Tired of flimsy plastic ice cube trays that crack, absorb odors, and leave a weird taste in your drinks? You’re not alone! Many of us are making the switch to more sustainable and robust options, and that’s where stainless steel ice cube trays come into their own. These eco-friendly kitchen essentials offer a superior way to chill your beverages, ensuring pure, untainted ice every time. They’re incredibly durable, often feature quick-freezing properties, and are designed for easy ice release, making them a popular choice for anyone looking to upgrade their ice game.
We’ve explored the market to bring you a detailed look at some of the best stainless steel ice cube trays available. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a parent making baby food, or just someone who enjoys a perfectly chilled drink, there’s a stainless steel option here for you. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match!
1. GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube…
The GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray brings a touch of modern convenience to a classic design. What truly sets this tray apart is its innovative lever handle system, designed to make ice release incredibly simple and fast. Beyond just ice, its versatility makes it a kitchen superstar, perfect for freezing everything from herbal concoctions to baby food, all while contributing to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Key Features:
– Easy-to-remove Lever Handle: Simply lift the handle for quick ice release.
– Fast Freezing to Keep Drinks Cooler: Enhanced thermal conductivity of 304 stainless steel accelerates freezing and maintains temperature.
– Multi-purpose, zero waste: Ideal for whiskey ice, frozen pesto, baby food, juice, and reducing food waste.
– Easy to Clean and Reusable: Made from food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, safe, hygienic, detachable, and dishwasher safe.
– What You Get: Includes an ice tray picker and finger gloves for easy, safe handling.
Pros:
– Super easy ice release with the lever system.
– Accelerates freezing time due to stainless steel.
– Highly versatile for various freezing needs beyond just water.
– Durable, hygienic, and eco-friendly.
– Comes with useful accessories.
Cons:
– Requires a short thaw time for optimal release.
– Gloves might feel like an extra step for some users.
User Impressions: Users love how quickly this tray freezes ice and how effortless the lever makes getting the cubes out. The included tools are a nice touch, though some find them unnecessary after getting the hang of it. Its multi-purpose nature is frequently praised.
See it on Amazon here
2. Captain Cranberry Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with lever…
The Captain Cranberry ice cube tray is all about bringing back a classic, toxic-free way to make ice. Crafted from premium stainless steel, it promises pure, odorless ice every single time, without any plastic or silicone in sight. Its retro lever handle is not just for show; it’s a highly effective way to release solid, slow-melting cubes that keep your drinks perfectly chilled.
Key Features:
– PLASTIC-FREE & NON-TOXIC: Made from premium stainless steel for pure, odorless ice.
– RETRO HANDLE FOR EASY RELEASE: Classic vintage lever handle for smooth ice release without twisting.
– FAST FREEZE, SLOW MELT FOR LESS DILUTION: Quick-freezing tray makes compact cubes that melt slower.
– DISHWASHER SAFE – RUST & STAIN RESISTANT: Durable polished stainless steel for long-lasting use and easy cleaning.
– PREMIUM GIFT READY DESIGN & BONUS RECIPES: Arrives in retro gift packaging, ideal for gifting, with access to exclusive recipes.
Pros:
– Completely plastic and silicone-free for purity.
– Effective and satisfying lever release mechanism.
– Produces dense, slow-melting ice for less dilution.
– Very durable and easy to clean, including dishwasher safety.
– Excellent as a gift with attractive packaging.
Cons:
– Trays do not stack evenly, which might be a storage consideration for some.
– May require a brief thaw before using the lever.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the “pure” taste of the ice and the satisfying feel of the retro lever. While the non-stacking design is a minor point for some, the overall quality and plastic-free nature receive high marks.
See it on Amazon here
3. RSVP International Endurance® Vintage Inspired Ice Cube…
The RSVP International Endurance® tray brings a timeless elegance to your freezer. This vintage-inspired design isn’t just about looks; it’s crafted from durable 18/8 stainless steel, ensuring your ice always tastes fresh and clean, free from absorbed odors. It’s a straightforward, reliable choice for anyone who values simplicity and quality, designed to keep your drinks perfectly chilled without over-diluting them.
Key Features:
– DURABILITY: Made from 18/8 stainless steel that won’t absorb odors, keeping ice fresh.
– KEEP DRINKS COLDER: Designed to chill drinks longer without excessive dilution.
– SIZE: Measures 11.25 x 4.75 x 1.25 inches.
– MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Great for whiskey ice, freezing broth, fruit juice, or herb-infused cubes.
– EASY TO CLEAN: Dishwasher Safe for convenient maintenance.
Pros:
– Excellent durability and resistance to odors.
– Ensures pure-tasting ice.
– Effective at keeping drinks cold with less dilution.
– Versatile for various freezing needs.
