Is Silicone Good for Ice Cube Trays?

If you are looking for a way to keep your drinks cool and refreshing, you might be wondering: is silicone good for ice cube trays? The answer is a resounding yes. Silicone ice cube trays are superior to other materials, such as plastic or metal, in many ways. They are easy to release, food-grade, durable, and versatile. In this article, we will explain why silicone ice cube trays are the best choice for your freezer and how you can use them for various purposes.

Easy Release

One of the main advantages of silicone ice cube trays is that they allow for easy release of ice cubes without twisting, cracking, or breaking the tray or the cubes. Silicone is a flexible and elastic material that can be bent or stretched without losing its shape or quality. This means that you can simply push or pop out the ice cubes from the tray with minimal effort and no damage.

On the other hand, plastic or metal trays can be hard to remove ice from or damage the cubes in the process. Plastic trays can become brittle and crack under low temperatures, while metal trays can stick to the ice and require force or warm water to loosen them. Both plastic and metal trays can also cause the ice cubes to break or chip, resulting in uneven or small pieces that melt quickly.

Food-Grade Quality

Another benefit of silicone ice cube trays is that they are made of food-grade silicone that is safe, nontoxic, odorless, and BPA-free. Food-grade silicone is a type of silicone that has been tested and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or the LFGB (German Food, Articles of Daily Use and Feed Code) for food contact. This means that it does not contain any harmful chemicals or substances that can leach into the food or the water and cause health issues.

Besides freezing water, silicone ice cube trays can also be used for freezing other liquids or foods, such as juice, coffee, broth, baby food, herbs, etc. This can help you preserve the freshness and flavor of your ingredients, as well as save space and reduce waste in your fridge or freezer. You can also use the frozen cubes to add flavor or nutrition to your drinks, soups, sauces, smoothies, etc.

Durability

A third advantage of silicone ice cube trays is that they are durable and resistant to high and low temperatures, ranging from -40°C to 230°C. Silicone is a thermally stable material that can withstand extreme heat or cold without melting, burning, cracking, or warping. This means that you can use silicone ice cube trays for a long time and in different appliances, such as the freezer, the oven, the microwave, or the dishwasher.

On the flip side, plastic trays can crack, warp, or melt under extreme heat or cold. Plastic trays can become brittle and break under low temperatures, while metal trays can become hot and burn under high temperatures.

To care for silicone ice cube trays, here are some suggestions that you can follow:

Wash the trays by hand or in the dishwasher, using mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch or damage the surface of the trays.

Dry the trays thoroughly, using a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid leaving the trays wet or damp, as this can promote the growth of bacteria or mold.

Store the trays flat or stacked, in a cool and dry place. Avoid folding or bending the trays, as this can cause creases or cracks that can affect the shape or function of the trays.