Essentials - BarPX

To keep those dranks just the way you love: chilled and non-diluted! There is nothing like a cold beverage on a sweltering hot day! Ice cube trays in the 50s were made of stainless steel, but plastic took over a decade later. In the 80s, trays with lids started appearing, and towards the beginning of the 2000s, silicone trays made their entry. It may be a tough task to pick an ice cube tray from the innumerable options. These molds make cubes that make cubes of different shapes and sizes. To make it easy for you, we have rounded up a dozen of the best ice cube trays in the market. So, buy one, get those little or big chunks into your drink, and enjoy a cold one on us! 1. Editor’s Choice: Glacio Ice Cube Trays The best ice cube tray overall for large square and spherical ice Material: SiliconeCreates: 6 giant cubes a shade under 2 inches in square and spherical shapesMeasures: 7.25 x 5 x 3.13 inchesWeighs: 5.7 ounces Glacio’s ice trays can pop out 6 large ice cubes in squares of spherical shapes with ease. Made of BPA-free silicone, you can add a touch of class to your glass of whiskey, bourbon, or cocktail by adding the ice from these trays. The simple design and the silicone construction make it easy to pop out ice cubes to add to your drinks. The silicone is high-quality and durable, so the chances of breaking the tray are next to impossible as you twist a little to get the ice out. The large ice cubes allow you to get inventive. You can use the cubes to chill and refresh your cold beverages or even create popsicles out of your fruit juices. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, glacio also offers a money-back guarantee on this set of 2 trays, one is a sphere, and the other is square-shaped. Standout Features: Pair of trays in 2 shapes for 2 ice-shapes - sphere and squareMakes a dozen ice cubes in allMade with BPA-free and durable siliconeAllows you to get creative with your drinks Pros: You get two different ice shapes in one packEasy to clean and dishwasher safeMade with food-grade safe materials Durable and does not break with useAdds a touch of creativity to your drinks Cons: The spherical shaped tray seems to lack design integrity. https://www.amazon.com/glacio-Cube-Trays-Silicone-Combo/dp/B010KPESWU/ 2. Tovolo Sphere Ice molds For the colossal spherical cubes for your cocktails and whiskeys Material: PlasticCreates: 2.25-inch cubesMeasures: 3.5 x 3.5 x 6.5 inchesWeighs: 8.4 ounces Tovolo Sphere Ice mold trays make colossal 2.25 inches ice cubes that are perfect for your highball glasses. These cubes melt oh-so-slowly to keep your drink from watering down and diluting. The tight-fitting lids not only prevent odors but stack up easily and compactly. Made with plastic, these trays are BPA-free, durable, and dishwasher safe. Take note to freeze only for 4 hours for that perfect spherical shape your cocktail or whiskey is longing for! Standout features: Over-sized, slow-melting iceTight lids prevent odors from entering inCan be staked convenientlyDurable and made with MPA-free food-grade materialsDishwasher safe Pros: Humungous ice cubes are perfect for your cocktails, coffee, tea, and many beveragesKeeps drinks cold and refreshed longer as the cubes are slow meltingNo more diluted and watered-down drinksEasy to clean and maintainDurable Cons: It is made of plastic, so it may break and cause leaks. https://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-Leak-Free-Sphere-Molds-Silicone/dp/B007ACTN54/ 3. OMORC Ice Cube Trays For easy use overall and great value for money Material: SiliconeCreates: 14 cubes in 1 tray, 56 in allMeasures: 9.8 x 3.8 x 1.9 inchesWeighs: 6.4 ounces OMORC comes as a pack of 4 ice cube trays, each of which can hold 14 ice cubes and feature removable lids to eliminate nasty odors and prevent spills. They stack up easily too. Moreover, the trays are made of flexible silicone material making it easy to pop the cubes out. You can use these in more ways than one. Apart from making ice for your drinks, you can also fill the molds with fruits, ice cream, soda, and wine. The green color is fun and vibrant, and the trays are made of BPA-free silicone build to last for years! Plus, they are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. One of the best aspects is that it is super affordable! Standout features: Can keep your drinks chilled all day long as they can hold 54 ice cubes in the 4 traysFeatures a removable lidCan be stacked effortlesslyMade