Nifty kitchen gadget makes ice cubes in minutes—perfect for anyone without a big freezer

I’ve made my own ice cubes for years in trays, and there’s nothing more irritating than forgetting to fill them up, finding that you have no ice for a refreshing drink. Whether it’s in an iced coffee or a cocktail, some drinks need ice to stay cold. This is especially important in the summer months, or if you’re hosting a summer BBQ or gathering.

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to try out an ice cube maker, but I thought they were too bulky and expensive to even bother. But that’s where the CASO Design Clear Ice Advanced Ice Cube Maker comes in, and I’ve already used it plenty of times over the last month.

The CASO Design Clear Ice Advanced Ice Cube Maker is a premium countertop ice maker designed for home cocktail enthusiasts who want clear, slow-melting ice without freezer moulds.

It produces both standard frosted ice and clear ice cubes in as little as eight minutes per cycle. It can generate 7.7-8.8kg of ice per day.

The appliance features a viewing window so you can check on your ice-making progress at a glance.

It was one of the easiest appliances I’ve ever used, with only a few buttons on top to figure out.

Two indicator lights on the control panel alert you when the 1.5L water tank is empty, or when the ice container is full.

It also features a self-cleaning function, a removable ice basket, and an ice scoop. The removable basket makes it easy to transfer the ice cubes to a freezer bag, while the ice scoop is great for gatherings where guests can help themselves.

I’ve found that the clear ice cubes work incredibly well in all drinks, but especially cocktails. Due to the denser freezing structure, they melt more slowly, meaning your beverage doesn’t turn into a watery mess.

I’ve hosted several gatherings in recent weeks, and it proved incredibly popular amongst guests, who could simply help themselves to ice cubes rather than have to go to the freezer.

What’s more, it takes up little counter space and is the perfect size, easy to store in a cupboard. The appliance also costs little to run, at an estimated 3p an hour, and will produce lots of ice in that time.

How quickly it produces ice is impressive, but I do wish the ice basket were a bit larger. It tends to fill up quickly, so I end up emptying it frequently for the appliance to keep making ice cubes.

This isn’t an issue for gatherings, but more of an issue when I’m making ice cubes to fill up the freezer.

I’ve also found that the first batch of ice cubes it makes are rather small, so while it does make ice in eight minutes, it’s best to leave them and scoop up the second batch.

The ice cube maker can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including Currys and Robert Dyas, both for £149.

Of course, an ice cube maker is a luxury, but it’s absolutely perfect for summer gatherings in the summer, and the ice cubes don’t take up lots of freezer space. This makes it perfect for people with smaller freezers.

One review of the product read: “Very satisfied on first use. I bought this primarily for my camper van on a trip to France, but I will use it at home too. While it does produce ice quite quickly, the first batches are thin and will melt faster. It’s better to let the machine run and fill the basket. It pretty much looks after itself, which is great.”

Another said: “I don’t have a freezer and always want ice, so this is perfect. Looks nicer than most and does a good job. The second batch of ice is better than the first because it takes that long for the rods to cool properly. After that, the ice comes out much thicker and lasts longer.”

There are lots of different ice cube makers on the market, ranging in price.

This includes the Cookworks 1.8L Ice Cube Maker from Argos, currently reduced to £96 from £120. It has 200 five-star reviews and can make small or large ice cubes.

Argos also sells the CASO Design IceChef Compact Ice Cube Maker, currently £84.99, down from £120. The compact design can make two ice cube sizes, which are ready in as little as six minutes.

Currys also sells a variety of options, including the DAEWOO Ice Cube Maker for £89.99. It currently has raving reviews online.

Not only does it self-clean, but its portable design makes it easy to move from room to room or house to house.

One review read: “Got this for a couple of parties and it did not disappoint. Excellent product.” Another said: “Three things to note about this ice maker. It’s quiet, quick and super cool.”