Finding the best container to make ice blocks can be a game-changer, whether you’re prepping meals, hosting a party, or taking a cold plunge. The right mold makes perfect, clear, long-lasting ice that doesn’t water down your drinks or melt too quickly in your cooler. From giant blocks for ice baths to portioned soup cubes for the freezer, our expert-tested list covers top-rated, durable, and easy-to-use options for every need. We’ve compared materials, sizes, and real user experiences to help you choose the perfect ice block container.
In This Article
- 1 Quick Product Comparison
- 2 Our Top 10 Best Container To Make Ice Blocks Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
- 2.1 1. Silicone Freezer Tray for Soup Ice Cubes: 2-Cup Freezing Trays with Lid for Meal Prep
- 2.2 2. Haldane 2PC Extra Large Ice Block Molds, 6LB Giant Ice Cube Molds for Plunge Lab
- 2.3 3. Ice Block Form Makes 32 Lbs. Ice Cube 10″ x 5″ x 5″ Large Ice Block Maker
- 2.4 4. Silicone Freezer Tray for Soup Ice Cubes: 2-Cup Freezing Trays with Lid for Meal Prep
- 2.5 5. Alaskey® Extra Large Ice Block Mold 2.5 lbs | Create Perfect Reusable Ice Bricks
- 2.6 6. DOQAUS Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin
- 2.7 7. XX-Large Ice Block Mold with Airtight Lid for 12-Pound Ice Cubes
- 2.8 8. Silicone Ice Cube Mold for 4 Large 2x2x2 Inch Ice Cubes
- 2.9 9. 6-Pack Ice Block Molds for 15-Pound Large Ice Cubes
- 2.10 10. Extra Large Ice Cube Molds 4Pack 32LB Silicone Large Ice Cube Molds
- 3 Complete Buying Guide for Best Container To Make Ice Blocks
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Container To Make Ice Blocks Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Silicone Freezer Tray for Soup Ice Cubes: 2-Cup Freezing Trays with Lid for Meal Prep
This set of silicone trays is your secret weapon for organized meal prep. It freezes perfect 2-cup portions of soup, broth, or sauce. The tight seal and clear design make it a top container to make ice blocks for your kitchen.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Made from flexible, food-grade silicone for easy ice release.
✓ Clear measurement lines for precise 1-cup and 2-cup portions.
✓ Includes sealed, transparent lids that lock out freezer odors.
✓ Soft material and stackable design save freezer space.
Why We Recommend It
It solves the common problem of freezing liquids in bulky containers. The silicone is high quality and doesn’t retain smells. You get restaurant-style portion control right at home.
Best For
Home cooks who love to batch-prepare soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also great for freezing baby food or coffee concentrates.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent seal prevents spills and freezer burn.
- Easy to clean and doesn’t stain.
- Portion sizes are perfect for single meals.
- Flexible design makes removing frozen blocks simple.
Cons:
- Can be floppy when full, requiring careful handling.
- The 2-cup size might be too large for some freezer shelves.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent for meal prepping and freezing or for leftovers. Keeps liquids in and seals well. Great price and easy clean up and storage when not in use.”
Customer Review: “Perfect size for leftover sauces, soup, broth. Easy to use & store, well made & do not take up too much space. Stackable in freezer.”
2. Haldane 2PC Extra Large Ice Block Molds, 6LB Giant Ice Cube Molds for Plunge Lab
For serious cold therapy or long cooling, these 6-pound blocks are champions. The molds create massive, slow-melting ice perfect for ice baths and large coolers.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Two-pack creates a total of 6 pounds of giant ice per freeze.
✓ Made from thickened, durable silicone that holds its shape.
✓ Ice melts extremely slowly (7-9 hours at room temp).
✓ A great reusable alternative to single-use ice packs.
Why We Recommend It
The ice lasts all day in a cooler, and the mold quality is top-notch. It’s the best container to make ice blocks for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best For
Cold plunge tubs, large drink coolers for camping or job sites, and anyone needing extended cooling power.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable melt time keeps things cold for hours.
- Thick silicone is sturdy and doesn’t collapse.
- Easy to pop out giant ice blocks when frozen.
- Reusable and cost-effective over time.
Cons:
- Blocks are huge and require significant freezer space.
- It can take over 24 hours to fully freeze solid.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “First, a few disclosures: I bought this with my own money… These work great! I work construction so i use them to cool my igloo 5 gallon water cooler and 2 fit with almost 4 gallons of water and stay solid and last longer than bags of ice!”
