The (Main) Differences Between Copper Ice Ball Presses and Aluminum Ice Presses
Ice press companies continually look for ways to provide a unique product offering, and many turn to material selection as the defining factor in ice ball press design. Although ice presses are typically copper ice machines or aluminum ice presses, technically these ice devices can be machined from nearly any metal. Cost and conductivity are really the driving factors in selecting the correct metal. This is why the main leaders in ice press manufacturing and spherical mold design often opt for either aluminum or copper ice presses. In this article we will be going through the main differences in the different metal options for ice presses, and help choose which ice ball press is right for you.
Copper Ice Press or Aluminum Ice Press
- Copper. Copper typically isn't anodized with color. Anodization is the process that adds an exterior layer to the ice ball press, with manufacturers able to select the finish from a palette of provided colors. In the case of the copper ice press, the selected 'color' for the anodization is clear so that the copper tinge shines through as a show piece in your party settings. Now copper is significantly more expensive as an ice press, for a few reasons: the raw material is 5-10 times more expensive than other ice press metals that are opted for. The machining time for copper is longer which adds cost, and the copper ice ball press is heavier which adds to the shipping. Now, copper does take less time to melt than aluminum, and heats up much faster in between ice press runs.
- Aluminum. The aluminum ice presses, from the elemental level, is 61% less conductive than copper. No matter which anodizing color is chosen during the manufacturing of the ice ball press halves, the conductivity remains the same. The colors provided range from Gold, Deep Red, Brushed Aluminum, and Matte Black, and the surface of the aluminum allows for all of them to take well. The aluminum itself is lightweight and less expensive, so companies can offer it for lower prices. It does not melt the ice as fast, but the differences are in the seconds, not minutes between the aluminum ice press melt time vs the copper ice press melt time.
Which Ice Ball Press is right for me?
This comes down to your budget primarily. Getting a copper ice ball press for under a thousand bucks is hard to come by but not impossible. Sometimes ice press distributors run deals on presses, but for the most part the budget needed for the copper ice press option is triple or quadruple the price of the exact same product in the aluminum form. If you are willing to spend the money on a product that will melt ice a bit quicker, then the copper version ice press is the one for you! At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and intention when choosing the best ice press for parties or home occassions.
Is customization important? If so, the aluminum ice press might be the right solution for you. With the ability to choose the color of your ice press, and the engraving contrasting in white against the surface you choose, it will be sure to stand out whether it is a drinking occasion or a casual nightcap. Pressice Barware offers custom aluminum ice ball presses for a fraction of the cost as the competition. It is difficult to engrave on the surface of the copper, and anodizing the copper surface takes away from the existing appeal of the bare metal.
How much does the price matter when buying ice presses? Obviously, companies value their presses differently. But you as the consumer trying to buy an ice ball press should know what you're paying for. In the ice press industry, added expense and cost does not necessarily mean that the product will be better. Now, a copper ice ball press will be more expensive and it will melt your ice faster, but when comparing ice presses of the same metal, the defining factors come down to ball size and melt time. Bigger ice balls have larger ice cavities, and in the bartending industry the large diameters are more appealing. So between you and us, look at the size of the ball and the material chosen. If the ice ball press details are identical but price, it makes sense to choose the more affordable ice ball press. At Pressice Barware, our full kit custom Ice Ball Press comes in miles under competitions with identical functionality.
How do I know if I'm ready for an ice press at my home bar? Do you know the liquor distributor employees by name? Or when the shipments come in for your favorite rare liquors? If you are spending a decent bit per bottle, you may want to consider elevating your liquor ice game. Not only does the Ice Ball Press help dilute your drink less, but also changes the complexion of your drink over time. Having elite ice through this ice ball press will take your liquor game in a way that provides a crafted drinking experience for you and your guests.
If you're still unsure whether you need one of our Ice Presses, check out our product video below. Happy Sipping!