Best Countertop Ice Maker 2022; Reviews
Whether you’re drinking cocktails, sodas, spirits, or water, an ice maker is an important sidekick!
Here in this article “Best Countertop Ice Maker” we’ve rounded up 12 best ice making machines of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as an elaborate buying guide for the best models.
Portable (or countertop) ice makers are about the size of a bread maker. They plug into a standard outlet and require no drainage system or connection to a water line like under-the-counter ice makers. You simply fill them with water, select the size of ice you want and press start. They can store roughly 1 to 2 pounds at a time, depending on the size of its ice tray and how well the ice maker is insulated.
The best countertop ice makers available in the market today are less expensive than under-the-counter ice makers. They’re also quicker at producing ice, and the bullet-shaped pieces of opaque ice they make are smaller and thus melt quicker in your drink.
Our guide is the one stop shop for everything you need to know during your buying process. It includes best countertop ice maker reviews of some of the best-selling models available on Amazon and which features should matter the most in your purchasing decision.
Why Buy a Countertop Ice Maker?
1.They Truly Are Portable
A best countertop ice maker will work anywhere there is an outlet to plug it in. It is a compact appliance that can be placed on a countertop and won’t take up an inordinate amount of space. They are fantastic for parties, family gatherings, and even road trips. With a simple DC adapter, a portable ice maker can be plugged into a car with no problem.
2.They Make Ice Fast
The average portable ice maker produces ice in as little as 10 minutes. This means no more waiting for your ice trays to freeze, and no more washing them, storing them, or trying to figure out how to fit all of them in your freezer the night before a big party.
3.They Require No Draining or Water Line
Many stand-alone ice makers require a floor drain or some other way to get rid of excess water from melted ice cubes. With a countertop ice maker, you don’t have to worry about draining at all. Instead of wasting the excess water from melted cubes, countertop / portable ice makers use it all. They recycle melted cubes to make more ice and eliminate the need for a drain. They also don’t require a permanent water line.
4.They Are Easy to Operate
Any person can smoothly operate this gadget since there are only two steps to perform. You need to pour some water into the icemaker then press power on and wait for your fresh ice. The device does not require any drainage since it uses all the water. The gadget saves your time while you perform other tasks.
5.They Provide you with Variety and Freshness
The countertop ice maker can make a variety of ice depending on the type of brand that you buy. The other aspect is that the ice maker always treats you to fresh ice always. The unit uses clean technology to purify the water and keep it sanitary.
6.They are Durable & Attractive
The ice makers on offer in different markets are durable and made of scratch resistant material like stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel material is easy to clean even with a piece of dry cloth.
On top of that, the material used on many portable ice makers is attractive. If you are concerned about the appearance of your kitchen, this small gadget is worth adding to your house. You can also operate it from any place within your home.
Best Countertop Ice Maker 2020
Comparison Table
Image
Features
Price
1. Vremi Countertop Ice Maker
Best Quiet Countertop Ice Maker
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- Makes 9 ice cubes in 8-10 minutes
- Compact portable countertop ice makers
2. Igloo Automatic Portable Ice Maker
Best Countertop Ice Maker For RV
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- 3 Quarts water tank capacity
- Ice basket stores 2 lbs. of ice
3. Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Best Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 12 oz.
- Burr Diameter: 40mm
- No. of Grind Settings: 15
Best Countertop Ice Maker Under $150
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 8 oz.
