The Top 10 Ice Cube Trays in 2022

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Ice cube trays are a versatile addition to any freezer; they are perfect for freezing baby food puree, creating peanut butter cups, frozen desserts, stock cubes, popsicles, and so much more. The modest metal ice cube tray has grown to be available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials.

Silicone or plastic ice cube trays are the most common nowadays, and depending on what you use your trays for, each have some significant drawbacks. In this post, we will look at some of the finest ice cube trays on the market and discuss what makes one kind of ice cube tray better than another.

Best Selection

The Tovolo Perfect Cube ice tray (candy apple red) is our top selection for precisely formed one-ounce cubes that will surprise your guests when you serve them beverages.

Budget Selection

The OMorc ice cube trays (4 pack) are our budget selection since they include lids and are constructed of BPA-free plastic.


Product Name Grade
Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Tray A+
OMorc Ice Cube Trays A+
Glacio Ice Cube and Sphere Trays B+
Vremi Large Ice Cube Trays B+
Mumi&Bubi Solids Starter Kit Freezer Trays A
Samuelworld Large Ice Cube Tray A
OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray A-
Onyx Stainless Steel #ICE001 Ice Cube Tray A
W&P Peak Ice Works WP-ICE-ED-BL1 Silicone Ice Cube Tray A
Joseph Joseph QuickSnap Ice Tray B+

1. Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Tray  

Highlighted Features

  • Ice cube trays in a candy apple red twin pack
  • Food grade silicone that is devoid of phthalates, PVC, and BPA.
  • Each tray yields 15 one-ounce cubes that are exact rather than rounded.
  • Suitable for dishwasher cleaning

The Tovolo Perfect Cube ice tray (candy apple red) is intended to generate fifteen 1 oz cubes that are ideally cubed in form, rather than rounded or bulging. This tray may also be used to freeze baby food purees and other products. These food grade silicone trays come in a twin set and are free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. They are also long-lasting and dishwasher safe.

Some owners have reported difficulty extracting ice cubes from the tray, and others have said that cubes created in this may develop an odor; however, the maker suggests removing frozen cubes from the tray and storing them in an airtight container to help prevent this from occurring.

Pros

  • Ice cubes that are perfectly cubed
  • Trays in a set of two
  • Color: candy apple red
  • Free of PVC, BPA, and phthalates
  • Silicone that is safe to eat
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • The silicone may absorb freezer odors.
  • It may be difficult to remove the cubes off the tray.

2. OMorc Ice Cube Trays 

Highlighted Features

  • Four ice cube trays with covers made of polypropylene and TPE.
  • Each tray yields 14 cubes weighing about oz.
  • These green and white trays may easily be stacked.
  • Are BPA-free and LFGB certified, which means they have been evaluated for food contact safety.
  • Suitable for dishwasher cleaning

The OMorc ice cube trays (4 pack) are made of TPE and polypropylene, have removable covers, and can be stacked. Each green and white tray yields 14 ice cubes weighing around oz. The tray’s bottom is constructed of TPE (thermoplastic rubber) for easy release, although there is considerable danger of TPE fracture while pulling ice out of the bottom. Before releasing the cubes, the manufacturer recommends running warm water over the tray’s base. According to the LFGB, these trays are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and food contact safe.

Pros

  • Ice cube trays and lids in a four-pack
  • Each tray yields 14 cubes.
  • Polypropylene and TPE are used to make this product.
  • Stackable
  • Free of BPA
  • LFGB certification

Cons

  • Pushing on the TPE foundation to release cubes may increase the danger of fracture.
  • If the tray is just partially full, it may be simpler to release the cubes.
  • Lids only fit snugly.

3. Glacio Ice Cube and Sphere Trays

Highlighted Features

  • The set includes an ice cube tray that creates six 2 cubes and an ice sphere tray that generates six ice spheres.
  • Other applications include infant food puree and popsicles.
  • Composed of food-grade silicone that is BPA-free.
  • Can be washed in a dishwasher
  • The manufacturer provides a satisfaction guarantee.

balls. These are also great for preparing bigger popsicles or freezing baby purée since they are made of BPA-free food grade silicone. Filling the ice spherical tray correctly may take some experience, and you should always do it over a sink since there will be some overspill. These trays are dishwasher safe, and they come with a satisfaction guarantee. The Glacio ice cube and sphere trays produce six two-cubes and six ice spheres.

