How Much Is the Sphere Ice Maker at Costco in 2026?

In the world of home mixology and high-end hosting, the details matter. Nothing elevates a pour of fine bourbon or a handcrafted Negroni quite like a perfectly spherical piece of ice. It is not just about aesthetics; the physics of a sphere allows for minimum surface area exposure, resulting in a slower melt rate that chills your drink without diluting the complex flavors you paid for.

As we navigate through 2026, Costco continues to be a primary destination for premium kitchen appliances at wholesale prices. For members, the hunt for the elusive "Costco Sphere Ice Maker" is a common pursuit. Whether you are looking for the Frigidaire Gallery model or exploring high-tech alternatives that use heat press technology, understanding the price landscape and feature sets is crucial before making a purchase.

This comprehensive guide will break down the current pricing at Costco, analyze the performance of their top models, and introduce a revolutionary alternative that is changing the game for whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Costco Sphere Ice Maker Pricing in 2026

In 2026, Costco remains a competitive player in the countertop appliance market. The primary sphere ice maker model stocked by Costco is typically the Frigidaire Gallery Sphere Ice Maker. While inventory fluctuates by region and season, the pricing structure has remained relatively consistent, offering significant savings over other retailers.

Current Price Range: $199.99 – $249.99

It is important to note that Costco prices can vary based on:

• Seasonal Sales: During holiday periods or "Costco Next" events, prices have been known to drop to as low as $179.99.
• Location: In-store prices are often cheaper than online prices due to shipping and handling fees included in the e-commerce cost.
• Bundle Deals: Occasionally, Costco bundles these appliances with accessory kits or extended warranties, adding value to the base price.

While $200 might seem steep for frozen water, the convenience of automated production compared to silicone molds is the primary selling point for high-volume hosts.

2. Deep Dive: The Frigidaire Gallery Sphere Ice Maker

If you pick up the sphere ice maker at Costco, you are likely buying the Frigidaire Gallery series. This machine has become a staple for residential bars. Here is what you are getting for your money.

Performance Specifications

The Frigidaire unit is designed to churn out ice relatively quickly. It typically produces up to 86 spheres per day, with a cycle time of roughly 30 to 45 minutes per batch. The spheres are approximately 2 inches in diameter—perfect for a standard rocks glass.

The Pros

• Automation: No filling messy silicone molds or fighting to pop them out. The machine does the work.
• Capacity: With a large reservoir, it can keep a party supplied throughout the evening.
• Aesthetics: The stainless steel finish matches most modern kitchen appliances.

The Cons

The most significant drawback of standard electric ice makers, including the Costco model, is clarity. These machines generally produce cloudy ice. This is because they freeze water rapidly from the outside in, trapping air bubbles and impurities in the center. While the shape is spherical, the visual appeal is often described as "white" or "hazy" rather than the crystal-clear glass look desired by connoisseurs.

3. The Premium Alternative: GLAZER Press Whiskey Ice Ball Machine

For those who find the cloudy ice of standard electric makers unsatisfactory, the industry has evolved. Enter the high-end ice press. Unlike an ice maker that freezes water, an ice press uses gravity and thermal conductivity (or active heating) to reshape a clear block of ice into a perfect sphere. In 2026, the leader in this space is the GLAZER Press.

The GLAZER Press is not just a tool; it is a centerpiece. It represents the most advanced ice press technology available, utilizing active heating pulses to shape ice in seconds rather than minutes.

4. The Science of the Sphere: Why Shape Matters

Why is everyone obsessed with round ice? It comes down to surface area thermodynamics. A sphere has the lowest possible surface area-to-volume ratio of any geometric shape.

The Meltdown Math:
A standard 1-inch ice cube has a high surface area relative to its mass, meaning it absorbs heat from the whiskey quickly and melts rapidly. This results in a watered-down drink. A 2.5-inch sphere, however, exposes less surface area to the liquid relative to its volume. This chills the drink effectively but melts much slower, preserving the integrity of the spirit for 30 to 45 minutes.

5. Clear Ice vs. Cloudy Ice: The Visual Difference

When deciding between a unit like the Frigidaire from Costco and a system like the GLAZER Press, the main differentiator is ice clarity.

Cloudy Ice (Standard Electric Makers)

Cloudiness is caused by trapped air and minerals. Standard machines freeze water from all sides simultaneously. As the water freezes, it pushes impurities toward the center. Since the center freezes last, the air bubbles get trapped there, creating a white, opaque core. This ice is softer and melts faster than clear ice.

Clear Ice (Directional Freezing / Presses)

Clear ice is created through directional freezing (freezing from one side only), which pushes air bubbles out into the unfrozen water, leaving a perfectly transparent block. An ice press like the GLAZER takes a pre-made clear block and shapes it. The result is a dense, hard, invisible sphere that disappears in the liquid, creating a stunning visual effect.

6. Maintenance and Longevity

Investing in these machines requires maintenance to ensure they last beyond 2026.

For Electric Ice Makers (Costco Models):

• Descaling: You must run a cleaning solution or vinegar cycle every 1-2 months to prevent mineral buildup (scale) on the freezing prongs.
• Draining: Stagnant water can lead to mold. Always drain the reservoir if you are not using the machine for more than 48 hours.

For Ice Presses (GLAZER):

• Wiping Down: Since it doesn't hold standing water, maintenance is easier. Simply wipe down the copper or aluminum inserts with a dry cloth after use to prevent water spots.
• Electrical Care: Ensure the heating element cord is kept dry and unplugged when not in use.

7. Summary Comparison Table

Feature	Costco (Frigidaire Gallery)	GLAZER Press Machine
Primary Function	Freezes water into ice	Shapes existing ice into spheres
Price (2026 Est.)	$199 - $249	~$299 (Base Unit)
Ice Clarity	Cloudy / Opaque	Crystal Clear (if using clear blocks)
Production Speed	~45 mins per batch	2 mins per sphere
Shapes Available	Sphere Only	Sphere, Diamond, Skull, Heart, etc.
Best For	High Volume / Parties	Connoisseurs / Presentation

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9. References

1. "The Thermodynamics of Ice: Surface Area and Melt Rates," Journal of Culinary Science.

2. Costco Wholesale Inventory Archives, Small Appliances Department 2024-2026.