Phinox Ice Cube Tray Named Best in 12-Tray Freezer Test
After testing 12 models, Serious Eats names the Phinox Ice Cube Tray With Lid and Bin as the best overall. The OXO Good Grips tray is the top classic pick, while the Glacio leads for silicone.
The Phinox Ice Cube Tray With Lid and Bin is the best ice cube tray available, according to a new test by Serious Eats. Contributing writer Terrence Gutierrez filled his freezer with 12 different trays over weeks of testing to identify the top performers.
Gutierrez conducted four key tests. He evaluated how easy each tray was to fill and carry without spilling. He timed how long ice from each tray took to melt in room-temperature water. A taste test checked for any off-flavors absorbed from the freezer. Finally, general long-term use assessed durability and performance.
What Makes a Tray Stand Out
A lidded storage bin, while not essential, added significant functionality for organization. The best lids were sturdy and secured properly. Stackable, flat-bottomed designs made efficient use of freezer space. Most silicone trays tested were too floppy, making transport from sink to freezer a messy risk. Only thicker, more rigid silicone models performed well.
Ice cube size directly impacted drink dilution. Smaller cubes melted much faster, which could water down cocktails. Larger cubes melted more slowly, making them preferable for most beverages. The testing highlighted that ease of filling, secure transport, simple ice release, and stackable storage were the most important criteria.
Top Tested Ice Cube Trays
| Model | Category | Key Material | Cubes Per Tray | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phinox Ice Cube Tray With Lid and Bin | Best Overall | Polypropylene plastic | 56 | Includes spiky release plate and storage bin |
| OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray with Lid | Best Classic | Plastic | 14 | Features a spill-prevention lid and extended handles |
| Glacio Ice Cube Tray | Best Silicone | Plastic (silicone mold) | 48 | Thick, sturdy silicone with lids |
| Tovolo Mini Ice Squeeze & Release Cylinder | Best for Pellet Ice | Silicone | 200 | Makes small pellet-style ice cubes |
The Phinox won for its clever design. "The Phinox’s lid includes a spiky plate that pushes down on the ice cubes, releasing them seamlessly into the bin," Gutierrez noted. Its compact, stackable shape and secure latches made it a standout. The main drawback was its smaller capacity compared to some other bin-style trays.
Why Other Trays Fell Short
Several other popular models failed to impress. The Gorilla Grip Stackable Ice Cube Tray and Bin had a lid that was impossible to align and attach securely. The Icebreaker tray made ice difficult to release. Many basic silicone trays, like those from GoodCook, were deemed too flimsy. The Wibimen Round Ice Cube Tray was criticized for a difficult filling process and ice that often failed to form a perfect sphere.
Gutierrez offered practical advice for all ice cube tray users. He recommends not overfilling trays and suggests leaving a filled tray at room temperature for five minutes, then running warm water over the back to release stubborn cubes. For those seeking small pellet ice without a dedicated machine, the Tovolo molds provide an affordable alternative, though they only make enough for about one cocktail per two-mold set. The testing confirmed that a well-designed tray is a simple tool that makes a noticeable difference in the kitchen.