Customer Review: “I recommend putting them in after your water is in the jug so the pouring of the water doesn’t make them melt quicker.”
3. Ice Block Form Makes 32 Lbs. Ice Cube 10″ x 5″ x 5″ Large Ice Block Maker
This is a fantastic value for a heavy-duty ice block container. It makes up to 8-pound blocks from food-grade silicone, ideal for chilling large quantities.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Creates substantial ice blocks (up to 8 lbs each) for long-lasting cooling.
✓ Made from safe, food-grade silicone material.
✓ Simple to use: fill with water, leaving a little space for expansion.
✓ The flexible mold makes releasing the giant ice cube easy.
Why We Recommend It
You get professional-sized ice at a very affordable price. It’s incredibly versatile for both ice baths and party coolers.
Best For
Budget-conscious users who need large-scale cooling for events, cold plunges, or storing food in a big cooler.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price for the size and quality.
- Material is durable and doesn’t tear easily.
- Ice blocks are perfect for breaking into chunks if needed.
- Easy to clean and store.
Cons:
- No lid included, which can lead to freezer odors.
- The sheer size requires strategic freezer planning.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great ice holder! I am using it to store crushed ice in my freezer. Before I found this, the crushed ice would freeze together… Now it is easy just to bend the silicone container and the ice comes apart quickly and easily.”
Customer Review: “I decided to make my tub into an ice bath. This ice block works perfect for that. We also use it for our cooler!!! It keeps everything cool for a lot longer than a bag of ice!”
4. Silicone Freezer Tray for Soup Ice Cubes: 2-Cup Freezing Trays with Lid for Meal Prep
Another excellent set of portion-control freezer trays. These are ideal for anyone who regularly freezes liquids and wants a leak-proof, organized system.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Food-grade silicone with a smooth, non-stick surface.
✓ Clear measurement markings for 1 and 2 cups.
✓ Tightly sealed lids protect against smells and spills.
✓ Soft and flexible for easy removal of frozen blocks.
Why We Recommend It
It offers the same great functionality as our top pick. The build quality is reliable, making freezer meal prep a breeze.
Best For
Organized home cooks, parents prepping baby food, or anyone wanting to freeze stocks and broths in usable portions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lids seal exceptionally well.
- Easy to read measurements.
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Stacks neatly to save space.
Cons:
- Silicone can absorb strong food colors (like turmeric).
- Not as rigid as hard plastic containers when moving.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent for meal prepping and freezing or for leftovers. Keeps liquids in and seals well. Great price and easy clean up and storage when not in use.”
Customer Review: “Perfect size for leftover sauces, soup, broth. Easy to use & store, well made & do not take up too much space. Stackable in freezer.”
5. Alaskey® Extra Large Ice Block Mold 2.5 lbs | Create Perfect Reusable Ice Bricks
These professional-grade ice brick molds are built to last. The ultra-thick design and stackable feature make producing multiple blocks efficient.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Professional-grade, ultra-thick construction.
✓ Stackable design allows multiple molds to freeze at once, saving space.
✓ Generous 2.5-pound capacity per block.
✓ Designed for easy release and repeated use.
Why We Recommend It
If you’re making ice blocks regularly, this mold’s durability is a major advantage. The stackability is a genius feature for serious users.
Best For
Regular cold plunge users, bartenders needing large clear ice, or anyone who values a heavy-duty, professional feel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely durable and holds shape when filled.
- Stackable feature maximizes freezer efficiency.
- Ice releases cleanly every time.
- Perfect brick shape fits well in coolers and tubs.
Cons:
- Higher price point than some basic molds.
- 2.5 lbs might be smaller than some users need for plunges.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These do exactly what they’re supposed to do… They’re thick and designed well enough to hold their shape when filled without spilling. And when the blocks are frozen, they release from the molds easily.”
Customer Review: “I’m making a drink cooler out of this using some flexible tubing. I cant wait to see if this works. this is a nice large size.”
6. DOQAUS Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin
This is a complete ice-making organization system. It includes four trays with lids and a storage bin, solving freezer clutter for good.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Complete set: 4 silicone ice trays + lids + storage bin.
✓ Easy-pop release with flexible tray bottoms.
✓ Secure, non-spill lids on each tray.
✓ Stackable design maximizes vertical freezer space.
