True Cubes®, the world’s first reusable four-cube clear ice tray for under $50, has made a splash with over $21,000 pledged and 238 backers on Kickstarter, exclusively through word of mouth.

“Making perfectly clear ice cubes in a home freezer is a feat that has evaded beverage enthusiasts for generations,” said co-founder Doug Allan, a startup marketing specialist who helped launch Stacked Wines to national prominence in 2011. “We wanted to create an easy and affordable solution for making better cubes at home.”

By mimicking nature (which freezes water naturally into crystal clear ice), the patent-pending clear ice tray makes it as easy as turning on the tap to make crystal clear ice cubes. No special water, gadgets, tools or additives are required. It’s a design that co-founder John Baumbach perfected after years of research and development in his home freezer. Once he found a design that worked, he partnered with Allan. The pair spent another year refining the design and building the True Cubes brand. They also brought Scott Beattie, a noted cocktail, author, educator and beverage designer for some of the Bay Area’s top restaurants, onboard to serve as senior advisor.

“After years of personally trying to make clear ice cubes with little practical success, when Doug approached me for feedback on his new project, I was skeptical,” said Beattie. “But I was amazed to see that the prototype tray actually cracked the ‘clear ice code’ and we are excited to seek our funding on Kickstarter so we can share these beautiful ice cubes with the world.”

When True Cubes launched its campaign on Kickstarter on March 21, it was the first time the clear ice cube tray had been seen by the public. Since then, the concept has struck a chord with Kickstarter fans, and it may have something to do with the value, according to Allan.

“It’s currently the only four-cube clear ice cube tray under $50 — $35 on Kickstarter to be exact,” said Allan. “True Cubes delivers quality and ease of use without breaking the bank.”

True Cubes clear ice cube trays are expected to hit shelves summer 2016, but are available exclusively through Kickstarter now: www.kickstarter.com