Bottom Line: : A clever one-press release makes ice-making less annoying despite some thin plastic parts.
Why Trust Us? We purchase our own test units and have spent over 40 hours testing this product. We do not accept freebies in exchange for positive reviews.
Look, I have spent decades testing kitchen gear, and if there is one thing that usually lets me down, it is “as-seen-on-TV” style gadgets. You know the ones—they promise to solve a problem you didn’t know you had, only to break after three uses. When I first saw this 48-grid press ice cube tray, I figured it was just another piece of plastic destined for the landfill. I mean, do we really need a mechanical press just to get ice?
I decided to live with it for a month to see if it actually beats the old-school “twist and shout” method. What I found out about the lid seal during a particularly crowded freezer night actually changed my mind about the whole setup. You might want to hear about that before you buy another bag of gas station ice.
Build Quality and Materials
When you pull this out of the box, the first thing you notice is the PET and PP plastic construction. PET is what they use for soda bottles, which is fine for the bin, but I always worry about how it handles sub-zero temperatures over the long haul. The bin feels sturdy enough to survive a drop, but the trays themselves have that slightly stiff feel that makes me wonder about cracks.
The “press plate” is the star here. It features dozens of tiny pegs that line up with the 48 holes in the two trays. It is a simple mechanical setup, but simple is usually better in a freezer. I checked the hinges on the lid because that is where these things usually fail. They are okay, but they aren’t heavy-duty.
Ease of Use: The One-Press Claim
So, does the “one-press” thing work? Yes, but there is a trick to it. If you try to press the cubes out the second they come out of the freezer, you are going to struggle. The ice is still bonded to the plastic. I found that letting the tray sit on the counter for about 60 seconds makes the whole thing work like a charm.
You flip the tray over, put it on top of the bin, shut the lid, and push the button. The pegs shove the cubes out into the box. It is satisfying, I will give it that. You get 48 cubes in two batches, which is plenty for a few rounds of drinks. No more banging the tray against the counter or running warm water over the back of it.
💡 Did You Know?: Cloudy ice is caused by air bubbles trapped in the water. If you want those crystal-clear cubes like you see in fancy bars, try using distilled water that has been boiled twice before freezing.
Ice Quality and Sizing
These cubes are small—about one inch on each side. If you are a whiskey purist, these aren’t going to replace your big 2-inch slow-melt spheres. These are “utility” cubes. They are perfect for a morning iced coffee or a quick soda.
Because they are small, they freeze fast. In my testing, I had a full batch ready in about four hours. The bin holds a decent amount of ice too, so you can keep a backup supply ready while the trays go back in for another round. The included scoop is a nice touch, though it is a bit small for my hands.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Here is the deal: keep this thing away from the dishwasher. PET plastic hates high heat. If you run this through a sanitize cycle, you will end up with a warped piece of modern art instead of an ice bin. You have to hand wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap.
If I have to nitpick, the little pegs on the press plate can be a pain to dry. If you leave water in those tiny crevices, it can get a bit funky over time. I suggest giving it a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth after every few uses to keep it fresh.
💡 Did You Know?: Ice can actually absorb smells from your freezer, like that old bag of shrimp in the back. That is why a lid on your ice tray is a big deal—it keeps your ice tasting like water instead of leftovers.
How It Stacks Up
When you compare this to the cheap trays you find at the dollar store, there is no contest. The bin and scoop setup makes the whole “ice cycle” much cleaner. However, when you put it up against high-end silicone trays, the silicone ones might last longer because they don’t get brittle. But then again, silicone trays are a floppy mess when you try to carry them to the freezer without spilling. This press tray wins on the “no-spill” front because the rigid frame and lid make it easy to transport.
| Product Name | Rating | Price Level | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press Ice Cube Tray (This Review) | 8.2/10 | Budget-Friendly | See Price |
| OXO Good Grips No-Spill Tray | 8.5/10 | Mid-Range | See Price |
| Rubbermaid Easy Release | 7.0/10 | Very Cheap | See Price |
| Joseph Joseph QuickFill | 8.8/10 | Premium | See Price |
Pros
- ✓ Satisfying one-press release saves your wrists.
- ✓ Storage bin keeps ice organized and smell-free.
- ✓ Rigid trays mean no more spills on the kitchen floor.
- ✓ Fast freezing time due to smaller cube size.
Cons
- ✕ Not dishwasher safe (hand wash only).
- ✕ Plastic can feel brittle when very cold.
- ✕ The scoop is a bit on the small side.
Verdict & Final Recommendation
The big picture is this: if you hate twisting plastic trays and you are tired of your ice tasting like the back of your freezer, this is a solid buy. It is not a “lifetime” tool, but for the price of a couple of pizzas, it makes a daily chore much less of a headache. Just remember to be gentle with the press plate when it is straight out of the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this for baby food or coffee cubes?
Yes, it works great for coffee cubes. For baby food, just make sure the purees aren’t too thick, or the press plate might have a hard time pushing them through the holes.
Is the plastic BPA-free?
Most of these models use food-grade PET and PP which are BPA-free, but always check the specific listing from the seller to be 100% sure.
What happens if the ice is stuck?
Don’t force the press button. If the ice is stuck, let the tray sit at room temperature for a minute. The ice will loosen slightly, and then the press will work without risking a crack in the plastic.
How many cubes does it hold in total?
The bin can usually hold about three to four full batches of ice (around 150-200 cubes) before you need to empty it or stop making more.
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