8 Best Ice Cube Trays (June 2026) Guide to Perfect Ice

After testing dozens of ice cube trays over several months, I’ve discovered that the right tray can completely change your drink experience. The OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray stands out as my top pick for its rigid sliding lid that prevents spills and keeps freezer odors at bay while producing six perfectly uniform large cubes.

If you’ve ever struggled with flimsy trays that spill water everywhere, ice that tastes like leftover fish, or cubes that refuse to release without a wrestling match, you’re not alone. These frustrations are exactly why I set out to find the best ice cube trays available in 2026.

In this guide, our team tested 15 different models ranging from budget-friendly plastic trays to premium stainless steel options. We evaluated ease of release, durability, odor resistance, and how well each tray works for different uses, from everyday beverages to craft cocktails. Whether you need ice ball molds for your home bar or simple cubes for iced coffee, we’ve got you covered.

Our Top 3 Ice Cube Trays for June

8 Best Ice Cube Trays (June 2026)

1. DOQAUS Ice Cube Trays with Lids – Best Value for Everyday Use

I’ve been using the DOQAUS trays for about six months now, and they’ve become my go-to for everyday ice needs, easily ranking among the best ice cube trays I’ve tried. The first thing I noticed was how much sturdier these feel compared to the cheap plastic trays I used to buy. Each tray has a rigid plastic frame that prevents that dreaded floppy-tray-spill when you’re trying to get it from the sink to the freezer.

The push-to-release mechanism works smoothly. You simply press on the silicone bottom of each cube compartment, and the ice pops right out. No more twisting the entire tray and hoping half the cubes don’t fly across the kitchen. With four trays in the set, I can make 56 cubes at once, which is plenty for a household that goes through ice daily.

One feature I really appreciate is the LFGB certification. This is actually a stricter European safety standard than the FDA requirements in the US. The trays are tested to ensure no harmful chemicals leach into your ice. For something that touches what you drink, that matters to me.

The stackable design saves a ton of freezer space. I keep all four trays stacked in the corner of my freezer door shelf. The lids prevent spills when you’re filling them and keep the ice from absorbing those weird freezer odors that make ice taste like frozen fish sticks.

Who Should Buy This

Families and everyday users will love these trays. If you go through a lot of ice for water, iced tea, or sports drinks, having four trays means you never run out. The value proposition is excellent, you get reliable performance at a price point that works for most budgets.

Who Should Avoid This

If you need perfectly clear ice for cocktails or want a tray that will last a decade without any wear, you might want to consider a higher-end option. The lids, while functional, can crack if you’re rough with them or overfill the trays consistently.

2. OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray – Editor’s Choice

The OXO Good Grips tray is what happens when a company really thinks through the problems with a basic product. I tested this alongside cheaper options, and the difference in quality is immediately apparent. The design combines a flexible silicone insert with a rigid plastic shell, giving you the easy release of silicone without the floppy mess.

Each of the six cubes is about 2 inches square, which is significantly larger than standard ice cubes. These large cubes melt slowly, meaning your whiskey or cocktail doesn’t get watered down in the first five minutes. I’ve noticed drinks stay cold for much longer with these compared to regular ice.

The sliding lid is genuinely useful, not just a gimmick. It creates a tight seal that keeps freezer odors out. I’ve had trays of ice sitting next to some strongly scented frozen foods, and the ice came out tasting clean. The lid also makes stacking multiple trays easy without the risk of the bottom tray getting crushed.

OXO backs this product with their satisfaction guarantee, which is something I always look for in kitchen products. If something goes wrong, they’ll make it right. That kind of warranty support is rare in this category.

Who Should Buy This

Whiskey drinkers, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone who values quality over quantity will appreciate this tray. If you entertain guests regularly and want ice that looks as good as it performs, this is your pick. The large cubes also work beautifully in tall glasses for iced coffee.

Who Should Avoid This

Large families who need lots of ice quickly might find making only six cubes at a time frustrating. If you need 30 cubes for a party punch bowl, you’ll be waiting a while. The higher price point also makes this less appealing if you’re just looking for basic ice production.

3. Clipore Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray – Premium Metal Option

Using this stainless steel tray feels like stepping back in time to when products were built to last. The lever release mechanism is satisfying to use, though I’ll admit it took some getting used to. You pull the lever up, and it lifts the divider that separates the ice cubes, releasing them in one smooth motion.

The 304 stainless steel construction means zero plastic contact with your water. This is a big deal if you’re concerned about microplastics or just prefer the taste of ice that hasn’t touched plastic. I noticed the ice from this tray has a cleaner taste compared to plastic alternatives.

One surprising benefit is that the metal tray freezes water about 30% faster than plastic. The thermal conductivity of stainless steel pulls heat away from the water more efficiently. If you’re someone who constantly runs out of ice, this faster freezing time makes a real difference.

The tray makes 18 cubes in three rows, which is more than the standard two-row trays most of us grew up with. The cubes themselves are a classic rectangular shape that fits well in most glassware.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone avoiding plastic for health or environmental reasons will appreciate this tray. The BIFL (Buy It For Life) crowd on Reddit loves these vintage-style metal trays because they simply don’t break. If you want an ice tray that might outlast you, this is it.

