Kitchen

14 Best Defrosting Trays Reviews: Make Meal Preps Easier!

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Written by Dr. Adhara on

December 12, 2020,

Forgot to take that chicken out of the freezer 2 hours before dinner? Well, tough luck because dinner is going to be super late. Or you could just order in.

Defrosting meat and fish can become a point of contention when planning your meals. You usually take your frozen ingredients out of the freezer and leave them on the counter for 2-3 (or more, depending on their weight) hours until they defrost and reach room temperature.

This takes a good amount of forethought that we don’t always have. But this isn’t the only way to defrost things. Have you considered using the best defrosting tray to get the job done instead?

We’ve tested and examined an endless supply of defrosting trays in our search for the best ones. And in the end, we narrowed it down to 14 and compiled in-depth defrosting tray reviews for them.

So if you’ve been on the lookout for a defrosting tray, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover the best defrosting try for your cooking needs!

Why Do You Need a Defrosting Tray?

Defrosting trays work because they are made of very good conductors of heat, like copper or aluminum. So, when you place frozen meat or fish on it, it quickly conducts heat from the surroundings to the meat, thus making it thaw faster.

Now that we’ve gotten the science part out of the way, there are two main reasons why it’ a good idea to have a defrosting tray in your kitchen arsenal.

It’s Safer:

If you need your fish or poultry to defrost quickly, you might be tempted to chuck it into a pot of warm water. Or maybe your microwave has a defrost setting.

The problem with this is that your meat ends up spending a lot of time in what is known as the danger zone. At 40°F – 140°F, bacteria grow most rapidly on your meat and fish.

This is especially dangerous when dealing with chicken, as there is the risk of getting salmonella poisoning. However, when you use a defrosting tray, the thawing process is much faster, which reduces the chances of bacterial growth.

It Keeps the Taste and Texture of the Food Intact:

One of the trickiest things about fast defrosting is making sure that the taste of the meat is not altered. Microwaves are finicky and defrosting things in them tends to give unpredictable results. Sometimes defrosting in an oven or microwave can turn your meat into a tough, grey, unappetizing mess.

Quite often, a lot of flavors are changed or lost when meat is defrosted in a microwave. A defrosting tray, however, will keep your meat tender and flavorful.

Our Favorite Best Defrosting Trays: A Quick Look

If you’re short on time, we’ve summed up the entire list here with our all-time favorite entries.

Editor’s Choice: Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate
Best Budget Option: Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray for Rapid Thaw
Best for Beginners: BeChef Defrosting Tray

Without further ado, let’s get right into the reviews! We’ll talk about how each defrosting tray works, their features, and what we found most impressive about them. These reviews will help you determine which tray will be the perfect cooking companion for you.

Rank

Picture

Name

Shops

Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate

Need a super large thawing dish that defrosts multiple servings of meat quickly? This defrosting tray will thaw your meat twice as fast as others on the market.

Fast and even defrosting.
Doesn’t need electricity to work.
Lightweight and easy to clean.

Qizron Defrosting Tray

Need a shortcut to thaw your frozen ingredients more quickly? The Qizron tray defrosts meat and fish 9 times faster than they would thaw at room temperature.

Quick and convenient to use.
Safe and easy to clean.
Non-slip and dishwasher safe.

Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray for Rapid Thaw

Need a great defrosting tray but don’t want to spend too much money? This defrosting tray is big and rapidly thaws your food–and while being super affordable!

Easy to use and clean.
Affordable price point.
Rapidly defrosts frozen ingredients.

ThawMax Rapid Defrosting Tray

This meat thawing tray defrosts your frozen ingredients in record time, all while retaining the flavors and nutritional value of your meat and fish.

Defrosts quickly and saves time.
Easy to clean.
Sturdy and durable.

BeChef Defrosting Tray

New to the world of cooking at home? This defrosting tray comes with all sorts of add-ons that will help you out in the kitchen.

Defrosts twice as fast as regular thawing.
Comes with useful kitchen tools.
Very easy to clean.

Zintak Extra-Large Thawing Plate

Had a dinner party planned but forgot to take your meat out for thawing? This large defrosting will come to your rescue.

Lightweight, despite the large size.
Shortens thawing time significantly.
Easy to use and clean.

Gemitto Fast Defrosting Tray

A short thawing time, no mess, and easy cleanup–this thawing plate has everything you can ask for.

