Ok so you have a drink that you want to keep cold. For that you need ice. Ice can come in many different shapes and sizes. If you had to sum it up into the two most popular shapes, you'd probably come down to either having it in cube form or in sphere form. What are the key differences? Chat GPT will give us insight, but before we get to that let's pick two Amazon listings under $20 that highlights our article.
First we have the Tovolo Ice Sphere molds. For this set of two you can get them on Amazon for $9.99 and it has a 4.7 star score on over 28,000 ratings.
For the big ice cube trays we went with Amazon's overall pick by Nax Caki. You can get a set of three on there for $17.98 and it has a 4.6 star score on over 1,100 ratings.
Now let's go to Chat GPT to see what insight we can get...
"The main difference between an ice sphere and an ice cube lies in their shape. Both are forms of ice, but they have distinct characteristics and uses:
Shape:
Ice Cube: Typically, ice cubes have a square or rectangular shape. They are easy to make using ice cube trays and are commonly used in beverages to cool them down.
Ice Sphere: Ice spheres are round, ball-shaped ice cubes. They are often larger than standard ice cubes and are popular in cocktails and premium beverages. Ice spheres have a lower surface area than cubes, which means they melt more slowly and can keep a drink chilled without diluting it as quickly.
Melting Rate:
Ice Cube: Due to their larger surface area, ice cubes tend to melt more quickly, which can lead to a faster dilution of a drink.
Ice Sphere: The lower surface area of an ice sphere results in a slower melting rate. This can be advantageous in situations where you want to keep a drink cool without rapidly altering its flavor.
Applications:
Ice Cube: Commonly used in everyday beverages like water, soda, and cocktails where quick cooling and dilution are acceptable.
Ice Sphere: Often used in premium or specialty cocktails where a slower melt rate is desired to maintain the integrity of the drink's flavor. Ice spheres are also popular in whiskey or scotch to chill the drink without watering it down too quickly.
Aesthetics:
Ice Cube: Simple and practical, ice cubes are widely used in various settings and are the standard choice for most drinks.
Ice Sphere: The spherical shape can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to certain drinks, making them visually appealing, especially in upscale or craft cocktail environments.
Ultimately, the choice between an ice sphere and an ice cube depends on the type of drink you're preparing, your preferences, and the desired aesthetic and functional qualities for the situation."
Thanks Chat GPT, really good assessment. Cubes and squares are of course not the only option, just some of the popular ones. If you want to see more options for ice cube molds under $20 click the button below!
NOTE: All price and review info is based on the time of posting. The numbers may have changed since the creation of this article. Don't forget to always research everything yourself before you buy it, don't just take our word for it. All links to Amazon on this page are part of the Associates program which gives us commissions, thanks for your support!
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