Best Portable Ice Makers to Have Ice On Demand

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 9, 2023
Dreaming of chilly drinks this summer? Portable ice makers can make ice for beverages super quickly and easily. You just need to ...Read more
PROS

Besides classic Black, Silver, and White designs, the machine is available in vibrant Red and Aqua colors. So, you're likely to find a perfect fit for your kitchen interior.

CONS

When generating ice, the machine is quite loud. 

OUR VERDICT

Despite its portable size, this ice maker boasts one of the biggest water reservoirs and can produce up to 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours period. It also looks retro and stylish, making it a great addition to any countertop. More color options are available.

detailed parameters
Type of Ice

Bullet-round ice

Ice Cube Size

Adjustable (2 sizes)

Daily Ice Production

Up to 26 lbs

Ice Storage Capacity

2 lbs

Operation Cycle

7-12 minutes

Water Source

3-qt water reservoir

Convenience

Control panel with LED-indicators, Water refill alarm, Translucent window, Ice scoop included

Dimensions

9.6"W x 14.7"D x 12.4"H

20.5 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Equipped with an innovative infrared sensor, the machine will stop making ice automatically when the bucket is full, which will help prevent overflowing.

CONS

The actual ice-making time may be longer than the stated one.

OUR VERDICT

Energy-efficient and quiet in operation, the Euhomy IM-01 uses advanced refrigeration technology to produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day. The unit has an intuitive control panel. This model is available in 5 color schemes.

detailed parameters
Type of Ice

Bullet-round ice

Ice Cube Size

Adjustable (2 sizes)

Daily Ice Production

Up to 26 lbs

Ice Storage Capacity

1.54 lbs

Operation Cycle

8-9 minutes

Water Source

2.3-qt water reservoir

Convenience

Control panel with LED-indicators, Water refill alarm, Translucent window, Ice scoop included

Dimensions

9.64"W x 12.59" D x 12.59"

H17.2 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Thanks to the built-in fan, the appliance won't get overheated even if used for a prolonged period of time. For easy water emptying, a drain cap is located at the unit's front.

CONS

Some cubes might have an awkward shape.

OUR VERDICT

This user-friendly countertop ice machine by Frigidaire EFIC121 has an elegant black and silver housing and ergonomic non-skid feet. Neat and stylish, it will perfectly blend with your kitchen design.

detailed parameters
Type of Ice

Bullet-round ice

Ice Cube Size

Adjustable (2 sizes)

Daily Ice Production

Up to 26 lbs

Ice Storage Capacity

1.7 lbs

Operation Cycle

8 minutes

Water Source

1.9-qt water reservoir

Convenience

Control panel with LED-indicators, Water refill alarm, Translucent window, Ice scoop included

Dimensions

10"W x 14"D x 13.5"H

18 lbs

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The device works almost silently both when generating ice and when maintaining the temperature in the ice container. Thanks to this, it can be placed just about anywhere as no noise will ever bother you. 

CONS

The ice is rather small, even on the "large" setting. 

OUR VERDICT

The compact dimensions of this portable ice maker make it convenient to move with you, which may come in handy when you have a picnic, BBQ or a pool party. It doesn't have a large ice storage capacity, but the fact that it produces ice in less than 6 minutes makes up for this.

detailed parameters
Type of Ice

Bullet-round ice

Ice Cube Size

Adjustable (2 sizes)

Daily Ice Production

Up to 26 lbs

Ice Storage Capacity

1.5 lbs

Operation Cycle

6-8 minutes

Water Source

2.3-qt water reservoir

Convenience

Control panel with LED-indicators, Water refill alarm, Translucent window, Ice scoop included

Dimensions

9.5"W x 14"D x 12.9"H

~19 lbs

Warranty

2 years (6 more months after product registration)

PROS

This powerful machine can produce 9 cylinder-shaped ice cubes in just 7 minutes. An ergonomic control panel will notify you when it is time to add water for making the next batch.

CONS

The bucket is somewhat flimsy. 

OUR VERDICT

Compact outside and roomy inside, this innovative ice machine by Igloo will allow you to quickly make either small or large bullet-shaped ice cubes. The appliance uses a safe, environmentally-friendly refrigerant.

detailed parameters
Type of Ice

Bullet-round ice

Ice Cube Size

Adjustable (2 sizes)

Daily Ice Production

Up to 26 lbs

Ice Storage Capacity

2 lbs

Operation Cycle

7 minutes

Water Source

3-qt water reservoir

Convenience

Control panel with LED-indicators, Water refill alarm, Translucent window, Ice scoop included

Dimensions

9.61"W x 14.69"D x 12.4"H

20.5 lbs

Warranty

1 year

Ice Makers Portable Ice Makers

Compact Yet Powerful

The Igloo ICEB26RR is a great little appliance to keep your drink nicely refreshing. With 3-quart water tank capacity, it makes 9 cylinder ice cubes in as little as 7 minutes. The machine offers small and large ice cubes that can keep fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced tea, mojitos, and other beverages chilly during hot, summer days.