Quick thawing time.
Affordable.
Comes with a drip tray.

Rapid Defrosting Meat Tray

If you want a thawing plate just for meat and poultry, look no further than this one.

Non-stick and easy to clean.
Defrosts meat rapidly.
Good value for money.

Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray and Thawing Plate

Want a defrosting tray that looks exciting and unique? This model is ultra-modern and you won’t be able to take your eyes off it!

Leaves no mess behind.
Attractive and sleek design.
Sturdy and long-lasting.

#10

Blazin' Thaw Defrosting Tray

Want a simple, no-fuss thawing tray for everyday use? The Blazin’ Thaw tray will knock you off your feet thanks to its super-quick defrosting time.

Thick surface defrosts faster.
Doesn’t leave any mess on your counter.
Easy to clean.

#11

Evelots Meat Defrosting Tray

If one defrosting tray isn’t enough for you, give this set of 2 a try. These trays are the easiest and most convenient way to thaw frozen food in a jiffy!

Hassle-free storage.
Great value for money.
Warms frozen food quickly.

#12

Royal Copper Defrost Tray

If you want to brighten up your kitchen while you defrost your frozen groceries, this defrosting tray will do the trick!

Attractive design.
Easy to clean and use.
Hassle-free storage.

#13

AMMOTI Extra Large Defrosting Tray

Ordinary defrosting trays too small to get the job done? This one can easily fit all the frozen food you need it to.

No bacterial growth on the surface.
Easy to clean and store.
Thick surface speeds up thawing.

#14

CQ Essentials Rapid Thaw Food Defrosting Tray

This spacious thawing plate will save you time and effort when working with frozen items in the kitchen.

Easy to clean.
Sturdy and durable.
Defrosts quickly and steadily.

Our Reviews of the
14 Best Defrosting Trays

01. Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate

Mirra Kitchen

FEATURES

Dimensions: 15.8 x 9.5 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 2.55 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: Mirra Kitchen

Need a super large thawing dish that defrosts multiple servings of meat quickly? This defrosting tray will thaw your ingredients twice as fast as others on the market.

The high-quality defrosting tray is also thicker than other models and uses HDF technology to ensure quick and even thawing. Due to its large size, you can easily defrost up to 4 steaks on it at a time!

Moreover, it is pretty versatile as you can also use it for thawing chicken breasts, fish, and even larger cuts of meat. The aluminum tray won’t alter your meat/fish or expose it to chemicals or fluctuating temperatures. Instead, it simply speeds up the natural thawing process.

It is easy to clean as you just need to wash it with detergent as a sponge. Also, we liked how it didn’t need to be plugged in–it’s safer, saves energy, and won’t cause your electric bill to spike up!

Why We Recommend It:

We loved how well the defrosting tray worked as it rapidly thaws all sorts of meat and fish. It cuts down on the thawing time by nearly 50%. At the same time, it is quite large and you can defrost your entire family’s meal at the same time.

Also, it isn’t overly expensive and will last for a very long time. All these factors, combined with how low maintenance this model is, make it the best meat defroster out there.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality

02. Qizron Non-stick Defrosting Tray

QIZRON

FEATURES

Dimensions: 14.2 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 1.65 pounds
Material: Aerospace Aluminum Alloy
Manufacturer: Qizron

Need a shortcut to thaw your frozen ingredients more quickly? The Qizron tray defrosts meat and fish 9 times faster than they would thaw at room temperature.

This rapid thaw tray combines HDF high-density aerospace alloy with the high-precision surface treatment of nano ions. This unique synthetic metal has great thermal conductivity which allows frozen food to drop to room temperature very quickly.

Besides that, the entire defrosting process is very safe. The tray doesn’t rely on external heat, current, or chemicals to thaw frozen meat. Also, it locks in the juices of your meat, which in turn prevents it from getting tough while it cooks.

The non-stick surface also makes for quick and easy cleanup. Once you’re done using it, all you have to do is wash it with soap and hot water, before rinsing it under the tap.

Why We Recommend It:

This defrosting tray is thick and sturdy and that makes it perfect for thawing things like steaks, pork chops, and large fish fillets. It defrosts evenly so you don’t have to worry about parts of your meat being undercooked.