Pros

  • Ice cube and sphere trays set
  • 2 larger ice cubes
  • Free of BPA
  • Silicone that is safe to eat
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • Will take up more freezer space than typical ice cube trays.
  • Filling the ice spherical tray will be more challenging.
  • The ice spherical tray may not lock as tightly as it might.

4. Vremi Large Ice Cube Trays 

Highlighted Features

  • Bigger 1 cubes that melt more slowly than smaller cubes
  • Set of two silicone trays, each producing eight big cubes.
  • Each tray features a hard-plastic top to reduce odor, spill danger, and make stacking simpler.
  • Trays and lids may be cleaned in the dishwasher following a hand wash before to use.
  • These ice cube trays are BPA-free.

The Vremi big ice cube trays (2 pack) can chill beverages without wetting them down as rapidly as smaller cubes since each tray makes eight 1 square cubes. These BPA-free silicone trays include hard plastic tops for spill prevention, odor control, and stacking convenience.

Even when filtered water is used, there is a film in the ice cubes from these trays. These trays and lids may be washed in the dishwasher after thorough hand washing before the first use. Significant residue has been reported by some users.

Pros

  • 1 large ice cube
  • Melting time is increased.
  • two 8-cube trays with lids
  • Trays made without BPA
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • photograph them Ice cubes may have a residue.
  • While the trays are BPA-free, there is no guarantee that the lids are BPA-free.
  • It may be tough to remove the cubes.
  • The cover does not fit as snugly as one may anticipate.

5. Mumi&Bubi Solids Starter Kit Freezer Trays 

Highlighted Features

  • Two stacked freezer trays, each having a capacity of 21 ounces (21 x one ounce cubes)
  • Trays with lids that may be used for infant purees, breast milk, or ice cubes.
  • These trays are created in New Zealand and are free of BPA and PVC.
  • They are dishwasher safe and come with an e-guide to baby food recipes.

The Mumi&Bubi solids beginning kit freezer trays are two stackable and compact baby food freezer trays. Each tray has 21 one-ounce cubes and is handcrafted in New Zealand. It is free of BPA and PVC and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. They are multifunctional and may be used to store breast milk, as ice cube trays, or for other purposes.

The cubes are simple to release simply pushing on the end, however some users have reported difficulties while attempting to release certain of the food cubes. These trays also include an e-guide with baby food recipes.

Pros

  • Food starter kit and multifunctional freezer tray
  • Slots for one ounce cubes
  • There are 21 spaces on each tray.
  • Dishwasher friendly
  • Includes an e-guide with baby food recipes.

Cons

  • Some people have difficulty removing the cubes.
  • If the tray is overfilled, it may be difficult to fit the cover.
  • The tray’s lid does not form a firm seal.

6. Samuelworld Large Ice Cube Tray 

Highlighted Features

  • This two-pack of trays yields 16 ice cubes measuring little under 2 inches apiece.
  • The trays and lids are constructed of BPA-free silicone and comply with US FDA regulations.
  • Dishwasher safe and made from a stronger and less flexible silicone

The Samuelworld big ice cube tray (2 pack) makes eight huge cubes at little under 2 apiece and is constructed of superior food-grade silicone that is BPA-free and satisfies US FDA requirements. These trays may also be washed in the dishwasher. Being a tougher grade silicone, the trays are not as flexible as other kinds of silicone trays, therefore extracting the cubes may be more difficult.

These trays, like any other form of silicone, may retain odors, so you may need to spend extra time cleaning them before reusing them, and some customers have noted that there is some pre-existing stench in the silicone on first usage.

Pros

  • Trays in a set of two
  • This yields eight cubes that are slightly under 2 apiece.
  • Free of BPA
  • Silicone of higher quality
  • Safe to clean in a dishwasher

Cons

  • On initial usage, the silicone may have an odor.
  • Capable of absorbing freezer smells
  • The silicone cover may not fit as well as expected.

7. OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray

Highlighted Features

  • BPA, phthalate, and PFOA-free twin set of covered ice cube trays
  • These ergonomically designed containers feature sliding lids and may be stacked in the freezer.
  • The lids reduce odor taint on ice cubes, and both the lids and trays are dishwasher safe.
  • The cubes measure ounces, and the trays are contoured to facilitate cube release.
  • These trays are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty to repair or replace them.