with BPA-free and flexible silicone Pros: Large capacitySaves spaceIce cubes can be popped out effortlessly without twisting and turningDurableDurable, dishwasher safe, and affordable Cons: The rectangular cubes are smaller than traditional ice cubes. https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Release-Spill-Resistant-Removable-Certified-Dishwasher/dp/B07SQ4JGV2/ 4. Adoric Ice Cube Trays Great for cocktails! Material: SiliconeCreates: 2 molds, one for 2-inch cubes and the other for ice ballsMeasures: 6.81 x 5.04 x 3.19 inchesWeighs: 12:6 ounces Two different ice options in one set are always great to mix things around! This set features two molds: one for crafting 1.8-inch ice balls and the other one for creating 2-inch ice cubes. Both these are perfectly suited for drinks like cocktails and whiskeys, where slow dilution of ice makes the drink more enjoyable. Made with 100% food-grade silicone, these trays are durable and BPA-free. Moreover, they are easy to clean, use, fill, and release! Standout features: 2 different ice shapes in one setSuited for strong drinks where slow dilution is desirableMade with food-grade siliconeDurable and BPA-free Pros: Dishwasher-safeThe ice cubes melt a lot slower than typical cubesDurable as it is made of silicone Cons: The sphere cubes can be tricky to make https://www.amazon.com/Adoric-Silicone-Sphere-Whiskey-Reusable/dp/B07L4MLZT3 5. Budget-Friendly: Arrow Ice Cube Tray For the super easy and effortless ice cubes release Material: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Plastic Creates: 60 mini ice balls, 180 overall Measures: 10.75 x 4 x 3 inches Weighs: 7 ounces Arrow Ice Cube tray comes as a set of 3, each of which can hold 60 pebble-like ice cubes. The best part of these trays is that it takes only a simple twist for cubes to fall right out of the tray. They can be put into sports bottles, soda bottles, and even blenders. You can enjoy these fast-melt cubes in your cocktails and kids in their fruit juices. Made with BPA-friendly plastic, these trays are durable, break-resistant, and dishwasher safe. Standout features: Made of BPA free food-safe polypropylene materialCan hold 60 small round ice cubes in a trayThe ice cube mold is designed for easy ice cube release Pros: Large capacity can hold 180 mini cubes in the 3 trays!Durable and break-resistantDishwasher safeThe cubes can be fit into water bottles, sports bottles, and soda bottlesTrays are sturdy Cons: Trays don’t stack easily as advertised. https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Home-Products-Cube-Tray/dp/B00X2XK8O0/ 6. niceCube Mini Ice Cube Trays Great for small crushed ice Material: SiliconeCreates: 2 trays each of which makes 160, 1 cm ice cubes; 320 overallMeasures: 9.5 x 4.75 x 0.4 inchesWeighs: 3.68 ounces niceCube ice trays come in a pack of 2, each of which makes 160 small ice cubes of 1 cm each. These small square ice cubes are great for crushed ice, coffee, smoothies, frappuccinos, hard candy, and chocolate bites. They also fit water bottles and soda bottles. Back from your morning job and can’t wait for a chilled drink to refresh you? No problem. These cubes freeze super fast, and once you pop them into your juice, it will chill it fast too! Made with high grade, BPA free silicone, it is flexible like rubber! To remove the cubes, it is recommended you tilt the mold upside down and bend it back and roll out the cubes. Features: Set of 2 trays, each can create 160 1 cm ice cubesThe cubes freeze quicklyMade with high-grade BPA-free silicone Pros: Plenty of ice cubesYou can enjoy a chilled beverage anytime as the cubes freeze fast and the drinks get chilled quicklyThe cubes fit into water bottlesDishwasher safe and oven safeGreat for juices, slushies, cocktails, tea, coffee, smoothies, chocolate bites, etc. Cons: The cubes can be hard to get out. https://www.amazon.com/niceCube-Mini-Ice-Cube-Trays/dp/B01L7ZFBXW/ 7. Rubbermaid Easy Release Ice Cube Tray A simple, no-frills tray for easy ice-removal Material: PlasticCreates: 16 in a tray, 2 trays so 32 rectangular cubes overallMeasures: 12.5 x 1.7 x 4.8 inchesWeighs: 0.8 ounces There is nothing amazing about the design or look of this no-fuss ice cube trays. But the last for years and the ice cubes are easy to pop out. Tilt them over, and you will have a few cubes fall out on their own accord. Twist a bit to get the rest out easily. Standout features: Rectangular ice cubesMade of plastic Pros: CheapDurableYou don’t have to