Sphere Ice Molds - 6 Pack - Silicone Ice Ball Molds with Built-in Funnel - Round Ice Cube Molds - Make 2.5 Inch Big Ice Sphere for Whiskey & Cocktails,Food Grade and BPA Free, Black

I've been using a different type of ice ball mold for several years and although they made decent ice balls, it was a production to get them out of the mold. These work great! The top comes off fairly easy and then after running my fingernail around the edge of the bottom I can pop the ice ball out. If you want to fill them shortly after removing one I recommend running it under hot water. They seem to go back together better. If they are cold, they want to pull apart. I fill them with a thin stream, shake out excess and push the mold together again as I put it in the freezer. They are the perfect size for my Manhattans and old fashioneds.

I bought these for my husband since he likes to make cocktails at home and regular ice melts so quickly when he uses it. These are very nice! We've reused them a few times now and have no issues so far! They can be a little difficult to remove sometimes once frozen for a while, but once you get the technique down you're good! They are seemingly very good quality as well, I do recommend them.

I've purchased various silicon ice ball/cube makers. This one, like so many other silicon molds has the same issue, the seal. When you fill the mold, you may see some water dripping out of the seal. When you apply the slightest pressure to the mold like when you pick it up, place it in the freezer, etc. the leak intensifies. I wish the manufactures would harden the seals to minimize this issue. Usually, after I place the molds in the freezer I have to press down on it or manipulate the molds until the drips stop. Once frozen, the ice balls are very easy to remove. So far my favorite molds are "Ice Spheres 2.5" Stackable" ice ball molds. They have a hard plastic bottom and a silicone top. The are the easiest to fill. You simply add water to the plastic bottom and place the top on. The top automatically fills the remaining space on the mold. No need to fill water through the hole on top. Just my opinion.

I don’t use these for whiskey but…My physical therapist recommended I get something like this for icing injuries and inflammation. You keep one half of the mound on and consistently move the frozen side around the area. It does melt on you, but that’s a good indication of when to stop. Easy to fill, easy to freeze, not super expensive.

I've been making ice balls with various molds for about a decade now. I always like trying new molds as well as new shapes. Decided to give these a try and the results are OK. The good: Low price. Sturdy. Out of dozens of ice molds these are some of the hardest to spill or split I've found (that will come in as a "bad" later though.) Individual. Most molds are multi so you have to find a bit of space as well as do them all at once. These let you store and freeze them one-by-one. The bad: Very difficult to remove. You will fight to get the bottom half off and I mean fight. I have yet to find any decent method. Irregularly shaped. Easily half or more of a batch will split once frozen and cause the "ball" to be more of a lopsided egg. Your drink doesn't care, but if you're using these for the aesthetics you'll probably be disappointed. The split in shape also causes many of them to split in a drink. Bonus: I included a Pic of my favorite ball maker.

Originally I was skeptical that these would just make a mess in my freezer but I was pleasantly surprised. The seal held very well. They were easy to use and take out of the mold. Kept the ice in the right shape. Size is perfect for the standard glass. Very durable. It has practical use and effectively serves its intended purpose.

It makes really nice large ice cubes. Getting them filled completely takes a little finesse and patience. So you have to fill them very slowly and pinch the nipple on top to elongate the opening otherwise a bubble will form and won't get a fully round ball. You can always go back refill if needed. Soak the ball in water before trying to remove the ball. I find it makes it easier to remove.

Hard to fill without a tiny, tiny funnel