Best Portable Ice Maker Reviews (Top 10 in 2020)

The best portable ice maker is going to bring a lot of benefits into your home. The fact is that these devices are very effective and usable not only in households. With this in mind, almost every larger company has one in their break room. Another proper application is in a hotel room – all of the reputable hotels are going to be offering such a solution to their refined customers. Nevertheless, getting the right device is not always easy. A lot of things like size, ice capacity, production speed and many, many more to list, need to be properly accounted for before making the final decision. This is why we have a compiled a concise yet very informative list of the best portable ice makers reviews. It is specifically designated to allow you to make a proper comparison between different units that would ultimately allow you to make the best decision and purchase the perfect device for your particular needs.

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• Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S
• Capacity: 26 lbs
• Cycle time: 6 min
• Ice cubes: 2 sizes
• Dimensions: 11 x 14.8 x 14.7
• Other features: bottom drain, overflow protection, LED controls, add water and empty ice indicators,

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• Ivation
• Capacity: 26.5 lbs
• Cycle time: 8 min
• Ice cubes: 2 sizes
• Dimensions: 9.5 x 12.9 x 14.1
• Other features: Compressor Refrigeration Technology, removable tray, push touch buttons, low water and maximum capacity reached alerts

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• NewAir AI-100R
• Capacity: 28 lbs
• Cycle time: 15 min
• Ice cubes: 3 sizes
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.8 x 15
• Other features: side mounted drain, removable ice bin, overflow protection, electronic controls

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• Edgestar IP210SS1
• Capacity: 28 lbs
• Cycle time: 10 min
• Ice cubes: 3 sizes
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.8 x 14.5
• Other features: electronic controls, no draw required, 1 gallon water reservoir, holds 2 lbs of ice at a time

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• Magic Chef MCIM22TS
• Capacity: 27 lbs
• Cycle time: 7 min
• Ice cubes: 3 sizes
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.7 x 14.9
• Other features: exterior drain, holds up to 4 lbs of ice in a storage basket, full basket and empty water indicator lights

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• Knox
• Capacity: 27 lbs
• Cycle time: 6 min
• Ice cubes: 3 sizes
• Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 14
• Other features: low water and ice full indicators, storage tray holds 2.2 lbs of ice, removable ice tray

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Top 10 Portable Ice Makers

NewAir AI-100R

There are a lot of different things that make this unit one of the best ice maker machines out on the market during 2020. Right off the bat, the device comes in a convenient and compact design which makes it perfectly suitable to be used in kitchens and other compact spaces such as RVs, boats, and many other applications. It is fully capable of producing around 28 pounds of ice each day which would ensure that you won’t run out of ice and you won’t have to go to your local shop for a bag of ice.

The unit comes with an easy-to-use LED control panel that is going to enable you to select from three different ice size settings. This means that you would be fully able to produce ice for every occasion. The unit is fully portable and requires no installation. All you have to do is to plug it in the power source, add water and wait for up to 15 minutes in order to enjoy your freshly produced ice. It comes with a flawless design that lives up to the excellent reputation the manufacturer has. It offers consistent as well as dependable ice production.

The ice maker comes with a removable bin and an Ice Scoop which means that you won’t be required to do any kind of heavy lifting. The unit is equipped with a full basket indicator which would allow you to know when to empty the bin. It also has an overflow protection that would let you stop the production of ice when you need to.

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Avalon Bay Portable Ice Maker AB-ICE262 S

Being one of the best countertop ice makers, this particular device surely brings a lot of advantages to the table. The Avavlon Bay AB-ICE262 S is fully capable of producing up to about 26 pounds of fresh ice every day. This would surely eliminate the need of you ever having to shop for ice again. It is able of producing your ice in about six minutes which is considerably faster than other devices.

