Tovolo King Cube Ice Tray Review: Better Than Stones?
A silicone tray that freezes six big two inch cubes for a rocks glass. A cheap upgrade that makes his evening drink taste the way the bar makes it.
Yes, for a husband who drinks whiskey, old fashioneds or iced coffee at home. Big cubes melt slower than standard ice, so the drink stays cold without watering down [1]. Skip it if the freezer is always full or he never drinks anything over ice.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Cubes per tray | Six [1] |
| Cube size | 2 inch squares [1] |
| Material | Food-grade, BPA-free silicone [1] |
| Stacking | Stackable when empty or full [1] |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe [1] |
| Weight | About 2.4 ounces [1] |
Pros and cons
- Silicone can pick up freezer smells
- Big cubes take longer to freeze
- Only six cubes per tray [1]
One big cube instead of many
Small cubes have lots of surface, so they melt fast and water down a drink. A single 2 inch cube keeps the drink cold while melting slowly, which is why bars use them [1].
The tray makes six, sized to fit rocks glasses and whiskey tumblers [1]. It also freezes coffee for iced coffee or juice for smoothies, according to the listing [1].
The difference shows most in a stirred drink. An old fashioned or a Manhattan over one big cube stays balanced through the last sip, while the same drink over small cubes tastes thin by the end.
Silicone, stacking and cleaning
The tray is food-grade, BPA-free silicone, and each cube pops out with gentle pressure [1]. A wide base keeps it from tipping on the way to the freezer [1].
Trays stack even when full, and they go in the dishwasher [1]. Two trays stacked make enough ice for a small party.
Small annoyances
Silicone can take on the smell of whatever sits next to it in the freezer. Keep the tray away from open food, or wash it with a little baking soda now and then.
Big cubes also take longer to freeze than small ones. Fill it in the morning for the evening, not an hour before guests arrive. And six cubes is not a party supply, so buy two if he entertains.
There is also a chance the silicone stains if he freezes coffee or juice in it. Rinse it soon after use and it stays clean.
Turning ice into a gift
On its own it is a stocking filler. With a bottle of his usual bourbon and a good glass, it becomes a complete home bar gift.
From this guide, it sits well next to the Lost Cities card game for an evening in: a drink with one big cube and a game for two.
If he already owns whiskey stones, this still earns a place: stones chill but do not dilute at all, while a big ice cube adds the small amount of water many whiskey drinkers actually want.
FAQ
Are large ice cubes better for whiskey?
Large cubes melt more slowly than small ones because they have less surface for their size, so they chill a drink without watering it down as fast. The Tovolo listing says its 2 inch cubes melt slower than standard ice and fit rocks glasses [1]. Many whiskey drinkers prefer one big cube to several small ones [1]
Is the Tovolo King Cube tray dishwasher safe?
Yes. The listing describes it as dishwasher safe, made of food-grade, BPA-free silicone that resists wear over years of use [1]. Washing it occasionally also helps remove freezer odors that silicone can pick up Avoid sharp tools when popping cubes out. [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Tovolo King Cube 2 Inch Ice Tray, Stratus Blue
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.