10 Best Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays Without Plastic for Bars
Plastic ice trays crack, stain, and pass unwanted smells into every cube you drop in a glass. If you have ever tasted freezer odor in a carefully made cocktail, you already know why so many people are switching to metal.
This guide compares ten stainless steel ice cube trays with no plastic contact, covering lever release mechanisms, freeze speed, cube size, capacity, and cleaning. By the end, you will know exactly which tray suits your freezer, your drinks, and your daily routine.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Captain Cranberry Metal Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Lever, 18 cubes
Best forEveryday cocktail ice
- Fully plastic and silicone free
- One-pull lever release
- Lever needs gentle handling
- Cubes are standard sized
GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, Metal Ice Cube Trays for Freezer Vi…
Best forZero-waste kitchens
- Food grade 18/8 stainless steel
- Works for pesto and sauces
- Single tray only
- Requires thaw before release
- 36 large cubes per cycle
- Tweezers included for handling
- Takes up more freezer room
- Needs five-minute thaw
Ice Cube Trays, Large 6-cube Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays with Easy Relea…
Best forWhiskey drinkers
- Freezes 20-30% faster
- Six extra-large cubes
- Only six cubes per batch
- Large cubes need bigger glasses
Vortihive Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with Lid, Easy Release, 2 Pack
Best forCovered freezer storage
- Lids block freezer odors
- Two trays per set
- Needs water rinse to release
- No lever mechanism
xieyaxie 18 Cubes Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray, Easy Release Lever Design
Best forIced coffee fans
- One-pull lever release
- 100% plastic and silicone free
- Standard cube size only
- Single tray capacity
Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray with 18 Slots, Metal Ice Cube Maker with Remo…
Best forRetro kitchen styling
- Authentic 1950s aesthetic
- Removable insert design
- Retro look not for everyone
- Insert needs careful seating
- 36 large cubes per freeze
- Vertical stacking rack included
- Rack adds storage bulk
- Overkill for light users
- Lid keeps ice hygienic
- Compact single-tray footprint
- One tray limits output
- Water rinse needed for release
Stainless Steel Ice Cube Trays, 18-Slot Detachable & Easy-Release Freezer T…
Best forHome bar stations
- Leak-proof tight-fitting design
- One-step detachable release
- No lid included
- Basic feature set
Captain Cranberry Metal Ice Cube Tray with Lever – Classic Lever Convenience
Brand: Captain Cranberry
A dependable all-rounder that makes plastic-free ice genuinely effortless every day.
The Captain Cranberry tray is built entirely from food grade 304 stainless steel with no plastic or silicone anywhere, so there is nothing to crack, stain, or absorb odors. The 18-cube format strikes a practical balance between capacity and freezer space, and the polished surface resists rust and stains through years of dishwashing.
The standout feature is the vintage-style lever handle. One smooth pull cracks all the cubes free without twisting or banging the tray, which is far kinder to your wrists than old all-metal designs. Because the tray conducts cold quickly, the compact cubes freeze fast yet melt slowly, keeping whiskey, iced lattes, and smoothies cold with less dilution.
- Fully plastic and silicone free
- One-pull lever release
- Dishwasher safe and rust resistant
- Lever needs gentle handling
- Cubes are standard sized
GHAHILI Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray – Vintage Design, Zero Waste
Brand: GHAHILI
A charming, versatile single tray ideal for households cutting plastic waste gradually.
GHAHILI leans into a vintage-inspired look while using modern food grade 18/8 stainless steel throughout. The lever handle design releases cubes once frozen, and the instructions are refreshingly clear: fill the tray three quarters full and never overfill, which prevents warped ice and stuck cubes.
Because 304 stainless steel conducts heat so well, water freezes faster than it would in plastic, producing colder cubes for scotch, cocktails, or iced coffee. The tray also earns its zero-waste label beyond drinks; reviewers use it for vanilla cubes, frozen pesto sauce, and other kitchen staples. Cleaning is simple, the metal is safe and reusable for years, and the single-tray format suits anyone testing the switch from plastic.
- Food grade 18/8 stainless steel
- Works for pesto and sauces
- Clear fill-line instructions
- Single tray only
- Requires thaw before release
lycss Double-Layer Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray – Big Batch Output
Brand: lycss
The best pick when you regularly need large quantities of clean, plastic-free ice.
If one tray of ice never seems to be enough, the lycss double-layer set is built for volume. The two-piece design includes a tray with dividers that produce 18 individual cubes, and the set ships with tweezers for hygienic handling, giving you 36 large cubes per freeze cycle.
The vintage-style three-row layout is more than cosmetic; the extra row accelerates water freezing compared with standard two-row molds, and the stainless steel body helps hold low temperatures once frozen. Material quality matches the design, with high grade 304 stainless steel that is more durable and hygienic than plastic or silicone. As with most metal trays, fill three quarters full and thaw for about five minutes before releasing the cubes.
