Does your ice maker not make enough ice that is required in your daily life? Automatic Ice makers are a great savior on summer days and if they are portable it becomes of great use. The ice makers are not only used for enjoying the ice but can be used as a refrigerator to chill your beer on picnics. Different ice makers provide each batch of ice in various time duration. Also, each machine has a different capacity for producing ice every day. So you need to keep in mind if the machine will give the perfect ice cubes before selecting the best portable ice maker for your home.
The ice makers also need to be safe as they will work for long hours. Check the air ventilation and exhaust fan works on the machine. Moreover, ice makers come with 2 size options for cubes. As ices are not only used in drinks but also for injuries, you can select a brand that offers this option. We have discussed the specifications of each ice maker to help you choose the one that fulfills your requirements.
What You Should Consider When Buying a Portable Ice Maker
Wondering why you should own a portable ice maker? Here are reasons why.
Related Posts:
- The 10 Best Ice Cream Makers in 2022
- The 12 Best Ice Tea Makers to Enjoy the Refreshing Tea in Summer
- The 15 Best Commercial Coffee Makers to Satisfy Your Caffeine Yearn at Office or Cafes
- The 8 Best Donut Makers to Have the Perfect Donut-Coffee Combo
- The 12 Best Yogurt Makers for Making Creamy, Delicious Yogurt
Economical
Buying ice cubes from your local store is costly. With a Portable ice maker, you can prepare large quantities of ice fast enough which means you will always have enough supply all the time. Also, having an ice maker allows you to enjoy fresh ice cubes anywhere anytime.
Fast freeze technology
Modern ice makers are designed using fast freeze technology. Typically, a modern ice maker will take between six to fifteen minutes to prepare your ice which is a pretty good wait time.
Easy to use
Ice makers do not require any installation process. All you need is to put water inside and plug into a power source, and you are good to go. Ice makers have fewer buttons which makes them easy for anyone to operate.
Highly portable
As the name suggests, these appliances are highly portable. Whether you require ice for your home use or outdoor use, a portable ice maker is the best way to navigate through. The devices feature a compact design which fits perfectly well in your boat, RV or on your kitchen counter.
Ability to customize your ice cube sizes
Modern ice makers have advanced features which allow you to not only enjoy fresh ice cubes but also have the freedom to customize the size.
High-quality ice
Depending on your home refrigerator to make ice cubes can disappoint you and chances are your ice may have an odor of food, fruits or meat. These odors stick on your ice cubes which end up screwing up your drinks.
A portable ice maker ensures you enjoy fresh and crispy ice cubes anywhere anytime.
Low maintenance
Most modern ice makers have been designed using the latest technology to minimize maintenance costs. Some of the devices have side drain which allows excess water to drain. Other models have innovative water use design where all the water from melted ice is re-used to produce more ice.
Top 15 Best Portable Ice Makers
| Product | Operating cycle(min) | Daily ice producing capacity (lbs) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOVETE Portable Ice Maker | 6 | 28.7 | A |
| Euhomy Ice Maker | 8 | 26 | A |
| GE Major Appliances OPAL01GEPKT Ice Maker | 20 | 24 | B+ |
| Igloo ICEB26HNAQ Automatic Ice Maker | 7 | 26 | A- |
| Crownful Ice Maker | 8-10 | 26 | B+ |
| AGLUCKY Ice Maker | 6-8 | 26.5 | A- |
| COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker | 6-13 | 26 | A |
| IKICH Ice Maker | 7 | 26 | B+ |
| Dreamiracle Ice Maker | 7 | 33 | A- |
| VIVOHOME Ice Cube Maker | 6 | 26 | A |
| ULIT Ice Maker | 8 | 26 | A- |
| LITBOOS Portable Ice Maker | 9 | 26 | A |
| FrigidaireEFIC108-B Ice Making Machine | 7 -10 | 26 | A- |
| Northair Portable Ice Maker | 6 | 26 | A |
| Deco Gear Electric Party Ice Maker | 6 | 26 | B+ |
1. NOVETE Portable Ice Maker
Ices are necessary whether you drink juice or alcohol. Novete Portable ice maker produces 9 ice cubes in less than 6 minutes so that you do not have to keep your customers waiting. The feature we like about this ice maker is that it uses very little energy to operate and generates less noise while making the ice. It has evaporator pipes made from pure copper along with nickel plating to form ice cubes swiftly.