You would be able to choose from two ice sizes. This feature is specifically designated in order to accommodate each one of your needs. It does not matter if you need small, thin ice blocks or larger ones to fill up a cup of whiskey – this ice maker is capable of providing you with both. You also won’t have to worry about forgetting to add water or empty the ice because the lighted indicators are there to remind you of it. It also features an automatic overflow protection which is truly amongst the best features.

The unit comes in 11 x 14.8 x 14.7 inches size and a light weight of around 22 pounds. This makes it perfect for using it in your kitchen on your counter top or in other compact areas such as an RV or a boat, for instance. The device is also incredibly convenient if you are the host of a small party because the short ice production speed would ensure that your guests are supplied with enough ice for their drinks.

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Ivation Portable Ice Maker

The Ivation Portable Ice Maker utilizes a modern compressor refrigeration technology which allows it to efficiently produce ice cubes. It has a sleek performance which is also complemented by the design of the device. It would allow you to select from two cube sizes of the ice which makes it convenient for satisfying different demands. It also has a removable tray that would ensure that you can easily transfer the ice itself.

The unit comes in a 9.5 x 12.9 x 14.1 inches size and with its insignificant weight of about 14.1 pounds it is surely one of the top portable ice makers out on the market during the current year. At the same time, it features a large see-through window that is going to allow you to witness and monitor the process of ice generation and check the levels.

The easy-push touch buttons have intuitive icons for digital control. This is what makes the device a state of the art machine with top notch modern features. It also features some alerts that would enable you to rest assured that you won’t forget important things about it. For instance, it would alarm you when the water level is low or when the maximum ice capacity is reached. This would allow you to act accordingly and prevent potential complications.

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EdgeStar Portable Stainless Steel Ice Maker

The EdgeStar Portable Stainless Steel Ice Maker is one of the top rated portable ice makers on the market and this is for a variety of different, good reasons. Right of the bat the machine features easy to use electronic controls. This would allow you to quickly navigate through the different settings.  It is fully capable of storing up to 2 pounds of ice at a time. It comes with stainless steel wrapped body, with a matching silver lid that is designed to complement most of the contemporary and modern interior kitchen designs.

The unit allows you to choose from three different ice cube sizes for your own personal convenience. It comes with a 1-gallon water reservoir that is going to allow you to produce plenty of ice on a single fill. No draining is required as well. The machine would produce the ice in under than 10 minutes which means you can enjoy freshly made ice in short periods of time. It is capable of generating up to 28 pounds of ice per day which is more than enough to satisfy a moderate demand for ice. It is perfectly suitable for your boat, RV or small kitchen.

The manufacturer also offers different color options that could complement different interior designs. It comes in 14 ½ inches height, 11 ¾ inches width, and 14 ½ inches depth and weighs around 25 pounds which make it a perfect portable solution.

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Magic Chef MCIM22TS

Being one of the best home ice maker machines on the market during the current year, the Magic Chef MCIM22TS surely has a lot to offer. It is a portable mini ice maker that comes in a stylish stainless steel look capable of perfectly complementing the interior design of your modern kitchen or RV or boat. This unit from Magic Chef is capable of providing you with about 27 pounds of ice in 24 hours which is rather significant in comparison to its portability. This represents the aim of the manufacturer of offering the client with great performance without sacrificing portability and compactness.

The unit allows you to choose from three different ice cube sizes. You can produce small shards of ice for cocktails or larger cubes for heavy drinks like whiskey or vodka. The unit is perfect for producing ice for any occasion and it is just about enough to satisfy the demand of a moderate party. The device would allow you to rest assured that your guests won’t run out of ice for their drinks. It is producing about 9 ice cubes in a single cycle which normally takes about 7 minutes. This also speaks a lot about the performance of the machine.

The unit features an exterior drain and a see-through window that would allow you to oversee the ice generating process in case you think something is wrong. The unit does not require absolutely any installation and the only thing you would have to do is to plug it in the power source and enjoy your freshly made ice in less than 10 minutes. Regardless of its relatively powerful performance capabilities, the unit is compact and portable with its 14.5 x 11.7 x 14.9 inches size and 26 pounds of weight.

