Best Ice Cube Tray For Old Fashioned: Large Cube Picks Compared

A large, slow-melting cube is a practical choice for an Old Fashioned because it chills the drink while helping limit dilution. The trays below make 2-inch square cubes, but they differ in how many cubes they produce, how easy they are to move while filled, and whether their lids help save freezer space. Use the comparison table to find the setup that fits your freezer and how often you serve cocktails.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Ice Cube Tray For Old Fashioned reviews

FDDBI Large Ice Cube Trays: A Handy Two-Tray Set

This FDDBI set includes two silicone trays, each with six cavities for 2-inch square cubes. Together, they make 12 large cubes in one batch, a useful amount for keeping a few drinks ready or making ice ahead of a small gathering.

The flexible, independent cavities are designed to let you push cubes out from the bottom one at a time. A steel frame wrapped in silicone adds support around the rim, which can make a filled tray easier to carry from the counter to the freezer. Removable lids help shield the ice from freezer odors and let the trays stack.

These trays are a strong fit if you want a good balance of output, storage, and handling. As with other silicone molds, place the tray on a flat surface before filling it; the rim helps, but it does not turn the mold into a rigid container. The set is dishwasher safe, which is convenient after using it for ice or frozen portions.

Pros:

• Two trays make 12 large cubes per batch.
• Steel-reinforced rims support filling and carrying.
• Lids help protect ice from freezer odors and allow stacking.
• Dishwasher safe for easier cleanup.

Cons:

• The two trays need more freezer space than a single mold.
• Large cubes take longer to freeze than small cubes.

Verdict: Choose the FDDBI set if you want 12 large cubes at a time and value a reinforced rim for moving filled trays.

KitchFort Silicone Ice Cube Tray: A Versatile Two-Pack

KitchFort’s two-tray set makes 12 large, 2-inch cubes per batch. The separate cavities are designed for push-from-the-bottom release, while the included lids help keep ice covered and make the molds stackable in the freezer.

The listing describes the silicone as food-grade and BPA-free, and says the trays are dishwasher safe. Beyond cocktail ice, the molds can be used for freezing coffee, juice, sauces, purees, or other portions. That flexibility can be useful if you want one mold for more than drinks.

Compared with the FDDBI set, KitchFort makes a similar number of cubes and also includes lids, but its product details do not mention a reinforced steel rim. Set it on a flat tray or stable freezer shelf when filling and moving it to help avoid spills. Its broad use cases are a plus, though you may prefer a dedicated ice tray if you do not want to reuse the same mold for food.

Pros:

• Two trays make 12 large cubes per batch.
• BPA-free silicone, according to the product listing.
• Lids help protect ice and support stacking.
• Dishwasher safe and suitable for other frozen portions.

Cons:

• No reinforced rim is specified in the product details.
• The two-tray set may be more than you need if you make only occasional drinks.

Verdict: The KitchFort set is a sensible pick if you want two lidded trays for cocktails as well as other freezer portions.

GGUW 3-Pack: More Large Cubes for a Crowd

This three-pack is the largest set in this comparison by stated output. Each tray has six cavities, and the set makes 18 large, 2-inch cubes in one batch. That added capacity can be useful when you host often or want to build up a supply over several batches.

The trays have flexible silicone cavities for push-from-the-bottom release, plus lids intended to keep ice clean and help limit freezer odors. A silicone-wrapped steel frame around each rim adds support when filling and carrying the molds. The product listing also describes the trays as dishwasher safe.

The trade-off is storage: three molds take more room than a two-pack, even if their lids help them stack. The larger batch is worthwhile when you will use it, but may feel excessive for someone who makes only one Old Fashioned now and then. These trays can also freeze coffee, juice, and other liquids, offering another way to use their capacity.

Pros:

• Three trays make 18 large cubes per batch.
• Steel-reinforced rims support filling and transport.
• Lids help keep ice covered and make stacking easier.
• Flexible cavities are designed for individual cube release.

Cons:

• Requires more freezer space than a two-pack.
• The larger set may be unnecessary for occasional use.

Verdict: Pick the GGUW three-pack if you want the highest stated cube output here and have room to store multiple trays.

Bartender’s Secret Sauce Mold: A Simple Four-Cube Option

This mold makes four 2-inch square cubes, making it the smallest stated batch in this group. Its straightforward design suits a household that wants a few large cubes on hand without storing a multi-tray set.

The mold is made from food-grade silicone, described as BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Its flexible cavities are intended to release cubes without cracking, sticking, or twisting. The low-waterline design is meant to make filling and release easier, but the listing does not specify a lid or reinforced rim.

That simpler build keeps the setup focused on making a few cubes, but it offers less capacity than the two- and three-tray options. Because no lid is listed, you may want to store the mold on a flat surface and keep it away from strong freezer odors. It is a practical choice for occasional drinks, but less suited to entertaining a group unless you make batches ahead.

Pros:

• Makes four large cubes in a compact mold.
• Flexible silicone is designed for easy release.
• Low-waterline design helps with filling.
• Dishwasher safe, according to the product listing.