The unit is ready to use straight out-of-the-box and is quite easy to operate. You simply need to set it on any flat surface, pour some water, and close the lid. The machine is capable of producing 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours, which is enough to keep beverages cool all day long. To haul large amounts of ice, you can remove the ice basket and carry it wherever you need.

The only thing to note is that the ice cubes come out "wet" and tend to freeze together. That said, they break up easily after a few wacks on the ground.

Overall, this ice making machine doesn't take up too much table top space and is ideal for use in RVs or dorms. This is one of the most compact units without compromising ice production. It works great and keeps ice cold for hours.

Stylish Design

While most ice makers are pretty plain and sometimes even ugly, this one looks ultimately stylish. It's available in classy Black, White and Silver designs as well as more vibrant Aqua and Red. With its sleek look, the iGloo ICEB26RR is definitely not an appliance you'd like to hide during parties.

On the top, it has a clear lid allowing you to watch the process of ice making. We would like to point out that the viewing window is a bit larger compared to many standard ice makers, meaning you can see every single detail clearly.

Also, there is a stylish control panel on the lid with LED indicator lights that illuminate your choices and let you know when the ice bin is full or the water tank is empty.

All in all, this compact, nice-looking and portable ice maker can help you keep your beverages chilly during the hottest days and parties. It's ideal for RVs, home bars, dorm rooms and offices. Although it's small in size, it packs a big punch. 

Last updated price $131.70
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FNW41P7

Enjoy Your Chilled Drinks in a Quiet Environment

If you are looking for an efficient and user-friendly ice-making machine, opt for this Euhomy model. Boasting low energy consumption, the unit will help you save on your energy bills. Moreover, to eliminate water waste, the machine is equipped with a recirculating water tank. The appliance can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, and it can make 9 ice cubes in just 8 minutes. You can add these bullet-shaped ice cubes to beverages straight away, or put them in a freezer for later use. Now, you can enjoy frozen smoothies and other chilled treats whenever you like.

The ice maker has a viewing window, allowing you to see what is inside without opening the lid. Keeping the lid closed will help to maintain the temperature inside the machine and the ice cubes' freshness, especially if the ambient temperature is high. Thanks to innovative infrared sensor technology, the machine will stop making ice automatically when the bucket is full, so its contents will not overflow. Meanwhile, an ergonomic indicator light will remind you to refill the water tank if the water level is too low. After use, the countertop ice maker is easy to clean. To enter the cleaning mode, just press the power key and hold it for 5 seconds.

Ergonomic Design

The Euhomy IM-01 portable ice maker boasts user-friendly operation. In addition to Add Water and Ice Full indicator lights, there is an ergonomic size button, allowing you to select the ice cubes' size. Hence, you will be able to make either larger or smaller cubes depending on your needs and preferences and enjoy chilled beverages whenever you want. Efficient as it is, the appliance takes up little space on your counter.

What is also great, the manufacturer provides a one-year warranty for the product. Please, note that before using the appliance, it is recommended to put it upright for at least 24 hours.

Summing up, allowing you to make up to 26 lbs of ice per day, this functional item can be recommended for home and office use. Besides, the Euhomy IM-01 requires no installation, and you can actually place it in any room of your house. By the way, this model is also available in blue, red, white, and silver, so you are sure to find the color scheme to your liking.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B09DYFVR2M

Neat and Stylish

Let's look at this compact countertop ice maker by Frigidaire. Designed to take little countertop space, the machine is equipped with a 1.9 qt water tank that sits below a 0.8-qt ice basket. Thanks to this feature, the mini ice maker has a small footprint, which makes it a great choice for any kitchen. Though the housing is made of plastic, the appliance has a neat and stylish design that will perfectly suit any interior. Owing to a see-through window, you will be able to monitor the ice-making process at all stages. Meanwhile, the lid will help keep the consistent temperature inside the unit for the most efficient ice production.

Compact as it is, the appliance can make 9 ice pieces per time and boasts 8 min ice dispensing time. With that, the operating noise does not exceed 60dB(A). Along with the purchase, you will get an ice bucket and a scoop for dispensing ice. The machine is just what you need to make enough ice to prepare frozen smoothies or chilled beverages for your family and friends. If you are planning a party, you can make some bullet-shaped ice cubes in advance and store them in a freezer.