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Knox Portable Compact Ice Maker

There are a lot of reasons for which the Knox Portable Compact Ice maker is considered to be one of the best ice machines for home on the market during this year. The device utilizes modern compressor refrigeration technology which allows it to efficiently produce ice cubes. It also comes with a sleek design that is specially designated to ensure higher performance rates. The ice maker would allow you to choose between three selectable cube sizes in order to properly satisfy all of your demands.

The removable tray makes sure that you can easily transfer the ice from place to place. It also features a significantly large see-through window that is going to allow you to monitor the whole process of ice production as well as to check the level. It comes with a modern, clear LCD display, intuitive icons and easy-push touch buttons that would enable you to easily navigate through its different operational settings. It also has an automatic on and off timer that can be preset in order to have ice prepared in advance to the occasion that you need it for.

The unit would also eliminate the worry about whether or not you are forgetting something because it has two alerts – one for that would indicate that the water level is law and another that would signal that the ice capacity has reached its maximum.  All of this is fit in a compact 16 x 13.5 x 14.5 inches size and insignificant 23.6 pounds weight, ensuring that the device could be used for a lot of different occasions.

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• Koldfront KIM202W
• Capacity: 26 lbs
• Cycle time: 10 min
• Ice cubes: 2 sizes
• Storage capacity: 1.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.1 x 12.9

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• Ivation
• Capacity: 26.5 lbs
• Cycle time: 6 min
• Ice cubes: 3 sizes
• Storage capacity: 1.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 11.7 x 14.2 x 13.3

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• ICE102
• Capacity: 26 lbs
• Cycle time: 6 min
• Ice cubes: 2 sizes
• Storage capacity: 1.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 14.5

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• Igloo ICE103
• Capacity: 26 lbs
• Cycle time: 6 min
• Ice cubes: 3 sizes
• Storage capacity: 1.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 15

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Koldfront Ultra Compact Portable Ice Maker

This unit comes in a 9.5 x 14.1 x 12.9 inches size and an insignificant weight of 25 pounds which says a lot about its’ the portability and compactness. This is what makes it one of the best residential ice maker machines on the market during this year. Regardless of its small sizes, the unit would produce the ice in less than 10 minutes which ensures that you will be able to enjoy your freshly made ice in significantly short periods of time. You can fill it up with tap or bottled water.

The KoldFront Ultra Compact Portable Ice Maker is perfectly capable and fit for the production of about 26 pounds of ice each day. You are allowed to choose from two different selectable ice cube sizes in order to be able to properly accommodate your particular need for ice. It is capable of storing up to 1.5 pounds of water and is perfectly sized for countertops. This means that you can easily find space for it on the countertop in your kitchen without having to worry if it would take a lot of countertop space.

The unit does not require any kind of installation and all you have to do is to plug it into the outlet and you are all set. It is worth mentioning that the unit is insulated but it is not advisable to use it as a freezer. It is perfectly capable for RVs, cabins, boats and no drain is required.

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Ivation Portable High Capacity Ice Maker

Being one amongst the best small ice makers on the market throughout this entire year, the Ivation Portable High Capacity Ice Maker surely does bring a lot of advantages into your kitchen. Regardless of its relatively small size, the unit is capable of storing up to 2.8 liters of water and producing as much as 26.5 pounds of ice each day. This amount is perfectly fit for satisfying the needs of a moderate party, should you decide to host one. You can also freely choose between three different selectable cube sizes that would enable you to generate ice for different demands.

At the same time, the unit is using modern compressor refrigeration technology that allows it to produce ice cubes efficiently. Its design also contributes to the performance. The unit comes with a removable tray that would allow you to easily carry the ice from one place to another which is actually quite convenient. The large see-through window is there to let you oversee the process if you feel like something is wrong or to simply check the levels. It also features a clear LCD display for further convenience.

