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The Best Ice Cube Trays To Enjoy Perfectly Chilled Drinks
Are you looking for a way to make your drinks even more refreshing and cooling? Or maybe you want to add some fun ice shapes to your cocktails? If so, you need to stack up on some ice cube trays. They are one of those kitchen items that you don’t think about too often, but they can make all the difference when crafting the perfect drink.
But choosing the perfect one for your needs can quickly become overwhelming. We’ve scoured the internet and reviewed some of the top-rated ice cube trays of 2024 to help you make the right choice. Whether you want an extra large tray for party-sized cubes, a stylish one to add a touch of sophistication to your bar, or something compact and dishwasher-safe, we’ve got you covered.
Important Features- Premium silicone and PP material
- Spill-resistant removable lid
- BPA-free and LFGB certified
Important Features- Durable, flexible extra-thick plastic
- Certified BPA-free material
- Dishwasher-safe design
Important Features- Made in the USA with quality materials
- Flexible and stackable design
- BPA-free and dishwasher-safe
Important Features- Easy to fill and carry to freezer
- Flexible silicone base
- BPA- and odor-free build
Important Features- Four-in-one bundle with trays
- BPA-free silicone material
- Comes with a lid and scoop
Comparing the Top Ice Cube Trays of 2024
The DOQAUS Ice Cube Trays are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality, reliable ice trays. The trays feature a combination of premium silicone and thermoplastic materials, which are BPA-free and have passed the food-grade certification. This ensures the tray’s materials are safe to use. What’s more, the tray design is stronger and more durable than other brands, meaning they withstand long-term storage without breaking.
In addition to strong construction, these ice cube trays also feature a unique design that allows for easy removal of the ice cubes. With the dishwasher-safe design, safe-to-use material, and affordable price, these ice cube trays top our list.
Pros- Easy to remove ice cubes
- Stackable for easy storage
- Durable material won’t crack or leak
Cons- First few batches may taste odd
Want to keep your drinks and cocktails neat and icy cold? Check out the ZALIK Ice Cube Trays. Their unique design makes them easy to use and store in the freezer. Each tray can hold fourteen ice cubes, and you can easily stack them as they include lids to ensure no freezer odor or taste affects the ice.
Their extra-thick plastic is flexible enough to make popping out the cubes easy. They are also BPA-free and safe to use in the dishwasher. They are perfect for making frozen treats like popsicles, puddings, and fruit jellies. The trays are incredibly simple to use — just fill them with water and place them in the freezer. In a few hours, they will be ready to enjoy.
Pros- Comes in a variety of colors
- Tight lids prevent leaking
- Compact and handy
Cons- Lids can be easily misaligned
The Kitch Easy Ice Cube Tray is the perfect solution for any home that needs to quickly produce ice cubes. This set of four ice cube trays is proudly made in the USA and constructed of top-quality food-grade materials. Each tray makes 16 nice-sized cubes for a total of 64 cubes. The trays are also flexible, durable and stack neatly and easily in the freezer without sticking together.
These convenient trays have you covered, from cooling beverages quickly on hot summer days to creating smooth cocktails with perfectly chilled ingredients. With their easy-release design, each tray only requires a simple twist to release all 16 cubes. Clean-up is also a breeze — just pop them in the dishwasher to get them as good as new.
Pros- Easy to use and clean
- Flexible with reliable stiffness
- Silicone material prevents leaking
Cons- The plastic may be too rigid
The Airabc Ice Cube Trays are a great choice for anyone who wants to make perfect size ice cubes every time. They feature food-grade silicone and PP material, which is both BPA-free and non-toxic. This makes them safe to use in drinks and food. They are also strong and durable enough to withstand low-temperature conditions without breaking.
The trays are also stackable, allowing you to make the most out of your freezer’s space. The soft base and flexible polypropylene edges help ensure easy ice cube release. These silicone trays are much more durable than plastic ones, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking easily.
Pros- Prevent unwanted food smells
- Perfect cube and tray size
- Cubes freeze quickly
Cons- Lids can be of better quality
Make refreshing drinks with ease using the Yoove Ice Cube Trays. The flexible tray makes uniform, easy-to-remove ice cubes each time you fill it. To release the cubes, simply hold the high-quality silicone tray upside down and twist while gently pushing each cube from the bottom. The ice bin conveniently fits into any freezer and can hold up to 36 mini ice cubes while occupying minimal space.
The included lid keeps ice fresh and free of smells by preventing it from absorbing odors within the freezer. The spill-resistant material makes it safe to stack multiple trays, which helps save even more room in your freezer. When you’re ready to use the ice cubes, you can use the included scoop to add them to your glass with ease. Its easy-to-use and compact size allows for convenient storage in the freezer, and its durable construction ensures reliable results each time.
