The 6 Best BPA-Free Plastic Ice Trays for Home Use (2025 Review)
Last updated: December 2025 | Written by The Ice Tray Shop Team
Finding a reliable, safe plastic ice tray shouldn’t be complicated—but with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After spending over 40 hours researching materials, testing freeze times, and evaluating ice release mechanisms, we’ve narrowed down the best BPA-free plastic ice trays available today.
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical commonly found in older plastics that has raised health concerns over the years. For families and health-conscious households, choosing BPA-free plastic ice cube trays is a simple way to reduce potential exposure while still enjoying the convenience and affordability of plastic.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top picks for plastic ice trays BPA-free options, explain what to look for when shopping, and help you choose the right tray for your kitchen. Whether you’re filling water bottles, making iced tea, or keeping drinks cold at family gatherings, these trays deliver consistent results without compromising on safety.
If you’re interested in exploring different ice shapes, you might also want to check out our guide to Sphere Ice Trays for a unique alternative.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Rubbermaid Easy Release Ice Cube Tray
- Best Budget Pick: Arrow Home Products Ice Cube Trays
- Best for Large Ice Cubes: OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray
- Best Stackable Design: Joseph Joseph QuickSnap Ice Tray
- Best for Families: Plástico Ice Cube Trays (4-Pack)
- Best Easy-Release: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays
BPA-Free Plastic Ice Tray Comparison Table
| Product | Material | BPA-Free | Ice Cube Size | Ease of Release | Dishwasher Safe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Easy Release | Polypropylene | Yes ✓ | Standard (1″) | Excellent | Yes | Everyday use |
| Arrow Home Products | HDPE Plastic | Yes ✓ | Standard (1″) | Good | Yes | Budget buyers |
| OXO Good Grips | Polypropylene | Yes ✓ | Large (1.25″) | Excellent | Yes | Large ice cubes |
| Joseph Joseph QuickSnap | ABS Plastic | Yes ✓ | Standard (1″) | Very Good | Top rack only | Small freezers |
| Plástico (4-Pack) | Polypropylene | Yes ✓ | Standard (1″) | Good | Yes | Families |
| Tovolo Perfect Cube | BPA-free Plastic | Yes ✓ | Large (1.25″) | Excellent | Yes | Slow-melting ice |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Rubbermaid Easy Release Ice Cube Tray – Best Overall
[Image: Rubbermaid BPA-free plastic ice tray with easy release mechanism – ALT: Rubbermaid Easy Release BPA-free plastic ice cube tray]Rubbermaid has been a trusted name in kitchen storage for decades, and their Easy Release ice tray lives up to the brand’s reputation. The twist-and-pop design makes removing ice cubes effortless—no more struggling with stuck cubes or cracking the tray.
Made from durable polypropylene, this tray is certified BPA-free and produces 16 standard-sized cubes per tray. The material is thick enough to resist warping over time, even with daily use.
Pros:
- Excellent ice release mechanism
- Durable construction that resists cracking
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Trusted brand with good quality control
Cons:
- Slightly higher price than basic trays
- Takes up moderate freezer space
Best for: Households looking for a reliable, everyday ice tray that will last for years.
2. Arrow Home Products Ice Cube Trays – Best Budget Pick
[Image: Arrow Home Products BPA-free ice cube trays – ALT: Arrow Home Products plastic ice trays BPA-free affordable option]If you’re looking for no-frills, affordable BPA-free ice cube trays, Arrow Home Products delivers excellent value. This American-made option proves that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean low quality.
Made from food-safe HDPE plastic, these trays are straightforward and functional. They produce classic ice cubes that work well for everyday drinks, from water glasses to iced coffee.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Made in the USA
- Simple, reliable design
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons:
- Ice release requires a bit more effort
- Thinner plastic than premium options
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need reliable ice without premium features.
3. OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray – Best for Large Ice Cubes
[Image: OXO Good Grips large ice cube tray – ALT: OXO Good Grips BPA-free plastic ice tray for large cubes]OXO’s Good Grips line is known for thoughtful design, and their ice cube tray is no exception. The silicone lid prevents spills and freezer odours from affecting your ice, while the flexible base makes releasing cubes simple.
This tray produces larger 1.25-inch cubes that melt more slowly than standard sizes—perfect for keeping drinks cold longer without excessive dilution.
Pros:
- Spill-proof lid design
- Large cubes melt slowly
- Flexible base for easy release
- Stackable for efficient storage
Cons:
- Fewer cubes per tray (12 vs 16)
- Higher price point
Best for: Those who prefer larger ice cubes that melt slowly and want spill protection.
4. Joseph Joseph QuickSnap Ice Tray – Best Stackable Design
[Image: Joseph Joseph QuickSnap ice cube tray – ALT: Joseph Joseph QuickSnap BPA-free plastic ice cube tray with lid]The Joseph Joseph QuickSnap features an innovative single-cube release mechanism. Instead of twisting the entire tray, you simply push on individual cube compartments to pop out exactly how many cubes you need.
The integrated lid doubles as a base for stacking multiple trays, making this an excellent choice for compact freezers. The plastic ice trays BPA-free construction ensures safety for the whole family.