The Intuitive Icons, as well as the easy-push touch buttons, make it really easy to navigate through the different settings of the unit. The automatic on and off timer are there to allow you to set the device in advance in order to have ice exactly when you need it. It also features two different alerts that would inform you when your water levels are low and when you have reached the maximum ice capacity.

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ICE102 Compact Ice Maker

The best compact ice maker is truly not easy to find. However, with the ICE102 Compact Ice Maker you are not far from the right answer. This ice generating solution comes in the perfect blend of portability and high performance rates. It is finished in stylish silver in order to properly complement the contemporary and modern interior appeal of your kitchen. You will be able to enjoy a batch of freshly produced ice in not more than 6 minutes which really speaks a lot about the performance capabilities of the machine.

It is also fully capable of generating about 26 pounds of ice in a day and would enable you to choose from two selectable ice sizes. This feature is designated to allow you accommodate each of your demands for ices. It comes with a gallon that could store up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. The 2.3 quart reservoir with electronic LED controls represents the modern and innovative part of the device. It would let you easily navigate through the different operation settings.

The machine is intended to be used as a countertop ice maker with its compact 15 x 11 x 14.5 inches size. The unit is also incredibly portable thanks to the insignificant size of 21.3 pounds. All this combined with the fact that it needs absolutely no installation makes it the perfect solution for you to carry in your RV or boat. The only thing that you would be required to do is to plug it in an appropriate outlet and enjoy your fresh ice.

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Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker

High portable ice maker ratings do not lie. This is why the Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker is put on our top 10 list for the current year. The unit comes in a contemporary stainless steel finish which makes it the perfect addition to your contemporary kitchen furnishing. It is fully portable because it needs no installation. You can just plug it in an appropriate power source, wait for a few minutes and enjoy a batch of freshly prepared ice cubes.

The unit comes with an over-sized bucket that would allow you to hold up to 2.2 pounds of ice at a time. This is incredibly convenient as you don’t have to worry about frequently making sure that the bucket is emptied. It also lets you choose from three different ice cube sizes – small, medium and large that would allow you to accommodate all of your demands.

The device is capable of producing a batch of ice in as little as six minutes which means you can enjoy your ice in considerably short periods of time. The fact that it is capable of generating up to 26 pounds of ice per day makes it possible for you to host a moderate party without having to worry about whether or not the ice is going to be sufficient.

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How Do Ice Makers Work?

The fact is that only a century ago ice was not something that was easy to come by in most parts of the world. In fact, in hotter climates you had to buy the ice from a delivery service that imported hefty blocks from rather colder and distant climate location. The price used to be rather high but if you wanted to use ice to cool off food and drinks – you didn’t really have much of a choice.

All of this has changed and right now the picture is absolutely different. Portable ice makers make it easy and convenient for you to literally generate your own ice in the form of small cubes by the press of a button.

Most of the modern icemakers use an electric motor, electrically operated water valve as well as an electrical heating unit. In order to provide enough power to all of the components, you would have to hook it up to the plumbing line in your house in order to provide fresh water for the ice. However, modern portable ice makers do not require to be attached to the plumbing as they have their own portable reservoirs which are filled manually. They only need to be plugged in a power source capable of powering them up and you are good to go.

This is the main advantage of a portable ice maker. All of the components are fit within a small outer body that is compact and easily fit on your countertop. The machine works pretty straightforward by distributing the water in particular slots. The size and shape of the slots vary but generally they are cubic and come in three different sizes – small, medium and large. The temperature afterward is dropped to the needed degree thus ensuring the production of ice.

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Ice Maker

As you can probably figure out by the descriptions listed above, there are a lot of things that need to be thoroughly taken into consideration before purchasing a portable ice maker. It might be rather hard and annoying to compare different product descriptions without having a clear idea of what to look out for. This is why we have compiled a list of the most important features that you should be keeping an eye out for when choosing your ice maker. Of course, it is always good to make a portable ice maker comparison if you want to make sure that you have gone through most of your options. After all, this might allow you to purchase a rather inexpensive ice maker that would perfectly accommodate your particular need of ice generating.