Clean up is extremely easy as you can just toss it in your dishwasher or wipe it down with a sponge and some soap. Although the tray is pretty big, it is also light and so you can move it around without any trouble.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Qizron Defrosting Tray

03. Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray for Rapid Thaw

Zabika Brand

FEATURES

Dimensions: 13.98 x 8.07 x 0.12 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: Zabika

Need a great defrosting tray but don’t want to spend too much money? This defrosting tray is big and rapidly thaws your food–and while being super affordable!

Furthermore, it has a sleek, modern, and minimalist design. The tray is 3mm thick and I great for thawing large cuts of beef, chicken breasts, and pork/lamb chops. You can also use it to quickly defrost sausages, patties, and seafood.

It is made from food-safe aluminum and doesn’t have any chemicals that can leech into your food. The non-stick surface also makes sure that bacteria cannot build up on the tray. There are no plastics or heavy metals which means it can last a long time without breaking down.

Also, the board is easy to wash. As it is more hygienic and saves energy, it is one of the most convenient options around. Since the thawing process is gentle, it won’t affect the flavor of the nutrients in your frozen poultry or seafood.

Why We Recommend It:

If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive defrosting tray, we must recommend this one. It is large enough to fit 2 steaks at a time and the tray is made from premium quality aluminum. Besides that, the nonstick surface makes it incredibly easy to clean.

But what impressed us most was how well it could defrost meat in a short time. This tray can even defrost an entire chicken in a fraction of the time it usually takes!

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray

04. ThawMax Rapid Defrosting Tray

ThawMax Brand

FEATURES

Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Manufacturer: ThawMax

This meat thawing tray defrosts your frozen ingredients in record time, all while retaining the flavors and nutritional value of your meat and fish. But that isn’t all! You can even use it to thaw frozen desserts and oven dinners more quickly.

The thawing plate is made from a high-density aluminum alloy which is 50,000 times more conductive than regular metal trays. Moreover, it combines effectiveness with pleasing aesthetics, resulting in the perfect defrosting plate.

What is interesting is that the tray is so conductive it is almost as though it generates its own heat. This is what gives it such a brief thawing time. However, it won’t start cooking your meat, so you won’t have to worry about it getting tough and overcooked later.

It is a delightful alternative to microwave defrosting as it is much more sanitary and keeps your frozen ingredients looking perfect and tasting fresh.

Why We Recommend It:

As far as defrosting trays go, this one will not disappoint. It thaws steaks and chops evenly and reasonably quickly. At the same time, it doesn’t alter the taste or texture of the meat and is pretty easy to use.

We found that it works particularly well for flat, thin cuts of meat, burger patties, and filleted fish. Also, it is very easy to clean as soap and hot water are all you need. The aluminum alloy is more than just a great conductor-it is very tough and keeps the tray from getting bent or twisted.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for ThawMax Rapid Defrosting Tray

05. BeChef Defrosting Tray

BeChef rapid thaw defrost tray

FEATURES

Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.2 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 1.55 pounds
Material: Aluminum with Teflon coating
Manufacturer: BeChef

New to the world of cooking at home? This defrosting tray comes with all sorts of add-ons that will help you out in the kitchen.

The tray combines the use of conductive metal and intelligent design to thaw your frozen foods much more quickly. You can use it to thaw frozen meat and veggies in half the time it would normally take.

It is also great if you need to defrost frozen fish and other seafood like prawns. For the best results, use thin or flat cuts of meat and make sure every inch of the food is in contact with the tray. The tray is made of aluminum but also has a non-stick Teflon coating that makes cleanup effortless.

Our favorite part? This tray includes a drip tray that catches liquids that are released during defrosting. It also comes with a silicone basting brush and a shredding claw for meat. These tools are super useful and will come in handy for new cooks who don’t have all sorts of cooking equipment yet.

Why We Recommend It:

This defrosting tray is great to have because it makes cleanup afterward so easy. The non-stick surface means you just have to rinse out the tray with some warm soapy water. Moreover, the drip tray collects any liquid released by your meat and this keeps your counter clean.

We also loved the basting brush and shredding claw since they are great for pot roasts and steaks. If you’re new to cooking and need a little help with kitchen equipment and techniques, you will love this tray.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for BeChef Defrosting Tray

06. Zintak Extra-Large Thawing Plate

Zintak Defrosting Tray

FEATURES

Dimensions: 14.41 x 8.7 x 0.91 inches
Weight: 1.15 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: Zintak

Had a dinner party planned but forgot to take your meat out for thawing? This large defrosting will come to your rescue.