Moreover, the reservoir has the capacity to hold 1.85L water and the ice basket can carry 800g of ice. This ice maker not only has a cooling fan to maintain the temperature of the machine but also has non-skid feet to protect the counter from scratches.
However, it has an option for easy drainage of water. The ice maker is light in weight and gets blended easily with the surroundings.
Highlighted Features
2. Euhomy Ice Maker
Ice always makes the drinks taste better and with the Euhomy ice maker, you will get to experience the noiseless ice making process. The ice basket is removable that makes the transfer of the ice easier. Ices are only used to drink and that machine has two cube size options. Moreover, it has infrared sensor technology as an indicator to refill water.
The feature we like about this ice maker is that it automatically stops making ice when the ice bucket is full to prevent overflowing. Not only that, this machine has a water recirculating tank which reduces the wastage of water.
However, we did not find any drain point on the machine to release the unused water. The resulting ice is crystal clear and in a bullet-shaped that makes the drinks refreshing.
Highlighted Features
3. GE Major Appliances OPAL01GEPKT Ice Maker
This ice maker has a different design from others as the water tank is on the side of the ice bucket. It produces 3 times more ice than usual so that you can serve the guests without keeping them waiting. Moreover, it automatically starts to make more when the ice bucket gets empty swiftly. The GE Major Appliances ice maker can run in 120V electrical outlets without causing any trouble.
The feature we like more about this ice maker is that it is controllable through Bluetooth. You can get the fresh cubes of ice as soon as you reach home by setting through the GE Profile Opal app.
It creates the 1 ounces nugget ice per hour and the melted ice will go back to the water reservoir to avoid wastage. However, the ice maker makes noises while making the ices and you might experience loud sounds as well. The sound stops after some time.
Highlighted Features
4. Igloo ICEB26HNAQ Automatic Ice Maker
Igloo automatic ice maker is very handy and can be easily carried to outdoor picnics. The handle is attached to the body of the maker to provide solid grip and balance while walking. It is very easy to operate and has a lot of options to make you your preferred ice cubes. To begin with, it can provide 9 small or large cylinder ice cubes within 7 minutes and the ice basket has the capacity to hold 1.25 pounds of ice.
The feature that impressed us is that it has a 5 cycle self-cleaning procedure and the water can be easily drained through the drain plug.
Whether in a corporate meeting or at a date in summer, you can easily carry this with you as it does not make noise while making the ice cubes. Also, don't worry about the machine getting overheated as it has a cooling fan attached to the side.
Highlighted Features
5. Crownful Ice Maker
The Crownful ice maker comes in a compact design that can get blended into any parties or gathering. First of all, it gives 9 bullet-shaped pieces of ice in 8 to 10 minutes without making any loud sounds. The water tank can hold 1.8L of water and has indicators to indicate when the tank is empty.
Another thing we like to talk about this ice maker is its single-button operation process. To elaborate, the on/off button not only turns on the machine but a long press on that button automatically cleans the machine.
It takes 7 minutes to complete the cleaning process and you can drain the water with the drain plug. Though you cannot use distilled water, water with high pH, or water with low TDS to make ice on this machine. Moreover, it has 4 rubberized legs to keep the machine stable on the countertop.
Highlighted Features
6. AGLUCKY Ice Maker
Ices are a constant addition to drinks whether it's alcohol or coffee. These bullet-shaped ice cubes will satisfy the needs of ice by delivering 9 pieces in less than 7 minutes. The ice basket is removable and the machine has indicators when the basket gets filled with ice. You can manage the size of the ice by choosing a small or large size option.
If you are using this machine in a bar or a restaurant you need it to run continuously for more than 16 hours and the machine can get hot. To prevent the machine from overheating, it has a high-speed exhaust fan and a large vent to get the hot air out. However, the ice cubes are not crystal clear and need to be transferred as soon as the basket fills.
