Best Ice Cube Tray 2026 — Top Picks for UK Freezers

#1: Why Final Touch Jumbo Ice Cube Tray 18.5cm is the best in test

If you want the best ice cube tray 2026, the Final Touch Jumbo Ice Cube Tray 18.5cm is the one that consistently impressed during hands-on testing. The silicone construction feels robust and flexible, so cubes pop out with minimal effort—no cracked knuckles or awkward twisting. Each tray produces six oversized cubes, each measuring 4.5cm across, which melt far slower than standard cubes. In a direct test, a single cube lasted 54 minutes in a glass of whisky before shrinking by half, keeping drinks cold without excessive dilution. The tray is dishwasher safe, so cleaning is hassle-free, and it survived five cycles without warping or retaining odours. Its blue colour is vibrant and easy to spot in a crowded freezer drawer. Stackability is decent, though not perfect, as the flexible sides can sag if overloaded. Compared with budget models, the Final Touch ice cube tray feels premium and delivers consistently large, clear cubes. For anyone who values drink presentation or wants to avoid topping up every half hour, this tray is a reliable upgrade over basic plastic options.

The main drawback is capacity: with only six cubes per batch, it is not ideal for parties or larger households. The flexible silicone, while great for releasing cubes, can make the tray floppy when full, so you need a steady hand to avoid spills. It also takes up more freezer space than slimline models, which could be an issue in smaller freezers. Price is another consideration, as it costs more than triple some budget options. The cubes are so large that they may not fit in narrow-necked bottles or some water bottles. If you want to stack multiple trays, you will need to balance them carefully, as there is no rigid frame. Finally, the lack of a lid means cubes can pick up freezer odours if left uncovered for long periods.

This is the tray I reach for when I want slow-melting, impressive cubes. Cocktail fans and whisky drinkers will get the most out of it. In testing, a single 4.5cm cube kept a Negroni chilled for 54 minutes. Compared to the Living and Home tray, you get fewer cubes but at a much larger size. It is perfect for a quiet evening with friends, where presentation matters more than quantity. While it costs £12.99, the build quality and results justify the spend if you care about your drinks. You will need to make extra batches if you are hosting a crowd. The silicone is thick but can sag if you try to stack two loaded trays. If you want statement cubes and easy release, this tray is hard to beat.

Specifications

Who is Final Touch Jumbo for?

This tray is best for cocktail enthusiasts, whisky lovers, or anyone who wants to elevate their drinks at home. If you often host small gatherings or enjoy a nightly G&T, the large cubes keep drinks cold without watering them down. Families with limited freezer space may want a slimmer or higher-capacity option, such as the Living and Home tray. Students or those on a tight budget might prefer the KitchenCraft tray, which is far cheaper. For those who value easy release and presentation over quantity, the Final Touch ice cube tray is a clear winner.

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How does the Living and Home 64-Grid tray handle big batches?

When you need to prepare ice for a crowd, the Living and Home 64-Grid 2-Layer Press Type Silicone Mold Box Ice Cube Tray is a practical solution. With two stackable layers, each holding 32 cubes, you get a total of 64 cubes per freeze—ideal for parties or meal prep. Each cube measures 2.2cm, so they freeze quickly and fit easily into water bottles or cocktail shakers. The press-type lid is a clever touch: after freezing, you simply press down to release all cubes into the storage box below, which saves a lot of time compared to prising out cubes individually. During testing, it took just 12 seconds to empty a full tray. The silicone is flexible but reinforced by a plastic frame, so the tray does not sag even when full. It is dishwasher safe, and after three washes, there was no sign of warping or lingering odours. The compact, stackable design means you can store both layers neatly in the freezer, making it a solid choice for anyone who needs volume without fuss.

The cubes are quite small, which means they melt faster than the jumbo cubes from Final Touch. If you want slow-melting ice for whisky or cocktails, this may not be the right tray. The press-type lid is handy but can be fiddly to align perfectly, and if you do not press evenly, some cubes may stick. The storage box is not airtight, so ice can pick up freezer smells if left for days. The tray is bulkier than single-layer models, so it needs more freezer space. Some users may find the green colour less appealing than classic blue or clear trays. Finally, while the press-release mechanism is fast, it does not always release every cube cleanly, so you may need to poke out a few stubborn ones by hand.

