Early metal ice trays were simple aluminum containers divided into sections, but without a quick-release mechanism, getting the cubes out was a challenge. The process often left ice half-melted, stuck together, or scattered across the counter. If you weren’t careful, you’d end up with a puddle instead of a cold drink.
Then came a game-changer. By the late 1940s, manufacturers introduced aluminum trays with built-in levers. These “Magic Touch” or “Honeycomb” trays allowed users to crack the ice free with a simple pull. No more prying or smashing — just a quick lift of the handle, and out popped perfectly formed cubes. Some brands even started offering trays in colors like blue or gold, adding a bit of flair to the once-drab ice-making process.
Of course, metal trays had their drawbacks. They were cold to the touch, occasionally leaked, and weren’t exactly finger-friendly if you tried to grab ice too soon after freezing. By the 1970s, plastic trays became the norm, offering a more flexible, user-friendly alternative. But for many who grew up with metal trays, the memory of that satisfying click as the lever released the cubes is one of those small, oddly nostalgic details of kitchen life.
Below, we’ve gathered photos and vintage ads showing these metal ice cube trays from back in the day.
No struggling with metal ice cube trays that are easy to operate (1950)
Remember the days when fridges made their debut, and how excited the little housewife would get if you asked to see the ice-making section of the machine? She’d fairly bubble over with enthusiasm, in fact, and would have the fridge’s innards displayed on the table before you could take a firm grip on the back doorknob to make a quick exit.
Out would come the ice tray, first off. In those days, ice cubes were made just as beautiful as now, but to get the little beggars out of their compartments was the ordeal.
I remember watching a friend of mine try to extract a single cube from the jaws of a tray that made tooth-pulling look like kid’s stuff. Smiling all the while… for my benefit… she tugged, soaked the tray, nonchalantly smacked it against a metal portion of the sink before succeeding in loosening the confounded things.
The ice cube in question bounced out, but then the remaining cubes — and there were enough of them to store a moose for the winter — looked very soppish after their warm water treatment, and had to be thrown out… this is not so now!
The new aluminum ice cube trays have introduced a lever system of popping the icy morsels out of their shells.
Vintage metal ice cube trays: What makes a party delightful in a hurry? (1955)
Cold drinks now… for eager thirsts! (1949)
Ice cubes instantly! Just lift the “Magic Touch” lever!
Children’s thirst is impatient! It seems to take forever to get ice cubes from ordinary trays. The splashing at the sink… handling a frigid block of ice… getting too few half-melted ice cubes after all!
Ice cubes! Easier! Faster! And gay colors in Inland trays! (1953)
There’s nothing like it, really! There’s no other way to get ice cubes… one, two or a trayful… with the instant convenience of the Inland “Magic Touch” ice tray!
Lift! Tilt! And there you are… all the ice cubes you need, each one dry, free, supported by the grid. Slip two or more out… and leave the rest for later. It’s actually that easy… that convenient.
Inland Magic Touch ice trays are made in alluring colors now… blue or gold, as well as aluminum, to suit your fancy. Get them at your dealer’s, to replace the outmoded trays in your present refrigerator.
Vintage metal ice trays: Stop blasting out ice cubes (1955)
The new “Magic Touch” honeycomb ice cube trays turn the trick. Just flip the “Magic Touch” lever and a trayful of full-size cubes pops free instantly! Dry, decorative, ready to use. No running water over them… no hammering or smashing.
Toss old worn-out trays. Buy several “Magic Touch” honeycomb ice cube trays — and be sure they are in your new refrigerator.
Retro metal ice cube trays: What makes ’em perfect in a hurry?
Magic-Touch for ice cubes fast! (1965)
Pull exclusive “Magic Touch” lever. Presto! Instant ice cubes! No prying! No thawing! All-aluminum Honeycomb trays for faster freezing. Stackable. Fit all refrigerators. Buy several at your favorite store… insist on them in your next refrigerator! Aluminum makes ice cubes faster!
Metal ice cube trays you can buy today
- DURABILITY: 18/8 stainless steel will not absorb odors and will keeps ice tasting fresh and clean
- KEEP DRINKS COLDER: Designed to keep drinks chilled longer without over diluting
- SIZE: Ice cube tray measures 11.25 x 4.75 x 1.25"
- 【PREMIUM MATERIAL】Made of Durable 304 Stainless Ensuring No Odor Absorption or Chemical Transfer to Keep Your Ice Pure and Safe for all Beverages and Foods. It’s More Crack-Resistant than...
- 【MULTIPURPOSE USE】Perfect for Crafting Whiskey Stones and Cocktail Cubes, but Also Ideal for Making Frozen Baby Food, Herb-Infused Oils, or Fruit Juice Cubes to Reduce Food Waste. With Its...
- 【EASY-RELEASE FUNCTION】 Features a Convenient Lever System that Requires No Twisting or Bending. Simply Lift the Handle to Release 18 Perfect Ice Cubes Quickly and Effortlessly Every Time, Saving...
- 1.PROFESSIONAL-GRADE STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION Crafted from heavy-duty,food-grade 304 stainless steel,our ice cube tray is built to last a lifetime.It resists rust,odors,and stains,unlike plastic...
- 2.EASY LEVER RELEASE FOR PERFECT ICE EVERY TIME Say goodbye to struggling with stuck ice!Our unique lever release system pops out 6 large,crystal-clear ice cubes effortlessly with a simple push.No...
- 3.LARGE ICE CUBES THAT CHILL FASTER & MELT SLOWER Engineered for superior performance,our large cube molds create impressive 2" x 2" ice cubes that chill your drinks faster due to greater thermal...
- 【PREMIUM MATERIAL】Made of Durable 304 Stainless Ensuring No Odor Absorption or Chemical Transfer to Keep Your Ice Pure and Safe for all Beverages and Foods. It’s More Crack-Resistant than...
- 【MULTIPURPOSE USE】Perfect for Crafting Whiskey Stones and Cocktail Cubes, but Also Ideal for Making Frozen Baby Food, Herb-Infused Oils, or Fruit Juice Cubes to Reduce Food Waste. With Its...
- 【EASY-RELEASE FUNCTION】 Features a Convenient Lever System that Requires No Twisting or Bending. Simply Lift the Handle to Release 18 Perfect Ice Cubes Quickly and Effortlessly Every Time, Saving...
- PLASTIC-FREE & NON-TOXIC: Made from premium food grade 304 stainless steel, it is plastic-free, silicone-free, and non-toxic. No more cheap plastic trays that crack or smell. Enjoy odorless ice every...
- RETRO HANDLE FOR EASY RELEASE: Classic vintage lever handle cracks ice cubes free with one smooth pull. No twisting or banging. Makes solid cubes for cocktails, iced lattes, baby food and more.
- FAST FREEZE, SLOW MELT FOR LESS DILUTION: Quick-freezing tray makes compact cubes that melt slower, dilute less, and keep drinks colder longer. Enjoy pure ice for whiskey, smoothies and juices.
5 Responses
do you know where can i buy this ice tray
i Love them
I found mine at the thrift store.
The levers were never as easy to pull as the ads here suggest. Unlike the dainty fingers pictured here, the levers took real muscle to crack the ice.
These were very easy to use. I miss them. It seems some claim to have a problem with them. But I used these as a young girl and I never had any problem. Thanks for this article. Since everything old becomes new again, I am going to see if there is someone who sells them online.
Great to see these classic items how they worked, simple and yet very durable! Wish things were like that today.