Best Ice Cube Makers For Freezer: Trays, Bins and Round Molds Compared

The best ice cube makers for your freezer make it easy to keep ice on hand without wasting space or wrestling with stuck cubes. The right choice depends on how much ice you need, whether you want a storage bin, and what shape works best for your drinks. These five options range from stackable everyday trays to a set designed for large round ice spheres.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Ice Cube Makers For Freezer reviews

ChefAide 4-Pack: A Flexible, High-Capacity Everyday Set

The ChefAide set includes four trays, each with room for 14 cubes, for a stated total capacity of 56 cubes. That makes it a practical pick if you want to fill several trays at once and keep a steady supply of standard rectangular ice ready for drinks, coffee, or other uses.

Each tray pairs a rigid plastic top with a flexible silicone base. The firm frame helps the tray hold its shape while you fill and move it, while pressing the base helps loosen individual cubes. Removable lids help shield the ice from freezer odors, and the trays are designed to stack to save space.

These trays suit households that want multiple batches without needing a separate storage bin. They are also listed as dishwasher safe, which can make routine cleanup simpler. For easier lid removal after freezing, the product instructions suggest waiting about 30 seconds before lifting it.

One trade-off is that the set does not include a container for storing loose cubes after release. If you prefer a press-to-release mechanism or a dedicated bin, the QUELIEN or DOQAUS set may be a better fit.

Pros:

• Four trays make up to 56 cubes in total.
• Flexible silicone bases help release cubes without twisting the whole tray.
• Lids help protect ice from freezer odors, and the trays stack.
• Listed as dishwasher safe.

Cons:

• No storage bin is included for loose cubes.
• The standard rectangular cubes may not suit shoppers seeking large or specialty shapes.

Verdict: Choose the ChefAide set if you want several stackable, lidded trays and a straightforward way to make a larger batch of everyday ice.

QUELIEN Press-Release Tray: A Convenient Set with a Bin

The QUELIEN set is built around a press-style release system and includes an ice bin. Its trays are described as making 64 small cubes, each measuring 2.5 by 2.5 centimeters. Rather than bending a tray or pushing out cubes one at a time, you place it upside down over the bin and press the lid to release ice into the container.

The lid is designed to cover the tray tightly and help limit odor transfer and spills. The trays can also be stacked, which is useful when freezer shelf space is limited. The listed temperature range is -4°F to 140°F, and the product information calls for hand rinsing rather than dishwasher cleaning.

This design may appeal if you want a ready-made place to keep released cubes and like the idea of dispensing a batch with a press. The small cube size can work well when you want many pieces of ice, but it may melt faster than larger cubes and may not be the preferred shape for a drink served slowly.

Unlike the flexible-bottom trays in this roundup, the QUELIEN release method involves aligning the tray over the bin and pressing the lid. That extra step may feel less direct if you typically want to pop out just one or two cubes.

Pros:

• Includes a bin for collecting and storing released cubes.
• Press-style release can transfer a batch of cubes at once.
• Stays stackable for more organized freezer storage.
• Designed to make 64 small cubes.

Cons:

• Not dishwasher safe, according to the product information.
• The press-and-bin method may be more involved for releasing only a few cubes.

Verdict: Pick the QUELIEN set if you value a built-in bin and a batch-release method more than dishwasher convenience or individual cube access.

Cigorea Round Ice Molds: A Specialty Set for Large Ice Spheres

The Cigorea kit is for shoppers who want round ice spheres rather than everyday small cubes. The set includes two molds, a storage box, and a stainless steel tong. The product description says the kit makes 12 round ice spheres, though it does not specify the number made by each individual mold.

The molds use a rigid structure to help form round shapes. To fill them, pour water to the marked line, attach the lid, and press the corners together. To release the ice, the instructions call for twisting the mold at the diagonal corners. Allowing it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes—or briefly using warm water—may help open it more easily.

Large spheres are a distinctive option for whiskey, cocktails, and other drinks you may sip slowly. Their larger shape is intended to melt more slowly than small cubes, which can help limit dilution. The storage box and tongs also make it easier to keep the shaped ice together and serve it without handling each sphere directly.

This is less versatile than a standard cube tray if your main goal is making lots of ice for everyday drinks. The filling and release steps also require more care than simply pressing a flexible tray base.

Pros:

• Designed to make round ice spheres for specialty drinks.
• Includes a storage box and stainless steel tongs.
• Rigid molds are designed to help maintain the round shape.
• Can be used for drinks such as whiskey, cocktails, lemonade, and soda.

Cons:

• Not the best match if you need a large supply of small everyday cubes.
• Requires careful filling and twisting to release the spheres.

Verdict: Choose the Cigorea kit for large round ice and a more polished drink presentation, not as your only tray for high-volume daily ice.

DOQAUS Tray Set: Four Trays with a Central Storage Bin

The DOQAUS set combines four silicone ice trays with a central storage container and a scoop. It is designed for people who want to make ice in several trays, release the cubes, and keep them together in one place. The product information does not state how many cubes each tray makes.

Each tray has a flexible bottom that you can push to release cubes. The lids have lift tabs and are intended to reduce spills while moving a filled tray, but they are not airtight. The trays stack to help use freezer space efficiently, and the set is described as top-rack dishwasher safe.

The included bin and scoop make this a more complete storage setup than the ChefAide or DclobTop trays. It may suit a busy household or someone who wants to keep a supply ready for drinks, cooking, and entertaining. The product description also notes that the food-grade silicone and plastic are BPA-free and designed to resist freezer odors.