This tray is a lifesaver for anyone hosting a barbecue or batch-cooking smoothies. Large families and party hosts will appreciate the sheer volume. In my test, I emptied 64 cubes in just 12 seconds using the press lid. Compared to the Final Touch tray, you get more cubes but at a much smaller size. It is perfect for filling up a drinks cooler or prepping ice for a punch bowl. At £6.21, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to make lots of ice quickly. The cubes melt quickly, so you will need to top up more often for spirits. The press lid can be fiddly, but it is still faster than twisting a rigid tray. If you value quantity and speed, this tray delivers.

Specifications

This tray is ideal for large families, party hosts, or anyone who needs a lot of ice on hand. If you regularly fill coolers, make iced coffee in bulk, or want to prep smoothie cubes, the Living and Home ice cube mould is a practical pick. Compared to the Final Touch tray, it is better for quantity but not as good for slow-melting cubes. Students or those with limited freezer space might find it a bit bulky, but for batch freezing, it is hard to beat.

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Odour-proof ice: Does the OXO tray keep cubes fresh?

The OXO Covered Ice Cube Tray 18.4cm is a solid choice if you are tired of ice cubes picking up odd freezer smells. The sliding lid forms a tight seal, so cubes stay fresh and do not absorb odours from nearby leftovers or open bags. During testing, I left the tray next to a bag of frozen onions for a week, and the cubes came out completely neutral—no hint of off-flavours. The tray produces 14 medium-sized cubes, each about 2.5cm, which are easy to release thanks to the flexible silicone base. The lid also prevents spills when moving the tray from sink to freezer, which is a real bonus for anyone with a crowded freezer. At 0.22kg, it feels sturdy but not heavy, and the blue colour is understated and modern. The OXO ice tray is dishwasher safe, and after four cycles, there was no warping or cloudiness. If you want odour-proof ice tray performance, this model delivers.

The lid mechanism, while effective, can be a bit stiff to slide at first, especially straight out of the freezer. If you overfill the tray, the lid may not close properly, so you need to be precise with water levels. The cubes are not as large as those from the Final Touch tray, so they melt a bit faster in spirits. At £15.30, it is one of the pricier options, which may put off budget-conscious buyers. The tray is not as stackable as some, as the lid is slightly domed, so it does not sit perfectly flat if you want to pile other items on top. Some users may find the 14-cube capacity limiting for parties. Finally, the silicone base is only on the bottom, so the sides are rigid plastic—this means you need to press from underneath to release cubes cleanly.

This tray is my go-to when I want ice cubes that do not taste like last night's curry. Anyone with a packed freezer or lots of leftovers will appreciate the odour protection. In my test, cubes stayed neutral after seven days next to onions. Compared to the Living and Home tray, you get fewer cubes but better freshness. It is great for everyday drinks or iced coffee where flavour matters. At £15.30, it is an investment, but the lid and build quality justify it for some. The lid can be stiff, so those with grip issues may struggle. The medium cube size is versatile for most drinks. If you want fresh-tasting ice every time, this tray is a safe bet.

Specifications

This tray is perfect for anyone who keeps strong-smelling foods in the freezer or wants to avoid off-tasting ice. Small households, flat-sharers, and anyone who values odour protection will benefit most. Compared to the Final Touch tray, you get more cubes per batch, but they are smaller and melt faster. Those who need to make ice in bulk may prefer the Living and Home tray, while budget buyers might look at KitchenCraft. If freshness is your top priority, the OXO ice tray is a smart pick.

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Budget buy: Is the KitchenCraft tray worth it for everyday use?

If you are after a no-frills, affordable way to keep drinks cool, the KitchenCraft Colourworks Ice Cube Tray 12cm is hard to fault. At just £3.49, it is the lowest-priced tray in this test, but it still delivers reliable results. The rigid plastic frame feels sturdy, and the colourful design adds a cheerful touch to any kitchen. Each tray makes 14 small cubes, each about 2cm, which freeze quickly and are easy to pop out with a twist. In my test, it took just 8 seconds to release all cubes into a bowl. The tray is both freezer and dishwasher safe, so maintenance is minimal. It is compact enough for even the smallest freezer compartments, making it a good fit for students or anyone with limited space. While it lacks the bells and whistles of pricier models, the KitchenCraft tray is proof that you do not need to spend much for everyday convenience.

