Best Overall
Cuisinart Defrosting Tray
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When it comes to thawing frozen meat, defrosting trays trump using a wave or running hot water over meat. Unlike these alternatives, defrosting trays get the job done without causing wastage or affecting the taste of your food. To get you started, we've compiled a list of the best defrosting trays of 2024. These products will make your prep work a breeze. After thorough testing, the Cuisinart Defrosting Tray is easily our favorite product on this list, but for those who want options, we've prepared several alternatives for you below. What are you waiting for? Get thawing!
Defrosting Tray: A Buyer’s Guide
A defrosting tray is essential even if you don’t cook every day. You need something that will last for a few years and keep doing its job without giving you any trouble. However, every seasoned cook knows that the world of kitchenware is riddled with scams. Some manufacturers simply sell metal slabs under the label of a thawing tray. The worst part is that it’s pretty easy to get the wrong product. So, keep your money safe and mind at peace with our friendly buying guide.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Defrosting Tray
Ridges
Paneled ridges on a defrosting tray allow the condensation to collect at the bottom. This feature is incredibly important to prevent cold water from staying on the surface, thereby reducing the time it takes for the meat to defrost. This paneled design is the most distinctive difference between defrosting trays and regular trays like cookie trays.
Silicone borders
Silicone borders make convenient handles and keep condensation from leaking through. The last thing you want is a mess on the floor, and rest assured, if there’s nothing enclosing the edges, that’s inevitable.
Material
Food-grade aluminum is undeniably one of the most common materials used to make defrosting trays. It’s safe for the environment evenly distributes heat, and doesn’t break easily. That said, you shouldn’t completely turn away from other options. For starters, BPA-free plastic thawing trays can be great as they’re microwaveable.
The Importance of Thickness in Desfrosting Trays
Take a wild guess — the answer is yes and no. In aluminum trays, deeper ridges combined with overall thickness promote faster thawing time. This is because aluminum is known for its heat transmission properties needed to bring frozen edibles to room temperature. However, when we ask the same question about plastic, the answer changes: it doesn’t quite matter! While there can be a slight reduction in defrosting time, it’ll be minute enough not to make a difference. In short, the thickness of your defrosting tray should depend entirely on the material of your defrosting tray.
Microwaving Frozen Food: A Big No
Microwave ovens are probably one of the most badly reputed inventions globally. People won’t stop using them, but they also won’t stop complaining! And the reason why thawing meat in the microwave isn’t recommended is closely related. When frozen, meat bacteria are dormant, which prevents them from multiplying. However, even half a minute inside the oven provides the perfect breeding ground. So unless you plan on cooking your meat as soon as it comes out of the oven, leave the microwave option be.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Cuisinart Defrosting Tray
- Best Anti-Slip Mat: Holifly Defrosting Tray
- Best Leak Prevention: Thawmax Defrosting Tray
- Best Thickness: Blazin’ Thaw Store Defrosting Tray
- Best Microwavable Option: Nordic Ware Defrosting Tray
Reviews
Best Anti-Slip Mat
Holifly Defrosting Tray
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Best Leak Prevention
Thawmax Defrosting Tray
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Best Thickness
Blazin’ Thaw Store Defrosting Tray
| Pros | Cons |
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Best Microwavable Option
Nordic Ware Defrosting Tray
| Pros | Cons |
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FAQs
How many steaks can my 14-inch-long defrost tray hold?
A 14-inch-long defrosting tray can hold up to two regular steaks. However, if the cuts are smaller than usual, the tray can fit up to four.
What is the best way to clean my defrosting tray with ridges?
We recommend washing defrosting trays in the sink as it allows you to get into those pesky crevices and remove detergent properly. For best results, use a brush with long bristles to clean the inside of the ridges and thoroughly rinse with water.
Is soaking frozen food in warm water better than using my defrosting tray?
No! Soaking in water may tamper with the flavor of your meat.
How long before cooking should I take the meat out of the freezer?
Place frozen meat on the defroster at least an hour before you expect to use it. While it may not take this long, it’s always better to be on the safe side.