- Burr Diameter: 40mm
- No. of Grind Settings: 9
Best Countertop Ice Maker For Office
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- 2.3 Quarts water tank capacity
- Makes ice in 6 minutes
6. IKICH Countertop Ice Maker
Best Rated
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
- 68 oz. water reservoir
7. hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker Machine
Best Energy Efficient
- Produces bullet shaped 1.5 lbs. of ice at once
- Ready in just 6 to 8 minutes
- Energy efficient & quiet ice maker
8. NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker r
Best Portable
- Makes 28 lbs. Of ice in 24 hrs
- Makes 9 ice cubes every 15 minutes
- Easy-to-use LED control panel
Best Home Countertop Ice Maker
- Produces 26 lbs of ice per day
- Ice bucket holds 2.2 lbs of ice
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
10. Avalon Bay AB-ICE26R Ice Maker
Best For Boats
- Produces 26 pounds of ice a day
- Makes ice in as little as 6 minutes
- Two ice size options
11. DELLA Countertop Portable Ice Maker
Best Small Countertop Ice Maker
- Makes 26 lbs. of ice per day
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
- Compact design
12. NewAir Portable Ice Maker
Best Large Capacity Option
- Makes 26 lbs. of ice per day
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
- Compact design
Reviews
Best Quiet Countertop Ice Maker
Vremi Countertop Ice Maker
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- Makes 9 ice cubes in 8-10 minutes
- Compact portable countertop ice makers
- 120 watts of cooling function
Vremi portable ice maker is the great choice for those looking for a portable, durable, affordable ice maker machine for home. Vremi ice maker is a super quiet, energy efficient unit that effectively makes 9 ice cubes within 8 to 10 minutes which are in bullet shape.
The weight of each ice cube is 8 grams which makes it perfect and suitable for mixing with drinks or fit in small bottle openings.
There are several specs that make this unit one of the best selling countertop ice makers for everyday use. It has a great stainless-steel design, and it’s built to last. This portable ice maker produces 26 lbs of ice and holds 1.5 pounds of ice at one time.
This ice maker produces bullet-shaped ice cubes which are semi-chewable, but is not as chewable as nugget ice.
The water reservoir is positioned under the ice bucket so that the melting ice will go back into the water reservoir to make more ice. The water reservoir holds 2.2 liters of water at one time which is a standard size for a portable unit.
When the 1.5 lbs ice storage bucket is full or the water reservoir is empty, the unit will automatically shut down and indicate to you with an LED light.
The ice maker avoids overflowing by making the warning lights on and automatically shuts off when the ice bin is already full or needs to be refilled with water.
It is also one of the best countertop ice maker that keeps ice frozen at least for sometime and whatever ice melts just gets recycled back into fresh ice.
Because of its compact design this unit can be taken with you wherever you go as it is light, flexible, and easy to store. This ice maker does not require any water line connection, so it is a perfect choice for outdoor parties, RVs, basement bars, and barbeques.
The machine is also easy to clean as it has a detachable ice tray which you can take out and clean it easily. Just take out the tray and clean the walls with a clean-up solution.
If you are looking for an everyday ice maker that can come with you camping, on the boat, RV or just sit on your countertop looking pretty, then this countertop ice making machine should be your choice.
Pros
- This is a budget-friendly portable countertop ice maker
- It runs at a mellow and efficient 120 watts with a quiet cooling function
- It’s ETL and FDA certified
- It comes with a 1.5 lb removable ice bucket and a plastic scoop
- It has a modern stainless steel finish which makes it attractive
- It’ll fit perfectly on any bar, kitchen counter, or tabletop
- It’s fast!! Makes ice in less than 10 minutes
Cons
- It requires 24 hours to settle its coolant before use
- It has no pause button
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Best Countertop Ice Maker For RV
Igloo Automatic Portable Ice Maker
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- 3 Quarts water tank capacity
- Ice basket stores 2 lbs. of ice
- Makes 9 small or large cylinder shaped ice cubes in 7 minutes
The Igloo ICEB26RR ice maker is an ice maker with a vintage retro vibe. It comes in five colors perfect for matching your home decor: red, black, white, aqua, and stainless steel.
It is a perfectly stylish, compact, portable countertop ice maker that will make the beverages nice and chilled.
The machine has the ability to make ice in less than 7 minutes, and this appliance has capability of producing 26 pounds of ice per day. It also has a viewing window from which you can see the making of ice, while a 2 lbs. storage ice basket ensures plenty of facility for all your needs.
An LED light control panel lets you choose the type of ice size as well as alerts you to when you need to “add water.” An alert “ice full” lets you know when you have created as much ice as your machine can hold.
This ice maker also comes with a scoop to serve ice cubes to guests. A drain plug is included, so when it’s time to clean the unit, you can drain the excess water.
