Silicone ice cube trays with lids: are they worth it?
For most home kitchens, yes: silicone ice cube trays with lids are worth it if you want ice that releases easily, a freezer free of spills and cubes that don’t pick up the smell of last night’s leftovers. The flexible silicone body makes popping out cubes far less of a struggle than rigid plastic, and a lid solves the two classic freezer problems: spilled water and odour transfer. The main trade-offs are price, which is usually a few pounds more than a basic plastic tray, and the fact that flimsy silicone models can flop when carried full of water.
Key takeaways
- Silicone trays are more flexible and durable than plastic, so cubes release with a simple twist or push rather than a wrestle.
- A lid keeps water from spilling during the walk to the freezer, stops freezer odours settling into your ice and allows tidy stacking.
- Look for food-grade, BPA-free silicone, a well-fitting lid, a stackable design and dishwasher-safe construction.
- Quality matters more than anything: ultra-thin bargain trays flop when full, spill in the freezer and pick up freezer smells quickly, as reviewers at MustKitchenBeast point out.
- Expect to pay roughly £10 to £15 for a decent lidded silicone set on Amazon UK, where lidded models from brands like SLGOL sit in that range and have attracted hundreds of ratings on individual listings.
What are silicone ice cube trays with lids?
These are ice moulds made from flexible food-grade silicone that come with a cover, usually a snap-on plastic or silicone lid. The silicone body bends, so frozen cubes pop out cleanly with a push from underneath or a twist of the tray. The lid sits on top while the water freezes, sealing the tray from the freezer around it.
They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from everyday small cubes to large two-inch squares designed for slow-melting cocktail ice. Amazon UK lists well over 2,000 results for silicone ice cube trays, with lidded options such as the SLGOL two-inch large cube trays priced between £10.99 and £14.99 for two packs, showing just how mainstream this style has become (Amazon UK).
Why do people prefer silicone over plastic trays?
Silicone solves the two problems that ruin cheap plastic trays: cracked trays and cubes that shatter or refuse to release. As the team at Foodsguy notes, many people prefer silicone because it is more durable and pliable, and lidded versions make trays even more user-friendly.
Easy release, every time
Removing ice from rigid plastic or metal trays can be a real hassle, often involving running the tray under warm water or twisting until the plastic groans. With silicone, you simply push up from the base of each cavity and the cube slides out. Flexible trays mean you can get every single cube out quickly and with very little effort.
Built to last
Silicone is a tough material that handles both hot and cold temperatures well, and a cared-for silicone tray will typically outlast brittle plastic ones that crack over time. That durability is a big part of why so many kitchens have made the switch.
What does the lid actually do?
The lid is more than a nice extra; it earns its place in three practical ways.
- No spills: a sealed tray means you can carry water to the freezer without sloshing it across the floor, which is the most common complaint about thin, open silicone trays.
- No odours: uncovered ice absorbs freezer smells over time. A lid keeps your gin and tonic tasting like gin, not frozen peas.
- Stacking: lidded trays stack neatly on top of each other, which matters if your freezer is already packed. If organised freezing is your goal, our guide to the best stackable ice trays with lids covers dedicated options in more depth.
Are there any downsides?
Honest answer: a few, though none are dealbreakers if you buy well.
Thin silicone flops
The biggest complaint about cheap silicone trays is structural. Ultra-thin trays bend in the middle when you carry them full of water, spilling before you even reach the freezer. This is exactly why lidded trays and trays with reinforced frames have become popular. Some lidded models, such as the SLGOL large cube trays sold on Amazon UK, include a built-in steel frame for rigidity for precisely this reason.
Silicone can hold smells
Silicone is generally odour-resistant, but over time it can absorb strong freezer aromas, especially with bargain-grade material. If your tray has already picked up a funk, our guide on why silicone ice cube trays smell and how to fix it walks through simple cleaning methods.
Price and drying
Lidded silicone trays cost more than basic plastic ones, though the gap is small, typically a few pounds for a two-pack. Lids also have seams and edges that need a proper dry before storage to avoid musty smells, and some lids fit loosely enough to let a little water escape if the tray tips badly.