Cons:

• Lower stated capacity than the multi-tray sets.
• No lid or reinforced rim is specified.

Verdict: Choose this mold if four cubes at a time are enough and you prefer a basic, smaller-capacity option.

GGOW Big Silicone Ice Cube Trays: Framed for Easier Handling

The GGOW tray combines flexible silicone with an internal steel frame, which is intended to make the mold steadier to carry when filled. Its separate compartments are designed to let you push out one cube at a time, and a snap-on lid helps protect the ice from spills and freezer odors.

The product listing describes the tray as dishwasher safe and also says it is oven and microwave safe. Since use conditions can vary by product component, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any use beyond freezing. The listing does not state the number of cavities or total cube output, so check the product details before buying if capacity is a deciding factor.

This tray may suit you if stability and a lid matter more than knowing the exact batch size in advance. It can also freeze measured portions of broth or sauce. The main drawback for an Old Fashioned setup is that its output is less clear in the supplied product information than the other options in this comparison.

Pros:

• Internal steel frame is designed to support the rim during transfer.
• Snap-on lid helps protect ice and prevent spills.
• Separate compartments are designed for individual cube release.
• Can be used for other frozen portions, according to the listing.

Cons:

• The product information provided does not specify the cavity count.
• Confirm the manufacturer’s directions before using it in an oven or microwave.

Verdict: Consider the GGOW tray if a framed rim and snap-on lid are priorities, but verify its capacity before ordering.

How to Choose an Ice Cube Tray for an Old Fashioned

Choose a cube size that suits the glass

All five picks are designed to make large cubes, and several specify a 2-inch size. A large cube is a common choice for an Old Fashioned because it chills the drink while melting more slowly than smaller ice. Before buying, consider the size of your usual rocks glass and make sure the cube will fit comfortably.

Think about how many cubes you need

Batch size affects how often you need to refill the mold. The FDDBI and KitchFort sets make 12 cubes, while the GGUW three-pack makes 18 and the Bartender’s Secret Sauce mold makes four. The GGOW listing does not state a total, so check its product details if capacity matters to you. A larger set can help when hosting, but it also needs more freezer space.

Look for features that make a filled tray easier to handle

Flexible silicone helps you push cubes out, but a filled tray can be less rigid than a hard plastic one. FDDBI, GGUW’s three-pack, and GGOW specify a steel-reinforced rim or frame. If your freezer is crowded or you want to carry the mold while full, that added support may be useful. For any flexible tray, filling it on a stable, flat surface can help reduce spills.

Decide whether a lid matters

A lid can help keep ice covered, reduce exposure to freezer odors, and allow trays to stack. Most of the products here list a lid, but the Bartender’s Secret Sauce mold does not specify one. If you plan to keep ice for longer periods or share freezer space with strongly scented foods, a covered tray may be a better fit.

Consider release and cleanup

Separate cavities and flexible silicone are intended to make it easier to remove one cube at a time. The trays in this comparison are described as dishwasher safe, but check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning. If you expect to use the mold for both drinks and food portions, consider whether you want to keep one tray dedicated to ice.

Match the mold to how you will use it

For a small number of occasional drinks, a four-cube mold may be enough. For regular use, a two-tray set offers more cubes per batch. A three-pack is better suited to larger gatherings or building up a supply in advance. Some trays can also freeze coffee, juice, sauces, or other portions, so broader use may make a higher-capacity set more useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size ice cube works well in an Old Fashioned?

A large cube is a popular style for this drink because it chills the liquid while melting more slowly than small cubes. Several trays in this guide make 2-inch cubes. Check your glass size to make sure a large cube fits.

Do large ice cubes melt more slowly?

Generally, a large cube has less exposed surface area relative to its volume than several small cubes. That can help slow melting, though the actual rate also depends on the drink and serving conditions.

How many cubes can these trays make at once?

The FDDBI and KitchFort sets each make 12 cubes, the GGUW three-pack makes 18, and the Bartender’s Secret Sauce mold makes four. The supplied details for the GGOW tray do not state its cavity count or total output.

Are silicone ice cube trays easy to release?

Flexible silicone cavities are designed to bend so you can push cubes out from the bottom. Letting the cubes sit briefly after removing the tray from the freezer may also help, but follow the product’s care and use directions.

Do I need a lid for an ice cube tray?

A lid is useful if you want to cover ice, help limit freezer odors, or stack trays. It is not essential for making ice, but an uncovered mold may be more exposed to spills and nearby freezer smells.

Can I use these trays for more than ice?

Several product listings describe uses such as freezing coffee, juice, sauces, purees, or other food portions. Check the care instructions for the specific tray, and consider using a separate mold for ice if you prefer not to share it with other foods.

Final Recommendation

For most home bars, the FDDBI set is a well-rounded choice: it makes 12 large cubes, includes lids, and has steel-reinforced rims for easier handling. Choose the GGUW three-pack if you want more stated capacity for hosting, or the Bartender’s Secret Sauce mold if four cubes are enough. Whichever option you choose, confirm that the cube size fits your glass and that the tray’s capacity matches your freezer and serving needs.