The best portable ice maker lets you make ice on demand and keeps your drinks cool while you are away camping, by the pool, or in your RV.
While you might start by looking at the over aesthetics of a new ice maker – like how good will this look on my countertop, you should also be checking out the main features of each portable ice maker.
Table of Contents
What Is A Portable Ice Maker?
Ice makers are small appliances that allow ice to be made on-demand and quickly. Hey, are essential for entertainers with a busy bar to keep the team calm.
Many of the ice makers we have reviewed are stunning, so they can be a great feature to sit proudly on a kitchen or bar counter. So why would you want the best portable ice maker?
Benefits Of Using Portable Ice Makers
By purchasing a portable ice maker for the home, you will have a constant supply of ice when you need it – anywhere and anytime. Y can take it on holiday with you should you go camping or take the RV out, and it can make ice for you every day of your holiday.
With COVID-19 still existing, there is no way to tell if a shop is 100% safe to go to, even if it seems like it. So while everyone is encouraged to stay home, having your ice maker will be handy.
Your freezer can contain the next months’ worth of pre-prepared meals, meat, and vegetables to feed your family. It can also hold a lot of ice.
So to make the most of your monthly shopping costs by making good use of your freezer space, it pays to keep your freezer full of food rather than ice.
Is Making Your Ice A Healthier Option?
Plenty of people these days are health-conscious, which means understanding what is in – and not in your water. If you already use a water filter or remineralize your water, this water can make ice with.
You must understand the quality of water used in making your ice, and making your ice at home or while out camping is a great way to do this.
It’s worth also noting that the best tasting water is made from the purest quality water, which is unlikely to come directly from a tap. Sob adding filtered water to your ice maker. You get great-tasting and super healthy ice.
Most ice makers can produce ice in 6 – 10 minutes. That kes it faster to make than taking a trip to the shops to collect a bag of ice. Even my friends pop over unexpectedly. Surely they can wait 6 minutes before you offer them a cold one.
Can Portable Ice Makers Save You Money?
Depending on where you buy your bags of ice from currently at $3 – $5 a bag for ice, most ice makers will pay for themselves over one summer, especially if you are using them every day while camping or away on an RV trip.
Most people don’t need a 2o lb bag of ice, so once they have purchased one, they then throw most of it away or take up all their free freezer space storing it.
Another reason many people buy a portable ice machine is the cost is way less than having a freezer ice dispenser repaired.
What To Consider When Choosing An Ice Maker
Here’s what we were looking at when selecting ice makers for this review:
- The size of the ice machine. How much counter space or storage space do you have?
- How often will you be using it? If used daily, ensure it looks good as it will probably be left out on your countertop.
- Speed to make ice cubes. When you’re using it, how quickly will you need the ice? Many of t models in our review can make ice in as little as six minutes.
- How much ice will you be going through? If you need more than 26 pounds a day of ice, you might want to consider a commercial use icemaker such as this one xxx.
- How is the water added? Do you require the water to be connected automatically, or are you okay with pouring it into a container?
- The reviews. What are other people saying about their ice makers? It’s great to find a study where people say they would repurchase this product.
- Storage capacity. The storage capacity of the ice and the storage capacity for the water intake
- Overall ease of use. Ice makers should be easy to set up and to use. Does the ice elt and get fed back into the water intake
- Ice cube size. What is the s ze of the ice cubes produced? Do you need a variety of ice sizes?
Best Portable Ice Maker Reviews
Let’s get into the review of the ten best portable ice makers. For each ice m er on this list, we have compiled the features and pros and cons.
Cloud Mountain Countertop Portable Ice Maker
The Cloud Mountain Countertop is relatively new to the market. It has a large window on the top of the ice maker, which ensures you can easily see what is going on as your ice is being made.
Sitting proudly on your countertop, this is a great ice maker for home or use during office parties. It can produce you to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours.
This portable ice maker makes bullet-shaped ice cubes and can make 9 in as little as 6 minutes.
There is a handy intelligent indicator panel to select the size and see whether the ice maker needs water added or if the ice compartment is entire.
Specifications Of The Cloud Mountain
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 9.5 x 14.1 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters/ 2.3 quarts
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 6 – 13 minutes
Pros Of The Cloud Mountain
- Makes ice quickly within 6 minutes
- Good storage capacity at 1.5 pounds of ice
- Quiet operation
- Has two ice size options (small or large)
Cons Of The Cloud Mountain
- It does not have a self-cleaning function
Igloo ICEB26HNAQ Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker
This ice maker is great for taking out camping or on picnics with a carry handle. This model has a five-cycle self-cleaning function and produces ice in two sizes.
While the manufacturer claims it makes ice in 7 minutes, many people state they get ice made in as little as 5 minutes.
An ice bucket and scoop are included with this model ice maker. With a large ice storage capacity, this ice maker will make and store several batches of ice before it automatically stops producing ice.
With a small transparent panel at the top, you can see your ice as it is being made.
Specifications Of The Igloo
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.06 x 12.8 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2 quarts
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: from 7 minutes
Pros Of The Igloo
- Includes a carry handle making it very portable
- Self-cleaning functions included
- Makes ice quickly
- It has a large ice storage capacity
Cons Of The Igloo
- Some comments about the item not being returnable
Frigidaire EFIC102-RED Compact Making Machine
While we feature the red ice maker here, this model is also available in three other colors (black, silver, and copper).
Hundreds of reviews where people were pleased with the performance of this ice maker – including where this was not the first time they have owned an ice maker.