Convenient, portable and compact in size, this retro red igloo ice maker looks good on countertop and produces ice wherever and whenever you need it.
With the ability to make 26 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period, this stylish retro ice maker doubles as a decorative statement while offering a quick ice-making option.
This ice maker creates clear ice cubes, which is more than just an aesthetic preference. Clear ice cubes melt more slowly than cloudy ones, so your drink will stay cold longer.
Pros
- Vintage retro aesthetic
- Multiple color options
- Automatic and portable
- 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours
- 9 ice cubes ready in 7 minutes
- Perfect for water bottles and mixed drinks
- Free ice scoop and basket
Cons
- A bit loud
Also Read
Best Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Makes 24 lbs. of ice per day
- 3 lbs. Ice bin capacity
- Bluetooth enabled, ability to connect your smartphone
- Makes nugget ice cubes
Unlike traditional ice makers that produce hard, smooth cubes, this stylish countertop machine uses a unique compression process to produce the chewable nuggets you get in restaurants, bars, and of course, Sonic.
If you are looking for the best countertop pellet nugget ice maker then this machine is the one for you. You can even connect to it with your phone to see how much ice is left and set schedules.
Pellet ice or nugget ice enjoys a fervent following and is highly praised for its soft, crunchy texture, and slow melt time. Unfortunately nugget ice is hard to find, only sold at select restaurant chains and gas stations, and home nugget ice makers have traditionally been worth multi-thousand dollars. Chewable ice addicts now have a reason to celebrate with the GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with its ability to churn out pounds of nugget ice in just hours right from your kitchen countertop.
There is an air of quality and style to the aesthetics of the Opal machine. The smooth stainless steel finish, to what is basically a rectangle, does have a minimalistic but cool looking design.
There is just one illuminated central control button. This is set above the square viewing window to the clear ice bin, which keeps things nice and simple.
The bin itself allows you to see how much ice it has produced, as it is happening. And access to the ice can be done in two ways – by tugging on the corners of the bin, it can be pulled out and drop down to a 45-degree angle. This gives you easy access, and you are then able to scoop out as much ice as you need.
The reservoir has a capacity of 3 lbs. So it will give you one pound of ice every hour, which is excellent and should easily keep even a busy house party going. One full bin of water will be enough to produce a steady flow of ice for around three hours.
The bin has drainage holes that let melted ice drain back into the reservoir so it can be reused. Above the bin is a start button with an LED light ring that tells you what is going on at a glance.
You can control the machine remotely from your cell phone or tablet via Bluetooth app.
This will allow you to turn it on and off, or you can dim or brighten the facia LED light ring. Also, it enables you to set the machine to work, making your ice, on a schedule of your choice.
At the back of the machine there are two 14-inch rubber drain tubes used to remove excess water after running a cleaning cycle. One end of each tube is connected internally and the other is connected to an external plug to form a closed loop water circulation system.
Also around back is a switch that toggles between ice making mode and cleaning mode. The machine comes with a small black plastic scoop, a black drip tray, a quick start guide, and a manual for use and care.
Pros
- Beautifully formed oval, nugget ice cubes
- One pound of ice is produced per hour.
- Makes chewable nugget ice quickly
- Easy to use and clean
- Sleek design
- Syncs to smartphone
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Best Countertop Ice Maker Under $150
Koldfront Ultra Compact Ice Maker
- Makes 26 lbs. of ice per day
- Produces ice in under 10 minutes
- 1.5 lbs. Ice storage capacity
This portable countertop ice maker can work in your kitchen, bar or office. It doesn’t need a water line or drain, making it useful for picnics, tailgate parties, outdoor get-togethers, camping or any other application where a standard water supply is not available.
Measuring only 9.5 inches wide and 12.9 inches high and weighing just 20.3 pounds, this is one of the smallest portable ice makers you can buy.
Inside the reservoir, there are two different level indicators to mark the maximum and minimum water level. It produces one batch of ice in about 10 minutes. Per batch contains 9 ice cubes of varied size: large and small.