The OXO Good Grips covered ice cube tray (pack of 2) is stackable and ergonomically built. The covers on these trays also prevent the possibility of ice cubes acquiring freezer odor. The ounce cubes are rounded for easy release, and the trays and lids are also dishwasher safe. They do not include PFOA, phthalates, or PVC.

The lid might be difficult to remove at times, particularly if it is frozen to the cubes. You may lessen the likelihood of this occurring by slightly underfilling, and although if the trays are no spill, you must still use caution while placing them in the freezer. They are covered by an OXO Better warranty for repair or replacement.

Pros

  • Ice cube pans with sliding lids in a twin pack
  • Stackable
  • It lessens odor pollution.
  • Free of PFOA, phthalates, and PVC
  • Design for simple release
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • The lid may get stuck to the tray and difficult to remove.
  • Since the cover is not tightly fitting, water might still leak.
  • You can’t stack them until they’re completely frozen.

8. Onyx Stainless Steel #ICE001 Ice Cube Tray 

Highlighted Features

  • 8 stainless steel food grade 18-cubic-inch ice cube tray
  • A standard 18-cube tray with a quick-release handle.
  • Suitable for dishwasher cleaning

8 stainless steel food grade. It generates 18 ice cubes and has an easy release handle as a classic type ice cube tray. This tray may also be washed in the dishwasher. This kind of tray is more prone to mechanical failure, and removing the cubes may be difficult, particularly if they have not entirely divided into compartments owing to a gap between the dividers and the tray’s base. The 18 cube Onyx stainless steel is constructed of 18 cubes of stainless steel.

Pros

  • Ice cube container made of stainless steel
  • This recipe yields 18 cubes.
  • Conventional lever design
  • 18 Food grade
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • Increased mechanical failure risk
  • Ice may develop between the cube dividers and the tray’s base.
  • Stainless steel may be thinner and more malleable than previously thought.

9. W&P Peak Ice Works WP-ICE-ED-BL1 Silicone Ice Cube Tray 

  • Peak blue food grade silicone tray and lid are BPA free.
  • The tray includes a steel frame for stability and quick cube release.
  • This tray, which makes twelve 1 cubes, is stackable and may take up less space in your freezer.
  • Suitable for dishwasher cleaning

The W&P Peak Ice Works WP-ICE-ED-BL1 silicone ice cube tray (peak blue) is a smaller tray with a capacity of 12 1 square cubes. They are manufactured of BPA-free and food-grade silicone from a zero-emissions facility.

This tray has an interior steel frame to keep it stable, and the cover allows for the stacking of many trays while also avoiding food smells. The top of this tray does not fit snugly, and some customers have reported that it does not sit properly on the tray. You should also inspect this item when it arrives, since a tiny percentage of customers have gotten trays that have been used and returned by others.

Pros

  • Tray and lid made of silicone
  • 12 cube storage capacity
  • Frame strengthened with steel
  • Stackable
  • Lid to reduce odor
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • The lid does not fit as snugly on the tray as one may think.
  • This item must be checked upon delivery to confirm it is as new.
  • Since the tray bulges when full, cubes will be somewhat rounded rather than square.

10. Joseph Joseph QuickSnap Ice Tray  

  • 12 cube tray in blue with lever mechanism
  • Allows for the discharge of single cubes
  • You can add cubes to beverages without touching them.
  • Can be washed in a dishwasher

To keep cubes in place, the Joseph Joseph QuickSnap ice tray (blue) incorporates a lever mechanism on the back. This 12 cube ice tray may be cleaned in the dishwasher. You just spin the tray once and then press each lever to release the cubes one at a time.

This allows you to drop cubes directly into beverages without having to touch them. This technique does, however, result in smaller cubes than standard ice cubes, and although this tray is more practical for little amounts of ice, it does take longer to release if you want a full tray of ice.

Pros

  • 12 cube blue ice tray
  • Release mechanism using a lever
  • Dispense individual cubes
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons

  • Because of the lever mechanism, the ice cubes are smaller.
  • It might take some time to discharge a whole tray of cubes.
  • It’s possible that it won’t be as strong as predicted.
  • Fill to the line appropriately else the cubes will not release as well or the mechanism will break.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Ice Cube Tray

When deciding on an ice cube tray, the major two considerations are probably how simple it will be to remove the cubes and how low the danger of the cubes and tray collecting scents from your freezer.

