5 Best Ice Cube Trays
Ice-cold water! Slush! Chilled drinks! Can it all be imagined without ice? Of course not. With the invention of the refrigerator came the icebox and of course the ice trays. In today’s world, it is impossible to think of a household that is deprived of such diamonds. When I was searching for the best ice cube trays, I found several pieces that are totally share-worthy:
Comparison Of The Best Ice Cube Trays In 2021
| PRODUCT | NO. OF CUBES | BEST FOR | HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
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21 | Best Overall |
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14 | Best for Storage |
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18 | Best for Quality |
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15 | Best Multipurpose |
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1. Vremi Silicone
Highlighted Features
- Silicone
- Two trays in a set
- 21 ice cubes in a tray
- Stackable
If you are busy and don’t have time to make baby food or to prep for ice-cold drinks for a party, Vremi silicone ice cube trays are the answer. These trays are BPA-free and are made of food-grade material which is pretty safe for preserving baby food. It also gives loads of ice as it has 21 cubes per tray, or 42 cubes altogether. Perfect, right! Just perfect for a small gathering of family and friends.
Material
These trays are made with food-grade silicone and are BPA-free. Hence, they are safe for chilling baby food, chocolate, herbs, and even drinks if necessary for easy and quick usage.
Specifications of trays — simply divine!
The trays come in a set of two with 21 cubes per tray. They are also stackable as they have a lid and can be placed conveniently in a freezer.
Convenient storage
Vremi silicone ice cube trays come with plastic lids. Therefore, they are easily stackable i.e. they can be conveniently placed anywhere on top of each other with the protection of the lid available.
No water leakage
The plastic lids that come with these trays not only make storage convenient but they also help in preventing water leakage as there is no spilling once the lids are placed properly. They can be placed sideways to save space and to put more things in the freezer.
Durability — Flexible
The trays are made of silicone which is quite flexible, making it easy to store and remove ice cubes with just a gentle push. The plastic lids are also durable.
Usage — multipurpose
Vremi silicone trays are multipurpose trays that can be used for a variety of tasks ranging from storing baby food, making chocolate delights, coffee cubes, herbs, drinks, and even dog food. The size of the trays is so suitable that they can even be stored easily in a mini-fridge. They need to be hand-washed before first use.
Odor
The Vermi silicon trays are reusable so they are to be properly washed before use to prevent any kind of odor. For first-time use, the bottom of the trays and the plastic lids must be washed by hand using lukewarm, soapy water.
Aesthetics — a depiction of nature
These rectangular trays are aesthetically beautiful. They come in two striking colors of blue and green with a white plastic lid. The choice of colors for the trays indeed is amazing, bringing instant association with nature.
Cleaning
After the first-time use, these trays can be easily hand washed with soapy, warm water. A solution of baking soda and warm water can also be used to wash them. In order to prevent the bad smell of residues or rubber, it is advisable to wash the bottom of the trays and top of the plastic lid with the above-mentioned methods. Make sure to dry the trays and lid after washing. They can also be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Pros
- Made of food-grade silicone, BPA-free
- Large Ice cubes melt slowly
- Stackable & leak proof
- Multipurpose
- Odorless & aesthetically pleasing
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- Removing ice cubes is time-taking
2. OXO Good Grips Covered
Highlighted Features
- Hard Plastic
- Two trays in a set
- 14 Ice cubes in a tray
- Stackable
It is difficult to take out a few ice cubes as per requirement. OXO Good Grips gives a good solution to this very problem. These are one of the best plastic ice trays and they come with a sliding lid which helps to take out as many ice cubes needed at a time and the cover can be slid back again. Voila! Indeed a GOOD solution by the Good Grips!
Material
The trays are made of hard plastic so is the lid. Generally, the products of Good Grips are BPA-free.
Specifications of trays
These pure white trays come in a set of two with blue-colored sliding lid. Each tray contains 14 ice cube slots which are crescent-shaped.
Storage — stackable
Due to the sliding cover, these trays not only provide a particular amount of ice cubes needed at a given time but can also be placed on top of each other. So they can be easily placed in the refrigerator, giving room for other stuff as well. This makes them the best ice cube trays for baby food.
