A large ice cube can chill whiskey while melting more slowly than several small cubes, helping limit dilution as you sip. The best tray for your bar depends on how many cubes you want to make at once, whether you need a lid for stacking or transport, and how much support the flexible silicone needs. These five options make 2-inch cubes, with different designs for easy release, freezer storage, and presentation.
| Tray | Capacity | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GGUW 3-Pack Large Ice Cube Trays | 18 cubes total | Three trays with lids and steel-frame support | Making a larger batch |
| Xomoo Large Ice Cube Tray | 6 cubes per tray | Marked fill lines and reinforced rim | Measured filling and steady handling |
| Bangp 2-Pack Large Ice Cube Trays | 16 cubes total | Two lidded trays with versatile use | Everyday drinks and batch prep |
| OAOZFWY Reinforced Ice Cube Trays | 6 cubes per tray | Steel frame and marked fill lines | Controlled filling and stacking |
| Bangp Etched Ice Cube Tray | 6 cubes | Geometric pattern for a decorative look | Special drinks and presentation |
Our Picks: Best Large Ice Cube Tray For Whiskey reviews
GGUW 3-Pack: Best for Making a Larger Batch
This set includes three silicone trays, each with six cavities for 2-inch cubes. Together, they make 18 cubes at a time, making this the highest-capacity option in this group. Each tray comes with a lid to help keep ice covered in the freezer and to make stacking easier.
A steel frame wrapped in silicone adds support when you carry a filled tray from the sink to the freezer. That matters with flexible silicone, which can bend under the weight of water. The individual cavities and soft material are designed to make cubes easier to push out from underneath.
Choose this set if you host often, want to keep a supply of large cubes ready, or prefer to freeze several drinks or portions at once. The trade-off is freezer space: three trays take up more room than a single mold, even though they can be stacked. The listing also does not describe marked fill lines, so you will need to judge how much water to add.
Pros:
- Three trays make 18 large cubes in one batch.
- Lids help cover the ice and support stacking.
- Steel-frame support helps the trays hold their shape when carried.
- Flexible silicone is designed for easy cube release.
Cons:
- The three-tray set needs more storage room than a single tray.
- No fill lines are listed for measuring water.
Verdict: Pick the GGUW set if capacity is your main concern and you have room to store several trays in your freezer.
Xomoo Large Ice Cube Tray: Best for Measured Filling
The Xomoo tray has six large compartments for 2-inch cubes, a lid, and an embedded stainless steel frame. Its most distinctive feature is a set of fill lines inside the cavities, marked at 40 ml (1.5 oz) and 80 ml (3 oz). These can help you portion liquid more consistently, whether you are making plain ice or freezing another drink.
The reinforced rim is intended to make the tray easier to move and less likely to collapse when handled or stacked. The lid is described as sealing each chamber individually, which may help reduce spills if the tray is tilted during transport. Flexible silicone bottoms let you press cubes out rather than twist a rigid mold.
This is a practical choice if you value measured portions and a supported tray more than making a large batch. It produces six cubes at once, so you may need to refill it more often than the multi-tray sets. The listing specifies a BPA-free, food-grade silicone tray and lid, but it does not state that the tray is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Fill lines help you measure liquid in each cavity.
- Steel reinforcement supports the tray during handling.
- Lid is designed to seal individual chambers.
- Six 2-inch cubes suit whiskey and other drinks.
Cons:
- One tray makes only six cubes at a time.
- Dishwasher safety is not specified in the supplied product details.
Verdict: Choose the Xomoo if measured filling and a reinforced rim are more useful to you than higher batch capacity.
Bangp 2-Pack: Best for Flexible Everyday Use
This Bangp set includes two trays and two clear lids. Each tray has eight cavities, so you can make 16 large square cubes at once. The lids help keep the contents covered and let you stack the molds in the freezer, while the silicone construction is designed to make cubes easier to release by pressing from the bottom.
The trays measure 8.5 by 4.5 by 2 inches, so check your available freezer space before buying. Beyond whiskey and cocktails, the product description suggests using the molds for portions of broth, sauce, or other foods. It is also listed as dishwasher safe, and the description says it can be used in an oven or microwave without the lid.
This option suits households that want more than one tray and would use the molds for both drinks and food prep. Unlike the steel-frame models, this set does not list a reinforcing frame, so take care when carrying a filled tray. The instructions recommend letting the tray stand for two to three minutes after removing it from the freezer before pushing cubes out.
Pros:
- Two trays make 16 cubes at once.
- Clear lids cover the trays and support stacking.
- Suitable for freezing drink ingredients and food portions.
- Listed as dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- No steel-frame reinforcement is listed.
- The stated tray dimensions may be large for a crowded freezer.
Verdict: Go with this Bangp set if you want two roomy molds for whiskey ice as well as occasional food portioning.
OAOZFWY Reinforced Trays: Best for Supported Stacking
This two-pack uses silicone molds with six compartments per tray, a lid, and an embedded stainless steel frame. The frame is designed to help the molds resist bending or collapsing when moved or stacked. The lid is described as sealing each chamber, a useful design detail if you need to carry a filled tray across the kitchen.
Like the Xomoo, this tray has fill marks at 40 ml (1.5 oz) and 80 ml (3 oz). That gives you a built-in guide for more consistent filling. The flexible silicone compartments are designed to release cubes when pressed from below, rather than requiring you to twist the whole tray.
