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Portable ice makers are not as common as other kitchen appliances so you may be at a loss when looking to invest in one. With so many models available it can be daunting.
That’s why we decided to test the top models on the market for your home use. We’ve looked at dozens of designs and tested them relentlessly to find a portable compact electric ice maker that will work for your needs.
After looking at criteria such as: size, speed, quality/quantity of ice cubes, sound, available features, and user reviews we have come to our decisions. Here are our top picks, for the best portable ice makers machines.
Our Top Pick
Frigidaire EFIC101 Portable Ice Maker
Frigidaire’s stainless steel ice maker machine meets all our requirements. It provides ice cubes in just 6 minutes, is equipped with a large window so you can monitor ice levels, is quiet and lightweight, makes excellent ice, and is extremely durable. It is affordable and in our opinion the best ice maker we reviewed.
Other Great Picks
Ikich Portable Ice Maker Machine
This compact portable ice maker got high marks for its sleek LED display panel, ice making speed, quality of ice, and efficiency. With nearly 1,500 positive reviews you can’t go wrong with this model.
Vivohome Electric Portable Countertop Ice Cube Maker
This very portable and lightweight ice machine was a treat to use. Its simple design is intuitive and easy to use and it produces ice in as little as 6 minutes. Over 450 happy customers would agree – this is a stellar buy.
GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
This deluxe ice maker boasts a feature the others on our list lack: nugget ice. Nugget ice has quite the following and is most commonly associated with restaurants, like Sonic. It’s a perfect addition to a smart home as it is Bluetooth enabled allowing you to start it from your phone at any time. It’s one of the pricier models we tested, but over 400 satisfied customers say it is worth every penny.
Antarctic Star Countertop Portable Ice Maker
The compact design and easy to clean features of this home use ice maker machine make it perfect for any kitchen. Choose your ice cube size preference, press one button, and in less than 8 minutes you’ll have your first batch of solid delicious ice. Highly recommended.
Costway Ice Maker for Countertop
This portable countertop ice maker impressed us with its lightweight body and ability to make more than 26lbs of ice a day. It’s a workhorse that comes with a convenient ice scoop and has a user-friendly control interface. Over 800 positive reviewers agree this is a great ice maker.
Crownful Ice Maker Machine
Crownful’s ice maker machine is portable and convenient. It has a removable ice bucket and a storage capacity of up to 80 ice cubes! It will produce ice in 8-10 minutes and is surprisingly quiet. This is a great choice for countertop ice makers.
Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Ice Maker
The retro design is an added bonus to this dependable and efficient portable ice maker. With the capacity to produce up to 26lbs of ice a day and ice storage of up to two pounds, you cannot go wrong with this machine.
Trustech Ice Maker
Trustech’s portable ice maker is super easy to use (one touch operation), fast and efficient, and has a really nice self-cleaning mode. There was nothing about this machine we could find fault with.
Homelabs Portable Ice Maker
With over 2,000 happy customers, the Homelabs ice maker was an easy pick for our list. Its auto shutdown feature will turn the maker off if it runs out of water or if the ice bucket becomes full, preventing any home disasters. This is a solid choice for home ice maker machines.
What Is A Portable Ice Maker?
A portable ice maker makes ice production a breeze. It’s essentially a mini version of a traditional ice maker. Its portability makes it a versatile machine that allows you to make ice within minutes in the comfort of your home or even outdoors.
These compact machines are popular for home bars, poolside, tailgating, camping, and as an additional ice source when your freezer just won’t cut it.
These handy ice makers will make a batch of ice in mere minutes and can produce up to 26 pounds of ice in a day. They are great for those who regularly entertain guests at home or for those who want ice wherever they go.
How Do Portable Ice Makers Work?
Portable ice makers work so quickly to produce ice cubes that it can seem like magic. There is a completely logical explanation, however, for the way it operates.
The machine’s water reservoir is filled and when the ice maker is turned on the water moves into a rotating ice tray. The water is quickly frozen into ice cubes via a compressor and fan unit.
The newly created ice cubes will fall into an ice tray or ice basket for easy removal.
How Do I Use A Portable Ice Maker?
Every model of ice maker will differ slightly. Always read and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
Generally freestanding ice makers are extremely simple to use. Plug the machine in, fill the reservoir with water, then use the control panel to choose your settings and start the machine.
When the cubes are ready they will drop into a dispenser or ice basket and can be removed for use or storage.
How Long Does It Take For Portable Ice Makers To Make Ice?
Portable ice makers efficiency will vary by model. The average length of time for one batch of ice is between 6 – 15 minutes. Most of our top picks freeze cubes in 6 minutes.
Adhering to the model’s instructions will help ensure your ice is made in the timeliest fashion. Any deviance from the manufacturer’s protocols can cause delays in production times.