Specifications Of The Frigidaire
- Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 14.5 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 7 -15 minutes
Pros Of The Frigidaire
- Uses no chemical refrigerants
Cons Of The Frigidaire
- Some comments about stopping ice production when the bin is not full
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
The Euhomy Ice Maker Machine is a more substantial ice maker than others in this review, with a more significant production and storage capacity. The ice is produced in a diamond shape, and you can adjust the size of the ice cubes to your liking.
This model includes an 8-hour delay function and has a recycling feature for melted ice. Being a larger model is maybe the best portable ice maker for small businesses or regular entertainers.
Specifications Of The Euhomy
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 11 x 13.7 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 40 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters
- Ice Storage Capacity: 2.2 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 13-20 minutes
- Timer: 8-hour delay
Pros Of The Euhomy
- It has a large production capacity at 40 lbs per day
- Includes an 8-hour delay timer
- Recycles melted ice back into the water reservoir
- It has an adjustable ice size and a removable ice bucket
Cons Of The Euhomy
- It takes longer to produce a cycle of ice
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Automatic Ice Maker
This ice maker was designed to look good when placed on a countertop with a retro look to it. Producing 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice every 24 hours, this is another great little ice maker that will keep producing ice for your pool parties or picnics.
This model includes a water line; however, using this feature is optional as water can still be added manually. A one-year warranty is included.
Specifications Of This Igloo
- Dimensions: 9.61 x 14.69 x 12.4 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 3 quarts
- Ice Storage Capacity: 2 lbs
- Operating Cycle: from 7 minutes
Pros Of This Igloo
- Large ice storage capacity at 2 pounds
- Includes a water line (which you don’t have to use)
Cons Of This Igloo
- It does not make tough ice
Countertop Ice Maker Portable Ice Making Machine
Produces two sizes of bullet-shaped ice in just six minutes. Another ice maker with a one-year warranty is included. Once the ice bucket is complete, the ice maker turns itself off.
This ice maker is likely to last longer than most other models with a self-cleaning feature.
Specifications Of The Countertop
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.3 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 6 – 11 minutes
Pros Of The Countertop
- Has a quiet operation
- Choice of two sizes of ice
- Includes a one-year warranty
- Self-cleaning feature
Cons Of The Countertop
- The ice holder is not refrigerated
- It does not have a recycling feature
COSTWAY Ice Maker Countertop
With two sizes of bullet-shaped ice and making over 26.5 pounds of ice each day, this is another ice maker perfect for home, holidays, or a small office. The surface is made from AB, which is both smooth and smudge-resistant.
Specifications Of The COSTWAY
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 14 x 13 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26.5 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 6 – 13 minutes
Pros Of The COSTWAY
- Includes choice of two sizes of ice
- Recycles melted ice back into the water reservoir
Cons Of The COSTWAY
- It has a smaller viewing window than some models
- Some comments about not lasting longer than six months
Prime Home Portable Ice Machine for Countertop
Perfect bullet-shaped ice in just 8 minutes. With a modern and durable st unless steel finish, the Prime Home Portable ice maker provides good heat insulation performance, slowing ice melting.
After reading rave reviews from fellow cynics, one person bought this model, and he loves it.
One benefit of the ice being in a bullet shape is adding it to most drink bottles, which you typically cannot do with more traditional square-shaped ice cubes.
This is the only ice maker with a feature called “east to clean.”
Specifications Of The Prime Home
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.5 x 11 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 26 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 6 – 13 minutes
Pros Of The Prime Home
- Recycles melted ice back into the water reservoir
- Easy to clean
- Warning lights to add more water or when ice bin is full
Cons Of The Prime Home
- Works best when using distilled water
NewAir Portable Ice Maker With 3 Sizes
The NewAir Portable Ice Maker can make bullet-shaped ice in three different sizes. In addition, this model has a small viewing window so you can watch as your ice is being made.
Being able to produce 28 pounds of ice a day is slightly more capacity than most other ice makers we have reviewed.
Backed by a one-year warranty.
Specifications Of The NewAire
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 9.5 x 14.1 inches
- Daily Ice Production: 28 lbs
- Water Storage Capacity: 2.2 liters
- Ice Storage Capacity: 1.54 lbs
- Operating Cycle: 6 – 15 minutes
Pros Of The NewAire
- Makes ice in three different sizes (small, medium, or large)
- It has a side drain
Cons Of The NewAire
- Does not use all the available water in the reservoir before the water refill light comes on
- Some question the warranty claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Ice Machines
So what’s The Best Portable Ice Machine?
The Euhomy Ice Maker is our top pick for the best portable ice maker.
We chose the Euhomy due to the amount of ice it can produce, the shape of the ice, and the delay feature.
Are Ice Makers Easy To Use?
Most ice makers require unpacking and plugging in to set up. However, they are also pretty easy for you. Just ensure the ice maker is tu ed on, the settings made for your ice size of choice, fill the tank with water, and press start.
Remember to read the instructions before using your new ice maker. Chances are you will need to wipe it down first and give it a few hours for the coolant to settle once placed on your countertop before using it for the first time.
How Much Does A Portable Ice Machine Cost?
The majority of the ice makers included in this review have cost under $200, which is pretty inexpensive given the cost of ice and how much ice you can go through during summer or on a camping trip.
How Do You Clean A Portable Ice Machine?
If your ice machine comes with a self-cleaning function, then follow the instructions to clean it using that function. First, wipe the outside down using a damp cloth, and then wipe again with a dry cloth.
The easiest way to clean the machine’s insides is to add some vinegar to the water and make some ice. Once the vinegar ice has been made, discard that ice, and create another batch of ice with filtered water, tossing this ice as well.
Further Reviews:
We have more reviews for kitchen appliances right here:
- 10 Best Bread Slicer Reviews For Cutting Bread
- Top 8 Automatic Coffee Machines
- 10 Best Coffee Machines With Grinders
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