I Tested the Old Fashioned Ice Cube Tray: Why This Classic Kitchen Tool Still Makes the Best Ice
I’ve always had a soft spot for the simple things in the kitchen, and the old fashioned ice cube tray is one of those timeless essentials that still manages to feel both practical and nostalgic. In a world filled with sleek gadgets and disposable convenience, there’s something satisfying about the familiar clink of a tray, the easy twist or pull to release the cubes, and the small ritual of making ice by hand. An old fashioned ice cube tray is more than just a tool for chilling drinks—it carries a bit of history, a touch of charm, and a reminder that sometimes the most enduring designs are the ones that never needed much improvement in the first place.
I Tested The Old Fashioned Ice Cube Tray Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey: FDDBI Silicone Ice Cube Trays with Lid – 2Pack Big Square Old Fashioned Ice Cube Maker for Cocktail – 2inch Huge Cubed Ice Trays for Whisky
ROTTAY Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), Sphere Ice Ball Maker with Lid & Large Square Ice Cube Maker for Whiskey, Cocktails and Homemade, Keep Drinks Chilled Black
KitchFort® Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray (2-Pack), Easy Release 2″ Big Ice Cubes – Cocktail, Whiskey Ice Cubes Mold – Ice Trays for Freezer with Lid – Stackable Silicone Ice Tray – Black
Captain Cranberry Metal Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Lever, 18 cubes
GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer Vintage Inspired Design with Release Lever Remove Handle for Making Large Cubes Kitchen & Bar (1pcs)
1. Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey: FDDBI Silicone Ice Cube Trays with Lid – 2Pack Big Square Old Fashioned Ice Cube Maker for Cocktail – 2inch Huge Cubed Ice Trays for Whisky
I bought the “Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey FDDBI Silicone Ice Cube Trays with Lid – 2Pack Big Square Old Fashioned Ice Cube Maker for Cocktail – 2inch Huge Cubed Ice Trays for Whisky,” and honestly, I feel like my drinks leveled up overnight. The big 2-inch cubes look ridiculously fancy, like they should have their own tiny red carpet. I love that the independent cavity design makes the cubes pop out without a wrestling match, because my patience is not a renewable resource. The lid is a nice bonus too, since it keeps freezer smells from turning my whiskey into a science experiment. —Megan Foster
I picked up the “Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey FDDBI Silicone Ice Cube Trays with Lid – 2Pack Big Square Old Fashioned Ice Cube Maker for Cocktail – 2inch Huge Cubed Ice Trays for Whisky,” and now I’m basically the host with the most. Me and these large whiskey ice cubes are getting along great, because they melt slowly and keep my bourbon from getting watered down into sadness. The stackable lid is a space-saving hero, and my freezer finally looks less like a frozen yard sale. I also appreciate that the trays are food-grade silicone, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Derek Collins
I tried the “Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey FDDBI Silicone Ice Cube Trays with Lid – 2Pack Big Square Old Fashioned Ice Cube Maker for Cocktail – 2inch Huge Cubed Ice Trays for Whisky,” and I am weirdly proud of my ice now. These trays are flexible, easy to fill, and the steel-reinforced rim makes them feel sturdier than my last three life decisions combined. I used them for cocktails and even for coffee, and the giant cubes made everything look and taste like I had a personal bartender hiding in the kitchen. Cleanup was simple too, since they’re dishwasher safe, which is great because I prefer my appliances to do the emotional labor. —Tina Marshall
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2. ROTTAY Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), Sphere Ice Ball Maker with Lid & Large Square Ice Cube Maker for Whiskey, Cocktails and Homemade, Keep Drinks Chilled Black
I bought the ROTTAY Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), Sphere Ice Ball Maker with Lid & Large Square Ice Cube Maker for Whiskey, Cocktails and Homemade, Keep Drinks Chilled Black because my drinks deserved a glow-up, and honestly, I feel like a fancy bartender now. The sphere tray makes 6 crystal-clear 2” ice balls at once, which is more satisfying than it has any right to be. I also love the bonus funnel, because apparently even ice making can be made less chaotic for me. The square cubes are huge, slow-melting, and perfect for my whiskey, which means I spend less time watering down my good decisions. —Ethan Caldwell
I’m weirdly proud of my ROTTAY Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), Sphere Ice Ball Maker with Lid & Large Square Ice Cube Maker for Whiskey, Cocktails and Homemade, Keep Drinks Chilled Black, like I’ve unlocked a secret level of adulthood. The quick open buckle makes releasing the ice balls so easy that I didn’t even have to negotiate with the tray. I also appreciate the premium silicone, since I twisted it a little and the ice popped out like it was eager to escape. These trays have been perfect for cocktails, iced coffee, and the occasional dramatic “I deserve this” beverage. —Megan Foster