• Capacity

  The capacity of the portable ice maker that you have set your sight on would determine the overall amount of ice that it is capable of producing. A general rule of thumb here is to get the unit with the highest capacity if you have a larger demand for ice. For instance, if you have a catering company, you might consider buying a few portable ice makers with over-sized reservoirs which would allow you to produce a larger amount of ice. On the other hand, if you need a portable ice maker that is only going to be delivering ice for your night drinks with your husband or wife, then you are probably good with a smaller sized ice maker. Don’t overspend on things that you have no application for.

• Cycle time

  The cycle time is the amount of time that your portable ice maker is going to take in order to generate a batch of ice. Normally this type of time frames differ based on the machine and it could typically take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes for a machine to produce a single batch of eyes. However, modern machines that use a lot complex technology are able to produce a batch of ice in about five minutes. Considering that one batch normally consists of about nine ice cubes, this is more than enough to satisfy almost all kinds of ice demands ranging from residential uses to catering company usage.

• Size

  The size of the portable ice maker is probably one of its main advantages. With this in mind, it is vital to properly identify your own personal need for ice production. Bigger machines are capable of producing a lot more ice, but if you don’t need that much you should opt to buy smaller units.

  The first thing that you need to do is to measure the place you want to fit the machine in. This is incredibly important if you are purchasing an undercounter device that has to be built in. One wrong measuring might cause you to buy a unit that is completely unfit for the place you want to install it in. This is why you should be extremely careful and measure the dimensions a few times before proceeding with the purchase.

  On the other hand, portable ice makers are normally intended to be carried from one place to another. This is why you would want to consider buying a unit that is relatively light weight so that you can easily carry it around.

• Type and dimensions of the cubes

  There are several different types of ice cubes and most of the portable ice makers support the option to produce the ice in those different shapes. For instance, the most general and commonly used shape is the cubic one. This allows the ice to melt at a rate which is especially convenient if it is used to cool off a drink.

  On the other hand, another of the commonly used shapes of ice cubes is the bullet-like one. This is exactly what it sounds like – ice shaped like a bullet. Nevertheless, there are also cloudy forms that kind of remind us of the ice produced by a traditional freezer.

  However, the dimension of the ice cube is also quite important, especially if you are a person that would appreciate a glass of fine whiskey, for instance. You would certainly know that too much ice is going to cause the drink to taste like water and ruin the taste of it. This is why you would want to put just the right amount of ice in it. Different sizes allow more versatility.

• Budget

  This is, of course, the most important thing that you would have to consider when purchasing a portable ice maker. This is due to the fact that how much money you have to spend is ultimately going to decide the price range and thus the nature of the unit itself. As with every technology – the most modern and up-to-date devices come at a rather higher price. So you would have to be prepared to spend a little more if you want a new device.

• Features

  The features are the perks that make your device special. For a portable ice maker, you want to get a unit with an easy-push touch panel that would allow you to easily navigate through the operation settings. At the same time, you might want to go for an option that has a large see-through glass that would allow you to check the levels and the production process of the ice itself. Another feature that some of the more advanced ice makers offer is the ice shaving feature.

As you can see for yourself, there are a lot of things that you would have to account for when shopping for a portable ice maker. Even though it may sound rather straight forward it most certainly isn’t. This article provides you with the opportunity to make the perfect portable ice maker comparison and choose the one that would perfectly suit your particular needs.

The Advantages of Using a Portable Ice Maker

There are a lot of different benefits that a portable ice maker is going to bring on the table. This is because they offer a great variety of different features which differ from the standard ice making machines. So with this being said, let’s roll ahead and check out some of the most significant advantages of a portable ice maker.

