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Best portable ice makers - Top 10
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
Best Overall: VIVOHOME Portable Compact Ice Cube Maker Review
VIVOHOME
This VIVOHOME ice maker is our top choice for the best portable ice maker 2023. It’s fast, convenient, lightweight, and extremely durable. It can produce cubes in medium or large. It will alert you if it needs any kind of attention.
This ice maker only takes about 7 minutes to make a fresh batch of ice. It’s made of stainless steel, so it’s less prone to damage. Plus, it’s super small so you won’t have a hard time looking for a place for it.
Why We Like It
- Two cube sizes
- Has an alert
- Small
- Stainless steel
- Large amount per batch
- 6-10 minutes processing time
Easy to clean: NewAir Red AI-100R Ice maker Review
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NewAir
This NewAir is almost our top pick for the best rated portable ice maker in this review, but we felt that the Della deserved it a bit more. Still, it’s a great product.
Its famous name should be enough guarantee of its quality and great performance. The truth is, this product can almost do the exact same thing that the top pick can except that it takes a couple more minutes longer to create a new batch of ice. That’s really the only difference.
Why We Like It
- 3 cube sizes
- 15 minutes processing time
- Easy to clean
- Has an alert
- Lightweight
Hilarious Number of Ice: Frigidaire EFIC103 Ice Maker Review
Frigidaire
If you need a heavy-duty product that you can use for parties and for camping trips, go for this Frigidaire. It’s a strong ice maker that's made of stainless steel. It may not have the same impressive features as the first two above, but it’s still a great product.
This ice maker can produce cubes in three sizes. It also pumps them out pretty quickly at just 7 minutes per batch. It’s larger than most products on this list but that just means that it can accommodate more ice than they could.
Why We Like It
- Stainless steel
- 3 cube sizes
- 7 minutes processing time
- Large amount per batch
Fast as Lightning: Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker Review
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Magic Chef
This Magic Chef has a small drain on its side that you can use to empty it. It's a really well-built product that will fit perfectly in any house. Plus, it works fast at just 7 minutes of processing time per batch.
You don’t really have to constantly clean this machine. Maybe once a week of general cleaning would be enough to keep it safe and mold free. Plus, the fact that it has a side drains really makes things easier for you.
Sadly, it’s a little pricey. It costs too much for a product that doesn’t have the same features as the best rated machine on the review. Plus, it has a ridiculously long prep time.
Pros
- Fast
- 2 cube sizes
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Long Prep time
- Small cubes
User-friendly: Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop Review
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Euhomy
This Euhomy is a great ice machine. It’s one of our picks for the best countertop ice maker on the market. It works fast and eats the least amount of electricity among all the products in this list. Easy-to-use control panel makes this ice maker user-friendly, it is also doesn't need specific installation process. It’s always mentioned in Hamilton beach portable ice maker reviews because of their many similarities.
Sadly, ice cubes are very tiny. Also this machine lacks good insulation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 9 minutes processing time
- Has an alert
Cons
- Small cubes
- Needs better insulation
The Smallest One: Edgestar IP210BL Ice Maker Review
Edgestar
This Edgestar portable ice maker is the smallest unit on the market. It only takes about 10 minutes or so to prepare a batch. It can produce cubes in three different sizes, and it has a side drain that makes it conveniently easy to clean.
Unfortunately, it has a long prep time. Plus, the quality of its cubes varies. If those little details were fixed, it would have been a serious contender for the top place.
Pros
- 3 cube sizes
- Easy to clean
- Small
- 10 minutes processing time
- Has an alert
Cons
- Needs prep time
- Cube quality varies
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Convenient Carry Handle: Igloo ICEB26HNWHN Ice Maker Review
Igloo ICEB26HNWHN
This little appliance can give you cubes in two different sizes. It doesn’t have a lot of great features, but It’s still worth checking out. It has its flaws but it’s one of the fastest ice makers on this list.
Sadly, cubes can come out wet, so when you place them in the freezer they all solidify into one big chunk of ice. They also melt fast.