Do Portable Ice Makers Keep Ice Frozen?
The short and simple answer is no. Portable ice makers are insulated to help keep freshly made cubes cool, but over time they will indeed melt if not used.
It is best to transfer batches of unused ice to a freezer or ice chest to prevent melting. Many of the models on our list have drip trays that transfer any melted cubes back into the water reservoir to be refrozen.
Do Portable Ice Makers Need A Water Line?
Part of the convenience of a portable ice maker is its portability. Being able to move the machine around means it is not tethered to a dedicated water line.
Instead, portable ice makers use water reservoirs you fill to make ice cubes. Different models have larger or smaller reservoirs depending on the volume of ice batches you require.
Do Portable Ice Makers Have Water Filters?
Water filters are not a common feature of portable ice makers. Although a water filter is not necessary to make ice, filtered water has advantages over non-filtered water.
Filtered water produces ice that generally tastes and smells better and has a clearer, less cloudy appearance. It can also help prolong the life of the machine by not adding mineral buildup to the inside.
If your portable ice maker does not have a filter, simply use filtered water to fill the water reservoir to reap these benefits.
How Do I Clean My Portable Ice Maker?
In general, portable ice makers are designed to be easy to clean. Some models even have a self-cleaning mode which takes care of the dirty work for you.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe cleaning. A typical portable ice maker can be cleaned by following these steps:
- Unplug the machine
- Empty the water reservoir and ice basket
- Wash the water reservoir with a dish soap and sponge
- Wipe down the interior with a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth or sponge
- Wipe down the outside of the machine with a soft cloth or sponge
- For occasional internal cleaning you can run a solution of 10:1 water and vinegar through the machine to make several batches of ice cubes. Throw out the water/vinegar cubes
- Make another batch or two with just water and throw these out as well. After that all traces of vinegar should be flushed out and you can resume regular use
Do Portable Ice Makers Make Different Sizes of Ice Cubes?
Many portable ice maker models offer different sizes and shapes for ice cubes. The majority of machines will make at least 2 sizes (small and large), but others may offer more choices.
The shape of ice cubes can vary as well with some making rounded hollowed cubes and others making solid squared cubes. There are portable ice maker machines out there for all preferences.
How Much Ice Do Portable Ice Makers Make?
The amount of ice cube production is another variable in the portable ice maker decision process. Daily ice production on average is about 26 pounds of ice.
If the average is not enough ice for your needs, you are encouraged to seek out more robust models that will make larger quantities. For the average person, most of the portable ice makers on the market meet their ice production needs.
How Do You Know When Ice Cubes Are Ready?
There are different ways to know when your freestanding ice maker has completed a batch of ice depending on the model.
Some designs use indicator lights to alert you of new cubes, whereas others may have a message display on the control panel. A soft chime or beep is sometimes used as well. And some models rely on large windows showing the ice basket for you to monitor cube production.
Are Portable Ice Makers Worth It?
A portable ice maker is not a standard or necessary appliance for every kitchen. It can definitely be a very handy addition, however.
Portable ice makers are useful if you find yourself entertaining guests often or enjoy picnics and camping throughout the year. For those with small freezers (or you just can’t stand refilling ice trays constantly) these are game changers.
Portable ice makers are not necessarily kitchen appliances as they can be used anywhere a plug can be found.
Where Can I Buy Portable Ice Makers?
If you are looking to purchase a compact portable ice maker you will be happy to know they are widely available through many retailers.
Amazon is of course a convenient option with many makes and models to choose from and consumer reviews to sift through. Our top picks can all be found on Amazon.
Other options include home appliance and home improvement stores like: Best Buy, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Target, and Walmart. Although stores may carry a limited number of models in-store, these retailers offer more options online.
What Brands Make Portable Ice Makers?
Many home appliance companies make portable ice maker machines. Our list of our top ten picks show how very diverse the market is. Here are some of the leading brands in portable ice makers:
- Frigidaire
- Igloo
- GE
- Costway
- NewAir
- Magic Chef
- SharperImage
- Edgstar
- Danby
- Avanti
How Do I Choose A Portable Ice Maker?
Choosing a portable ice maker comes down to your preferences and personal needs. Think about how much ice production you need and what features are important to you to help you settle on a model.
If you prefer a particular shape of ice cubes or require a daily ice production that is above the average machine’s capabilities you may need to seek out models that fit the criteria.
If you just need a reliable compact portable ice maker you can be confident will work, look no further than our top ten choices above.
The Best Portable Ice Maker
There you have it – our picks for the best portable ice makers. While many of the options available offer similar features, there are definitely machines out there for every taste and every need.
You can’t go wrong with any of the models we listed on our top ten list above. The ice machines we reviewed offer different ice sizes, various ice storage capacities, and a variation in compact designs ensuring there is a home use portable ice maker out there for everyone.