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Use of an ice maker ensures you may never run out of ice during a dinner party, pool party, or even just hanging out at home with your significant other. These machines are designed for fast and convenient ice making and since they don’t need a water hookup, they are an ideal choice to take with you wherever you may go.
If you are in the market for an ice maker or are even just curious about what options are out there, continue reading below. We have featured a few amazing countertop ice makers on Amazon that are all compact in design and have intelligent features including warning lights to prevent overflowing and automatic shut-off.
These great ice makers of 2024 are also quiet and energy-efficient, make a full bucket of ice in mere minutes, and even have different shaped ice options. You can choose from unique, cylinder-shaped ice cubes that are smaller and more efficient or those ice-shaped nuggets that you have seen at your favorite coffee shops or restaurant.
Compare the Top Ice Maker of 2024
Upstreman Y90 Countertop Ice Maker — Best Overall
Meet the Upstreman Y90 Countertop Ice Maker, your compact companion for instant ice on demand. This portable powerhouse is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen or bar area, taking up only half the counter space of a small microwave. Light at 13.7 pounds, it's perfect for dinner parties, RV adventures, small get-togethers, and road trips, ensuring you have the cool refreshment you crave wherever you go.
Streamlined for simplicity, the Y90 ice machine panel features only two buttons. The smart indicator panel lets you choose between two sizes of bullet ice, while the clear start/stop button ensures straightforward operation. Upgrade your ice game with the best overall Upstreman Y90 Countertop Ice Maker and add a touch of cool convenience to your life.
Pros
- Doesn't take up a lot of counter space
- Simple design makes it easy to use
- Perfect for an RV
Cons
- Can be loud
Frigidaire Ice Maker — Quick Use
Frigidaire’s Portable Ice Maker has an oversized bucket that holds 2.2 pounds of ice and produces it in as little as six minutes. The beauty of this ice maker is that it allows you to choose from three sizes, small, medium, or large cubes, and is controllable via an electronic control panel and LED indicators. Easily store this on any countertop or take this with you on the boat, RV, or anywhere else you need to have ice right at your fingertips.
Pros
- For its price point, it’s an effective option, and makes ice making fast and easy
Cons
- Cleaning this machine might be a challenge
NewAir Portable Ice Maker — Stainless Steel Construction
NewAir’s large stainless steel ice maker is perfect for parties or any occasion where a large number of guests will be present and includes a compact design with no permanent installation needed. This ice maker is one of our larger options as it can produce up to 50 pounds of ice per day, has three different size options, and will make ice in as little as 13 minutes. Other amenities include a self-cleaning function for minimal maintenance, an 18-hour timer, automatic shut-off, and overflow protection to ensure this machine stays in the best shape possible.
Pros
- This ice maker comes with a removable ice bin and ice scoop to make for easy transport
Cons
- This machine only makes round, bullet-shaped ice cubes
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker — Honorable Mention
The Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker is one of our lower-priced options that is feature-packed and easy to use. An extremely quiet design means your party won’t be interrupted, fast ice production means you will always have a cold drink ready to go and a large see-through window allows you to see inside the ice maker without opening the lid. This aesthetically pleasing unit will stand out on any countertop while being compact and convenient to put away for storage when not in use. Lastly, this ice maker includes a convenient drain plug so you can quickly drain and safely clean it while an LED indicator panel allows you complete control over the unit.
Pros
- This ice maker is non-polluting, has no harsh chemicals, and is efficient
Cons
- If you require a large capacity machine, another option might be better
VIVOHOME Ice Cube Maker — Contender
Vivohome’s lightweight and portable ice cube maker is built with durable and rust-proof stainless steel and its compact design enables it to perform well in a multitude of locations and on most occasions. With no installation required, this machine only had to be simply plugged in. You select your desired size of ice, add water and enjoy a batch in about six minutes. Also included are overflow ice protection, low-noise operation, and a full, see-through window that allows for continuous monitoring during the ice-making process.
Pros
- A drainage system at the bottom of the ice maker stores residual water and helps keep the area clean
Cons
- It is important to wash the machine regularly to avoid mold build-up
Vremi Countertop Ice Maker — Also Consider
The Ice Maker by Vremi is a compact, portable ice machine that can easily sit on your kitchen countertop and is ideal for taking to outdoor BBQs or parties. Designed to make ice fast, this machine makes unique, cylinder-shaped cubes in one 8-10 minute cycle and up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. These specially-shaped cubes come out faster and quieter than traditional shapes and are smaller and more efficient, making them the perfect size for all your mixed drinks or small water bottle openings.
Pros
- This ice bucket is quiet and energy-efficient
Cons
- There is only one ice size option
Igloo Automatic Ice Maker — Editor's Pick
Igloo’s Automatic Ice Maker is a stylish and modern unit designed for convenience with its portable and compact size. Available in a variety of fun colors, this ice maker can sit easily on any countertop while producing ice for whenever and wherever you need it. With the ability to make ice in as little as seven minutes, this unit also comes with a viewing window that allows you to watch the ice being made and an LED lighted control panel lets you choose from small or large cubes while also letting you know when the ice basket is full.
