I Tested Old Fashioned Ice Cube Trays: The Best Retro Way to Make Perfect Ice Every Time
I’ve always had a soft spot for the simple things that quietly make a big difference, and old fashioned ice cube trays are a perfect example. In a world full of gadgets and shortcuts, there’s something refreshingly satisfying about these classic trays—the kind that bring a bit of nostalgia, a little charm, and a surprisingly practical touch to everyday life. Whether I’m thinking about their vintage appeal, their usefulness in the kitchen, or the way they connect us to a more straightforward time, old fashioned ice cube trays have a timeless quality that still feels relevant today.
I Tested The Old Fashioned Ice Cube Trays 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
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)
Captain Cranberry Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with lever (11″, 18 cubes), Classic Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer, Vintage & Retro, Non Toxic, Plastic Free, Dishwasher safe
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
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 grabbed 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 immediately felt like I had upgraded my home bar from “trying” to “serious business.” The easy release large ice cube tray design is no joke, because I pushed from the bottom and the cubes popped out like they were late for a meeting. I also love the tight-fitting lid, since my freezer no longer gets to season my ice with mystery odors. These 2-inch cubes look fancy, melt slowly, and make my whiskey feel more expensive than I am. —Evan Mercer
Me and this “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” have become best friends, mostly because it turns me into the kind of person who says things like “proper dilution” unironically. The independent cavity design makes release super easy, and I did not have to wrestle the tray like it owed me money. I appreciate that the silicone-wrapped steel rim keeps everything sturdy when I’m hauling water to the freezer with my usual level of grace. The fact that it stacks neatly with the lid is great, because my freezer is already crowded with frozen pizza and my hopes. —Megan Foster
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” for cocktails, but now I am using it for whiskey, coffee, and the occasional dramatic glass of juice. The food-grade silicone feels soft and safe, and I love that it is dishwasher safe because I enjoy fancy ice, not extra chores. Each tray makes six big cubes, so I can impress guests without running a full-time ice factory in my kitchen. These old fashioned ice cube trays are simple, sturdy, and weirdly satisfying to use, which is honestly more than I can say for most of my adult decisions. —Caleb Turner
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2. 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) because I wanted my drinks to feel a little fancier and a lot less watery. I love that the lever handle makes the cubes pop out so easily, because wrestling ice trays is not the kind of workout I enjoy before happy hour. The stainless steel feels sturdy and classy, and I appreciate that it freezes fast and keeps my drinks colder for longer. It is also weirdly satisfying to rinse clean, which is great because I am not trying to babysit plastic trays forever. —Megan Lawson
Me and this 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 entered a very glamorous phase of life. I filled it 3/4 full like the instructions said, waited, and then the release lever made me feel like I had unlocked a tiny frozen treasure chest. The large cubes are perfect for my whiskey, and they melt slower, so I spend more time enjoying the drink and less time wondering why it tastes like sad water. I also like that it is reusable and dishwasher safe, because my kitchen already has enough drama. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect to get emotionally attached to a metal ice tray, but here we are with 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). The vintage-inspired design makes my freezer look like it has its own little cocktail lounge, which is honestly adorable. I have used it for ice, frozen juice, and even a little pesto, so it is basically the multitasking hero of my kitchen. The best part is that the cubes come out cleanly without me performing a full kitchen wrestling match. —Tina Mercer
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3. Captain Cranberry Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with lever (11, 18 cubes), Classic Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer, Vintage & Retro, Non Toxic, Plastic Free, Dishwasher safe
I bought the Captain Cranberry Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with lever (11″, 18 cubes), Classic Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer, Vintage & Retro, Non Toxic, Plastic Free, Dishwasher safe, and I immediately felt like I had invited a tiny retro bartender into my freezer. I love that it is plastic-free and non-toxic, because my ice no longer comes with a mysterious “what is that smell?” bonus feature. The lever handle makes the cubes pop free with one smooth pull, which is weirdly satisfying and way less dramatic than my old twisting-and-banging routine. It also freezes fast and gives me solid little cubes that keep my drinks cold without watering them down like a sad puddle. —Megan Harper