Water leakage — near to none
It is difficult to carry the tray from the sink to the refrigerator without spilling water. The lid of these trays helps to carry them easily to the refrigerator for storage. Therefore, there is no spilling of water or leakage.
Durability — long-lasting
Both the hard plastic tray and sliding lid are durable. They are long-lasting and can provide chilled drinks for quite a long time.
Usage — lid does the trick
OXO Good Grips “easy to use” ice trays can be easily stacked and stored. Removing the ice due to rounded shape at the bottom is also very easy (again, best ice cube tray for baby food). The lid can get jammed sometimes but a little run through water can help to thaw the ice and release to take out the cubes.
Odor — Fresh smell of ice
The major factor that prevents the odor of the freezer to get inside the cubes is the sliding lid. It gives odor-free and fresh ice cubes.
Aesthetics — half-moon icicles
Ice Trays look elegant with rounded shape at the bottom. Their color is also attractive; white of the ice tray representing ice and sliding lid representing water. The shape of the ice cubes — half moons — is also enchanting. It really is a cool combination and has a relaxing effect.
Cleaning
They are easy to wash and they are also dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Made of hard, BPA-free plastic
- Stackable & leak-proof
- Multipurpose
- Odorless & aesthetically pleasing
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- May crack and warp
- Small enough to melt quickly
- Not environment-friendly
- Doesn’t make a lot of cubes
3. Ecozoi Metal
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel
- 1 tray
- 18 cubes in a tray
- Not stackable
If you are looking for an ice cube tray that can last a lifetime, is environment-friendly and plastic-free, then this metal ice cube tray is for you. It comes with a lifetime warranty and assures that it would not be a disappointing choice.
Material — life long warranty
Ecozoi ice cube tray is made of high-quality food-grade 18/8 stainless steel which is environment-friendly. This is a perfect alternative to the ice trays commonly used which are made of plastic and silicon. The packaging of this metal ic tray is also recyclable so it can be easily disposed off without any kind of wastage.
Specifications of trays
There is a single Ecozoi ice cube tray but it makes 18 ice cubes in one go.
Storage
Storage of these trays is a bit of a problem as they do not have lids so they cannot be stacked. Their bottom is flat which can help in placing them anywhere but nothing can be put on top of these trays.
Water leakage
There is no apparent water leakage and once placed in the refrigerator, its flat bottom prevents any kind of water-spill from the top.
Durability
This shining tray is very durable as it is made of stainless steel and comes with a lifetime warranty, as stainless steel is corrosion-resistant because it has a protective layer over it.
Usage — makes ice faster than other trays
Being made of stainless steel, the Ecozoic ice tray has an edge over plastic and silicone trays as ice is made faster in this. It is also easy to take out the ice cubes with the help of an easy-release handle. You must fill the trays 3/4th and not completely to the brim and after they are frozen, keep them at room temperature for 5 minutes before taking out the cubes. These metal ice trays can be used to store not only baby food but also drinks, fruits, and herbs.
Odor
Stainless steel ice trays absorb less odor than plastic or silicone. To keep these metal ice trays odor-free, wash them with warm water and white vinegar, and let them air dry. This would get rid of any bad smell.
Aesthetics
These silver-colored trays look pretty and the rhomboid-shaped cubes that they make are also very eye-catching. By adding fresh flowers the ice cubes can be made even more mesmerizing.
Cleaning
These metal ice trays are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. It is recommended to wash them with warm, soapy water and to dry them well before putting them away.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Eco-friendly
- Durable and long-lasting
- Multipurpose
- Odorless & aesthetically pleasing
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Removing ice cubes is time-consuming
- Does not have a lid
- Not stackable
4. CASELAND Easy-Release
Highlighted Features
- Food-grade silicone
- Two trays in a set
- 15 ice cubes in a tray
- Stackable
Having uninvited friends or guests can be a problem if you are not prepared to offer even a chilled drink. So, a convenient ice tray is needed… a little hard twist, and out come the cubes! So there is definitely a need for the very flexible, BPA-free molds of Caseland Easy Release Ice Cube Trays. Not only can they be used for making ice, storing food and juices but also as baking trays!
Material
Caseland Ice Cube Trays are made of food-grade silicone which is BPA free and FDA certified.
