A metal ice cube tray with a lever can make it easier to release cubes without twisting a flexible tray or banging it on the counter. The options below use stainless steel and lever-style release systems, but they differ in capacity, included accessories, storage design, and stated care instructions. Our top pick is a two-tray set with a stand and tweezers; the single-tray options may suit you better if you want a simpler setup.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Tray count and capacity | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| glendaveny Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray Set | Two trays; 18 cubes per tray | Includes a stand and tweezers | Making and storing more ice at once |
| Captain Cranberry Metal Ice Cube Tray | One 18-cube tray | Retro lever and gift-ready packaging | A straightforward single-tray setup |
| xieyaxie 18-Cube Stainless Steel Tray | One 18-cube tray | One-pull lever release | Plastic-free ice making with a simple design |
| Voxionix Stainless Steel Tray with Lever | One tray with 18 slots | Listed dimensions of 11.25 x 4.75 inches | Shoppers who want a tray with stated measurements |
| Bthomstfmly 2-Pack Stainless Steel Trays | Two trays; 18-slot design listed | Compact three-row layout | Keeping a second tray on hand |
Our Picks: Best Metal Ice Cube Tray With Lever reviews
1. glendaveny Stainless Steel Tray Set: Best for Making More Ice
This set includes two stainless steel trays, a stand, and tweezers. Each tray makes 18 cubes, so using both provides a larger batch than the single-tray options here. The stand is designed to keep the trays stacked neatly in the freezer, which may help if you want to make more ice without spreading trays across a shelf.
The product is described as 304 food-grade stainless steel and has a lever-release mechanism. The trays are removable for cleaning, and the listing says they are dishwasher safe. For release, the instructions suggest running the back of the tray under cold water briefly before pulling the lever. That extra step is worth keeping in mind if you expect cubes to release instantly straight from the freezer.
This is the most complete package in the comparison, especially for families, entertaining, or regular cold-drink use. Its main trade-off is that a two-tray set takes more freezer space than one tray, even with the included stand. The supplied details also advise against overfilling, since water expands as it freezes.
Pros:
- Includes two trays, a storage stand, and tweezers
- Each tray makes 18 cubes
- Removable trays are listed as dishwasher safe
- Useful for ice as well as broth, sauces, and fruit purees
Cons:
- Needs more freezer room than a single tray
- The suggested release method includes a brief cold-water rinse
Verdict: Choose this set if capacity and included storage accessories matter more to you than keeping your freezer setup minimal.
2. Captain Cranberry Metal Tray: Best for a Retro Lever Design
The Captain Cranberry tray makes 18 cubes and uses a classic lever handle to loosen them. Its listing describes the tray as food-grade 304 stainless steel, plastic-free, and silicone-free. It is a single-tray option, so it has a simpler footprint than the two-tray sets if you only need one batch at a time.
The maker describes the cubes as compact and says the tray freezes quickly. Those are product claims rather than a guarantee of a particular freezing time; actual results can depend on your freezer and how full it is. The tray is listed as dishwasher safe and designed to resist rust and stains.
The listing specifically notes that trays do not stack evenly on top of each other. That is less of a concern if you plan to use only one, but it matters if you intend to buy multiple trays and store them in a stack. Gift-ready packaging is another stated feature, which may appeal if you are shopping for a home-bar accessory.
Pros:
- 18-cube capacity in a single tray
- Lever is designed to release cubes without twisting the tray
- Listed as dishwasher safe and made from 304 stainless steel
- Gift-ready packaging is included, according to the listing
Cons:
- The trays are noted as not stacking evenly
- Does not include a stand or extra tray
Verdict: This is a good fit if you want one stainless steel tray with a retro-style handle and do not need stackable storage.
3. xieyaxie 18-Cube Tray: Best for Simple One-Pull Release
The xieyaxie tray has an 18-cube layout and a vintage-style lever intended to release the cubes with one pull. Like the Captain Cranberry, it is described as plastic-free and silicone-free, with food-grade 304 stainless steel construction. It is a compact choice in terms of pieces: the supplied product details list one tray and do not mention a stand or accessories.
The listing says the tray is dishwasher safe and has a polished, rust-resistant finish. It also presents the cubes as compact and slower to melt, but it does not give dimensions for the individual cubes or a measured melt-time comparison. If cube size is important for your glassware or drinks, check the product listing before choosing.
This tray is a close alternative to the Captain Cranberry. Both offer an 18-cube capacity and lever release, and both are described as not stacking evenly. The xieyaxie option may suit you if its design or packaging appeals to you, but it does not stand out on capacity or included storage features.
Pros:
- Makes 18 cubes per batch
- Lever-release design avoids twisting the tray
- Described as plastic-free and silicone-free
- Listed as dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Does not include a second tray or storage stand
- The listing notes that trays do not stack evenly
Verdict: Pick this tray if you want a single 18-cube stainless steel mold with a simple lever and do not need extra accessories.
4. Voxionix Stainless Steel Tray: Best for Stated Tray Dimensions
The Voxionix tray is a stainless steel mold with 18 slots and a lift-style release handle. Its listed dimensions are 11.25 by 4.75 inches, which gives you a useful starting point for checking whether it will fit on your freezer shelf. The product details do not specify the tray’s height or the size of each cube.
The listing describes the tray as dishwasher safe and suitable for freezing water, fruit, flowers, pastes, and other ingredients. That range of uses may appeal if you want one mold for more than everyday drink ice. As with other metal trays, leave room for water to expand and check that the filled tray can be placed level in your freezer.
