Monogram Forge Ice Press—Is It Worth It?

If you want to impress dinner guests with exceptional cocktails and enjoy drinks that aren’t watered down, the Monogram Forge Heated Ice Press may be what you’ve been looking for. It quickly transforms 3-inch ice cubes into perfect spheres in less than a minute. Priced at $1,500, we’ll review its features and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it merits a spot on your countertop!

Monogram Appliances: Smart, Dependable Luxury

Monogram appliances (GE’s luxury brand) are a must if you’re planning a high-end, pro-style kitchen. They offer every appliance to fully equip your kitchen including stunning ranges or cooktops, wall ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, undercounter appliances, and specialty appliances like a built-in pizza oven. Now joining the line-up is their newest addition, their Forge Sphere Ice Press. This small but mighty appliance levels up your entire kitchen and bar experience.

So, how does the Forge work?

It couldn’t be easier! Turn it on to preheat for 8-10 minutes (it gets pretty hot to the touch so be careful when handling). Meanwhile, take the large cubes out of the freezer to warm up a little (this will prevent them from cracking). Once preheat is done, simply put an ice cube on its base using the provided tongs, lower the top, and watch the magic happen. The outside of the cube melts away and drops into the resevoir base. In 30-40 seconds, you’re left with a glistening ice sphere, ready to add some serious glam to any liquor, cocktail, or mocktail! When you’re done, all you have to do is empty the water resevoir and unplug.

Pros: Reasons to Buy Monogram’s Forge

Monogram Forge Heated Ice Press

• The presentation of a drink using one of these crystal-clear ice spheres is unrivaled. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when you transform an unassuming 3-inch ice cube into a glistening, glass-like sphere. Paired with an expertly-mixed cocktail or even just whiskey, the Forge is sure to add that “shock” factor your guests will be talking about long after the party is over.
• Your drinks won’t get watered down. Spheres are scientifically proven to be the slowest-melting shape of ice, due to their optimal surface area to volume ratio. Using 1 large sphere takes that one step further, ensuring your drink stays cold without losing its flavor or strength. This also means that just one ice cube could be used for more than one drink while largely maintaining its size.
• The process couldn’t be easier. The Forge does all the work for you, your only job is to gather your ice cubes and wait! Simply turn on the unit and allow it to preheat for 8-10 minutes and after placing the ice cube on the forge, you’ve got an ice sphere in less than a minute! The Forge comes with a pair of specialty ice tongs to help you carefully transfer your ice to a glass without creating a single imperfection. There’s no need to reheat the press between cubes, so you can make up to 9 spheres before having to empty the drip pan.

Cons: Reasons to Avoid Monogram’s Forge

• The Forge does not make ice. It is simply pressing an existing ice cube into the perfect sphere shape. While there is an included ice mold to make the 3 by 3-inch ice cubes in your own freezer, home freezing doesn’t result in perfectly clear ice. If the glass-like clarity is what you’re after, you’ll need to special order the cubes from an ice distributor like kentuckystraightice.com, who has partnered with Monogram for the release of the Forge. You’ll receive a coupon for one free round of ice with the purchase of a Forge, but future orders will set you back a few dollars per cube.
• It’s large and heavy. The Forge relies on weight as one of the main ways that it carefully crafts the ice spheres without any cracking or chipping. Because of that, the Forge itself is a heavy appliance, weighing in at about 15 pounds. Once the Forge is set-up, it could be difficult to move, making it something you would probably leave on the counter all the time.
• It’s difficult to customize the ice. The internet is chock-full of ways to elevate your ice game with different shapes, infusions, herbs, flowers, and even fruit. Due to the nature of the ice-pressing process, it’s difficult to make the ice spheres out of anything that isn’t a pure liquid. Trying to suspend ingredients in the ice would require them to be perfectly centered in the sphere so that they don’t get “melted off” with the rest of the cube.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about creating impressive cocktails that maintain their flavor, all with minimal effort and maximized visual effect, the Monogram Forge is a great way to elevate your cocktail game in a show-stopping way.

FAQs

How can I get the Monogram Forge?
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with a new appliance, you may be eligible for a free Forge! Choose from a select Monogram range, cooktop, or Hearth oven and receive a free appliance or up to $1,500 in credit towards an appliance of your choice. For full details on this promotion, click here (offer ends December 31, 2023).

Where can I try it?
If you’d like to see the Forge in action, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms in Bedminster or Montclair, NJ. You can even press a cube on us! Our expert team will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Can I shape other liquids like coffee?
Yes! The appliance works great with anything that is liquid-only; juice, coffee, tea– the possibilities are endless!