Review: Ecozy Ice Ball Maker

When enjoying whiskey, many prefer it neat, but for those occasions that call for a chill, the typical ice from a kitchen freezer just doesn’t cut it. While perfectly safe to drink, common ice made from municipal tap water can detract from the experience due to its shape, size, and clarity.

Enter the ice ball, a sophisticated alternative to traditional cubes. Their lower surface area-to-volume ratio means they melt more slowly, keeping your drink colder for longer without quick dilution. This is especially crucial for spirit-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Negroni, where maintaining a delicate flavor balance is key. Beyond their practical benefits, ice balls elevate the visual presentation of any drink, adding a touch of sleek elegance.

For those looking to upgrade their ice game, the market offers various spherical ice makers. However, these often come with a significant price tag, and not all units are created equal. Drinkhacker previously reviewed the Newair Countertop Whiskey Ice Ball Maker in November 2024, finding that while it produced satisfactory ice balls, they lacked true crystal clarity. Now, we’re putting the Ecozy 2″ Clear Ice Ball Maker with Crystalflux Technology to the test. Priced $100 less than the Newair unit, can Ecozy deliver clearer ice and a better overall experience? Let’s find out!

One key to clear ice lies in the water. Tap water often contains dissolved solids that cause cloudiness. The Ecozy instruction manual states that clear ice will result as long as the water contains less than 200 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved solids. Unlike the Newair, the Ecozy unit includes an electronic total dissolved solids (TDS) meter to help you measure your water’s purity.

For our test, I used store-bought distilled water, which registered a mere 1 ppm on the Ecozy’s TDS meter—well below the 200 ppm maximum. As a control, my home’s municipal tap water measured 198 ppm.

Operating the Ecozy unit is remarkably straightforward. To add water manually, simply open the front door, remove the ice ball holding bin, and fill the reservoir up to the clearly marked “Maximum” line. A drainage tube is provided for easy water disposal from the rear of the unit.

A significant advantage of the Ecozy unit is its option for a direct and constant water supply via a port on the back. This eliminates the need for manual refills, a feature not available on the Newair. While I couldn’t test this direct supply feature, it makes the Ecozy a far more efficient option for homes or establishments with compatible plumbing.

Once the reservoir is filled, simply hit the start button. The Ecozy manual promises clear ice balls in under 40 minutes. My tests consistently delivered four perfectly clear ice balls in just 36 to 38 minutes, compared to the Newair’s two ice balls in a slightly longer timeframe.

The Ecozy also boasts superior storage, with its bin holding 56 ice balls at once, a substantial increase over the Newair’s capacity of eight. The Ecozy even includes an additional ice tray for freezer storage, allowing you to continually make and store more ice. While the Ecozy manual claims a potential output of 144 ice balls in a 24-hour period, achieving this without the direct water supply would require constant manual refilling. The Newair, in contrast, advertises a maximum of 44 ice balls per day.

Using store-bought distilled water, the Ecozy absolutely delivered on its promise of crystal-clear ice balls. I then tested it with municipal tap water, which, despite having 198 ppm, still produced ice that was significantly clearer than what my refrigerator typically makes at 150 ppm. While not completely transparent with tap water, the Ecozy still yielded a more aesthetically pleasing result than common household ice.

At $100 less, the Ecozy outperformed the Newair in every aspect. It produces clearer ice at a much faster pace and boasts a significantly higher daily output and storage capacity. While the Newair’s output might be sufficient for most home users, the Ecozy’s capacity makes it a much more enticing option for on-premise use in bars or restaurants.

Despite being a fantastic ice ball maker and a clear superior to the Newair, the Ecozy’s $600 to $700 price tag means it’s likely “much more machine” than the average person needs for casual home use. However, for those seeking a touch of luxury without concern for cost, or for commercial establishments, the Ecozy is a stellar choice that will undoubtedly impress.

Through 6/20/2025 use code HJX292LS at checkout on Amazon to get an extra 5% off.

A+ / $700 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

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