- 36 large cubes per cycle
- Tweezers included for handling
- Three-row layout freezes faster
- Takes up more freezer room
- Needs five-minute thaw
Myyaowl Large 6-Cube Stainless Steel Tray – Oversized Slow-Melt Cubes
Brand: Myyaowl
Purpose-built for spirits lovers who want big, slow-melting cubes without plastic contact.
The Myyaowl tray takes a different approach: six large cubes instead of dozens of small ones. Made entirely of high-quality stainless steel with no plastic or silicone, the brand claims a service life beyond five years, which tracks with how these all-metal trays hold up compared with cracking plastic.
Freezing speed is a genuine advantage here, rated 20 to 30 percent faster than plastic and silicone trays, so beverages like whiskey and iced drinks chill quickly. The vintage handles make retrieval smooth, letting you pull complete, unbroken cubes straight from the mold. The format is also customizable; use it for mint ice, coffee cubes, or other flavored variations. For spirits drinkers who dislike diluted glasses, fewer but larger cubes are exactly the right trade-off.
- Freezes 20-30% faster
- Six extra-large cubes
- Handles flavored ice recipes
- Only six cubes per batch
- Large cubes need bigger glasses
Vortihish Stainless Steel Tray with Lid, 2 Pack – Covered and Stackable
Brand: Vortihive
The smart choice for tidy freezers and anyone worried about uncovered ice picking up odors.
The two-pack Vortihive set solves two common complaints at once: exposed ice absorbing freezer odors and trays that will not stack. Each tray is made from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel that resists deformation, and the included lid keeps your cubes covered and hygienic between freezes.
Release is straightforward once you know the method: run the bottom of the tray under tap water for about 30 seconds, then gently wiggle it side to side and the cubes slide out. Each cube measures roughly 1 by 1.5 inches, a size that melts slowly enough for whiskey and cocktails without watering them down. Both trays are dishwasher safe, and the stainless construction helps ice form faster than plastic alternatives, so the pair cycles quickly.
- Lids block freezer odors
- Two trays per set
- Slow-melting 1 x 1.5 inch cubes
- Needs water rinse to release
- No lever mechanism
xieyaxie 18-Cube Stainless Steel Tray – Simple One-Pull Release
Brand: xieyaxie
A no-fuss 18-cube tray that delivers clean ice with minimal effort at release time.
The xieyaxie tray keeps things focused: 18 cubes, food grade 304 stainless steel, and absolutely no plastic or silicone. The brand positions it directly against cracked, smelly plastic trays, and the one-piece metal construction means there are no seams or gaskets where odors can hide.
Release is the headline feature. The classic vintage lever handle frees all the cubes with one smooth pull, with no twisting or banging required, which makes it especially convenient when you are mid-cocktail preparation and need ice fast. The compact, solid cubes freeze quickly thanks to the metal body, then melt slowly, so whiskey, smoothies, and juice stay cold with less dilution. Cleanup is equally low effort; the polished, rust-resistant surface is dishwasher safe and built to last for years.
- One-pull lever release
- 100% plastic and silicone free
- Dishwasher safe construction
- Standard cube size only
- Single tray capacity
Thrseely 18-Slot Stainless Steel Tray – Retro 1950s Styling
Brand: Thrseely
Best for style-conscious kitchens that still want modern, effortless ice release.
The Thrseely tray pairs a nostalgic 1950s look with modern materials, using high-quality 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA-free, non-toxic, and odor-resistant. The three-row system produces a full set of cubes, and the removable insert design separates from the outer frame for easier handling.
That separate insert is what makes the lever work so well. Lift the sturdy lever handle and cubes release smoothly without any twisting, a real improvement over vintage trays that demanded brute force. The metal construction also speeds freezing, so water turns to ice faster than in plastic molds and the cubes hold their temperature longer afterward. With 18 slots, dishwasher-safe parts, and a design that looks at home in a retro kitchen, it balances charm and practicality nicely.
- Authentic 1950s aesthetic
- Removable insert design
- Odor-resistant 18/8 steel
- Retro look not for everyone
- Insert needs careful seating
PTAHAN 36-Cavity Stainless Steel Tray Set – Stackable High Volume
Brand: PTAHAN
A high-volume, space-smart set for entertainers who never want to run out of ice.
The PTAHAN set is aimed at high-demand ice needs, bundling two trays with 18 slots each for 36 large cubes in a single freeze. That capacity covers parties, pitcher drinks, and back-to-back cocktail rounds without waiting for a second cycle.
Each tray uses a push lever to release cubes quickly, preventing the sticking and breakage common with metal molds, so cubes come out whole and intact. Storage is handled thoughtfully too: the included metal rack lets you stack the trays vertically, maximizing freezer space and keeping everything organized. The material is food-grade stainless steel, BPA-free and odorless, and rated for long-term repeated use. For households that go through ice quickly but hate cluttered freezers, the stackable design is the deciding feature.