Keep in mind that the lids allow airflow, so they should not be treated as airtight seals. If a tightly sealed lid is your priority, the QUELIEN set describes a different lid design, though its release process and cleaning instructions also differ.

Pros:

• Includes four trays, a storage bin, and a scoop.
• Flexible bottoms help release cubes by pushing from underneath.
• Stackable trays can help organize a compact freezer.
• Listed as top-rack dishwasher safe.

Cons:

• The lids are not airtight.
• The product information does not specify the cube capacity.

Verdict: The DOQAUS set is a strong option if a storage bin and scoop matter as much as the trays themselves, provided you do not need airtight lids.

DclobTop 3-Pack: Stackable Trays for Everyday Cubes

The DclobTop set includes three trays, each making 14 cubes, for a total of 42 cubes when all three are filled. Each cube is listed as 1.7 by 1.2 by 1 inch. A flexible silicone base helps release the cubes with a gentle push, while a firmer plastic frame makes the trays easier to fill and carry.

Each tray has a removable lid that sits flat to help reduce spills during transport. The lids are not airtight, and the product instructions suggest waiting about 30 seconds after freezing before lifting one. The trays stack with their lids on, making this a practical choice for a crowded freezer, dorm, or RV refrigerator.

The set uses two green trays and one blue tray, which can help you keep different batches separate—for example, plain ice in one tray and fruit or flavored ice in another. The product description lists the materials as BPA-free and food-grade. That color-coding is a useful organizational detail, but it is not a substitute for labeling if you need a clearer distinction.

Unlike the DOQAUS and QUELIEN options, this set does not include a bin for storing loose cubes. It is best if you want separate, stackable trays and are comfortable transferring released ice to another container when needed.

Pros:

• Three trays make 42 cubes in total.
• Flexible silicone bases help release cubes with a push.
• Individual lids and a stackable design help with freezer organization.
• Two tray colors offer a simple way to separate different batches.

Cons:

• No storage bin is included.
• The lids allow airflow and are not airtight.

Verdict: Pick the DclobTop set if you want a compact, color-coded stack of everyday trays and do not need a dedicated ice bin.

How to Choose the Best Ice Cube Maker for Your Freezer

Decide How Much Ice You Need

Start with your usual routine. If you make drinks for a household or entertain often, several trays or a set with a stated higher capacity can help you prepare more ice at once. For occasional use, a smaller stack of trays may be enough. Check the stated cube count, and remember that a kit’s total output may differ from the number made by each individual tray.

Choose a Shape and Size for Your Drinks

Small standard cubes are a versatile choice for everyday beverages, while large round spheres are designed for slower-sipping drinks and a different presentation. The shape also affects how you use and store the ice. If you want one tray to handle many types of drinks, a standard cube design is usually the more flexible choice.

Consider How the Ice Releases

Flexible silicone bases generally let you push cubes out from below. Press-release trays use a different process that may release a batch into a bin, while rigid molds can call for twisting to free specialty shapes. Think about whether you tend to need one cube at a time or want to release and collect many cubes together.

Look at the Storage Setup

A lid can help shield ice from freezer odors and reduce spills when you move a full tray. A bin is useful when you want to collect loose cubes after releasing them, while a scoop can make serving easier. Check whether lids are airtight or simply covers: several tray designs use lids that allow airflow, so they should not be treated as sealed containers.

Measure Your Freezer Space

Stackable trays can make better use of vertical space, but the complete set still needs enough room for its trays, lids, or bin. If you have a compact freezer, consider how the trays will sit on a shelf and whether you can keep them level while carrying them. A storage bin may take extra room even as it keeps loose ice organized.

Check Cleaning and Material Details

Cleaning instructions vary. Some sets are listed as dishwasher safe, while the QUELIEN product information says to rinse its trays by hand. If easy cleanup is important, confirm the instructions for the specific parts in the set. Food-contact materials and BPA-free claims are also listed for some options, so compare product details rather than assuming all trays use the same construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ice tray is easiest to release?

That depends on your preferred method. Trays with flexible silicone bases let you push from underneath. A press-style set releases cubes into a bin, while rigid sphere molds use a twist-to-release approach.

Are lids on ice cube trays airtight?

Not always. The DclobTop and DOQAUS product descriptions state that their lids allow airflow and are not airtight. Check the details for any tray you are considering rather than assuming a lid seals completely.

Which set includes a storage bin?

The QUELIEN set includes an ice bin, and the DOQAUS kit includes a central storage container and a scoop. The Cigorea sphere kit also includes a storage box.

Which option makes the most cubes?

Among the products with a stated count, the QUELIEN set is described as making 64 small cubes. ChefAide lists 56 cubes across four trays, and DclobTop lists 42 across three trays. The other products do not provide a directly comparable standard-cube total.

Can these trays go in the dishwasher?

Cleaning guidance differs by product. ChefAide says its trays are dishwasher safe, and DOQAUS lists top-rack dishwasher use. The QUELIEN instructions say not to use a dishwasher. Check each product’s care details for the other components as well.

Are round ice spheres better than regular cubes?

They serve different needs. A large sphere is designed for a distinctive look and slower melting in drinks you sip over time. Standard cubes are generally more versatile for everyday drinks and are easier to make in larger quantities with the tray sets in this guide.

Final Recommendation

For a versatile everyday set with a stated capacity of 56 cubes, the ChefAide trays are a well-rounded choice. If you want a bin and scoop, consider the DOQAUS set; if you prefer a batch-release system, look at QUELIEN. Choose the Cigorea kit for large round ice spheres, or the DclobTop trays for a compact, color-coded stack. The best match is the one that fits your freezer space, ice needs, and preferred release method.