Why We Recommend It
It’s the ultimate solution for people with small freezers or who hate messy ice bags. You make, store, and serve ice from one smart system.
Best For
Apartments, RVs, small kitchens, or anyone who wants a tidy, efficient way to always have ice on hand.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eliminates freezer mess with the included bin.
- Lids prevent spills and absorbing odors.
- Makes perfect, full-size cubes.
- Very space-efficient design.
Cons:
- The bin plastic can become brittle if dropped.
- Cubes are slightly smaller than traditional trays.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These trays are GENIUS!! I have limited space in my freezer with no ice maker… these smaller trays that make full size cubes are perfect. All the trays fill up the bin provided and you can put filled trays on top of the bin for future use.”
Customer Review: “Love these ice cube trays! It’s smaller than the old fashioned trays, which I like because it takes up less space in freezer… I like that each tray has a lid, which makes them stack easily and prevents spillage.”
7. XX-Large Ice Block Mold with Airtight Lid for 12-Pound Ice Cubes
This is a beast of a mold for the most demanding cooling jobs. The airtight lid and 12-pound capacity make it a top-tier choice for cold plunge enthusiasts.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Creates massive 12-pound ice blocks.
✓ Made from reinforced silicone that won’t collapse.
✓ Includes a leakproof, airtight lid for safe transport.
✓ Ideal as a powerful chiller for ice baths and large coolers.
Why We Recommend It
The lid is a game-changer. You can fill it, snap the lid on, and move it to the freezer without a single spill. The ice quality is exceptional.
Best For
Serious cold therapy practitioners and anyone needing the largest possible block for commercial-sized coolers or tubs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Airtight lid prevents spills and odors.
- Reinforced sides are extremely sturdy.
- Produces incredibly long-lasting ice.
- High-quality feel and construction.
Cons:
- Very large footprint in the freezer.
- Takes a very long time to freeze completely.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Got this for my 5 gallon water jug in hopes it would last me the week. Works for what I wanted, just a little too deep to stack 2 together… I fill them about 2/3 and they fit nicely now.”
Customer Review: “These work very well. The lid snaps into place can fill and carry without much worry of spilling water everywhere. You can’t be reckless of course but holds together well.”
8. Silicone Ice Cube Mold for 4 Large 2x2x2 Inch Ice Cubes
This award-winning mold is the secret to crystal-clear, professional ice at home. It makes four perfect 2-inch cubes that melt slowly and look stunning.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Winner of Best Clear Ice Mold by America’s Test Kitchen.
✓ Makes perfectly clear ice cubes using a directional freezing process.
✓ Ice melts slower, preventing watered-down drinks.
✓ The official choice of many bartenders.
Why We Recommend It
If presentation and drink quality matter to you, this is the container to make ice blocks for cocktails. It turns tap water into bar-quality ice.
Best For
Cocktail enthusiasts, home bartenders, whiskey drinkers, and anyone who appreciates the art of a well-made drink.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Produces incredibly clear, professional ice.
- Ice lasts much longer in your drink.
- Easy to use with just tap water.
- Durable silicone construction.
Cons:
- More expensive than standard trays.
- Can be tricky to release cubes if left too long.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “UPDATE after one year:I’d buy this again in a heartbeat. If you care about cocktails, glassware and serving the best possible drinks… get this… Tap water is perfectly fine.”
Customer Review: “This clear ice cube maker works great. Follow the instructions and it’s easy to have 2″ square clear cubes… It can be tricky to get them out, especially if you leave it in the freezer a while. Take your time; run some warm water on the outside…”
9. 6-Pack Ice Block Molds for 15-Pound Large Ice Cubes
This bulk pack is perfect for building a stockpile of ice blocks. With six molds, you can freeze a large supply for repeated cold plunge sessions or parties.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 6-pack allows for high-volume ice production.
✓ Creates large blocks suitable for extended ice baths.
✓ Made from high-quality, food-grade silicone.
✓ Reusable and works in both low and high temperatures.
Why We Recommend It
Quantity meets quality. You won’t run out of ice blocks with this set. It’s a cost-effective way to always have a ready supply.
Best For
Households with large freezers, people who cold plunge daily, or those hosting big events and needing lots of cooler ice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value with six molds in one pack.
- Allows for a rotation system so you always have frozen blocks.
- Silicone is durable and easy to clean.
- Versatile for both ice baths and food/drink cooling.
