A big ice tray is useful when you want cubes that chill drinks slowly, or when you need larger portions for freezing broth, sauces, or baby food. The right choice depends on how many pieces you want to make at once, whether you prefer square cubes or round ice spheres, and how much freezer space you can spare. These five options range from simple silicone trays to a round-ice set with a storage bin and tongs.
| Product | Ice style and capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| VLM 3-Pack Large Ice Cube Molds | Square; 18 cubes, 2 inches each | Making a larger batch of big cubes |
| KitchFort Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray | Square; 12 cubes, 2 inches each | Stackable trays for drinks and food portions |
| Cigorea Round Ice Cube Molds Set | Round; 12 ice spheres | A complete set for serving and storing ice balls |
| Amazon Basics Large Silicone Square Ice Cube Trays | Large square-style silicone tray; tray measures 4.25 x 4.25 x 1.77 inches | A straightforward tray for ice and other frozen portions |
| Bangp Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey | Square; 16 cubes across two trays | Making a good supply of large cubes with lids |
Our Picks: Best Big Ice Tray For Freezer reviews
VLM 3-Pack: Best for Making Plenty of Large Square Cubes
This VLM set includes three silicone trays, each with six cavities. The 2-inch square molds can make 18 cubes in one batch, giving it the highest listed output among the square-cube options here. The size is intended for drinks such as whiskey and cocktails, where a larger cube can chill a drink while melting more slowly than smaller ice.
Each tray has an internal frame for added stability and a handle to help with carrying it from the sink to the freezer. The removable silicone lids are designed to help prevent spills and keep ice from absorbing freezer odors. Since the trays can be stacked, this set may suit households that want several batches ready without taking up an entire shelf.
The flexible silicone and separate cavities are designed to make cubes easier to push out from below. The trade-off is that three trays take more room than a single mold, and the product details do not list a dishwasher-safe claim. Choose this set if batch size matters more than having accessories such as a storage bin or tongs.
Pros:
- Three trays make 18 large cubes at once
- 2-inch square cubes suit whiskey and cocktails
- Lids help limit spills and freezer odors
- Internal frames and handles support filling and carrying
Cons:
- Three trays require more freezer space than a single mold
- Dishwasher safety is not specified in the product details
Verdict: Pick the VLM set if you want a high-capacity option with lids and stable, easy-to-carry trays.
KitchFort 2-Pack: Stackable 2-Inch Cubes for Drinks and Food
KitchFort’s two-tray set makes 12 large, 2-inch square cubes in total. The trays use food-grade, BPA-free silicone, with separate cavities intended to help you release individual cubes by twisting the mold and pushing from the bottom. This format is a practical middle ground: it makes more than one batch at a time without matching the three-tray footprint of the VLM set.
The lids are designed to keep ice covered, reduce odor transfer, and let you stack the trays in the freezer. KitchFort also lists the trays as dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup simpler if you use them for juices, sauces, or other frozen portions as well as water. Their larger cubes are suited to drinks where you want ice to melt more slowly than small cubes.
The main limitation is capacity: 12 cubes may be less than you want when serving a group or restocking a busy freezer. As with other flexible silicone molds, a tray full of water may be easier to carry on a firm, level surface. This set is a strong fit if you value stackable lids and simple cleaning over maximum output.
Pros:
- Makes 12 large 2-inch cubes across two trays
- Lids support stacking and help keep ice covered
- Food-grade, BPA-free silicone
- Dishwasher safe according to the product details
Cons:
- Lower listed output than the VLM and Bangp sets
- Flexible trays may need careful handling when filled
Verdict: Choose KitchFort if you want a moderate-capacity set that combines 2-inch cubes, stackable lids, and dishwasher-safe cleanup.
Cigorea Round Ice Set: Best for Spheres and Serving Accessories
Unlike the square-cube trays in this roundup, the Cigorea set is designed to make round ice spheres. It includes two molds, a dedicated storage bin, and a stainless steel tong. The product details state that the molds make 12 spheres, making this more of a serving-and-storage kit than a basic tray alone.
