It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing outside, there is always a need for an ice cube in a drink. Even when the weather is cold, you never know when you might need to out ice on a Childs wound or in a cocktail when entertaining. The best ice cube trays are not made the same as the cheaper options and it is important to find one that is easy to get the cubes out of.
This is easier said than done and many of the better products have other conveniences. Still, to make sure you find a product that ticks all the right boxes, and make life a little easier, we have created the following list of the best ice cube trays.
List of the Best Ice Cube Trays
- Editor’s Choice: OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray (Amazon) – Review
- Best Flexible: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Mold Trays (Amazon) – Review
- Best Affordable: OMorc Ice Cube Trays 4 Pack (Amazon) – Review
- Best Novelty: SAWNZC Ice Cube Trays Diamond Ice Cube Molds (Amazon) – Review
- Best Ice Ball Mold: Zoku Silicone Ice Sphere Molds (Amazon) – Review
- Best Variety: Adoric Ice Cube Trays Silicone Set of 2 (Amazon) – Review
- Best Large Capacity Tray: Arrow Home Products Arrow 60 Cube Ice Tray (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray
A favorite in many freezers around the world, OXO are known for making quality products which means this should come as no surprise. Their covered ice cube trays are great for stacking multiple trays at one time so you can save space and not affect the water before it freezes. The covers also keeps everything fresh so if you are freezing meats or anything with a strong odor, the ice will not absorb any of it.
The rounded shape of the ice cubes are important as this makes them easier to remove and the quality materials are also dishwasher safe to keep everything hygienic. You get two in a pack to add to the value and when you are transferring the tray with fresh water, you’ll be thankful for the lids as they stop you from spilling the contents.
Best Flexible: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Mold Trays
These BPA-free silicon ice cube trays not only look great but are easy to use. A lot of people comment on the perfect cube design as it is something you don’t always get from an ice mold and the super flexible silicon makes it easy to push the cubes out without worrying about breaking any plastics.
The quality of the multiple colours is great and they won’t fade over time, instead, they maintain their vibrancy and are dishwasher safe. They come in a set of two and make 15 perfect cubes in each one. The food-grade silicon is durable and will never crack or shard so are considered safer to use than a lot of the alternatives.
Best Affordable: OMorc Ice Cube Trays 4 Pack
known for being easy to release, this 4-pack of ice cube trays represents great value. They allow you to stockpile the ice in your freezer so when you are entertaining, you aren’t caught short. The lid is easy to attach and remove which makes it easy to transport the fresh water from the tap to the freezer without worrying about spillages.
The silicon material moves easily so you can push out the ice without worrying about breaking the ice cube tray in half. They don’t stick to the surface of the freezer and can be put in the dishwasher to make them easy to clean. The lids make them stackable which is ideal when you are using all 4 and with 14 cubes in a tray you are getting a good amount for when the summer months kick in.
Best Novelty: SAWNZC Ice Cube Trays Diamond Ice Cube Molds
Putting the fun into entertaining these unique diamond shaped ice molds are great for breaking the ice at a party! The BPA-free moulds come with a funnel to make it easy to pour the water in and once they have frozen, they are easy to remove thanks to the flexible silicone.
They look great and dilute slowly and can be put through the dishwasher and with a removable lid, they keep out doors and prevent spills. The diamonds are small but look great, an excellent novelty ice cube tray.
Best Ice Ball Mold: Zoku Silicone Ice Sphere Molds
These silicone moulds might look like a novelty, with their perfect sphere ice but they are built to last and have a unique design. The large ball shapes keep drinks cooler for longer and are ideal for whiskey drinkers, making it an excellent gift. It comes with inverts to make it easy to remove the ball once the water has frozen and the two you get in a pack are stackable to create more space.
The BPA-free materials feel quality and once you see the sphere in a cup, you’ll see why so many people say it impresses their guests. The 2.5 inch balls create less dilution and the eye-catching red design of the mold are dishwasher safe making them easy to clean.
Best Variety: Adoric Ice Cube Trays Silicone Set of 2
The appeal with this purchase is being able to choose from a sphere ice ball and a perfect cube. Both are reliable and easy to remove from the food-grade silicone trays and the slick black design looks good. The moulds are BPA-free making them safe to use and make large pieces of ice every time which means they don’t dilute so quickly.
The soft design of the trays makes it easy for you to remove the ice once it has frozen and you don’t have to worry about brittle plastic because of the flexible material. They have a wide range of uses with everything from popsicles to fruit jellies and offer you a way of creating unique ice that will turn a few heads when entertaining.
