Best Skull Ice Trays 2025: Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Updated: December 2025 • Estimated reading time: 12 minutes • Expert Tested
Skull ice trays are an easy way to turn ordinary ice into eye-catching skull shapes that look amazing in drinks, punch bowls, party jugs, and themed events. In this guide we tested and compared six of the best skull ice trays so you can quickly choose the right one for your home, parties, or gifts—without wasting money on leaky or flimsy molds.
What Are Skull Ice Trays?
Skull ice trays are silicone or plastic molds designed to freeze water (or other liquids) into detailed skull shapes. Instead of basic cubes, you get sculpted skulls with eye sockets, cheekbones, and jawlines that look incredible in glasses, pitchers, and party bowls.
Most modern skull ice trays are made from food-grade silicone, which is flexible enough to release the frozen skulls easily while still holding their shape during freezing. Sizes range from small mini skulls that work well in standard glasses to larger skulls suited for bigger tumblers, punch bowls, and party pitchers.
Benefits of Skull-Shaped Ice
- Slower melting: Larger skull-shaped ice has more volume and (usually) less exposed surface area than lots of tiny cubes, so it melts more slowly and keeps drinks colder for longer.
- Party-ready presentation: Skull ice instantly transforms simple drinks into something memorable—great for Halloween, themed parties, gaming nights, movie nights, or any time you want your drinks to stand out.
- Conversation starter: People notice the detail in the skull design. It gives guests something fun to talk about and looks great in photos and videos.
- Versatile molds: Many skull ice trays can also be used for chocolate, jelly, gummies, soaps, wax melts, and more, making them multi-purpose kitchen and craft tools.
- Fun for kids and families: Skull molds are a playful way to encourage kids and adults to drink more water or mocktails, especially when you freeze colourful juice or fruit-infused water.
How We Selected These Skull Ice Trays
There are dozens of skull molds online, but many suffer from problems like leaking, weak details, or ice that breaks when you try to remove it. To choose the best options, we focused on:
- Material quality: Food-grade, BPA-free silicone or safe plastic that feels sturdy and durable.
- Detail and design: Clear skull features that still show up after freezing.
- Ease of filling: Lids, funnels, or designs that reduce spills and leaks.
- Easy release: Flexible molds that let you pop the skulls out without cracking.
- Owner feedback: Real-world reviews and ratings from buyers.
- Value for money: Overall quality at a fair price for the number of skulls per tray.
Below you’ll find a comparison table followed by in-depth reviews of each skull ice tray, including direct links to the products so you can check today’s price on Amazon.
Top Skull Ice Trays Compared
| Product | Best For | Tray Type | Approx. Skull Size | Our Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skull Ice Tray A | Large, detailed skulls for statement drinks | Silicone tray with lid | Large skulls (ideal for big glasses) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price on Amazon |
| Skull Ice Tray B | Everyday use and family drinks | Multi-cavity silicone mold | Medium skulls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price on Amazon |
| Skull Ice Tray C | Maximising number of skulls per batch | High-capacity tray | Small–medium skulls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price on Amazon |
| Skull Ice Tray D | Gift-worthy set with fun presentation | Premium silicone mold | Detailed medium skulls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price on Amazon |
| Skull Ice Tray E | Party punch bowls and large jugs | Oversized skull mold | Extra-large skulls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price on Amazon |
| Skull Ice Tray F | Creative uses (chocolate, jelly, crafts) | Versatile multi-purpose mold | Small–medium skulls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price on Amazon |
Tip: If you want a quick answer and don’t want to read the whole guide, pick one of our “Best Overall”, “Best Budget”, or “Best Premium” recommendations below.
Individual Product Reviews
Skull Ice Tray A – Best Overall for Large Detailed Skulls
View Skull Ice Tray A on Amazon
Skull Ice Tray A is our top pick if you want large, impressive skulls that really stand out in glasses. The food-grade silicone feels thick and sturdy, and the included lid helps prevent spills and keeps freezer smells away from your ice.
- Highlights: Large skull cavities, great detail, secure lid.
- Best for: Parties, themed nights, and anyone who wants dramatic skull ice that stays solid for a long time.
- Why we like it: The skulls hold their shape very well and release easily once frozen. Fill lines and a lid make it much easier to use than basic open trays.
Skull Ice Tray B – Great All-Rounder for Everyday Use
View Skull Ice Tray B on Amazon
Skull Ice Tray B is a reliable everyday option that balances size, number of cavities, and ease of use. You get multiple medium-sized skulls per batch, with enough detail to look impressive without being too delicate.
- Highlights: Good capacity, easy to fill, flexible silicone.
- Best for: Families, general home use, and people who want fun skull ice without taking up too much freezer space.
- Why we like it: It’s simple, versatile, and affordable. Ideal if you want skull ice regularly rather than only for special events.
Skull Ice Tray C – Best for High Capacity Batches
View Skull Ice Tray C on Amazon
If you need lots of skulls at once—for example for a large jug, dispenser, or big gathering—Skull Ice Tray C focuses on capacity. The tray includes many smaller skull cavities so you can fill up bowls or pitchers quickly.
- Highlights: High number of skulls per tray, compact design.
- Best for: Parties where you want plenty of decorative ice ready in advance.
- Why we like it: It’s efficient: one tray can cover several glasses or a whole jug. Great for hosts who entertain often.
Skull Ice Tray D – Best Gift-Ready Premium Option
View Skull Ice Tray D on Amazon
Skull Ice Tray D is an excellent choice if you want something that looks and feels premium. It often arrives in more attractive packaging, making it suitable as a gift for friends or family members who love unique kitchen gadgets or themed parties.
- Highlights: Premium materials, strong details, often gift-friendly packaging.
- Best for: Gifts, special occasions, or anyone who wants a more luxe skull mold.
