An ice cube tray is as simple as it is essential. But not all ice cube trays are created equal. Plastic, metal or silicone, each material has a distinct feel and different properties. After several tests and comparisons, our choice is the Oliver's Kitchen ice cube tray. Practical and easy to stack, this set takes up little space in a freezer.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"These Oliver's Kitchen ice cube trays come in sets of four. Each one comes with a lid to keep the liquid from spilling out. The…"
"This ice cube tray will make your life easier. The Oxo 348 is made of stainless steel and comes in an ice cube tray. Holding…"
"The US Sense 6-pack of ice cube trays is a must-have. Simple, sturdy, stackable and convenient, each tray has 14 blocks. Its versatility allows you…"
"Stackable, the Emsa 517389 ice cube tray has an airtight lid. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy cold or iced drinks. Ditto…"
These Oliver's Kitchen ice cube trays come in sets of four. Each one comes with a lid to keep the liquid from spilling out. The soft silicone design makes it easy to release the ice cubes.
See priceAvailable in a set of 4, Oliver's Kitchen ice cube trays will help keep your drinks cold. Each tray holds up to 14 cubes for a total of 56, and each tray has a removable lid. That way, you'll keep spills to a minimum. Also, bad freezer odors won't contaminate your ice cubes.
This set of ice cube trays has been designed with soft silicone. This makes it easy to remove the ice cubes when needed. Note that you can lightly press each compartment individually if you only want to use a set number of cubes. Finally, the Oliver's Kitchen is dishwasher safe and BPA free.
This ice cube tray will make your life easier. The Oxo 348 is made of stainless steel and comes in an ice cube tray. Holding 21 frozen cubes, this model can be stacked to make room.
See priceDo you want an ice cube tray that allows for easy, no-fuss removal? Try the Oxo 348. A simple twist and the 21 ice cubes will come off the bottom of thetray. In fact, once the bottom is bent, the ice cubes will come out easily. The volume of each compartment, about 22 mL, also ensures the freezing of food and baby food preparations such as purees.
Admittedly, the lid of the Oxo 348 is not waterproof. However, you have the advantage of being able to stack several similar containers on top of each other if you want to produce more ice cubes. Also, putting other miscellaneous containers on top will not be a problem.
The US Sense 6-pack of ice cube trays is a must-have. Simple, sturdy, stackable and convenient, each tray has 14 blocks. Its versatility allows you to prepare ice cubes as well as jelly beans, pudding...
See priceYou won't find better than the 6 US Sense ice cube trays. Made of silicone and polypropylene, they are both flexible and extremely sturdy. Note that each tray has 14 blocks, a lid and a distinct color. And to save space, you have the option of stacking them.
Given the price, this set is a great deal. Finally, simple but complete ice cube trays. For hot season refreshments or to enjoy a good whiskey, it will give proud services. The silicone at the bottom of each tray makes it easy to get the ice cubes out. Just push them a little!
Stackable, the Emsa 517389 ice cube tray has an airtight lid. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy cold or iced drinks. Ditto for freezing sauces, pesto, even baby food.
See priceThe Emsa Clip&Close 517389 has 24 individual compartments for preparing large quantities of ice cubes. For more convenience, the model is equipped with a flexible silicone base. This makes detaching the ice cubes a breeze. It comes with a leak-proof lid that prevents water from spilling during transport to the freezer.
Whether you're at home or in the garden, the Emsa 517389 ice cube tray is a great ally. In addition to its waterproof seal, this equipment is dishwasher safe. Its quality of manufacture ensures an excellent resistance to freezing. BPA-free, it complies with Babycare standards. This means you can use it to freeze baby formula. Finally, this tray is guaranteed for 30 years.
Any specific needs?
The best ice cube tray in 2021
The best entry-level ice cube tray
The best high-end ice cube tray
The best plastic ice cube tray
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Oliver's Kitchen - Set of 4 ice cube trays
|
Oxo 348
|
US Sense - Set of 6 ice cube trays
|
Emsa Clip&Close 517389
|
|
These Oliver's Kitchen ice cube trays come in sets of four. Each one comes with a lid to keep the liquid from spilling out. The soft silicone design makes it easy to release the ice cubes.
|
This ice cube tray will make your life easier. The Oxo 348 is made of stainless steel and comes in an ice cube tray. Holding 21 frozen cubes, this model can be stacked to make room.
|
The US Sense 6-pack of ice cube trays is a must-have. Simple, sturdy, stackable and convenient, each tray has 14 blocks. Its versatility allows you to prepare ice cubes as well as jelly beans, pudding...
|
Stackable, the Emsa 517389 ice cube tray has an airtight lid. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy cold or iced drinks. Ditto for freezing sauces, pesto, even baby food.
|
|
|
|
Ice cubes are easy to remove
|
Affordable price
|
One pack of 6 ice cube trays
|
30-year warranty
|
|
|
Best value for money
|
Great ease of use
|
Multi-purpose
|
100% airtight
|
|
|
Easy to fill
|
Durable and sturdy
|
Food grade material
|
Stackable and multifunctional
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
Metal is no longer the only material used for the design of an ice cube tray as it once was. Plastic and silicone are great materials as they make it easier to remove ice cubes from the tray. Although affordable, plastic models tend to retain freezer odors. Silicone, on the other hand, makes it easier to remove your ice cubes even though it also retains odors. If you want a durable and practical model, we recommend a metal ice cube tray.