Pros
- 2 cube sizes
- Different body colors available
- 7 minutes processing time
Cons
Ice Scoop and Basket: Dreamiracle Ice Maker Review
Dreamiracle
- Efficient and Powerful: Dreamiracle ice makers adopt powerful compressor with thicker pew uew, 26g R600a refrigerant. Advanced pebble ice maker with 3-layer foaming technology (Anti-fingerprints metal plate, thickened foaming layer, food-grade PP), ensures fast cooling and low consumption.
- 33 lbs Ice Daily Capacity: High heat conduction evaporator makes the refrigeration system stable and efficient, just 7 minutes to get 9 pcs chewable, bullet-shaped ice-cubes. If one milk tea needs 5 to 10 pcs ice, 2.8L water tank capacity ice maker countertop can satisfy 370 to 185 cups a day. 130W low power sonic ice maker consumes lower electricity, saves the energy and money.
- Auto-Cleaning and 2 Size Ice Selectable: Ice makers countertop with self-cleaning function that greatly facilitates your daily maintenance work. Popular bullet-shaped ice is not easy to melt or stick, 2 different sizes ice maker machine is great for barbecue, basement bars, coffee shop, home party, a perfect Christmas gift for your friends who like chilled beer or beverages.
- Infrared Sensor and Simple Operation: Ice machine countertop with advanced infrared sensor technology, portable ice maker will automatically stop making ice when the ice basket is full or when you need to add water,no leakage. Simple to installation: Add Water, Press Button, Get Ice. The transparent windows ice maker is convenient for viewing the whole ice making process.
- 1 Years for Ice Maker Machine: Come with a removable ice basket, an ice scoop, a measuring cup, easily transfer the ice cubes from ice maker machine. Dreamiracle provides 1 year and 45 days return policy. Ice maker machine's stainless steel metal shell prolongs longevity, perfect for kitchen countertop, backyards, RV, restaurants, boats and more.
Quiet & Energy Efficient: IKICH Ice Maker Review
IKICH
- MAKE YOU GET ICE QUICKLY IN 6 MINUTES: IKICH quick ice maker machine works fast, just 6 minutes to get 9pcs of chewable, delicious, bullet-shaped ice-cubes per cycle and up to 26 lbs./12 kg of ice in 24 hrs. with its 2-liter/68 oz. water reservoir
- QUIET and EFFICIENT ICE MAKER: It runs at less than 45dB which means your entertainment will not be disturbed. Measures just 8.7 x 12.3 x 12.6 inches. Small enough to fit on most countertop and easy to store. Say “Goodbye" to noisy and bulky ice machines
- INTELLIGENT ICE MAKER WITH SMART INDICTOR: With simple control panel, just add water, plug it in, press the power button, select ice size and forget it. With a outlet and drain plug at the bottom, easy to empty water. Don't need any complex installation
- LARGE OR SMALL ICE SELECTABLE WITH BASKET and ICE SCOOP: 2 ice sizes optional. Popular bullet-shaped ice, not easy to melt and stick together, great for cooling drinks or small water bottle openings and food. Large translucent window for easy observation
- 2-YEAR FOR IKICH ICE MAKER: IKICH offers 2-year policy for this safe and portable ice machine. Made of food-grade material, just for your health and safety, no odor. It takes up less space at home or in the office, outdoor parties, or basement bars
Beautiful Bullet-Shaped Cubes: Vremi Ice Maker Review
Vremi
- Build A Better Beverage: Ditch annoying ice cube trays and clunky freezer ice, and treat yourself to beautiful bullet-shaped cubes with Vremi’s Very Nice Countertop Ice Maker.
- Quick Ice, And Lots Of It: Cool cubes are ready in just 8 to 10 minutes. This slick small kitchen appliance produces a whopping 26 pounds of ice per day, and holds up to 1.5 pounds of ice in its included bucket. Can’t use it all at once? No worries: Store the extra cubes in your freezer till it’s time for your next drink.
- Compact With Killer Design: Measures 9.5 x 12 x 13.5 inches and fits nicely on most countertops, with a 2.2 liter water reservoir that recycles water from melted ice to produce more cubes. Runs at an energy-efficient 120 watts with a quiet cooling compressor.