The molds have a rigid structure intended to maintain the round shape. To fill them, add water to the fill line, attach the lid, and press the corners together. The instructions note that excess water may squeeze out through the lid holes. To release the spheres, twist the diagonal corners; allowing the mold to rest briefly at room temperature or using warm water can make opening it easier.
The storage bin and tongs are useful additions if you plan to keep a supply of spheres ready for drinks or entertaining. However, this set may not be the best match if you need conventional square cubes, flexible silicone molds, or the simplest possible filling process. Its more involved locking and twisting steps are part of the design, so it suits shoppers who specifically want round ice.
Pros:
- Makes 12 round ice spheres across two molds
- Includes a storage bin and stainless steel tong
- Rigid structure is designed to help maintain sphere shape
- Storage bin can also carry ice for serving or outings
Cons:
- Round ice may not fit every glass as conveniently as square cubes
- Filling and releasing involve more steps than a flexible push-up tray
Verdict: Select the Cigorea set if you want round ice spheres and value the included storage bin and tong.
Amazon Basics Silicone Trays: A Simple, Versatile Large-Cube Option
This Amazon Basics option is a silicone tray set with a non-slip design. Each tray measures 4.25 by 4.25 by 1.77 inches, and the product is listed as safe for the refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher. The supplied details do not specify the number of cavities or the size of each finished cube, so check the product listing if those measurements are important to you.
The trays are stackable and can be used for more than ice. The product description also lists frozen pudding, cake, biscuits, and chocolate as possible uses, giving the mold a broader role in the kitchen. A non-slip base may help keep the tray steadier on a counter or table while you fill it.
This is the most straightforward choice for shoppers who do not need lids, a storage container, or a specialty sphere shape. The lack of listed cube dimensions makes it harder to compare its exact output with the 2-inch cube sets, though. If a precise cube size or a covered tray is a priority, KitchFort, VLM, or Bangp offers clearer details.
Pros:
- Freezer-, refrigerator-, and dishwasher-safe according to the product details
- Stackable design supports compact storage
- Non-slip design helps keep the tray in place
- Can be used for other frozen treats and molded foods
Cons:
- Product details do not state the cavity count or finished cube size
- No lid or storage accessories are listed
Verdict: Go with Amazon Basics if you want a simple, dishwasher-safe silicone mold and do not need a specified cube size or a lid.
Bangp 2-Pack: High Output with Lids for Square Ice
Bangp includes two silicone trays and two clear lids, with a listed total output of 16 large square cubes. Each tray measures 8.5 by 4.5 by 2 inches. The product describes the molds as food-grade, BPA-free silicone and says the cubes are intended for drinks such as whiskey, cocktails, and bourbon.
The lids are designed to keep the contents covered and help prevent freezer odors from transferring to the ice. The trays can be stacked, which is helpful if you want to make several batches or keep the molds in the freezer between uses. To release the cubes, the instructions suggest letting the tray stand for a short time and then pushing each cube out from the bottom.
Bangp offers more listed cubes than the KitchFort two-pack, while using the same general approach of flexible silicone molds with lids. Its product details also list dishwasher, oven, and microwave use for the tray, but specify that the lid should not be used in the microwave or oven. If you only need a modest number of cubes, this set may be more than necessary; if you want to stock up, its 16-cube output is a useful advantage.
Pros:
- Makes 16 large square cubes across two trays
- Includes two clear, stackable lids
- Food-grade, BPA-free silicone according to the product details
- Tray is listed as dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Each tray is relatively long, so measure your freezer shelf before buying
- The lids are not listed as safe for oven or microwave use
Verdict: Choose Bangp if you want a covered two-tray set with more listed cube capacity than the KitchFort option.
How to Choose a Big Ice Tray for Your Freezer
Pick a Shape and Size That Fits Your Drinks
Large square cubes are a familiar choice for whiskey, cocktails, and everyday cold drinks. Round ice spheres offer a different look and may suit a home bar, but they can be less convenient than cubes for some glasses. If you need an exact size, look for a product that states the dimensions of each finished piece. In this group, VLM and KitchFort specify 2-inch cubes, while the Cigorea set makes spheres.