– Simple to clean and dishwasher safe.
Cons:
– Lacks a specific “easy release” lever system, potentially requiring a quick thaw and twist.
– Design is very classic, which might not appeal to those looking for more modern features.
User Impressions: Users love the sturdy build and the fact that their ice tastes truly clean. Some find the ice release a bit less straightforward than lever designs, but overall, it’s praised for its reliability and durability.
See it on Amazon here
4. Dreiklang – be smart Stainless Steel Polished Ice Cube…
The Dreiklang – be smart ice cube tray marries clever design with environmental consciousness. Made from polished 18/8 stainless steel, it produces perfectly shaped, tasteless ice cubes with ease, thanks to its smart lever technology. This tray is not only a fantastic tool for chilling drinks but also an eco-friendly choice, designed to be long-lasting and suitable for all types of food, from baby purees to sophisticated cold brew.
Key Features:
– DURABLE & TASTELESS: Crafted from polished 18/8 stainless steel, producing 18 tasteless, flavor-free ice cubes.
– ABSOLUTELY CONVENIENT: Features a removable lever insert for effortless ice release after brief thawing.
– 100% FOOD-SAFE: Ideal for baby food, smoothies, or cold brew, and completely dishwasher safe.
– ENJOY PLASTIC-FREE: Exceptionally long-lasting and eco-friendly with sustainable packaging; freezes faster than silicone.
– FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Practical lever for easy removal in a retro style, making 18 cubes with a superior mechanism.
Pros:
– Produces flavor-free ice cubes for pure taste.
– Lever mechanism ensures convenient and easy ice release.
– Highly versatile for various food types, including baby food.
– Eco-friendly and durable, designed for longevity.
– Faster freezing time compared to other materials.
Cons:
– Requires a brief thawing period to activate the lever technology.
– The “removable lever insert” might be slightly more complex than a fixed lever.
User Impressions: Reviewers are impressed with the quality of the ice and the effective lever release. The eco-friendly aspect and durability are major selling points for many, though some note the initial learning curve for optimal ice removal.
See it on Amazon here
5. WDCFXY Stainless Steel & Metal Ice Cube Trays with Handle…
The WDCFXY Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray offers a generous 18-compartment design, making it a highly practical choice for busy households or those who need a consistent supply of ice. Its dedicated lever handle makes cube release effortless, and the removable design ensures easy filling and cleaning. Crafted from rust-resistant stainless steel, it’s a versatile tool for both standard ice and creative frozen treats.
Key Features:
– 18 compartment design: Large capacity (10.9×4.4×2.2 inches) with separate compartments to protect against dust and odors.
– Easy release handle: Lever handle design makes releasing ice cubes effortless with a simple lift.
– Removable and easy to clean: Features a removable design for easy filling, freezing, and dishwasher safe.
– Stainless steel material: Made from food-safe, rust-resistant stainless steel that won’t crack.
– Multifunctional use: Great for making flavored ice cubes, fruit ice, or freezing sauces and baby food.
Pros:
– Large capacity for more ice cubes at once.
– Effortless ice release thanks to the lever handle.
– Easy to clean with a removable design and dishwasher compatibility.
– Durable and safe stainless steel construction.
– Highly versatile for various freezing needs.
Cons:
– The removable design, while good for cleaning, might feel less integrated than fixed-lever designs.
– May still require a brief thaw for optimal release like most metal trays.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the convenience of the 18 compartments and the effective lever system for releasing ice. The removable design is a big plus for cleaning, though some mention needing to run water over it briefly for the best results.
See it on Amazon here
6. GLENDAVENY Ice Cube Tray with Lid, 2 Pack 12 Big…
The GLENDAVENY Ice Cube Tray stands out by offering two trays that produce large, slow-melting ice cubes, perfect for whiskey, cocktails, or any drink you want to keep chilled without over-diluting. What’s more, these trays come with a lid, preventing freezer odors and allowing for neat stacking. Made from high-quality 304 stainless steel, they are durable, odorless, and incredibly versatile for all your creative freezing ideas.
Key Features:
– SLOW MELTING BIG ICE CUBES: Produces large cubes that melt slower, keeping drinks chilled longer. (2-pack, 12 large cubes per set).
– DURABILITY & EASY TO CLEAN: Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, odorless, stain-resistant, durable, and dishwasher safe.
– “FANCY” ICE & MULTIPLE USES: Large cavities for fruits, herbs, juices for bartender-quality ice; also great for ice cream, coffee, broth, baby food.
– EASY TO USE AND RELEASE: Simply fill, freeze, then rinse tray with water for 5-8 seconds to release cubes into the lid.
– ICE CUBE TRAYS WITH LID & STACKABLE: Removable lid prevents odors and allows neat stacking, saving freezer space.
