So I got the at-home setup for directional freezing.  The 2" cubes came out great, the spheres not so much.  They seem to be melting alot faster than the good restaurant clear ice I've gotten - I mean, it's water with no air bubbles, why am I missing???

Are you starting with warm water and freezing for 18-24 hours?

Clear Ice

I'm using my reverse osmosis water, so, not warm.  24 hrs, yes

Here's a video I made on making it.

Clear Ice

Try the thermos method.  It produces better ice than the molds.  I have both.

I typically use the 2” cubes from the expensive directional freezing mold for shaker ice because it’s easier to make.

If you use the thermos method, room temp water works well.  Freeze for about 26 hours, freezer dependent. After a couple attempts you will get the hours right.  Let the cooler sit out for 15 minutes before messing with it.  The ice releases from the cooler on its own and it is tempered, so it’s easy to cut with the scoring method.

I use the one gallon jugs of Costco brand water for all of my ice, except for the bags of pebble I get at Sonic.

I have an insulated mold that works decent but I’ll give this a try to make different sizes