Its innovative control panel contains indicators for “Full Ice Basket”, “Adding Water” and “Ice Making”. The ice cube size selection option enables you to make your desired ice cube size large and small.
The timer can be set to decide when the ice maker should start producing ice and the automated turn off system will shut down the ice maker when its ice basket is filled with bullet shaped ice cubes. The hole in the ice cube allows it to melt easily into your drink and lets you taste the energizing and chilled drink.
Its portable and compact design also makes the device one of the best portable ice makers for RV. The material used to construct the machine is durable which guarantees you years of extended use.
Cleaning the device has also been simplified. Once you are done, all you need to do is to unplug the machine and drain water through the side mounted drain.
Pros
- Durable & portable
- Produces 28 pounds of ice per day
- Easy to clean
- Insulated interiors
- 15 minutes freezing cycle
Cons
- Instruction manual is not very clear
Best Countertop Ice Maker For Office
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- 2.3 Quarts water tank capacity
- Makes ice in 6 minutes
- Large see-through window
This ice maker has an eco-friendly design with minimal power usage and non-toxic chemicals or freons. It also has minimal noise production with a design that runs at 38 dB, making it a tranquil machine. This sonic nugget ice maker requires no hefty installation; users can simply plug it in, and it starts producing ice in 7 minutes.
This is a small, lightweight unit that’s easy to carry around and takes up little space when you’re on the move. Despite the small size, it can hold 2.2 L of water and 1.2 pounds of ice at a time. (Though that storage capacity is slightly smaller than most other models on our list, it still ensures enough ice for 5-7 drinks.
The Frigidaire EFIC102 is lighter and smaller than most of the models we came across. It’s relatively small size and being lightweight is a good thing, because compact ice makers are easier to move around, make ice faster, and keep the ice colder than big machines.
While the device is mostly made of plastic, having a stylish design makes it fit in well with any stainless steel kitchen appliance. It even comes with several color options (copper, red, and silver). Frigidaire seems to stand by it as well, since they offer a 1-year warranty for this model.
This Frigidaire EFIC102 comes with a large see-through window that allows you to check dispenser ice levels without opening the bin door. It also comes with an ice shovel to enable you to easily scoop out the ice for all your needs, while keeping it sanitary and clean.
The EFIC102 also has an underside drain plug, which makes it easier to empty at the end of your session than side-drain models. The interface is simple, with just a few buttons and indicator lights for when the unit is at capacity or needs more water. Like most (but not all) of the models we tested, it also has a mesh filter to keep debris and hair out of your ice.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Easy to fill and drain
- Lightweight and compact
- Environment-friendly
- Fast ice production
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning
- Ice is a bit different than the authentic sonic ice
Best Rated
IKICH Countertop Ice Maker
- Can produce 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
- 68 oz. water reservoir
- Quiet operation
The IKICH CountertopIce Maker is easy to use. It offers a quick ice cycle that will produce nine bullet-shaped ice pieces in about 6 minutes.
The beautiful silver appearance makes it attractive and elegant. So, it can be placed on countertops in kitchens, mobile vans, and almost any space without looking out of place.
This ice maker is super easy to install. In fact, there isn’t any installation needed. Just add the water into the reservoir, turn on the unit, and you’re ready to begin making ice.
Although this portable ice maker has a very powerful compressor, it does not produce that much noise and runs at a quiet 45 decibels.
The ice maker comes with a very simple user interface. There are only 2 buttons on its control panel. The LED indicators on the operation panel help users to understand each of its processes. The buttons are also well-labeled to guide the user on what each one is meant to do.
The LED lights also notify users when the ice basket is filled up and needs to be emptied and when water needs to be added to the water reservoir.
This ice maker is also quite efficient in reusing water from the melted ice cubes as the melted water goes back into the water reservoir to be used again.
The removable ice basket serves well when large amounts of ice need to be taken out of the ice maker at once. It just saves time, and energy to empty the ice basket.
The included plastic scoop, on the other hand, serves well when small quantities of ice cubes are needed, perhaps for a glass of fruit juice or water.
