. The listing calls the silicone food grade and BPA free and dishwasher safe, and the title mentions lids.
Suits: a mix of spheres and cubes. Strengths: twelve pieces in one set. Weaknesses: the spheres are smaller than 2 inches. Skip it if you only want large spheres.
6. Unigul Clear Ice Cube Maker, 2.5 Inch
Two upright stainless steel insulated cups, each 3.9 x 3.3 inches, with silicone molds that use directional freezing to aim for clearer 2.5 inch spheres. It comes with an ice storage box and tongs. The maker advises letting it stand for 3 minutes before release.
Suits: a gift or home bar set. Strengths: two clear-ice cups and tongs. Weaknesses: more parts to store. Skip it if you want a plain silicone mold.
View Clear Ice Cube Maker, 2.5″ Stainless Large Round Ice Ball Mold for Whiskey on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Fill only to the line the maker shows.
- Use cooled boiled water if you want less cloud.
- Release with a short rinse of warm water.
- Wash silicone with mild soap and dry it flat.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling so the halves do not close.
- Pulling ice out before it is frozen through.
- Expecting clear ice from a plain tray.
- Choosing a sphere too big for the glass.
Ice Ball Mold FAQ
Which make clear ice?
The Berlinzo and Unigul describe clear-ice methods. The others make standard ice.
What size fits a rocks glass?
Spheres around 2 to 2.5 inches are the common choice. Check your glass width first.
The Short Version
For a simple pair, the Tovolo. For 2.5 inch silicone, the Zoku. For four clear spheres, the Berlinzo. For small balls, the Housewares Solutions Froz. For spheres and cubes, the Ticent. For a clear-ice cup set, the Unigul.
