Silicone Ice Trays That Release Cubes Without a Fight
The OXO Good Grips Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray takes the overall spot for its rigid base and genuinely sealing lid. Souper Cubes are the best value for freezing portions as well as ice, and the DOQAUS trays are the cheapest set here that still releases cleanly.
If you want cubes that come out without wrestling and water that stays in the tray on the way to the freezer, the OXO Good Grips Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray is the most reliable choice, with Souper Cubes covering portion freezing and DOQAUS handling volume cheaply.
Ice trays seem too simple to get wrong, yet flexible silicone that pops cubes out easily is the same flexibility that spills half the water before the tray reaches the freezer shelf. We compared cube sizes, lid designs, base rigidity, stacking behaviour and dishwasher claims, then weighed those against what owners report about freezer odours transferring into the ice and how long lids stay sealing.
Our top picks
OXO Good Grips Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray
OXO pairs a flexible silicone cube mould with a rigid outer frame, which solves the fundamental problem of soft trays flexing and spilling in transit. The lid actually seals rather than simply resting on top, so ice does not pick up freezer smells. Owners report cubes release with a gentle push from underneath rather than the aggressive twisting cheaper trays need.
Pros
- Rigid frame prevents spills when carrying
- Lid seals against freezer odours
- Easy push out release without heavy twisting
Cons
- Costs more than plain flexible trays
- Standard cube size melts faster than large format cubes
Souper Cubes 1 Cup Freezing Tray
Souper Cubes were designed for freezing soup and stock in measured portions, and the same tray produces very large ice blocks that melt slowly. Fill lines moulded into each well make portioning accurate without a measuring jug. Owners report the lid and thick silicone make it the tray most likely to still be in use after several years.
Pros
- Doubles as a portion freezer for stock and soup
- Moulded fill lines remove guesswork
- Very durable thick silicone
Cons
- Blocks are too large for most drinking glasses
- Takes considerable freezer shelf space
DOQAUS Silicone Ice Cube Trays
DOQAUS sells these in multipacks with lids, which is the practical answer when you need a lot of ice rather than a few perfect cubes. The silicone is soft enough that cubes pop out with a light press. Owners report the lids are a friction fit rather than a true seal, so stacking them level matters more than with rigid framed trays.
Pros
- Lowest cost per tray of the group
- Soft silicone releases cubes with light pressure
- Multipack means more ice per freezing cycle
Cons
- Lids do not fully seal against odours
- Flexible base needs care when carrying full
Tovolo Perfect Cube Silicone Ice Mold
Tovolo’s larger square cubes have far less surface area relative to their volume, so they melt considerably more slowly and dilute a drink less. The lid seals well and the trays stack neatly. Owners report the cubes are sized for rocks glasses rather than tall tumblers, which is worth checking against your glassware.
Pros
- Large cubes melt slowly and dilute less
- Lid seals and trays stack securely
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Fewer cubes per freezing cycle
- Cubes are too large for narrow glasses
W and P Peak Everyday Silicone Ice Tray
W and P designed the Peak range around bar style ice, with clean edged cubes and a lid that keeps flavours from migrating in an open freezer. The silicone is thicker than budget trays, so it holds shape when full. Owners report the design looks smart enough to leave out and that the cubes are noticeably clearer than typical home ice.
Pros
- Clean edged cubes suited to cocktails
- Lid limits freezer flavour transfer
- Holds shape well when filled
Cons
- Higher price for a modest cube count
- Cube size does not suit every glass
Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds
Sphere moulds produce round ice with the lowest surface area of any shape, which is why they are the standard for whisky and other spirits served neat over ice. The two part mould fills through a hole in the top and seals to keep the shape. Owners report they need a flat freezer shelf, since a tilted mould produces a lopsided sphere.
Pros
- Slowest melting shape for spirits
- Sealed mould keeps ice clean tasting
- Impressive presentation for guests
Cons
- Only makes two spheres at a time
- Requires a genuinely level freezer shelf
Ticent Ice Cube Trays with Lid
Ticent focuses on standard smaller cubes that fit any glass and chill a drink quickly, sold in packs with lids. The higher cube count per tray suits households that get through ice steadily rather than making cocktails occasionally. Owners report smaller cubes melt faster, which is the trade off for the fast chilling and easy fit.