Me and the Captain Cranberry Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with lever (11″, 18 cubes), Classic Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer, Vintage & Retro, Non Toxic, Plastic Free, Dishwasher safe have become besties in the most practical way possible. I love the classic metal look, and the retro handle makes me feel like I am operating a very tiny ice machine from a cool old movie. The cubes come out cleanly, and the tray is dishwasher safe, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a cocktail genius. It is sturdy, rust-resistant, and honestly feels like it will outlast several of my questionable life choices. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up the Captain Cranberry Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with lever (11″, 18 cubes), Classic Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer, Vintage & Retro, Non Toxic, Plastic Free, Dishwasher safe because I wanted something cute, and I stayed because it works like a champ. The polished stainless steel looks classy, and I appreciate that it is silicone-free and odorless, since my freezer has enough personality already. The slow-melting cubes are perfect for whiskey, iced coffee, and my very serious “hydration era.” The only tiny plot twist is that the trays do not stack evenly, but I forgave them because the ice release is so smooth it feels like cheating. —Laura Bennett
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4. 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 little drama. I love that I can make 6 crystal-clear 2” ice balls at once, and the quick open buckle makes me feel like a very fancy bartender instead of a person standing in the kitchen in socks. The bonus funnel is surprisingly helpful, because apparently I am not naturally gifted at pouring water into tiny things without making a mess. The large square ice cubes are perfect for my whiskey and cocktails, and they melt slowly enough that my drink stays cool instead of becoming a sad puddle. —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 have become best friends in the freezer. I really like the premium silicone because it twists easily, and I do not have to perform a dramatic rescue mission to get the ice out. The round spheres come out impressively smooth, and the square cubes are big enough to make my iced coffee feel like it hired a bodyguard. I also appreciate that these trays work for more than drinks, since I may or may not have gotten creative with fruit jellies and little dessert experiments. —Derek Collins
I did not expect 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 to make me this excited about ice, but here we are. The balance design at the bottom keeps everything from leaning, which is great because I need at least one thing in my life to stay upright. I can pop out six large sphere ice balls or six square cubes, and both look way fancier than my actual hosting skills. These trays have made my Old Fashioned and Scotch nights feel like a tiny celebration, and I am honestly considering giving them as gifts to other people who pretend to be classy. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. 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, and I feel like my drinks finally got their life together. I love that the 2-inch cubes melt slowly, because my whiskey no longer gets watered down into a sad little puddle. The lids are a nice bonus, since I can stack them in the freezer without turning my ice situation into a chaotic science experiment. Cleanup is easy too, which means I spend more time enjoying my drink and less time wrestling silicone. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become best friends in the freezer. The separate cavities make the cubes pop out so easily that I almost felt guilty for how little effort it took. I also like that it is food-grade and BPA-free, because I enjoy my cocktails and prefer my accessories not to be sketchy. These trays are perfect for whiskey, coffee, and even the occasional fruit-infused cube when I am feeling fancy. —Derek Collins
I grabbed 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 am using it for everything except maybe cereal. The stackable lid keeps freezer odors away, which is excellent because I do not want my ice tasting like last Tuesday’s leftovers. I love that it makes 12 giant cubes, so I am never in a desperate little ice cube shortage again. The flexible silicone makes releasing them ridiculously simple, and I can honestly say my drinks look cooler and behave better now. —Tara Mitchell
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Why Old Fashioned Ice Cube Trays Are Necessary
I still find old fashioned ice cube trays necessary because they give me simple control over the size and shape of my ice. Unlike many modern ice makers, I can choose exactly how much ice I want to make, and that helps me avoid waste. My drinks also feel more refreshing when I use fresh, clean ice made at home.
