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Nothing makes a cold drink on a summer day taste better than a little – or a lot – of ice. The typical options of having ice in the home are not ideal, though.
Either you buy bags of ice from the store, which is wasteful with all the plastic, or use an ice cube tray in your freezer, which is not only inconvenient, but doesn’t give the right size or shape that people enjoy.
Plus, no one wants to be the one that uses the last ice cube in the tray. Size is more important than some people expect until they try it.
Some people like smaller oval cubes while others enjoy larger cubes. In order to please everyone in your household, you need an ice maker.
Ice makers are incredibly convenient since they make a lot of ice at once and even come with a scoop for adding cubes to your beverage.
They can make different sizes of cubes and are quite efficient. Whether you’re having a party or want lots of ice all the time, they’re a great addition to your home.
However, it can be tricky to choose an ice maker since there are several styles and factors to consider, such as efficiency, capacity, and output.
To help you with your purchase decision, we analyzed 17 different ice makers over 45 hours and used 987 consumer reviews to pick out some of the best ice makers in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine since it has a great capacity, is efficient, is value-packed, and is high-quality with easy-to-use features.
Our Top Portable Ice Maker in 2023
Overall, the Igloo ICEB26SS automatic countertop ice maker is a leader on the market. Efficient ice production with great short term and long term capacity are features that make this ice maker a great choice for everyone no matter their needs.
Pros:
- Quick batch time
- Ice basket is refrigerated to prevent quick melting
Cons:
- Water has to be added in the ice basket compartment
- Relatively small ice basket
Our selection of the best models available right now:
Portable Ice Maker Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Igloo ICEB26SS
|
9,4
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Home Depot |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS
|
9,7
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
Igloo Frigidaire ICE103
|
8,9
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Portable Ice Maker
Presentation of the Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine
The Best Overall
Igloo
Whether you are new to ice makers or are looking for a replacement machine, this Igloo ICEB26SS portable ice maker is right for you. It offers the best in efficiency and durability without breaking your budget. This Igloo model sets the standard for a great ice maker.
Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine Video Review
What We Think of the Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine
There are so many things about this Igloo ice maker. Most notably, it’s got a very quick cycle time. In only 7 minutes you will have your first batch of ice, and that is straight after plugging it in. Once the machine has produced that first batch and reaches its optimal temperature, that batch time can go down to as little as 5 minutes. With 9 cubes being produced per batch, you’ll have a lot of ice in no time.
This machine offers you a choice between 2 ice sizes, so whether you are having an individual drink or you need bulk ice for parties, coolers, etc., you’ll have an ice size that suits the occasion. This model comes in three different colors and has a 24 hr capacity of 26 lbs of ice. For most homes, this will be more than enough and very rarely actually achieved. The best part, the ice basket stays cold to maximize the duration of your ice before melting.
OMG do I love this ice machine or what!? It makes the ice so fast and it’s honestly a little fascinating to watch the process. I love that the cubes are shaped like hollow bullets and you can choose between two different sizes. This produces enough ice to keep my family of 3 fully stocked while we are camping; I have nothing bad to say about this machine!
Zoey P.
This model does come with a few inconveniences that buyers should be aware of. Firstly, the ice basket is fairly small, so you’ll have to make sure you are using ice quite frequently or you are storing the ice elsewhere once it has been made to keep the machine running. Also, water has to be added underneath the ice basket, so if there is already ice made and a refill is required, you will have the added hassle of moving the ice basket out to add water.
Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.6” x 14.7” x 12.4”
- Weight: 20.5 lbs
- Color: Silver, black, or white
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ice Sizes: 2
- Time for Batch of Ice: 7 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 26 lbs
- Water Capacity: 3 quarts
- Ice Basket Capacity: 2 lbs
Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Quick batch time
- Ice basket is refrigerated to prevent quick melting
Cons
- Water has to be added in the ice basket compartment
- Relatively small ice basket
Our Final Opinion About the Igloo ICEB26SS Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Igloo ICEB26SS automatic countertop ice maker is a leader on the market. Efficient ice production with great short term and long term capacity are features that make this ice maker a great choice for everyone no matter their needs.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Portable Ice Maker
Presentation of the NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Ice Maker
The Advanced Choice
NewAir
If you have some extra money to spend and are interested in splurging on a great ice maker, the NewAir IM200SS portable machine is ideal for you. Higher quality ice is the name of the game for this ice maker; if you want restaurant-quality ice at home, you’ve found the way to have it.
NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Ice Maker Video Review
What We Think of the NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Ice Maker
This portable ice maker by NewAir is one of the best for basket capacity; with a 5 lb max, this ice maker will produce twice as much ice as other ice makers before halting production, saving you the hassle of more frequent trips to empty the basket during bulk ice making sessions. This machine is fairly lightweight at roughly 25 lbs, which means it is light enough to be carried by nearly anyone and still heavy enough to be sturdy.
There are a couple things we don’t love about this ice maker. The first is the cycle time; it takes 15 minutes to produce each batch of ice which is more than double that of some other ice makers. Although more cubes are produced at once, it can be irritating to wait that long for the first batch. Secondly, there is only one ice size available due to the way the ice is made. If you are looking for options, this is not the best ice maker for you.
This NewAir ice maker is a fantastic addition to my countertop. I use it all day on Sunday’s and it makes enough ice to keep my freezer tray full all week. My wife and I both use ice every day and it’s great to keep on hand for guests. The ice looks like it comes from a restaurant honestly. This machine would be great to use infrequently like I do or every day. Up to you !
Andy R.
Our two favorite things about this ice maker is the separation between water and ice, and the lack of cloudiness in the cubes. Most ice makers produce cloudy ice as a result of the freezing process. However, this ice maker produces clear ice which melts up to 5x slower than cloudy ice. For convenience, there is a separate tank access point for water filling; you won’t need to move the ice basket to add water with this model.
NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Ice Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.3” x 14.8” x 14.1”
- Weight: 25.5 lbs
- Color: Black and silver
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ice Sizes: 1
- Time for Batch of Ice: 15 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 28 lbs
- Water Capacity: 2.3 quarts
- Ice Basket Capacity: 5 lbs
NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Ice Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Large 24 hr capacity
- Makes clear ice instead of cloudy
- Separate compartment to fill water
Cons
Cons
- Ice basket compartment is not refrigerated
- Only one ice size
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Ice Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the NewAir Luma Comfort IM200SS ice maker is of the highest standard for ice quality. Although you’ll be spending more money and there is minimal ice customizability, the restaurant style ice will more than make up for its few shortcomings.
Our Budget Pick for a Portable Ice Maker
Presentation of the Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 Countertop Ice Maker
The Affordable Choice
Igloo
If you are in the market for an ice maker that is highly affordable but doesn’t short you on quality, you’ve found your perfect match. The Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 countertop ice maker is a budget friendly option that integrates short cycle times and the option to choose.
Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 Countertop Ice Maker Video Review
What We Think of the Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 Countertop Ice Maker
This Igloo ICE103 countertop ice maker is one of the best on our list for a few reasons. First is the great price; it is affordable enough to find a home with nearly any family and still offers rich features that outcompete more expensive models. One of the most notable of these features is the batch time. Starting at 6 minutes per cycle, this ice maker is one of the fastest we found during our investigation.
Since the cycle time is so quick, the company was conscientious enough to increase the water tank capacity. A 4 quart capacity means you will not be returning to the machine for water refills nearly as often as you’d need to with a smaller water tank capacity. Both of these features allow for an impressive 24 hr capacity of 26 lbs of ice, right on par with many other (more expensive) ice makers.
This is the ideal ice maker for people with busy lives. The water container is large, and it makes ice really fast; you don’t have to worry about running out of water too quickly and there are three ice sizes to choose from. My family has used each size a number of times, so it really does come in handy to have options. There’s no better machine on the market in my opinion.
Jolene C.
This ice maker offers great adaptability. Three different sizes of ice can be made with this machine, ensuring you always have the right size for the situation. Really, the only downside of this ice maker is that water has to be added underneath the ice basket; you’ll have to move it every time you need to refill unless it’s empty of ice, but that only adds a few extra seconds to the process.
Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 Countertop Ice Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.7” x 14.5” x 14.9”
- Weight: 24.8 lbs
- Color: Silver and black
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ice Sizes: 3
- Time for Batch of Ice: 6 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 26 lbs
- Water Capacity: 4 quarts
- Ice Basket Capacity: 2.2 lbs
Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 Countertop Ice Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 3 ice sizes to choose from
- Impressive water tank capacity
- Quick batch time
Cons
- Water has to be added in ice basket compartment
Our Final Opinion About the Igloo Frigidaire ICE103 Countertop Ice Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this portable ice maker by Igloo can find a great home in any household. It boasts high quality performance without breaking the bank, a combination that can be hard to find. If you enjoy great quality ice and don’t mind an extra step in the cycle process, this is the machine for you.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the COSTWAY 22769SL-CYPE-CS Countertop Ice Maker Review
The Aesthetic Alternative
Costway
There is no prettier ice maker on the market than this COSTWAY model. A great design shape and an impressive colour selection make this ice maker more of a statement piece than a countertop appliance. If you are looking for an ice maker that performs well and can also be a talking point for your guests, this COSTWAy 22769SL-CYPE-CS countertop ice maker is the way to go.
What We Think of the COSTWAY 22769SL-CYPE-CS Countertop Ice Maker
Even after all our experience gathering information on small appliances, this is one of the most design savvy machines we have ever encountered. Each colour offered for this model will be an accent piece in any kitchen, and there is enough variation to guarantee everyone can find a great fit for their home. The machine also looks great structurally. As countertop appliances go, this is most certainly one of the most aesthetically pleasing options on the market.
This COSTWAY model is one of the most lightweight on the market at only 17.5 lbs, making it ideal for families with younger children or frequent travelers. Two ice sizes to choose from allow you to have the right ice type for each situation, and a cycle time of 6-13 minutes means you will always have your ice when you need it. This model is also fairly compact which makes travelling with it even easier. After all, these ice makers are designed to be portable.
A friend of mine recommended this ice maker to me a few months ago, and I am so happy I took her advice and purchased it. She has the red one and I bought the green; these machines are beautiful! If you are looking for a great looking appliance to add to your home collection this is hands down the one to get. It works great and looks even better.
Nancy U.
A 26.5 lbs 24 hour ice capacity sets this ice maker right in line with the best on the market; a great color scheme doesn’t mean high performance wasn’t also a priority. The one issue we have with this ice maker is the small ice basket. With a 1.5 lb max capacity it is one of the smallest out there, and it means you will need to be using the ice quite quickly or will need to be dumping the ice frequently into a larger, more permanent storage place.
COSTWAY 22769SL-CYPE-CS Countertop Ice Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.5” x 14” x 13”
- Weight: 17.5 lbs
- Color: Silver, red, navy, or green
- Ice Sizes: 2
- Time for Batch of Ice: 6-13 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 26.5 lbs
- Water Capacity: 2.3 quarts
- Ice Basket Capacity: 1.5 lbs
COSTWAY 22769SL-CYPE-CS Countertop Ice Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Lighter than many other countertop ice makers
- Great color options
- Quick batch time
Cons
- Small ice basket capacity
Our Final Opinion About the COSTWAY 22769SL-CYPE-CS Countertop Ice Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this COSTWAY ice maker is the ideal choice for everyone out there who views kitchen appliances as more than item that needs to be stashed away hidden from view. It combines the best in aesthetics without sacrificing performance of overall quality.
Presentation of the COSTWAY 24525US-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker Review
The Efficient Alternative
Costway
This COSTWAY ice maker is the premium choice for efficiency and customizability. If you are looking for an ice maker that allows you precise control over your ice size and is one of the top performers in efficiency, the COSTWAY 24525US-CYEP countertop ice maker is the one for you.
What We Think of the COSTWAY 24525US-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker
We honestly don’t have enough room to write about all the great features of this ice maker. It has one of the highest production rates with a 24 hour capacity of 48 lbs of ice, and it is possible to really control your ice size with the benefit of a timer. Instead of preprogrammed sizes, this ice maker allows you to set a freeze time to produce the exact size of ice you want. It may take a few trial runs to get this right, but once you do, your ice will always fit your exact preferences.
As if a timer wasn’t enough, this COSTWAY ice maker also has a self cleaning function. Some ice connoisseurs complain that ice makers can be difficult to keep clean by hand, so this added feature will both save you time and prevent premature degeneration of your ice maker. This is another ice maker that produces clear ice instead of cloudy, so it really feels like a quality experience.
