Ice makers in general and nugget ice makers, in particular, are becoming an important part of many homes. They are basically stand-alone ice makers, unlike refrigerators where the ice maker is a part of the machine. However, there are many variants and models of crushed ice makers and this makes it tough for us to select the right one.
We need to research and get as much information as possible. Otherwise, we might run the risk of being in a state of confusion, or we could end up buying an unsuitable and wrong make and model. With so many models in the market, you have to be informed before buying what you consider the best portable ice maker. Whether it is built-in features, portability, sizes, ease of use, and other such factors, you must go through the right due diligence before parting with your hard-earned money.
We are happy to share some basic information about ten portable ice makers in the market today. We are sure it will help you have some basic knowledge and will help you to make the correct decision.
10 Best Portable Ice Maker Machine
1. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
This could be a nice choice if you are looking for a quality ice maker that can be moved around easily. It can make bullet-shaped ice cubes of around 1.5 lbs in one go. It is small-sized and has a measurement of 9.5 inches x 12.9 inches x 14 inches.
It could be a good companion for outings, picnics, and other such outdoor fun activities. It makes ice cubes fast and is also energy efficient and operates without too much noise. It is ergonomic in looks and design.
2. Igloo ICE103 Stainless Steel Ice Maker
This can be counted as a candidate for the best portable crushed ice maker. It is portable and has an over-sized bucket. This holds ice of 2.2 lbs. You can make ice in three sizes, large, medium, and small.
It can make ice in just around six minutes and is capable of making around 26 lbs of ice each day. On the whole, it is a good looking and dependable ice maker.
3. Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
This is a competitively priced ice maker that combines elegance and quality. It is also famous for its efficiency and speed. It makes the first few ice-nuggets within 20 minutes. In an hour it can make 1 lb of ice and the bin has a total capacity of 3 lbs.
It is easily portable and can be plugged into an external electrical outlet. You can use Bluetooth for scheduling the ice making. On the whole, it is a value for money ice-making machine.
4. Della Premium Ice Maker Portable Counter-Top
If you are on the lookout for a quiet and quick ice making machine, this portable model from Della could be the right choice. It is suited for parties and can make 26 lbs of ice a day with a beautiful finish and a design that is convenient to carry around. It can, therefore, be taken almost anywhere. Also, it has an integrated storage bin which is insulated well. It also has a large storage capacity.
5. Compact Ice Maker
This is perhaps one of the fastest ice-making machines and can make batches of ice in just six minutes. It also is capable of making around 26 lbs of ice every day. You can have the ice cubes in two different sizes, large and small.
It also can store around 1.5 lbs of ice each time. It also comes with cute and easy to operate LED controls. The reservoir of the 2.3 quarts is also a takeaway.
6. DELLA Compact Portable Ice Maker Machine
If you are searching for that perfect ice making machine for your small kitchen, boat or RV, then you have many reasons to choose this one from Della. It is a plug-and-use ice-making machine and it can make ice in just six minutes flat.
The insulated storage bin can hold 1.5 lbs of ice and can withstand hot temperatures. It has a monitoring facility to check on ice levels.
7. Ice Machine – Portable Counter Top Ice Maker Machine
This is one of the top-rated ice-makers in the market today for residential purposes. It can make ices in batches and is capable of giving 26 pounds of ice per day. It can make ices in a short time of 6 minutes with three sizes, small, medium, and large. Ease of use, durability, and tough construction are a few positives about this ice-making machine.
8. YONGTONG Portable Ice Maker Countertop
It is one of the most efficient ice makers in the market and can make ice in 6 minutes. You can expect to get 26 pounds of ice each day (bullet-shaped). It has a remarkably good looking design and is well and truly portable. It also features the most modern compressor technology. Other features include a see-through window to monitor ice level checking.
9. COSTWAY Ice Maker, Countertop Ice Machine Portable
This ice maker is a compact and portable ice maker and modern and contemporary design is a big attraction. It is perfectly suited for gathering, party, outdoor kitchen, and also in boats. It can make 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours. It saves time and effort because it is an efficient ice-making machine. On average it can make ready to use ice in just eight minutes.
10. MRP US Portable Ice Maker Stainless Steel Ice Machine
This is a high-quality stainless steel ice maker. It has one of the best cooling technologies and uses refrigerants that are environmentally friendly. The LCD indicator and push-button operations are big features in this machine. It has a microcomputer which indicates the ice-making stage, lack of water, and other such functions. You can enjoy 27 pounds of ice in 24 hours and it can make 9 pieces of ice in around 10 minutes.
Portable Ice Maker Machine Buying Guide
Chilled drinks are nice, but iced drinks are better served. Those who have spent time in good bars over the past decade will wholeheartedly tell you that we are in a new Ice Age.
Whether you only need a few cubes to accompany the rest of the craft cocktail movement’s directive or enough to handle an entire party, there’s an ice maker machine out there to help you think more deeply about the quality of your drink and the soothing taste of your beverages.
