A portable ice maker is a small, self-contained appliance that produces ice. They are also a convenient option for those who don’t have built-in ice makers in their refrigerators. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any need. Most portable ice makers can produce between 26 and 35 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 2 pounds of ice at a time.
It is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport. It typically has a built-in freezer, so you can keep it in your car or RV. The ice maker will quickly produce ice cubes when you need them. You can choose from different sizes and shapes of ice cubes, so you can use them for different purposes.
They are easy to use and require no installation. Just add water and plug the appliance into an outlet. In as little as 15 minutes, you can have fresh, cold ice to enjoy in your drinks. A significant merit of the portable ice maker is that it allows you to make pure ice without requiring too much kitchen space.
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How Do Portable Ice Makers Work?
A portable ice maker works at the push of a button. You start the ice-making process by plugging in the appliance. Thereafter, the water is pumped from a reservoir to a container. Inside the container, the water is converted into solid ice by the application of freezing-cold metal prongs.
The prongs consist of refrigerant, which is the same cooling agent that is used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The amount of time taken by an ice maker to make ice varies depending upon the condition of the machine, the type of ice maker, and the water quality.
What To Look For In An Ice Maker?
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Size
Usually, ice makers are available in a compact size that ranges from 25” to 45” in height. The most popular range when it comes to width and depth measurements, the most common variants are available in 12”-18” and 23”-25” respectively. The portable ice makers are typically designed to cater to compact spaces and at the same time, to make sure that they fit in the existing decor.
Additionally, ice makers also vary in the size of ice they produce. The sizes offered by portable ice makers range from small to medium to large. You might want to look for an ice maker that offers different ice size options. While this isn’t a standard feature in most portable ice makers, there are a few options that are up to three different ice sizes.
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Speed
A typical ice maker takes approximately 90 minutes to produce 10 cubes of ice. Such an ice maker will usually cycle about 16 times per day or until the bin is full. Before you make the decision to buy an ice maker, make sure you acquaint yourself with its production rate and whether it suffices your needs or not.
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Ice Storage Capacity
More often than not, an ice machine will hold 80-85% of its storage capacity before it reaches the bin switch. It is important for your ice storage capacity to align with your usage time frame. For instance, you will require only a small storage bin if you have an 8-hour window where your usage is comparatively stable. On the contrary, if you’re using up all the ice in the ice maker within a few hours’ time, you’ll need a larger storage capacity.
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Ice Production
In most circumstances, portable ice makers share an identical production rate. However, variations do exist in the production capacity of ice makers owing to the diversity of brands and models. In a 24-hour period, for instance, the ice production capacity of an ice maker can range from as low as 20 lbs. to 35 lbs of ice. For people who use ice very frequently, a portable ice maker with a higher rate of ice production will be a well-suited option.
The 10 Best Portable Ice Maker In 2024
Best Overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Ice Maker
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Best In Value: GE Profile Opal Countertop Ice Maker
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Best Fast Working: CROWNFUL Ice Maker
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Best Countertop: AGLUCKY Ice Maker
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Best In Efficiency: COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker
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Best In Electric: Euhomy Ice Maker
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Best Large Capacity: NewAir Portable Ice Maker
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Best Compact Design: Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
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Best In Stainless Steel: Luma Comfort Ice Cube Maker
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Best In Light Weight: Silonn Ice Maker
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Best Overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Ice Maker
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 countertop ice maker has dimensions of 17.5 x 13.43 x 16.5 inches, and it has a capacity of 3 pounds.
It is easy to use, and it produces up to 24 pounds of ice per day. The ice maker has a see-through window that allows you to see the ice as it forms.
It can hold up to 48 ounces of ice at a time. In as little as 20 minutes, it can produce the first batch of ice.
It has built-in Wifi and voice control features, making it easy to operate. It also has an LED screen that illuminates the ice for easy viewing.
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Best In Value: GE Profile Opal Countertop Ice Maker
The dimensions of the GE Profile Opal Countertop Ice Maker are 15.5 x 10.5 x 17.25 inches, and it weighs 44 pounds.