Easy to Use and Clean

The unit's operating panel is quite common for an ice maker, and operation is very straightforward. First of all, it has Add Water, Ice Full, and Power indicator lights. Surely, there is also an On/off button and a Select button, plus there are indicators displaying the ice cube size to choose (Small and Large).

Adding to its benefits, this functional appliance has a thoughtful design. As we have mentioned above, it has a see-through lid. Besides, the unit has a built-in fan that will prevent the machine from overheating. Because the drain hole is located at the unit's front, emptying any remaining water is a breeze—you can just move the item to your kitchen sink, open the drain plug and let the water drain out. Note that it is recommended to wash the ice bucket and scoop in warm soapy water and wipe clean the housing with a soft damp cloth. Proper care and cleaning will help prolong the service life of the machine.

To put it in a nutshell, if you are looking for a functional and cost-effective tabletop ice maker, the Frigidaire EFIC121 is surely worth your attention. Boasting intuitive operation, the appliance is easy to use and maintain. A handy ice scoop is included in the box.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07VMBP1N5

The Best Seller

Summer often means a lot of picnics and party opportunities. And the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine is here to provide you with a constant ice supply. It's a sleek and highly-powerful countertop ice making machine that can change your kitchen's functionality. In just 6-8 minutes, it makes the first 9-piece batch of smooth bullet-shaped ice cubes. The basket gets full in less than an hour, which is perfect if you quickly need a large batch of ice. In general, it can produce up to 26 lbs of ice per day and store up to 1.5 lbs of ice at a time. You can choose between small and large-sized cubes. The smaller ice cones can even fit into a plastic water bottle.

The hOmeLabs small ice maker is ready to use right out-of-the-box and is very easy to operate. You just need to set the machine on a flat surface (at least 4 inches from a wall), pour the water in, and keep the lid closed. That's it!

The machine boasts a modern refrigeration technology and quiet compressor cooling, so it works almost silently. It's equipped with a convenient control panel and comes with a BPA-free plastic ice scoop and a removable ice basket. The unit is quite compact which makes it perfect for small kitchens, recreational vehicles, boats, patios and more. However, the feature that discerns this model from many similar ice makers is that it is able to turn itself off automatically once its ice basket is full which contributes to its usability and provides the user with a peace of mind.

The hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine will come in handy when you are having parties or bar-b-ques and your beverages are being made constantly. The readily-made bullet-shaped cubes will definitely make every drink a pleasure to enjoy!

Useful Tips

Here're some useful tips which can make maintenance of this portable ice machine a bit easier:

  • The water mark is not so easy to see. So, it's better to additionally indicate it with a non-toxic market. It's somewhere about 2 inches down from the top of the back wall.
  • If it's very stuffy in your house, the hOmelabs machine might need up to 20 minutes to generate the first batch of ice. And the more often you will open the lid to check the process, the longer this will delay the ice. So, try not to open the lid during ice production.
  • We recommend you to remove ice cubes within a few minutes after they have been made, especially if the ambient temperature is very high. Shake ice a little to drip off excess water so that ice cubes won't stick together.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B071J2LSQS

What customers say about this product

Features(4.5)

There is 'basket full' sensor somewhere that turns the system OFF when the basket is full. This normally happens when the basket is (subjectively) is a little over three quarters full.

Key Specs(4.6)

It is important to note that this ice maker is not for ice storage. It does not keep the ice frozen, but the ice will keep for a decent amount of time after the maker has been running for at least an hour or two.

Size & Weight(4.5)

It doesn't take up much counter space when I'm using it, and it's small enough to store in the pantry when not in use.

Power(4.4)

It's a low energy machine meaning it won't hit your utility bill hard at all.

Ice in Minutes

Are you looking for a portable and powerful ice maker? This compact unit can produce 9 ice cubes in as little as 7 minutes! If you keep the water tank filled during the whole day, the machine will easily produce 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours. The unit has a 3-quart water tank and can store up to 2 pounds of ice at a time. The appliance is equipped with an ice bucket and a scoop, so serving the ice will be an easy task. You can produce large or small bullet-shaped ice cubes for making refreshing ice beverages, smoothies, and slushies as well as for keeping food, bottled, and canned beverages cold even on the hottest summer days.

Equipped with a user-friendly touch-control panel, the machine is super easy to use. To start making ice, you just need to open the lid, remove the ice bucket and fill the water reservoir with water (up to 3 quarts), replace the ice bucket, and close the lid. Then, press the unit's power button and select the cubes' size (small or large) using the select button. In 7-9 minutes, your delicious ice cubes will be ready! In case the water reservoir is empty, or the ice bucket is full, the appliance will notify you of that—the corresponding indicator will light up.