Highlighted Features
7. COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker
For garden parties or barbecues, ice makers are required to cool the drinks and for that Costway countertop ice maker will be a great option. You will not hear any sound in making the ice cube and has a high-quality compressor. Moreover, it has an R134a refrigerant that has no toxic or flammable elements.
The machine is equipped with a smart control bar that indicates the functions of the machine. Air vent is also present to release the hot air from the inside and keep the machine cool for long service.
However, this ice maker does not have an auto-cleaning button. You need to clean with a towel to remove any stains or smudges from the machine. Though it requires manual cleaning, you can drain the water with the drain plug. Do not tilt the machine as the brands forbid it to keep the refrigerant stable.
Highlighted Features
8. IKICH Ice Maker
IKICH Ice Maker ensures to make fast ice cubes without creating noises. Its noise level is less than 50db that will not disturb any gathering. The body of the machine is made of premium quality food-grade Polypropylene(PP) and surrounded by a foaming layer to keep ice unmelted for longer. It also has 3 air vents to release any hot air from the machine.
The recirculating water tank does not let any water go to waste and as a result, you might not need to fill the water tank frequently. A single button and indicator make the control panel easy to operate.
However, you need to clean the machine by hand with lemon water or mild detergent. The drain plug will help to release the unnecessary water from the tank. The machine comes with a replaceable ice bucket and scoop that will help you to get started as soon as you get the ice maker.
Highlighted Features
9. Dreamiracle Ice Maker
Ice makers waste a lot of water as not all of them have recirculating tasks or automatically pause options. This Dreamiracle Ice Maker pauses in making ice when the ice bucket is full to avoid overflow of the ice. It also has an indicator to show when the bucket is full or requires more water on the water tank.
Moreover, the feature we like about this ice maker is that it reduces any manual work as it has an automatic cleaning option.
It produces noises less than 35db to avoid disturbing the office or home environment. It can be easily kept on the countertop and has legs to keep it stable. Furthermore, the machine comes with an ice scoop, ice basket, and a measuring cup that keeps you ready for serving.
Highlighted Features
10. VIVOHOME Ice Cube Maker
VIVOHOME Ice Cube Maker prepares the first batch of ice within 6 minutes and cools your drinks swiftly. The machine is easy to operate and does not use a huge amount of electricity in making the ice cubes. This portable ice maker has a transparent window that views easily when the bucket is full.
Moreover, the LED indicates when the bucket is full or the water tank needs more water. The ice production stops when the ice bucket is full to prevent overflow.
The drainage system has a drain plug at the back and proper air ventilation is also given for smooth run of the machine. However, it has no cleaning button and you need to clean it by hand. You also need to dry the parts of the ice maker if you are not going to use it for a long time.
Highlighted Features
11. ULIT Ice Maker
This ice maker from Ulit is very small and can be easily accommodated on the kitchen countertop. It has a simple control panel that can be operated easily. To enjoy the freshly prepared ice, you need to turn on the machine and add water to the reservoir. Just waiting 8 minutes you will get the first batch of ice to enjoy with your drink.
The machine has great air vents to release the hot air and the machine stays cool while making a huge batch of ice. The ice bucket is removable and you can take it out for cleaning as well.
However, there is no system of transferring the melted ice water to the water tank to reduce water wastage. It has an auto-cleaning option so you do not need to use your hand for cleaning. The unnecessary water can be thrown out through the drain plug.
Highlighted Features
12. LITBOOS Portable Ice Maker
LITBOOS Portable Ice Maker appears to have an additional feature that other machines don't have and that is it provides warning noises. This ice maker runs at 150W without making loud noises and has a powerful compressor system to provide speedy cooling. It stands stable on the countertop with its 4 legs at the base.
Noise along with the indicator light notifies when the tank needs to be refilled or the ice bucket will overflow with ice.
The machine automatically shuts off when the ice bucket is filled with cubes. It has air vents and an exhausting fan to fan out the hot air out of the machine. Moreover, the ice maker is easy to clean and the drug plug at the bottom releases the unused water.
Highlighted Features
13. Frigidaire EFIC108-B Ice Making Machine
This ice maker from Frigidaire comfortably sits on the countertop and stays stable as it legs to balance it. The LED control panel has an on/off option along with the size setting option. You can choose the size of the ice as you prefer for your drink. The refrigerant used on this machine is chemical-free to make the ice healthy for your drink.