Use ice cubes to chill your fresh juices, good spirits, milkshakes, smoothies, and more. So when warm weather arrives, you know an ice maker machine is a must. And when the disco is going great, an ice cube is equally needed for refills. Go for a portable ice maker machine to save yourself some trouble.
What Is A Portable Ice Maker?
A portable ice maker machine is a simple contraption that lets you pour water into the unit’s reservoir and switch it on to make ice. Water is poured into the rotating ice tray while the fan and the compressor freeze the water into ice. And from there, a warm refrigerant allows the ice to be moved into the bin.
As the name implies, they’re small in size but large enough to hold a substantial amount of ice, and compact enough to fit on a countertop. So you don’t have to worry about space. It’s fast and efficient at work, meaning there’ll always be ice cubes to use at the scheduled time.
Portable Ice Makers Make Ice – But They’re Not Freezers
There’s something important to be mindful of when buying this type of ice machine. While they’re manufactured to make ice fast, it’s not designed to keep its ice cubes for a long time.
Immediately the ice starts to dissolve; the water will drop back into the reservoir, triggering the machine to resume the process of refreezing the ice again. And this process will not stop until you empty the water from the device or consume the ice cubes.
Although, there’s an option of the standalone ice maker machine that’ll preserve the ice for a long time and great if you’re lucky with a built-in unit. Expect a higher price tag, as well as some installation requirements if Standalone is your preferred choice.
Besides, neither of them are inherently better than the other. They’re designed for specific uses with each to its pros and cons. Look for what suits you better and move on.
Why Buy This Type of Ice Maker?
With a portable ice maker, there won’t be a scenario of running out of ice. They’re useful and helpful in combating situations that could push you into begging or buying a bag of ice from your next door.
Typical uses of portable ice machines include RV trips, tailgating, boating, camping, and so on, where Freezer’s Ice maker machine can’t handle. That is, a gathering that a lot of people want to be able to refill and refill drinks comfortably throughout the day.
In short, for those that often find themselves in situations where more ice is needed to entertain their guests and give them a soothing treat, a portable ice maker machine is the solution.
Factors to Consider While Browsing Your Portable Ice Maker
If you’ve made up your mind to buy a portable ice maker, there are a couple of factors that will be ideal to consider in order to help you find the one that suits your needs.
Size and Capacity
Portable ice makers are compact enough to fit comfortably on a countertop yet with much space to take a considerable amount of ice. Manufacturers have the dimensions and capacity rate so that it will be essential you buy the size you need.
If you intend to carry your ice maker from one location to the other, we advise you to check the weight of what you’re buying to make sure it’s something easy to carry around.
But if your plan is to have it sitting on a countertop in your kitchen, boat or RV, then it will be ideal to properly check if it will fit properly in the space available. Another thing is the capacity. Check for something to hold enough ice and relieve you from bagging ice into the freezer to store.
So endeavor to go for a portable ice machine that’s not too big as it will probably waste energy and space, or too small which won’t function adequately. Consider the amount of ice you need before making your purchase.
Production Capacity and Speed
Production capacity tells you pounds of ice to be produced per day, while the speed helps you to know how quickly it will make a cube of ice.
This type of ice maker is not designed to be connected to a dedicated water line and doesn’t have complicated installation requirements.
All you need is to add water manually when in operation. How long it takes to produce ice is in the producer’s product specifications. Depending on models, most countertop ice makers begin to make ice in the range of 10-20 minutes.
Cost
Portable ice machines are relatively affordable. The price depends on the size, capacity, and model. So many cheaper ice makers start to develop problems before a year of warranty, especially when they’re used heavily.
If you plan to keep it plugged in at all times, then consider buying something a bit costlier to be able to get something designed to last.
But if it’s just for entertaining guests which is something occasional, then a lower priced ice machine may likely fit in.
Look and Ease of Use
You’ll want your portable crushed ice maker fitted on a countertop. Meaning you’ll fancy models with good look up there. The countertop ice machine comes in various colors and finishes to suit the aesthetic appeal of your home.
It’s also easy to use with its built-in intuitive controls and basic instructions. No real installation, you only need an electrical outlet.
In many models, some features tell when the machine is full. This machine features are numerous; you can browse further to purchase your choice.
Generally, a portable ice maker machine is durable and has extra features like:
Self Cleaning – To help make cleaning more comfortable and faster.
Automatic Timer – You can use it to set a specific time for your machine to produce ice.
Ice Size Selection – Allows you to choose different sizes of ice.
Conclusion
The above gives the readers a good idea about the various important aspects to be considered before buying a nugget ice maker. However, it would be advisable to do some more research and get knowledge from as many courses as possible before moving forward. Further, as a general rule, you must consider certain factors before investing in these ice-making machines.
These are insulation properties, ease of use, capacity, monitoring devices, durability, and other such factors. On the whole, there is no doubt that outdoor activities can be fun and enjoyment