A typical ice cube tray holds 12 to 16 cubes weighing around 20g each. However, some models may have a better capacity (24 cubes and more). Note that the more compartments there are, the longer the footprint in the freezer. For your daily needs, choose models with 15 to 24 standard-sized ice cubes. For special events (cocktails, evenings with friends or family...), you can choose models in packs (2, 3, 4 or even 6). Trays will do if you want to produce a large number of small ice cubes.
Most of today's models are stackable, which makes them easier to use. Most of today's models are stackable, which makes them easier to use, and ice cube trays take up very little space in your freezer. Some have a lid that prevents the ice cubes from absorbing odors from the fridge. Just make sure the lid has a tight seal and is securely attached to the ice cube tray.
You'
ll now be able to make ice cubes to suit your desires and needs with the multitude of models and sizes available on the market. Medium-sized ice cubes tend to melt easily compared to larger ones. They are therefore intended for a specific use such as a cocktail. On the other hand, trays with small cubes
are better suited for drinks such as coffee, cold brews or even concentrated drinks. For the joy of young and old alike, the cubes can be spherical, cubic, with a look of stars, unicorn... or other unimaginable and fun shapes.
Your choice regarding the size and number of compartments will depend on how you plan to use the ice cube tray. For cocktails, for example, models that can make large ice cubes would be more suitable. They are also used for baby food. Also, if you want to make more, it's best to choose a model with up to 24 compartments or more. Also, a model sold in sets of 2 to 6 and stackable will be perfect. Prefer ice cube trays with small compartments if you want to refresh your bottled water.
Many models are dishwasher safe. However, to ensure that your ice cube trays are cleaned properly while avoiding breakage, hand washing is recommended. To do this, use a little hot water. Soap is not necessary because of the odor it can leave on the material, which can then cling to the ice cubes.
It is worth mentioning that a solution based on water and baking soda also allows you to clean your ice cube trays well. Take 2 teaspoons of baking soda and mix with half a cup of water. Pour the mixture into each compartment. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the ice cube tray with a cloth or, better yet, a small soft-bristled brush. Be sure to consider the corners. To finish the process, rinse with warm or hot water.
The biggest mistake most of us make is trying to remove the ice cubes from the bin while they are still frozen and solid. You don't want to force or twist the tray too much or you'll break it. The best way to remove the ice cubes is to first take them out of the freezer. Then, let them rest for a few minutes at room temperature.
It is also convenient to run a little hot water over the base of the tray to loosen the ice cubes. This trick would not work for small ice cubes as they would melt in the heat.
When we talk about ice cube trays, we don't often think about the material they are made of. Of course, it is an element that will allow you to distinguish them from each other. Available in metal, plastic and silicone versions, discover the advantages and particularities of each type of model.
The metal model is among the first generations of ice cube moulds. The material used has the specificity of being a perfect heat conductor such as aluminum or stainless steel
. This type of ice cube tray is very popular because of its fast freezing time and is not easily damaged. Also, the ice cubes produced remain uniform. So if you're looking for a durable, easy-to-use and convenient model, we recommend the metal ice cube tray.
Lighter than metal, the plastic ice tray has won over today's consumers. It can be found in most modern kitchens today. If its manufacture does follow European standards, this type of model is free of BPA or other chemicals
that can harm your health. The rendering is more homogeneous although the extraction is a bit complex. Indeed, some ice cube trays offer very limited flexibility.
The
most popular of the moment due to their versatility, silicone ice cube trays are also very easy to use. This type of model offers more flexibility as opposed to plastic, which makes extraction less time consuming, but more convenient. Moreover, the material is relatively resistant to both heat and cold. It can therefore be used in the oven or in the microwave. Note however that it is often quite expensive compared to the plastic model.
Using an ice cube tray is still the traditional way to make ice cubes. You don't need to buy a dedicated machine. Buy the trays at very affordable prices, fill them with water and put them in the freezer. Your ice cubes will be ready after some time.
Of course, some freezing time is required. The size of your ice cubes will depend on the size of the compartments in your trays. You can buy as many trays as will fit in your freezer if you need a large quantity of ice cubes. This is an inexpensive solution. Making ice cubes takes some time, but is still easy.