Think About How Much Ice You Need at Once
Capacity matters if you often serve several people or want to keep extra ice ready. The listed outputs range from 12 pieces for KitchFort and Cigorea to 18 for VLM. Bangp lists 16 cubes across two trays. The Amazon Basics product details do not give a cavity count, so you may want to confirm that information before choosing it for a specific batch size.
Check Your Freezer Space and Storage Needs
Measure the shelf or drawer where you plan to place the tray, especially if you want to stack molds or fill several at once. Lids can help cover ice and make stacking easier, but they add height. The Cigorea set also includes a storage bin, while the VLM, KitchFort, and Bangp trays are described as stackable. A rigid or framed design can help with handling, while flexible silicone may need more support when full.
Consider How You Prefer to Release the Ice
Flexible silicone molds are designed to release cubes when you push from the bottom, though a short rest outside the freezer may help. A separate cavity for each cube can make it easier to remove only what you need. The Cigorea set uses a different approach: its rigid mold is twisted to release the spheres, and its instructions suggest letting it rest briefly if opening is difficult. Choose the method that sounds easiest for you to handle.
Look at Cleaning and Material Details
If you expect to use a tray for juices, sauces, or food portions, cleaning and material information becomes especially useful. KitchFort, Bangp, and Amazon Basics are listed as dishwasher safe. VLM’s supplied details do not state dishwasher safety. KitchFort and Bangp specify BPA-free material, while VLM describes its trays as food-grade silicone. Check the product details for any care limits, particularly if you plan to use a tray for purposes beyond making ice.
Decide Whether Extra Accessories Are Worth It
A basic tray is enough if your main goal is making ice. Lids can help cover and stack molds, while the Cigorea bin and tong provide a way to store and serve spheres. Accessories can make the set more useful, but they may take up extra space. Compare what is included with how you actually plan to use the ice before choosing a larger kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are big ice cubes better for whiskey and cocktails?
Larger cubes are designed to melt more slowly than small cubes, which can help limit how quickly a drink gets diluted. The result depends on the drink, glass, and how long you leave the ice in it.
Which option makes the most square ice cubes at once?
VLM lists 18 square cubes per batch, the highest specified square-cube output in this roundup. Bangp lists 16, while KitchFort lists 12.
Which tray makes round ice spheres?
The Cigorea set makes round ice spheres. It includes two molds, a storage bin, and a stainless steel tong.
Do these large ice trays come with lids?
VLM, KitchFort, and Bangp list lids with their trays. The Cigorea set has a mold lid as part of its filling design. The Amazon Basics product details do not list a lid.
Can I use a large ice tray for food portions?
Several products are described as suitable for freezing foods or portions. VLM lists uses such as soup, baby food, and meal portions; KitchFort lists baby food, purees, sauces, and portions; Bangp lists broth, sauces, and meal prep. Check the care details for the specific tray and use.
How can I make silicone ice easier to remove?
Follow the tray’s instructions and push from the bottom of the cavity. A brief rest at room temperature may help. Bangp and Cigorea specifically describe letting their molds stand before release; avoid forcing the tray if the ice is stuck.
Which big ice tray is best for a small freezer?
Measure your available shelf space before choosing. A set with several trays may make more ice, but it also needs room for the molds. Stackable trays with lids, such as the KitchFort option, may help organize freezer space, provided there is enough height for the stack.
Final Recommendation
For the most square cubes per batch, the VLM 3-pack is the strongest fit, with 18 listed 2-inch cubes and lids. If you prefer a smaller set with dishwasher-safe trays, consider KitchFort. For round ice with serving accessories, Cigorea is the clear specialty pick. Bangp offers a higher-output two-tray option with lids, while Amazon Basics suits shoppers who want a versatile silicone mold and do not need a specified cube size.