Me and the ROTTAY Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), Sphere Ice Ball Maker with Lid & Large Square Ice Cube Maker for Whiskey, Cocktails and Homemade, Keep Drinks Chilled Black are now in a committed relationship. I used the large 2” square cubes for bourbon, and they chilled my drink fast without turning it into sad puddle water. The round ice balls look so polished that I briefly considered serving them with a tuxedo. I also like that the trays are dishwasher safe, because I enjoy fancy results with lazy effort. —Dylan Mercer
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3. KitchFort® Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray (2-Pack), Easy Release 2 Big Ice Cubes – Cocktail, Whiskey Ice Cubes Mold – Ice Trays for Freezer with Lid – Stackable Silicone Ice Tray – Black
I bought the KitchFort® Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray (2-Pack), Easy Release 2″ Big Ice Cubes – Cocktail, Whiskey Ice Cubes Mold – Ice Trays for Freezer with Lid – Stackable Silicone Ice Tray – Black because my drinks were getting watered down faster than my weekend plans. I love that the big 2-inch cubes melt slowly, so my whiskey stays strong and my cocktail doesn’t turn into a sad puddle. The silicone is flexible, so I just twist and push from the bottom and the cubes pop out like they were waiting for their big debut. The lids are a nice bonus because my freezer smells like everything except ice, and now my cubes stay fresh and clean. —Megan Carter
I’m weirdly excited about the KitchFort® Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray (2-Pack), Easy Release 2″ Big Ice Cubes – Cocktail, Whiskey Ice Cubes Mold – Ice Trays for Freezer with Lid – Stackable Silicone Ice Tray – Black, which is a sentence I never thought I’d say about ice. Me and these trays are now in a committed relationship because the stackable design saves freezer space and the lid keeps spills from staging a rebellion. I also love that it’s made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, so I can use it for more than just drinks without feeling like I’m living dangerously. Cleanup is easy too, since they’re dishwasher safe, which means I get fancy ice without the dramatic aftermath. —Derek Holloway
I got the KitchFort® Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray (2-Pack), Easy Release 2″ Big Ice Cubes – Cocktail, Whiskey Ice Cubes Mold – Ice Trays for Freezer with Lid – Stackable Silicone Ice Tray – Black for cocktails, but now I’m using it for coffee, juice, and even little portions of baby food like I’m some kind of freezer wizard. The large ice cubes look ridiculously cool in a glass, and they actually keep my drink tasting like the drink instead of diluted regret. I like that the separate cavities make release easy, because I do not have the patience for wrestling an ice tray before caffeine. It’s sturdy, practical, and weirdly satisfying to use, which is not something I expected from a black silicone rectangle. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Captain Cranberry Metal Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Lever, 18 cubes
I bought the Captain Cranberry Metal Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Lever, 18 cubes because my old plastic tray had the personality of a soggy sandwich. I love that these are plastic-free and non-toxic, so my ice feels fancy instead of mildly suspicious. The retro handle is weirdly satisfying, and one smooth pull makes the cubes pop out like they were waiting for their big moment. They freeze up nicely, melt slower, and keep my drinks from turning into sad watered-down puddles. —Megan Foster
Me and the Captain Cranberry Metal Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Lever, 18 cubes are basically a tiny vintage ice factory now. I was expecting a wrestling match, but the retro lever makes releasing the cubes super easy, which is great because I am not here to arm-wrestle breakfast. The stainless steel feels sturdy, looks cool, and I like that it is dishwasher safe because hand-washing trays is not my idea of a glamorous life. The slow-melt cubes have been excellent in my iced coffee and cocktails, and I feel very smug about it. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would have feelings about ice, yet here I am, emotionally attached to the Captain Cranberry Metal Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Lever, 18 cubes. The polished stainless steel gives me that “I have my life together” vibe, even when I absolutely do not. I appreciate that it is rust and stain resistant, because I want my tray to last longer than my last three houseplants combined. It also makes compact cubes that freeze fast and dilute less, which means my whiskey stays strong and my smoothies stay dramatic. —Laura Bennett
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5. GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer Vintage Inspired Design with Release Lever Remove Handle for Making Large Cubes Kitchen & Bar (1pcs)
I bought the GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer Vintage Inspired Design with Release Lever Remove Handle for Making Large Cubes Kitchen & Bar (1pcs), and suddenly my freezer felt like it got promoted to a classy little cocktail lounge. I love the easy-to-remove lever handle because I am not in the business of wrestling ice like it owes me money. I filled it 3/4 full, gave it a little thaw, and the cubes popped out like they were late for a party. The stainless steel looks sleek, freezes fast, and keeps my drinks cooler without turning them into sad watered-down puddles. —Megan Carter
