Clear ice makers are machines that produce the healthiest ice. Clear ice makers come with built-in cooling mechanisms that cool down the water in the mold whilst eliminating oxygen from ice cubes. Ice made with clear ice makers consists of only water molecules, tastes better, and melts down at a slower rate because there is no trapped air inside.
With so many products from different brands available, finding the best clear ice maker is challenging. There is Luma, NewAir, VEVOR, Vremi, Scotsman, Whynter, and others. The advantages and drawbacks of each brand should be considered.
To find the best clear ice maker, it is essential to analyze attributes such as production and storage capacity, size, maintenance, drain type, quietness, budget, quality of ice, and additional features (ease of use). This clear ice maker buying guide takes these factors into account.
The best clear ice makers are listed below:
- Luma Comfort IM200SS Clear Ice Maker
- NewAir ClearIce40 Clear Ice Maker
- VEVOR 110V Ice Maker 400LBS/24H with LCD Panel
- Vremi Grade Ice Making Machine
- Scotsman CU50GA-1A Gourmet Ice Maker
- Scotsman CU50PA Gourmet Ice Maker
- Whynter UIM-502SS Clear Ice Cube Maker
Best Clear Ice Makers Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Luma Comfort IM200SS Clear Ice Maker |
| View On Amazon |
 | NewAir ClearIce40 Clear Ice Maker |
| View On Amazon |
 | VEVOR 110V Ice Maker 400LBS/24H with LCD Panel |
| View On Amazon |
 | Vremi Grade Ice Making Machine |
| View On Amazon |
 | Scotsman CU50GA-1A Gourmet Ice Maker |
| View On Amazon |
 | Scotsman CU50PA Gourmet Ice Maker |
| View On Amazon |
 | Whynter UIM-502SS Clear Ice Cube Maker |
| View On Amazon |
Best Clear Ice Maker Reviews (Updated List)
1. Luma Comfort IM200SS Clear Ice Maker
Luma Comfort is a company established 10 years ago that manufactures home appliances such as wine coolers, refrigerators, and ice makers. The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker is a compact and portable unit. It weighs only 25.5lbs so it is easy to put away when it is not used. This ice maker is mostly used in households and restaurants, on trailers, and on boats.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker produces crystal and solid ice that melts five times slower than regular ice. This unit doesn’t require installation or plumbing. It should just be filled with water and turned on to start producing ice.
The price of Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker varies between $190 and $210.
Luma Comfort provides a 1-year limited warranty on this clear ice maker. An extended 4-year warranty can be bought for this unit as well.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker is made of stainless steel-IM200SS which is long-lasting and resistant to rust.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker should be cleaned every 2 weeks. The unit should be drained and a mix of warm water and vinegar should be run through it.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker has a powerful compressor that doesn’t generate noise and produces 28lbs of ice per day. This machine produces new ice cubes every 15 minutes.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker can store up to 5 lbs of ice and the ice bucket can be easily removed. It also has an indicator that informs the user about the low water level and one more that displays when the ice bucket is full.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker can store about 5lbs of ice.
The advantages of Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker are as follows:
- The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker is lightweight, portable, and easy to use.
- The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker is fairly quiet compared to other units on the list.
- The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker’s intuitive screen displays changes in the ice making process.
The disadvantages of Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker are as follows:
- The ice in the Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker’s ice bin doesn’t stay solid for more than 1 hour,
- The Luma Comfort IM200SS clear ice maker requires frequent cleaning.
2. NewAir ClearIce40 Clear Ice Maker
The NewAir clear ice maker is a portable device that produces clear restaurant-quality ice. It uses both tap and filtered water and turns it into crystal clear ice.
The NewAir clear ice maker is a one-touch device. The buttons are located on the top of the machine. The unit is easy to fill with water thanks to the top-loading reservoir. The quiet exhaust fan located on the side of this ice maker ensures proper cooling and protects the motor.
The price of NewAir clear ice maker is around $250.
The NewAir clear ice maker is backed up with a 3-year warranty. This unit is one of the longest-lasting units in the ice maker category with an average lifespan of 6 years.
The NewAir clear ice maker has a durable, stainless steel finish and boasts a modern and elegant design. It comes with a BPA-free plastic bucket that ensures the ice produced is healthy and safe to use.