It quickly defrosts meat, fish, and frozen vegetables. You can also use it for thawing burger patties and sausages before grilling them. Since it is so large, you can even defrost different frozen foods on it at the same time if you’re in a rush.

The aluminum generates its own heat so there is no need to plug in the tray or put it in the microwave. This all-natural process won’t destroy the nutrients and vitamins in your food and will also leave the flavor and texture unchanged.

Washing up afterward is easy as a breeze since the thawing plate is dishwasher safe. You can also wash it by hand with a silicone sponge and some detergent.

Why We Recommend It:

We found this to be one of the most convenient defrosting boards out there. You can use it to quickly defrost multiple servings of frozen foods, which makes it great if you have to cook for a party or gathering.

At the same time, it is a very effective defrosting tray and significantly cuts down on the time taken to thaw frozen meat or fish. The board is sturdy and will last for ages, so you will definitely get your money’s worth.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Zintak Extra-Large Thawing Plate

07. Gemitto Fast Defrosting Tray

GEMITTO OHBUS35678121420

FEATURES

Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches
Weight: 1.45 pounds
Material: High-density Aluminum
Manufacturer: Ouhome Basics

A short thawing time, no mess, and easy cleanup–this thawing plate has everything you can ask for. This defrosting tray can defrost steaks, chicken breasts, and fish fillets in just 30-45 minutes instead of the usual hour and a half.

Sounds too good to be true? It also thaws burgers, sausages, and bacon. The drip tray removes water which stops bacon and sausages from splattering the oil when fried in a skillet. This, in turn, prevents burns and makes cooking a little easier.

Although the tray conducts heat well and defrosts things in record time, it does not heat up at all. The tray is safe to use as it doesn’t use electricity, microwaves, or chemicals to thaw your food. It is also environment-friendly as it is low-carbon, saves energy, and fully recyclable!

Why We Recommend It:

This tray is a good back up plan if you don’t usually need to defrost things quickly. It is good to have around for emergencies when you forget to take the meat out of the freezer on time.

It isn’t expensive and works pretty well, especially for smaller or thinner cuts of meat. The drip tray also stops your counter from getting dirty, which also reduces cleaning time. Overall, this is a very convenient tray to have in your kitchen.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Gemitto Fast Defrosting Tray

08. Rapid Defrosting Meat Tray

A-STAR 709993

FEATURES

Dimensions: 11.89 x 8.35 x 0.51 inches
Weight: 8 ounces
Material: Aluminum with silicone border
Manufacturer: A-STAR

If you want a thawing plate just for meat and poultry, look no further than this one. It lets you defrost steaks, chicken strips, and large cuts of meat three times faster than thawing on your countertop.

Although thawing times vary depending on the type and cut of your meat, you won’t have to wait over an hour for your food to defrost. As it doesn’t need electricity or hot water to work, the defrosting is energy-saving and efficient.

Furthermore, it is a healthier option than microwaving your meat as it won’t destroy any of the nutrients and antioxidants present. The smooth surface also makes it easier to tip out the water that melts when your food thaws. This shortens the time taken to clean the tray.

The non-stick surface also stops the meat from sticking to the tray once it has thawed. The surface is thick, which speeds up defrosting and the silicone rim makes it very durable.

Why We Recommend It:

If your menu consists mostly of steaks, chicken fingers, and other thin cuts of meat, you will find this defrosting come in handy when cooking. The thick board defrosts meat quickly without making a mess and is easy to use.

The silicone rim stops the water from leaking onto your counter. It also makes it easier to hold or carry the tray, especially if you have a lot of frozen food on it. Moreover, it is a great option if you want to try out a defrosting tray for the first time.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Rapid Defrosting Meat Tray

09. Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray and Thawing Plate

That! Inventions THW-31S

FEATURES

Dimensions: 12.75 x 7.87 x 0.75 inches
Weight: 3.63 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: That! Inventions

Want a defrosting tray that looks exciting and unique? This model is ultra-modern and you won’t be able to take your eyes off it! Besides that, it is very effective and will defrost your frozen ingredients very quickly.

