There is nothing like a drink that is meant to be cold having perfectly formed ice cubes within it.
Unfortunately, obtaining ice can sometimes be a challenge if you don’t have a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker. In addition, putting ice in a drink can be even more difficult if you’re tailgating, BBQing, or in a place where having a refrigerator and a cold drink in the same place isn’t possible.
After conducting a thorough review of the different home ice makers, the following are our top 6 picks with everything you need to know to make an educated choice.
Lastly, the transparent lid on this retro ice maker allows you to see the ice cube capacity. When you need to remove large amounts of ice, the ice basket is removable. An ice scoop is included so small containers can be easily filled. If water needs to be drained, the drain plug is easy to remove.
Recommend: Yes
This ice maker is the editor’s choice because of its speed and the fact that it is very lightweight at 17.2 pounds. Batteries are not required, so an electrical outlet is needed to power the unit.
Recommend: Yes
The unit weight is 17.55 pounds for easy portability, so you can take it to the park, campground, or anywhere that has an electrical outlet. It’s made of stainless steel, putting durability on its side.
Recommend: Yes
Included with the unit is a detachable ice basket for when you need to extract a large amount of ice at once. If you simply need a glass of ice, the ice scoop is a perfect size. The design is stylish and the overall operation is simple.
Recommend: Yes
Ice is nice to have on-hand. It doesn’t have to be a hot summer to enjoy a cold beverage. If your refrigerator doesn’t make ice and you’re tired of buying heavy bags at the store, it’s worth looking for a portable ice maker that meets your ice demands.
Before you jump on just any ice maker, though, it’s best to pay close attention to your options. No two ice makers are the same. One might have features that suit you better than the next one.
The following are some questions you want to ask yourself before you start the buying process:
The answers to these questions will help you determine which portable ice maker is best for you.
The primary purpose of a portable ice maker is to create ice when you have no other means to do so or you need ice on the go. Not every refrigerator has an ice maker and not everyone likes to buy and break up large bags of ice.
Because portable ice makers use electricity and not batteries, you will need to ensure that you have access to an electrical outlet. This means that you can use the unit when tailgating, camping, in the RV, BBQing, or in your kitchen.
There are some important considerations when shopping for a portable ice maker. The following is a breakdown of those factors to help you make an informed decision.
Capacity
Most portable ice makers are rather small, which is why they are portable. You must consider the size because of how much space will be taken up on a countertop or other area. Most ice makers don’t hold more than 2 pounds of ice at a time with water reservoirs that can range between 1.5 and 3 quarts.
Because most portable ice makers sit on a kitchen countertop in a boat or RV, space must be measured. The manufacturers provide the dimensions so you know how much space the ice maker consumes.
However, if you plan on taking the ice maker from place-to-place or you want to use it only when having a party, the weight of the unit becomes more important. You should be comfortable carrying it when it’s empty.
Something else to keep in mind is that, while the ice makers will keep ice cool, they don’t usually keep it cold enough to hold the ice for long periods of time. Ice that is made now and needed later should be moved to a freezer. If the ice is allowed to melt, most units will recycle the water from melted ice.
Speed
While 26 pounds of ice in a day is enough for most occasions, the speed in which the ice is created is important. Some units can produce 9 cubes in as little as 7 or 8 minutes or as long as 10 to 20 minutes. If you need ice fast, this factor is important. When you’re having a party, the last thing you want is for your party guests to have to wait for the ice maker to refill.
Appearance
If your ice maker will be sitting on your countertop, you want to consider the look. You’ll notice that portable ice makers come in many different colors and designs. If you want one that matches the décor in your kitchen or simply reflects your personality, then this is something that will be important while shopping.
Operation
Another crucial aspect of buying a portable ice maker is how easy it is to use. Most of them have intuitive LED displays and controls. The instructions are basic, there’s no installation unless you choose a unit that connects to a water line, and most come with sensors that tell you what to do.
If easy cleaning is something that concerns you, a unit with a plug and a cleaning button might be what you need. Most of the time, cleaning a portable ice maker is very simple with or without the cleaning button.
Construction
For some consumers, durability is a factor. Not only should a unit have ice making components that last, but the exterior construction needs to be tough. There are two materials that are primarily used in the construction of portable ice makers and they are plastic and stainless steel.
Extra features you might want to consider are:
How is a portable ice maker cleaned?
Cleaning a portable ice maker is simple. Each one has specific cleaning instructions, but it’s usually as simple as unplugging the machine, emptying it, and pushing a button. If there is no self-clean option, then simply remove the interior pieces, clean with a towel, and run water and vinegar through the unit. The machine will have to dry before it is used again.
Is a dedicated water line needed?
Some portable ice makers can connect to a water line if you need a continuous flow of ice. However, not all have this function. Even if a unit has a water line hookup, there is still a water reservoir to fill when taking the unit on the go or when continuous ice production isn’t needed.
Can any type of water be used?
The quality of the ice depends on the quality of the water. The type of water can also affect how well ice is produced. For instance, it is best to avoid hard water because it will cause mineral buildup inside the ice maker. This is something that applies to all appliances that use water.
While distilled water contains fewer minerals, it can cause an issue with the ice maker’s ability to identify when more ice needs to be made. The sensors in many units rely on mineral content to determine when to make more ice.
Filtered or purified water produces fresher ice and the sensors are still able to detect the mineral content so that they can tell the ice maker to produce ice. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use tap water; it just can’t be hard water.
Can I use a standard wall outlet?
Yes, all ice makers work with the standard 120v wall outlet that you will find at home, in RVs, at campgrounds, in the office, etc.
Is there anything that needs to be done after unboxing the ice maker?
It’s best to make a few batches of ice to throw away so that any debris inside of the ice maker can be removed.
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