Pros:
– Creates large, slow-melting ice cubes for minimal dilution.
– Includes a lid for odor protection and stackability.
– Made from durable, high-quality stainless steel.
– Versatile for both ice and various frozen molds.
– Easy release method (flipping and rinsing).
Cons:
– Requires rinsing the tray with water for release, which might be a slight inconvenience for some.
– Larger cubes mean fewer per tray compared to standard sizes.
User Impressions: Users absolutely love the large ice cubes for their drinks, noting how much longer they last. The lid and stackable design are highly praised for convenience. The release method, though different from a lever, is generally found effective once mastered.
See it on Amazon here
7. CLIPORE Professional Ice Cube Trays Stainless Steel -…
The CLIPORE Professional Ice Cube Tray is designed for efficiency and purity. Made from durable 304 stainless steel, it ensures your ice remains free from odors or chemical transfer, guaranteeing a pure taste. Its easy-release lever system provides 18 perfect ice cubes with minimal effort, and its quick-freezing technology means you’ll have perfectly chilled drinks in no time, making it a great choice for any home bar or kitchen.
Key Features:
– PREMIUM MATERIAL: Made of durable 304 stainless steel, ensuring no odor absorption or chemical transfer.
– MULTIPURPOSE USE: Perfect for whiskey stones, cocktail cubes, frozen baby food, herb-infused oils, or fruit juice cubes.
– EASY-RELEASE FUNCTION: Convenient lever system releases 18 perfect ice cubes quickly and effortlessly.
– QUICK FREEZING TECHNOLOGY: Premium stainless steel freezes water 30% faster than plastic, maintaining lower temperatures longer.
– COMPACT DIMENSIONS: Measures 11.1×4.7×1.1 inches with a space-saving 3-row design, fitting most freezers easily.
Pros:
– Guarantees pure, untainted ice flavor.
– Highly versatile for various culinary freezing tasks.
– Effortless ice release with the lever system.
– Significantly faster freezing time.
– Compact design fits well in freezers and yields more cubes.
Cons:
– As with most metal trays, a brief thaw might be needed for the easiest release.
– Some users might find the dimensions specific, so checking freezer space is advised.
User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the quick freezing and the ease of the lever release. The fact that the ice truly tastes pure is a recurring positive, and its versatility for different frozen items is a bonus.
See it on Amazon here
8. Vintage Inspired Ice Cube Tray | 18/8 Stainless Steel |…
This Vintage Inspired Ice Cube Tray beautifully combines a classic 1950s aesthetic with modern functionality. Crafted from high-quality 304 stainless steel, it’s not just durable and hygienic but also boasts quick-freezing properties that ensure your ice is colder and melts slower. With its efficient 3-row system and easy-to-use lever, it makes creating 18 pristine ice cubes a breeze, offering a nod to the past with today’s performance.
Key Features:
– Premium Material: Made of high-quality 304 and food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, durable, sanitary, won’t absorb odors.
– Multi-purpose use: Ideal for scotch, whiskey, vanilla ice cubes, frozen sauces, baby food, juice, or fruit.
– Combination of retro and modern design: 11.25 x 4.75 inches, 3-row system makes more cubes faster.
– Quick Freezing & Easy Cleaning: 304 stainless steel speeds up freezing and maintains temperature; easy to rinse, dishwasher safe.
– EASY TO USE: Two-piece tray with lever, dividers make 18 individual molds. Includes hammer and tweezers.
Pros:
– Durable, hygienic, and keeps ice pure.
– Highly versatile for various freezing needs.
– Combines classic looks with efficient modern performance.
– Faster freezing and slower melting compared to other materials.
– Lever mechanism for easy ice release, plus included tools.
Cons:
– Requires a brief thaw for optimal ice release, as is common with metal trays.
– The included hammer and tweezers might feel like extra, possibly unnecessary, tools for some users.
User Impressions: Many users adore the nostalgic design and the sturdy feel of this tray. The quick freezing time is a definite hit, and the lever system generally works well, though some still find running water over it helps. The tools are a mixed bag for users; some find them helpful, others less so.
See it on Amazon here
9. Metal Ice Cube Trays, Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays,…
This Metal Ice Cube Tray offers a straightforward and effective solution for your ice-making needs, featuring a practical 18-compartment design. Its dedicated lever handle makes releasing ice cubes incredibly easy, removing the struggle often associated with other tray types. Constructed from reliable, food-safe stainless steel, it’s built to last and provides a versatile option for not only standard ice but also various creative frozen delights.
Key Features:
– 18 compartment design: Generous capacity (10.9×4.4×2.2 inches) with separate compartments for dust and odor protection.
– Easy release handle: Lever handle design simplifies ice cube release with an effortless lift.
– Removable and easy to clean: Features a removable design for convenient filling, freezing, and dishwasher safe.