The volume and design of the trays will also be important considerations. Bigger ice cubes are generally favored for beverages because they melt more slowly, allowing liquids to dilute more slowly. If you wish to utilize trays for other things, such as creating little desserts, stock cubes, or popsicles, adjust the size accordingly.

After you decant your cubes, you may see white residue left in the tray depending on the hardness of your water. This is harmless; it is just mineral deposits from the water. You may avoid this by using filtered water instead of tap water.

Evolution of the Ice Cube Tray

Ice was used to keep icehouses cool, and part of it was chipped off the blocks to be used in beverages and cold desserts. While it is unknown when the first ice cube tray was produced, in 1844, John Gorrie, an American scientist, constructed a refrigerator to generate ice to chill the air for his Yellow Fever patients. Since his patients were also given ice beverages, it is assumed that Gorrie invented the first ice cube tray.

The DOMELRE refrigerator was introduced in 1914. While it was a commercial failure, it did contain an ice cube tray, and other refrigerator makers followed suit. Electric refrigerators with a freezer component that incorporated ice cube trays first appeared in the 1920s.

In 1933, the McCord ice tray, a metal ice cube tray, was designed. This flexed to facilitate the discharge of ice crystals.

Throughout the 1960s, the composition of trays moved to plastics, and in the 1980s, lids started to emerge on ice trays, making them simple to stack. The most recent move in ice cube tray manufacture has been to silicone trays, which are available in a variety of colors and ice cube forms.

Safety of Plastic Ice Cube Trays

If you have any old plastic trays, they may contain bisphenol A. (BPA). BPA is utilized in the production of polycarbonate hard transparent plastic and certain resins used as linings in metal food cans. Most of us have BPA traces in our systems.

BPA was shown to be transferred from pregnant moms to their children in rat tests, although additional study found that primates and humans digest and excrete BPA far better than rodents. The FDA prohibited the use of BPA-based compounds in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, and BPA epoxy resins in infant formula packaging in 2013.

The FDA is continually researching BPA and believes it is safe in the uses for which it is presently allowed. Food packaging is included.

If your plastic ice cube tray has numbers on the bottom to indicate you what sort of plastic it is and if it is recyclable, if you want to prevent BPA, avoid trays with numbers 3 or 7 on them. If your tray is older and does not have any information on it, it is likely that it was created with BPA.

Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays

Traditional stainless steel trays make it simple to extract cubes since the built-in grid pulls the cubes out when the lever is pressed. The stainless steel in these trays is typically food grade and does not contain any BPA, PTFEs, PFOAs, or phthalates.

Apart from the fact that it is more expensive than other kinds of ice cube trays, another downside of using a steel tray is that your fingers will momentarily adhere to it due to how cold it is right out of the freezer.

If you use a stainless steel tray, maintain the water level below the rivets on the lever and put it on the tabletop for a few minutes before removing the cubes to prevent overfilling.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Silicone Ice Cube Trays

Since silicone is extremely flexible, transferring the tray of water into the freezer might create small issues. This is where silicone trays with lids come in handy, since they may assist to minimize spillage. Because of the flexibility of silicone, you can produce a variety of various shaped ice cubes from the numerous novelty shaped kinds of trays available.

It may be more difficult to remove cubes from a silicone tray than from a plastic tray. To remove the cube from silicone, you may need to press and twist it, or even flip it upside down. You may alternatively wait a few minutes before releasing the cubes by leaving the tray on the counter.

Silicone is preferable if you want to use your tray to freeze other foods such as baby puree since its flexibility makes it simpler to remove food from the tray and it is BPA-free. Warm puree on an older plastic tray or a new plastic tray containing BPA increases the danger of BPA leaking into the infant food.

All about Silicone

Silicone is a synthetic rubber or flexible resin created from bonded silicon, a natural ingredient found in sand and rock, and oxygen. It’s a chemically inert and stable substance.

This colorful cookware is freezer to oven (up to 428F), stain resistant, nonstick, and free of BPA, BPS, phthalates, lead, and other potentially harmful poisons or chemicals.

Silicon dioxides were widely accepted as harmless in 1979, and the FDA has yet to do significant follow-up research to determine whether or not silicone reacts with food. According to Health Canada, food-grade silicone is safe up to approved temperatures and does not react with food or beverages or emit dangerous odors.

Bad Smelling and Tasting Ice Cubes

The majority of foul odors and flavors in your ice cubes are caused by food kept in your freezer, particularly spilt food or open packaging. If you take the time to clean up spills and decant open goods into airtight containers, you may help prevent odor throughout the freezer; nothing is worse than unintentionally garlic-flavored ice cream!