Specifications of trays
There is a set of two trays with 15 ice cubes per tray and a total of 30 ice cubes, a sufficient amount.
Storage
The Caseland Ice Cube Trays are easy to stack with the availability of the lid. They can be placed on top of each other without sticking.
No water leakage
Although the trays and the lid are soft and flexible, the water does not spill if they are filled properly. The lids hold better than other hard plastic lids and do not slip when being placed inside the refrigerator.
Durability
These trays are FDA-approved and ensure safety and durability. These trays can be twisted to take out the ice cubes but they are strong and do not warp or crack like other plastic trays.
Usage — Wow factor of oven and freezer!
They can be used both for making ice cubes and baking in the oven. They can tolerate temperatures between -104℉~ 450℉(-40℃~ 240℃).
Refrigerator use
The main use of these trays is to make ice cubes but they can also be used to store baby food, ice cream, chocolate, and drinks as well.
Oven use
They can safely be used for baking in the oven as they can tolerate a high range of temperatures. You must make sure to keep the mold moist when using in the oven. For example, if using a 15 mold tray, it is needed to fill at least 7 or 8 molds with water.
Odor
The removable lid that comes with the set of trays prevents the odor from getting in the ice cubes so they are fresh.
Aesthetics
Fresh green and lemon yellow colored trays infuse energy just by looking at them.
Cleaning
They are very easy to clean and can also be directly placed in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Pros
- Silicone
- BPA-free and FDA-approved
- Stackable and leak-proof
- Can be used in oven and freezer
- Withstands a wide range of temperatures
- Odourless and aesthetically pleasing
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Ice cube removal is time consuming
5. Webake Slotted
There is always trouble putting ice in bottles with narrow necks. Fortunately, that trouble can be overcome with Webake 3 pack silicone ice cube trays which have been specially designed for water bottles. Additionally, they can be used in the oven or microwave since they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures i.e. -40 to +446 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to +230 degrees Celsius).
Material
We bake ice cube trays are made of food-grade silicone and are BPA-free.
Specifications of trays
These trays come in a set of 3 trays with 4 rod-shaped slots per tray making a total of 12 slots altogether.
Storage
They are a little unstable so it is difficult to fill them and place them in the freezer. Since they don’t come with a lid so they cannot be stacked either. Hence, their storage is difficult.
Water leakage
Water does not leak from the trays but it can spill while you fill and place the trays in the refrigerator.
Durability
They are made of silicone and hence are quite durable and long-lasting with a bit of proper care.
Usage — Wonder trays indeed!
They are genuinely multipurpose as they have such a wide variety of use. They can not only be used for making ice but can also be used in oven or pressure cooker or microwave as well. Ice trays can be used for storing fruits or drinks and for making egg sticks for burritos. The soft silicone makes it easy to take out the ice sticks from the slots. You can easily push the separate compartments from the bottom to make the ice sticks come out. Since they tend to wobble while carrying, it is advisable to place them on a tray and then carry them.
Odour
They might absorb the odors from the freezer because they don’t have a lid and it can destroy the taste of the ice cube.
Aesthetics
These blue coloured trays with long slits are very attractive. They give a sense of freshness and purity.
Cleaning
They are dishwasher safe and are very easy to clean. But if some fruits are being placed in the ice trays, make sure to spray the ice tray before putting the fruits so that they come out easily and do not make a mess and can be easily cleaned afterward.
Pros
- Made of food-grade silicone
- BPA-free
- Can be used in a freezer, pot, oven, microwave and pressure cooker
- Withstands a wide range of temperature
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Does not have a lid
- Not stackable
- Absorb Smell from the freezer
Things To Look For Before Buying!
When looking for an ice cube tray, you must consider something that not only saves time but also presents no hassle of leakages. The best ice cube tray will have multiple features like it will not leak, will make many cubes in a go, will be stackable, etc.
Look for the following things when buying an ice tray in order to make the best choice:
- Makes a lot of cubes in one go
- Make sure it is stackable
- Make sure it is easy to clean
- Make sure it is easy to take out the ice cubes
- Make sure it is durable and long-lasting
Buying Guide
What Types Of Trays Are There?
The following are the 3 types of trays that I came across during my search for the best ice trays.