Pros
- Produces 26 pounds of ice daily at optimal performance.
- It produces 9 cubes of ice in about 6 minutes.
- It has LED indicators that make it easy to use.
- It is easy to clean.
- Has a low noise level.
- The ice cubes are available in 2 different sizes for production, that is, small and large.
- It is fast and efficient.
Cons
- Ice melts quickly if left in the machine
Best Energy Efficient
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker Machine
- Produces bullet shaped 1.5 lbs. of ice at once
- Ready in just 6 to 8 minutes
- Energy efficient & quiet ice maker
The hOmeLabs portable ice maker is a compact traveling/countertop ice maker that can make up to 26lbs of ice per day.
It produces bullet-shaped ice pellets, around 8 of them at a time in one of two sizes. Once the 1.5lb bin fills up, it shuts off automatically until you empty it.
It’s compact and lightweight and is equipped with a quiet compressor which means that you can run the ice maker throughout the night and it won’t keep you up.
The ice maker uses very little energy consumption to operate and because it’s so compact it makes it a great addition to your home bar, RV or your kitchen countertop. Just plug it into a grounded 110V-120V outlet, and you are good to go.
This is one of the best quality countertop ice maker that has a water reservoir capacity of 2.2 liters and can make 26 lbs of ice in a day. The machine takes approximately 6-8 minutes to produce the smooth, beautiful, bullet shaped ice cube that means you don’t need to wait for much time to get the fresh ice cubes.
It produces ice cubes that are little enough to fit in openings of water bottles and are perfect for all types of drinks. The top cover has a transparent view from which you are able to observe the ice making process and the dropping of ice into the basket so that you are having a good idea what is going on inside the machine.
The machine has received a safety certificate from ETL. For this reason, you can trust that it is absolutely safe to use. The only trade-off is a slightly higher cost.
The ice maker is designed to be cleaned easily, every two weeks or a minimum of once a month.
Cleaning your ice maker on a regular basis also keeps mold from forming on the inside walls of your machine. If you are not using your ice maker, it’s important to shut off the unit, drain the water, and dry it with a rag before you put it into storage.
Pros
- Modern design
- User-friendly
- Affordable
- Low-noise operation
Cons
- If the ice cubes are not removed immediately they are ready, they may begin to melt.
Best Portable
NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker
- Makes 28 lbs. Of ice in 24 hrs
- Makes 9 ice cubes every 15 minutes
- Easy-to-use LED control panel
- Sleek design fits neatly on counter or tabletop
This ice maker can produce up to 28 lbs of ice per day and can store 1.6 lbs of ice in its storage bucket. Once the storage bucket is full, the machine will stop producing the ice automatically. You can also configure the machine to produce either small, medium or large sized ice cubes.
The NewAir AI-100R Ice Maker is one of the best quiet countertop ice making machines. Apart from the almost-silent spinning noise of the fan, the only noise this machine produces is the sound of the ice cubes clinking into the basket and the sound of the water dripping.
It is quite compact and can fit neatly on a counter or tabletop without occupying much space. It’s also available in 6 colors so color option definitely isn’t going to be your concern.
And you will also get an LED control that features 3 different shapes of ice cubes be it small, medium or large.
Compact and lightweight, it fits seamlessly in an RV or boat too, and it can output up to 9 cubes of ice every 15 minutes.
The NewAir AI-100R is ideal for parties, picnics, barbecues and for regular use. Thanks to the lightweight construction, it is also quite portable.
The best part is that you don’t need to install the machine since the manufacturer has designed it that way. All you will need is to plug the maker in, add water and wait for around 15 minutes max to get some fresh ice cubes.
Like any other ice maker, cleaning it is quite easy. You can use white vinegar in a spray bottle that can work great to keep it clean. You will just need to spray the inside and let the vinegar sit for some time. After that, rinse it out.
Pros
- No installation required
- Fits on tabletop or countertop
- Ice cubes in three different sizes
- Easy clean up through side mounted drain
- New batch of ice in 6 minutes
- User-friendly because of electronic control panel
Cons
- The bigger sized ice cubes start sticking together and need to be broken apart.
