As spring draws to a close, it’s time for shorts weather — and, of course, iced drinks! Whether you’re a coffee lover, someone looking for refreshment after a workout, a creative drink maker, or a cocktail enthusiast, you’ll need a steady supply of ice cubes in your freezer. Recently, tumbler cups, particularly from Stanley, have gained popularity on social media. Carrying a cute tumbler cup can easily boost your daily drink volume. Taking a photo with your Stanley cup at the gym can make you stand out as the most hydrated and health-conscious person in your circle.
However, choosing the right ice cube tray for your tumbler cup isn't as simple as it sounds. You might end up wasting money on trays that create cubes with the wrong shape. For example, if you use a standard-size ice tray and try to stack the cubes in your tumbler, your straw will struggle to fit through the "mountain" of ice. Keep reading to find the perfect ice mold for your tumbler, and get ready for a cool summer!
Best Ice Shapes for Stanley Tumblers and Other Drink Cups
When making ice cubes for your tumbler, shape matters.
If your drink is already cold and you're not concerned about achieving the "zero" temperature, your Stanley cup is a good choice. It’s known for maintaining the temperature of your drink. But, if you're someone who wants to cool your drink quickly from room temperature to ice-cold, the right ice tray is essential.
If you're searching for the perfect ice maker for your tumbler, congratulations! You’re almost there. The UKULORK ice cube trays are customized for Stanley tumblers, and they will make your ice-making process a breeze.
The issue with using a standard ice cube tray for your tumbler is that the cubes often end up too small and irregular, leaving little space for your straw to fit through. To solve this, we designed a silicone mold that creates cubes with a hollow space in the middle. Simply place the cubes in your tumbler, fill with liquid, and easily slide your straw through the ice. With the UKULORK ice mold for Stanley, you can skip the hassle of trying to poke your straw through a mountain of ice.
How to Choose the Right Ice Tray for Your Tumbler or Cocktail Cup
Now that you understand the importance of ice shape, you may be wondering: What size ice cube should I use for my tumbler? And where can I find the perfect tray? If you're using a Stanley tumbler, you can stop the guesswork and try this customized ice tray designed specifically for Stanley cups .
Stanley cups have a larger opening at the top and a narrower bottom, which can make cylindrical ice blocks awkward to fit. The UKULORK ice tray is designed with three hollow cylindrical ice molds that range in size from 2.4 inches at the bottom to 3.3 inches at the top. The smallest 2.4-inch ice block is perfect for the bottom of both 30oz and 40oz Stanley tumblers. If you’re using a 30oz cup, two ice blocks are sufficient. But, for those who prefer the 40oz Stanley, you’ll need all three sizes stacked together. Once your ice cubes are in place, simply fill with your beverage, snap the lid on, and enjoy your drink.
If you're a cocktail enthusiast, this ice cube tray is also a great option for your rocks glasses.
Many people use rocks glasses for whiskey, often adding a large ice ball to chill their drink. A big ice ball is preferred over smaller cubes because it melts slower, which helps preserve the original flavor of the cocktail. The large ice blocks made by the UKULORK ice tray serve the same purpose, while also saving you storage space by eliminating the need for a separate ice ball mold.
Silicone vs. Plastic Ice Trays: Which Is Best for Tumblers?
Choosing between a plastic or silicone ice tray depends on your specific needs. Silicone has the advantage of flexibility, making it ideal for creating specialty-shaped ice cubes. This flexibility also allows for easy release of the cubes while preserving their shape. However, over time, silicone trays may absorb odors in your freezer. That being said, for tumblers, there are currently no plastic options available for large ice cubes, making silicone your best choice
Is the UKULORK Ice Cube Tray Worth It?
We’ve conducted numerous experiments on this item, carefully identifying every tiny flaw and imperfection. The first generation of the Ukulork ice cube tray is shown in image below. One of our staff members found it inconvenient to press the middle part with their fingers when releasing the cubes, so we made improvements by adding a thin silicone pillar to the bottom of each individual tray. This allows users to pinch and pull the tray out easily, simplifying the process of removing the ice cubes. Finally, we’ve ensured that every step of using this ice tray is as smooth and efficient as possible.
