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The Best Ice Cube Tray

Last updated on March 8, 2024

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Nobody wants a lukewarm glass of iced tea or lemonade on a hot summer day. Ice cubes do an excellent job of keeping these drinks nice and cool. Of course, depending on the type of ice cube tray you buy, you can also use this handy kitchen tool to make everything from popsicles for the kids to herb-infused cubes for the adults to add to their alcoholic beverages.

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No matter what type of ice cube tray you decide on, you need to make sure it is free of toxins and that it doesn’t contain any BPA. You don’t want chemicals leeching into the ice you’re going to drink later on. It’s also ideal to check the product label for that FDA approved logo.

Determine whether you need smaller ice cubes that fit most cups, like the Kitch Easy Release Ice Cube Trays, 16-Cube, or larger ice cubes that melt much slower. You can even go with the Ticent Silicone Sphere & Square Ice Cube Trays, 6-Cube, which makes large cubes in both circular and box shapes.

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Check whether the ice cube trays can be stacked or not. This is important if you need to make the most of your freezer space. Traditional models are built to be stacked on top of each other, but there’s also the option of going with a tray that has a lid. The Vremi Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube has a unique lid that also doubles as a tray, which is nice if you need to serve cocktails to your house guests.

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Finally, make sure the ice cube tray is built to easily release the ice cubes. You don’t want to have to fight with the tray to get the ice cubes out. The OXO No-Spill Ice Cube Tray with Silicone Lid, 14-Cube releases its ice cubes when the user holds on to the sides and gives the tray a twist, but other models allow you to flip the tray over and simply push on the bottom to pop the cubes out.

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Our Picks For The Top Ice Cube Trays

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

Vremi Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube

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Vremi

Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube

Although the Vremi Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube only holds a few cubes, the cubes are oversized. They can be used to create large ice blocks for refreshing alcoholic beverages or to freeze single servings of homemade baby food. Each tray comes with a lid to allow for proper stacking in the freezer.

Overall Take

Makes Large CubesUsers will appreciate how easy the cubes release from the Vremi Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube.

 Runner-Up

Samuelworld Silicone Flexible Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube

Samuelworld

Silicone Flexible Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube

Just fill the Samuelworld Silicone Flexible Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube with water, soda, herbs, fruits or juice and pop it in the freezer for perfect ice cubes.

Overall Take

Handy SetThe Samuelworld Silicone Flexible Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube make 2-inch cubes.

 Spill-Proof

OXO No-Spill Ice Cube Tray with Silicone Lid, 14-Cube

OXO

No-Spill Ice Cube Tray with Silicone Lid, 14-Cube

The OXO No-Spill Ice Cube Tray with Silicone Lid, 14-Cube has a unique lid with multiple benefits. The lid can be used to remove excess water in the ice cube tray. It also seals the water in before the tray is placed in the freezer. The result is perfectly formed ice cubes with no absorbed odors or loss of water through sublimation.

Overall Take

Silicone Lid IncludedYou'll be able to stack your trays at an angle, thanks to the OXO No-Spill Ice Cube Tray with Silicone Lid, 14-Cube's unique design.

 Budget Pick

Kitch Easy Release Ice Cube Trays, 16-Cube

Kitch

Easy Release Ice Cube Trays, 16-Cube

If you're looking for an ice cube tray that is more on the traditional side, go with the Kitch Easy Release Ice Cube Trays, 16-Cube. This tray is standard in size and designed to be stackable without a lid. To release the ice cubes, all you have to do is grab the side handles and twist the tray.

Overall Take

Traditional TraysThe Kitch Easy Release Ice Cube Trays, 16-Cube is FDA-approved and safe to clean in the dishwasher.

What to Look For

  • It’s important to note that stacked trays can freeze together.
  • Don’t overfill the ice cube trays or the ice will be hard to remove after it sets.
  • Always check the product label for cleaning instructions. Most ice cube trays can be cleaned in a dishwasher; however, some will require hand washing.
  • Ice cube trays are handy for much more than just freezing water. You can use them to make dishwasher detergent packets, sushi bites, peanut butter cups and even seed bombs. You can also reuse old ice cube trays as paint palettes or to store craft supplies.
  • Ice cube trays vary in price based on construction materials and the size of the ice cubes. You’ll find the Kitch Easy Release Ice Cube Trays, 16-Cube uses a traditional design and is the most affordable. You’ll pay a little more for the OXO No-Spill Ice Cube Tray with Silicone Lid, 14-Cube, as it also comes with a lid. The Vremi Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray, 8-Cube and the Ticent Silicone Sphere & Square Ice Cube Trays, 6-Cube are more expensive because they make large cubes.

More to Explore

Did you know Jin Songhao from China holds the World Record for the longest bath in a tub full of ice cubes? He lasted an astounding 115 minutes! Here are a few more fun facts you may not know about ice cubes:

  • Back in 1933, an ice cube tray cost just 50 cents.
  • Before the invention of the ice cube tray, people had to chip away at large blocks of ice to get a little ice to add to their beverages.
  • Rubber ice cube trays were invented after Lloyd Groff Copeman noticed that the icy slush he was walking through just slid off his rubber boots instead of sticking to them.

More to explore