- 36 large cubes per freeze
- Vertical stacking rack included
- Push lever prevents breakage
- Rack adds storage bulk
- Overkill for light users
Vortihive Stainless Steel Tray with Lid, 1 Pack – Compact Covered Option
Brand: Vortihive
A compact covered tray for solo drinkers and small freezers that still want clean ice.
This single-tray version of the Vortihive design offers the same covered, plastic-free setup for smaller freezers or lighter ice needs. The 304 stainless steel body is corrosion-resistant, holds its shape over time, and keeps your ice hygienic, while the lid shields cubes from absorbing nearby food odors.
Cube dimensions match the two-pack at roughly 1 by 1.5 inches, a size that melts slowly and suits whiskey, cocktails, and other sipping drinks. Release follows the same simple routine: run the tray bottom under tap water for about 30 seconds, wiggle gently side to side, and the cubes come free. The stainless material helps ice form faster than plastic, and both tray and lid are dishwasher safe, so maintenance stays minimal week after week.
- Lid keeps ice hygienic
- Compact single-tray footprint
- Dishwasher safe materials
- One tray limits output
- Water rinse needed for release
ccsxqy 18-Slot Detachable Stainless Steel Tray – Leak-Proof Everyday Ice
Brand: ccsxqy
A practical, spill-free everyday tray for home bars and regular iced drink routines.
The ccsxqy tray covers the essentials well: an 18-slot capacity, food grade 304 stainless steel, and a detachable handle that releases ice cubes in one step, saving time during busy bar or kitchen service. The rust-proof metal is fully dishwasher safe, so cleanup never becomes a chore.
Two details set it apart. The tight-fitting, leak-proof structure prevents water spilling as you carry the tray to the freezer, a small thing that matters when trays are full to the line. The stainless body also accelerates ice formation, so cubes are ready sooner than plastic trays manage. The uniform cubes suit cocktails, iced drinks, and everyday refrigeration needs, and the dual bar-and-home focus makes it a flexible single purchase for mixed use around the kitchen.
- Leak-proof tight-fitting design
- One-step detachable release
- Rust-proof and dishwasher safe
- No lid included
- Basic feature set
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Stainless steel ice trays all look similar, but small differences in release mechanism, capacity, and cube size change daily usability. These five factors will help you match a tray to your freezer space, your drinking habits, and how much ice your household actually goes through.
- Release Mechanism: Lever-handle trays crack cubes free with one pull, while lid-style trays need a 30-second tap water rinse and a gentle wiggle. Levers are faster for frequent use; rinse-release designs have fewer moving parts. Either way, metal sticks more than silicone, so follow the fill line, usually three quarters full, to avoid cubes that refuse to budge.
- Material Grade: Look for food grade 304 stainless steel, also labeled 18/8, which resists rust, corrosion, and odors over years of freezing and dishwashing. Lower grades can stain or pit. Since the entire point of skipping plastic is avoiding cracks, smells, and unwanted contact materials, confirm the tray is plastic-free and silicone-free throughout, including handles and dividers.
- Capacity and Cube Size: Trays range from six oversized cubes to 36 standard ones, and double-layer or two-pack sets multiply output per freeze. Large cubes melt slowly and suit whiskey and cocktails; standard 18-cube formats work better for iced coffee, smoothies, and everyday drinks. Match capacity to demand so you are not running constant freeze cycles or wasting freezer space.
- Freeze Speed and Dilution: Stainless steel conducts cold far better than plastic, with some trays freezing 20 to 30 percent faster. Compact, solid cubes melt slower, which means less dilution in whiskey, cocktails, and juice. Three-row layouts and metal bodies also help trays hold low temperatures after removal, keeping ice intact longer in the glass or pitcher.
- Cleaning and Storage: Every tray in this guide is dishwasher safe, but check for rust-resistant polishing if you wash frequently. Lids protect ice from absorbing freezer odors, stacking racks save vertical space, and included extras like tweezers improve hygiene. If your freezer is crowded, prioritize stackable or covered designs over bare trays that collect frost and debris.
Conclusion
Switching to a stainless steel ice cube tray removes the worst parts of plastic trays: cracks, stains, lingering smells, and questionable materials touching your drinks. Every tray reviewed here uses food grade 304 or 18/8 stainless steel, and each brings a different strength, from lever release to covered storage to high-volume output.
For most households, the Captain Cranberry tray is the safest starting point thanks to its one-pull lever and 18-cube balance. Big-batch hosts should choose the PTAHAN stackable set, whiskey drinkers will prefer the Myyaowl large-cube tray, and small freezers are best served by the single Vortihive with lid. Pick the format that fits your routine, fill to the line, and enjoy cleaner, slower-melting ice.
Ashley Cormier, the author and lead editor at NamesCrunch, combines exceptional storytelling skills with a keen editorial eye. With a commitment to high-quality standards, Ashley crafts captivating narratives and ensures our collection of funny names is both entertaining and well-crafted. Get ready to be delighted by her literary expertise!