If you have a high ice demand in your home and you are tired of buying bagged ice, this is the machine you need. It can make up to 48 lbs of ice a day if you keep it constantly running, nearly double what every other machine can do. You can really control the size of your ice too, it just depends how long you set the timer for. Love this ice maker!
Joel D.
Although we love the restaurant style ice this machine produces, the way it is made results in a sheet of ice coming out each batch instead of individual cubes. This won’t be a problem at all if it is used to ice injuries, keep food/drinks cold in a cooler, or it’s used for large pitchers/bowls of drinks. However, for individual drinks, the need to constantly break up the ice may become a nuisance. This machine also has one of the longest cycle times (13-25 minutes) which may also be a deterrent for some people.
COSTWAY 24525US-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 15” x 11.5” x 14”
- Weight: 23.5 lbs
- Color: Silver
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ice Sizes: Sliding scale based on time
- Time for Batch of Ice: 13-25 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 48 lbs
- Ice Basket Capacity: 2.4L
COSTWAY 24525US-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a self cleaning function
- Has a timer
- Makes clear ice instead of cloudy
Cons
- Expensive
- Long batch time
- Ice comes out in a sheet instead of individual cubes
Our Final Opinion About the COSTWAY 24525US-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this COSTWAY ice maker simply offers features that other ice makers lack. It is one of the most time-efficient machines available and it does not compromise on quality to make that fact true. Add in unparalleled customizability and you’ve got an easy purchase decision made.
Presentation of the NewAir AI-215 Portable Ice Maker
The Luxury Alternative
NewAir
This NewAir AI-215 portable ice maker is the perfect match for everyone out there who enjoys taking standard kitchen appliances to a whole new level. With features that put typical ice makers to shame, this model will make your life easier and save you more time than most other models are capable of.
NewAir AI-215 Portable Ice Maker Video Review
What We Think of the NewAir AI-215 Portable Ice Maker
This NewAir portable ice maker gives high quality a new meaning. Everything about this machine tells us that it was designed with the consumer in mind. Honestly, our only issue with this product is that the price point takes this option away from many families. For those that can afford to spend more on an appliance like this, you can’t go wrong choosing this AI-215 model.
There are 3 great color options to choose from to allow you to complement your home, and a stainless steel body ensures durability and worry-free portability for campers. This is one of the more output-oriented machines with a 24 hour ice capacity of 50 lbs. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t know anyone who could go through 50 lbs of ice in day. As a result, you’ll always have ice on hand when you want it.
This ice maker has so many features that will make your life easier. Various ice sizes, self cleaning, timer, high productivity, it really has everything you could possibly want in an ice maker. It is pretty expensive so I’m sure not everyone will be able to afford it, but if you can, the features will really make the investment worth it. My family loves this machine.
Cara W.
At most, a batch of ice will take 15 minutes, and it can get as low as 7, putting it solidly in the middle of the pack when compared to other ice makers. Three ice sizes add to the luxury of this machine (we all love choices), and a 1 year warranty ensures you are covered if anything goes wrong. A self clean function and programmable timer make this one of the most feature rich ice makers on the market.
NewAir AI-215 Portable Ice Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.3” x 16.9” x 16.8”
- Weight: 36.4 lbs
- Color: Red, white, or silver
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ice Sizes: 3
- Time for Batch of Ice: 7-15 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 50 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
NewAir AI-215 Portable Ice Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a programmable timer
- Has a self cleaning function
- Very large 24hr capacity
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the NewAir AI-215 Portable Ice Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this NewAir Ai-215 machine is the ice maker that will drown you in luxury. Stellar output and a great design compliment the rich features perfectly. Although it will cost you quite a bit more than traditional ice makers, this luxury model is definitely worth the investment.
Presentation of the COSTWAY 24228-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker Review
The Productive Alternative
Costway
If a highly productive ice maker is ideal for your family and lifestyle, look no farther than the COSTWAY 24228-CYEP countertop ice maker. It combines quick cycle time and high batch output to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck. Great quality ice is really just a bonus.
What We Think of the COSTWAY 24228-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker
When you need ice for camping, beach-going, fishing, or any other outdoor activity, there is nothing better than an ice machine that can have you fully stocked in just one day of use. High productivity is clearly the focus of this model, as it has an ice capacity of 44 lbs every 24 hours, and a maximum cycle time of only 9.5 minutes. You really get the best of both here.
