Ice Cube Trays

Chill Smart: The Best Ice Cube Trays and Where to Buy Them in the UK

Why the right ice cube tray matters more than you think

Think an ice cube tray is just a boring square box? Think again. The right tray changes how drinks behave, how fast they dilute, and even how cocktails look in photos. From giant sphere molds that melt slowly to tiny silicone shapes that add personality, choosing a tray is about taste, function, and flair. Whether you want crystal-clear cubes for whisky, quirky molds for parties, or stackable trays that save freezer space, a smart choice can turn ordinary ice into a small kitchen revolution.

Top UK retailers where you can pick up ice cube trays

If you're shopping in the UK, several retailers carry a great mix of practical and designer ice cube trays. Some specialise in kitchen design, others lean into novelty gifts, and online marketplaces stock everything from budget basics to premium brands. Below are stores that are excellent starting points when hunting for the perfect tray.

Nordic Nest — Scandinavian style and functional design

Nordic Nest focuses on minimal, well-made kitchenware, making it a go-to for modern silicone trays and smartly designed ice containers. If you like clean lines, muted colours, and durable materials, you’ll find several options here that fit a contemporary kitchen aesthetic.

Menkind — novelty and party-friendly moulds

Menkind is the place for novelty ice molds and fun ideas, from giant balls to character shapes. Perfect for hosts who like a laugh or anyone looking to create a memorable cocktail experience. Expect playful designs that double as conversation starters.

Lakeland — practical solutions for serious cooks

Lakeland leans towards functional kitchen tools, offering sturdy trays that stack neatly and often come with lids to prevent spills and freezer smells. If you value practical features like non-slip bases and efficient freezing, Lakeland is worth a look.

John Lewis — reliable brands and quality picks

John Lewis stocks a range of mid-to-high-end trays from recognised kitchenware brands. You’ll find classic silicone options, metal models for clarity, and sets that include lids and trays designed to nest effortlessly in the freezer.

Argos — quick and convenient options

Argos is a convenient stop for affordable trays and last-minute purchases. With many options available for fast collection or delivery, it’s a good choice when you need a basic tray or a starter set without hunting for specialist stock.

Amazon UK — widest selection and user reviews

Amazon’s advantage is variety: designer trays, tiny artisanal moulds, and bulk multipacks all sit side-by-side, plus customer reviews help you spot quality products. Use the reviews to judge durability and how easy the trays are to unmould.

Standout products from Nordic Nest and similar brands

Nordic Nest and similar design-led retailers carry specific models that balance form and function. Below are some types that often pop up and why they deserve attention.

Rig-Tig Freeze-it with lid — compact and tidy (about 2 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches)

The Rig-Tig Freeze-it tray combines a neat lid with a shallow, space-saving profile, measuring roughly 2 inches tall by 7.5 inches square. Lidded trays keep freezer smells out, let you stack trays without spills, and make transporting water to the freezer a lot less messy. Ideal if you’ve got limited freezer real estate and want clean, uniform cubes.

Dorre Isha round cubes — small sets with style

Round cube molds, like the Dorre Isha set, give you uniform spheres or half-spheres that look great in cocktails. They’re compact, often sold in small multi-packs, and work well when you want a little sophistication without committing to big, slow-melting ice balls.

Zone Denmark Singles trays — single-serve convenience

Single-serve trays are popular when you want pre-measured cubes for smoothies, baby food, or cocktail garnishes. These slim trays are great for freezing small portions of juice, coffee, or herbs in oil. They help you portion easily and minimise waste.

Lékué and Hay — colourful, playful designs

Brands like Lékué and Hay bring colour and playful shapes into the kitchen. From snail-shaped lids to brightly hued silicone trays, these options add personality and are usually flexible enough to release ice with minimal force, reducing breakage and frustration.

Bitz and silicone multi-packs — modern materials for easy release

Silicone trays such as Bitz two-packs are often sold in coordinating colours, making them attractive for a busy household. Silicone’s flexibility is its main selling point: simply twist or pop the tray to release ice. Many silicone trays also tolerate temperature swings, which is handy if you use them in both freezer and fridge environments.

Menkind’s novelty moulds — when fun matters most

If you want to inject personality into a summer barbecue, cocktail party, or family night, novelty moulds do a great job. Menkind is known for stocking items that invite guests to smile before they sip.

Winning Willy and novelty shaped molds

Winning Willy-style moulds are cheeky, playful, and guaranteed to get attention. They’re often made of silicone for easy release and are popular as gag gifts or party staples. Keep a couple in the freezer for a laugh at birthday parties or bashes where whimsy is welcome.

