Ice, ice, baby
The very best ice cube trays
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The Recommendation

June 22, 2026

Today: The very best ice cube trays. Plus …

7 ice cube trays that are genuinely fun to use

A handful of different ice cube trays pictured together with ice.
Ruthie Darling/NYT Wirecutter

Life’s too short to settle for mediocre ice trays — the ones that spill on the way to the freezer or stubbornly resist eviction while you twist, turn, and bend the hard plastic. Over the past decade, we’ve tested more than 40 molds in search of options that make simple task of freezing water feel seamless.

Whether you’re looking for standard cubes or something a little more whimsical — say, “undeniably alluring” globes or skinny sticks for water bottles and highballs — all of our favorite trays are sturdy and easy to use.

The best ice cube trays for every occasion→

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Plus: The best drinking glasses

A colorful assortment of drinking glasses.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

No matter what you’re sipping on, your glassware should be something you enjoy reaching for again and again. We’ve tested more than 50 handsome cups since 2015, and our experts have found a few options that are comfortable to hold and look lovely on the table.

Including retro-style tumblers and colorful juice glasses→

What’s hot at Wirecutter

A purple Owala FreeSip Sway (30 ounces) water bottle against a light grey backdrop.

The best early Prime Day deals

The hullabaloo officially starts tomorrow, but our experts have already found some worthy discounts→

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Surprisingly good-looking recliners

Go ahead. Kick your feet up→

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“I’m a tech expert. Here’s how I prep my devices for an international trip.”

Step one: Check if you have an international data plan→

A portrait of David Ornstein in front of blue, yellow, and green soccer-themed graphics.

Sneakers that look like dress shoes

Plus, everything else one sports journalist packs for the World Cup→

Your daily deal: A stylish, lightweight area rug

The Sonia Terra & Sage Flatwoven Rug from Ruggable
Ruggable

This machine washable rug is a great option for people with kids or pets. It has a funky, multicolored design that we think looks great in kitchens, hallways, and living and kids rooms. Plus, the one we’ve been testing since 2019 is still holding up well after heavy use.

It’s more than $150 off today→

Gift of the week: A light up soccer ball

GlowCity Glow in The Dark Soccer Ball
GlowCity

This glow-in-the-dark soccer ball is the perfect companion for a pick-up game on a summer night. It’s a great gift for any kiddo (or adult!) fanatically watching the World Cup.

For games that last past sunset→

One last thing: An ice mold that makes 200 cubes at once

A Tovolo Squeeze & Release Mini Ice Cylinder with ice cubes around it.
Ruthie Darling/NYT Wirecutter

If your ideal beverage contains mountains of teeny tiny ice cubes, consider this easy-to-use nugget mold. Simply fill it with your liquid of choice, freeze it, and then squeeze the silicone body to release hundreds of little cubes. Fun, right?

Make nugget cubes in no time→

Independent reviews, expert advice and intensively researched deals from Wirecutter experts.

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Meet the so-called new king of breezy summer drinking: the Hugo spritz.

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