Ice tray restocks are having a moment on TikTok, with countless #IceRestock creators going viral for their innovative ice cube creations.
Just one glance at the wildly popular hashtag reveals a kaleidoscopic world of rose-tinted ice spheres and frozen cubes organised perfectly in clear plastic trays, placed individually in each with a set of grippy silicone tongs.
From extra-large spherical options filled with edible flowers and summer fruits, to frozen coffee and smoothie cubes designed to prevent morning beverages from being watered down, to miniature cubes intended to improve the aesthetic of a perfect cocktail; we were blindly unaware of the power that a chic, frozen drink chiller truly holds.
The humble ice cube tray is the key to producing perfectly uniform ice cubes and spheres. Low-quality options which spill and overflow from the moment you attempt to refill them tend to produce strangely shaped ice cubes which stick together and become impossible to separate.
Likewise, inflexible options make it extremely difficult to remove ice cubes of all shapes and sizes. It’s why we wouldn’t recommend going for those seemingly innovative, hard plastic contraptions which ‘push’ ice cubes into an attached vessel with the click of a button. Should that button fail (which they often do), you won’t be able to get the ice cubes out any other way. Then it’s sayonara to cool summer tipples.
We’ve curated a selection of the best ice cube trays on the market for clinking and drinking all summer long. Keep scrolling to explore a variety of shapes and sizes to improve your cold beverage game tenfold.
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Silicone Ice Cube Tray
A best-seller for a reason, this no-nonsense, value-for-money silicone ice cube tray from Flying Tiger is our top pick of the bunch. Crafted from highly flexible non-stick silicone, not only is popping out perfectly uniform ice cubes a breeze, but it’s also incredibly easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe and equipped with a handy, leak-preventing lid, this confetti-adorned ice cube tray is suitable for freezing herbs, fruits and so much more.
Buy now £5.00, Flying Tiger Copenhagen
OXO Good Grips Silicone Small Ice Cube Tray with Lid
Available in the pictured small cube design, a large cube option or even a rounded cube tray, the OXO Good Grips ice cube tray is a stackable dream. Made from flexible silicone with a supportive plastic base for transporting ice cubes to and from the freezer, the set contains two separate, dishwasher-safe trays and a protective lid.
Buy now £18.38, Amazon
Lékué Heart Ice Cube Tray
This oh-so-coquette heart-shaped ice cube tray is any #IceRestock lover’s paradise. Perfect for parties and special occasions, the lovely little tray makes 14 pieces of heart-shaped ice in one go. The included lid is designed to keep other freezer odours from contaminating the ice.
Buy now £6.50, John Lewis
Nespresso Ice Cube Tray
New to Nespresso’s iced coffee range, this chic little ice cube tray features a striped design created by Frederico Peri. The nine ice cubes weigh approximately 30g each, making them an ideal size for any iced drink under the sun without melting too quickly.
Buy now £8.00, Nespresso
Uberstar Silicone Ice Sphere Moulds, Pack of 4
Ice cube spheres are a highly coveted accessory among whisky and fancy cocktail lovers. However, traditional options are incredibly difficult to manoeuvre, with the ice often getting stuck in the crevices between moulds. These brilliant, individual spheres are wonderfully flexible and easy to use, just make sure not to overfill the moulds and leave enough room for expansion.
Buy now £16.00, John Lewis
Hay XL Ice Cube Tray
For those who value aesthetic cohesion in their spaces, look no further than these supremely stylish ice cube trays from Scandinavian design house Hay. Made from 100 per cent BPA free silicone and available in an array of pretty hues, we love how each tray holds an impressive 12, extra-large cubes.
Buy now £20.00, Selfridges
Bar Originale Pink Quartz Drink Chilling Stones, Pack of 6
Chilling cubes are a unique and innovative beverage accessory beloved by those who refuse to water down expensive, high-end tipples. Though often made of cool-to-the-touch metal, we were immediately enamoured by these rose quartz chilling stones by Bar Originale. Ideal for chilling wine, spirits and cocktails, simply pop the 20mm cubes into the pouch before placing them in the freezer.
Buy now £20.00, John Lewis
ProCook Ice Cube Box
This topsy-turvy ice cube set may not produce perfectly uniform, identical squares, but its unique shape makes removing ice from the tray easier than ever. ProCook’s compact option makes, stores and serves ice cubes in one fell swoop thanks to the included scoop, making it a brilliant choice for those with limited freezer space.
Buy now £14.00, ProCook
Oliver's Kitchen 2 x Ice Cube Tray Set
A two-in-one wallet-saver, this set of two trays offers up the ability to make extra-large ice cubes and spheres. Thanks to the super flexible silicone and extra-large divot in the middle of each tray, removing these behemoth ice cubes is no trouble at all.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Zoku Deco Ice Cube Mould
Filled to the brim with a 60s-inspired flower power charm, this dual ice cube mould from Zoku produces two extra-large cuboid designs which are adorned with unique floral patterns. The stackable moulds are made from food-grade silicone and are equipped with a compact case and lid.
Buy now £20.00, John Lewis
Singles Ice Cube Tray
With a design inspired by Art Deco expression, Zone Denmark’s ice cube tray is for the truly en-vogue cocktail lovers among us. We’re big fans of the fact there are two different sizes offered within the space of one simple tray.
Buy now £14.28, Zone Denmark
Rose Ice Mould
Impressively detailed, this silicone rose ice mould from Haus of Glass offers so much more than a simple ice cube. A sculptural delight, this is truly one for hosts with the most.
Buy now £6.00, Haus of Glass
Verdict
For sheer practicality and affordability, Flying Tiger’s silicone ice cube tray tops the list. Coming in close second is the fan-favourite OXO Good Grips stackable ice cube tray, which comes with a fantastic supportive structure to make transport to and from the freezer with flexible, water-filled silicone a breeze.