Compared with the other single-tray picks, Voxionix provides specific overall dimensions, but the supplied details are less specific about the steel grade and whether the tray is plastic-free. If those material details are a priority, the Captain Cranberry and xieyaxie listings explicitly identify 304 stainless steel.
Pros:
- 18-slot design with a lever release
- Overall length and width are listed
- Described as dishwasher safe
- Can be used for fruit, flowers, and other freezer ingredients
Cons:
- The supplied details do not state a stainless steel grade
- Individual cube dimensions are not provided
Verdict: Consider this option if its listed footprint suits your freezer and you value having overall tray measurements before buying.
5. Bthomstfmly 2-Pack: Best for a Compact Two-Tray Setup
This set includes two stainless steel trays with a three-row layout. The product details list an 18-slot design and dimensions of 11.1 by 4.7 by 1.1 inches. Its lever system is intended to loosen the cubes without bending or twisting the mold, while the two-tray format gives you another tray to fill when you want more ice on hand.
The maker describes the trays as 304 stainless steel and says they are suitable for ice, juice cubes, and frozen baby food. The listing also claims faster freezing than plastic, but does not provide test conditions, so treat that comparison as a product claim rather than a guaranteed result. The listed compact dimensions may help with freezer planning, though you should still measure your shelf space.
One important limitation is that this product is marked unavailable in the supplied product information. Availability can change, so check the listing before making plans to buy it. If it is not available, the glendaveny set is the clearest alternative for a two-tray setup and also includes a stand and tweezers.
Pros:
- Two-tray set with a listed 18-slot layout
- Compact overall dimensions are provided
- Lever release is designed to avoid twisting and bending
- Described for ice, juice, and frozen food portions
Cons:
- Marked unavailable in the supplied product information
- No stand or tweezers are listed as included
Verdict: It is worth considering if it becomes available and you want two compact trays, but the glendaveny set is the more complete choice in this comparison.
How to Choose a Metal Ice Cube Tray With a Lever
Decide How Much Ice You Need
Start with the number of trays and cubes you want per batch. The single-tray picks listed here make 18 cubes, while the glendaveny set includes two trays that each make 18. A second tray can help when you serve drinks often or want to keep different ingredients separate, but it also takes up more freezer space.
Check the Material Details
Look for clear information about the metal and any other materials that touch the water. Several products in this comparison specify food-grade 304 stainless steel, while the Voxionix listing simply says stainless steel. If avoiding plastic or silicone is important to you, confirm that the specific listing describes the tray as plastic-free or silicone-free.
Understand How the Lever Releases Ice
A lever is meant to loosen cubes without the twisting action used with flexible trays. The release steps may still differ: the glendaveny listing suggests briefly running cold water over the back of the tray before pulling its lever. Check the product instructions and allow for that step if you want an easy release routine.
Measure Your Freezer Space
Compare the tray’s outer measurements with the shelf or drawer where you plan to keep it. The Voxionix and Bthomstfmly listings provide overall dimensions, while the supplied details for some other options do not. For a two-tray set, consider the room needed for both trays and any stand, and check whether the trays are designed to stack.
Consider Cleaning and Storage
Several listings describe their trays as dishwasher safe, but it is still wise to follow the care instructions that come with the product. Also check whether accessories are included. The glendaveny set has a stand and tweezers; the other product descriptions do not list the same combination of storage and serving accessories.
Think About What You Will Freeze
These trays are presented for more than plain water. Depending on the product, the listings mention fruit, juice, broth, sauces, purees, pastes, or baby food. If you plan to freeze anything other than water, consider whether you want a dedicated tray for that use and follow food-handling guidance for your ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are metal ice cube trays with levers easier to use than twist trays?
A lever gives you a different way to loosen cubes and can avoid twisting or bending the tray. The exact release method varies by design, and some trays may benefit from a brief rinse before you pull the handle.
How many cubes do these trays make?
The single-tray models in this comparison list 18 cubes or slots. The glendaveny set has two trays, each listed as making 18 cubes.
Are these stainless steel trays dishwasher safe?
The supplied descriptions identify the glendaveny, Captain Cranberry, xieyaxie, and Voxionix trays as dishwasher safe. Check the care instructions for the exact model you choose, especially if you buy a product not covered by those details.
Do the trays stack in the freezer?
The glendaveny set includes a stand designed to hold its trays stacked. The Captain Cranberry and xieyaxie listings specifically note that their trays do not stack evenly on top of each other. Check the product details if stacking is important for your freezer setup.
Can I freeze fruit or other ingredients in these trays?
Several listings describe uses beyond water, including fruit, juice, broth, sauces, and purees. Check the directions for your chosen tray and leave space for liquids to expand as they freeze.
Do metal trays make ice freeze faster?
Some product descriptions claim faster freezing than plastic trays. Freezing time can vary with freezer temperature, how full the tray is, and where you place it, so the listed comparison should not be treated as a guaranteed time.
Final Recommendation
For most households that want a metal ice cube tray with a lever, the glendaveny two-tray set is the most versatile pick because it includes two 18-cube trays, a stand, and tweezers. If you prefer a single tray, Captain Cranberry and xieyaxie offer clearly described 304 stainless steel construction and lever release. Choose Voxionix if its listed dimensions help you plan your freezer space, and check the Bthomstfmly listing for availability before relying on it as your two-tray option.