Making large ice blocks at home is a game-changer for keeping drinks cold, meal prepping, or even for cold plunges. The right container can make all the difference, offering easy release, durability, and perfect portion control. In this roundup, we’ve tested and compiled the best containers to make ice blocks, focusing on silicone molds, freezer trays, and more to suit various needs.
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 2-Cup Soup Ice Cubes with Lid, 4-Pack for Meal Prep
- 2.2 2. Haldane Extra Large 6LB Ice Block Molds, 2-Pack Thickened Silicone Freezer Tray
- 2.3 3. Large Ice Block Maker Mold for 32 Lbs of Ice, 10x5x5 Inch Food Grade Silicone
- 2.4 4. Silicone Freezer Tray for 2-Cup Soup Ice Cubes with Lid, 4-Pack for Meal Prep
- 2.5 5. Alaskey Extra Large 2.5 lb Reusable Ice Block Mold for Ice Baths and Coolers
- 2.6 6. XX-Large Ice Block Mold with Airtight Lid Makes 12lb Ice Cubes for Cold Plunge
- 2.7 7. DOQAUS Stackable Ice Cube Tray with Lid, Bin, and Scoop, 4-Pack Silicone Set
- 2.8 8. YouCopia FreezeUp Freezer Food Block Maker, 6 Cup, Meal Prep Bag Container to Freeze Soup and Lef…
- 2.9 9. 6-Pack Silicone Ice Block Molds for Ice Baths, Makes 15lbs of Large Ice Cubes
- 2.10 10. Silicone Freezer Tray for 2-Cup Soup Ice Cubes with Lid, 2-Pack for Meal Prep
- 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 2-Cup Soup Ice Cubes with Lid, 4-Pack for Meal Prep
This 4-pack silicone freezer tray is perfect for making large 2-cup ice blocks, ideal for meal prep and storing soups. Made from food-grade silicone, it ensures easy release and comes with measurement lines for precise portion control.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Made from food-grade silicone for safety and flexibility
- ✓ Measurement lines for 1 cup and 2 cups for precise portion control
- ✓ Tightly sealed lids prevent freezer smells and spills
- ✓ Four trays allow for multiple batches and efficient storage
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this tray because it combines durability with convenience. The silicone material is easy to clean and the lids ensure your food stays fresh without freezer burn. It’s a reliable choice for anyone who regularly freezes liquids.
Best For
This product is best for meal preppers, home cooks who make soups and sauces in bulk, and anyone needing organized freezer storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable and flexible food-grade silicone
- Easy to release ice blocks without sticking
- Lids prevent odors and spills
- Measurement lines for accurate portions
Cons:
- Takes up more freezer space due to size
- Silicone can absorb smells if not cleaned thoroughly
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 Extra Large 6LB Ice Block Molds, 2-Pack Thickened Silicone Freezer Tray
These extra-large 6lb ice block molds are designed for heavy-duty cooling, perfect for ice baths or large coolers. The thickened silicone construction ensures durability and slow melting times, making them a versatile choice.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Makes 6lb ice blocks that melt slowly over 7-9 hours
- ✓ Thickened silicone material for enhanced durability
- ✓ Perfect replacement for ice packs in coolers or baths
- ✓ Two-pack allows for continuous freezing cycles
Why We Recommend It
We recommend these molds for their robustness and efficiency. They are ideal for outdoor activities or cold therapy, providing long-lasting cooling without frequent ice changes.
Best For
This product is best for outdoor enthusiasts, cold plunge users, and anyone needing large, slow-melting ice blocks for coolers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality thickened silicone lasts long
- Slow melting time extends cooling
- Easy to release from molds
- Great value with two molds
Cons:
- Large size may not fit all freezers
- Can be heavy when filled
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “First, a few disclosures: I bought this with my own money and I am not an AI chatbot… 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 least 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. Large Ice Block Maker Mold for 32 Lbs of Ice, 10x5x5 Inch Food Grade Silicone
This budget-friendly mold makes huge ice blocks up to 8 pounds each, perfect for bulk cooling. Its food-grade silicone is safe and durable, offering great value for large-scale ice making.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Makes large ice blocks up to 8 pounds for extended cooling
- ✓ Food-grade silicone material for safety and durability
- ✓ Simple filling with space for expansion
- ✓ Affordable option for heavy ice users
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this mold for its cost-effectiveness and performance. It’s perfect for parties, events, or anyone who needs a lot of ice without breaking the bank.
Best For
This product is best for budget-conscious buyers, event hosts, and those needing large ice blocks for coolers or ice baths.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable for the size
- Food-grade silicone is safe and flexible
- Easy to use and clean
- Great for making multiple blocks
Cons:
- May require longer freezing time
- Lacks a lid, which could lead to spills
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 and had to be broken apart with an icepick. 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 2-Cup Soup Ice Cubes with Lid, 4-Pack for Meal Prep
Similar to our top pick, this 4-pack tray offers reliable performance for freezing soups and sauces. The food-grade silicone and sealed lids make it a staple for organized meal prep.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Food-grade silicone for easy release and safety
- ✓ Measurement lines for 1 cup and 2 cups portions
- ✓ Tightly sealed lids to prevent freezer burn
- ✓ Four trays for efficient batch freezing
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its consistency and ease of use. It’s a great alternative if you need multiple trays for rotating freezer storage.
