Introduction
When it comes to keeping drinks cool, ice cube trays are an essential part of any home or bar. In 2025, manufacturers are offering trays with better materials, more creative shapes, and easy-release technology, making ice-making more convenient and hygienic than ever before.
In this guide, we review the 8 best ice cube maker trays available this year, with pros and cons for each, helping you choose the perfect one for your kitchen, cocktail bar, or outdoor entertaining setup.
Why You Need a Quality Ice Cube Maker Tray
Better Ice Quality
Cheap trays can crack, leak, or impart strange odors to your ice. A high-quality tray gives you clean, taste-free cubes every time.
Durability and Ease of Use
Premium trays use food-grade silicone or durable plastic, which makes releasing ice easy and prevents breaking over time.
Creative Shapes
Round ice spheres, giant cubes, and novelty shapes are available for those who love to impress guests with presentation.
8 Best Ice Cube Maker Trays in 2025
1. Orifuture Drip Tray + Ice Maker Combo
This innovative combo keeps your counters dry while making perfect cubes.
- Pros: Prevents puddles, easy to clean, compact design.
- Cons: Not a standalone ice mold; best used with an ice press setup.
2. Silicone Sphere Ice Mold
Perfect for whiskey lovers, this mold creates large, slow-melting spheres that chill drinks without diluting them too quickly.
- Pros: Premium look for cocktails, easy to fill, dishwasher safe.
- Cons: Slower freezing time due to size of spheres.
3. Extra-Large Ice Cube Tray
This tray produces massive cubes that last longer, making it ideal for iced coffee and bourbon enthusiasts.
- Pros: Long-lasting ice, thick silicone walls for durability.
- Cons: Requires more freezer space.
4. Stackable Covered Ice Trays
Great for small freezers or shared spaces, these trays have lids that prevent spills and freezer odors.
- Pros: Space-saving design, keeps ice clean, prevents contamination.
- Cons: Lids can warp if washed in very hot water.
5. Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray
A classic choice that is making a comeback for eco-conscious households.
- Pros: Extremely durable, zero plastic, quick freeze time.
- Cons: More expensive and can be harder to release cubes.
6. Novelty Shape Trays
Perfect for parties, these trays produce skull, heart, or star-shaped cubes that add fun to any occasion.
- Pros: Fun for kids and themed events, variety of shapes.
- Cons: Smaller cubes melt faster.
7. Easy-Release Twist Trays
Classic twist-and-release plastic trays are simple and effective for quick ice production.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, widely available.
- Cons: Can crack over time, less durable than silicone.
8. Commercial-Grade Silicone Mold
Heavy-duty molds for bars or restaurants that need large batches of ice daily.
- Pros: High-volume production, thick silicone for long lifespan.
- Cons: Bulky and not ideal for small freezers.
Featured Product: Orifuture Drip Tray for Ice Maker
The Orifuture Drip Tray is designed to keep your countertops dry and mess-free while pressing ice. This simple yet essential accessory ensures that water drips are contained, reducing the risk of slipping and preventing water damage.
Product Highlights
- Size: 230 × 150 × 34 mm – compact but effective.
- Function: Collects excess water from ice presses and trays.
- Benefit: No more puddles or messy countertops.
- Design: Easy to clean and maintain.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tray
- Material: Choose food-grade silicone or BPA-free plastic for safety and durability.
- Capacity: Consider how many cubes you need per batch.
- Ease of Release: Flexible trays or push-bottom designs make removing ice simple.
- Shape Options: Decide between standard cubes, spheres, or creative designs.
- Stackability: Lidded trays save space and prevent freezer odor absorption.
Care & Maintenance Tips
- Wash trays with warm water and mild soap regularly.
- Allow trays to dry completely before refilling to avoid freezer odors.
- For silicone molds, occasionally deep clean with baking soda and water.
- Avoid sharp tools that can puncture trays.
Summary Table
| Tray Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Orifuture Drip Tray | Ice press users | Keeps counters dry and safe |
| Silicone Sphere Mold | Whiskey & cocktail lovers | Slow-melting ice spheres |
| Stackable Covered Tray | Small freezers | Prevents spills & saves space |
| Stainless Steel Tray | Eco-conscious users | Durability & zero plastic |
FAQs
Q1: Are silicone ice cube trays better than plastic?
Yes, silicone trays make ice removal easier and last longer, though plastic trays are usually cheaper.
Q2: How do I prevent ice cubes from tasting like the freezer?
Cover trays with a lid and use filtered water to keep ice fresh and odor-free.
Q3: Are novelty ice trays dishwasher safe?
Most food-grade silicone trays are dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.