• Their size

  Of course, the first thing that pops into mind when you hear the word “portable” is the relatively small size and light weight. This is very much true for the portable ice maker machines. They normally come in a significantly smaller size and not weighing more than 25 pounds. This makes them perfect to carry around and use on a trip with your RV or boat. At the same time, most of them come with rather modern and contemporary designs which make them perfect for complementing the interior design of your kitchen without sacrificing much countertop space.

• Performance capabilities

  Despite their relatively small size, most of the portable ice makers are capable of delivering a significant amount of up to 30 pounds of ice per day. This is more than enough to satisfy demands for ice for a moderate house party, for instance. Not to mention the operational speed. They are able to produce batches of ice in short time periods of not more than 10 minutes. This means that you would be able to enjoy a continuous amount of freshly prepared ice.

• Different ice cube sizes

  Almost all of the portable ice makers are going to allow you to choose from three different ice cube sizes – small, medium and large. This means that you can accommodate all kinds of needs for ice. Whether you need it to prepare a cocktail or you want to enjoy a nice cup of whiskey with a larger ice cube in it, you can be sure that your portable ice maker is going to be able to deliver.

• Easy to operate with

  The fact that the device does not need any kind of installation is really convenient. All you have to do is plug it into an appropriate power source and wait for a few minutes and enjoy your first batch of freshly prepared ice. At the same time, most of the portable ice makers come with easy-push touch operated panels which are quite simple to navigate through. Most of them also feature the possibility of setting an alert sound that is supposed to remind you when the water levels are low or when the storage compartment has reached its maximum capacity.

All in all, portable ice makers truly bring a lot of considerable benefits in your home. The fact that their size allows you to carry them around means that you won’t ever run out of ice, regardless of the place you are. This means that you can enjoy a refreshing beverage in a glass full of ice while you are on the beach, camping with your RV, for instance.

Places That Could Benefit From a Portable Ice Machine

Without a doubt, there are a lot of proper applications for a portable ice machine. There are a lot of places that are going to strongly benefit if there was such a unit in them. With this in mind, we have presented you with few examples of some of the places in which a portable ice machine would surely be a great addition.

1. Home

   A lot of families have fridges that are equipped with ice makers that are incorporated inside of them. This design is rather easy and convenient but it often seems like this solution rarely works. This may be due to a lot of factors. Some of the most common ones are blockages in the filling tube or wires that would stop sending power to the ice making part. In any case, people usually want to repair the problem but they soon find out that they are way better off with a portable ice maker which is used separately from their fridge. This is most commonly the problem solver of situations like this.

   It offers them ice on demand and they only have to wait a few minutes after they have switched the device on before they could enjoy their freshly prepared ice.

2. Catering

   People who work in the catering industry can surely relate to the importance of keeping foods and drinks at the proper temperature. Certain kinds of food need to be kept at an appropriate temperature so the taste is properly preserved and bacteria can be prevented from multiplying thus speeding up the rotting process. It is commonly recommended that warm foods be kept at a temperature ranging from 160 to 165 degrees and cold food should be kept at a temperature below 40 degrees. This is especially important for catering companies and this is why they use a lot of portable ice makers on occasions in order to satisfy this demand of ice.

3. Hotel rooms

   A lot of the more luxury hotels include ice makers in their rooms. This is due to the fact that the owners recognize the fact that clients would very much appreciate a glass of whiskey in the evening with just the right amount of ice in it. And not only this, a portable ice maker would also enable the clients of the hotel that are staying for a longer period of time to store their food and drinks at a proper temperature throughout their entire stay.

4. Backyard outdoor parties

   Backyard outdoor parties usually involve a lot of drinking. Cocktails, refrigerating non-alcoholic drinks, juice, ice-cream and literally all kinds of drinks are better off with a couple of ice cubes in them – especially in the summer. This is the main reason for which a portable ice maker is going to be the perfect addition as well as a solution for the ice making problem. Most of the units are fully capable of producing just about the right amount of ice for a moderate backyard outdoor party.

