Best Portable Ice Makers 2020: The Top 10, Check First Hand Reviews

The party is going on. You are in the middle of an interesting conversation with your friends. You go to refill the drinks and realize that there’s no ice. Drinks won’t taste the same when warm. The refrigerator would take hours to make ice. You can go and buy ice from the local convenience store but that would mean leaving the party. What do you do in such a situation? Thankfully, you can make ice in minutes if you have a portable icemaker. These ice makers are compact, convenient to carry, and can make ice in a matter of minutes. Pour water, push a button, and voila! You have got ice with you even when you are not halfway through your glass of cocktail. Here’s a list of the best portable ice makers to take away your troubles.

Top 10 Portable Ice Makers

Portable Ice makers are a good option for small spaces like boating, RVs, and apartments. It helps solve the time and space problems of ice making. To make it easier for you to select the best option that suits your needs, here is the list of the top 10 portable ice makers.

List of the Best 10 Portable Icemakers
	Vremi Countertop Ice Maker
	Ikich portable Ice Maker
	NewAir Portable Ice Maker A-100R
	Igloo ICEb26RR Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine
	FrigidAire EFIC101
	Aicok Portable Ice Maker Stainless Steel Ice Machine
	Della Countertop portable Ice Maker
	NewAir Portable Ice-Make AI-215SS
	Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
	Sentern Portable Electric Clear Ice Maker HZB-18E

1. Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

The Vremi Countertop Ice Maker makes 9 chewable bullet-shaped ice in a matter of 8-10 minutes and up to 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours. It has a 2.2 l water reservoir that sits below the ice basket and uses the melted water to make ice. It is compact and needs no water hook up making it ideal to take it anywhere. This ice maker prevents overflowing with warning lights and an automatic shut-off feature for when the ice basket is full or if water needs to be refilled.

This doesn’t need any complex installation either; just set it upright and leave it for 24 hours to settle its coolant before use. It runs on a 120 Watts. This also comes with a 1.5-pound ice basket and an ice scoop that are EDL and FDA certified. It has a stainless steel finish.

Technical Features

Here are some key features of the Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

2. Ikich Portable Ice Maker

The Ikich Ice maker makes ice 9 pieces of ice in 6 minutes. It has a 2 l water reservoir and a volume of 26 lbs in 24 hours. The machine needs time to preheat like freezer, the effect of first or second time will be slightly less effective, it will be normal after a few more uses. For normal use, you must let the machine stand upright for 4 hours before first use. It makes almost no noise with 45 dB when functioning. There is two ice-size option available in this model. An ice bucket and a scoop come with this ice maker.

Technical Features

Here’s an overview of Ikich Portable Ice Maker

3. NewAir Portable Ice Maker A-100R

The NewAir Portable Ice Maker A-100R makes cubes within 6-15 minutes. The volume of this ice maker is 28 pounds in 24 hours. It offers an easy-to-use LED control panel that allows you to choose from three ice size settings. A side-mounted drain on the NewAir AI-100R makes it easy to clean when you’re done. Just pull the plug to empty unused water. The easy-to-use electronic control panel on the NewAir portable ice maker features push-button operation and indicator lights to let you know when to add water, and when your ice is ready.

Technical Features

The specifications of NewAir Portable Ice Maker A-100R are as follows

4. Igloo ICEB26RR 26-Pound Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine

This ice maker comes with an LED illuminated, easy to understand control panel. You can choose the size of the ice in this model. It makes 9 cylindrical shaped ice in 7 minutes. The large clear lid of this model allows easy viewing of the ice cube capacity. It has a water reservoir volume of 2.8 liters and ice-making dimensions of 26 pounds in 24 hours.

Technical Features

Here are some of the important specifications of Igloo ICEB26RR Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine

5. Frigidaire EFIC101

The Frigidaire EFIC101 portable ice maker comes with an easy-to-use LED control panel that allows you to choose from 2 ice size settings. It makes 9 ice cubes in 7-15 minutes. A convenient drain plug allows you to drain and clean your ice maker quickly and safely.