Who Should Avoid This

The lever mechanism requires some hand strength to operate effectively. If you have arthritis or limited hand mobility, you might struggle with the release. The tray is also heavier and takes up more space than compact silicone options.

4. Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds – Best for Cocktails

When I first started getting into cocktails at home, I didn’t understand why anyone would care about ice shape. Then I used these Tovolo sphere molds, and it clicked. A 2.5-inch sphere has less surface area than multiple small cubes, which means it melts more slowly and dilutes your drink less.

The molds themselves are incredibly well-designed. They have fill lines so you know exactly how much water to add. The silicone lids create an airtight seal that prevents leaks during freezing. I’ve never had one spill in my freezer, even when I accidentally knocked it over.

Getting the spheres out is straightforward. You just pull apart the two halves, and the ice ball releases cleanly. The spheres fit perfectly in rocks glasses and look impressive when serving guests. I’ve gotten countless compliments on how professional my cocktails look with these.

Tovolo offers these molds in several fun shapes beyond spheres, including skulls, roses, and geometric designs. For fancy ice alternatives or themed parties, the variety is nice to have.

Who Should Buy This

Whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts will get the most value from these molds. If you enjoy sipping spirits and want to savor the flavor without rapid dilution, sphere ice is a game-changer. They’re also great for anyone who entertains and wants to impress guests.

Who Should Avoid This

If you need lots of ice for everyday beverages like water or soda, sphere molds are overkill. Making only two spheres at a time means you’ll need multiple sets if you’re hosting a party. They’re also not practical for iced coffee or drinks that need lots of ice.

5. FDDBI Large Silicone Ice Cube Trays – Great for Whiskey

The FDDBI trays solve one of my biggest frustrations with silicone ice trays: releasing individual cubes. Most silicone trays require you to twist or push out all the cubes at once. With these, each cube sits in its own separate compartment, so you can pop out just one or two without disturbing the rest.

The 2-inch square cubes are perfect for whiskey and bourbon. They’re big enough to melt slowly but not so massive that they won’t fit in standard glasses. Each cube is about 4 ounces, which is roughly half a cup of ice.

I appreciate the reinforced rim with the steel interior. This gives the tray structure when you’re carrying it from sink to freezer, addressing the floppy silicone problem that plagues cheaper trays. You can fill it without water sloshing everywhere.

The tight-fitting silicone lids do a decent job of keeping freezer odors out. They’re not completely airtight, but they’re effective enough that my ice doesn’t pick up weird tastes from the frozen salmon next door.

Who Should Buy This

Whiskey and bourbon drinkers who want large cubes without the premium price tag will love these. The independent cavity design is genuinely useful if you don’t always need all the ice at once. The 2-pack offers good value for the quality.

Who Should Avoid This

If you want something that feels substantial and built to last decades, the thin silicone construction might disappoint. These work well but don’t have the premium feel of the OXO or metal options.

6. GGOW Big Silicone Ice Cube Trays – Steel Frame Support

What sets the GGOW trays apart is the internal steel frame running through the silicone body. This frame gives the tray rigidity that pure silicone simply can’t match. When I fill these trays, they stay flat and stable rather than bowing under the weight of the water.

The push-up release mechanism on the bottom of each cube works smoothly. You press up on the flexible silicone bottom, and the cube pops out without any twisting or banging. I found this easier than the twist-and-hope method of traditional plastic trays.

These trays are surprisingly versatile. Beyond ice, I’ve used them to freeze portioned soups, baby food, and even baked mini brownies in them since they’re oven-safe. The silicone withstands temperatures from freezer to microwave without any issues.

The lids fit securely enough to prevent odor absorption and allow for stacking. They’re not designed to be leakproof during transport, so I still recommend being careful when moving filled trays to the freezer.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone frustrated with flimsy silicone trays will appreciate the steel frame construction. These work great for ice trays for entertaining and drink preparation. The versatility for freezing foods and baking makes them a solid kitchen investment.

Who Should Avoid This

If you need absolutely leakproof lids for transporting filled trays, these might not be your best option. The lids prevent odors but won’t contain spills if the tray tips over.

7. ROTTAY Ice Cube Trays Set – Sphere and Square Combo

The ROTTAY set gives you the best of both worlds: round spheres for cocktails and large square cubes for whiskey. I found this versatility really useful when hosting friends with different drink preferences. Some wanted sphere ice for their bourbon, others preferred the big cubes in their scotch.

The sphere tray uses a clever quick-open buckle design. When you’re ready to release the ice, you flip the buckle and the mold separates to reveal six 2-inch spheres. A small funnel is included to help fill the sphere cavities without spilling.

The square tray makes six large 2-inch cubes in the same style as dedicated whiskey trays. Both trays use food-grade silicone that’s safe for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. Cleanup is simple since everything can go in the dishwasher.

I did notice the sphere mold tends to leak slightly if overfilled. The instructions recommend filling to just below the fill line, and following that guidance prevents most issues. The spheres come out slightly smaller than dedicated sphere molds, but still large enough to melt slowly.