However, it doesn’t need batteries or a power socket to work. Instead, it uses good old aluminum to conduct heat into your frozen goods and defrost them. The food-grade aluminum is safe to use and won’t affect the taste or nutritional value of your meat or fish.

This plate has an integrated drip tray and is slightly tilted so that any accumulated liquids flow into the drip tray automatically. This tray is a little on the heavier side so you don’t have to worry about knocking it over by mistake. It is also very easy to clean and store.

Why We Recommend It:

This is a good option if you’re looking to splurge on a defrosting plate. The slender and streamlined design means it uses up less space in storage and is easier to clean. The drip tray also prevents any melted water from leaking onto your countertop.

Although it is pricey, it is very sturdy and will last for years to come. It thaws meat and fish beautifully, and in a fraction of the time it would normally take. If you want a high-quality defrosting tray that won’t let you down, this one is it.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray and Thawing Plate

10. Blazin' Thaw Defrosting Tray

Blazin' Thaw AVIEUS 9-1

FEATURES

Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 0.23 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Material: Aluminum with silicone rim
Dimensions: Blazin’ Thaw

Want a simple, no-fuss thawing tray for everyday use? The Blazin’ Thaw tray will knock you off your feet thanks to its super-quick defrosting time.

If you’ve seen Thaw Master reviews, you might have noticed that the two defrosting trays look similar. They also operate on a similar principle. It uses a very thick 6mm tray to shorten the thawing time even more.

But that’s not all! This tray also has deep draining channels so that the melted water won’t bleed onto your countertop or kitchen table. The large size is perfect for families as it lets you defrost multiple servings of meat or fish.

All you need to do is to place the food as flat as possible on the tray and wait a little. Your food will be ready to cook in no time at all!

Why We Recommend It:

If you hate dealing with water leaking on your countertops, or faulty drip trays, you will love this tray. The draining grooves are a much simpler and elegant alternative and will be easier to clean.

Moreover, the defrosting works very well and will thaw your frozen goods quickly and evenly. It is much thicker than most trays and that helps shorten the defrosting time.

It also makes the tray sturdier and less likely to get bent or disfigured over time. This tray is a lifesaver for people with busy schedules!

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Blazin' Thaw Defrosting Tray

11. Evelots Meat Defrosting Tray

Evelots 9054

FEATURES

Dimensions: 15.3 x 8.3 x 1.2 inches
Weight: 1.18 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: Green Mountain Imports

If one defrosting tray isn’t enough for you, give this set of 2 a try. These trays are the easiest and most convenient way to thaw frozen food in a jiffy!

It defrosts lamb or pork chops, large steaks, large cuts of meat, and even an entire chicken in around an hour. Smaller and thinner cuts of meat will take even less time. The defrosting tray does all this without electricity, a water bath, or a microwave.

This tray takes out the guesswork and safely defrosts your meat, making sure it tastes perfect when cooked. The flat and large surface lets you thaw multiple items, further saving time.

Since the tray is slim, it is easy to store in a cabinet or cupboard. You can also stack other things on top of it to save space. Clean up is also simple since the tray can be hand washed and is dishwasher safe as well.

Why We Recommend It:

If you need to defrost lots of meat at a time, this set of trays will be your best friend. Their large size lets you thaw lots of food in one go. Also, frozen meat/fish/veggies will get defrosted very quickly.

Besides that, it is easy to clean afterward. You can just toss it in the dishwasher with the rest of your plates, or wash it by hand with a sponge and some detergent. Storage isn’t an issue either as the tray isn’t large or bulky.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Evelots Meat Defrosting Tray

12. Royal Copper Defrost Tray

Royal Copper

FEATURES

Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 0.12 inches
Weight: NA
Material: Copper
Manufacturer: Royal

If you want to brighten up your kitchen while you defrost your frozen groceries, this defrosting tray will do the trick!

This ultra-slim and flat tray looks elegant and minimalist, yet adds a touch of luxury to your cooking preparations. It lets you defrost right on your countertop in record time so you won’t have to spend ages waiting for your poultry and fish to thaw.

The surface also slows down and prevents bacteria from growing on your meat as it defrosts, making it one of the most sanitary options out there. It is also safe as it doesn’t use microwaves or batteries to heat the frozen food.

