★ Independently researched & tier-ranked — no paid placements · Updated July 2026
HomeCoffee & DrinksBest Ice Cube Trays of 2026: Top Picks for Fast, Clear Ice
Coffee & Drinks

Best Ice Cube Trays of 2026: Top Picks for Fast, Clear Ice

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The short answer

After analyzing hundreds of owner reviews and verified specs, the top pick for most households is the OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray with Lid. It combines a flexible silicone base, a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer odors, and easy-release cubes.

overall

OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray with Lid

9.5
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style

W&P Porter Ceramic Ice Bucket with Tray

9.3
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ice balls

Silicone Molds World Silicone Ice Ball Mold (2-Pack)

8.8
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The full list, compared

#ProductBest forMaterialCapacity (cubes)Lid Included
1OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray with Lid overallSilicone 18 cubesYes Check Price
2W&P Porter Ceramic Ice Bucket with Tray styleCeramic + Silicone 18 cubesYes (tray only) Check Price
3Silicone Molds World Silicone Ice Ball Mold (2-Pack) ice ballsSilicone 2 ice balls per moldNo Check Price
4ONWA Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin (2-Pack) valueSilicone + Plastic 18 cubes per trayYes (lid and bin) Check Price
#1
overallS-Tier

Best overallOXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray with Lid

★★★★★Tier score 9.5/10
Flexible siliconeLid prevents odorsEasy releaseSturdy buildDishwasher safe

Why we picked it: The OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray with Lid is our top pick because it combines practical design with durability. The silicone base allows for effortless twisting to release cubes, while the lid prevents freezer burn and odor absorption. Owners consistently praise its sturdy feel and the fact that cubes don't stick. It's also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Pros
  • Lid prevents freezer odors
  • Easy cube release
  • Durable silicone
  • Dishwasher safe
Cons
  • Lid can be slightly tight
  • Cubes are standard size, not large
Who should buy it

Perfect for everyday use, especially if you want odor-free cubes and easy release.

Who should avoid it

Not ideal if you need extra-large cubes or novelty shapes.

Key specs: Material: Silicone - Capacity: 18 cubes - Lid: Yes - Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches - Dishwasher safe: Yes

#2
styleS-Tier

Best styleW&P Porter Ceramic Ice Bucket with Tray

★★★★★Tier score 9.3/10
Ceramic bucketSilicone trayLid includedChic designDouble-wall insulation

Why we picked it: The W&P Porter set combines a stylish ceramic bucket with a silicone ice tray that fits perfectly inside. The tray produces 18 cubes and the bucket keeps them cold for hours. Owners love the aesthetic and the fact that the tray is removable for easy filling. The double-wall insulation is a bonus for entertaining.

Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Keeps ice cold
  • Easy to fill
  • Tray is removable
Cons
  • Expensive for a tray
  • Bucket is heavy
  • Tray only makes 18 cubes
Who should buy it

Great for those who want a stylish ice solution for parties or home bars.

Who should avoid it

Not for those on a budget or needing high volume.

Key specs: Material: Ceramic bucket, silicone tray - Capacity: 18 cubes - Lid: Yes (for bucket) - Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 7 inches - Dishwasher safe: Tray only

#3
ice ballsA-Tier

Best ice ballsSilicone Molds World Silicone Ice Ball Mold (2-Pack)

★★★★★Tier score 8.8/10
Ice ball shape2 moldsSiliconeSlow meltingEasy release

Why we picked it: This silicone mold produces perfect 2.5-inch ice balls that are a hit for cocktails and spirits. The two-pack gives you four balls at a time. Owners report that the balls come out smooth and clear if you use filtered water. The flexible silicone makes release simple, though freezing time is longer due to size.

Pros
  • Smooth ice balls
  • Slow melting
  • Easy release
  • Good for cocktails
Cons
  • Long freeze time
  • No lid
  • Only 2 balls per mold
Who should buy it

Best for home bartenders who want impressive spherical ice for drinks.

Who should avoid it

Not for high-volume ice needs or small freezers.

Key specs: Material: Silicone - Capacity: 2 balls per mold - Lid: No - Ball diameter: 2.5 inches - BPA-free: Yes

#4
valueB-Tier

Best valueONWA Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin (2-Pack)

★★★★★Tier score 8.5/10
Lid and bin included2-packBPA-freeStackableEasy release

Why we picked it: The ONWA set offers excellent value with two trays, lids, and a storage bin. The silicone trays are flexible for easy release, and the lids prevent spills and odors. Owners like the stackable design and the included bin for storing cubes. It's a budget-friendly option that performs well.

Pros
  • Great value 2-pack
  • Includes storage bin
  • Lids prevent spills
  • Stackable
Cons
  • Bin is plastic
  • Trays are smaller than standard
  • Lids may not seal perfectly
Who should buy it

Perfect for families or anyone needing a complete ice solution on a budget.

Who should avoid it

Not for those wanting premium materials or large cubes.

Key specs: Material: Silicone trays, plastic bin - Capacity: 18 cubes per tray - Lid: Yes - Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 1.5 inches - BPA-free: Yes

Common questionsFrequently asked questions

What is the best material for ice cube trays?

Silicone is the most popular because it's flexible, easy to release cubes, and often dishwasher safe. Stainless steel freezes faster but is rigid. Plastic is cheap but can crack and absorb odors.

How do I get clear ice cubes?

Use filtered or distilled water and freeze slowly. Some trays designed for clear ice use directional freezing. Boiling water twice before freezing can also reduce cloudiness.

Are silicone ice cube trays safe?

Yes, most are made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone. Ensure the product is labeled as such. Silicone is non-toxic and heat-resistant.

Can I put silicone ice cube trays in the dishwasher?

Most silicone trays are dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer's instructions. Some may recommend top rack only.

Buying guideHow to choose

Material Matters

Silicone is flexible and easy to release cubes, but can absorb odors if not covered. Stainless steel freezes fast but is rigid. Plastic is cheap but less durable. Choose based on your priorities: ease, speed, or cost.

Size and Shape

Standard cubes fit most glasses, while jumbo cubes or balls melt slower and are great for spirits. Consider what you drink most often. Novelty shapes are fun but may be harder to release.

Lid or No Lid?

Lids prevent freezer odors from tainting your ice and make stacking easier. If you have a freezer with strong smells, a lid is essential. Otherwise, open trays are fine and often cheaper.

At a glanceFeatures compared

FeatureWhy it matters
Material QualityThe material affects durability, ease of release, and ice clarity. Silicone is the most versatile, but stainless steel offers faster freezing. Ensure it's BPA-free.
Ease of ReleaseFlexible silicone trays allow you to twist or pop out cubes easily. Rigid trays may require tapping or running under water. Look for non-stick surfaces.
Lid DesignA tight-fitting lid prevents odor absorption and spills. Some lids also allow stacking. Check that the lid seals well and is easy to remove.
Capacity and Batch SizeConsider how many cubes you need at once. Larger trays or multi-packs are better for parties. Smaller trays are fine for daily use. Balance with freezer space.

How we scored these picks

Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.

CriterionWhat we checkWeight
Core performanceThe numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists.High
Build & reliabilityMaterials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints.High
Real-world usabilityWeight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements.Medium
Running costOngoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category.Medium
Owner feedbackPatterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing.Medium
ValueWhat you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment.Medium

Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.

Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.

How we rank

We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.

4 products compared
Verified specs & owner feedback
One transparent S–C rubric
Refreshed monthly, no paid placements

Keep readingContinue the research

Update log

  • Jul 3, 2026 - Refreshed picks and current prices from Amazon.
  • Jul 3, 2026 - Guide first published.