The NewAir clear ice maker should be drained and flushed with a mix of baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. The cleaning should be done every week or every second week.
The NewAir clear ice maker is capable of producing 40lbs of ice every 24 hours. It only takes 15 minutes to produce a new batch of ice.
The NewAir clear ice maker features modest ice storage of 1 to 2 lbs maximum. The ice can be easily removed and cleaned. When the bucket is full of ice, the appliance will switch itself off.
The advantages of NewAir clear ice maker are as follows:
- The one-touch operation makes the NewAir clear ice maker intuitive and easy to use.
- Filling the reservoir with water is mess-free because the reservoir loads from the top of the NewAir clear ice maker.
- The built-in shutoff sensors make the NewAir clear ice maker turn off when the ice bin is full.
The disadvantages of NewAir clear ice maker are as follows:
- The NewAir clear ice maker produces ice rapidly but doesn’t keep it solid for long.
3. VEVOR 110V Ice Maker 400LBS/24H with LCD Panel
VEVOR is an ice maker brand offering premium quality and luxurious units. This clear ice maker is compact and thoughtfully designed so its bottom is 6 inches above the ground. This ensures a proper airflow so the motor doesn’t overheat and protects the unit from moisture. It can be easily installed anywhere near a water outlet as it is a freestanding model. This unit can be used in homes, schools, hotels, and more.
The VEVOR clear ice maker is equipped with an 850W SECOP compressor that increases the speed at which ice is made. This unit is also equipped with a premium water filter that turns tap water into clear, cloud-free, hard ice cubes. A water supply hose, connector, and draining hose are included in the package as well.
The VEVOR clear ice maker is priced between $2,550 and $2,750.
VEVOR provides a 3-year warranty on this clear ice maker. Also, a 30-day money-back return warranty is offered for the product.
The VEVOR clear ice maker is made of high-quality heavy-duty brushed stainless steel that contributes to its longevity and sturdiness. The inside of the unit is made of a 2.5mm thick food-grade injection liner that makes it more resistant to impacts and sturdier. The inside is also lined with a 6-side cyclopentane foam that prevents external heat from melting ice cubes.
The easy-touch LCD panel makes VEVOR clear ice maker convenient to clean. Pressing the auto-clean button cleans the ice tray and all pipes, which ensures the ice cubes produced are clear and free of odor.
The VEVOR clear ice maker is capable of producing up to 400lbs of ice per day. It boasts rapid ice making and can produce 156 standard-size clear ice cubes per one 5-8-minute cycle. The machine can be programmed to produce thicker ice cubes. Medium-thick ice cubes take 8-11 minutes and the thickest 11-15 minutes to be produced.
The VEVOR clear ice maker has an outstanding ice storing capacity of 350lbs. Ice cubes can stay in the ice bin for 5-7 hours before they start melting.
The advantages of VEVOR clear ice maker are as follows:
- The VEVOR clear ice maker is equipped with all the parts needed for the installation.
- The VEVOR clear ice maker is programmable, easy to use, and not expensive to operate.
- The VEVOR clear ice maker continually monitors the quality of ice produced and displays a notification when it needs cleaning.
The disadvantages of VEVOR clear ice maker are as follows:
- The VEVOR clear ice maker repels heat, which makes it sweat on the exterior, and leak to the floor.
4. Vremi Grade Ice Making Machine
This Vremi freestanding clear ice maker is best suited for homes and small businesses. The freestanding design makes it easy to install in any place, as long as it is close to a water line.
The Vremi clear ice maker is equipped with a powerful compressor and a full set of accessories. An ice scoop, a draining house, and a supply hose with faucet connectors are included in the package. The unit can be installed and used right after it is unpacked. It doesn’t have to be constantly refilled because the water tank connects directly to a water supply. The machine is equipped with an intuitive LCD that allows adjusting the ice making time and ice thickness.
The Vremi clear ice maker comes at a price between $480 and $550.
The Vremi clear ice maker is backed up with a 1-year warranty while its lifespan is at least 3-5 years.
The Vremi clear ice maker is mostly made of rust-resistant and durable stainless steel.
The Vremi clear ice maker features an automatic cleaning function. Holding the timer/clean button for several seconds triggers the cleaning cycle. Movable parts should be cleaned every 3-6 months, depending on the frequency of use.