Technical Features

Here are some important details about FrigidAire EFIC101.

6. Aicok Portable Ice Maker Stainless Steel Countertop Ice Machine

This ice maker makes ice within 6-10 minutes. It makes 1.1 pounds of ice per hour. You can choose 3 size options in ice. With a self-cleaning function, you just need to add water and vinegar in the reservoir and witch a click of few buttons it will clean itself. It functions on a power of 150 Watts.

Technical Features

These are the specifications for Aicok Portable Ice Maker Stainless Steel Countertop Ice Machine

7. Della Countertop Portable Ice Maker

The large see-through window in Della Countertop Portable Ice Maker helps in easy monitoring and checking of ice levels. It makes bullet ice cube within 7 minutes. It has a volume of 26 lbs in 24 hours. The superior water recycling system uses unused ice melts. It sends back the melted ice back into the water reservoir. There, it is turned into fresh ice during the next ice-making session. A rear drain hole empties the ice melt.

Technical Features

Below is a list of important details you should know before you consider buying Della Countertop Portable Ice Maker

8. NewAir Portable Ice Maker AI-215SS

This ice maker might be small but it is powerful. It tends to produce 50 pounds of ice every day, which is way more than possible of any ice maker in this list. Powerful doesn’t mean bulky, it’s the compact size of 14 x 16.9 x 16.8 inches makes 12 pieces of ice in 7-13 minutes. It doesn’t come with complicated installations either. You just have to plug-in, pour water, and wait 15 minutes for your first batch of ice to be dispensed.

The indicator light present in the ice maker lets you know if more water is to be added or if the ice dispenser is full so that you have an uninterrupted flow of ice. This model of NewAir ice maker comes with a self-cleaning function for minimal maintenance. 

Technical Features

Below is the list of specification for NewAir Portable Ice Maker 215SS

9. Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

The Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker comes with a special feature of Bluetooth connection. Now, you can control the ice-making with your phone. You just have to install the FirstBuild app on your phone, and you can time the ice-making schedule on your phone. It senses when the ice bucket is full, so it won’t overfill.

The ice maker can make 24 pounds of ice per day. You can enjoy soft and crunchy nugget ice to go with your drink within 20 minutes. It also has an ice storing volume of 3 pounds. When the ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir. There it is used to make more ice. Therefore, no water goes to waste.

Technical Features

Here are the key features of Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

10. Sentern Portable Electric Clear Ice Maker HZB-18E

Sentern HZB-18E makes higher quality clear ice with a low melting rate, that would chill your drink without diluting the taste of your drink. The ice cubes produced are harder and denser. Enjoy crystal clear ice cubes in just 15 minutes. The water reservoir is 2.2 liters. You can easily control the ice-making by an easy-to-use digital control panel. The ice bucket that comes with it can store 2.4 pounds of ice. You can adjust the size of the ice by adjusting the cooling time. You can choose from the 3 size options of ice.

Technical Features

The list gives you the key features of Sentern Portable Clear Ice Maker HZB-218E

Read More: Black Decker Coffee Maker – First Hand Reviews & Specs

Comparison

Portable Ice Makers are convenient and compact appliances. With so many options available in the market, 10 of the best ice makers are compiled into this list for your convenience. The ice makers are affordable and vary in the range of 100-250 $. To help you make a better choice, here’s a comparison of the ice makers.

What Are The Different Types of Ice?

Ice is the solid water that has been frozen below 0 degrees Centigrade or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. There are several types of ice other than the ones you will find in your refrigerator. The different shapes and textures of ice serve different purposes in the commercial industry. Here is a list of the different types of ice and their uses

1. Regular Cube

Regular or large cubes is of solid build. The ice to water ratio in this type of ice is 100%. Their melt rate is slow. The regular ice cubes are found in commercial settings like restaurants and bars. These are best for large volume applications, like bagging or dispensing ice. It is best used in soft drinks and other beverages.