5. Break room

   Most of the larger companies usually have break rooms. This is a place where employees go to take a few minutes out of their busy schedule in order to rest a bit and catch their breath. This is the place where they can grab a cup of coffee or make a nice hot tea during colder winter days. However, during the hot summer months, it is commonly the need for refreshment that employees crave. There is nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold beverage. This is why a portable ice maker is going to be a perfect solution.

Countertop vs. Undercounter Ice Maker

When it comes to ice makers there are two general types – undercounter and countertop ice makers. The differentiation is based upon the way they are installed and used.

• Undercounter ice makers

  They are also very commonly referred to as built-in ice makers. They are specially designated to fit under various counters in order to provide a more discrete look that is designed to blend in with the overall appeal of your interior design. They vent from the front which gives you the freedom to install it into any cabinetry that you already have. They could also be used as freestanding units if you want them to provide a versatile installation option. They are also commonly used as commercial ice machines.

  The thing about undercounter ice makers is that they would generally require some sort of a drain. However, there are also drain-free units which are rather easier to install and cost a lot less are also available. This kind of device would normally come in a 15 or 18 inches width size and they would be capable of producing up to 60 pounds of ice each day if the conditions are optimal. This means that they are fully capable of producing a significant amount of ice which would ensure that your different demands are properly met. Some of the pros of the undercounter ice maker:

  • They blend easily with existing counters
  • Undercounter ice makers have large capacity

  However, there are also some disadvantages of this type of units.

  • They need a permanent water line and are recommended to be installed by a plumber
  • Some of the units also require drain lines.

• Portable ice makers

  Portable ice makers are quite the alternative of undercounter ones. They are specifically designated to be used as devices that could be carried from one place to another with little to no effort at all. This is due to their incredibly compact sizing and light weight. At the same time, they are equipped with everything needed to provide you with a considerable amount of ice in no time.

  Unlike undercounter units, portable ice makers do not require a permanent water line in order to work. They are designated to be plugged in a simple standard electric outlet. After this you simply fill the reservoir with fresh water, wait for a few minutes and enjoy your first batch of ice. With this in mind, some of the strongest advantages of portable ice makers include:

  • They are extremely portable and very compact which means they could be used in a lot of different locations and occasions.
  • They are capable of delivering ice in a matter of minutes
  • Portable ice makers are relatively inexpensive.

  Nevertheless, as any device, they also have some drawbacks.

  • They have a small capacity and won’t be able to keep the ice frozen for very long
  • The ice cubes are generally smaller and would melt quicker than the one that is produced by undercounter ice makers.

Ice Maker Maintenance

When it comes to ice maker maintenance, you would have to have in mind that each of the machines has its own unique functions as well as features but most of them a subjected to a basic and similar cleaning process. Removing the scale is always your main objective because the buildup can cause ice to stick to the evaporator plates’ surface which is likely to prevent the heat being transferred and would result in freeze-ups as well as long harvest times and reduction in capacity. This is why there is a basic maintenance curve that you should follow when you start cleaning your ice maker.

First thing you would want to do is to remove or dispose of the ice in advance. Start cleaning the machine’s water system by following the instructions set forth in your manual. After this, you want to remove and inspect all of the air filters and make sure they are properly cleaned up. Replace the ones that are polluted beyond the clearing. Start inspecting visually the machine components and make sure that you clean everything that you think needs to be cleared.

After this, it is highly recommended that you sanitize the machine after the cleaning is through by following the instructions of the manufacturer. Once you are done it is advisable that you observe at least two cycles of production and check the freeze and harvest cycle times. Always make sure that you throw away the first batch of ice that has been produced after you have cleaned the device.