Golf ball ice molds — slow-melt classics

Golf ball molds and other spherical options create a large, slow-melting sphere that’s ideal for spirit drinking. Because spheres have less surface area relative to volume, they melt slower than cubes, preserving your drink’s strength and flavour for longer.

Materials explained: silicone, plastic, metal, and novelty resin

Material choice affects how quickly ice freezes, how clear the ice is, and how easy it is to unmould. Silicone is soft and forgiving, plastic is rigid and cheap, and metal or speciality trays can help produce clearer ice. Some novelty trays use food-safe resin for intricate shapes. Match the material to the intended use—flexible silicone for fun shapes, rigid trays for stackability, and quality metal or engineered silicone for clarity and durability.

Choosing the right shape and size for your needs

Different drinks demand different ice. Large cubes or spheres are best for slow sipping drinks, while small cubes are perfect for blended drinks and soft beverages. Mini-cubes chill drinks quickly, which is handy for iced coffee or lemonade. Think about how much dilution you’ll tolerate and how the ice should look in the glass—this guides whether you pick 1-inch mini cubes, 1.5-inch classic cubes, or 2-inch spheres.

Care and cleaning tips to make trays last

Most silicone and plastic trays are dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand extends life. Use warm water and gentle detergent, and avoid sharp tools that can nick the surface. For lingering smells, try a soak in baking soda and warm water. Lidded trays protect your ice from freezer odours and should be cleaned regularly to prevent mould and residue. Storing trays flat until water freezes avoids spills and helps achieve uniform cubes.

Creative uses beyond chilling drinks

Ice cube trays aren’t just for ice. Freeze leftover coffee into cubes for iced lattes, stock into cubes for quick cooking boosts, or pureed herbs in oil for fast flavouring. You can make chocolate bonbons, small soap bars, or single-serve baby food portions. Shape and colour open the door to creative kitchen shortcuts that save time and reduce waste.

Budget picks vs premium options — what to expect

On a budget, expect simple plastic or basic silicone trays that do the job with some compromises in flexibility and longevity. Mid-range trays—often £-priced options you’ll find at John Lewis or Lakeland—offer lidded models, better silicone, and useful designs. High-end trays from designer brands cost more but may bring superior materials, ease of release, and aesthetic appeal. Decide whether you prioritise function, looks, or novelty before splashing out.

Sustainability and choosing eco-friendly trays

Look for BPA-free materials and durable trays that resist cracking. Reusable silicone lasts years and produces less waste than single-use alternatives. Some premium brands use recycled packaging or offer repairable lids; choosing robust designs reduces the need to replace trays frequently. If sustainability matters to you, favour quality over cheap disposables and avoid single-use novelty items with no long-term use.

Where to find deals and seasonal picks in the UK

Retailers often rotate their ice tray stock seasonally—expect more novelty and outdoor-themed molds in summer. Keep an eye on sales at Argos and Lakeland around bank holidays, while John Lewis and Nordic Nest run occasional homeware promotions. Amazon is useful for price comparisons and rapid delivery, and Menkind will typically carry limited-edition novelty moulds that fly out during party season.

Final buying checklist

Before you add a tray to your cart, ask yourself these quick questions: Do I want slow-melting large cubes or quick-chill mini cubes? Will the tray stack and fit my freezer shelf? Is material flexibility important for unmoulding? Do I need a lid? Answering these will guide you toward trays that match both your drinks and your lifestyle.

Quick tips for clearer, better-tasting ice

Want ice that looks glass-clear? Use boiled or filtered water and freeze slowly if possible; clear ice methods reduce trapped air and make cubes more attractive in cocktails. Also, store trays away from strong-smelling foods and use lids to prevent off-flavours. For cocktail purists, consider specialty clear-ice trays or directional freezing techniques that give you that bar-quality clarity at home.

With a little thought, a humble ice cube tray becomes a tool for enjoyment rather than a mundane kitchen item. Whether you buy a practical lidded set from Nordic Nest, hunt novelty molds at Menkind, or pick up budget-friendly stacks from Argos or Lakeland, there’s an option for every style and budget in the UK. Treat your freezer right and your drinks will thank you.

Conclusion: Choosing the right ice cube tray is an easy upgrade that pays off every time you pour a drink. Match the material, shape, and retailer to your needs—think practicality for daily use and novelty for special moments—and you’ll never look at ice the same way again.