5 Best Ice Cube Trays of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Whether you're looking for the perfect pebble ice or old fashioned cubes, we found the best ice cube trays.
Taylor Murray
Our Top Ice Cube Tray Picks
- Best Overall: DOQUAS Ice Cube Tray with Easy Release
- Best Cocktail Ice Molds: Ticent Ice Cube Tray
- Best Pebble Ice Molds: Wibimen Round Ice Cube Tray
- Best Cube Ice Molds: W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray
- Best Highball Cube Ice Molds: Williams Sonoma Highball Ice Tray
Tested by Taylor Murray for Food Network Kitchen
You'll never underestimate the importance of a good ice cube until you're left with a lukewarm drink. Ice cube trays, once a kitchen staple, have been mainly replaced by refrigerators with built-in ice makers or countertop ice makers, both of which can be pricey. Plus, the old-fashioned ice cube tray still has plenty to offer. Whether you're soldiering on with an ice-maker-less fridge or a budding mixologist aspiring to create fancy cocktails, there's an ice cube tray out there for you. For instance, larger ice cubes melt slower, providing just the right chill for your Old Fashioned without diluting it. Or, there are trays designed to create long, slender ice sticks specifically for highballs (and water bottles). And let's not forget the cult following behind nugget ice.
It's not just about the utilitarian need to cool your beverages. Ice cube trays have evolved into a playground of creativity and practicality, boasting an array of sizes, shapes, materials, and even colors. Who knew you could have ice in the form of roses, coffee beans, or the Eiffel Tower? Whether you're throwing a themed party or trying to convince a reluctant toddler to drink more water, novelty ice cube trays are an unexpected ally. Whether you're looking for an everyday ice cube tray or something more novel, we found the best ice cube trays for all your needs.
Sporting a stackable design with protective covers, these trays can be easily nested for compact storage when not in use. Crafted from BPA-free plastic, each set includes four trays, each capable of producing 14 perfectly sized cubes (for a total of 56), to ensure you always have ice ready. The top of the tray maintains a firm plastic structure for spill-free transport to the freezer, while the bottom integrates a silicone design, ensuring a seamless release of the cubes whenever you need them. Whether you want a single cube for your iced coffee or the entire tray to cool down a punch bowl, it's as easy as a simple push from the bottom. The combination of its firm yet flexible structure, easy-release mechanism, and the lid for each tray — preventing any flavor contamination — elevates the otherwise mundane task of making ice into a straightforward and satisfying experience.
One potential drawback is that the lightweight plastic can be prone to cracking over time, so a gentle touch is recommended. Priced at just $10.65, this model is one of the cheapest on the market.
If you want to start making mixologist-level cocktails, you have to have the right ice for the task. The Ticent Ice Cube Tray makes 6 large spheres and 6 large cubes, both ideal for serving whisky on the rocks or finishing a negroni. The larger ice pieces don't just add a touch of sophistication to your drinks; they also melt more slowly than conventional cubes. This ensures that the flavor of your cocktail remains undiluted for longer, allowing you to savor each sip. This isn't just an ice cube tray; it's a ticket to a better drink experience.
Despite the sphere mold sometimes requiring a little finesse to achieve desired results, the Ticent Ice Cube Tray stands out for its quality, design, and affordability at just $10. The durable silicone design is surprisingly sturdy, and transferring from the sink to the freezer shouldn't be too much trouble. Plus, the dishwasher-safe material offers a comfortable grip and makes popping out your ice pieces effortless while maintaining enough rigidity to allow easy transportation to the fridge.
There's no doubt about it: small ice cubes just provide a better sensory beverage experience. That's why we loved the Wibimen Round Ice Tray, a specialized ice maker that crafts small, pebble-like ice spheres. With this innovative tray, your iced drinks get colder faster. Crafted from durable plastic, each tray creates 33 petite ice spheres per tray, for a total of 66 refreshing ice pebbles. What sets this set apart from other models is its added accessories. Each purchase includes not only the ice trays but also a practical storage container and a scooper. These additional tools streamline the process of creating, storing, and serving your perfect ice pebbles. The storage container keeps the ice pebbles fresh and taste-free and also conveniently houses the ice trays when not in use.
The tray is delightfully easy to use and guarantees high-quality ice pebbles every time. However, while creating these little pebbles is a breeze, filling the tray requires a bit of care to prevent spillages.This model is on the higher end price-wise but comes with a bunch of accessories that may justify the expense.
