If you’ve browsed premium refrigerators, you’ve likely seen “Craft Ice” and wondered if it’s marketing flair or something useful. The short version: it’s LG’s branded system that produces large, dense spheres of clear ice rather than the hollow, fast-melting cubes your current freezer drops. Spheres melt slower, keeping drinks cold without watering them down—a genuine draw for whiskey on the rocks or craft cocktails at home. Because it’s a specific feature, it only appears on select LG models, running automatically to produce a small daily batch.
How Craft Ice Works
Craft Ice isn’t a manual tray or separate gadget—it’s a fully automated system built into the freezer compartment of compatible LG refrigerators. It produces two-inch round spheres, along with standard cubes and crushed ice depending on the model and settings. LG positions it for drinks where ice quality matters: cocktails, whiskey, soft drinks, lemonade, and iced coffee. On Wi-Fi-connected models, the LG ThinQ app’s Ice Plus feature boosts production when you need more ice faster, such as before a party.
Which Refrigerators Have Craft Ice?
Craft Ice is not available on every LG refrigerator or any other brand’s models—it’s LG-exclusive. Note: the LF29S9730S offers “Mini Craft Ice,” which produces smaller rounds—if you want the classic two-inch spheres, check the spec sheet carefully. The only reliable way to confirm is to verify on the individual product page, as LG’s lineup changes frequently.
How Much Do Craft Ice Refrigerators Cost?
Craft Ice sits at the higher end of LG’s lineup. Older announcement models have largely been replaced by newer configurations, so expect a similar premium for any current model with the badge. That’s a step above a standard refrigerator, but reasonable given you’re getting a built-in sphere maker that would otherwise require a separate countertop device. For those who entertain regularly or appreciate a well-made drink, the convenience of automatic spheres is a meaningful upgrade over filling a silicone mold and waiting overnight. Before committing, read a detailed roundup of the best craft ice refrigerators available to compare models side by side.
Common Misconceptions About Craft Ice
The most frequent mistake is confusing Craft Ice with any ordinary dual-ice dispenser. Some refrigerators offer two ice types—like cubes and crushed—but that’s not the same. On LG’s pages, Craft Ice specifically refers to the slow-melting round sphere maker, not just any system with multiple shapes. If a refrigerator lacks round sphere capability, it doesn’t have Craft Ice. Another misconception: not every LG refrigerator includes it. It’s reserved for select models, and even within LG’s lineup, many similar refrigerators lack it. Check model pages individually and verify whether it’s standard Craft Ice or the Mini variant.
References & Sources
- LG Electronics. “Craft Ice Refrigerators.” Official LG USA product hub for Craft Ice models, pricing, and feature descriptions.
- LG Electronics. “Craft Ice.” LG’s discover page explaining the slow-melting round ice sphere feature and its positioning.
- KBIS. “LG Electronics USA Expands Craft Ice Feature to More Refrigeration Models.” Trade show announcement covering the 2021 expansion across 30+ models and retail availability.
FAQs
Does Craft Ice require special maintenance?
No special maintenance is required beyond standard care. Clean the freezer compartment and ice-making components periodically per your owner’s manual, and replace the water filter on the usual schedule to keep ice quality high.
Is Craft Ice worth the higher price?
It depends on your habits. If you regularly make cocktails, drink whiskey, or entertain, the slow-melting spheres noticeably improve the experience by keeping drinks cold without dilution. Casual users might find standard ice adequate and prefer a less expensive model.
Can you replace Craft Ice spheres with regular ice?
Yes. LG refrigerators with Craft Ice also produce standard cubes and crushed ice, so you’re never locked into only spheres. Choose whichever ice type suits the drink or occasion, and the sphere maker runs on its own schedule in the background.