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Best Ice Cube Tray and Ice Molds for a Cooler Summer
Modified: December 6, 2023
Want a refreshing ice-cold drink to beat the summer heat? Have it anytime with these convenient ice cube trays and ice molds!
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Having a cold water dispenser at home is an easy way to relieve our bodies of summer heat. But you’ll need more than that if you want to make and drink other refreshing beverages such as fruit juice, soda, and even coffee. Have all these with the help of an easy-to-use ice cube tray. Read on and find the best ones for you today with this guide!
14 Awesome Ice Cube Trays and Ice Molds to Buy
Ice cube trays and molds are must-have tools at home and during outdoor trips. They are, after all, the traditional method or tool for producing ice. With that, it is essential to choose the ones that are user-friendly, affordable, and overall suitable for your needs.
Hot weather calls for some cool and delicious concoctions. Create yours the fun and easy way with the help of this set of ice cube trays from DOQAUS. Made from food-grade silicone, these trays are ideal for preparing lemonade and iced tea. You can twist them or poke their soft silicone bottoms for the ice cubes to pop out.
Furthermore, these trays come with removable lids that are equipped with lid lifters. These lids not only make the trays stackable but also help to eliminate odor.
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe silicone construction
- Transparent lids
- Square shape
Specifications
- Item weight: 12 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 6 inches x 4.5 inches x 0.8 inches
Pros
- Ice cubes are easy to release
- Durable and multi-purpose trays
- Convenient lids
- Affordable
Cons
- Hard-to-see fill line
- Trays are smaller than expected
Ice cube trays are commonly made with square-shaped slots. But if you want some variety, these ones from Webake are an excellent choice. They are crafted with long, rectangular slots for freezing any type of liquid. Use it not just for water but also for making frozen juice pops for your kids. With this shape, you’ll even be able to insert the ice cubes in narrow-mouthed water and liquor bottles.
Aside from freezing edibles, these trays are also ideal for molding and casting resin. They are made of flexible and non-porous silicone, so you won’t have to worry about pouring volumes of warm resin liquid into them. This design also makes the trays usable not only in the freezer but also in the microwave and dishwasher.
Key Features
- Silicone construction
- Dishwasher and microwave-safe design
- Rectangular shape
- Blue color
Specifications
- Item weight: 12 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 6 inches x 4.5 inches x 0.8 inches
Pros
- Multi-purpose and versatile
- Sturdy design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Larger and longer than expected
- Does not come with lids
- Takes long to freeze
A fuss-free ice tray makes an effective tool for preparing any kind of drink, and this one from OXO is a great example of that! This ice cube tray is made of durable and food-safe plastic that is perfect for the whole family to use. But what distinguishes it from other ice cube molds is its sliding lid. Such design makes dispensing ice cubes simple, especially for people with muscle and joint pain.
The lid also makes the ice cube tray more sanitary, spill-proof, and stackable with other storage containers in your freezer. There are also grip handles on each side of the lid for quick and easy carrying.
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe plastic construction
- Blue sliding lid and white tray
- Rounded ice cube compartments
Specifications
- Item weight: 8 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 13.39 inches x 5.55 inches x 1.54 inches
Pros
- Overall sturdy design
- Attractive ice cube shape
Cons
- Tray and lid are longer than expected
- Ice slots are smaller than expected
Regular-sized ice trays and ice molds are fun to use for small get-togethers, but mini ones are ideal if you love hosting large gatherings. Take these three LeeYean ice trays for example. Made from food-safe silicone, each of these ice trays has a capacity of 160 nugget-sized ice cubes. That’s 480 ice cubes in total!
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe silicone construction
- Multicolor design
- Nugget-sized ice cube slots
Specifications
- Item weight: 9.9 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 9.5 inches x 4.8 inches x 0.4 inches
Pros
- Sturdy and compact construction
- Affordable
Cons
- Smaller than expected
- Lacks lid
The Arrow Home Products’ mini ice cube trays can accommodate up to 60 cubes per tray. This set is enough for small and large gatherings. The ice cubes slots are also in small, bell-like shapes that are perfect for portable blender bottles and narrow neck sports bottles to hold. Despite the lack of lids, these trays can still be stacked due to stacking lugs on each of the trays’ corners!
Key Features
- Food-safe plastic construction
- Mini round ice cube slots
- Blue color
Specifications
- Item weight: 7 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 10.75 inches x 4 inches x 3 inches
Pros
- Flexible and multipurpose trays
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Does not come with lids
- Short lifespan
Summertime can be much more exciting for you and your kids with these ice molding trays from Caketime. These colorful trays come in the shape of hearts, stars, bears, and shells, making them suitable to use when making yummy ice popsicles and candies. Two droppers that are perfect for your child’s little hands are also available for easy and more accurate liquid pouring. Aside from that, these trays are also handy when molding cake toppers and casting crayon wax!