The Vremi clear ice maker produces up to 99lbs of ice every 24 hours. It produces 45 crystal clear and hard ice cubes per cycle and each cycle takes 11-20 minutes.
The ice storage capacity of Vremi clear ice maker is 29lbs.
The advantages of Vremi clear ice maker are as follows:
- The Vremi clear ice maker is equipped with a powerful, yet low-noise compressor.
- The LCD makes it easy to customize the Vremi clear ice maker’s performance.
- The automatic self-clean function makes the Vremi clear ice maker easier to maintain.
The disadvantages of Vremi clear ice maker are as follows:
- The ice within the Vremi clear ice maker’s bin is melting quickly.
5. Scotsman CU50GA-1A Gourmet Ice Maker
The Scotsman CU50GA-1A is a gourmet ice maker mostly intended for commercial use, although it can be used at home as well. It produces crystal clear, odor-free, slow-melting ice cubes ideal for high-end mixed drinks. This compact unit is ideal for placement in tight locations and comes with adjustable legs.
The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker is special because it is packed with water-quality sensors. These sensors detect hard water and purge it so the machine can turn it into clear ice. The user-friendly control panel informs when the level of water in the reservoir is low.
The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker’s parts and labor are backed up with a 1-year warranty. The motor and compressor are backed up with a 5- year warranty.
The price of Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker is around $1,975.
The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker is made of 304-grade stainless steel.
The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker is equipped with a time-to-clean reminder located on the control panel. Pressing the button starts the cleaning process.
The ice production capacity of Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker is 64lbs per day.
The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker can store up to 26lbs of ice.
The advantages of Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker are as follows:
- The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker’s high-quality water sensors purify water and reduce the time between cleanings.
- Only 15-inch wide, the Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker easily fits into tight spaces.
- Adjustable legs ensure proper airflow under the Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker, which prevents the motor from overheating.
The disadvantages of Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker are as follows:
- The Scotsman CU50GA-1A clear ice maker generates a lot of noise.
6. Scotsman CU50PA Gourmet Ice Maker
This Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker produces gourmet ice that doesn’t stick, melts slowly, and has no odor. Designed for commercial use, this unit is best for hospitals, hotels, restaurants, banquets, and weddings. It takes minimum space to be installed and fits best under counters.
The Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker is an air-cooled machine with a self-contained condenser. This machine is UL-approved for outdoor use. It holds an EnergyStar certification for being energy-efficient.
The Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker is priced around $2,470.
Scotsman provides a 1-year warranty on labor and parts and a 5-year warranty on the compressor for this CU50PA clear ice maker.
The Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker boasts stainless steel exterior. It is equipped with a built-in drain that makes the installation easier.
The LCD panel on Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker notifies when it is time to clean the unit. It also notifies when the level of water in the reservoir is low.
The daily ice making capacity of Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker is around 65lbs.
The ice storage capacity of Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker is 26lbs.
The advantages of Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker are as follows:
- Gourmet ice the Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker produces in a unique process is clear, hard, and impurity-free.
- This Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker can be used outdoors – on a deck or patio.
- The amount of energy the Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker uses is minimal.
The disadvantages of Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker are as follows:
- The sound Scotsman CU50PA clear ice maker produces when disposing of ice in the ice bin is unpleasant.
7. Whynter UIM-502SS Clear Ice Cube Maker
The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker can be either installed as a built-in or freestanding model. This unit is meant for indoor use, requires a minimum clearance, and comes with an ice scoop, gravity drain, and a water hose.
The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker is armed with a highly efficient CFC-free compressor. This powerful compressor cools down the unit and freezes ice at a rapid pace. The unit is easy to use as it features a one-touch operation. It is also certified by EnergyStar, meaning it doesn’t use much energy.
The price of Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker varies between $900 and $1,230.
The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker is backed up with a 1-year limited warranty. The expected lifespan of this unit is 5-7 years.
The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker is made of sleek stainless steel that minimizes smudging and contributes to more resistance to wear and tear.
The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker should be cleaned every 3 months. Pressing the clean button on the display starts the cleaning process. The ice bucket is removable and convenient to clean as well.
The ice production capacity of Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker is 50lbs of ice per day.
The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker stores up to 25lbs of ice, depending on the ice thickness. The unit shuts off automatically when the storage bin is full.