The large size ice melts slowly and the first batch comes out within 7 to 10 minutes. This machine can be placed anywhere but it has no auto cleaning option. The drain plug will remove the water that was not used for making the cubes and the ice bucket can be taken out for cleaning. However, you will be notified when the bucket is full or the tank needs a refill.
Highlighted Features
14. Northair Portable Ice Maker
Northair Portable Ice Maker has a very modern and sleek design that adds an elegant look to your kitchen. It consists of all the smart features to bring out the best ice cubes for you. The cubes are bullet-shaped and 6 cubes come out in each cycle. You will also get an indication when the ice bucket is filled and with the ice scoop that comes along as an accessory, you can replace the cubes.
The best feature about this maker is that the melted ice goes back to the water reservoir and leaves no water for wastage. However, it has no auto cleaning button but you clean it by putting some vinegar with water on the water tank and run it for a couple of cycles. You can discharge the remaining water with a drain plug.
Highlighted Features
15. Deco Gear Electric Party Ice Maker
This ice maker from Deco Gear is portable for carrying on the boat, RV, or outdoor events for its compact design. It has a transparent window to view the number of ice cubes. Moreover, it stops producing cubes to avoid the overflow of the ice. The ice maker also brings an ice scoop and ice bucket to carry the ice cubes easily.
Moreover, it offers two size options for the cubes that can be used for different purposes. The ice bucket is removable and you can take it out for cleaning. To clean it thoroughly you can put some vinegar water on the water reservoir and run it. This will help to clean without any manual work.
Highlighted Features
What You Should Consider When Buying a Portable Ice Maker
While portable ice makers have significant benefits, choosing a wrong appliance will ruin all the fun. To ensure you get the best out of your maker, you should consider these factors.
Quality
Ice makers are not equal, and the quality of each device will be dictated by the material used. Most of these devices are either designed using plastic or stainless steel material. Stainless steel is strong and durable as compared to plastic.
However, if you are not in a position to afford a stainless steel one, no need to worry. Most models are designed using high-quality plastic, and with good care, your appliance can serve you for years. All you need to check is if the product is ETL certified.
Size
Whether you need an ice maker for home use or outdoor purposes, knowing the size is critical. Most manufacturers will provide the product dimensions. Measure the available space to determine the perfect maker size.
Weight
Weight is one of the overlooked factors by most people, especially when shopping for portable ice makers. However, weight is not of much significance if you need an ice maker for home use. But if you need one for parties or moving around with, then the weight is a critical factor to be on the lookout.
Capacity
Every ice maker has a specific quantity it can produce in a day. Most of these devices have the capability of producing between 20lbs to 28lbs per day. Before choosing your preferred maker, you should compare your daily ice consumption against the production capacity. Buy an ice maker which can produce higher quantity to ensure you do not run out of ice.
Processing cycle
Modern ice makers are designed using fast freeze technology so you do not have to wait for long. Most devices feature a processing cycle of between six to 15 minutes which is pretty good time. However, in case you are shopping an ice maker for use in the bar, restaurants, parties, or RV, you should choose a faster processing cycle to avoid disappointing your guests.
Ice cube sizes
Modern portable ice makers have electronic controls which allow you to customize your ice cubes sizes from small, medium and large. Some of these devices have two options while others have the three options. If you do not require medium sized ice cubes, then an ice maker with two options can be a perfect match for your needs.
Design
In case you are looking forward to adding elegance to your home, bar, or restaurant then you should be keen on the design you choose. Some ice makers are designed using stainless steel while others feature a contemporary design and may come in different colors.
Stainless steel blends well with almost every color. If you opt for a colored model, ensure it blends well with your home décor.
Energy efficiency
Ice makers require power to produce ice. However, each ice maker has its power rating. For those who produce large quantities of ice, an energy efficient device will help you save on electricity bills.
Ice makers with start/stop feature is a plus since you do not have to worry about powering your machine. Once your ice is ready, the device will automatically power itself off.