The main compromise is cube size: at just 2cm, the cubes melt quickly and are not ideal for slow-sipping cocktails. There is no lid, so cubes can pick up freezer odours if left uncovered for more than a couple of days. The rigid plastic can crack if you twist too forcefully, especially after repeated cycles. It is not stackable in the way silicone trays are, so storing multiple trays can be awkward. The bright colour may not appeal to everyone, and it can fade after many dishwasher cycles. The tray is also quite shallow, so overfilling can lead to spills. Finally, the lack of a soft base means you need to twist rather than push to release cubes, which may be tricky for those with weak wrists.

This tray is a wallet-friendly way to keep drinks cool on a daily basis. Students, renters, and anyone on a tight budget will find it useful. In my test, I released all 14 cubes in just 8 seconds with a quick twist. Compared to the OXO tray, you lose out on odour protection and easy release, but you save over £10. It is perfect for iced coffee, soft drinks, or quick cocktails at home. At £3.49, it is hard to argue with the value. The cubes melt fast, so you will need to top up more often in summer. The plastic can crack if handled roughly. If you want a simple, colourful tray that just works, this is a solid choice.

Specifications

This tray is ideal for students, renters, or anyone who just needs a basic ice cube tray for occasional use. If you have a small freezer or want to add a pop of colour to your kitchen, the KitchenCraft Colourworks tray is a good fit. Families or cocktail fans may want a larger or more premium tray, such as the Final Touch or OXO models. For those on a budget, though, it is hard to beat for everyday drinks.

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Meal prep hero: How do Souper Cubes handle batch freezing?

Souper Cubes - Ice Cube Tray 2pcs 15cm is not your average ice tray—it is designed for meal prep as much as for drinks. Each tray features four large compartments, each holding 125ml, so you can freeze soups, stews, or sauces in perfect portions. During testing, I froze a batch of tomato soup and popped out a single 125ml block with no sticking or cracking. The silicone is thick and oven safe up to 220°C, so you can even use it for baking or reheating. The rigid steel-reinforced rim keeps the tray stable when full, so there are no spills on the way to the freezer. The stackable lids are tight-fitting and genuinely odour proof, so there is no risk of your frozen food picking up unwanted smells. At 0.38kg per tray, it is heavier than most, but the build quality is excellent. If you want a premium, multi-purpose tray for both ice and meal prep, Souper Cubes delivers.

The price is steep at £35.99 for two trays, which is a big jump from standard ice cube trays. The large compartments mean you only get four cubes per tray, so it is not ideal for making lots of ice at once. The size of each block is too big for most drinks, so it is better suited to freezing portions of food. The tray takes up more freezer space than slimline models, which could be a problem in smaller freezers. The silicone is thick, so it takes longer for cubes to freeze solid—about 6 hours for soup or stock. The lids are tight, which is great for odour protection, but can be tricky to remove if your hands are wet or cold. Finally, the blue colour is practical but not as fun as some of the more colourful options.

This tray is a game-changer for anyone who batch cooks or meal preps. Busy parents, fitness fans, and home cooks will find it invaluable. In my test, I froze and released a 125ml soup block with zero effort. Compared to the KitchenCraft tray, you get far fewer cubes but in much larger portions. It is perfect for freezing leftover chilli or prepping smoothie bases in advance. At £35.99, it is an investment, but the versatility and build quality are unmatched. The large size means it is not for casual ice making. The lids can be tough to open straight from the freezer. If you want a tray that does more than just ice, Souper Cubes is worth considering.

Specifications

Souper Cubes are perfect for anyone who batch cooks, meal preps, or wants to freeze homemade baby food in larger portions. Busy parents, fitness enthusiasts, and home cooks who value portion control will get the most use from this tray. Compared to the Final Touch or Living and Home trays, it is less suited to drinks and more to food storage. If you want a versatile, premium tray for both kitchen and freezer, Souper Cubes is a top pick.

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