- Loaded With Smart Features: Helpful warning lights alert you when it needs a refill, and the machine automatically shuts off when its basket is full. Comes with a cute little serving scoop. No complex installation here: Just position it upright and let the coolant settle for 24 hours before first-time use (standard operating procedure for all ice makers 🙂
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About portable ice makers
Types of portable ice maker machines
1. Undercounter
Undercounters are ice machines that are made to fit comfortably in a small space, most likely under countertops. They can’t make that much ice so if you’re thinking of getting one for a restaurant, then you should probably go with the commercial type below. This is way cheaper than those, though.
Most under counters can’t be moved. So once you have them installed, they’re pretty much there permanently. They look great in kitchens, though. Unlike countertops and commercial types, these machines blend well in kitchens.
Pros:
- Looks good in kitchen
- Plenty of cubes in one batch
- Quiet
Cons:
- Unmovable
- Huge electricity consumption
2. Counter Top
Counter tops are the cheapest and smallest of the three types. You can conveniently take it anywhere and use it as long as there’s a power socket nearby. They don’t make that much ice but they do make it fast.
Countertops are the most popular types of ice makers these days. Their compact size makes them perfect places with small spaces like apartments, office pantries, and small houses.
You can also take them travelling, either in your RV or hand carried.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Commercial Ice makers
This type of ice maker is mainly for business use. You can use it to make plenty of clear ice in a short amount of time. They’re the biggest type of ice machines out there, and they take up the most space.
Pros:
- Great for businesses
- Huge batch
Cons:
- Unmovable
- Huge electricity consumption
What Makes the Best Portable Ice Maker?
There are plenty of factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best portable ice maker. Now that you’re familiar with the type of ice machines in the market, it’s time to learn about what makes a machine the best portable ice maker 2023.
Quality
Quality is a big factor in buying anything. So before paying for it, try to find out what it’s made of and how it was manufactured. Those two will decide how long it’ll last and how strong it is.
Check if the joints are screwed or soldered. Also, figure if it’s made of pure metal plastic. These things can be found online so research for them before buying.
Size
The best portable ice maker isn’t necessarily the smallest one. If you have a large, busy family members and need plenty of cubes all the time, consider getting the bulkier models. However, if you’re alone and you only need a small amount, go for the slimmer models.
Weight
Weight would determine how easy or hard it is for you to move your machine around. So if you think that you’ll need this device in many different places, then go for the small ones. If not, then consider the bulkier ones too.
Capacity
If you think that you’ll need a lot, go for the big ones. However, if you’re alone and you don’t need that much, then go for the tinier ones. The size will determine how much ice an ice maker can make per batch.
Processing cycle
Processing cycle will determine how long you have to wait for each batch of ice to finish solidifying. You’d want to get the machine that makes a new batch the fastest. They’re the ones most worth your money.
Ice cube sizes
Plenty of ice makers give you let you choose the size of cubes that you want to get. It’s an extra feature and that really helps blow up their price. If you can, try to look for a unit without this feature.
Design
Plenty of ice makers come with really elegant designs. Some even have glossy interiors. There’s surely something out there that will match your kitchen and your tastes.
Energy efficiency
It’s very important to know how much energy an ice maker machine will eat up per batch of ice. Some of the top ones are actually electricity monsters so always check. You don’t want to blow up your electric bill.
Noise levels
Some small and portable ice makers roar when they process ice. It’s best to take other people’s advice and read reviews to find out how loud a unit is before buying it. That’s the only you’ll find out how noisy it is.
Ease of cleaning
In order to avoid all the hassle of cleaning your machine, look for an ice maker with extra self-cleaning features like a side drain or a filter. They’ll make your life so much easier.
Advanced features
The more high-tech and advance an ice maker is, the bigger its price tag. You can actually live without all that features. So try to go for simple but functional models.
Power supply
All portable ice makers are plugged into a power socket. You have to make sure that the one that you’re going to buy, is compatible with your socket in terms of plug type and voltage. Otherwise, it’ll blow up.