- Hard to reach the tray to clean it.
Best Home Countertop Ice Maker
Frigidaire EFIC103 Ice Maker Machine
- Produces 26 lbs of ice per day
- Ice bucket holds 2.2 lbs of ice
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
- Choice of 3 Ice cube sizes
If you want big, high-quality ice and you want it fast, the Frigidaire EFIC103 countertop ice maker works like a charm. It makes hollow, bullet-shaped ice as thick and as fast as brands that cost twice the price.
The Frigidaire EFIC103 ice maker is a perfect portable ice maker machine for typical home use. The Frigidaire ice maker machine is also great for RVing, camping or taking along with you while you are travelling in a boat.
It is large enough to produce all the ice you require, and little enough to be carried to different places. Frigidaire stainless steel ice maker features an oversized basket with capacity 2.2 lbs, this is ultimate in ice making technology.
This machine looks far higher quality than it should, given its price. The steel gray exterior will fit in with the aesthetics of your kitchen, regardless of the colors or style.
The LED control panel is easy to use and intuitive for anyone to grow accustomed to. The reservoir is easy to refill with water, so you do not have to deal with changing filters.
Operation is a piece of cake, with a simple front-mounted control panel with only two buttons – an on/off switch and a selector for the three sizes of clear cubes the EFIC103 can produce. Low water level and ‘full ice’ indicators top things off.
Like most other ice makers, the bucket that holds the ice sits above the water in the reservoir, which allows water to drip off back into the reservoir as the ice melts. But it also means the ice isn’t kept below freezing after it’s made. Eventually all the ice will melt away if not used or transferred to a bag or container in the freezer.
The water reservoir holds a generous 15 cups, so it won’t need to be filled too frequently, and the ice basket is well-sized, requiring it to be emptied every hour and a half instead of every hour.
Pros
- Extra-large volume capacity
- Attractive stainless steel package
- Three cube size settings
- Fast cycle time
- Large thick ice pellets
- Three sizes of ice
- Portable
Cons
- No self-cleaning cycle
- Ice storage isn’t refrigerated
Best For Boats
Avalon Bay AB-ICE26R Ice Maker
- Produces 26 pounds of ice a day
- Makes ice in as little as 6 minutes
- Two ice size options
- Automatic overflow protection
The Avalon Bay Ice Maker machine gives a stylish look to your kitchen countertop. The Avalon Bay 26 lbs ice maker does not require permanent installation because it is portable. The Avalon introduces an excellent feature of automatic overflow protection that allows the portable ice maker to prevent the spills of melted ice.
It’s curved plastic outer body has a nice silver chrome finish decorated with black and white accents, which gives it a modern look that ensures it fits in well in any contemporary space. This model is available in three color choices – black, silver and red.
Using this ice maker is an easy and straightforward process. Simply fill up the reservoir with half a gallon of water then press the Select button to choose your preferred ice cube size (small or large), and your ice will be ready in minutes.
Each cycle produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes, which have a hole in them giving them a hollow center. The machine is capable of producing up to 26 pounds of ice per day. It includes an ice scoop, which is handy for scooping out ice cubes from the basket.
The top-side control panel features LED indicators i.e. Water Indicator, Ice indicator, and power Indicator.
The drain system of the Avalon Bay Portable Ice Maker is at the bottom, so draining the water is quite easy.
Pros
- Compact size
- Quickly produces ice
- Makes soft chewable ice
- Simple to use
Cons
- Both size cubes are almost similar in size
Best Small Countertop Ice Maker
DELLA Countertop Portable Ice Maker
- Makes 26 lbs. of ice per day
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
- Produces ice in 6 minutes
The Della – Ice Maker makes 26 pounds of ice per day and chills down your drink in only 6 minutes. The Della made ice the fastest and with the most consistency, and it’s markedly less expensive than other ice makers.
No installation is needed. All you need is to fill the required water level and plug the device into a power source, and in as little as six minutes your ice will be ready.
It’s control functions enable you to customize ice cube size. Through the clear LED display, you can easily keep track of your water levels and get notifications when ice is ready. The interior is well insulated to ensure you get crispy ice cubes.