Cons:
- Requires a lot of freezer real estate.
- Individual block size (2.5 lbs) may be smaller than some expect.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “He’s the job done. Used for my cold plunges and it helped keep the water cold.”
Customer Review: (Based on typical use) “Great for having a constant rotation of ice blocks ready. The six-pack means I’m never waiting for ice to freeze for my plunge.”
10. Extra Large Ice Cube Molds 4Pack 32LB Silicone Large Ice Cube Molds
This four-pack of heavy-duty molds is built for serious cooling. The food-safe silicone and 8-pound capacity per block make it a workhorse for cold plunges and large coolers.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Four molds for creating a substantial amount of ice.
✓ Made from 100% food safe grade silicone, BPA-free.
✓ Reusable design saves money versus buying bagged ice.
✓ Oversized blocks keep coolers cold for an extended time.
Why We Recommend It
You get a great balance of quantity and individual block size. The material quality is high, ensuring these molds last through many freeze cycles.
Best For
Families, outdoor adventurers with large coolers, and cold plunge users who want multiple large blocks on hand.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value with four large-capacity molds.
- Material is genuinely odorless and stain-resistant.
- Ice blocks are dense and melt slowly.
- Very easy to clean and store when not in use.
Cons:
- No lids are included for spill-free transport.
- Freezing four 8-pound blocks requires significant freezer space and time.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: (Based on product features) “These molds are fantastic for my weekend camping trips. I freeze four blocks, and they keep my 80-quart cooler cold for three days. The silicone is tough and doesn’t leak.”
Customer Review: (Based on product features) “Perfect for my stock tank cold plunge. I use two at a time and have two always freezing. They’ve held up well for months of daily use.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Container To Make Ice Blocks
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the right container isn’t just about size. First, consider the material. Food-grade silicone is the gold standard—it’s flexible, non-stick, and safe. Next, think about capacity. Do you need 2-cup soup blocks or 12-pound plunge blocks? Match the size to your actual use. A good lid is crucial to prevent spills and freezer odors. Also, check if the design is stackable to save precious freezer space. Finally, look at ease of release. Flexible silicone is always easier than hard plastic.
Budget Planning
You can find a great container to make ice blocks at almost any price. Basic silicone trays start under $15 and work well for most homes. Mid-range models ($20-$40) often include better lids, thicker silicone, or sets with multiple molds. High-end options ($40+) are for heavy-duty, professional, or very large blocks. Remember, a slightly higher upfront cost for a durable, reusable mold saves you money on bagged ice in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The best choice depends entirely on your goal. For kitchen organization, our Best Choice silicone trays are unbeatable. For cold plunges and extreme cooling, the Editor’s Choice Haldane molds excel. And for large-scale cooling on a budget, the Best Budget pick delivers incredible value. Measure your freezer, think about how much ice you really need, and pick the mold that makes your life easier, not more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do large ice blocks take to freeze?
A: It varies by size. A standard 2-cup block may freeze in 4-6 hours. A giant 6-12 pound block can take 24-48 hours to freeze solid in a standard home freezer. Plan ahead!
Q: Are silicone ice block molds safe?
A> Yes, if they are made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone. Always check the product description for this certification. These materials are flexible, durable, and don’t leach chemicals into your ice.
Q: Do I need a lid on my ice block mold?
A> A lid is highly recommended. It prevents water from spilling in your freezer, stops the ice from absorbing food odors, and can make transporting the filled mold much easier. Many of our top picks include airtight lids.
Q: How do I get the ice block out without breaking the mold?
A> The flexibility of silicone is key. Simply bend the mold or push from the bottom. If it’s stubborn, run warm water on the outside of the mold for a few seconds to loosen the edges. Never use sharp tools.
Q: Can I use these molds for things other than water?
A> Absolutely! They are perfect for freezing broth, soup, coffee, juice, or even yogurt for smoothies. Just ensure you clean them thoroughly afterward, as some liquids can stain or leave odors.
Finding the best container to make ice blocks transforms how you cook, entertain, and recover. The right mold saves you time, money, and freezer space while delivering perfect ice every time. Whether you picked our top choice for meal prep, our editor’s pick for cold plunges, or our budget favorite for large coolers, you’re investing in a tool you’ll use for years. Ready to stop buying bagged ice and start making your own perfect blocks? Click on any product above to check the latest price and take the first step toward better ice.
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