2. Full Cube

These are known as dice cube or square cube. The ice to water ratio in this ice is 100%. The melting rate of the ice is slow. It is mainly used in food retailing and catering business

3. Half Cube

Half cubes are known as half dice or small cube. These cubes are of convenient size. It is the ice that you set in your refrigerator. The melting rate is moderate. The ice to water ratio is 100%.

4. Nugget Ice

Nugget ice is also known as tubular nugget ice, pebble ice, pellet ice or ‘Sonic’ ice. Sonic was the first food drive-ins that served this ice with their tea. Sonic is famous for its crunchy tea. The ice is soft and chewable. The melt rate is quick. It is mostly used in restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and healthcare facilities.

5. Flake Ice

Flake ice is soft and snow-like. The ice to water ratio is 73%. The melt rate is quick. The ice cools rapidly and can be easily molded. Due to its soft consistency, it is used for cooling and preserving fragile seafood and produce. It is also used for food transportation. Blended drinks also have flake ice in them. It is also used for cold compresses for injuries.

7. Crescent Ice

Crescent ice has a half-distinct moon shape and has a solid build. The melt rate is slow. It is found in commercial kitchens and convenience stores.

7. Gourmet Ice

Gourmet Ice is also known as Top Hat Ice or octagonal ice. It has a 100% ice to water ratio. The melt rate is slow for this type of ice. It is usually served with high-end liquors or upscale drinks like whiskey.

Read about: Best Home Treadmill 2020

What is a Portable Ice Maker?

Portable Ice Makers are compact devices that can freeze water into ice in a few minutes. As the name suggests, these devices are portable. As long as you have a power source nearby to plug in the ice maker, you can make ice anywhere. They are small in size and therefore don’t take up much space. You can carry it to outdoor trips in case you need ice there. This ice maker doesn’t even need a water line. You just pour clean water inside to get ice.

Ice makers freeze water into ice. They are not ice-storage units. You can’t store ice for later. If you don’t have the ice before it melts, the machine will start to freeze the molten water into ice again. Unlike, the refrigerator, where you preserve food and make ice, the ice maker has one sole purpose, to make ice quickly. If you are looking to preserve or cool your food and drinks, you might want to look for other devices. Although, portable ice makers freeze ice 20 times faster than the standard tray in your freezer.

How do Ice Makers Work?

Traditional refrigerators required you to fill up water manually in molding trays to set ice. Some of those refrigerators also come with automatic ice makers. It took hours until you could finally use the ice made in those refrigerators but this is not the case with portable ice makers.

Pour water in the portable ice maker unit’s reservoir. There is a mark in the reservoir. It indicates the level up to which the reservoir needs to be filled. The water in the reservoir is then pumped to a tray. When the refrigeration cycle begins 1/2 inch prongs on the heat exchanger are lowered into the water tray. These prongs are made up of materials that get cold within a short time. This, in turn, makes the water cold and it starts freezing into ice. When the ice is set, the heat exchanger heats up enough for the ice to slide into a collecting tray.

Factors To Consider Before Buying An Ice Maker

With the growing popularity of the convenience of ice makers, there has been a rise in the number of ice makers in the market. How do you decide which one is good for you? Here are some factors that will help you decide the most suitable ice maker for you

Size and Capacity

Portable ice makers are characteristically compact for convenience. Yet, the different products vary in sizes. If you plan to keep your ice maker on the countertop, go for a smaller product. Check the product dimensions before buying. You can check the dimensions of the product on online retailing stores or the packaging. The smaller the product is the more easily you can store it. It is also easy to carry if the ice maker is light.

If the size is not your concern, check the volume. An ice maker that is too small for your use will not solve your problem. A huge ice maker will take up energy and space. Buy an ice maker that is suitable for your needs.

Efficiency & Speed

Most manufacturers will mention how long would you have to wait before you get your ice. If you constantly need ice, it would be better if you check the time mentioned by the manufacturer for the ice to set in that ice maker. Most ice makers will start to produce ice 6-20 minutes after it is turned on. This speed may vary from model to model. Check before you buy it.