Other accessories
Some ice makers have their own freezer, odor filters, small drains, and the like. These may not seem overly important, but they’ll make your life so much easier. Keep them at the back of your mind when looking for a good ice maker.
Budget
If you think that you’ll have a hard time affording the best one, settle for the next best. At the end of the day, all of those ice makers will give you the exact same cold ice anyway. So there’s no need to go poor trying to get one.
Warranty
Not many ice makers have warranties, but it is sure appreciated when they do. A warranty can at least protect you from a bad product and ensure that you’re getting your entire money’s worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to popular questions that might be able to help you out. Read them carefully before choosing a machine from the list.
What is the best portable ice maker to buy?
We highly recommend getting Della. There’s a reason why it’s at the top of our list. Although, every machine on that list is also worth checking out.
There’s really no one best unit for everybody. Try to observe your household’s daily ice consumption and choose your ice machine based on that. Choose a machine that you can keep up with your family’s needs.
How to clean a portable ice maker?
If you think that this appliance wouldn’t need cleaning just because it only uses water, then you’re wrong. Water has plenty of little organisms on it. If we don’t constantly wash them out, they’ll turn to mold and make us sick.
How does a portable ice maker work?
All ice makers have prongs on their lids, which lowers down into the water. These prongs decide the volume and size of your ice cubes. This entire process takes less than 10 minutes.
Do portable ice makers need a water line?
These machines don’t need a water line. You just have to manually fill them with water and keep them plugged in if you want them to make some ice. If you can, place your ice maker near the sink or the water dispenser to make refilling it faster and easier.
How much electricity does a portable ice maker use?
A portable ice maker that keeps ice frozen will eat up more electricity than regular ones. Those with water level alarms would also do the same. So to save energy, go for the simple models.
Benefits of Portable Ice Makers
You might be wondering, Why get a machine like this when I have a fridge? Well, ice makers work faster and are more convenient than regular freezers. They can get you that ice in a matter of minutes with only a cup or two of water.
If you’re still not convinced, here are other reasons why you should get yourself an ice maker:
Economical
Having a great ice maker will save you energy and give you more time to focus on other household tasks. Plus, it’s very convenient. With it, you won’t have to stress yourself by running back and forth to refill the ice chest in a gathering.
Fast freeze technology
It literally wouldn’t take you ten minutes to pump out a fresh batch of nice and well formed cubes with an ice maker. It’s perfect for parties and get togethers. Now you wouldn’t have to stress yourself with stacking up with ice the night before.
Easy to use
These devices are ridiculously user-friendly. Some of them only need two clicks to work. Just make sure that to plug them into a working and stable power socket and boom, you’ll have your ice.
Highly portable
Most of these appliances are just slightly bigger than regular toasters. They’re so light and compact that you can even take them camping. Of course, it still depends on the model of the ice maker.
Ability to customize your ice cube sizes
This advantage doesn’t really apply to every one of these devices. However, there are ice makers in the market that actually lets you customize the size of your ice. It only takes a press of a button and viola; You have medium, small, and large-sized ice cubes.
High-quality ice
Another great advantage of having a portable ice maker is the quality of the cubes that it makes. They’re solid and really well formed. If you’re trying to arrange your food with a nice presentation, these cubes would look really good in your glasses.
Low maintenance
It’s 2023, and the best portable ice maker in the market can practically clean itself up. Most of the newer ice maker models have a drainage system or a filter that makes them a breeze to clean. You rarely have to do anything with them save for a general clean maybe one or twice a month.
A Must-Have for 2023
Summer is fast approaching, and if you want a solid tip to enjoy it, get the best single serving blender and the best portable ice maker that you can find. Since we’re sure that beaches and pools will be crowded, why not enjoy the best season of the year at home?
We suggest getting the VIVOHOME because of its impressive equality and speed. However, we also think that you’ll enjoy any of the products on our list above. Just be sure to listen to all of MyKitchenAdvisor advice when choosing the best portable ice maker.
Good luck in your hunt. We hope that this article can help guide you to the right choice and that one of our recommendations actually turns out to be the right one for you. We hope that you enjoy that ice maker!