What Craft Ice Is and How Your Refrigerator Makes It

Craft Ice Is Larger, Slower-Melting Ice Made Inside Your Fridge

Craft ice is a type of ice cube that is bigger and denser than standard ice, made by a specialized ice maker built into certain refrigerator models. It melts more slowly than regular ice, which means your drink stays cold longer without becoming watered down. The ice maker freezes water in a way that removes air bubbles and impurities, creating a clear, hard cube instead of the cloudy, porous cubes most home ice makers produce.

The name comes from craft cocktail bars, where bartenders have long used large, clear ice cubes because they look better in drinks and perform better. Refrigerator manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and GE began adding craft ice makers to their premium models so homeowners could get the same result at home. If your refrigerator has a craft ice maker, it will have a separate compartment or setting for this type of ice, distinct from the regular ice dispenser.

Key Takeaways

• Craft ice is larger and denser than standard ice, made by freezing water slowly in a way that removes air and impurities.
• It melts slower than regular ice, keeping drinks cold longer without diluting them as quickly.
• Craft ice makers are a feature on higher-end refrigerator models from brands like LG, Samsung, and GE, not on all models.
• You will need to fill a separate water reservoir or use a dedicated ice maker setting to produce craft ice, depending on your model.
• Craft ice requires more time to freeze than regular ice, so plan ahead if you need it for a specific time.

How Craft Ice Freezes Differently Than Regular Ice

A standard ice maker in a refrigerator freezes water quickly in a metal tray, trapping air bubbles and minerals inside. This is why regular ice cubes are often cloudy and break apart easily. Craft ice makers work differently: they freeze water slowly and directionally, meaning the water freezes from the outside in, pushing impurities toward the center and then out. The result is a clear, solid cube with no air pockets.

The freezing process takes longer—usually 24 to 48 hours to produce a batch of craft ice, compared to a few hours for regular ice. Some craft ice makers use a special mold or chamber that holds water at a precise temperature, allowing it to freeze in layers. Others use a slow-freeze cycle that the ice maker runs during off-peak hours when the refrigerator is not working as hard to cool food. The exact method depends on your refrigerator model.

Which Refrigerator Models Have Craft Ice Makers

Craft ice is not a standard feature on most refrigerators. It appears on premium and mid-to-high-end models from LG, Samsung, GE, and a few other brands. LG calls their version "Craft Ice," Samsung offers "Ice Plus," and GE has "Turbo Ice" or similar names depending on the model year. If you are shopping for a new refrigerator and want craft ice, check the product specifications or the ice maker section of the manual to confirm it is included.

If you already own a refrigerator, look at your ice maker compartment. If you see a separate drawer or button labeled "Craft Ice," "Premium Ice," or a similar term, your model likely has this feature. You can also check your refrigerator's model number on the back or inside the door frame, then search the manufacturer's website or your manual for ice maker details. Many older refrigerators and budget models do not have craft ice capability.

How to Use the Craft Ice Maker on Your Refrigerator

The steps vary by brand and model, but the basic process is the same. First, locate the craft ice maker compartment or setting. On LG models, this is usually a separate drawer below or beside the regular ice bin. On Samsung models, it may be a button or setting on the ice maker itself. Check your refrigerator manual for the exact location—the manual will be in the paperwork that came with your fridge, or you can find it online by searching your model number plus "manual."

Next, fill the water reservoir if your model requires it. Some craft ice makers draw from the same water line as the regular ice maker, while others have a dedicated reservoir you fill by hand. If your model has a dedicated reservoir, you will see a small door or panel where you pour water in. Once the water is in place, press the craft ice button or select the craft ice mode on your refrigerator's control panel. The ice maker will begin its slow-freeze cycle.

Be patient: craft ice takes much longer to produce than regular ice. Your first batch may not be ready for 24 to 48 hours. Once the cycle is complete, the ice will drop into the craft ice drawer. You can then scoop it out and use it in drinks. If you need craft ice regularly, start a batch as soon as you use the last of the previous one, so you always have some on hand.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting for Craft Ice Makers

Craft ice makers need clean water to produce clear ice. If your refrigerator has a water filter, replace it every six months or according to your manual's instructions. A clogged or old filter will slow down water flow to the ice maker and may result in cloudy or incomplete ice cubes. If your craft ice is coming out cloudy, the first step is to replace the water filter and run a few cycles to flush the system.

If the craft ice maker is not producing ice at all, check that the water line is connected and the water valve is open. On models with a dedicated reservoir, make sure you are filling it with clean water and that the fill door is closed properly. If the ice maker is running but producing very little ice, the freezing cycle may be interrupted by the refrigerator's defrost cycle. This is normal—defrost cycles pause ice making temporarily. If the problem persists, consult your manual or contact the manufacturer's support line.

Clean the craft ice drawer and compartment every few months to prevent buildup of mineral deposits or mold. Use a soft cloth and warm water, and dry thoroughly before replacing the drawer. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the plastic or metal surfaces inside the ice maker.

Craft Ice vs. Regular Ice: What Is the Real Difference

The main differences are size, clarity, and melting speed. Craft ice cubes are typically one to two inches across, while regular ice cubes are usually three-quarters of an inch. Craft ice is clear or nearly clear because it has no air bubbles, while regular ice is often cloudy. In a drink, craft ice melts much more slowly—sometimes taking 30 minutes or more to fully melt, compared to 10 to 15 minutes for regular ice.

For everyday drinking, regular ice is fine and works just as well. Craft ice is worth the extra time and effort if you enjoy cocktails, want to slow down how fast your drink dilutes, or simply prefer the appearance of clear ice. It is also useful if you are serving drinks to guests and want a more polished look. If you rarely drink cold beverages or do not mind regular ice, the craft ice feature may not be necessary for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does craft ice cost more to make than regular ice?

Craft ice uses slightly more electricity because the freezing cycle runs longer and at a lower temperature, but the difference is small—usually a few dollars per year. The main cost is the time it takes to produce, not the energy.

Can I make craft ice in a regular ice maker?

No. Regular ice makers freeze water too quickly and do not have the temperature control or slow-freeze cycle needed to produce craft ice. You need a refrigerator with a dedicated craft ice maker to get this type of ice.

What should I do if my craft ice comes out cloudy?

Replace your refrigerator's water filter first, as a clogged filter is the most common cause of cloudy ice. Run a few cycles after replacing the filter to flush the system. If the ice is still cloudy, check that your water line is clean and the ice maker is functioning properly.

How long does it take to make a batch of craft ice?

Most craft ice makers take 24 to 48 hours to produce a full batch, depending on your refrigerator model and how much ice you are making. This is much longer than regular ice, so plan ahead if you need it for a specific time.

Can I use craft ice in a blender or ice crusher?

Yes, but craft ice is harder and denser than regular ice, so it may take longer to blend or crush. Some blenders and ice crushers are not designed for very hard ice, so check your appliance's manual first to avoid damage.