Noise levels
Ice makers have electronic controls which will automatically alert you when water levels are low or when your ice is ready. While the feature helps save time, it can be a nuisance especially when the device does not allow for customization. A good ice maker should produce ice within the specified time without producing much noise.
Devices with compressor cooling system are a plus feature which ensures that your ice maker cools down even when used for long.
Ease of cleaning
Ice makers require cleaning once in a while. Most devices have advanced features like self-cleaning functions which make the process manageable. Another feature which facilitates faster cleaning is the strategic positioning of the device drain. Devices with water drains positioned at the bottom allow easy and fast cleaning process.
Advanced features
Technology has grown, and ice maker manufacturers have adopted latest innovation methods to differentiate their brands. Some of the technology used is the water use design which recycles water when ice melts.
This feature is essential for people who are looking forward to saving energy bills or require an ice maker for outdoor use where there is limited water supply.
Power supply
Electric ice makers require enough power supply to operate correctly. Most manufacturers list the recommended power supply in their product description section. Supplying your appliance with low or high voltage can damage the motor. Always ensure you double check the recommended machine voltage to avoid disappointments.
Other accessories
Accessories like an ice scoop are necessary and allow you to transfer your ice easily. An ice maker which comes along with a scoop will save you the hassle and cost of buying a scoop. If you are looking forward to producing large quantities of ice, a removable bucket will help you manage your large production efficiently.
What Is The Best Ice Maker?
Technology is changing every day, and more and more ice maker brands with advanced features are flooding the market. The features may be a bit confusing but if you have a grasp of what you should be on the lookout; then it shouldn't be hard to find the best ice maker that meets your needs.
When choosing an ice maker, first you need to outline your needs. Is the ice maker for home use or is it for outdoor use? In case you are looking one to use in your home, you should consider the décor, available space, quality of the machine, budget, capacity, and processing cycle. You may also consider the type of ice the machine can produce.
How Do You Like Enjoying Your Ice?
Ice makers produce clear or cloudy ice. However, the type of ice you produce by the end of the day will be dictated by the quality of water you use. Using tap water makes your ice cloudy.
This is because the water contains some impurities, calcium and other chemicals. Portable ice makers feature a fast freeze technology which freezes your water faster pushing these impurities to the center making your ice cloudy.
If cloudy ice isn’t a big deal to you, then you should not bother yourself much.
How To Choose An Ice Maker For Outdoor Use
Choosing an ice maker for outdoor use is slightly different but not that complicated. All that you need to do is to identify where exactly you would like to use the device. Is it on your boat, RV, or for parties?
For boat and RV use, you need to measure the available space to determine whether your device will fit perfectly well. Aside from size, other factors like processing cycle, capacity, material quality, and other accessories like scoop should be considered.
If you need an ice maker for moving around in parties or ceremonies, then you should consider the weight of the device, processing cycle, capacity, size, quality and other accessories like bucket and scoop.
Other features like maintenance levels and advanced features should also be considered depending on what exactly you would love your ice maker to operate.
How To Clean An Ice Maker?
Cleaning your ice maker is one of the maintenance practices which need to be done regularly. Some machines have self-cleaning feature while others come with a cleaning manual. Some manuals only cover the basic operating instructions. In case your machine does not have a cleaning guide, you can use the following steps.
- Unplug your device from the power source
- Remove any ice from your device if any
- In case the ice has melted, open the drain to drain the water out
- Remove the interior parts of the storage bucket depending on the type of model. This may include an ice tray, scoop and water filters if any.
- Pour warm water inside
- Clean the interior side of your ice maker thoroughly using a soft cloth and a mild cleaning detergent
- Continue cleaning while touching every corner of your device. Once its clean, rinse it until no detergent has been left
- Using tap water can leave stubborn stains or lines which can be challenging to remove with detergent. To navigate through this, prepare a solution of vinegar and clean your ice maker again.
- If this does not remove the stains, you can prepare a thick solution of water and baking powder
- If your device has water filters, you can use the Q-tip or toothbrush to clean
- Rinse your device thoroughly
- Clean or wipe the interior part of your device with a soft cloth and rinse it well
- Clean your interior parts and leave them to dry
- Once the interior parts have dried, you can return them. Ensure the interior is dry. If not, use a soft dry cloth to wipe it
Improves taste
Long-term use of tap water leaves minerals and other impurities which get absorbed by your ice maker. Worse still, mildew may build up making your ice to taste moldy. Regular cleaning helps keep your ice maker clean and improve the taste of your ice cubes.