Simple and Elegant

Just like other quality ice makers, this unit has a transparent lid for monitoring the ice bucket contents. Also, it utilizes a commonly used R134A refrigerant that is safe for the environment. Elegantly designed, this portable ice machine by iGloo will look great in any kitchen. To prevent the risk of tripping, the appliance is fitted with a short power cord. Do not forget to unplug the ice maker when it is not in use, as well as before cleaning. Along with the purchase, you will get an informative instruction manual with this and other important safety tips.

With this efficient device at hand, you will be able to make lemonade, smoothies, and other healthy beverages for yourself and your family and prepare delicious cocktails for your party guests. You can serve ice cubes in a beautifully designed ice bucket to add to your drinks or chill a bottle of champagne. In a word, with this functional and compact machine that takes minutes to make ice, you will be well-prepared for any summer occasion.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FQJ1SZX

What Is a Portable Ice Maker?

A portable ice maker is a compact device for producing ice. It requires neither water line nor drain line, thus, it's ideal for use in mini kitchens, RVs or boats while traveling, camping, or tailgating. The machine contains a built-in ice generator that swiftly produces ice cubes. No fuss with pre-freezing! You just need to fill the reservoir with water, plug the ice maker into a power outlet, and switch it on. On average, the first batch of ice will be produced within 10 minutes, however, take note that portable ice makers won't be able to keep it frozen for a long time. And if you need to store ice for a long time, you might need a stationary model.

A portable ice maker is small enough to easily fit on a countertop or in a cupboard. It can generate some fresh and tasty ice every now and then. It's a great alternative to buying ice bags and sticking them in a freezer. So, keep on reading our best portable ice maker reviews and choose the one to refresh your beverages. Tasty margarita anyone?

What Features to Compare

Storage Capacity and Ice Production Speed

The first thing to consider is how much ice the selected machine can produce per day. Generally, ice machines can make about 26-28 pounds of ice during 24 hours. A storage capacity determines the max amount of ice the unit can hold at any given time. So, if you often host parties, look for a machine that can offer you 2.5-3 lbs of storage space at least. Another important feature to take into account is the speed of an ice maker. The faster it produces ice, the better. The quickest models can generate a batch of ice in just 5-7 minutes, while the slowest machines may take approximately 13-15 munites. Smaller ice makers tend to produce ice faster. Also, smaller units usually maintain lower temperatures for a longer time compared to larger ones, meaning the ice inside mini machines stays cool for a longer time either.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a unit really matter if you're going to take it with you on trips. The small footprint means that you can easily put it on any counter, including tabletops in RVs. And if the device is also lightweight, you will be able to move it around with less effort. Sizes and designs vary significantly. Some ice makers can be as small as coffee makers, while others can come in bulky dimensions requiring plenty of countertop space. That said, if the weight and the size of the appliance aren't your concerns, remember what we've said earlier - smaller models are usually faster than their larger rivals and they can keep produced ice colder for a longer time.

Design

It's very convenient if a drain plug is placed at the bottom of the unit rather than on its side. A mash filter is used to protect the ice from dirt, residue, or hair. Despite the fact that many portable ice machines come fitted with special purification filters, it's better to filter tap water prior to adding it to an ice maker. As for aesthetic, ice making machines are produced in a vast range of styles and colors so it should be easy to find a model that will blend beautifully both with your kitchen interior and with your other kitchen appliances.

Extras

A bright LED control panel with a touchscreen, handy controls, and sound signals will make the operation of the unit much more convenient. A timer is another useful feature that will allow you to program the machine depending on your needs.

Did you know?

When was the first ice machines invented?

Two centuries ago, ice was a luxury. In hot countries, people had to buy extremely expensive blocks of ice from delivery services. The imported hefty ice blocks were delivered from colder countries or from refrigeration plants. Only in the 19th century, the first ice machine was invented by John Gorrie. It was created in 1842 and patented in 1851 after some upgrading. The machine was able to chill water and produce some ice. However, it was never brought into commercial production.

Alexander Twining, a scientist, has also received a patent for an ice machine and managed to implement it to the first commercial refrigeration system. It happened in 1856, in the US. At the same time, a Scotsman, James Harrison began to study vapor compression. He created his own ice making machine in 1851 and launched it in 1854. The commercial version of his device could produce up to 6,600 lbs of ice per day. It was James Harrison who also invented cooling systems allowing people to transport frozen meat across the world.

