The 10 Best Ice Cube Molds
Editor's Notes
July 12, 2019:
If you're looking for a simple way to amp up your beverages, ice cubes are a great place to start. Though we have included a standard cube option, the Rubbermaid Easy Release, the rest of these trays yield chunks of ice in fun shapes that will likely have guests at your next dinner party impressed. For those with health concerns, many of the molds featured here are listed as BPA-free, and some are made from flexible silicone that makes popping each shape out quick and easy.
The Easy Release No Spill has been removed due to availability issues, and the Lego-inspired Blocks and Robots has been replaced with the WarmBuy Candy, which comes as a set of four. The Sawnzc Diamond-Shaped is another new addition, chosen for the eye-catching crystals it produces.
Why You Need New Ice Cube Trays
Nothing tastes better during a heat wave than a tall glass of ice water.
If you're looking for a simple way to amp up your beverages, why not purchase some fun ice cube trays? There are quite a few styles to choose from and more applications than you might expect, too.
The first reason you'll want to trade in your boring old square trays for new ones is appearances. One of the easiest ways to make a drink look delicious is to throw in a few ice cubes in eye-catching shapes. Those who enjoy entertaining will appreciate the visual impact that cubes can add not just to beverages, but to the party as a whole.
Kids who aren't keen on drinking water by itself might be more likely to take in the daily recommended amount if their glass is full of ice cubes that look like dinosaurs or robots. As we all know, kids will pretty much consume anything as long as it's shaped like a familiar object or beloved character.
Nothing tastes better during a heat wave than a tall glass of ice water. Individuals who live in warmer regions can benefit from keeping ice cubes at the ready. After all, it's just as important for adults to stay hydrated as it is for children.
Drinking enough water is a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining good health. Water is crucial for joint health, supports waste elimination, and keeps our organs functioning properly in general. Add enticing ice cubes to your drink and see if it doesn't motivate you to consume more water throughout the day.
Forgetting to take a moment every few hours to drink a glass of water may not seem like that big of a deal, but it could have a negative impact on your well-being in both the short- and long-term. Luckily, small changes to your daily routine, like adding ice cubes to your glass, can help you get back on track.
Which Tray Is Right for You?
As you shop for an ice cube tray, you'll notice there are lots of options to choose from. Keep the following features in mind and you'll be able to find the perfect tray in no time.
The most obvious aspect to consider is the shape of the molds. If you're shopping with kids in mind, go for a tray that has molds modeled after the things they love, like animals, Legos, or even Star Wars characters. For something a little bit more grown-up, there are trays that have cylindrical and circular forms — a true departure from the standard cube shape.
Silicone trays take the frustration out of the ice cube extraction process.
You should also think about how many ice cubes you will need at one time. Plenty of models are available as multi-packs, which is convenient for entertaining large groups. Novelty trays can produce awesome-looking cubes, though they may not be suitable for serving more than just a few guests at once.
Review the size of the cube molds. Some models are designed to yield super-sized cubes that will definitely make an impression on guests at your next get-together. Alternatively, there are trays out there that produce tiny cubes that mimic the appearance and feel of crushed ice.
If your primary concern is avoiding spills, choose a tray that comes with a lid. Lids keep liquid inside the tray, so you can reach for other objects in the freezer without having to worry about causing a mess.
Ice cubes that are frozen in silicone trays are easy to dislodge. With a tray that bends, you can free the ice cubes by manipulating the tray itself. No longer will you be forced to bang the tray against the counter or run warm water over the cubes in order to break them loose. Silicone trays take the frustration out of the ice cube extraction process.
The design of the tray is another aspect to review. If you're one of those individuals who likes to coordinate every item in their home down to the last detail, you'll be happy to know that ice cube trays come in tons of colors, from clear to bright and bold.
Other Uses for Ice Cube Trays
Ice cube trays are great for freezing water, but there are other ways you can use them, too. Here are some projects you can experiment with once you receive your brand new tray.
First, you can make flavored frozen snacks in exciting shapes. Fill your tray up with your family's favorite flavor of juice for a refreshing treat. Or, you can employ a juicer to make your own nutritious concoction for freezing.
First, you can make flavored frozen snacks in exciting shapes.
To enhance the taste of your water, add herbs or fruit to the ice cubes. As they melt in your glass, the subtle flavor will infuse the water, resulting in a deliciously essenced beverage. If you have a taste for cocktails, you can even add booze to the tray.
It may come as a surprise to some, but silicone trays can double as cupcake molds. In fact, in this type of tray, you can heat pretty much any bakable dish in the oven: mini quiches, biscuits, and tarts are just a few ideas. Ice cube trays can make modestly portioned gelatin treats, as well, and give you more control over the nutritional content (as opposed to purchasing prepackaged cups of gelatin at the store).
Don't forget to experiment with candy. Unique ice cube molds are wonderful for fixing up chocolates, caramels, and other sugary confections. Creating homemade candies to give away as gifts is as enjoyable as it is thoughtful.
Crafting is yet another way you can make the most of your trays. Ice cube tray forms are suitable for making soaps, candles, bath bombs, and clay charms, all of which make heartwarming gifts. With a new tray, you will be able to keep your drinks cold and so much more.