Pros
- This ice maker alerts you when to add water
Cons
- This is not intended to be a high capacity ice-making machine
Opal Countertop Ice Maker — Another Option
If ice shape is important to you then the Countertop Icemaker by Opal is another fun and unique option. This elegantly designed icemaker sits easily on any countertop and is specially designed to make soft yet crunchy ice nuggets similar to those found in your favorite restaurant, gas station, or even coffee house. In addition to its unique ice shape, this ice maker is also Bluetooth-equipped, enabling you to set up your ice-making schedule from your phone using their app.
Pros
- This ice maker requires no water hookup
Cons
- This is one of the pricier ice makers
Finding Your Next Ice Maker: A Buyer’s Guide
Are you tired of placing water-filled trays in the freezer? Or perhaps the limited quantity of ice the refrigerator produces isn't enough to satisfy your cocktail needs? No matter the reason, a better alternative is investing in an ice maker. An ice maker will let you have access to great-tasting ice without all the hassle.
Ice cubes may not seem as big of a headache, but if you know a thing or two about hosting parties, you know how essential fresh ice is. That is why many cocktail specialists opt for special ice makers that produce swift and fresh ice on the go. Since there are so many benefits of portable ice makers, and informative buyers guide is a must-read. Let's get into it!
Why Should You Buy an Ice Maker?
Ice makers are devices that may be considered lavish, but for some individuals, these have become a necessity. Here are just a few other reasons why people opt for ice makers.
Cost-effective
If you compare the price of an ice maker to other options available on the market, it's pretty obvious how the former stands out. Ice markers are a one-time investment that will help you produce fast batches of ice and up to 25-30 pounds of ice a day. This will be comparatively cheaper than ice bought from a convenience store.
Convenient
Sometimes setting up an ice maker may seem too much of a hassle but it truly is more convenient. Especially when you are in a hurry and need fresh and crunchy ice, an ice maker can be a lifesaver.
Portable
These are portable appliances, making them easier to take with you on road trips. So, whether you are planning for the perfect weekend getaway or looking for the ideal family RV trip, a portable ice maker will ensure that you always have ice on your hands.
Saves time
An ice tray in the freezer can take hours to form, making it a non-ideal choice if you're in a rush. On the contrary, an ice maker will produce ice within minutes.
Versatile
Ice that is bought from the convenience store and made freshly in an ice maker varies in shape and size. Although the one from a store is bigger and chunkier, the ice maker's ice is crunchier and does not dilute your drink as normal ice would.
How Do Ice Makers Work?
The mechanism of an ice maker is pretty similar to any freezing unit. Although, the fast results are due to metal cooling rods that have a special coolant inside. When you turn the machine on, the machine dips the metal rods in the water and ice forms around the rods. These ice nuggets are then dropped in the ice basket.
The time it takes for an ice maker to form a batch of ice, ranges from 6 minutes up to 10 minutes. It is still fast, compared to regular freezers that require hours to produce solid ice for your drinks.
What to Look for While Buying an Ice Maker?
There are so many companies that manufacture the same product making it difficult to get your hands on one. Nonetheless, we compiled a list of things you should consider while investing in an ice maker to help you buy the perfect one for you.
Various ice shapes
Did you know that ice makers can produce many different ice shapes? This is a great feature if you plan to use the appliance to entertain guests. Since you can choose from chunks, nuggets, or even circular ones, you will be all set to take the party drinks up a notch with these.
Production and storage
One essential thing to consider is the production and storage capacity of the ice maker you plan to purchase. These are very important factors as this can either make the appliance a hit or even a miss.
To judge which production capacity is best, you must weigh a few factors. Ask yourself how many guests you plan on entertaining at a time or how much ice would be sufficient for your family. Then, buy one accordingly.
Time consumption
The time an ice maker takes to prepare a batch of ice is also significant. Short periods will prepare ice faster, thus satisfying your needs in a hurry. However, some produce larger sizes in a slightly longer time. While getting one, check the machine's efficiency to judge if it's the right one.
Portability and longevity
It's always better to opt for a portable ice maker since it will be an appliance you can take on the road. A portable ice maker will ensure you get fresh ice all the time.
Looks and working
Always check whether the product you are planning to buy will fit in with the rest of your pre-owned items. Usually, a countertop ice maker will have a sleek and well-made exterior that fits the contemporary look of most kitchens.
Also, ensure that the working of the ice maker is as smooth as possible. Don't invest in an ice maker that makes a lot of noise as it will likely disturb your peace.
Taking Care of Your Ice Maker
We can not stress how important this aspect is. You have to take great care of the appliance, or it will not last. Ensure that you run the machine a few times before expecting perfectly formed ice nuggets. It's also great if you don't use it continuously and let it rest after a while.
While cleaning, ensure to clean and dry all parts of the machine. The interior and exterior need to be wiped down well and then dried. Lastly, it would help if you never left your trays wet, as it will give rise to molds and a plethora of other fungi or algae.