The W&P Peak Ice Cube Tray, with its choice of colors and solid design, gives an exciting twist to your routine ice-making. Cast in flexible silicone but built around a rigid interior frame, the tray offers a user-friendly ice-making experience. Not only does it create perfect 1 ¼-by-1 ¼-inch ice cubes, but it does so without sacrificing ease of use and stability. The rigid interior helps you avoid spills from the sink to the freezer. At the same time, the silicone allows for effortlessly releasing your ice cubes from the tray, no wrestling necessary. The ice cubes are uniform and crystal clear, elevating the look of your drinks and ensuring they remain refreshingly cool.
However, quality does have a small trade-off. Despite its higher price point of $16, the tray yields just a dozen cubes, slightly lower than other trays we tested. You'll have to buy a few trays if you need a lot of ice. But this is a worthy purchase for the one who just needs a few nice cubes for a batch of fancy cocktails.
This beautifully designed ice tray, made of flexible silicone with a sturdy plastic lid, enables you to create five perfectly sized, long rectangular ice cubes that slide smoothly into a highball glass or a reusable water bottle. These trays make removing the ice cubes an absolute breeze, doing away with the days of struggling and wrestling with a stubbornly rigid ice tray. The trays are designed to stack easily, allowing you to make good use of your freezer space while planning for those hot summer days or large parties.
But here's the real magic: These ice rectangles melt slower than traditional cubes, meaning your beverages stay cooler for longer without the risk of becoming diluted. This makes every sip of your drink as satisfying and refreshing as the last. However, it's worth noting that quality does come with a price. Retailing at $24.95, this tray is on the higher end of the scale than other trays on the market. But given its unique features, durability, and the added bonus of being dishwasher safe, it is a wise investment for those who frequently enjoy their beverages on the rocks.
How We Tested
The market is flooded with ice cube trays, but for our testing, we focused on models that were both practical and functional. Based on popularity, customer reviews, price point, and features, we narrowed our selection to 10 unique ice cube trays to test.
Before the actual testing commenced, we studied each tray's specifications and usability. We noted factors like size, ice shape, capacity, special features like lids, and whether they were dishwasher-safe. Some trays came with comprehensive and straightforward instructions for use, while others didn't even have a label.
After that, we delved into the testing phase. For the first test, we filled each tray with tap water and placed it in the freezer overnight. The following day, we evaluated how easily the ice cubes were removed from the tray, whether any cracked and how well the water froze into distinct, separate cubes.
For the second test, we wanted to observe if the tray material affected the taste or smell of the ice. We added four cubes from each tray into an 8-ounce glass of water. We tasted the water and smelled it, noting any unusual odors or flavors that might have been imparted by the ice cubes.
Finally, after the testing was completed, each tray was thoroughly cleaned to assess how easy or difficult they were to clean. If the trays were dishwasher-safe, we ensured they weren't damaged by the dishwasher. For trays that required hand-washing, we evaluated the cleaning process for ease and effectiveness, thus giving us a comprehensive view of the user-friendliness and functionality of each ice cube tray.
What to Consider Before Buying an Ice Cube Tray
Material: The material from which the tray is made is a crucial aspect. You might find options in plastic, silicone, and stainless steel, each with its own advantages. While plastic trays tend to be economical, they can be prone to cracking over time. For those opting for a plastic tray, it's recommended to choose a BPA-free option for safety. On the other hand, silicone trays offer the advantage of flexibility for easy removal of ice cubes, but some users may notice a silicone taste in their ice. Stainless steel trays are more robust and durable, though they often come with a higher price tag.
Size and Shape: Keep in mind the size and shape of the ice cube tray, too. While standard trays typically hold between 12 and 16 cubes, there are also trays designed for making larger cubes suitable for cocktails or small cubes that cool drinks quickly. And for those interested in something a little more fun, novelty ice cube trays allow you to create ice in a variety of shapes, from stars to skulls.
Design: Other important considerations include the ease of cube removal, with some designs incorporating flexible bottoms or lever systems to make this process more straightforward. Some ice cube trays even come with a cover or lid, reducing the risk of spills when transferring the tray to the freezer while also protecting the ice from odors and particles from other foods. If you're planning on purchasing more than one tray or if freezer space is a concern, stackable trays can be a valuable feature to look for.
Cleaning: Cleaning is another practical aspect to consider, so selecting a dishwasher-safe tray can make your life much easier (especially if you plan to freeze more than just water).