FAQ:
1.Is silicone safe for ice cube trays?
Food-grade silicone materials typically meet international certifications, such as FDA, LFGB, and ROHS. These silicone materials are non-toxic and eco-friendly, with a wide temperature resistance range (-40°C to 230°C). They do not release harmful substances during freezing or high-temperature cooking processes.
However, it’s important to be cautious of low-quality silicone products, as they may contain industrial-grade silicone or plasticizers, which can pose health risks with long-term use. It’s recommended to choose ice trays made from reliable, food-grade silicone to ensure safety and quality.
2.How long does an ice tray take to freeze?
Typically, in a freezer set to -18°C, room temperature water freezes within 3-4 hours. However, this may vary depending on the specific conditions. To ensure you have ice when you need it, it’s best to freeze the cubes the night before, so they’ll be ready by the time you wake up from a noon nap. Alternatively, you can place the ice tray with water in the freezer a day in advance in case of an urgent need.
3.What can I freeze in ice cube trays?
Make colorful ice cubes by adding fruits (strawberries, oranges, lemons, cherries) or herbs (basil, mint, edible flowers) to water or juice. This adds an aesthetic touch to your drinks. Some even use ice trays to freeze condiments like honey, jam, peanut butter, or chocolate. Silicone ice trays can generally be used with any type of liquid you wish to freeze. However, it's important to note that the microporous structure of silicone makes it more prone to absorbing odor molecules compared to plastic, which has a smoother surface and retains less odor. Therefore, avoid freezing strongly flavored substances in silicone trays.
Additionally, silicone trays should not be used to store greasy or acidic beverages, such as lemonade, for extended periods, as this can lead to grease penetration or accelerated aging of the material. To minimize these effects, you can reduce the duration of use and clean the trays promptly after each use.
4.How do I clean silicone ice cube trays?
Simply rinse with water, and if necessary, soak in lemon juice or baking soda to remove strong odors. Avoid using acidic cleaners like white vinegar, which could degrade silicone over time.
5.How do I make clear ice cubes?
Many people want to make clear bar-style ice cubes at home, but no matter which ice cube tray they use, the cubes always turn out cloudy. We're here to help you make truly clear ice cubes.
First, it's important to understand why ice cubes can appear cloudy. The bubbles and impurities in the ice come from minerals like magnesium (Mg+) and calcium (Ca+) in the water, as well as dust or other tiny substances from the surrounding environment. When the water freezes, these air bubbles and impurities get trapped, preventing the ice cubes from being clear. To minimize this, use boiled water and an ice tray with a securely sealed lid. Boiling the water helps to remove air and impurities before freezing.
To get rid of bubbles, a technique is required: add an insulation layer around the ice tray. This allows the water to freeze from the top down, so the bubbles sink to the bottom. Once the ice block has fully frozen, remove the bottom portion where the bubbles have accumulated, and you’ll be left with clear, transparent ice cubes, almost as clear as glass.
Conclusion:
So...are you on the hunt for ice cube trays that actually make your drinks better? We get it--whether it’s your trusty Stanley tumbler for morning coffee, those sleek cocktail glasses for Friday nights, or even a mason jar you use for matcha, the right ice can seriously level things up. Think slow-melting spheres for whiskey, geometric cubes that clink just right in a glass, or maybe even fun shapes (pineapples? stars?) for when you want your lemonade to feel a little more ✨extra✨.
Honestly, our collection started because we were tired of flimsy trays that crack or leave weird freezer smells. So, we designed trays that are easy to pop, don’t hog fridge space, and actually look good sitting on your counter. If you’ve ever tried chipping away at a giant ice block with a butter knife (no judgment—we’ve done it too), you’ll appreciate how smoothly ours release.
And hey, if you end up trying them, tag us in your photos! We’re low-key obsessed with seeing how people use our stuff—like that time someone made floral ice cubes for a bridal shower, or the guy who built a mini “iceberg” for his kid’s polar bear-themed smoothie. It’s not just about selling trays; it’s about sharing those tiny, creative moments that make everyday drinks feel special.
No pressure, but if you’re curious, https://ukulork.com/ has the full lineup. Even if you don’t buy anything, save this link for that friend who’s always complaining about their ice game. Cheers!