There are 5 ways to make ice cubes without a tray:
- Using ziplock bags,
- Using freezer bags,
- Using silicone molds,
- Or egg cartons,
- Or a nugget ice maker.
Instructions on how to make ice cubes without a tray are listed below.
1. Ziploc Bags
Use a ziplock bag, fill it with water, place it in your freezer, and leave it there for a couple of hours until the water freezes. Make sure not to refill the bag, otherwise, there’s a chance it will explode or the ice might end up being very “blocky” and very difficult to crack. Also, place the bag flat enough to help the water freeze evenly and make the ice block thin and easy to break.
2. Freezer Bags
Take a freezer bag, fill it with water, and freeze it – just like you would do with the ziplock bag. Note this ice freezing method gives more perfectly shaped cubes because freezer bags come with separating lines on the inside so you’ll get some nicely shaped ice cubes, not a whole chunk of ice.
3. Silicone Molds
Use silicone chocolate molds or any other silicone mold, fill it with water, and freeze it. Silicone molds are a solid alternative to traditional ice trays and give you more options when it comes to the shape and size of the ice cube.
4. Egg Cartons
Take an egg carton and some aluminum foil. Place the foil to the bottom of the egg carton and shape it around the edges as well. Fill the carton halfway with water and place it in the freezer.
You may also use egg cartons made of plastic, for which you will not necessarily need aluminum foil. Just make sure that you clean the egg cartons properly before adding the water.
5. Nugget Ice Maker
Get an ice maker that can give you access to various types of ice or a nugget ice maker that can make softer ice. Compact models are capable of making around 20-26 pounds of ice every day, whereas larger ones can make around 28-40 pounds per day and make a perfect choice for both personal and commercial use.
Final Thoughts
Making ice without an ice tray is totally doable. You can use Ziploc bags, freezer bags – and even egg cartons if you need some ice as soon as possible. If you need professional-looking ice though, an ice maker would definitely make the best choice.