While the most notable thing about this ice maker is its productivity, there are may other features that make this a great choice for many. 5 pleasing color options allow style to enter the discussion, and 2 options for ice size ensure that everyone can have ice that suits them. The water tank capacity and ice basket capacity are very similar to most other ice makers on the market, so you won’t have any issues coming from those specs either.
This ice maker combines a beautiful design with great features. It has been a very welcome addition to my kitchen because the ice maker in my fridge cannot keep up with the demand of my family; we use ice for every drink pretty much. My husband also goes fishing most weekends and it’s great to not need to purchase bagged ice for his cooler. Highly recommend!
Daphne N.
One of the best things about this ice maker is its display panel. Multiple ice options and a self clean function sometimes result in a messy display that’s hard to read. In the case of this COSTWAY model, the display panel is as user-friendly as it gets. This ice maker is fairly light at 23 lb and is compact enough to pack easy for travelling, the hallmarks of a great portable appliance.
COSTWAY 24228-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.5″ x 10.5″ x 13.5″
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Color: Black, silver, green, navy, or red
- Ice Sizes: 2
- Time for Batch of Ice: 8.5-9.5 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 44 lbs
- Water Capacity: 2.7 quarts
- Ice Basket Capacity: 2 lbs
COSTWAY 24228-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a self clean function
- Great color options
- User friendly display panel
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the COSTWAY 24228-CYEP Countertop Ice Maker
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this COSTWAY ice maker is ideal for families with high ice demand. It has one of the best 24hr productivity rates available without compromising on short term efficiency. Consider the bank of great features this machine offers and the price of this ice maker will seem like a bargain.
Presentation of the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
The Best All-Around Alternative
hOmeLabs
If you’re looking for an ice maker that is reliable and easy to use, the hOmeLabs portable ice maker machine is a great choice. It doesn’t have any special features or anything, but it is a solid product that you can put your confidence and money into without worry.
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine Video Review
What We Think of the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
Aside from the slightly expensive price of this machine, there really isn’t anything to complain about. It isn’t very fancy, but it comes with all of the necessary features that we expect. It weighs less than 20 lbs and is only as large as it needs to be, so it is a great choice for people who like to travel or camp frequently. The included ice scoop and removable ice basket are two convenient additions that will make your life easier.
With a 6-minute batch time, this product is one of the faster models on the market, which is never a bad thing. With a 1-gallon tank capacity and 1.5 lbs of ice storage, you won’t have to fill up the water tank or empty the ice more frequently than is reasonable. This machine can output 26 lbs of ice over a 24-hr period, which is fairly standard for the industry.
As ice machines go, this is a pretty standard product. I wouldn’t say that it has any standout features per se, but it’s just a solid product all around. It’s got a great water tank capacity so you won’t need to fill up the water too often, and it has both small and large ice sizes to help you customize the ice to its purpose. I mostly use it for personal drinks so I get small ice out of it, but the large size is great too.
jackie e.
One of the most user-friendly features of this ice maker machine is the control panel. It is located on top of the lid so it is always easy to access, and you can operate the machine with two simple buttons. One is for power, and the other is to choose your ice size (large or small). When the ice basket is full, you will see an indicator light letting you know that it is time to use some ice or empty the basket to a secondary location.
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.9” x 9.5” x 14”
- Weight: 18.6 lbs
- Color: Silver
- Ice Sizes: 2
- Time for Batch of Ice: 6 minutes
- 24 hr Ice Capacity: 26 lbs
- Water Capacity: 1 gallon
- Ice Basket Capacity: 1.5 lbs
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with an ice scoop
- Ice bucket is removable
- Easy to use control panel
- Indicates when the ice bucket is full
Cons
Cons
- Fairly pricey
Our Final Opinion About the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the hOmeLabs portable ice maker machine is a great all-around product. It’s got all the standard features you look for in an ice maker, so even though it will cost you a few hundred dollars, it is a worthy investment if you find yourself running to the store for ice all the time.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Portable Ice Maker
What are the Benefits of Using a Portable Ice Maker?
Portable ice makers are great for a few reasons. First, they can make ice much more quickly than refrigerators with that capability.
Secondly, they eliminate the need to buy bagged ice, which will save you money and the annoyance of having these bags melt before you get them home.
