Directional Freezing is a Fun Way to Create Crystal Clear Ice at Home! - Memphis Ice

Directional freezing is simple, straightforward, and quite fun to try at home. Simply put, you can control how ice freezes. By now I’m sure you’re aware of the difference between the cloudy ice in your fridge and the crystal clear ice at bars and restaurants. There’s a clear winner between the two! Crystal clear ice is highly sought after and that’s why people use specialized machines or techniques to make it. Click here to discover more about what makes clear ice the superior product.

People and businesses rely on directional freezing for all sorts of needs. But the primary usage is to create and enjoy spectacular cocktails. You can really go all out with directional freezing. This is a great activity to enjoy with your friends, family, or even kids. Crystal clear ice is a marvel, and it’s why so many of our customers enjoy their ice machines!

Here’s what you need to make your own clear ice using directional freezing at home:

• A traditional small picnic cooler
• Filtered water 
• A freezer or pretty cold day
• A large serrated kitchen knife

And here’s what you need to do to make this dream a reality:

1. Grab your picnic cooler and fill it with your filtered water. 
2. Keep the top exposed—do not close the cooler! 
3. Allow the water to partially freeze inside the open cooler. Check regularly 
4. Remove the cooler when the ice is roughly 75% finished freezing 
5. Ta-da! You have your slab of crystal clear ice. If there’s any cloudy business, be sure to cut it off. 

It’s really that simple. The best part is the only work you have to do is prep and maybe a little post freeze cutting. And once you have your clear ice, you can cut, chop, and shape to your heart’s desire! You can fill it to any desired amount, but the key is this: do not let all of the water freeze. Sure, you might need to clear out your freezer, but you can make crystal clear ice in your own home with only moderate hassle. And the best part is if you mess up, it’s just water. Try again until you get it right! 

Now you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to craft appealing and tasty cocktails. We love this video from the channel Cocktail Chemistry, which breaks down each of these steps in a short five-minute video. Click here to watch it!

This is where directional freezing plays a significant role. Because your picnic cooler is insulated but the top is exposed, the ice begins to freeze at the top and work its way down. But that’s now your ice cube trays work. Instead, the freezing occurs from all sides, due to your tray’s lack of insulation and its exposure to the freezer air. That’s why there’s cloudy ice. All of the gas, sediment, and other debris in the water is suspended in the center of the ice cube! 

You have no control over which direction ice freezes in an ice cube tray. It just sort of does what it’s meant to do. But with the power of your family picnic cooler, you can make crystal clear ice. We think that’s pretty cool.

Here’s what you need to make your own clear ice using directional freezing at home:

• A traditional small picnic cooler
• Filtered water 
• A freezer or pretty cold day
• A large serrated kitchen knife

And here’s what you need to do to make this dream a reality:

1. Grab your picnic cooler and fill it with your filtered water. 
2. Keep the top exposed—do not close the cooler! 
3. Allow the water to partially freeze inside the open cooler. Check regularly 
4. Remove the cooler when the ice is roughly 75% finished freezing 
5. Ta-da! You have your slab of crystal clear ice. If there’s any cloudy business, be sure to cut it off. 

It’s really that simple. The best part is the only work you have to do is prep and maybe a little post freeze cutting. And once you have your clear ice, you can cut, chop, and shape to your heart’s desire! You can fill it to any desired amount, but the key is this: do not let all of the water freeze. Sure, you might need to clear out your freezer, but you can make crystal clear ice in your own home with only moderate hassle. And the best part is if you mess up, it’s just water. Try again until you get it right! 

Now you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to craft appealing and tasty cocktails. We love this video from the channel Cocktail Chemistry, which breaks down each of these steps in a short five-minute video. Click here to watch it!

Directional freezing is fantastic if you have room for it. However, if you’re low on space or don’t have a second freezer, an ice machine rental from Memphis Ice will do the trick. We offer many makes and models to choose from. No matter your square footage or budget, we have the ice machine for you. 

Click here to learn more about the small, quiet, and compact crystal clear ice machines perfect for a home, small business, or office. It’s the best addition you can make to any beverage!