push to get the ice out. Cons: A handful of users got the wrong orders deliveredSmaller cubes in comparison to other trays https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Easy-Release-Cube-Tray/dp/B00T8DW1NO 8. Lekue Ice Box A portable cooler that staches ice when you want a chilled drink Material: PlasticCreates: 4 trays stores 132 ice cubesMeasures: 8.9 x 4.9 x 4.6 inchesWeighs: 1 pound This portable cooler can hold up to 132 ice cubes in its 4 trays. The box is made with BPA-free ABS plastic with a hollow base to prevent condensation. The lid is made of thick, resistant silicone, which makes it easy to handle. An air chamber provides insulation to keep the ice chilled no matter the climate outside. Enjoying a cocktail party outdoors? Just take these to your back patio and pop the ice cubes into your drink! Standout Features: Comes with 4 trays to make 132 ice cubesThe container is made with BPA-free plasticAir chamber gives insulation to keep the cubes chilled and prevents odorsPortableAesthetically appealing Pros: Lovely for table-side presentationPortable coolerCan make a whopping 132 ice cubesNo condensation designEasy to handle and carryAir chamber prevents odors and keeps the cubes chilled even in warmer weathers Cons: Occupies a lot of spaceA dozen users complained of weird ice taste and tray taste with time https://www.amazon.com/Lekue-0250400B01C002-Ice-Box-White/dp/B005SA85PE 9. W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray with Protective Lid Great for large ice cubes! Material: SiliconeCreates: 12-1.25 inches cubesMeasures: 7.63 x 5.63 x 1.63 inchesWeighs: 8.4 ounces This is a silicone tray from the eco-friendly brand W&P. It crafts a dozen ice cubes measuring 1.25 inches each. These give your drinks the perfect chill and slow dilution. The perimeter is rimmed with a silicone steel interior to provide strength and rigidity. So you will no longer have to worry about messy spills from your labor from the sink to the freezer. Each compartment is individually molded, so you can pop out a single cube if required without having to twist and turn the tray. It comes with a lid that will keep your ice fresh without the freezer odors. Standout features: Made from BPA-free and lead-free high-grade SiliconeMakes 12 ice cubes of 1.25 inches eachGives ultimate chillness to your drinks Slow dilution of the ice cubesNo cracking of traysEasy pop out of iceFeatures a lid to keep ice free of freezer odorsSeveral other shapes of ice available from the same brand, including crushed ice and thin spearsAlso comes as a set of 2 or 4 (sold separately)A stabilized internal steel frame makes it easy to fill and transfer trays to the freezer without spills Pros: A dozen large cubesIndividually molded compartmentsSlow dilution of cubes in drinksTrendy and sleek designNo-spills transfer from the sink to freezerComes in several interesting colors like Charcoal, Marble Black, Peak Blue, Speckled Pink, and more. Cons: Features a lid, but it is not attached. It does not snap into place to provide sealing. https://www.amazon.com/WP-ICE-ED-BL1-Works-Everyday-Silicone-Dishwasher/dp/B01EKC1L0G 10. Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Mold Trays The Ultimate Silicone Ice Cube Tray Material: SiliconeCreates: 2 trays, each creates 15 -1.25 inches ice cubes, overall 30 square cubesMeasures: 4.5 x 7.12 x 1.5 inchesWeighs: 5.6 ounces Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Mold Trays does indeed create those perfect 1.25-inch ice blocks for your juices, smoothies, cocktails, coffee, and more. It is made with durable, fade-resistant silicone that lasts through many freezing cycles yet does not brittle or discolor. With silicone, you can remove as many or as few ice cubes as you want without it putting up or fighting or offering resistance. Push upwards along the bottom of the compartments to pop out the ice cubes. The food-grade silicone will not alter or affect the taste of your ice either. Although dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to wash them by rinsing them with water and vinegar every few days. Standout features: The sturdy silicone construction makes 15-1.25 inches ice blocksSilicone tray releases the ice nice and easyFood-grade silicone is BPA-freeFade-resistant trays that will not brittle or discolor Pros: Makes large ice cubesNo flavor transfer to the cubesDishwasher-safeComes in 9 attractive and vibrant colors, including Candy Apple, Capri Blue, Fuchsia, Ice Blue, Orange