Pros:
- Release one cube at a time
- Excellent stackable design
- Built-in cover prevents spills
- Modern, attractive appearance
Cons:
- Top rack dishwasher only
- Takes practice to master release technique
Best for: Those with limited freezer space who want precise cube dispensing.
5. Plástico Ice Cube Trays (4-Pack) – Best for Families
[Image: Plástico 4-pack BPA-free ice trays – ALT: Plástico BPA-free plastic ice cube trays 4-pack for families]For households that go through ice quickly, this 4-pack offers exceptional value. Having multiple trays means you can keep a steady rotation going—always have one batch frozen while another is being used.
These best plastic ice cube trays are made from sturdy polypropylene and produce 64 cubes total per cycle. They’re particularly popular with families who need ice for school lunches, sports practices, and everyday meals.
Pros:
- Excellent value (4 trays included)
- High ice output capacity
- Fully dishwasher safe
- Consistent cube size
Cons:
- Basic design without lids
- Requires more freezer space
Best for: Large families and households with high ice consumption.
6. Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays – Best Easy-Release
[Image: Tovolo Perfect Cube ice tray – ALT: Tovolo Perfect Cube BPA-free plastic ice tray with silicone bottom]Tovolo combines the best of both worlds with their Perfect Cube tray—rigid plastic walls for structure and a flexible silicone base for effortless cube release. Simply push from the bottom, and perfectly formed cubes pop right out.
The 1.25-inch cubes are ideal for taller glasses and water bottles. The covered design keeps ice fresh and prevents it from absorbing freezer odours.
Pros:
- Silicone base for effortless release
- Large, slow-melting cubes
- Lid keeps ice clean
- Durable hybrid construction
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Only 6 cubes per tray
Best for: Those who prioritise easy ice release and prefer larger cubes.
What to Look for in BPA-Free Plastic Ice Trays
Choosing the right ice tray involves more than just picking the cheapest option. Here are the key factors we considered during our testing:
Material Safety
Look for trays explicitly labelled as BPA-free. Common safe plastics include polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and food-grade ABS. These materials don’t leach harmful chemicals into your ice.
Ice Release Mechanism
Nobody wants to wrestle with stuck ice cubes. The best trays feature twist-release mechanisms, flexible bases, or individual push-release compartments. Test reviews often reveal whether a tray actually releases ice easily.
Cube Size and Quantity
Consider how you’ll use your ice. Standard 1-inch cubes work well for most glasses. Larger cubes (1.25 inches or more) melt more slowly and are better for water bottles or keeping drinks cold longer.
Durability
Thin, flimsy trays may crack after repeated use, especially in cold freezers. Look for trays with reinforced edges or thicker plastic construction.
Dishwasher Compatibility
While most modern BPA-free plastics are dishwasher safe, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some trays are top-rack only.
[Image: BPA-free plastic ice tray in freezer with frozen cubes – ALT: BPA-free plastic ice cube tray in freezer showing frozen ice cubes]How We Tested
Our testing process focused on real-world performance:
- Freeze time: We measured how long each tray took to produce solid ice at standard freezer temperatures (-18°C / 0°F).
- Release ease: We tested ice release after 8 hours and 24 hours of freezing to assess performance under different conditions.
- Durability: Trays were filled and emptied 50+ times to check for warping, cracking, or degradation.
- Odour absorption: We tested covered vs uncovered trays to evaluate how well ice stayed fresh.
- Cleaning: Each tray was run through dishwasher cycles to verify manufacturer claims.
Our testing prioritised everyday use scenarios rather than extreme conditions. We wanted to ensure our recommendations would perform reliably in typical home kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BPA-free plastic ice trays safe?
Yes, BPA-free plastic ice trays are considered safe for everyday use. BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical that has been linked to potential health concerns. Modern BPA-free plastics like polypropylene and HDPE are food-safe alternatives that don’t leach harmful chemicals into your ice. Look for products explicitly labelled as BPA-free and from reputable manufacturers.
Do plastic ice trays crack in freezers?
Lower-quality plastic trays can crack over time, especially if they’re made from thin material or subjected to very cold temperatures. To prevent cracking, choose trays made from durable polypropylene or HDPE, avoid overfilling (water expands when frozen), and handle trays gently when removing ice. Premium BPA-free plastic ice trays from trusted brands typically resist cracking better than budget alternatives.
Are BPA-free ice trays dishwasher safe?
Most BPA-free plastic ice trays are dishwasher safe, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Many recommend top-rack placement only to prevent warping from direct heat exposure. Hand washing with warm, soapy water is also effective and can extend the life of your trays.
How long do plastic ice trays last?
With proper care, quality BPA-free plastic ice trays can last 3-5 years or longer. Signs that it’s time to replace your trays include visible cracks, warping, difficulty releasing ice, or discolouration. Storing trays flat and avoiding dropping them can help maximise their lifespan.
Why does my ice taste like plastic?
If your ice has an off taste, it’s usually due to one of three causes: the tray is new (wash thoroughly before first use), the ice has absorbed freezer odours (use covered trays), or the tray is degrading and needs replacement. Quality BPA-free trays shouldn’t impart any taste to your ice after the initial wash.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, the Rubbermaid Easy Release Ice Cube Tray stands out as our top overall pick for most households. Its combination of reliable ice release, durable construction, and trusted brand quality makes it a worthwhile investment for everyd