The advantages of Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker are as follows:
- The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker is easy to situate and install and comes with all parts needed for the installation, and use.
- The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker holds the EnergyStar certification.
- The Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker shuts itself off when the ice bin is full.
The disadvantages of Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker are as follows:
- Although the inside of the Whynter UIM-502SS clear ice maker is insulated, the ice never stays frozen and melts down quickly.
Who Should Have a Clear Ice Maker?
Clear ice makers are now available to anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits that clear ice brings. Clear ice is superior to regular ice and investing money in a machine that produces healthier ice is a wise decision. It is possible to make crystal clear ice manually as well, although this method takes a lot of time and doesn’t work for large gatherings.
Commercial Purposes
Clear ice is mostly used for both commercial purposes and in commercial settings – hospitals, restaurants, and bars. Not only do clear ice makers produce ice faster but the ice produced can make drinks cooler quickly and melts at a slower rate, which enhances the drink taste. Clear ice makers use less water and electricity and thus are more economical.
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for any business. Regular ice can contain pollutants such as mold or bacteria and can have an unpleasant smell while clear ice is healthier as it doesn’t contain pollutants and it is tasteless.
Clear ice makers are durable standalone machines with high ice production capacities and are usually backed up with 1, 2, or 3-year warranties, which gives the buyer peace of mind. Also, a majority of clear ice makers have water filters, auto-defrost features, auto shut-off, as well as alerts and panels that display water quality and extend the unit’s lifespan by making it easier to use and clean.
Businesses with a lower volume of clients can use an undercounter clear ice maker instead of a countertop model.
Clear Ice Maker for Home Use
Clear ice makers can easily fit into any kitchen and provide a steady supply of ice for family gatherings, summer yard parties, and holidays when there is a variety of drinks such as whiskey or lemonade that have to be kept cool.
Clear Ice Maker for Fishing and Camping
Clear ice makers can be used in outdoor settings, in RVs and on camping trips, and boats. Clear ice makers produce ice that melts 5 times slower than regular ice, making it possible to drink cool drinks even when in nature.
What is Clear Ice?
Clear ice, or gourmet ice, is a type of ice generally preferred by upscale commercial establishments.
When regular ice freezes, it pushes the air and pollutants in the water towards the center, all of which get trapped in ice cubes that become cloudy.
Clear ice forms like an icicle, in layers. It is created by freezing the water in one direction, often by letting the water pass over freezing coils that remove the bubbles and keep the ice clear.
The air bubbles are pushed outside and can’t be trapped within the cube. The clarity of ice shows how clear the water is. The cloudiness comes from impurities and trapped air, that can also contain odors. That is why clear ice is different and healthier to consume. It contains fever bacteria, pollutants, and smells. Clear ice brings out the real aroma of a drink and doesn’t water it down.
Clear Ice vs Regular Ice?
Since clear ice is created in layers and has no bubbles of air, it is denser than regular ice. That density allows it to melt 5 times slower than regular ice so that it can keep drinks cooler for a prolonged period of time. The air in the regular ice speeds up the melting process and releases the pollutants trapped in the middle. Even filtered tap water contains impurities, which results in producing cloudy ice cubes and affects their taste.
Since clear ice melts slower, it is widely used in commercial settings that can benefit from using less ice, water, and power per customer.
Regular ice can easily contain bad odors which isn’t the case with clear ice. Also, many commercial clear ice makers have a built-in water filter that ensures the purity of water and ice cubes. There are clear ice makers that display alerts about the water quality or when they need to be cleaned, which ensures the best quality of clear ice that is yet to be produced.
Unlike regular ice that easily crumbles and can be chewed, clear ice is denser and it should not be nibbled on.
How Do Clear Ice Makers Work?
Clear ice makers have a unique cooling mechanism, where water flows over a cooling mold that allows the ice cubes to form gradually, level by level, and not all at once, and in different shapes, depending on the machine. This is why air doesn’t get trapped, and the ice seems more like icicles rather than normal white ice cubes. Clear ice makers cost more because of the fact they can produce the clear, taste, and odor-free ice.
Types of Clear Ice Makers
1. Countertop Clear Ice Makers
Countertop ice makers are compact, lightweight, and thus, portable. Countertop ice makers have lower ice production capacities and are very low on storage space. Countertop ice makers are all air-cooled and need just one drain for the melted water. Countertop ice makers are easy to clean and maintain. This detailed guide explains how to clean an ice maker.