Peel, Spring Green, Vivid Violet, and more. Cons: It does not come with a lidIce cubes tend to stick to the trays are difficult to remove https://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-Perfect-Sturdy-Silicone-Resistant/dp/B000F3LF0G 11. OXO Good Grips No-Spill Ice Cube Tray Best leak-proof, no-spill lid Material: PlasticCreates: 14 rectangular ice cubesMeasures: 1 x 5.88 x 14.31 inchesWeighs: 8.8 ounces If you have plenty of frozen vegetables and fruits in your fridge and need to accommodate an ice tray, you have to make space to keep them level. This little hassle can be eliminated when you go for an OXO no-spill tray. This tray comes with a sealable silicone lid, so you can carry your trays from the sink to the freezer and encounter no spills in your journey. They can be kept in an angular tilt if your freezer is crowded, and still, you won’t be encumbered by spills! The lid does not allow the cubes to absorb unpleasant freezer odors. You can remove and wash them in the top rack of your dishwasher. Standout Features: No-leak, no-spill trayMakes 14 rectangular ice cubesComes with a super-functional sealed lidComfortable handle for a firm grip while filling the tray and carrying it to and from the freezer Pros: The lid is top-rack dishwasher-friendly The sealed lid provides for angular storage in a crowded freezerEasy to fill and store without spills and leaksCubes can be taken out easily Cons: Opposed to what the brand advertises, quite a handful of users reported problems with spills and unpleasant odors.The lid can be tricky to get off the freezer. https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-No-Spill-Silicone-White/dp/ 12. Onyx Ice Cube Trays It is the best stainless steel ice cube tray Material: 18/8 stainless steelCreates: 18 square ice cubes, each measuring 1.5 x 2 inchesMeasures: 11.25 x 5 x 2 inchesWeight: 1.2 pounds This old-school tray made from stainless steel provides great durability. Moreover, it will not absorb any unpleasant freezer odors. So you can freeze juices, soups, and even mashed baby food, and when you take them out, they will taste like they are supposed to. This tray makes 18 large cubes. It may not have the flexibility of silicone molds. But the stainless steel handle in the middle makes the ice cubes extraction process easy. Once your ice is frozen, all you need to do is overturn the handles, remove the dividers, and the ice cubes will jump out. Since the cubes are large, you won’t be faced with water meltdowns that may ruin a cocktail or a good old-fashioned! Standout features: Made with durable 18/8 stainless steelStainless steel trays do not absorb unpleasant freezer odorsDoes not impart any flavor to your drinksMakes 18 large cubesFeatures a handle in the center and dividers Pros: Vintage, old-school ice cube tray designExtremely durableFun removal of iceNo dilution of your favorite cocktail or other beverages because larger ice takes longer to melt Cons: Does not come with a lidExpensive than other options in silicone or plasticHave to wait until ice cubes are partially melted, or run the cubes under warm water to loosen them. https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Stainless-Steel-ICE001-Slot/dp/B0027V9OR0/ Final Icy touch! There are few things to keep in mind before you buy an ice tray. Let us recap those! Trays that allow you to pop out ice easily and do not impart any flavors or odors are desirable. Depending on whether you want concentrated drinks or undiluted drinks, you can choose the ice size! You should consider the material. Ice cubes come in plastic and silicone, and there are a few stainless steel options too. Each has its own pros and cons. Plastics are durable and release ice easily, but they make cracks and impart odors or flavors to your cubes. Silicone is flexible and durable, but it may also absorb unpleasant freezer odors if you are not careful. Steel trays are durable, crack-resistant, and impart no odor or taste to the cubes. But, cube extraction can be a little tricky. The size and shape of the cubes matter. Larger cubes melt slowly, so if you are not for watered-down drinks, go for trays that make large cubes. Small cubes melt quickly and are perfect for concentrated drinks like few fruit juices and iced coffee. Some make only half a dozen ice cubes, while there are options to make upward of a hundred cubes as well! There are options for stackable trays, which lets you make more ice and also save freezer space.