Pros
- High cube yield per freezing cycle
- Small cubes fit any glass and chill fast
- Lids allow stacking in the freezer
Cons
- Small cubes melt and dilute quickly
- Thinner silicone than premium trays
How they stack up
| # | Model | Cube count | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OXO Good Grips Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray | 14 cubes | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Souper Cubes 1 Cup Freezing Tray | 1 cup per well, other sizes available | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | DOQAUS Silicone Ice Cube Trays | Multiple trays per pack | Best budget | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Tovolo Perfect Cube Silicone Ice Mold | Large square format | Best for slow melting cubes | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | W and P Peak Everyday Silicone Ice Tray | Bar style square cubes | Best for cocktails | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds | Sphere, around 2.5 inches | Best for spirits | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Ticent Ice Cube Trays with Lid | Higher count per tray | Best for small cubes | 8.0 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Rigidity is what stops the spill The core trade off in silicone trays is that soft material releases cubes easily and also folds in the middle when you pick it up full. Trays with a rigid outer frame or noticeably thicker walls solve this, which is why the OXO and Souper Cubes designs feel so much more usable in practice. If you buy a fully flexible tray, carry it on a small baking sheet or a plate to the freezer.
Cube size changes the drink more than you expect A large cube has far less surface area for its volume than several small ones, so it melts more slowly and dilutes a drink less. That matters for spirits and cocktails, and matters not at all for a glass of squash that will be drunk in five minutes. Small cubes chill faster and fit any glass, which is why most households benefit from owning one tray of each format.
A sealing lid is not just about spills Uncovered ice absorbs whatever else is in the freezer, and the result is cubes that make a glass of water taste faintly of last week’s curry. A properly sealing lid prevents that and lets trays stack, which is often the deciding factor in a crowded freezer. Friction fit lids on budget trays help with stacking but do far less for odour.
Wash silicone properly and it will not smell Silicone can pick up and hold greasy residues, which is why trays sometimes develop an off smell after a few months. A hot dishwasher cycle usually clears it, and a soak in a baking soda solution deals with anything stubborn. Dry trays fully before putting them away, and use filtered water if your tap water leaves a mineral taste in the ice.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my silicone ice trays make ice that tastes odd?
Usually because the tray is uncovered and the ice has absorbed odours from the freezer, or because the silicone is holding greasy residue. A sealing lid solves the first, and a hot wash or baking soda soak deals with the second.
How do I get cubes out without breaking the tray?
Push up from underneath each cube rather than twisting the whole tray. Letting the tray sit at room temperature for thirty seconds first also helps, since slightly softened edges release far more easily.
Are silicone trays better than plastic ones?
Silicone releases cubes without cracking and survives being flexed repeatedly, where hard plastic trays become brittle and split. The trade off is flexibility, which is why trays with a rigid frame are usually the best of both.
Can I put hot liquid into a silicone tray?
Some trays, including Souper Cubes, are rated for hot contents and oven use. Check the manufacturer rating first, and always cool very hot liquids slightly before pouring to avoid warping a lighter tray.
How do I make clearer ice at home?
Cloudiness comes from dissolved air and minerals freezing in the centre. Using filtered or boiled and cooled water helps, and directional freezing in an insulated container produces the clearest results.
Are these trays dishwasher safe?
All seven are listed as dishwasher safe. A hot cycle is more effective than a light one at removing the film that causes odours.
What cube size should I choose?
Small cubes chill fast and fit any glass, large cubes and spheres melt slowly and suit spirits. Households that make both cocktails and everyday drinks are best served by owning one tray of each.
Why does my ice come out lopsided?
Almost always because the tray or mould was not level in the freezer. Sphere moulds are especially sensitive to this, so check the shelf is flat and the tray is not resting on a frozen package.
Our take
The OXO Good Grips Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray solves the two things that make ice trays annoying, water spilling on the way to the freezer and lids that let odours in, which is why it earns the overall spot. Souper Cubes are the better buy if you also freeze stock and leftovers, and DOQAUS covers households that simply need a lot of ice. Owning one large format tray alongside a standard one covers almost every situation.