What should you look for when buying one?
Foodsguy sums up the essentials well: choose a tray made of BPA-free materials, one that is genuinely spill-free, and look for a stackable design that is dishwasher-safe. Cube shape and tray size come down to personal preference. Here is the checklist we suggest before buying:
- Food-grade, BPA-free silicone: this should be stated clearly in the product specification.
- A lid that actually seals: snap-on lids that click into place beat loose-fitting ones for spill protection and odour blocking.
- Sturdy walls or a frame: sturdier construction keeps cubes square and stops the floppy-tray problem. Reviewers at MustKitchenBeast praise the Tovolo Perfect Cube trays for their sturdy walls, which keep cubes perfectly square and pop out with one twist.
- Stackable design: flat lids and level bases make the most of limited freezer space.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: both tray and lid, ideally.
- The right cube size: small cubes for everyday drinks, large two-inch cubes for spirits and cocktails, where slow-melting ice dilutes less.
Which lidded silicone trays are popular right now?
Based on published reviews and manufacturer specifications, a few patterns stand out. MustKitchenBeast names the Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays as its best overall pick for uniform 1.25 inch cubes that release with a single twist, with the OXO Good Grips Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray as best value and the glacio Large Silicone Ice Cube Trays as a budget option for two-inch cocktail cubes with lids.
On Amazon UK, the SLGOL range dominates the lidded silicone category, with two-inch large cube trays rated between 4.5 and 4.6 out of 5 stars across several listings, priced from £10.99 to £14.99 per two-pack. Several of these listings mention food-grade BPA-free silicone, removable lids, stackable designs and dishwasher-safe construction, with some models adding a built-in metal frame for rigidity. If novelty shapes appeal, Wowcher lists fun silicone moulds such as a Skull Ice Cube Tray, showing silicone’s flexibility suits playful shapes as well as square cubes.
So, are lidded silicone trays worth it for you?
Buy one if any of these sound like your freezer:
- You are tired of fighting rigid plastic trays to get cubes out.
- Your ice tastes or smells like the freezer because it sits uncovered.
- You spill water on the way to the freezer more often than you would like to admit.
- You want to stack several trays neatly, or you batch-freeze large cocktail cubes.
Skip or stick with a basic tray if you only freeze the odd cube occasionally and already have a tray that works; the upgrade is a quality-of-life improvement rather than a necessity. But given that a decent lidded silicone set on Amazon UK typically costs in the region of £10 to £15, most ice-loving households will find it money well spent. One final tip: even the best silicone can grip a cube now and then, so if release ever becomes sticky, our article on why cubes stick in a silicone mould and how to stop it has the fixes.
FAQ
Do lids stop ice from absorbing freezer smells?
Yes, largely. A well-fitting lid seals the cubes away from the circulating air that carries food odours, which is the main cause of smelly ice. It is one of the strongest practical arguments for lidded trays.
Can I stack silicone ice cube trays with lids?
Stacking is a worthwhile feature to look for: some lidded trays, including certain SLGOL models, are described as stackable, but it is not universal, so check before buying. Check that the lid is rigid or well supported; stacking two full, floppy trays will bulge the lower lid.
Are silicone ice trays dishwasher safe?
Many are, and it is a feature worth prioritising. Always check the manufacturer’s specification, and note that some lids are better hand-washed to protect their sealing edges.
Do silicone trays make cubes taste different?
Good food-grade silicone should not affect taste. Very cheap silicone can absorb and transfer odours over time, which is another reason to choose a reputable brand and keep the tray clean.
How long do ice cubes take to freeze in a silicone tray?
Typically around three to four hours for standard cubes in a household freezer, with large two-inch cubes needing longer, often four to six hours or overnight. Silicone itself does not significantly change freezing time.
Sources
- Foodsguy: Best Silicone Ice Cube Trays With Lids
- MustKitchenBeast: Best Silicone Ice Trays
- Amazon UK: Silicone Ice Cube Trays
- Wowcher: Silicone Ice Trays Deals