Cost

Portable Ice Makers are an affordable machine. The cost may vary from 100$ to 250$. The more the features, the more efficient it is, the higher will be the cost. Cheaper ice makers start being a problem in the first year itself. If you are someone who would use it frequently, invest in the ice maker for longer durability.

Intelligent Water Use

Since portable ice makers don’t keep the ice frozen, if you don’t use the ice fast enough, it will melt. One of the features of an efficient ice maker is how it uses the water stored in it. You can either throw away the molten ice water (which is a waste of water) or reuse it to make ice again. Some models have this feature that uses the water again for ice making. Intelligent water use saves on water. It also reduces the frequency of filling the reservoir.

Some of the extra-features are

• Self-cleaning makes the process of cleaning much easier.
• Ice size selection lets you decide what size of ice you would prefer.
• Ice scoop lets you conveniently take the ice out.

Read More: Best Electric Pressure Cooker

FAQs

Q. Do portable ice makers need a water line?

Ans. No. Portable ice makers do not need a constant supply of water or a water line. You have to manually pour in the water when you need ice. Turn it on to start the ice production process.

Q. How long does the ice remains frozen in an ice maker?

Ans. Ice Maker does not act as a freezer. After the ice has been set, you either use it right away or put it away in a traditional freezer. The ice starts melting in the ice maker, and the water is sent back to the built-in reservoir for reuse.

Q. How long do ice makers take to make ice?

Ans. Unlike the traditional method of setting ice in the refrigerator that takes hours, most ice makers make ice within a few minutes. It may take 6-15 minutes by the ice makers to make ice.

Q. What is the difference between ice production volume and ice storage capacity?

Ans. Ice production capacity is how much ice is produced in measure of the unit in 24 hours whereas the ice storage volume is how much ice can the ice maker holds in at any given point of time.

Q. What type of ice do portable ice makers make?

Ans. Most portable ice makers produce bullet ice or cylindrical shaped ice. Although, some ice maker model lets you decide on the size of ice.

Q. Do I need a special plug or power supply to run my portable ice maker?

Ans. A portable ice maker uses the standard three-pronged plug. It needs the power of 110-150 Watts. When you’re out, you can use a DC adaptor connected to your vehicle to power your ice maker.

Q. How do I clean my ice maker?

Ans. It is important to clean the ice maker frequently. Impurities in the water may stick to the walls of the cooling unit and the subsequent ice that will be dispensed might be smelly and impure. Some ice makers come with a self-cleaning feature.

Others that don’t have this feature can be easily cleaned too. Pour the ice maker cleaner mix in the ice maker and turn it on. Wait for the mixture to be frozen into cubes. Discard the cleaner cube. Pour water into the ice maker, and let it set. Discard the ice cubes again. This process cleans the ice maker. You should also clean the ice scoop and other related utensils used for the ice maker to keep it hygienic.

Q. What is the difference between clear ice and opaque ice?

Ans. The ice which takes longer to set is usually cloudy and opaque. When the ice is in the process of freezing, air bubbles get trapped inside the ice structure. This makes the ice opaque. In places where the ice sets fast, air bubbles do not get the time to form inside the ice. This keeps the ice clear. Clear ice has a slower melting rate. When put in drinks, this will keep your drink cooler for a longer time than regular ice.  It won’t dilute your drink either.

Conclusion

The small size and efficiency of a portable ice maker make it a useful appliance in the house. You don’t have to wait for hours for the ice to set. You can have it in a matter of minutes when you want them. It is quite easy to use and does not require complicated installation. It’s small enough to sit on your counter-top and light enough for you to take it on outdoor trips. With proper and frequent cleaning you don’t have to worry about the quality of ice either. Portable ice makers are a compact, efficient, and affordable addition to your kitchen, garden, boats, RVs, camps, and other places.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article. For more articles to make your lifestyle better follow familyliving.guide