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe silicone construction
- Multicolor and multi-shape design
- Colorful droppers
Specifications
- Item weight: 8.5 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 9.88 inches x 5.98 inches x 2.8 inches
Pros
- Great variety of molding shapes
- Ice cubes are easy to pop-out
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Gummy bear tray’s slots are shallower than expected
- Has a chemical smell
One of the great things to do during summer is to soak up under the sun while sipping some cold beverages. Doing this is so much easier when you have this ice cube tray from Artleo.
Complete with sturdy construction, this flexible plastic tray allows you to make 55 nugget-sized ice cubes. Unlike most ice trays, this one includes not only a lid but also a storage bin and a scooper, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use!
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe plastic construction
- Transparent lid and storage bin
- Blue tray and scooper
Specifications
- Item weight: 13.1 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 10.35 inches x 6.69 inches x 3.23 inches
Pros
- Ice cubes are easy to release
- Flexible and convenient design
Cons
- Trays are smaller than expected
- Bin is shallower than expected
Heading to the beach soon? This set of ice cube trays from Wibimen is perfect for the trip! Also made from plastic, these trays come with a lid, a storage bin, and a scooper. But instead of the traditional square and rectangular cubes, these trays are made with 66 spherical ice slots. This difference in shape may seem trivial to some, but spherical ice balls melt slower than cubes due to their smaller surface area. Hence, spherical ice balls are excellent not only for use at home but also for outdoor activities.
Key Features
- Non-toxic plastic construction
- Spherical ice slots
- Transparent storage bin with lid and a scooper
- Pale blue ice molding trays with enclosed lids
Specifications
- Item weight: 1.19 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 9.8 inches x 6.2 inches x 3.8 inches
Pros
- Attractive color and design
- Easy-to-use and clean trays
Cons
- No fill line
Another amazing ice tray to help you conquer the cruel summer heat is this one from Icebreaker. This is no ordinary ice tray; it is a water bottle with ice cube slots on both of its opposing sides. As such, taking the ice cubes out is a little different but pretty simple too. First, you’ll need to push and flex the container. Next, with the cap twisted off, proceed with pulling the straps on each side, and then shake the container until the ice cubes pop out! Thanks to its smart design, this watertight container is also easy to carry and transport; perfect for stacking in your portable outdoor fridge!
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe plastic construction
- Container cap and two straps
- Blue and white color combination
Specifications
- Item weight: 9.1 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 2.2 inches x 4.57 inches x 8.23 inches
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Compact design
Cons
- Hard-to-see fill line
This ice tray from LittleStar can make a big difference in ensuring that your drinks are fresh. It sports a similar design as the Icebreaker ice tray, and also functions as a water bottle. As a result, you’ll need to follow the same steps in filling it with water and when taking the ice cubes out.
The distinct differences between the two trays, however, are that this one from LittleStar uses 17 spherical ice cube slots and has a pink and transparent surface. Nonetheless, this tray is as effective in making ice for a refreshing cranberry kombucha, milkshake, or wine slushy.
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe plastic construction
- Container cap and spherical ice slots
- Pink and transparent surfaces
Specifications
- Item weight: 1.1 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 4.5 inches x 1.5 inches x 11 inches
Pros
- Attractive look
- Space-efficient and portable design
Cons
- Ice slots are smaller than expected
- Expensive
Whether you want to store ice for your protein shake or want to freeze some leftover soups, these ice cube trays from Foukus will not disappoint. Having a total of 74 hexagonal ice slots, these trays are used for making delicious, flavored treats and storing excess food. They are also made of non-toxic silicone and have a non-stick bottom design, so it is easy to remove ice. Plus, each one of them has lids that make them neat, stackable, and more convenient to use.
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe silicone construction
- Green and blue colors
- Hexagonal ice slots
Specifications
- Item weight: 10.8 ounces
- Overall dimensions: 8.94 inches x 5.12 inches x 2.2 inches
Pros
- Attractive shape and colors
- Convenient lids
- Easy-to-use and clean
Cons
- Leaves a weird aftertaste on ice
- Smaller than expected
You can stay cool even in the humid weather when you use this set of ice molding trays from glacio. It includes two silicone ice trays, one with square-shaped ice cube slots and the other with spherical ones.
Since both trays are large, they are ideal for freezing large amounts and volumes of ice cream, sauces, and herbs for later use. They’re also great for filling styrofoam cooler boxes with ice for backyard parties and road trips!
Key Features
- Silicone construction
- Spherical and square-shaped slots
- Lid with holes
- Gray color
Specifications
- Item weight: 0.76 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 7 inches x 5 inches x 3 inches
Pros
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Slow freezing
Why buy trays in a single shape when you can get a set of trays in a variety of shapes? Take this plastic set from Topbooc for example. You’ll get not just two, but four various plastic trays in total when you buy them! These trays have molding compartments in a square, hexagonal, diamond, and spherical shapes. All these are ideal for serving ice-cold whiskey and vodka as well as keeping your beer bottles chilled in buckets.