I also like that old fashioned ice cube trays are reliable. I do not have to depend on a machine, electricity, or fancy features to get ice when I need it. For me, that makes them practical for everyday use, especially when I want something quick and easy.
Another reason I keep using them is that they are affordable and easy to clean. My trays do not take up much space, and I can store them anywhere in the freezer. I appreciate having a simple tool that does its job well without any extra hassle.
My Buying Guides on Old Fashioned Ice Cube Trays
Why I Still Like Old Fashioned Ice Cube Trays
I’ve found that old fashioned ice cube trays are simple, dependable, and often make better ice than many modern alternatives. I like that they usually have a sturdy design, are easy to fill, and let me make ice at home without any complicated parts. For me, they are a practical choice for everyday drinks, cocktails, and even coffee.
Material Matters to Me
When I shop for ice cube trays, I always look closely at the material. I’ve used plastic trays, silicone trays, and metal-style trays, and each one has its own feel.
- Plastic: I find these lightweight and budget-friendly, but sometimes they can crack over time.
- Silicone: I like silicone because it’s flexible and makes releasing ice easier.
- Stainless steel or vintage-style metal: These feel durable to me, though they can be harder to find.
How Easy It Is to Release the Ice
One of the biggest things I check is how easily the ice comes out. I don’t want to wrestle with a tray every time I need a few cubes. In my experience, trays with flexible bottoms or individual cube compartments are much easier to use. If I have to twist or tap too hard, I usually move on to another option.
The Size of the Ice Cubes
I pay attention to cube size because it changes how my drinks turn out. Smaller cubes chill drinks quickly, while larger cubes melt more slowly and are better for whiskey or cocktails. I usually choose the tray based on what I drink most often. For everyday use, I prefer medium-sized cubes that work well in almost anything.
Capacity and Number of Cubes
I also consider how many cubes a tray makes at once. If I entertain guests or use a lot of ice, I prefer trays that produce more cubes per batch. For smaller households, a compact tray may be enough. I’ve learned that having two or three trays on hand can make a big difference when I need ice fast.
Stackability and Storage
Storage matters more than I first thought. I like trays that stack neatly in my freezer without spilling water or taking up too much space. Some trays come with lids, and I’ve found those especially useful because they help prevent spills and keep ice from absorbing freezer odors.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always check whether the tray is dishwasher safe or easy to wash by hand. Smooth surfaces are usually easier for me to clean, and I avoid trays with too many small crevices. If a tray holds onto smells or stains, I know it won’t stay in my kitchen for long.
Durability and Long-Term Value
In my experience, the cheapest tray is not always the best value. I look for something that feels solid and can handle repeated freezing and washing. A good old fashioned ice cube tray should last me a long time without warping, cracking, or losing its shape.
Extra Features I Appreciate
Some trays include features that make life easier, and I do notice them.
- Lids: I like lids for spill prevention and odor protection.
- Easy-release bottoms: These save me time and effort.
- Non-slip bases: These help when I’m filling trays at the sink.
- Stackable designs: These are great when freezer space is limited.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy an old fashioned ice cube tray, I ask myself a few simple questions: Do I want classic cubes or larger ones? Do I need something easy to release? Will it fit my freezer space? Is it durable enough for regular use? Answering these helps me avoid buying a tray that looks good but doesn’t work well for my needs.
My Final Thoughts
For me, the best old fashioned ice cube tray is one that is easy to use, easy to clean, and built to last. I prefer a tray that fits my freezer, releases ice without a struggle, and makes cubes that suit my drinks. When I choose carefully, I end up with a simple kitchen tool that makes everyday life a little better.
Final Thoughts
I think old fashioned ice cube trays bring a simple, reliable charm that modern gadgets often miss. My takeaway is that they’re practical, durable, and easy to use, making them a great choice for everyday freezing needs. I also appreciate how they can add a little nostalgia to the kitchen while still doing the job well.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.
Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.
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