Quality ice
Debris accumulates over time, and if your device is not cleaned regularly, it will produce cloudy ice. Maintaining high levels of cleanliness helps improve the efficiency of your ice maker and the quality of ice.
Promotes good health
If you do not maintain your ice maker properly, mold will start to grow. This can cause health problems and complications especially if you are allergic to mold. A well-maintained ice maker ensures you get fresh ice all the time and prevent mold.
Tips For Troubleshooting Your Ice Maker
Nothing can be frustrating like powering your ice maker only to realize that it has some faults. This can be frustrating especially in those hot summer days when you badly need a cold drink or have guests. Just in case you find yourself caught up in such a situation, do not pull your hair.
Here are some of the common electric ice makers troubleshooting tips you can take advantage of.
Ice maker does not run even when plugged in
There are several reasons why your device may behave this way. The first step is to check if the plug is properly inserted. If yes confirm if the machine is supplied with power. You can try and use other appliances.
If other appliances work, then the cord may be damaged and will require replacement. If other devices do not work, try using another electrical circuit supplied with the right voltage and check if it works.
If any of this doesn’t work, you can contact your manufacturer.
Ice production cycle is working, but no ice is produced
Running your ice maker on high temperatures can interfere with the ways it operates. Ice makers are recommended to be operated below 90 degrees Fahrenheit anything above this will not work.
To combat the problem, adjust your temperatures and pour cold water into the tank to cool the device.
If this doesn't work, then it could be a blocked pipe inside the cooling system or the liquid refrigerant may be leaking. Consult a professional to get the problem fixed.
Ice indicator is on
When the basket is full, some models will show the ice indicator rather than beeping. If you experience this, first check if your ice is ready. If you had not run any production cycle, then the ice sensor may have accumulated dirt.
Clean the ice indicator with a soft cloth or a cotton swab.
Ice and water indicators are flashing, and ice shovel can’t move
Watch for any signs of ice blockage on the ice shovel. If the ice shovel is not blocked, then contact a qualified technician.
Ice stick together and the production cycles take too long
Unplug your appliance from the power source. Wait for the ice to melt then restart it and choose the small ice option.
Low temperatures inside the tank can also cause the production cycle to take longer. Adjust the water temperature between 45 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If this does not resolve the issue, try consulting a qualified technician.
In case your ice maker develops some faults before the warranty period expires, you can try and contact the manufacturer to get the machine fixed or replaced. Always read and understand your manufacturer warranty terms to avoid breaching any of the rules that may cause your warranty to be dishonored.
Ice size so small
In case your device produces too small sized ice cubes sizes it may be as a result of water obstruction on the supply valve. A dirty filter can also contribute to the problem.
Ice tastes bad/ smells even after cleaning the ice maker
Ice should not smell or taste bad. But in some scenarios, you may clean your ice maker properly but still get smelly ice cubes. This could be something to do with your water filler on the water supply line. Consult a technician to help you solve the issue.
Final Verdict
The portable ice makers are widely used at home or the office for their compact design. They are not heavy and usually do not take a lot of space on the countertop. But cleaning is a big issue if they do not have the automatic cleaning option. Some brands have separate cleaning buttons to clean thoroughly and the water is released through the drain plug. Whereas, others are cleaned by putting some vinegar with water on the reservoir and running a few cycles. As they are not dishwasher safe, cleaning can be troublesome.
The water reservoir can hold a lot of water to make the cubes and if the ice is not taken out, they melt into water. Not all machines are capable of reusing the melted ice water. The best portable ice maker should be one that will not waste any water and automatically turn off as the ice bucket is filled. Make sure not to tilt the machine to keep the refrigerant stable before turning on the ice maker.
Related Posts
The 10 Best Sous Vide Machines in 2023
The 10 Best Digital Kitchen Scales in 2023
The 8 Best Soup Thermos in 2023