1) Plastic Ice Cube Trays
Plastic ice cube trays are very much economical, they come in different colors and can make ice cubes as desired. On the other hand, being hard plastic the cubes tend to crack or warp and then the tray needs to be replaced. They can also absorb odors from the freezer which destroys the taste of the ice cubes. The most drastic drawback of plastic trays is their tendency to absorb toxic chemicals, which can be very harmful to health.
2) Silicone Ice Cube Trays
These trays are somewhat more durable, unlike the plastic trays. They also absorb smells from the freezer which affects the taste of the ice cubes. However, cleaning them properly can get rid of these smells. They are quite affordable but a bit more expensive than plastic. Although it is easy to take out the ice cubes, they will have to be taken out one by one, which is quite time-consuming.
3) Metal Ice Cube Trays
Generally, metal ice cube trays are made up of aluminum or stainless steel. They are very durable as they do not crack and can last a lifetime, unlike plastic or silicone. Their exceptional quality of not releasing any toxic chemicals or absorbing odors from the freezer is one of the things that makes them so perfect. One great feature of these trays is that ice freezes relatively quicker in them than in silicone or plastic. It is very easy to remove ice cubes from the molds by just running some water over them.
What Is BPA?
I am sure you might have heard this term many times while buying stuff, especially for your kitchen, but what does it actually mean? It is actually Bisphenol A, which is a chemical additive used to make hard plastics harder. This is a harmful substance and you should try your level best to avoid it.
Can Ice Cube Trays Be Used For Baby Food?
Extremely busy parents don’t have enough time to make baby food which is healthy and full of nutritious value can use ice trays in order to make baby food in bulk and store for later use. Not only does it save time but it is also beneficial to freeze baby food in an ice tray. Some parents are very cautious about the measurements and it would be easier for them to know the size of the cube of the baby food that they have preserved for the baby. But be sure to use the food within a month and make sure to always put the lid back on the ice tray in order to avoid any odor seeping in. You can also add a variety of baby food in one ice cube tray… just make sure to mark the name and date so you don’t end up throwing it out later due to confusion over flavor/time, etc.
How Can You Make Ice Cubes Decorative?
I know people who always want to be creative and they tend to try different things in order to stand out for their creativeness. So, I’m mentioning some different techniques which can change the traditional ways of serving drinks to friends and family. Instead of putting regular-sized ice cubes it would be great to add different fruits or leaves or edible flowers that can enhance the taste of the juice as well as giving a decorative hint to it. For a change, add some seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries or whole grapes or thin lemon slices to make a drink more refreshing. Also, add different herbs for healthy drinks or add mint leaves to make the drink refreshing. In order to make the ice cubes colorful, you can add edible food coloring.
What Else Can You Use Ice Cube Trays For?
There are a number of things that can be stored in an ice tray to make sure that you won’t have to worry about prep time (before the guests arrive, for example). You can use an ice tray to store lemon juice which can be used later on. Even tomato sauce can be preserved in the ice tray and it always happens that I get late-night cravings so the only thing that I can make easily in 15 minutes is pasta. First, I boil the pasta in the microwave and then put 2 to 4 cubes of tomato sauce (which had been preserved earlier) on top of the pasta, heat it in the microwave once more and voila!
How To Store Herbs In Ice Cube Trays?
It is actually a good thing to store herbs in an ice tray for quicker use. First, finely chop up the herbs as per your liking and then either put olive oil or butter in order to preserve them and whenever they are needed they can be quickly taken out and used. It will also contribute a great taste to the dish when, instead of putting herbs like basil, dill, mint leaves at the end, you can put them in the beginning and enjoy a well-infused dish with exquisite flavors.
Does Hot Water Freeze Faster?
Here is another thing which is quite astonishing: hot water freezes faster than cold water. This is known as the “Mpemba effect”. I was so astonished by this research that at first, I couldn’t quite believe it but then reading more about it proved that it really does exist. Although the fact is still quite debatable but I found it quite interesting.
Conclusion
What it all boils down to is this: choose a tray, or a set of trays, that will provide you with adequate ice cubes at any given time, can be filled and stored easily (bonus points if it’s stackable), and most importantly, appeals to you!
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