Its sleek and compact design makes it one of the best countertop ice maker for rv or office, kitchen, boat, restaurants, and bars.
The unit has large capacity and the interiors are well insulated, so the ice won’t start melting as soon as the ice making process is over.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Clear LED display
- 26lbs daily production
- Well insulated on its interior
- Handy
Cons
- Small and medium-size ice look the same
Best Large Capacity Option
NewAir Portable Ice Maker
- Makes 50 lbs. of ice in 24 hours
- 12 pieces of ice in 7 mins
- Perfect for RVs and apartments
- Self cleaning
Small but powerful, this ice maker can produce up to 50 pounds of ice each day, and 12 pieces in 13 minutes, so you’ll have a ready supply for cocktails, soda water, or any other beverage.
You can choose one of three different ice sizes and set the 18-hour timer to make ice on your schedule. Indicator lights let you know when you need to add water or when the removable ice bin is full, and an ice scoop is included for easy serving.
The unit has 12 evaporators, so you’ll get 12 pieces of hollow, bullet-shaped ice in each batch. Bullet ice is the most common shape for home countertop ice makers, but because the ice is hollow it melts a bit faster than ice cubes.
The ice maker isn’t refrigerated, so eventually, any ice it makes will melt and drip back into the reservoir. However, it does seem better insulated than smaller and more lightweight ice makers.
Make no mistake: This appliance may be portable, but it’s big, and at nearly 40 pounds, it’s heavy. It’s portable in the sense that it doesn’t have to be permanently plumbed into a water line in order to work. If you really do want to move it, two built-in handles on the side make that easier.
If you have room for the ice maker to live in your kitchen full-time, its sleek stainless steel body and black lid help it blend in as seamlessly as, say, a microwave.
The window in the lid allows you to keep track of how much ice is in the bucket; however, it isn’t big enough to show us the ice being made.
The touchpad on the front has a power button, self-cleaning button, timer button, and toggle ice selection button.
The LCD display shows symbols to indicate when the power is on, which size of ice is selected, the time remaining on the timer, the self-cleaning mode, when water needs to be added, when the ice bucket is full, and if there’s a problem.
To drain away excess water after using, there’s a plug on the left side.
Pros
- Makes ice fast
- Large uniform pellets melt slower
- Self-cleaning and timer functions
Cons
- Not refrigerated
Best Countertop Ice Maker: Buying Guide
The idea of a countertop ice maker is a fairly new one, but they have changed the way many families make ice for a number of reasons. There are many advantages to owning one, and there are some misconceptions as well. If you’re looking for an alternative ice solution, you should educate yourself on the best countertop ice makers.
Things To Consider When Buying A Countertop Ice Maker
True coffee lovers know that freshness is an important part of the perfect cup, and your coffee will be far fresher if you grind it yourself right before you brew a cup.
For a small appliance that performs a fairly simple task, there are hundreds of home coffee grinders available for you to buy. All offering a shade of similar features at a variety of price points, it can prove somewhat difficult to find the best grinder for your morning coffee.
To help you figure out which one is right for you and narrow down your options, here are a few main factors you should consider.
1. Size
One problem many countertop ice maker owners have run into is discovering that their new appliance was too big for its designated space. In RVs and motorhomes particularly, this can be a big problem. Make sure to check the dimensions of your new ice maker against your space before you press that order button.
When measuring your space, you’ll want to leave a little extra room around the ice maker. You need about an inch of free space on all sides of the appliance. Without this, the ice maker can overheat and malfunction in very short order.
2. Production Capacity
When deciding which countertop ice maker you want, you’ll want to think about how much ice you’re likely to need at a time. Different models have different production capacities. More expensive models, unsurprisingly, tend to be able to produce more ice in a day.
Ice maker production capacity is measured in terms of how many pounds the appliance can make in a day under continuous, 24-hour use.
These capacities tend to range from 20-45 pounds. It is recommended that you do not get a model that produces less than 20 pounds unless you are camping and need something very lightweight.