– Stainless steel material: Made from food-safe, rust-resistant stainless steel that resists cracking.
– Multifunctional use: Versatile for making flavored ice, fruit ice, or freezing small portions of sauce or baby food.
Pros:
– High capacity to make more ice at once.
– Simple and effective lever release mechanism.
– Easy to clean due to the removable design and dishwasher compatibility.
– Durable, food-safe, and rust-resistant material.
– Great for making a variety of frozen items.
Cons:
– Like many metal trays, a short thaw might improve release.
– The removable nature, while good for cleaning, might require slightly more assembly than a single-piece tray.
User Impressions: Customers often highlight the large capacity and the straightforward ease of using the lever. The ability to clean it easily is a plus, and its durability is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage over plastic.
See it on Amazon here
10. Peosaard Metal Ice Cube Trays, Stainless Steel Ice Cube…
The Peosaard Metal Ice Cube Tray is a prime example of simple, effective design. As a stainless steel ice cube tray, it inherently brings key benefits like durability, hygiene, and the ability to freeze water quickly without imparting any unwanted flavors to your ice. While keeping things straightforward, it ensures you get pure, clean ice for all your beverages, providing a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic options.
Key Features:
– Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Built to last, resistant to rust and odors.
– Fast Freezing: Metal’s conductivity helps water freeze quicker.
– Pure, Taste-Free Ice: No plastic or silicone means no chemical transfer or absorbed flavors.
– Easy to Clean: Simple design for straightforward washing, often dishwasher safe.
– Eco-Friendly Choice: A reusable alternative to disposable or frequently replaced plastic trays.
Pros:
– Excellent durability for long-term use.
– Ensures a pure, untainted taste for your ice.
– Speeds up the ice-making process.
– Simple and easy to maintain.
– Environmentally conscious option.
Cons:
– Lacks a specific easy-release mechanism like a lever, potentially requiring a thaw and twist.
– Might be considered basic compared to models with more advanced features.
User Impressions: Users appreciate its robust build and the pure taste of the ice it produces. While it may require a quick warm-up to release cubes, its reliability and plastic-free nature are strong points for many customers.
See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Choosing the right stainless steel ice cube tray really comes down to your priorities. If you prioritize super-easy release, models like the GHAHILI or Captain Cranberry with their lever mechanisms are fantastic. For those who love large, slow-melting ice and the convenience of a lid, the GLENDAVENY tray is a top contender. If you need high capacity and a reliable lever, the WDCFXY or CLIPORE could be your best bet. And for a truly pure, no-frills, durable option, the RSVP International Endurance® and Peosaard deliver. All these options provide a significant upgrade over traditional plastic trays, ensuring healthier, purer, and longer-lasting ice for all your chilling needs. Pick the one that best fits your daily routine and enjoy perfectly chilled drinks, knowing you’ve made a durable, eco-conscious choice!
Still deciding? Start with our top pick – check it out here
FAQ
Q. Why choose stainless steel ice cube trays over plastic or silicone?
A. Stainless steel trays are more durable, won’t absorb odors or flavors, don’t contain harmful chemicals found in some plastics, and can freeze water faster due to their high thermal conductivity. They offer a purer taste and are an eco-friendly, long-lasting option.
Q. Are stainless steel ice cube trays hard to release ice from?
A. Many modern stainless steel trays come with lever mechanisms that make ice release very easy. For trays without a lever, a quick rinse under warm water (for 5-10 seconds) on the bottom of the tray usually allows the ice cubes to pop out effortlessly.
Q. Can I use stainless steel ice cube trays for things other than water?
A. Absolutely! They are highly versatile. You can use them to freeze coffee, juice, broths, baby food purees, pesto, herb-infused oils, and even small portions of sauces. This helps reduce food waste and offers convenience.
Q. Are stainless steel ice cube trays dishwasher safe?
A. Yes, most stainless steel ice cube trays are designed to be dishwasher safe, making cleanup very convenient. Always check the manufacturer’s specific instructions, but generally, they are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
Q. Do stainless steel ice cube trays make ice faster than other materials?
A. Yes, stainless steel has excellent thermal conductivity, which means it transfers cold much more efficiently than plastic or silicone. This often results in ice freezing noticeably faster in a stainless steel tray.
Q. Will stainless steel ice cube trays rust over time?
A. High-quality stainless steel ice cube trays are typically made from food-grade 18/8 or 304 stainless steel, which is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. With proper care, they should last for many years without rusting.
Q. Can I stack stainless steel ice cube trays in the freezer?
A. Some stainless steel trays are designed to be stackable, especially those that come with lids. For trays without lids or specific stacking features, they may not sit perfectly flat on top of each other, so it’s best to check the product description for stacking capabilities if this is important to you.