With an ice maker at home, you can use the ice right out of the machine or save it in your freezer for future use. Portable ice makers are also great because they can be taken nearly anywhere.
Whether you want it for a party at a friend’s house, for camping, or anything else, a portable ice maker is easy to pack and take with you.
How Does an Ice Maker Work?
An ice maker works by filtering water into a certain area of the machine and decreasing the temperature of that water in certain shapes to freeze and produce ice cubes.
Some machines use cylindrical shapes dunked into a pool of water to make bullet shaped ice cubes; the cylinders are very low in temperature and so freeze the water around them. The duration of freezing will determine the thickness and overall size of the ice cubes.
Other machines have a vertical grid type tray that water is poured into. The water freezes in layers until square/rectangular cubes are produced. This type of ice tends to come out in sheets rather than individual cubes.
If the ice cubes melt before they are taken out of the machine, the water will just be recycled for future use; there is no waste.
What are the Different Types of Portable Ice Makers?
The main difference between various ice makers is the type of ice they produce. This separates ice makers into two broad categories; those that produce square ice cubes and those that produce cylindrical cubes.
Ice makers with square cubes tend to produce more cubes per cycle due to space efficiency, but they can also take longer to cycle because of the way the cubes need to be frozen.
The ice cubes also come out in a sheet that needs to be broken up rather than separate cubes. Ice makers that produce cylindrical cubes tend to have faster cycle times but produce less per cycle.
They have the benefit of coming out as individual cubes, since they are never in contact with each other until they are frozen solid.
How to Properly Choose Your Portable Ice Maker
- Price.
The amount you are willing to spend on your ice maker will typically determine how many features you can have and the overall quality of the performance. More expensive also does not always guarantee a better product, so make sure you consider the rest of the advice in this guide.
- Tank Capacity.
The water tank capacity is one factor that determines how much ice you can make without needing to revisit the machine. A higher water tank capacity means more ice can be made before it requires you to fill it up, so if you are busy or forgetful or both, you’ll definitely want to look for an ice maker with this feature.
- Speed.
If you have a high ice demand or you prefer to make ice in bulk, a faster time per batch of ice will certainly be appreciated. These machines can be as quick as 6-7 minutes per batch, but they can also take as long as 15+ minutes. Although 15 minutes doesn’t sound like a long time, it will reduce the amount of ice you can make in a short time. If this is important to you, look for a faster ice maker!
- Number of Ice Cube Sizes.
Different machines have different options for ice size. Some have only one, most have two, and some have 3. There is even one on this list that is time dependent, so you have very precise control over your ice size. If you use ice for many different reasons, some variety for size will be a great feature for your ice maker. If not, a simpler machine will suit your needs perfectly.
- Ice Capacity.
The ice capacity can refer to a couple features. One is the ice basket capacity; this will determine how quickly the machine will shutoff as it stops producing ice once the basket is full. To keep it running you’ll need to use some ice or dump the basket to freeze the ice elsewhere. The other capacity is the 24 hour capacity; this tells you the overall amount of ice that can be made in a 24 hour period. People who like to make ice in batches will rely on this feature more than others.
- Timer.
Some ice makers have a timer, and some don’t. Usually, the ones with a timer are more expensive, so that is something to consider. Whether you need a timer or not depends on how long you’ll be using the ice maker each day and how much you’ll be paying attention to it. A timer can make your life a bit easier so it’s definitely worth considering.
- Self-Cleaning.
Ice makers are notoriously difficult to keep clean, so a self clean option will prevent a lot of hassle and work for you. This feature does raise the price of the ice maker and sometimes it still doesn’t work that well. You’ll definitely have to pay attention to the reviews to make sure you aren’t wasting money on this feature.
- Power.
The power of the ice maker will influence how quickly it can make ice cubes, how many can be made at once, and the 24 hr productivity rate. Machines with more power will have faster cycle times and likely make more ice cubes at one time, so the rate at which you use ice will play a big role in determining which power level is best for you.
- Warranty.
The warranty period offered with a product is definitely a factor that should be considered when looking to purchase something new. Some people are happy not to have any coverage, but others like to be protected right from purchase in case something goes wrong during shipping or if something breaks prematurely. It really depends on your preference.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of portable ice makers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
