Tired of your ice cubes cracking apart before they reach your glass? Here's why your cubes splinter—and simple tricks to keep them solid every time.
If you’ve ever twisted a plastic ice cube tray only to watch half the cubes shatter into a sad pile of frosty shards, you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common kitchen annoyance: You set out to chill your cocktails and mixed drinks, but instead of hearing that satisfying clink, you end up with splintered bits bobbing around like crushed hopes and dreams. So why does this happen, and how can you fix it?
To find out, we asked the team at OXO, the kitchenware brand known for its smart, practical designs. Its experts explained that the material, shape and temperature of your tray all play a role in whether your cubes will pop out cleanly or crumble under pressure.
Why do ice cubes break in trays?
There are a few reasons ice cubes might crack, splinter or break apart when you try to release them from the tray:
- Temperature shock: When you run a tray under warm water or twist it suddenly after pulling it from the freezer, the temperature difference can cause the cubes to crack along weaker spots.
- Uneven freezing: If the water in your ice cubes froze unevenly, cubes can form internal stress lines. These small fractures weaken the structure of the ice, causing it to crumble when flexed.
- Rigid plastic trays: Hard, brittle trays don’t flex easily. As you twist or bang them on the countertop to release the cubes, ice can break before it releases cleanly.
- Mineral buildup in water: Hard water or mineral-rich tap water can freeze irregularly, creating air pockets that lead to breakage.
Is there a way to prevent ice cubes from breaking?
Fortunately, yes. A few simple changes to how you freeze ice cubes—or the tray you use to do so—can make all the difference.
Use flexible materials
OXO says the secret’s in the design. Silicone or soft-sided trays let you pop cubes out without the force of twisting or violent countertop aggression. A silicone model adds just enough flex and structure to release cubes cleanly while keeping them intact. Look for trays with individual molds or push-bottom designs like that of OXO’s covered silicone ice cube tray.
Give the tray time—before and after freezing
A little patience can make a big difference. After removing a tray from the freezer, let it sit on the counter for a minute or two before twisting it. That slight temperature adjustment will help cubes release more easily and prevent internal cracking.
OXO recommends giving your tray a moment on the opposite end of the process, too. Letting it warm up slightly before refilling it will help prevent cracks in the next batch and reduce stress on the tray itself.
Use filtered or boiled water
Filtering water removes minerals and air bubbles that can cause fractures. For even smoother cubes, try boiling your water before adding it to the tray and freezing it. This will remove dissolved gasses that can create weak spots.
Avoid overfilling the tray
Water expands during the freezing process, and therefore needs a little wiggle room. OXO says that overfilled trays can cause uneven freezing or stress cracks as the cubes push against each other.
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