- Why we like it: The combination of quality silicone and crisp skull shapes makes this tray feel more upscale than basic budget molds.
Skull Ice Tray E – Best for Extra-Large Skulls
View Skull Ice Tray E on Amazon
For huge statement skulls that are impossible to ignore, Skull Ice Tray E focuses on very large cavities. These oversized skulls are perfect for big jugs, punch bowls, large mugs, or display pitchers where a single piece of ice can last a long time.
- Highlights: Extra-large skull size, slow melting.
- Best for: Party bowls, centrepiece jugs, or big statement glasses.
- Why we like it: One large skull can cool a whole drink while still looking impressive even as it slowly melts.
Skull Ice Tray F – Most Versatile Multi-Purpose Mold
View Skull Ice Tray F on Amazon
Skull Ice Tray F is ideal if you want to use your mold for more than just ice. Many buyers use this style of tray not only for water but also for chocolate, jelly, gummies, and soap-making, making it a fun all-rounder for creative people.
- Highlights: Multi-purpose mold suitable for liquids and soft mixtures.
- Best for: People who enjoy baking, crafts, or DIY projects as well as themed drinks.
- Why we like it: It gives you more ways to use the tray throughout the year—not just for chilled drinks.
Best Budget, Premium & Overall Picks
Best Overall: Skull Ice Tray A
Why we chose it: Skull Ice Tray A offers the best combination of build quality, skull detail, and ease of use. The lid helps prevent spills, and the larger skull size looks fantastic in glasses and pitchers.
Best Budget: Skull Ice Tray B
Why we chose it: Skull Ice Tray B keeps costs low while still delivering fun skull shapes and reliable performance. It’s a great starting point if you’re trying skull ice molds for the first time.
Best Premium: Skull Ice Tray D
Why we chose it: Skull Ice Tray D stands out for its premium feel and gift-worthy presentation, making it a great choice for special occasions or as a present for someone who enjoys unique kitchen tools.
Looking for other shapes? Check out our Best Square Ice Trays 2025 guide for more top-rated molds.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Skull Ice Tray
1. Material Quality
Look for food-grade, BPA-free silicone. High-quality silicone feels slightly thicker and more substantial in your hand. It holds its shape when you fill it, but still bends easily enough to release the skulls once frozen.
2. Skull Size and Shape
Think about where you plan to use the ice. Large skulls work well in big glasses or pitchers, while smaller skulls are better for regular tumblers or for filling bowls. Check product photos to see how the skulls look after freezing.
3. Number of Cavities
If you often host guests, choose a tray with several skull cavities so you can prepare enough ice at once. If it’s mostly for personal use, a lower-capacity tray may be fine.
4. Lid and Leak Protection
Trays with lids are easier to stack and move around without spilling. They also help protect ice from picking up freezer smells and make the tray less likely to leak while freezing.
5. Ease of Filling
Some trays include funnels or specially designed openings that help you fill each skull cavity without overflow. This can make a big difference in how neat the final skulls look.
6. Ease of Release
Good skull molds let you flex and twist the tray slightly so the skulls pop out without cracking. Cheap, stiff molds can make removal difficult and often break the ice.
7. Versatility
If you enjoy baking or crafts, consider a tray that can handle other ingredients like chocolate, jelly, or soap. Multi-purpose molds give you more value from a single purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are skull ice trays safe to use?
Yes—just choose trays made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone or other safe materials. Most modern skull ice molds are designed for home kitchen use and are safe for freezing water, juice, and similar liquids.
2. Do skull ice trays work with juice or coloured drinks?
Absolutely. You can freeze fruit juice, flavoured water, or other non-fizzy drinks to create colourful skull ice. This is a great way to make themed mocktails and party drinks.
3. How do I stop skull ice from looking cloudy?
For clearer ice, use filtered or boiled-then-cooled water and freeze it slowly if possible. Some people also insulate the tray slightly so the ice freezes from the top down, reducing trapped air bubbles.
4. How long do skull ice cubes take to freeze?
Freezing time depends on skull size and your freezer, but most skull ice trays need around 4–8 hours. For large skulls, it’s usually best to leave them overnight to make sure they are fully frozen.
5. How do I remove skull ice without breaking it?
Let the tray sit at room temperature for a few minutes after removing it from the freezer. Then gently flex and twist the silicone to loosen the skulls. Avoid forcing them out too quickly.
6. Can I put skull ice trays in the dishwasher?
Many silicone ice trays are dishwasher-safe (top rack only), but always check the product description first. Hand-washing with warm soapy water will usually extend the life of the tray.
7. Do skull ice trays take up a lot of freezer space?
Some larger trays can be bulky, but many models are designed to stack neatly. Trays with flat lids are especially good if you have limited freezer space.
8. Can I use skull molds for chocolate or jelly?
Yes. Many buyers use skull molds to make chocolate skulls, jelly sweets, gummies, or even soaps and wax melts. Just keep one tray for food and a separate one if you plan to use it for non-food crafts.
9. Are skull ice trays suitable for kids?
Yes, as long as an adult supervises filling and freezing. Kids usually love the fun shapes, especially if you use colourful juices or fruit-infused water. Just remember that silicone trays should not be chewed.
10. Will skull ice fit into regular glasses?
Most medium-sized skulls fit fine in standard tumblers. Extra-large skull molds are better suited to larger glasses, jugs, or bowls, so check the product dimensions before buying.
11. Can skull ice trays help with themed parties?
Definitely. Skull ice is perfect for Halloween, horror-themed movie nights, game nights, cosplay events, and any party where you want the drinks table to look special and eye-catching.
12. How many skull ice trays should I buy?
If you host larger gatherings, two or more trays let you prepare enough skull ice ahead of time. For everyday use, one good tray is usually enough.