Best Large Capacity Tray: Arrow Home Products Arrow 60 Cube Ice Tray
Sometimes you just want more ice cubes and this simple design allows you to get 60 per tray with 3 included in every pack. They’re not going to be as easy to remove and they certainly don’t make eye-catching ice but for an ice cube tray that serves a purpose and gives you volume, this is a good option.
They are dishwasher safe and make small round balls to chill a drink. Made from plastic, it doesn’t take a lot to get them out the tray although you can’t push them in the same way as the silicone designs. They don’t promise you the world, just lots of ice.
Ice Cube Tray Guide
They might seem like something that is hard to get wrong but ice cube trays have come a long way. Now, you can get them in sorts of shapes and sizes, differing materials and added features. A lot of people just want volume, but it is not always easy to find a product that will last a long time.
To help clarify some of the things you should consider when buying ice cube trays, we have created the following guide to make this purchase an easy one.
What To Look For In Ice Cube Trays
Capacity
This will be less important to those who want to pick up a novelty ice cube tray but if you are thinking about that party you have lined up, the more ice cubes you can make the better. There are some products with a capacity of over 50 per tray whilst some people prefer bigger cubes. That brings us to…
Cube Size
There is something to be said for a larger cube. Not only do they dilute slower, keeping your drink stronger and tasting better but you don’t need to remove as many at a time. The larger cubes often mean you only need one per drink.
Easy Removal
When it comes to ice cube trays, the biggest convenience is in how easy they are to remove. Silicone ice cube trays are often best for this although some plastic options have silicone bases to help you push the ice out easily. Be careful when using a plastic ice cube tray as they can be brittle and will often crack or break when bent.
Lids
Not everyone will have used an ice cube tray with a lid before but the benefits are what make them so popular. Not only does it make it easier to transport the tray from the sink to the freezer without spilling but once sealed, they prevent odors from getting into the ice. This means it doesn’t matter what you put in the freezer, they will keep the ice fresh.
On top of this, ice cube trays with lids are stackable so you can save on space and fit more into your freezer.
Fun
This isn’t for everyone although they do make great gifts, a novelty ice cube tray adds a bit of fun to a drink. You can get them in a variety of designs from perfect spheres to diamonds. The main compromise with these is volume as you usually only get 4 – 6 shapes per pack.
With unique shapes, it is often good to make sure they come with a funnel as there will be a small hole to pour into.
Scent-Free
Some ice cube trays look appealing on paper but when it comes to using them, they can leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Sometimes, it is best to avoid unreputable brands because the materials they use aren’t food grade or safe.
Even the safer materials can need a good clean before they are used for the first time to make sure you don’t experience a strong taste in your drink.
Safe Materials
Because most ice cube trays tend to be made from some form of plastic of silicone, it is important to make sure they are BPA-free and are food-grade approved. This will stop you from absorbing harmful chemicals and is especially important when preparing drinks for younger members of your household.
Durability
Some products are known for being cheaply made which will often mean you will have to buy new ones before too long. Both plastic and silicone tend to be durable if you use them properly although some companies tend to scrimp on quality materials – avoid these!
Big Ice Vs Small Ice
When it comes to drinks, the bigger the ice cube the better. This is why you will often see some of the hip bars in town using spherical shapes and large ones at that. Not only do they dilute slower but they keep your drink cooler for longer.
This is the main benefit with larger ice cubes but it does mean you need a lot more trays when entertaining. There is something to be said for smaller cubes and getting lots of them when you have guests.
Plastic Vs Silicone Ice Cube Trays
This is one of the main decisions you will have to make but they both have their benefits. A lot of people like the easy of silicone as they are more flexible, often making it easier to remove the ice.
Plastic tends to be cheaper meaning you can get better value although the risk of breaking them is higher so try to avoid twisting a plastic ice cube tray. However, you don’t often get a lid with silicone options which can make it harder to avoid spillages.
Different Uses For Ice Cube Trays
One of the best things about buying a new ice cube tray is the number of options you get. They have many uses beyond ice and can be used to freeze stock, popcicles, alcoholic drinks, juice, smoothies, fresh herbs, baby food, caramelized onions, and loads more.
With so many shapes and sizes, quantities and materials, it can be hard to find a quality product. Stick to the above and you’ll get your hands on an ice cube tray that lasts for many years.