Are you sick and tired of using the kitchen freezer and clumsy ice trays to make ice cubes? Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped? Are you sick and tired of using the freezer to make ice cubes for drinks, or are there just too many people in need when it goes with cocktails on hot days. Why not use an icemaker instead?
Here are some of the most important things to consider when on the buying trail for a portable ice maker !
- Speed, size, and production: Portable ice makers are the perfect appliance for any small space. They will generate between 9 and 12 cubes per batch, with each cycle taking anywhere from 6-13 minutes based on your needs! These usually compact machines can make up 2 or 3 drinks at once; sometimes even more depending on how big of an appetite you have that day (or week). Portable models often only take up about as much countertop real estate as a standard fridge does which means it’s easy to store them in places where there wasn’t room before–like closets all over America! A small ice maker will produce smaller ice cubes. These appliances also tend to keep the ice colder, and it also stays frozen for longer.
- Storage capacity: Although countertop ice makers are perfect for those looking to have an extra supply of delicious, refreshing drinks on demand from the tap – they will quickly melt if unused. This means that your storage capacity should not be something you worry about too much but it is worth noting as there may come a time when we need our stored frozen goodies!
- Ice shape: The majority of portable ice makers produce bullet-shaped ices. This type usually has a cloudy or white exterior, which means they melt quickly and cool down your drinks less than crescent shaped cubes can—though this may not matter if what you’re drinking isn’t meant to be chilled with coldness in mind! Nugget ice, made famous by the Sonic fast-food chain, is chewable and easy to break down. This is not the longest-lasting ice, though
- Aesthetics: Since your countertop ice maker might be on permanent display, it makes sense to shop for one you like the look of. We have thrown in a wide variety of models today in terms of design and color schemes
- Extras: Timers and self-cleaning features are well worth looking out for when you’re comparing the best portable ice makers.
Our Top 5 Portable Ice Makers For 2022
GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker
Features
- 24 pounds of ice daily
- 47 pounds
- 5 x 13.4 x 16.5 inches
Our overall favorite portable ice maker comes from the mighty GE, so how does this appliance shape up?
Well, this is a tweaked version of the original FirstBuild Opal that’s been reworked since GE bought out the company. It’s even better than the model is replaces thanks to an additional water reservoir.
The key selling point with the GE is the nugget ice it produces. This ice was popularized by fast-food chain Sonic. Where standard ice makers freeze the water you introduce into hard ice cubes, that’s not how it works with nugget ice. Instead, nugget ice is made with ice flakes scraped off the stainless steel cylinder inside. The result? Chewy ice that’s good enough to eat.
This is a small countertop unit like all the machines on our shortlist today. These portable ice makers give you great ice output without dominating your kitchen.
Getting started couldn’t be easier. You don’t need a water hook-up, any grounded 120-volt electrical outlet will do.
The GE whips up batches of ice in as little as 20 minutes, perfect for busy parties or BBQs on a hot summer’s day.
Over the course of a day, you’ll be able to make up to 24 pounds of this delicious nugget ice for your cocktails, juices, smoothies, and any other favorite beverages. Ice from this machine is clear, and it tastes crisp and clean.
You’ll benefit from automatic refill on the water tank. That said, you should aim to replace the water daily to prevent ice clumping up.
Smart controls are available using the SmartHQ app from GE. This allows you to schedule automatic ice making, check the filter status, and adjust the interior lights.
For chewable ice without needing a hulking ice machine in your kitchen, the GE Opal delivers across the board.
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HomeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
Features
- 26 pounds of ice daily
- 2 pounds
- 9 x 9.5 x 14 inches
Chewable ice is seemingly everywhere these days. Not only can you keep your drinks frosted, but you won’t taint the flavor of your drink either. This type of ice is also very quick to cool. homeLabs delivers a lightweight portable ice maker that allows you to make batches of this delicious ice all day long.
Capacity is pegged to around 26 pounds of ice daily. Most portable unit produce roughly the same quantity of ice. If you need more volume, you’ll need to look for a larger ice machine instead. If you’re happy with this kind of output – and it should be enough even for a small commercial outlet – what do you get for your money?
The design of this machine is sleek and unassuming. Measuring up at a skimpy 9.5 x 12.9 x 14 inches, you don’t need too much kitchen real estate to accommodate this ice maker.