Pros- Small size ideal for mini fridges
- Pretty colors look aesthetic
- Includes lids for stacking
Cons- Ice cubes melt easily
Buying Guide: Ice Cube Trays
When shopping for the best ice cube tray, there are several important features to consider. Here’s a guide to help you compare models and choose the right one for your needs.
Cube Size
The size of the cubes is important to consider when selecting an ice cube tray. Smaller cubes will cool beverages quickly, while large cubes may take longer. Additionally, some trays can produce both large and small cubes. If you prefer cubes of a specific size, look for a tray that produces them consistently.
Materials
Ice cube trays come in many different materials, including plastic, silicone, and metal. Plastic trays are usually lightweight and inexpensive, and some models can fit in the freezer without a problem. Silicone models are generally more durable but can be more expensive. Metal trays are often sturdier and may last longer but usually require a glove when handling them due to the cold temperature.
Tray Shape
Ice cubes can come in many shapes and sizes, including square, round, rectangular, and more. Square trays are great if you’re trying to fit cubes into a specific shape. Round and rectangular trays are better suited for filling a large container with multiple cubes.
Tray Size
The size of the ice cube tray will depend on your needs. If you’re only looking for a few small cubes for drinks or recipes, then a two-inch cube tray might be sufficient. If you’re looking for larger cubes to use in place of traditional ice bags or for filling large containers of water, jumbo cube trays can help you make bigger cubes with a single mold.
Non-stick Surface
Non-stick surfaces help make it easy to remove the frozen cubes from the tray without breaking them apart. This can be extremely helpful if you frequently make large batches of ice cubes at home or in restaurants and bars where speed is important.
Safe Materials
Choosing an ice cube tray with BPA-free materials is important if you plan to use them to freeze food items such as berries or vegetables. They protect against possible leaching of chemicals into food items due to contact with hot and cold temperatures over time.
Odor Control
Odor-resistant materials are great for those who want their ice cubes to taste as pure as possible without transferring any unpleasant scents during freezing. If this is important for you, make sure to select a material that offers odor-resistance properties, such as stainless steel or silicone.
Temperature Resistance
Temperature resistance plays a vital role in making sure your ice cube tray stands up to frequent use without cracking due to extreme thermal changes. Choosing a temperature-resistant tray ensures that it won’t melt when exposed to high temperatures such as boiling water.
Ice Cube Trays FAQ
Q: Is there an ice cube tray that makes extra-large cubes?A: Yes, there are ice cube trays that make extra-large cubes. The silicone-based trays are the most popular choice for this purpose, as they are flexible enough to create larger cubes without compromising the integrity of the tray.
Q: Do ice cube trays come with lids to prevent spills?A: Most silicone-based ice cube trays come with lids that you can use to prevent spills when transferring cubes from the tray to the glass. But it’s important to note that not all are airtight, and some may still allow liquid to escape from the tray.
Q: How much do ice cube trays cost?A: Ice cube trays typically range from $10 to $30, depending on size and design features, such as color options or built-in lids for storage purposes. You can purchase them from most home goods stores, kitchenware shops, online retailers such as Amazon or Walmart, or directly from the manufacturer's website.
Q: Do ice cube trays come with a guarantee or warranty?A: Most manufacturers offer guarantees or warranties on their products ranging from six months to two years, depending on the specific product and company policies. You should check directly with the manufacturer before purchasing if you plan on taking advantage of such offers.
Q: Are plastic ice cube trays better than metal ones?A: It depends on your needs and what you plan to use the tray for. Metal ice cube trays are usually more durable and better at maintaining their shape over time compared to plastic ones. But they cost more and require hand-washing to maintain their quality. Plastic ice cube trays are generally cheaper, and you can toss them in the dishwasher for quick cleanup. The drawback is they may not last as long as metal ones due to warping or cracking over time.
Q: Can I reuse my ice cube tray repeatedly?A: You can reuse most ice cube trays multiple times without any issues as long as you wash and dry them properly before reusing them. It’s important to note that you should always handwash metal and wooden trays, while you can usually put plastic and silicone trays in the dishwasher without any issue.
Q: How can I prevent the ice cubes from sticking together in the tray?A: You can try adding a bit less water into each cup before freezing or spraying each one with a non-stick cooking spray such as PAM. Also, adding a few drops of lemon or lime juice into each cup before freezing can help prevent them from sticking together.
Q: How do I clean my ice cube tray properly to prevent bacterial growth?A: To properly clean an ice cube tray, first start by rinsing it with hot water to remove any debris or residue that might be stuck on it, then scrub away any stubborn stains with a soft brush or sponge using mild soap or detergent, if necessary. Finally, rinse any remaining soap residue and allow it to air dry completely before storing or reusing it.
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