Best For
This product is best for families, busy cooks, and anyone who wants to freeze food in precise portions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy construction with reinforced edges
- Lids snap on securely
- Easy to clean and stack
- Good value for a 4-pack
Cons:
- Can be bulky in small freezers
- Silicone might warp over time with heavy use
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 2.5 lb Reusable Ice Block Mold for Ice Baths and Coolers
This reusable ice block mold is designed for professional use, with a stackable design and impressive capacity. It’s perfect for making thick ice blocks for various cooling applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Professional-grade ultra-thick design for durability
- ✓ Stackable efficiency to save freezer space
- ✓ Generous capacity for sizable ice blocks
- ✓ Reusable and easy to clean
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this mold for its robust build and space-saving features. It’s ideal for users who need reliable, large ice blocks without clutter.
Best For
This product is best for cold therapy enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone with limited freezer space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very durable and thick silicone
- Stackable design maximizes freezer space
- Easy to release ice blocks
- Versatile for ice baths and coolers
Cons:
- May be heavier than other molds
- Price point is higher for single mold
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These do exactly what they’re supposed to do, not much more to say beyond that. 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. XX-Large Ice Block Mold with Airtight Lid Makes 12lb Ice Cubes for Cold Plunge
This XX-large mold creates massive 12lb ice cubes, ideal for cold plunges or large coolers. The reinforced silicone and airtight lid ensure no leaks and easy handling.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Makes up to 12lb ice blocks for maximum cooling
- ✓ Reinforced silicone prevents collapsing when filled
- ✓ Leakproof lid with airtight seal for spill-free freezing
- ✓ Perfect for ice baths and commercial coolers
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this mold for its sheer size and secure design. It’s a top choice for serious cold therapy or large-scale cooling needs where reliability is key.
Best For
This product is best for cold plunge practitioners, event planners, and anyone requiring gigantic ice blocks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity for long-lasting ice
- Airtight lid prevents spills and odors
- Durable reinforced silicone
- Easy to carry with lid secured
Cons:
- Very large, may not fit standard freezers
- Can be cumbersome to handle
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 to deep to stack 2 together in my 5 gallon water jug. 1 isn’t enough 2 is to much so I fell then 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.”
7. DOQAUS Stackable Ice Cube Tray with Lid, Bin, and Scoop, 4-Pack Silicone Set
This complete ice system includes trays, a bin, and a scoop, perfect for organized freezer storage. The stackable design and easy-pop release make it a user-friendly choice for everyday ice making.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Complete set with 4 trays, bin, and scoop for organization
- ✓ Easy-pop ice release with flexible silicone bottoms
- ✓ Secure non-spill lids for stackable storage
- ✓ Saves freezer space with compact design
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its all-in-one convenience. It’s great for households that use ice frequently and want to keep their freezer tidy.
Best For
This product is best for families, small kitchens, and anyone who values organization and ease of use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Everything included for ice management
- Stackable trays save space
- Lids prevent spills and contamination
- Easy to clean and durable
Cons:
- Ice cubes are smaller than block molds
- Bin may take up additional freezer space
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “These trays are GENIUS!! I have limited space in my freezer with no ice maker. Honestly, I don’t use much ice but 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. It hold 8 cubes, each slightly smaller than the old kind, but I’m fine with that. I like that each tray has a lid, which makes them stack easily and prevents spillage.”
8. YouCopia FreezeUp Freezer Food Block Maker, 6 Cup, Meal Prep Bag Container to Freeze Soup and Lef…
This innovative block maker uses gallon-size bags to freeze 6-cup portions, saving freezer space. It stands vertically for mess-free filling and uses silicone bands for easy removal.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Holds gallon-size bags for 6-cup food blocks
- ✓ Stands vertically for easy, mess-free filling
- ✓ Silicone bands expand as food freezes for easy removal
- ✓ Saves space by creating compact frozen blocks
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this for its unique space-saving design. It’s perfect for freezing soups and sauces in bags, reducing bulk and keeping your freezer organized.
Best For
This product is best for meal preppers who use storage bags, small freezer owners, and anyone wanting to minimize freezer clutter.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great for saving freezer space
- Easy to use with standard bags
- Durable silicone bands
- Reduces food waste by portioning
Cons:
- Requires disposable bags
- May not be as durable as silicone trays
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Received this as a Christmas gift last year, and now have purchased 6 to give out as gifts this year. I love these for freezing soups and sauces. The quality of YouCopia is durable, sturdy, and worth purchasing this name brand.”
