This ice tray freezes in just 10 minutes, and is inspired by a snowflake

You’re hosting a party, and the guests are arriving soon. You panic: you’ve forgotten to prepare ice for the drinks.

Freezing new ice takes forever – so you text a friend to help buy a pack of ice from a nearby store.

Many of us have experienced this, and we’ve been in situations where we want to chill with a cool beverage after a hard day at work, only to curse when there’s no ice.

A Taiwanese design firm has come up with a solution – an ice tray called FreezThat which promises to churn out ice within 10 minutes, perfect for people who demand instant gratification.

The tray has a simple design – no electronics or software involved. It uses food-grade silicone, which is flexible so you can twist it to get the ice out. No more banging of rigid ice trays.

The cooling gel works by absorbing the coldness from the freezer, and then unleashing it to fast-freeze the water. Which means after being kept in the fridge overnight, it can freeze water even if left outside.

FreezThat has a unique look inspired by a snowflake. That is deliberate because the shape apparently helps it to freeze liquid better.

The tray can be used to make all sorts of food, from frozen espresso to frozen fruit juice and even frozen hot chocolate. Thicker liquids mean slower freezing times, however.