Except the hexagonal tray, all of these ice molders have lids. Small holes on the lids of both the spherical and diamond trays allow for faster and more accurate liquid filling too. With their sleek design and sturdy construction, all of these trays are multifunctional and can be used to freeze milk and puree for your children.
Key Features
- Dishwasher-safe silicone construction
- Large multi-shaped trays
- Lids with holes
- Black color
Specifications
- Item weight: 1.47 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 8.46 inches x 5.67 inches x 4.33 inches
Pros
- Durable trays and lids
- Affordable
Cons
- Trays are smaller than expected
- Lids tend to fall off
If you think ice trays are only available in silicone and plastic, think again. Stainless steel trays, such as this set from Ecozoi, are available too. Naturally strong and eco-friendly, these trays are efficient in molding and releasing ice. Each tray has 18 removable ice cube slots that are suitable for when you want to treat yourself to refreshing pina colada and frozen fruit mojito.
Moreover, these trays are easy to store in your freezer with their steel stacking rack or stand. The rack also has a handle that makes each ice cube tray portable and easy to use. Keep these trays in your home kitchen and outdoor bar for a faster and more enjoyable cold brew experience!
Key Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Removable ice cube slots
- Steel rack and handle
Specifications
- Item weight: 1.5 pounds
- Overall dimensions: 10 inches x 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction
- Convenient design
- Fast freezing capacity
Cons
- A little tedious to use
- Expensive
Things to Consider When Choosing Ice Cube Trays and Ice Molds
When selecting an ice cube tray, there are a few factors to consider for your choice to meet your needs and preferences. These include the material used to make it, the size, the shape, and the overall ease of use. These factors serve as the basis for the recommended products we listed above.
Materials
There are three kinds of materials commonly used in the production of ice trays: plastic, silicone, and stainless steel.
Plastic and silicone ice trays can be considered a practical choice since they come in more versatile forms. They are waterproof, lightweight, and generally affordable. They are safe to use as well because they go through food and safety tests during production. As a result, they are also usually compatible to use on dishwashers and microwaves.
Between plastic and silicone though, silicone tends to be softer, more pliable, and also more durable because they resist breaking and warping. The only issue with them is that they easily absorb and retain odor.
Steel trays, like the ones from Ecozoi do not pick up the freezer smell. Unlike synthetic ones, these trays are naturally durable and non-toxic. Even though they’re trickier to operate and are a little expensive, they are nonetheless the best option if you want more sustainable and long-lasting trays.
Read more: Why Do Ice Cubes Float In A Glass Of Water?
Lids
Another essential factor to consider is the inclusion of lids. Not all ice trays include one, but it is necessary if you want to ensure that the smell of the freezer does not permeate the ice cubes.
Aside from preventing the spillage of water from the tray, a lid also prevents contamination by other foods in your freezer. Additionally, it makes ice trays more stackable. It adds more structure and stability and makes the tray easier to arrange. Some products, such as the OXO Good Grips, have flexible and sliding lids for easy use and storage as well.
Ice Compartment Size and Shape
Both the size and shape of an ice tray’s ice slots or compartments must also be given importance. As we’ve mentioned, small ice cubes tend to freeze faster, whereas larger ones take longer. Regular-sized ice cubes take three to four hours to freeze, so trays with mini ice cube slots, such as those sold by LeeYean and Arrow Home Products, should take less time.
Ice cubes are commonly made in square shapes, but rectangular, hexagonal, and diamond shapes are also available. There are also ones with much more complicated shapes, such as the one from Caketime, if you are fond of making visually-pleasing frozen treats.
Spherical ice slots are also available and popular, for good reason. Spherical ice or ice balls have less surface area exposed than ice cubes with many corners. As a result, they melt slower when exposed to and placed in liquid than other shapes of ice.
Tray Color and Overall Design
The overall look and construction of the ice trays themselves must also suit your needs and taste. Large and long ice trays are ideal for large and spacious freezers. Meanwhile, a compact and slim ice tray, like the ones from Icebreaker and LittleStar, are the best choice if you have a small fridge.
Ice trays and molds come in various colors too so you can always find one that suits your personality or matches the theme of your home. Go for ice trays that have colorful and warm colors if you want one that looks vibrant and easy to spot. Those that have muted neutral colors, like the ones from glacio and Topbooc, are perfect too if you prefer a simple yet sleek look.
Lids are not the only thing that ice trays need to be stackable. The tray’s bottom design and surfaces should not be too smooth and flat but have just enough friction and grip so that they won’t slide off when stacked over other trays. You can see this on all the recommended products listed above but most notably on the Foukus and Arrow Home Products’ trays!
Wrapping It Up
With reliable ice cube trays and ice molds, you can go freshen up with some ice-cold beverages anytime you want. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs that can truly make a difference in your drink and snack preparation. Grab the best one for you today for a cooler and more relaxing summer experience!
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