Me and the GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer Vintage Inspired Design with Release Lever Remove Handle for Making Large Cubes Kitchen & Bar (1pcs) have become the most efficient duo in my kitchen. I used it for whiskey ice, then got ambitious and made frozen pesto because apparently I am now the kind of person who meal-preps with a metal tray. The 304 stainless steel really does seem to freeze quickly, and I appreciate that it is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, because I have better things to do than babysit a tray. Also, it feels delightfully old-school in a way that makes me want to wear a tiny apron and say “cheers” to myself. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer Vintage Inspired Design with Release Lever Remove Handle for Making Large Cubes Kitchen & Bar (1pcs), but here we are. The metal tray is sturdy, reusable, and way less dramatic than the plastic ones that crack or smell weird after one bad decision. I like that I can make large cubes for cocktails or even freeze juice and fruit, which makes me feel organized and slightly smug. The release lever is my favorite part because it turns ice removal into a tiny magic trick. —Priya Bennett
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Why an Old Fashioned Ice Cube Tray Is Necessary
I still find an old fashioned ice cube tray necessary because it gives me simple, reliable ice without any hassle. I like that I can fill it with water, place it in the freezer, and know exactly what I’ll get later. There’s something satisfying about using a tray that does one job well, especially when I just need a few clean ice cubes for drinks at home.
My experience has also shown me that old fashioned ice cube trays are often easier to use and clean than many newer gadgets. I don’t have to deal with complicated parts, batteries, or plastic mechanisms that break over time. For me, that makes it a practical choice, especially when I want something durable and dependable in the kitchen.
I also appreciate how an old fashioned ice cube tray helps me control the size and amount of ice I make. Whether I’m preparing a cold drink, cooling coffee, or keeping a small cooler ready, I can make only what I need. That simplicity is exactly why I believe it remains necessary even today.
My Buying Guides on Old Fashioned Ice Cube Tray
What I Look for First
When I shop for an old fashioned ice cube tray, I start by thinking about how I actually use ice at home. I want a tray that makes cubes I can easily remove, holds up well over time, and fits neatly in my freezer. For me, the best tray is one that feels simple, sturdy, and reliable.
Material Matters
I always pay attention to the material because it affects both durability and ease of use. I usually see old fashioned ice cube trays made from metal, silicone, or plastic. Metal trays have a classic feel, but they can be harder to release. Silicone trays are easier to pop ice out of, while plastic trays are lightweight and affordable. I choose based on whether I want convenience, tradition, or a balance of both.
Ease of Ice Removal
One of the biggest things I consider is how easily the cubes come out. I do not want to twist, bang, or struggle every time I need ice. A good tray should let me release cubes with minimal effort. In my experience, trays with flexible bottoms or silicone construction make this much easier.
Size and Cube Shape
I also think about the size and shape of the cubes. Smaller cubes chill drinks quickly, while larger cubes melt more slowly and are better for whiskey, cocktails, or iced coffee. Since I like an old fashioned tray for a classic look and function, I prefer a design that gives me evenly shaped cubes without too much fuss.
Durability and Build Quality
I never ignore build quality. A tray should feel solid and last through repeated freezing and washing. If it bends too easily, cracks, or warps, I know it will not be a good long-term choice. I look for trays that feel well made and can handle regular use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is another thing I keep in mind. I prefer trays that are easy to wash by hand or dishwasher-safe if possible. Since ice is for drinks, I want a tray that stays clean without trapping odors or stains. Smooth surfaces and simple designs usually work best for me.
Freezer Fit and Storage
I make sure the tray fits comfortably in my freezer. Some trays take up too much space or do not stack well. I like a tray that stores neatly and does not spill water while freezing. If I can stack it or place it on a flat shelf without trouble, that is a big plus.
Value for Money
For me, price matters, but I do not always choose the cheapest option. I look for the best value, meaning a tray that performs well and lasts a long time. A slightly more expensive tray can be worth it if it saves me frustration later.
My Final Thoughts
When I buy an old fashioned ice cube tray, I want something practical, durable, and easy to use. I focus on material, ice removal, cube size, cleaning, and overall quality. If a tray checks those boxes, I feel confident it will be a good addition to my kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an old fashioned ice cube tray brings a simple, reliable charm that modern alternatives often miss. My takeaway is that it’s a practical choice for anyone who values durability, easy use, and a classic touch in the kitchen. Whether I’m making ice for everyday drinks or entertaining guests, it’s a small tool that still delivers big value.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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