Freezing – What Causes Ice to Shatter in Ice Cube Trays?

Wired Magazine had a recent guide on how to make crystal clear ice. I'm copying it here since the article says it's under Creative Commons license:

Go Big Ditch the ice tray and use a large vessel like a thick plastic bowl or, better yet, an insulated cooler. Fill it with water and stow it in the freezer.

Wait The H2O can take a day or so to solidify. Remove the mini berg when it’s solid on the outside but still has a liquid core.

Drain With an ice pick, bread knife, or screwdriver, make a hole to release the trapped water.

Segment Score a grid onto the slab of ice, then pry it apart into cubes - the ice should break cleanly along the seams. Bigger cubes are ideal because they melt more slowly.

Contributed by Camper English

I have not tried this method myself, but it sounds reasonable.

It involves filling a clean milk carton or juice container with water, freezing it and then bashing it against a wall to crush the ice. I guess the container has to be quite sturdy to take the beating without breaking. Could be worth a try.