The best ice maker has the unique ability of turning the worst of hot days into a great summer day out. Whether it is cocktails, spirits, water or soda, having a machine dispense cubes when needed is a lot easier and perhaps better. You won't need to rush to the shop to buy a bag of ice now and then.
When it comes to selecting a unit, you need to know where you will place your ice maker machine. It will depend on whether you want a portable ice maker or one that will be placed on counter top. Here are the best ice makers we have chosen for you.
Best Ice Makers
1. GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product...
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable,...
- 24 POUNDS OF ICE PER DAY - Begin enjoying your first batch of ice...
- BUILT-IN WIFI AND VOICE CONTROL - Easily pair your ice maker’s...
- WATER TANK - Eliminate the need for an outside water source with...
Our first pick is the impressive Opal nugget ice maker that makes nugget ice. Nugget ice is soft and chewy ice that is suitable for use in making such products as smoothies and frozen margaritas. Therefore if you are in search of a commercial ice maker for your bar or place that sells smoothies this product is perfect. One of the benefits of using nugget ice for your blended cocktails is that it will cool your mixture for a longer time.
We measured the rate of this countertop ice machine and found that it produces one pound of ice cubes in one hour. Since the bin transparent, you can be able to monitor the amount of ice that is left or check whether to add some more. You can also scoop some ice conveniently as it makes nugget ice for use with the provided Ames ice scoop.
What is more, whenever this Opal nugget ice maker detects that there is little ice left in the bin, then it will produce some more. This means that you’ll never be left with lots of ice nuggets without knowing it. You can also perform the operation of your Opal nugget ice maker through your smartphone using Bluetooth Technology. First, download the FirstBuild app and that’s it, you’re ready to go.
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2. VIVOHOME Countertop Ice Maker
- EFFICIENT AND EFFORTLESS – Just plug in the power, add water...
- 2 SIZES OF ICE CUBES – Simply select the ice size (S/L) on the...
- PREMIUM MATERIAL – The countertop bullet ice maker is made from...
- SELF-CLEANING FUNCTION - With the self-cleaning ability, you only...
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE – Weighing only 16.9 pounds, the...
VIVOHOME Countertop Ice Maker is an easy to use, home or office appliance made for usage in homes, offices and parties. This use makes nine bullet-shaped ice cubes per 6 minutes with a daily production of 26 pounds Its features include self-cleaning and a hand scoop for added ‘ease of use.
You can expect to get ice from the VIVOHOME Ice Maker within minutes and cleaning it requires little or no effort at all which makes it ideal for daily home use or small functions. Nevertheless, it has a small bin which has to be refilled by hand and may be suitable for the consumer who uses a large amount of bags.
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3. NewAir Portable Ice Maker
- Choose from 3 bullet ice cube sizes
- Makes up to 28 pounds of ice per day
- Side mounted drain makes it easy to empty unused water
- 2 Indicator lights: Ice basket full indicator and empty water...
- Compact, portable size is perfect for RVs and apartments
This portable ice maker has a slightly lower output capacity of 28 pounds of ice per day than our previous pick with 40 pounds of ice. However, in all other fronts, this ice maker, which has a weight of 24.3 pounds, is so well designed. The only thing it has over the other two portable ice makers is that it has a smaller dimension and could therefore fit in cramped areas.
The ice pieces produced by this countertop ice maker come in bullet shapes and these outcomes in three ice sizes that you can set. Newair ice maker can you offer nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes. Thus, new cubes are ready at any moment you need to cool a beverage of your choice or prepare an ice water bath in a snap. Your veggies do not have to suffer for lack of bullet ice.
At the base of the machine there is a red indicator light that lets you know when it is refilling time. However, similar to most other icemakers, this best ice maker doesn’t come with a self-cleaning feature. But you can clean it traditionally with little difficulty in case the need arises. Self contained, easy to transport and clean, you can use these portable ice makers during your camping activities.
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4. Igloo Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Portable, convenient and compact in...
- LARGE ICE MAKING CAPACITY: Keep the water tank filled and this...
- WATER TANK CAPACITY: 3 quarts
- ICE BASKET CAPACITY: Stores up to 2 pounds of ice at a time
- QUICK FREEZING ICE: Makes 9 small or large cylinder shaped ice...
The freestanding Igloo ice maker is stylish and triggers the 1970s feel that will bring provincial glamor to your kitchen. You will get your clear ice cubes after seven minutes. The inner basket on the other hand can hold 2 pounds of ice. These countertop models have the ability to produce 26 pounds of ice per day. This means that you will always be left with some ice for your blended drinks, and a dozen other things.