The main distinction from the Xomoo is that this option is sold as a two-pack, so it offers more molds for making or storing ice. Each tray still makes six cubes at a time, and the supplied details do not specify dishwasher safety. If you want measured portions and sturdier handling but do not need the largest overall capacity, this set is worth considering.
Pros:
- Two trays provide extra capacity for making cubes in batches.
- Steel frames help the molds keep their shape when moved or stacked.
- Fill lines support more precise portions.
- Lids are designed to seal individual compartments.
Cons:
- Each tray makes six cubes, fewer than the eight-cavity Bangp trays.
- Dishwasher safety is not stated in the supplied details.
Verdict: Select the OAOZFWY set if you want two reinforced trays with measured fill marks and lidded storage.
Bangp Etched Tray: Best for Decorative Ice
This Bangp mold makes six 2-inch cubes with a geometric etched design. Unlike the other options here, it focuses on how the ice looks in the glass rather than lids, marked fill levels, or a reinforced frame. Its food-grade silicone is flexible, and the product description says cubes can be released by twisting the tray or pushing from the bottom.
The patterned cubes can add a decorative touch to whiskey or cocktails when presentation matters. The tray can also be used for other frozen treats, according to the product details. It does not list a lid, so it will not offer the same covered storage or stacking convenience as the lidded trays.
Consider this mold if you want to serve distinctive-looking ice and only need six cubes per batch. For routine freezer storage or a party where you need many cubes, the three-tray GGUW set or the two-tray Bangp set offers more capacity.
Pros:
- Geometric pattern gives the cubes a decorative look.
- Makes six large cubes per batch.
- Flexible silicone allows twisting or pressing to release ice.
- Suitable for drinks and other frozen treats.
Cons:
- No lid is listed for covering or stacking the tray.
- It makes fewer cubes per batch than the multi-tray sets.
Verdict: Choose the etched Bangp mold if presentation is your priority and you are comfortable storing an uncovered tray.
How to Choose a Large Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey
Consider cube size and shape
All five picks are designed to make large, square ice cubes, with the listed size around 2 inches. Large cubes are often chosen because they melt more slowly than smaller pieces, which can help limit dilution. Check the dimensions if you use narrow glasses, since a large cube needs enough room to fit through the opening.
Match capacity to how you serve drinks
A single six-cavity tray can suit occasional use, while a two- or three-tray set gives you more cubes ready for guests. Compare the total number of cavities across the set, not just the number of trays. The GGUW set makes 18 cubes in total, the Bangp two-pack makes 16, and the reinforced Xomoo and OAOZFWY trays each have six cavities per tray.
Look for a lid if freezer storage matters
A lid helps keep ice covered and can make it easier to stack trays, which is useful when freezer space is limited. Lids may also help prevent spills when you move a filled mold. If you choose a tray without a lid, plan where it will sit in the freezer and avoid placing items on top of it.
Think about support when carrying a filled tray
Silicone is flexible, which helps with releasing cubes but can make a water-filled tray bend during transport. Models with an embedded steel frame are designed to provide more support. If you choose a tray without a listed frame, carry it carefully and consider setting it on a flat surface before filling it.
Check how cubes release
Flexible silicone molds generally let you push from the bottom to release individual cubes. This can be more convenient than twisting a rigid tray, especially when you only need one or two cubes. Follow the product instructions; for example, the Bangp two-pack description suggests letting the tray stand for a few minutes after taking it from the freezer before pressing the cubes out.
Choose features that fit your routine
Fill lines can help you measure portions, while a decorative pattern may make a drink look more special. If you plan to use a tray for foods as well as ice, check the product’s care and temperature guidance. The Bangp two-pack is listed as dishwasher safe and as safe for oven or microwave use without its lid; the other supplied descriptions do not provide the same care details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a large ice cube in whiskey?
A large cube has less exposed surface area than several smaller cubes with a similar amount of ice, so it can melt more slowly. That may help chill a drink while limiting how quickly it becomes diluted.
How many cubes should a whiskey tray make?
It depends on how often you serve drinks and how much freezer space you have. A six-cavity tray may be enough for occasional use, while a two- or three-tray set can help you prepare more cubes ahead of a gathering.
Do these trays include lids?
Four of the five options list lids: the GGUW, Xomoo, Bangp two-pack, and OAOZFWY trays. The Bangp etched tray does not list a lid.
Are silicone ice cube trays easy to use?
Flexible silicone lets you press or twist the mold to release cubes. Trays with individual cavities can make it easier to remove one cube at a time. A reinforced frame may also help the tray stay steadier when it is full.
Can I use these trays for drinks other than whiskey?
Yes. The product descriptions mention uses such as cocktails, coffee, juice, and other drinks. The Bangp two-pack also describes freezing portions of foods such as broth and sauce.
Which tray is best for making the most cubes at once?
The GGUW three-pack makes 18 cubes across its three trays, the highest stated total in this selection. The Bangp two-pack makes 16 cubes across its two trays.
Should I choose a tray with a steel frame?
A steel frame can help a flexible silicone tray hold its shape while you move or stack it. It is a useful feature if you often carry a filled mold, but it is not essential if you fill and freeze the tray on a stable, level surface.
Final Recommendation
For most people who want to keep a supply of large whiskey cubes ready, the GGUW 3-pack is the most practical pick because it makes 18 cubes and includes lids and frame support. If you prefer measured fill lines, consider the Xomoo tray. For decorative ice, the Bangp etched mold offers a more distinctive look, though it does not list a lid.