The ice maker was invented more recently. It is a household appliance specially designed to make ice cubes or crushed ice from tap water. The preparation is fast and does not require complex manipulations. Press a button and wait a few minutes to have ice cubes in a glass.
You can choose the size of the ice cubes by setting the device. The quantity obtained with each preparation will depend on the capacities of the ice maker. In any case, the machine must be left to stand for a certain amount of time to prevent it from heating up or getting damaged quickly.
The purchase of an ice cube maker requires quite a lot of money. Its cost is much higher than those of ice cube trays. It is true that the ice maker allows you to have ice cubes, in the size of your choice, quickly. However, the water will not be perfectly frozen and the ice chunks may melt much faster in your drink.
Ice cubes made in a tub and put in the freezer for a longer period of time are more refreshing because they melt slowly. In fact, you could make large quantities of ice cubes without taking a break or being limited by the capacity of an ice maker.
Buying one or more ice cube trays is much cheaper than buying an ice maker. If you have a freezer or a fridge with a freezer compartment, you can opt for the ice cube trays. So make this choice to limit your expenses while preparing ice cubes to refresh your drinks on a daily basis and during special events.
The amount of ice you can make depends on the number of trays and the amount of space you have in your freezer. If you have a large freezer, you can produce a large quantity of ice cubes with each preparation. So this is a good solution if you need a lot of ice cubes. It is also ideal if you want to make a small amount. A 10 to 14 compartment bin is more than enough for four people in a household.
An ice cube tray will last for many years if you take good care of it. There are stainless steel models that are exceptionally durable and yet come at very attractive prices.
Ice cube trays take up very little space in your freezer. When you're not using them, you can stack them to store them in your cupboards. They will take up even less space than an ice maker. Simply store them in a place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
You'll have no trouble caring for your ice cube trays. Simply wash them by hand or, if the manufacturer allows, in the dishwasher. This is the only significant maintenance operation for this type of accessory.
In our opinion, the best brands of ice cube trays in 2022 are :
Oliver's Kitchen is a family business known for the quality of its products. The brand offers, among other things, high quality silicone ice cube trays, which are practical and made of materials that comply with current standards.
The American brand Oxo was founded in 1990. Since then, it has offered a whole catalogue of kitchen utensils, including ice cube trays that stand out for their quality and durability.
US Sense is one of those brands that sell their products exclusively online. The brand manages to offer high quality ice cube trays at unbeatable prices.
Levivo is THE specialist in silicone moulds. The brand offers a wide range of multi-purpose ice cube trays for private and professional use.
The American brand Kompanion has built up a solid reputation in the market for ice cube trays and silicone moulds in general. It offers you products that comply with the standards and are of very good quality.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Eliminate bad odours from the ice cube tray
If you don't want your ice cubes to get a bad smell, take them out of the tray before storing them in an airtight container or bag. It is a good idea to defrost and clean the freezer frequently. For silicone or plastic ice cube trays, follow the tips above. Also, mix a little water with vinegar or lemon juice and soak your trays in it.
Easily fill your ice cube trays
From the sink to the freezer can be a hassle if the ice cube tray is too fragile. Prefer sturdy models that are easy to transport, such as trays equipped with lids. Generally more stable, they will not slip and fall off the freezer shelf.
Make the cleaning process easier
Although
you only freeze water in your ice cube trays, regular maintenance is still essential. However, with versatile models, you may also ice baby food, juice or even coffee and cookie dough in them. So getting to the corners won't be so easy. To make it easier, choose models with rounded corners. Soak your trays before cleaning to prevent food residue from sticking to the bottom.
Choose the right size of ice cubes
A
spherical-shaped ice cube doesn't have the same surface area as a cubic model. Its particularity lies in the fact that it will not melt quickly. On the other hand, it should be noted that the latter takes up more space in the freezer. On the other hand, if you have children, cheer them up by opting for fun models (stars, animals...).
Make clear ice cubes effortlessly
Because of the impurities in the water used that settle at the bottom of the tray, it is always quite complex to produce perfectly clear ice cubes. To achieve this, use only filtered water. You can also make use of an artisanal ice maker intended for professional use and bartenders.
The best ice cube tray depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.
Large ice cube trays are best for freezing baby food. Typically, a 5 x 5 x 5 cm cube will freeze 125 mL of food.
An ice cube tray can withstand temperature extremes from -25°C to 200°C.
The white layers come from the dissolved minerals in the hard water you use. To avoid them, choose bottled water.
The material used to make the tray tends to easily pick up odors from the freezer or the soap used to clean it. They can affect the taste of your ice cubes as is the case with silicone and plastic.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