2. Undercounter Clear Ice Makers
Undercounter clear ice makers are large units, either water or air-cooled. Undercounter clear ice makers can produce and store large volumes of ice – 50lbs and more. Undercounter clear ice makers require a dedicated water line and drainage for melted and cooling water, optionally a drainage pump as well. A professional installer should fit in an undercounter clear ice maker.
3. Freestanding Clear Ice Makers
Freestanding clear ice makers can be easily installed anywhere – in an office, bar, RV, or on a boat, as long as the water supply and drainage area are near. Freestanding clear ice makers produce medium to large quantities of ice per day and have decent storage capacities.
Clear Ice Maker Buying Guide
Factors such as production capacity, storage capacity, size, maintenance, drain type, quietness, budget, quality of ice, and additional features should be considered when buying a clear ice maker, all of which are listed below.
1. Production Capacity
Clear ice makers have different production capacities or daily outputs. Restaurants, bars, hospitals, and businesses may need clear ice makers with larger production capacities. Average clear ice makers produce around 25lbs of ice per day, and the best residential ice makers produce around 50lbs and up. It should be taken into account that outside temperature can affect an ice maker’s production and storage capabilities.
2. Storage Capacity
Clear ice makers are well insulated so they can keep the produced ice for a longer period of time. Standalone clear ice makers usually have a storage capacity half the size than they are able to produce. If clear ice makers can produce 60lbs of ice per day, they can store around 25 to 30 pounds. Countertop clear ice makers store up to 5lbs of ice.
3. Size
Clear ice makers can be countertop, undercounter, or freestanding units. Undercounter clear ice makers require leaving a couple of extra inches of space on all sides for easier maintenance.
4. Maintenance
Some clear ice makers require to be manually cleaned and defrosted, others feature self-cleaning and have panels and vents on the back. Undercounter clear ice makers sometimes have to be completely taken out in order to be cleaned and maintained.
5. Drain Type
Some clear ice makers have a drain right underneath, also known as a gravity drain. Other clear ice makers use a drain pump that can be bought separately and installed on standalone unit while some clear ice makers come with a built-in drain pump.
6. Quietness
Clear ice makers can produce noise while operating. Freezing ice requires a lot of power, and deploying the ice cubes to the basket can also produce loud sounds. Small clear ice makers are generally quieter than large standalone units.
To install the ice maker, factors such as where it will be installed should be taken into account. Clear ice makers can be installed in kitchens, outside kitchens, basements, and utility rooms.
7. Budget
Clear ice makers aren’t cheap, and units range from a couple of hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Restaurants should invest in clear ice makers with a high ice production output that cost more, while residential clear ice makers come at a more affordable price.
8. Quality of Ice
Clear ice makers produce ice of superior quality that has no impurities, cloudiness, or taste, and melts slowly. Most clear ice makers produce crystal clear ice cubes that are solid and don’t have any taste or odor.
9. Additional Features
Most clear ice makers require one push of a button to start producing ice. However, some clear ice makers have additional features, such as auto shutoff, meaning the unit will stop producing ice if the bin gets full, but it can also continue topping it up so that there is a steady supply of ice at all times. Most clear ice makers come with water filters that filtrate and clean the water so that it’s free of impurities.
Some clear ice makers have an auto defrost feature that melts away all the ice when the unit needs to be cleaned. Some clear ice makers have to be manually defrosted by turning them off and letting them melt the ice on their own.
This ice machine configurator suggests the best size and model of a clear ice maker based on different criteria.
Here is how clear ice balls can be made at home without a dedicated clear ice maker.
Related blog: How To Clean An Ice Maker?
I’m looking for an under the counter Ice maker that produces Clear Ice. 17″ wide, 32″ height and 20 deep as the measurements that it would need to fit into.
I’m hoping to find one under $500.00
Any help?
Hi Chuck,
You should check my under-counter ice maker buying guide, but I am not sure about that price 🙂
Cheers!
Hi! I am writing you from Buenos Aires, Argentina! I am searching for a machine that makes a block of crystal ice which afterwards we will cuy into smaller pieces of crystal IceCubes.
Looking forward you answer, thanks
Hello Axel,
How big this block of crystal ice should be? It is actually a hard question 🙂