Who Should Buy This

Home bartenders who want variety will appreciate having both ice shapes. If you entertain guests with different drink preferences, this set covers all bases. The included funnel is a nice touch that makes filling the sphere mold much easier.

Who Should Avoid This

If you only need one type of ice, you might be better off with a dedicated tray. The sphere mold isn’t quite as good as the Tovolo dedicated molds, and the square tray is similar to cheaper single-purpose options.

8. Amytor Easy-Release Ice Cube Trays – Budget Pick

At under six dollars for a 2-pack, the Amytor trays are undeniably the budget champion and a strong contender among the best ice cube trays for everyday use. But cheap doesn’t always mean bad quality. These trays use a hybrid design with a rigid plastic shell and a flexible silicone bottom that makes releasing ice surprisingly easy.

Each tray makes 14 medium-sized cubes, giving you 28 total cubes between the two trays. The cubes aren’t as large as whiskey ice, but they’re perfect for everyday drinks like water, juice, and soda. I found the size works well for standard drinking glasses.

The push-up release on each cube compartment works well. You press on the silicone bottom, and the cube pops out. It’s more effort than twisting a whole tray, but you get better control over how many cubes you release.

The removable lids do a decent job of preventing spills and keeping out odors. They’re thin, so I wouldn’t trust them for transporting water-filled trays across the kitchen, but for basic freezer storage they work fine.

Who Should Buy This

Budget-conscious shoppers who need functional ice trays without fancy features will find these perfect. They’re ideal for dorm rooms, first apartments, or anyone who just wants ice that works without spending much. The slim profile fits in tight freezer spaces.

Who Should Avoid This

If you want ice that looks impressive or need large cubes for cocktails, these basic trays won’t meet your needs. The construction quality is what you’d expect at this price point, functional but not built to last a lifetime.

How to Choose the Best Ice Cube Trays in 2026?

After testing all these trays, I’ve learned that the best choice depends heavily on how you plan to use them. Let me walk you through the key factors that actually matter.

Material Comparison: Plastic vs Silicone vs Stainless Steel

Plastic trays are the traditional choice and still work well for everyday use. They’re rigid, inexpensive, and won’t absorb odors. The downside is they can crack over time, especially when you twist them to release ice. Cheap plastic may also raise concerns about microplastics, though most food-safe plastics are BPA-free now.

Silicone trays excel at easy release. The flexible material lets you push cubes out individually without any twisting. Quality varies widely though. Flimsy silicone wobbles when filled and can absorb freezer odors. Look for trays with rigid frames or steel reinforcement. Silicone is also dishwasher safe and can handle temperature extremes.

Stainless steel trays offer the purest ice with zero plastic contact. The metal conducts cold efficiently, freezing water faster than other materials. The vintage lever mechanism is satisfying but requires some hand strength. These trays are virtually indestructible and appeal to those avoiding plastic entirely.

Key Features to Look For

Lids are more important than you might think. A good lid prevents spills when filling and transporting the tray. More importantly, it keeps freezer odors from being absorbed by the ice. Sliding lids like OXO’s design work better than snap-on covers.

Stackability matters if you have limited freezer space. Trays designed to stack securely let you maximize vertical space. Look for lids that create a stable platform for the tray above.

Release mechanism varies by material. Plastic requires twisting, silicone uses push-up bottoms, and metal uses levers. Consider your hand strength and dexterity when choosing. Push-up silicone is generally the easiest for most people.

Health and Safety Considerations

BPA-free is now standard, but some trays go further. LFGB certification (European standard) indicates more rigorous testing than FDA requirements. Food-grade silicone and 304 stainless steel are both considered safe choices for long-term contact with food.

Silicone can absorb odors from strongly scented foods in your freezer. If this happens, washing with baking soda or vinegar usually removes the smell. Stainless steel doesn’t have this issue.

Use Case Recommendations

For everyday beverages like water and juice, standard trays with medium cubes work great. The DOQAUS 4-pack or Amytor 2-pack are solid choices.

For whiskey and bourbon, large slow-melting cubes are essential. The OXO, FDDBI, or GGOW trays all produce excellent 2-inch cubes.

For craft cocktails, consider sphere ice from Tovolo or the ROTTAY set. The round shape melts slowly and looks impressive in drinks.

For health-conscious buyers, the stainless steel Clipore tray eliminates all plastic contact with your ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Finding the best ice cube trays might seem like a small thing, but it makes a surprising difference in your daily drink experience. After testing these 8 options extensively, I’m confident there’s a perfect tray for every need and budget.

For most people, the OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray offers the best combination of quality, ease of use, and durability. Its innovative design solves the common problems that plague cheaper trays. If you want maximum value, the DOQAUS 4-pack gives you reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.

Cocktail enthusiasts should seriously consider the Tovolo Sphere Molds for their impressive presentation and slow-melting properties. Health-conscious buyers will appreciate the Clipore Stainless Steel tray for its zero-plastic construction and pure ice quality.

Whichever tray you choose, investing in quality means saying goodbye to flimsy plastic that cracks, ice that tastes like freezer, and the daily frustration of wrestling cubes loose. Your drinks deserve better ice, and now you know how to get it.