What is ice?

Even small children know that ice is just frozen water. The water transforms from a liquid state into a hard solid state when it gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The ice also has some special properties: it expands when water freezes and floats in water. When the pressure increases, the melting point decreases. However, did you know that there are as many as sixteen types of ice? The ice that we have in our freezers is called "Ice 4" type. Actually, different types are distinguished by their density.

Liquid water is denser than ice!

Although ice and water have the same composition, they have different levels of density. The molecules inside water (liquid or solid state) arrange themselves in a completely different way. When in liquid water, they can fill in gaps and stay closer to each other than in the ice. So, the ice is less dense than liquid water and, consequently, it can float on water.

Ice as an evidence that there is life on other planets

Scientists and astronauts have recently found ice in outer space. The ice can serve as evidence that we are not the only population in the universe. The life requires water to live, and ice is just the frozen water!

Dry ice?

Dry ice is very effective at keeping different stuff frozen for a long time. Dry ice is produced from a carbon dioxide. It changes its state from gas to solid at the chilling 109.3 degrees F.

Forms of ice

You can find ice not only in your ice making machine or freezer. Ice is also present in nature in various forms: snow, ice sheets, icebergs, glaciers, freezing rain, icicles, hail, sleet, ice crystals, rime, graupel, and even ice fog.

FAQ:

Q: How to clean a {keyword:portable} ice maker?
A:
Mold and slime can easily grow inside your ice making machine if you leave it even slightly wet. So, you should always clean your mini ice maker after each use. Cleaning an ice maker is a simple job. Every device usually comes with its specific cleaning instructions in the manual or you can download them on the official website. However, in general, cleaning recommendations are very similar for all models.

At first, you need to unplug the appliance and remove an ice tray. Wipe interior parts with a towel, making sure you reach all corners and recesses. Repeat these actions with an ice tray. Then, make a cleaning solution (10:1 ratio of water to lemon juice or white vinegar) and run this solution through a few cycles. Toss out the ice with cleaning solution and let the machine dry.

Q: Do {keyword:portable} ice makers require a dedicated water line and a dedicated drain line?
A:
No and no. This type of appliance needs neither dedicated water line nor dedicated drain line to work. These are the main differences that set a {keyword:portable} ice maker apart from stationary machines. When you need some ice, you should just plug it in an outlet and fill the container with water. The water from melted ice goes back down into the special basin where it's turned back into ice again. To make sure that your ice is fresh, we advise you to drain water at least once a day.

Q: What type of water should I use?
A:
The quality of the ice depends on the type of the water you pour into an ice maker. Needless to say, the water must be potable. It's sensible to avoid hard water, as it might lead to mineral build-up and worsen the quality of ice. Distilled water includes fewer minerals, however, it can also cause some issues, since
most {keyword:portable} ice machines use sensors that produce ice according to mineral content. It's better to use filtered and purified water to get fresh and tasty ice. It has an optimal mineral content and can't make sensors inside operate improperly.

Q: Can I use a {keyword:portable} ice machine outdoors?
A:
Yes, it's a small and lightweight appliance that can be easily moved from one place to another. It can work wherever you have a power outlet. It's good not only for countertops and tabletops but for RV and boats as well. But keep in mind that a very hot temperature can influence the ice production time.

Q: How long does it take a machine to make ice?
A:
It depends on a specific model. On average, a {keyword:portable} ice machine produces ice within 7-15 minutes. Some factors might slow down the production of ice - the type of added water, the age of an ice machine, and the frequency of use.

Q: Can I use a {keyword:portable} ice maker as a freezer?
A:
No, it's not an alternative to a freezer. Although it has an insulated exterior, the ice will slowly melt in the tray.

Q: How much electricity does an ice maker consume?
A:
The amount of used electricity varies from model to model. Usually, they aren't very energy efficient. You can hardly find an EnergyStar certified appliance. Yet, this doesn’t mean that they are very expensive to run either. They use much less electricity than stationary ice machines.

Sources:

1. Kristen Hicks The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Portable Ice Maker, Compact Appliance. October 5, 2016.

2. Autumn Spanne 15 Blissfully Cool Facts About Ice, Mental Floss. August 15, 2016.

3. Icemaker, Wikipedia.

4. Mike Floorwalker Top 10 Strange and Fascinating Facts About Ice, Toptenz.net.

5. Sarah 11 Common Questions About Portable Ice Makers, Compact Appliance. March 12, 2014.

6. Carol Gold Is it Healthy to Drink Cold Water, LIVESTRONG.COM.

7. 40 Cool Drinks for a Hot Day, Real Simple.

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