If you like to entertain a lot, you might find that your freezer is cutting it when it comes to making ice fast. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of options at all price points for the best portable ice makers. We’ve found the top picks to get the cubes rolling.
Source: thewirecutter.com
Buying Guide
Portable ice makers aren’t very expensive. However, they differ in how well they operate and how much ice they’ll produce. That point, after all, is why you’re in the market for one. We suggest looking over the specs carefully. Also, consider your needs. How much ice are you buying to make up for shortages?
Features we recommend that you look for include:
- Size: Dimensions with the amount of space it needs for air circulation
- Ice Production Rate: How long you’ll wait in between batches, usually in minutes
- Storage Capacity: How much it can hold and will it keep it cold
- Noise Level: Essential factor if it’s near a bedroom
Buying Recommendations
Best Budget Portable Ice Makers
Check out these budget-friendly options.
1. AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine – Editor’s Pick
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 12-hour auto-shutoff
Weight: 27.8 pounds
- The device has several useful reminders, including one when it’s time to clean it
- It comes with a 30-day, money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty
- The appliance is a bit noisy
- The ice isn’t as dense as those from the freezer
- Cleaning the device is a pain and difficult to get to all the small spaces
- HIGH EFFICIENCY:Ice cubes are ready in 6-13 minutes. 33lbs within 24 hours, high efficiency with low noise. Coming with ice shovel ,ice scoop and ice basket ,This ice maker machine is portable and compact for all demands, such as barbecue, parties, bars and family daily use.
- MORE FUNCTIONAL: Provide 3 sizes cubes choices. Automatic shut-off function will take effect when the machine is lack of water or full of ice cubes. Ice-Full indicator and water shortage indicator make the operation more visible and easier.
- TIMER SETTING: Delay time range form 0.5 to19.5 hours. the machine in ice-making process can be set time for turning off; the machine in stand by process can be set time for turning on. It all depends on your requirement.
2. COSTWAY High-Efficiency Ice Maker
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 6 to 13 minutes
Weight: 17.5 pounds
- The turnaround time for more ice is quick
- It is lightweight and an ideal size for most kitchens
- It includes the scoop
- The unit is hard to clean thoroughly
- The ice cubes are small
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3. VIVOHOME Portable Compact Ice Maker
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 6 to 10 minutes
Weight: 21.2 pounds
- Its freeze cycle is fast
- The device is attractive and will match your decor
- There are only three finish choices, which is a shame since it’s so good-looking
- The machine is loud when it finishes a batch of ice
- EFFICIENT AND EFFORTLESS – Just plug in the power, add water and enjoy a batch of ice in about 6-10 minutes; The efficient ice-making machine can make up to 26 lbs. bullet ice cubes in 24 hours; With a spacious 2.2 L water tank and an ice bucket that can hold 1.5 lbs. of ice, it greatly reduces the hassle of frequently adding water; Enjoy the convenience of having fresh ice available at all times on hot summer days
- 2 SIZES OF ICE CUBES – Simply select the ice size (S/L) on the control panel to meet your different preferences and requirements; The intelligent LCD panel of the ice maker allows you to complete any operation easily without complex; You can monitor the ice-making process and check the water level from the see-through window; It also comes with indicators to give you an alarm when the reservoir is low and when the ice bucket is full
- PREMIUM MATERIAL – The countertop bullet ice maker is made from high-quality ABS material, which is sturdy and has long-lasting durability; The surface treatment of the ice maker provides it with a glossy and smooth finish, enhancing its overall appearance, making it not only a practical helper to your kitchen, but also a stylish addition; Featuring 40 DBS when working, it is super quiet during the ice making process, and will not disturb your daily life
Best Premium Portable Ice Makers
These are the best of the best.
1. Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop – Editor’s Pick
The Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop is a high-capacity model that produces attractive-looking ice in two sizes.
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 12 to 18 minutes
Weight: 27.5 pounds
- The ice maker recycles meltwater for peak efficiency
- You can control when it makes ice
- The design isn’t attractive
- Its larger size may be too big for smaller kitchens
- HIGH-QUALITY ICE CUBES - Euhomy's silver countertop ice maker machine can produce 24 ice cubes per cycle (every 12 to 18 minutes). That means you can make up to 40 pounds of ice cubes every 24 hours. Best of all, you can adjust the thickness of the ice cubes according to your needs, letting you create perfect drinks. AUTOMATIC CLEANING FUNCTION - Press the "TIMER" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the automatic cleaning function. (Please clean your ice machine regularly)
- LCD & DIGITAL DISPLAY - Electronic controls for ease of use. Features an easy-to-read push-button digital design for comfortable use. Timer with up to 8-hour delay. Offers on-time ice production. When there is not enough water in the water tank, the indicator will light up, reminding you to add more water. Or when the ice bucket is full, the ice maker will remind you to remove the extra ice cubes, so the ice maker can start to make more ice.
- WATER RECYCLING SYSTEM - A portable ice maker machine holds up to 2.2 liters of water, minimizing how often you need to refill it. When filled, it can produce 5 cycles of ice cubes, making 120 ice cubes! It contains a recycling system, collecting melted water and filtering it to be reused ensuring that no water is wasted. It may sound high-tech, but all you have to do is open the cover of the water reservoir, pour in water, and you are ready to start making delicious ice cubes.
2. GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 20 minutes
Weight: 47 pounds
- The device is Bluetooth-enabled
- The storage area is transparent so that you know when the ice is ready
- The clear water container makes it easy to know when to fill up the unit
- Ice production takes a bit longer than we expected
- The storage capacity is smaller than comparable models
- It is heavier than many portable units
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its flavor, unlike traditional hard cubes; Refreshing nugget ice is made from compacted ice flakes and is perfect for cocktails, sodas and other beverages
- 24 POUNDS OF ICE PER DAY - Never run out of nugget ice; This ice maker produces one pound of fresh ice per hour and has a large-capacity bin that holds up to 3lbs of crunchable nugget ice
- SMART - Built-In Bluetooth Connectivity: Schedule fresh ice, monitor your ice maker's status and order accessories, all through the app on your smartphone
3. COSTWAY Ice Maker Machine
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 7 to 15 minutes
Weight: 37 pounds
- You can adjust the thickness of the ice to your liking
- The interface is intuitive and user-friendly
- It produces a lot of ice for the price
- Some buyers may find it too big or bulky for some uses, especially when filled with ice
- The viewing window is small for the amount of ice it produces
- Compact & Portable Ice Maker---This ice maker is compact and portable, and beautiful finish make it perfect for working anywhere there is an outlet available, such as your RV, boat, bars, restaurants, or small kitchen
- Ice making fast---Adopting compressor and fully automatic operation, lower noise, rapid cooling, low power consumption, make up to 48lbs of ice per 24 hours, uniform size
- High-Quality Ice Maker---Made of colorless plastic & stainless steel, High-end and practical operation panel: Operation panel features status indication lights and adjustment buttons, complete functions, easy to operate.
Best Portable Ice Makers With Self-Clean Function
Here are some of our favorite picks for low-maintenance and self-cleaning ice makers.
1. Antartic Star Countertop Portable Ice Maker – Editor’s Pick
The Antartic Star Countertop Portable Ice Maker is both affordable and efficient, producing ice quickly.
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 6 to 8 minutes
Weight: 15.65 pounds
- The ice maker is genuinely portable at only 15 pounds
- The self-clean function is simple to use and an excellent feature if you have hard water
- The device does not keep the ice cold, only making it when you need more
- The motor is noisy
- Quick Make and Perfect Ice: Making 9 bullet ice in 6-8 minutes, and up to 1.1 lbs of ice cube per hour. Round ice is more smooth and don’t hurt mouth compared with square ice. Middle hollow shape make ice float on drink
- Automatic Smart Design: Just need few steps. Add the water, press the power and chose the ice cube size. Just waiting 6 to 8 minutes, enjoy your iced drinks. Simple to understand and illuminated with LED lights. Warning lights and an automatic shut off function are activated once the ice basket is full or when water needs to be refilled. Timing function allow you close it in timing
- Durable and Sturdy Material: Durable design make the surface wearproof, do not leave scratches easily. Wet shine body suit for kitchen counter top, barbeques, outdoor parties, or basement bars
2. BOSSIN Countertop Ice Maker
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 6 to 11 minutes
Weight: 16 pounds
- The ice maker is energy efficient and will turn off once it’s full
- It makes ice quicker than many comparable products we reviewed
- You get one year of free service with your purchase
- You have to put the cubes in the freezer to stay cold
- You must remove the ice basket promptly when alerted, or else the ice sticks together
- 【INTENSE ICE POWER】 - Ice Maker Machine is capable of producing 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours and quickly makes clear ice in one cycle within 6-11 mins. Bullet shaped ice cubes easily fit into the opening of the bottle and the medium size of ice cube is perfect for mixed drinks and more.
- 【AUTOMATIC DESIGN】- No installation needed. Just add some water, press ON/OFF button, select ice size. It only takes 6-8minutes then you can enjoy your iced drinks. Automatic Power-Off function and LED indicator are activated when the machine is lack of water or the ice basket is full.
- 【COMPACT, PORTABLE ICE MAKER】 - Good things come in small package. Since it doesn’t need a water hookup, it’s an ideal choice for barbecue, outdoor parties, or basement bars. And, since it’s flexible, light and easy to store, you can bring it nearly anywhere.
Best Portable Ice Makers With Freezing Compartments
These ice makers have their own freezing compartments for convenience.
1. EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker – Editor’s Pick
The EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker is a professional quality product that is an attractive addition to any living quarters.
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 40 minutes
Weight: 54 pounds
- The ice maker is whisper quiet
- The clear cubes stay frozen
- You need to hire out for the installation of the unit
- The ice production time is slow
- Front venting for built-in or freestanding installation; ADA Height Compliant
- 25 foot long 1/4" water line connection included; Reversible door for left or right hand swing; Ice scoop included
- Easy, convenient, and inexpensive installation; On/off power switch; Auto shut-off when ice bin is full
2. Smad Portable Commercial Ice Maker
Freezing Cycle Time (in Minutes): 40 to 50 minutes
Weight: 55 pounds
- The unit has an auto-shutoff when it is filled to prevent messes
- The product is well-made with an attractive, stainless steel finish
- It only makes crescent-shaped ice, albeit, clear
- Regular defrosting maintenance is required, which may involve leaking as the ice melts
- Front venting for built-in installation
- Reversible door for left or right hand swing
- This unit also operates as a freezer and will keep your ice frozen for some time
Conclusion
The best portable ice makers are fast and operate efficiently. The functionality of these products has improved immensely in recent years with more user-friendly features like timers and self-cleaning. If your freezer isn’t up to the task, you’ll get all the ice you need. It’s only a click away to cold beverages.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API