The Best Defrosting Trays

Zintak Defrosting Tray

Simply Thaw-some

This is a trusty pick for safely defrosting your food.

Best Overall

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Whether you’re defrosting burger patties, frozen shrimp, or vegetables, this tray by Zintak has got your back. Its aluminum surface naturally generates heat for a quick thaw. Reviewers rave that this tray will thaw a large frozen steak in a couple of hours. We also appreciate this pick’s red silicone border, which catches any fluid run-off and makes the tray nonslip. Not to mention, the bright red color is easy to spot in a sea of trays and bowls in your kitchen.

Pros:

• Dishwasher-safe
• Silicone border is removable for a quick and easy clean

Cons:

• Colored border might not match everyone’s kitchen color scheme, though it’ll help the tray be easily identifiable

Evelots Meat Defrosting Tray

Convenience on a Budget

This tray is affordable and effective. What more could we ask for?

Best Value

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You may be surprised at the low price of this option, but don’t make any quick assumptions. This defrosting tray from Evelots scores high in thawing efficiency since it can defrost food up to five times faster than just using a regular dish. All you have to do is place frozen food on the tray’s ridged surface and let the conductive technology transfer warmth uniformly across the food’s surface.

Pros:

• Super lightweight at just over one pound
• Tray is elevated on small legs to increase defrosting speed

Cons:

• This tray has a thickness just over ½”, which is great for compact storage but may feel a bit flimsier than thicker boards

Gemitto Defrosting Tray and Cutting Board

Two in One

This handy product functions as both a defrosting tray and a cutting board.

Most Versatile

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When it comes to saving space in a crowded kitchen, we’re all about multifunctional products. One side of Gemitto’s tray is for defrosting, and the other is for chopping. Grooves on both sides collect any liquid to keep the board neat and dry. Best of all, it’s roomy enough to defrost multiple items at once. As a bonus, this tray comes with three flexible cutting boards. They have food icons for meat, seafood, and vegetables to keep your food safe and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Pros:

• Tray has a cut-out handle for easy holding and storage
• Bonus cutting boards are made of safe, scratch-resistant polypropylene

Cons:

• On the heavier side

Go Deep 365 Defrosting Tray

No Mess, No Stress

This defroster has a drip tray to keep your thawing experience nice and neat.

Most Innovative

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This smartly designed product from Go Deep 365 helps you defrost your food while keeping your counters dry and clean. The drip tray keeps your food elevated for faster thawing while also catching any liquid. The tray can also be used to store food once it’s done thawing. We love that the defrosting tray is made with thick and durable metal that can double as a cutting board.

Pros:

• New and improved design features a smooth Teflon coating
• Can easily be placed in the refrigerator

Cons:

• You’ll have to clean the drip tray separately from the defrosting tray (but they’re both dishwasher-safe)

That Inventions Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray

For the Sophisticated Chef

This option is a bit of a splurge, but it excels in both form and function.

Most Sleek

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Who knew a defrosting tray could be so beautiful? This high-end option from That Inventions has an elevated design made of light, shiny aluminum with red accents. The surface is slightly tilted towards the drip catch tray so that fluids are guided into the container. Reviewers rave about the heavy-duty metal material and share that it feels higher-quality than other trays on the market.

Pros:

• Eye-catching look gives a professional edge to your kitchen
• Inner heat pipes contain biodegradable thermal liquid that helps create an ultra-fast heat exchange

Cons:

• This product is significantly pricier than its competitors, but it does have some advantages in terms of aesthetics and technology

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a defrosting tray work?
Defrosting trays may seem magical, but they do have a scientific explanation. They’re made of highly conductive metals like aluminum that heat up quickly and easily. When the room-temperature tray comes in touch with a portion of frozen food, the tray starts getting cooler while the food gets warmer. Once some heat has been transferred to the frozen food, the tray continues absorbing warmth from the atmosphere. This cycle continues, and warmth travels from the air to the tray to the food until the thawing process is complete. Defrosting trays are typically elevated from the counter so that they can absorb heat from both above and below.

Why should I purchase a defrosting tray? 
Defrosting trays have been confirmed by the USDA as a safe way to defrost your frozen foods. If you leave food to defrost on the counter, it takes longer and leaves more time for bacteria to grow. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature, so you want to reduce the time that your food is sitting out. Defrosting trays speed up the process and helps prevent food poisoning. They’ll also make sure your food is evenly thawed, so you won’t have to deal with a steak that’s thawed in one area and still icy in another.

Aside from food quality, defrosting trays are also super convenient. Say goodbye to swapping water out of a bowl or guessing at times on a microwave. They’re a breeze to store next to your cutting boards, making them a no-brainer for the modern kitchen.