Customer Review: “It works well to condense a Bulky food storage item into a narrow thickness to save space in my freezer, which is exactly what I needed. The rubber thick bands are quality made.”
9. 6-Pack Silicone Ice Block Molds for Ice Baths, Makes 15lbs of Large Ice Cubes
This 6-pack set is perfect for making multiple large ice blocks, totaling 15lbs, for ice baths or coolers. The food-grade silicone is durable and works well in various temperatures.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 6-pack allows for making 15lbs of ice blocks
- ✓ High-quality silicone for long-term use in low/high temps
- ✓ Perfect for ice baths to extend cooling time
- ✓ Food-grade material safe for multiple uses
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its quantity and versatility. It’s great for users who need a steady supply of large ice blocks without waiting for single molds to freeze.
Best For
This product is best for cold plunge regulars, large families, and anyone who wants to stock up on ice blocks efficiently.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multiple molds for continuous freezing
- Durable and temperature-resistant
- Good value for a 6-pack
- Easy to store and stack
Cons:
- Individual blocks may be smaller than XXL options
- Quality can vary between molds
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “He’s the job done. Used for my cold plunges and it helped keep the water cold.”
Customer Review: “He’s the job done. Used for my cold plunges and it helped keep the water cold.”
10. Silicone Freezer Tray for 2-Cup Soup Ice Cubes with Lid, 2-Pack for Meal Prep
This 2-pack freezer tray offers the same great features as larger sets but in a more compact option. With steel-reinforced edges and easy-release design, it’s perfect for smaller households.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Perfect portion control with 1 cup and 2 cup lines
- ✓ Steel-reinforced edges for extra stability
- ✓ Easy to release with individually molded compartments
- ✓ Two trays provide flexibility without overcrowding
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this 2-pack for its balance of quality and space efficiency. It’s ideal for those who don’t need a large set but still want reliable freezer trays.
Best For
This product is best for singles, couples, or small kitchens where freezer space is limited but meal prep is still important.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy with reinforced edges
- Easy to handle and store
- Lids fit snugly to prevent freezer burn
- Great for portion-controlled freezing
Cons:
- Only two trays, may not be enough for bulk freezing
- Can be pricey per tray compared to larger packs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent Freezer Tray — Perfect for Meal Prep and Lower-GI Rice Portions! The material is sturdy yet flexible, making it super easy to pop out frozen portions without cracking or struggling.”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased these silicone freezer trays and I have to say they are absolutly fantastic for meal prep! The 2-cup capacity is perfect for portioning out soups, stews, and sauces. The lids fit snugly and prevent freezer burn.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Container To Make Ice Blocks
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing a container to make ice blocks, consider material, size, lid type, and ease of use. Silicone is popular for its flexibility and non-stick properties. Size should match your needs, from small portions to large blocks for coolers. Lids prevent spills and freezer burn, while measurement lines aid in portion control. Also, think about durability and how easy it is to clean.
Budget Planning
Containers range from affordable single trays to premium sets with multiple features. Set a budget based on how often you’ll use them. For occasional use, a basic silicone mold may suffice, but for regular meal prep or cold therapy, investing in a durable set with lids is worthwhile. Look for value packs if you need multiple units.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best container depends on your specific use case. Whether for ice baths, coolers, or food storage, prioritize quality materials and user-friendly design to ensure long-term satisfaction. Remember to check reviews and product details to find the perfect fit for your ice-making needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What material is best for ice block containers?
A: Food-grade silicone is often the best choice as it’s flexible, durable, and easy to release ice blocks. It’s also safe for food contact and resistant to odors. Plastic can work but may crack in cold temps.
Q: How do I prevent ice blocks from sticking to the container?
A: Ensure the container is made of non-stick material like silicone. Before first use, wash it thoroughly, and for easier release, you can lightly coat it with cooking spray or water. Avoid overfilling to allow for expansion.
Q: Can I use these containers for freezing food other than ice?
A: Yes, many silicone freezer trays are designed for freezing soups, sauces, and other liquids. Just make sure they are food-grade and have airtight lids to prevent freezer burn. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Q: How long do large ice blocks take to freeze?
A: It depends on the size and your freezer temperature. Typically, large blocks can take 24 hours or more to freeze completely. For faster freezing, use cold water and avoid stacking molds too closely.
Q: Are these containers dishwasher safe?
A: Most silicone containers are dishwasher safe, but always check the product details. Hand washing is recommended for longevity, especially if they have lids or other components that might trap food particles.
Choosing the right container to make ice blocks can enhance your cooling needs, whether for drinks, meal prep, or cold therapy. We’ve reviewed the top options to help you make an informed decision. Ready to upgrade your ice game? Click on the links above to check prices and find the perfect container for your needs. Happy freezing!
At CarLegit, we believe information should be clear, factual, and genuinely helpful. That’s why every guide, review, and update on our website is created with care, research, and a strong focus on user experience.