Furthermore, it has a hole that you can use to hang it when you’re not using it. Also, this defrosting tray should not be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Why We Recommend It:

If you think an aluminum defrosting tray looks drab, you will be delighted by the more cheerful copper one. It is extremely lightweight and uses up little space on your kitchen counter.

Moreover, it is very easy to use and has grooves that direct water away from the food that is being thawed. This will improve the texture of the meat, especially if it is being seared. All in all, it is a solid defrosting board that you won’t regret getting.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for Royal Copper Defrost Tray

13. AMMOTI Extra Large Defrosting Tray

AMMOTI

FEATURES

Dimensions: 17.8 x 10 x 1.7 inches
Weight: 2.84 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: AMMOTI

Ordinary defrosting trays too small to get the job done? This one can easily fit all the frozen food you need it to.

This sleek and shiny thawing plate can defrost 5-6 pieces of meat, multiple large steaks, and an assortment of sausages, patties, and seafood. As a result, it is perfect when cooking for lots of people.

It also gets rid of all the extra water from your frozen goods without drying out your meat. As a result, your meat will be soft and flavorful after it is cooked. Since it doesn’t heat or chemically alter your food in any way, the nutrients and goodness remain untouched.

Cleanup is easy as well. Just throw it in your dishwasher once you’re done using it. Or, wash it by hand with the silicone sponge included with the try. Either way, it won’t take much effort to clean this non-stick defrosting tray.

Why We Recommend It:

Defrosting meat in small batches can be pretty annoying, especially when you have lots to do. This defrosting tray cuts down on prep time even more as it lets you thaw multiple items in one go.

We also liked how the non-stick surface was resistant to bacterial growth. This also makes cleaning it easier as you don’t have to worry about the tray being contaminated. The thick tray is also helpful because it won’t get bent or worn out over the years.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for AMMOTI Extra Large Defrosting Tray

14. CQ Essentials Rapid Thaw Food Defrosting Tray

CQ Essentials LLC

FEATURES

Dimensions: 14.5 x 9 x 1 inches
Weight: 2.35 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Manufacturer: CQ Essentials

This spacious thawing plate will save you time and effort when working with frozen items in the kitchen. It rapidly thaws raw chicken breasts, pork chops, steak, and seafood; making it useful when you’ve forgotten to take frozen food out beforehand.

Since it doesn’t use external heat or electricity, this defrosting tray won’t partially cook the food and change its taste or texture. The thawing process is completely natural and perfectly safe for your food.

Some trays require preheating in a water bath beforehand, but not this one. Just pop your frozen meat flat onto the tray and let conduction work its magic. Besides, the high-quality aluminum tray is 3mm thick which speeds up thawing, cutting down the time needed to defrost things.

The tray is also durable so you can reuse it many times for years without any trouble. We’re sure you will love this defrosting tray.

Why We Recommend It:

This is a solid no-frills defrosting tray that is great if you want something thin and light. It is even and doesn’t have deep grooves, so cleaning it is very easy. It defrosts pretty well, and we found that it suits thin cuts of meat and seafood better.

Since it is so light, you won’t have trouble storing or moving it. However, it is also pretty tough so the tray will hold up over time without getting damaged or bent out of shape.

Pros:

Cons:

Check the Latest Price for CQ Essentials Rapid Thaw Food Defrosting Tray

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Defrosting Tray

Now that you are familiar with the best defrosting trays available on the market, you need to narrow down your preferences based on your needs. Before choosing your thawing tray, consider the following factors first:

Material:

Defrosting depends on how conductive the material the tray is made of. A very conductive metal will quickly thaw frozen food and do so more effectively than leaving it out on the counter. The best defrosting trays are generally made from copper or aluminum.

If you’re looking for a highly conductive aluminum defrosting tray, the Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate and ThawMax Rapid Defrosting Tray are really good options.

On the other hand, if you want a copper thawing tray instead, you will prefer the Royal Copper Defrost Tray.

Thaw Time:

A good defrosting tray will thaw frozen meat and fish in a much shorter time than it would usually time. For the shortest thawing time, use a tray with a thick bottom, like the Blazin’ Thaw Defrosting Tray. The Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate is also a great option for super-fast defrosting.

If you need a tray to defrost thick cuts of meat like pork chops or chuck roasts, you will be better off with the Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray for Rapid Thaw.