It has a compact design that takes up minimal counter space, and it can produce up to 24 pounds of ice per day.
The unit also has a 3-pound storage capacity, so you can always have ice on hand. The machine is also easy to operate.
One of the most notable features is the built-in Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to connect your ice maker to your smartphone or other mobile devices.
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Best Fast Working: CROWNFUL Ice Maker
The CROWNFUL ice maker is a reliable and easy-to-use machine that can produce up to 9 pieces of ice cubes in just 7 minutes. With its compact design, it can easily fit on your countertop or tabletop.
It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of ice again.
It gives you the option of two different size ice cubes, and it works very quietly. The infrared sensor technology ensures that the ice maker is always operating at peak efficiency.
The automatic cleaning function keeps the ice maker clean and free of any build-up. The ice maker also comes with a 12-month warranty, making it a great choice for anyone in the market for a new ice maker.
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Best Countertop: AGLUCKY Ice Maker
The AGLUCKY countertop ice maker is a small and compact ice maker that can produce up to 26 lbs of ice cubes in 24 hours.
The ice maker has 11.4 x 8.7 x 11.6 inches dimensions and can produce approximately 9 ice cubes in 6-13 minutes.
This ice maker comes with an advanced self-cleaning function and has a transparent lid that is mounted on top.
It only weighs 14.74 pounds and comes with a carrying handle, making it easy to transport.
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Best In Efficiency: COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker
This portable ice maker from COSTWAY measures 10 x 16 x 17 inches, it’s small enough to fit on most countertops, and its 33-pound capacity means you’ll never have to worry about running out of ice.
This ice maker produces 9 chewable ice cubes in each cycle of 7 minutes and is available in two sizes of ice cubes.
Best of all, the unit comes with a handy ice scoop so you can easily transfer the ice to your glass. It also has a number of convenient features, such as a self-cleaning cycle.
This ice maker is easy to operate and includes an indicator light that lets you know when the ice is ready.
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Best In Electric: Euhomy Ice Maker
The Euhomy ice maker has dimensions of 12.59 x 9.64 x 12.59 inches, making it compact enough to fit on most countertops.
Despite its small size, it has a 2.2-liter capacity, making it capable of producing up to 26 pounds of ice per day.
The unit is also very easy to use, with intuitive controls that make it simple to produce ice on demand.
In just 8 minutes, it can produce 9 pieces of ice, perfect for cooling drinks or enjoying on its own.
The self-cleaning mode is a great feature, as it helps to keep the ice maker clean and hygienic with minimal effort.
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Best Large Capacity: NewAir Portable Ice Maker
The NewAir portable ice maker has dimensions of 14 x 16.88 x 16.75 inches and produces 50 pounds of ice a day in three different sizes.
At 37.6 pounds, it’s compact and easily transportable, so you can move it from one room to another as needed.
This powerful little machine can produce up to 12 cubes of ice in under 7 minutes, so you can keep your drinks ice cold all night long.
Not only does it make ice quickly and easily, but it also includes auto defrost function.
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Best Compact Design: Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
This unit has dimensions of 13.5 x 10 x 14 inches, making it small enough to fit on most countertops.
It can produce up to 26 lbs. of ice cubes per day, making it perfect for large gatherings or parties.
It stores up to 1.7 pounds at a time. The unit makes bullet-shaped ice cubes in less than 9 minutes, and the digital control panel is user-friendly.
It comes with an ice basket and scoop, so you can easily transfer ice to your glass.
The compact design means it takes up less space on your countertop, and it’s also easy to move from one room to another.
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Best In Stainless Steel: Luma Comfort Ice Cube Maker
The Luma Comfort ice maker has a sleek design that will complement any decor. The ice maker has 14.8 x 11.3 x 14.1 inches dimensions and comes with 24.2 pounds weight.
It can produce up to 28 pounds of ice in a day. It also has a fast ice production time, with the first batch of fresh ice is ready in just 15 minutes.
