Komax Biokips Ice Cube Tray Review

We love having ice cubes when we are out in the summer, but don't have a freezer on board Phoenix just yet. We're hoping that our Frigoboat evaporator plate is cold enough to freeze a tray of cubes, but in order to do so, we need to find a leak-proof vertical ice cube tray. We've been looking for a suitable ice cube tray to try, and thought we found a possible solution with Komax Biokips Ice Cube Trays.

The Komax brand ice cube trays were advertised on Amazon to be:

• Leak-proof: Silicone lid seals water into tray before freezing and prevents spills from any angle
• Storage: Sealed lid allows for stacking and angled placement in freezer
• Comfortable: Contoured handle allows for a firm grip while filling or carrying
• Odor-free: Tray keeps ice cubes from absorbing freezer smells
• Cleaning: The body and lid are easy to cleaning, and the tray is also top-rack dishwasher safe

  
The reviews were very good on Amazon and we were eager to try them out; however Amazon sells either 2- or 4-packs and we didn't really want to commit to buying that many if we didn't like them.

While shopping the other day at our local Asian supermarket (H-Mart) we found the same Komax ice tray on sale for $2.99 each. Unlike at Amazon, we could purchase them individually, so we decided to give them a try.

During our first test of the ice trays, we did find that they sealed well and didn't drip any water when turned on their side or flipped over. When placed in the freezer on its side, the water from the top row emptied into the bottom 2 rows, so we only got 2 very full rows of cubes. In this position, the cubes froze and the top seal remained intact. After opening, we were able to seal the lid again even though the cubes were bulging out. It was difficult to get the lid back on securely, but not impossible.

For our second freeze test, we simply placed the tray in the freezer in the normal, flat position. As predicted, all 3 of the rows froze well. Unfortunately, when we removed the tray from the freezer and tried to open the lid, one locking tab broke off.

One tab broke off of our Komax ice cube tray after the second use

Now with only 3 of the 4 locking tabs, the container won't seal well and leaks water when inverted or is on it's side.

We've seen many complaints online about locking tabs breaking with some brands of "snap lid" products, but haven't had that problem with our Snapware containers or our Lock and Lock egg container. Admittedly we only use those in the refrigerator and haven't used them much in the freezer. Possibly waiting a few minutes after the tray came out of the freezer could have extended its life beyond two uses, though we're not sure...

We'll try to return this to the store, exchange it for a second tray and then see if the warming theory holds water!

Stay tuned.