You can make either small or medium ice cubes in this unit, and you can return small batches in anywhere from 6 to 8 minutes, perfect if you have guests crying out for more drinks as the party warms up.
Despite the scaled-down dimensions of this ice maker, there’s a 2.2-liter water reservoir capable of holding up to 1.5 pounds of ice. Warning lights kick in when the ice basket is full.
The only real gripe we could find among a sea of positive user testimony is that the ice maker is tough to clean.
For brisk production of nice chewable ice, this is one of the best portable ice makers you can find.
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Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Features
- 26 pounds of ice daily
- 9 pounds
- 15 x 11 x 14 inches
Frigidaire is a household name when it comes to kitchen appliances, and this countertop ice maker is no disappointment.
The blacked-out aesthetic looks great in both traditional and modern rooms. This is a small, squat ice maker that works well on boats, in RVs, and in dorm rooms. This little machine neatly fits anywhere that space is at a premium.
In terms of pricing, this is one of the cheapest portable ice makers that doesn’t totally let you down on the performance front.
Although this is one of the smaller and cheaper ice makers we review today, the output of this machine is pretty impressive. Make up to 26 pounds of ice cubes in a 24-hour period.
When it comes to batch speed and size, you can expect up to 9 ice cubes in anywhere from 7 to 15 minutes, size-dependent.
Using the Frigidaire is straightforward even if you’re a complete beginner. Responsive digital controls allow you to choose from 2 sizes of ice cubes to suit.
You won’t need to fuss around with any tasky installation when you get this ice maker. With plug-and-play simplicity, all you need to do is top it up with water, wait 15 minutes, and then you’re all set to start producing ice around the clock without lifting a finger and without relying on the kitchen refrigerator.
A drain plug puts paid to any hard work with drainage. Just yank the plug out and your machine can be quickly and easily cleaned.
With an ice shovel thrown in to complete a comprehensive package at a scarcely believable price point, this is one of the finest countertop ice makers out there. What are you waiting for?
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NewAir Portable Ice Maker
Features
- 50 pounds of ice daily
- 1 pounds
- 25 x 16.9 x 16.75 inches
Next up in our quest for the best portable ice makers comes one of the bulkier appliances on our shortlist. If you have more intensive need for ice cubes than the dinky countertop models deliver, NewAir delivers in fine style.
The output is perhaps the primary selling point here. You can generate up to 50 pounds of ice cubes daily without needing a super-large appliance.
Batches of ice come through the machine in just 7 minutes, great for high-pressure environments at home or in a small bar.
Ice tastes clean and crisp, making the perfect accompaniment to your smoothies and cocktails this summer.
Like all the best countertop ice makers, you’ll be up and running right out the box here. There’s no need for permanent installation, and there’s no need to hook it up to a water supply either. This also means you can easily move this ice maker around. Take it out with you on your next RV trip. Pop the machine on your boat. Drive to and from your dorm room and ensure you always have ice on demand. Flexibility is uppermost here.
Although the majority of customers seem satisfied with this ice maker, we found a few complaints about issues developing with the control panel. This aside, you’re getting awesome performance in a machine that won’t eat up the whole kitchen. What’s not to love?
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Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker
Features
- 27 pounds of ice daily
- 20 pounds
- 35 x 15.35 x 11 inches
Are you searching for a portable ice maker that doesn’t look like a monstrosity on the kitchen counter? If so, Magic Chef produces an eye-catching unit available in several attractive finishes.
You can generate up to 27 pounds of ice each day in this machine. A day is calculated over a full 24 hours for the purposes of all quoted capacities.
The tank will hold up to 1.5 pounds of ice, and you’ll enjoy fresh batches of tasty ice every 7 minutes or so.
As with all the best portable ice makers, you can flick between 2 different sizes of ice cubes to suit.
Like all these small ice makers, you should peg your expectations to avoid disappointment. If you were imagining a machine that continuously spews out ice at a rate you can’t keep up with, you won’t get that with portable units. If, on the other hand, you want a steady supply of ice cubes for the whole family, and even for guests at a party, BBQ, or dinner party, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
If you try decanting the ice cubes from this machine into your kitchen freezer, you’ll find they clump together. You’ll also need to remember to fire the machine up 30 minutes before you need it. This couple of small niggles set aside, you’re getting a decent ice makers here at a very reasonable price point. It’s not quite as cheap as the budget Frigidaire we review above, but it’s in the same territory and represents a first-class bargain.
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