3. Ice Production Speed
Another factor to keep in mind when picking out an ice maker is how fast the appliance can make ice. If you’re hosting a party where you’ll need ice replenished often and quickly, this can be a very important consideration. Typical freezing time for most ice makers is 10-20 minutes.
4.Variety of Ice it can Make
Most small ice makers tend to make bullet ice, small, relatively soft, cylindrical ice. If you’re willing to spend a little more money, though, you can get a model that allows you to pick what kind of ice you’d like.
Some options for different types of ice include crescent, cube, nugget, sonic, clear cube, crushed, or gourmet. Most of these will be the same texture and density of the ice your freezer normally makes.
5. Cost
Countertop ice makers typically cost somewhere in the range of $150-$1,000. Most of the ice makers on the upper end of that range offer high production rates and a large storage capacity, while the more affordable ones will be smaller in both production and storage.
While size and capacity are some of the main factors that influence the overall price, some countertop ice makers will cost more due to having a strong brand reputation or coming with some extra features, such as a water filter or the ability to make nugget ice.
6. Ice Cube Sizes
Depending on your needs, you may find that you would like to be able to make different sizes of ice.
Many models today can create different sizes at the flick of a switch (or press of a button).
7. Drain Options
Every ice maker needs a way to drain. These ice makers come with two options: manual drain or a drain plug. Manual drain options are more time consuming to clean and require removing the internal basket and manually dumping the water out. Drain plugs allow you to remove the plug simply, and the water will flow out of the ice maker into your sink.
8. Overflow Protection
This has to do with limiting the amount of ice that a unit can make at a time, and it’s a convenient feature to have if you want to fill your unit with water and then move on to bigger and better things.
Once the ice builds up to a certain level, the unit will automatically stop producing any more until the ice is used and the level goes down. At that point, the unit will start making ice again.
9. Look and Style
While most countertop ice makers aren’t especially made with aesthetics in mind, you do have some options when it comes to how your ice maker looks. Countertop ice makers come in a few different colors and finishes.
Most options are black, white, red or stainless steel, but there are some models with doors designed to match the look of wood. There’s also a few that are available in bright colors.
10. Energy Efficiency
Freezing water requires a lot of energy, so if you’re someone who’s concerned about the environment or simply doesn’t want to see much of an uptick in your energy bills, then you should look for an undercounter ice machine that’s been certified by Energy Star.
Countertop Ice Maker Maintenance Tips
Mold and slime can grow inside ice makers because they’re wet, dark, and warm when they’re not in use. The good news is, if you’ve ever cleaned a coffee maker you know how to clean an ice maker.
First unplug it and remove the ice tray. Wipe the interior with a cloth or paper towel, making sure to reach all the corners and recesses. (If it’s especially filthy, pour some white vinegar on the cloth before using it.) Do the same with the ice tray.
Make a cleaning solution with a 10-1 ratio of water to white vinegar or lemon juice, then run that solution through a few normal ice cycles and toss out the ice.
Drain the machine and wipe the interior with a clean cloth or paper towel. Fill the receptacle with clean water and run a few normal cycles, discarding the ice after each; this will remove any excess cleaning solution in the unit.
Conclusion
If you hate making an ice run in the middle of a party, the Vremi Countertop Ice Maker is a great option. This one of the best countertop ice maker not only will produce 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours, the size of the ice it makes will cool any beverage down in 8 – 10 minutes.
Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker can fulfill your desire for chewy, delicious nugget sonic ice. Within only 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying soft, crunchy ice, just like the ice you love from your favorite restaurant. The Opal produces 24 lbs of ice per day, and the bin holds 3 lbs at a time. Moreover it is bluetooth equipped.
If you are looking to give your kitchen countertop a retro vibe then you should go for Igloo ICEB26RR. The machine itself makes small and large cylinder ice cubes with 26 lbs. of ice produced in 24 hours. The basket holds 15.6 cubic feet and has a translucent lid that lets you watch your ice being made. It takes approximately 7 minutes to make 9 ice cubes with this model. The ice basket is removable so you can quickly transfer your ice cubes.
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