It comes with a side-mounted drain that makes it easy to empty the reservoir. The ice maker also has a self-cleaning function.
Pros
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Best In Light Weight: Silonn Ice Maker
Silonn ice maker is a versatile and powerful ice maker that can produce up to 26 pounds of ice in a day.
With its 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.5 inches dimensions and 15.00 pounds weight, it is perfect for use in any kitchen or home bar.
The ice maker has a sleek control panel that makes it easy to operate, and it comes with an ice scoop and storage bin for your convenience.
It offers two different sizes of ice cubes. nd thanks to its user-friendly controls, you’ll be able to quickly and easily make ice cubes of the perfect size.
It comes with a transparent lid, so you can see the quality of your ice at a glance.
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FAQs
A countertop ice maker works the same way as a traditional freezer ice maker. Once you plug in the ice maker, water is pumped into the rotating ice trays up to the fill line. With the commencement of the refrigeration cycle, the compressor and the fan of your countertop ice maker convert the water into ice.
The size of the ice cube is dependent upon the duration for which the prongs are left in the water. The longer the cycle, the thicker will be the ice cubes. The whole procedure turns out to be effortless and convenient.
Since portable ice makers, as indicated by the name, are portable in nature, they don’t require a water line. Instead, these ice makers have to be filled manually. You simply need to put water in the unit’s reservoir and then turn it on for the commencement of the ice-making process.
Simply put, nugget ice refers to layers of flaked ice that are frozen together. Nugget ice is known by a variety of names, including sonic ice, pellet ice, chewy ice, or good ice. In recent times, nugget ice has become a significantly popular choice for a variety of reasons.
For one, it is light and airy. Secondly, given that it’s light and airy, it is one of the most satisfactory ice to chew on. And lastly, it doesn’t melt quickly when compared with crushed ice. Owing to their popularity, there are several nugget ice makers available in the market today.
Bullet ice refers to the ice cubes that are shaped more or less like a bullet. Visually speaking, bullet ice is cylindrical in shape and has a rounded tip on one end. Since it is usually hollow in the middle, it melts more quickly. Bullet ice is most commonly found in commercial ice makers in hotels and self-serve dispensers.
Another name for bullet ice is pearl ice precisely because of its cloudy or white color. It is often an ideal choice for mixed drinks. Additionally, they’re often compatible with carbonated drinks.
Usually, ice makers are not equipped with the technology to keep ice frozen. Their main purpose is to make ice. Although they can keep the ice frozen for some time, the ice will eventually start to melt away if it isn’t used. As a result, once a batch of ice is complete, it is likely to melt in a few hours if not used immediately.
Luckily enough, countertop ice makers don’t consume large amounts of electricity. A typical ice maker consumes 350-kilowatt hours of electricity per month which translates to a meager $10-$20 per month on the basis of a cost of $0.06/kWh. Therefore, countertop ice makers are energy-efficient ice-making appliances.
Start off the cleaning process by unplugging the machine and turning off its water supply. Then, empty the ice bin. Use a mild dish detergent and warm water to wipe it down.
Remove the drain cap so that any residual water is drained into another container. Thereafter, replace the drain cap.
Reposition the ice bin. Once done, plug the machine back in and run a complete cleaning cycle.
After the cleaning cycle is complete, dispose of the ice and then refill the machine with water to run another cycle. Once you throw away the ice from the second cycle and reconnect the water supply, the machine is ready for use.
A portable ice maker can be used just about anywhere given that there’s a place to plug in and a sheltered environment. Portable ice makers are usually found on kitchen countertops and basement bar-tops for easy accessibility during parties or other such gatherings.
No. A filter is not a prerequisite for owning an ice maker. However, a filter comes with a set of advantages. A filter improves the overall quality of the ice. It assists in better ice production and additionally, reduces the effort required for cleaning, maintenance, and repair. No doubt a filter is an extra expense, it can offer a myriad of benefits that outweigh the costs.
