Clear ice has become a bit of an obsession to show off to friends. I can make poorly shaped clear ice, but this takes it to a beautiful sphere which will elevate the presentation of any cocktail.I've found the best way to get a full sphere is to use appropriately sized ice to start. I make large ice in a double-walled stainless cup and it's a bit big for this maker, sometimes not fitting between the two posts. When that happens the maker struggles to melt the excess ice and takes a longer time. Smaller ice makes for a quick sphere, but ultimately the product was excellent for the price and I use it daily.