Ice Maker Troubleshooting and Repair

Keep in mind that ice makers are devices just like any others and due to this simple fact, there are inevitably going to be some problems that would need addressing. With this in mind, we have compiled a list that is aiming to recognize the most common problems that is related to ice makers and to address and show some of the possible solutions. Some of them are executed alone, without the need of hiring professionals, while others require the attendance of a specially instructed and educated individual.

1. Ice maker makes too much ice or won’t shut off.

   What you want to do in occasions like this is to check the shutoff arm which extends away from the ice maker over the ice cube bin. This arm is supposed to rise up and then drop back down after the new ice is being dumped into the ice cube bin during each cycle. If the arm is malfunctioning, the best thing for you is to call a technician because this is not something that you can normally fix yourself. However, if the machine won’t shut off the first thing you ought to do is to test the shutoff switch. Make sure that it is properly connected to the machine and that the switch itself is working.

2. The unit does not make any ice.

   There are a lot of things that might be causing your machine to fail in producing ice. Again, the first thing that you want to check is the shutoff arm and make sure that it is working as intended. We are going to present you with a listing of the possible components that may be failing and this might be causing the lack of production in your device. So, make sure to check out your supply valve, the water supply line, the freezer temperature, the ejector gear, ejector motor, the ice mold heater or the holding switch, the water inlet switch, the thermostat and the water inlet valve. If something is wrong with any of those devices it is likely to be the cause.

3. The ice will not eject.

   Once you ice is prepared it is supposed to eject out of the ice cube bin and get into the storage compartment. If this does not happen you would want to inspect the ejector gear. Other components that might be causing this problem include the ejector motor, the holding switch, the thermostat and the ice mold heater.

As you can see, there are a lot of things that could actually go wrong with your ice maker. This is due to the fact that each of the ice making machines is equipped with a lot of different inner components that allow the device to fulfill its task. If only one of them malfunctions it is likely that the whole process is compromised. So if something happens to your machine, do not waste time and address the issue in a timely manner if you don’t want to overspend a significant amount of repair money afterward.

Best Portable Ice Maker Brands

When the topic at hand is portable ice makers, there are few brands that definitely deserve a worthy mention. Their logo on the unit is more than enough to ensure you of the great quality the unit would provide. Without further a due, here are some of the best portable ice maker brands

• NewAir

  The portable ice makers produced by this manufacturer are all convenient and high-performing. They offer both portable and undercounter ice makers that are capable of producing a range of 12 through 50 pounds of ice in a single day. They also come in a variety of different colors ranging that would allow you to find something that is matching your interior.

• EdgeStar

  EdgeStar is a company that specializes in portability, functionality as well as European styling. It is one of the leaders in the production of portable ice makers. They develop compact appliances that are specially designated to accommodate the needs of today’s busy lifestyle.

• Ice-O-Matic

  The machines of the company are produced by an outstanding manufacturer. Ice-O-Matic is known as a distinguished company that offers top quality machines, capable of satisfying even the highest demands. The main focus of the brand is durability, usability, and high performance.

• U-Line

  The U-Line company was founded back in 1962 by Henry Uihlein and ever since they have been designing and manufacturing outstanding ice makers. They specialize in producing residential undercounter and countertop ice makers and they assemble and engineer all of their products in the USA.

• Emerson.

Without a doubt, there are a lot of other manufacturers that also offer a lot of quality devices on the market. However, the ones that are listed are known for their products that offer outstanding performance without sacrificing incredible portability and compactness.

Conclusion

All in all, the best portable ice maker will truly provide you with a lot of advantages. You can easily fit it on your counter top as they do not require any kind of installation and it won’t take a lot of the valuable counter top space. At the same time most of the units come with elegant finishes which makes them a great addition and a complement to any modern and contemporary kitchen designs. These portable ice maker reviews have the sole purpose of presenting you with a wide choice of what we consider to be the best units of this type in the current year. They are all in the list based on a thorough research as well as comparison. All of the machines excel in something that is greatly beneficial for every household.