The bullet cubes are available as shot sizes or large cubes for your mixed drinks. You can select the size you prefer through the LED control panel on the front side of the product. The low noise levels that characterize these countertop ice maker means that they should be an essential feature in your kitchen. The best portable ice maker comes with a scoop for serving and an easily detachable basket for your convenience.
You can get this best ice maker in stainless steel, white, and aqua, black if you don't like red.
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5. Frigidaire Counter Top Ice Maker
- Makes 26 lbs of Ice in Two Different Sizes
- 2.3 Quart Reservoir - Soft-Touch Electronic Controls
- Controls with LED Indicators - Built-in air outlet fan
- No installation required - just plug in unit, add water and enjoy...
Our fifth pick is a quiet, space-saving, and sleek stainless steel countertop ice maker with some cool features for a steady supply of ice. Here are some of them as follows compressor-powered cooling control panel with LED backlight and two options of ice cube size.
These countertop ice makers can produce up to 26 pounds of ice within one day. This freestanding ice maker can produce enough cubes in seven minutes to make a cool drink.
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Factors to Consider When Getting the Best Ice Maker
1. Size
Having an idea where you would like to install your machine will help make the decision regarding which size you prefer. There are various size of countertop ice makers. There are those that need very little space, and others that need a slightly bigger space.
The size defines the portability of the machine and hence, the smaller the machine the more portable it is. Its size shall define its location and its function within that location. But if it’s a little bit bigger then you can have it in your garage and call it a day.
2. Speed of Production
How first your model will produce pounds of ice per session is a very good factor to consider. Most portable Ice makers have a certain time range within which they are to make a certain quantity of ice cube sizes. This means that you don’t have to monitor ice production.
If you require a steady stream of ice then it’s best to get ice makers that can handle your requirements. If not, you can get an ice machine that dispenses ice into the ice tray when you want it to.
It means that the size of your machine defines the way it produces ice. However while most small ice makers are more portable, they make less quantities of ice. This is because of their relatively small size of the ice bin to the size of other machines. To maintain the ice level from being too high, you will have to drain them more often where the ice is stored. But the best ice maker will be equipped with lights that will inform you when it is time to dispose the ice.
3. Storage Capacity
Ice makers have different storage capacities. Your decision is as straightforward as the purpose you want to serve with your countertop ice maker. While it is possible to acquire a machine with high production rate the same machine may lack a big bin where you store the ice, which means you will be constant.
If you cannot spare the time or the energy to wait and then check to see if the machine is full, go for a large bin that can hold fresh ice and at the same time be space-saving on your countertop.
4. Type of Ice Maker
There are built-in machines and portable options. The final choice is the type of usage you plan on giving your machine. If you intend to go with it for travels, having a portable model should be perfect for you.
The built-in machines are appropriate for restaurants and other kinds of commercial use. As we have seen earlier countertop options we have come across today are designed better for travel and the kitchen environment.
5. Additional Features
In addition to making ice, some machines provide extra additional features so that you do not have to struggle while using them. For instance, if you have a machine with an option of using an automatic timer in slicing, or the machine has buttons that enable you to set the thickness of your cubes, then you enjoy more convenience.
If you would like a traditional machine which provides you only the required quantity of ice, it is acceptable as well. However, with advancement in technology almost all models are procured with some of the cool features like the self-cleaning mode.This feature ensures that you can press a button and request the maker to clean itself. There is also a machine that has a water dispenser option, so you don’t need to purchase a separate machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do ice machines need water?
Yes. Even the portable models require a continuous water source in order to keep producing ice needed for the drink’s refill. But if there is no access to water line you can add fresh water from a tap or even from a bottle to the stock.
They require replenishment after sometime maybe when the ice level is low in order for the machine to make more of it.
2. How long do built-in ice makers last?
High quality built-in ice makers have a tendency to have a durability of up to 5 years. But then again, they need to be properly used so that they can be of most utility to you. To be able to gain the benefits of this machine entails proper cleaning and thorough maintenance should be done.
This goes for the portable models as well. The cleaner the machines are, the longer they will be useful. Rather the five years is not constant. In a word, you can make the working machine last for even ten years and above if properly treated.
3. Can the water filter cause the machine not to work?
Yes. If the installation process of this water filter is wrong, the water channels in the machine will be blocked and less water will flow through the machine. In another way, if the filter is installed incorrectly, it will change the taste of the produced ice by your best ice maker.
If you discover that your machine is out of order for making ice, then you should also check if the water filter is well placed. Perhaps that is why it malfunctions.