Design:

Not all defrosting trays are made with the same kind of construction. Some of them are simple, flat trays. If you want something that has a drip tray included, go for the Gemitto Fast Defrosting Tray or the Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray and Thawing Plate.

However, if you don’t want a drip tray, you can get the Blazin’ Thaw Defrosting Tray as it uses draining grooves instead of a draining tray.

Price:

Defrosting trays have a pretty wide price range. If you want a mid-range one, you should go for the Qizron Defrosting Tray or the Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate. But if you are on a budget, the Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray for Rapid Thaw or the Evelots Meat Defrosting Tray are a better option.

Looking to splurge? Then you will love the Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray and Thawing Plate.

Have Any Questions?

In this section, we answer questions people often have about defrosting trays.

01. How Do Defrosting Trays Work?

Defrosting trays work because of conduction. They use highly conductive metals like aluminum and copper. When frozen meat or seafood is placed on the tray, the metals conduct heat from the surrounding and into the frozen food. This heats the meat and thaws it more quickly.

02. What is the Fastest Way to Defrost Steak?

To defrost steaks quickly, take it out of the freezer and lay it flat on your defrosting plate. Make sure the steak is in complete contact with the tray. Flip the steak over every 15 minutes. It should be thawed in 30-40 minutes.

03. How Long Do Defrosting Trays Take to Thaw Frozen Food?

This mostly depends on the weight and size of the food you are defrosting. Thin cuts of meat like steaks, chicken breasts, and fillets can take half an hour or up to 40 minutes. For larger or thicker cuts of meat, you will have to wait for an hour or even up to an hour and a half.

04. Can I Make My Defrosting Tray Work Faster?

To give your defrosting tray a bit of a head start, you can run in under hot water for a minute or two first. This will cut down on the time taken to thaw meat and fish by a little bit.

05. What is the Best Defrosting Tray?

If you want to get the best defrosting tray, go for the Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate or the Qizron Defrosting Tray as they are very effective, long-lasting, and affordably priced.

06. How Should I Clean My Defrosting Tray?

If your defrosting tray is specified to be dishwasher friendly, you can just toss it in your dishwasher. But if you want to wash it by hand, you can use any soft or silicone sponge to gently clean it with soap or detergent.

Don’t scrub the tray as it can scratch it up. Rinse it with plenty of water and let it dry completely before storing it.

Hear This before You Leave

Nothing is more frustrating than realizing dinner will be 4 hours late because you forgot to take the chicken out in advance. With the best defrosting tray, you can just place your meat on the tray and spend an hour getting the rest of the meal ready while your meat thaws quickly.

These defrosting tray reviews will help you figure which tray is the right fit for your cooking needs. They will defrost your meat in no time at all without leaving a mess on your counter and will last for years. So why not make your life a little easier and get yourself a defrosting tray today?

14 Best Defrosting Trays Reviews: Make Meal Preps Easier!

Why Do You Need a Defrosting Tray?

It’s Safer:

It Keeps the Taste and Texture of the Food Intact:

Our Favorite Best Defrosting Trays: A Quick Look

Our Reviews of the 14 Best Defrosting Trays

01. Rapid Defrost Tray Premium Quality Natural Thawing Plate

Editor’s Choice

QIZRON

03. Best Kitchen Defrosting Tray for Rapid Thaw

Best Budget Option

04. ThawMax Rapid Defrosting Tray

05. BeChef Defrosting Tray

Best for Beginners

06. Zintak Extra-Large Thawing Plate

07. Gemitto Fast Defrosting Tray

08. Rapid Defrosting Meat Tray

09. Professional Quick Food Defrosting Tray and Thawing Plate

10. Blazin' Thaw Defrosting Tray

11. Evelots Meat Defrosting Tray

12. Royal Copper Defrost Tray

13. AMMOTI Extra Large Defrosting Tray

14. CQ Essentials Rapid Thaw Food Defrosting Tray

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Defrosting Tray

Material:

Thaw Time:

Design:

Price:

Have Any Questions?

01. How Do Defrosting Trays Work?

02. What is the Fastest Way to Defrost Steak?

03. How Long Do Defrosting Trays Take to Thaw Frozen Food?

04. Can I Make My Defrosting Tray Work Faster?

05. What is the Best Defrosting Tray?

06. How Should I Clean My Defrosting Tray?

Hear This before You Leave

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Our Reviews of the
14 Best Defrosting Trays