Little open boxes of baking soda in the freezer may also aid with odor removal.

You should also taste-test your water source. If you’re using tap water, which doesn’t taste fantastic, your ice cubes won’t either. Using filtered water may assist in resolving this.

In addition to the ice itself smelling and tasting bad, if you use a silicone ice cube tray, the silicone may collect aromas from your freezer.

Reducing Poor Odor and Taste from Silicone Tray Ice Cubes

If you only fill silicone trays as required and avoid using ice cubes that have been in the freezer for more than a week, you may find that the danger of odor is reduced. After you’re done utilizing the tray, wash and dry it before storing it in a cabinet until you need it again.

To eliminate odor hazards, remove all of your cubes from the tray and place them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Defrosting and cleaning the freezer on a regular basis may also assist to reduce odor.

Instead, immerse your silicone tray in a solution of vinegar or lemon juice and water, or in a baking soda solution. If they fail, place the trays in the oven for an hour at 350F the next time it is turned on. If you are unable to eliminate the stench, the only option is to replace the silicone tray.

Conclusion

This article has gone through the three basic varieties of ice cube trays: silicone, plastic, and stainless steel. Many of them have advantages and disadvantages, and there are certain safety concerns about the usage of BPA in particular.

We hope that the information we’ve provided, as well as our review of some of the best ice cube trays on the market, has been useful to you, whether you’re looking for a new tray just for ice cubes, to store baby food puree, to make popsicles, or to do anything else that a versatile ice cube tray will allow you to do.

FAQs

Which type of ice tray is best?

Best Overall: Amazon’s OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray. Go to the Review section.
GoodCook Prep and Freeze Silicone Amazon has the Easy Release Silicone Cube Tray.
Amazon has the best No-Mess: Icebreaker Pop Silicone Ice Cube Tray.
Tovolo King Cube Ice Tray is the best extra-large ice tray on Amazon.
Amazon has the best craft: Tovolo Spherical Ice Mold.

What is the best material for ice cube tray?

Onyx Ice Cube Tray is the best stainless steel ice cube tray.

Our Onyx ice tray’s stainless steel design not only makes it very durable, but it also prevents the contents from collecting freezer aromas, making it ideal for freezing broths, herb cubes, or fruit juices without other tastes lasting.

Are plastic or silicone ice trays better?

Ice trays made of silicone are a more ecologically friendly option than plastic trays since silicone is a more robust material that will last longer than plastic and the manufacturing process is less environmentally damaging than plastic manufacture.

What is the safest ice cube tray?

Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays are safer for you and your family than aluminum counterparts. The significance of heavy metals like aluminum in the development of degenerative neurological illnesses like Alzheimer’s is not fully understood. Aluminum levels have been observed to be increased in Alzheimer’s patients, according to studies.

Which ice trays freeze faster?

They seem to be largely plastic now, although some have recently been constructed of silicone. Metals are the fastest because they have minimal insulation, but they are more expensive. Minerals dissolved in water tend to reduce the freezing point. Since this is pure water, the surfaces tend to freeze first.

What type of ice cubes last the longest?

Block ice is the slowest melting ice. For the longest-lasting performance, use whenever possible. Cubed ice will quickly chill your 45-quart cooler and 60 cans of your favorite drinks. Cubes, on the other hand, will not survive as long.

What ice cube doesn’t melt or mold?

These “jelly ice cubes” are plastic-free, biodegradable, anti-microbial, and prevent cross-contamination. “Ice is not recyclable after it melts,” said Gang Sun, a professor in the School of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Why put hot water in ice cube trays?

Even though you began with clear water and a clean ice tray, the result was hazy ice cubes with unattractive bubbles in the middle. The solution is to begin with hot water rather than cold. The reason for this is that hot water contains less dissolved air than cold water. The bubbles in the middle of an ice cube are caused by dissolved air in the water.

Are stainless steel ice cubes better than plastic?

Alternatively, silica. I also discovered that they don’t last very long and that the most of them aren’t dishwasher safe. Steel is an excellent material for reusing ice cubes, although it is rather hefty. Plastic ice cubes are probably the cheapest, but they can pose health dangers if they contain BPA and other chemicals.

What is the best material to keep ice?

Styrofoam is the most effective insulator for keeping ice from melting.

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