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Best Buy Portable Ice Maker
Best Portable Ice Maker for Camping
Best Portable Clear Ice Maker
Making hasty trips to the supermarket to get ice can become an event of the past if you decide to buy a portable machine that makes ice for you in minutes. As a bonus, you can also make more ice than what your standard freezer is capable of producing. A solid quality portable ice maker can save you from many bothersome situations like the one mentioned above and it can also save you a lot of money in the long term. It’s especially recommended for those who frequently go camping with an RV or enjoy cold beers with friends at the pool or during family reunions. This kind of machine can also be a good substitute if the ice maker from your freezer or refrigerator is broken. You might also be interested in our articles about the best electric coolers and the best canopies.
In order to make the right choice, it’s essential to compare certain features which are important for any portable ice maker to have. The characteristics that you should evaluate are:
1. Quantity and speed
These machines can handle the making of different quantities of ice so it’s important to check out how many pounds of ice a day can it handle. The speed is also a good indicator of the quality of an ice maker. Some of the best can make 10 cubes of ice in just a few minutes so if it’s essential for you to get your drinks chilled quickly, this is the aspect to consider.
2. Specific needs
As with many other portable products, finding the best one for you depends on where you plan to use the ice maker. How many people are you expecting for your typical family reunions? If there are more than 40 people you will probably have to make a bigger investment in a model with a larger ice basket. Do you prefer to make camping trips only with a few good friends? Perhaps a more lightweight solution that’s simple to use and more compact could be more up your alley.
3. The budget
It’s always recommended to have a rough idea of how much you want to spend for any product and portable ice makers are no exceptions. There are some lower-priced items to consider on the market if you aren’t willing to spend too much so be sure to find a product that suits your particular budget.
This article comes with various options which were selected for their cost-effectiveness. Lots of unreliable and generally low-quality models have been systematically avoided so that only the best portable ice makers for the money can be found on this list. If you wish to make a solid investment of your money, check them out below.
1. Della Portable Ice Maker 048-GM-48187
One of the best portable ice makers out there is the Della 048-GM-48187. It comes in a compact and portable design and it definitely attracts some looks with its stylish finish. The performance is up to par with the cost so this can be a very good chilling solution.
To make a batch of ice just plug the unit in, add some water and wait around 6 minutes. The machine can handle the production of approximately 26 pounds of ice in a single day which is definitely a sufficient quantity for most needs. You can say goodbye to pesky ice trays as you will never need them again.
The storage bin is insulated and it can keep a maximum of 1.5 pounds of ice at a time safely stored. If you don’t keep the ice maker plugged in, the ice won’t last very long, maybe 8 hours at best. Della integrated a basic control panel that allows you to modify the ice cube sizes and turn the machine on or off.
If you want to monitor the progress of the machine, there’s a see-through window installed which enables the viewer to check the level of the ice. If the water level from the reservoir starts to diminish, a light indicator will alert you to add more water. There’s also an alert for when the ice bucket gets full so you can remove the ice cubes to make way for a new batch.
The unit is easy to operate and fun to use as you can see how the machine produces the ice in real-time. The price is affordable considering the features and the performance. It makes ice quickly and efficiently that’s perfect for your small kitchen, RV, boat or wherever there’s an outlet nearby. Highly recommended.
Key Features:
- Compact & Portable
- Creates 9 pieces of ice in 6 minutes
- Produces 26 lbs. in 24 hours
- Stylish design
- No installation required
- Insulated Storage Bin
- Easy-to-Use Controls
Best Buy Portable Ice Maker
2. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
A portable ice maker that delivers on its promises doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you don’t want to spend too much, perhaps the hOmeLabs HME010019N could be a suitable option as it can produce a lot of ice fairly quickly and is quieter than other models. Simple to use and compact, this definitely looks like an attractive unit.
This ice maker can create 9-piece batches in 8 to 12 minutes which is quite decent for the price. The ice cubes are bullet-shaped and ready for any beverage. This countertop ice maker makes around 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours and can store 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. This is not like a freezer though so be sure to use the ice as fast as possible.
Many ice machines can be very loud but this model uses a quiet compressor that takes care of the cooling so it’s not as noisy. hOmelabs incorporated the most advanced refrigeration technology so that you can enjoy a fresh batch of ice without creating too much noise.
An interesting function about this ice maker is the Auto Shut Off ability. When the container for the ice is full, the machine will automatically shut off. The ice basket can be removed for your convenience and there’s even a BPA-free plastic ice scoop included.
In terms of user-friendliness, this machine is simple to fill and drain and can be used immediately right out of the box. The control panel is useful for monitoring the activity and controlling the ice maker.
This ice maker is very portable so it can suit well lots of places and activities. It can be ideal for recreational vehicles, backyards, boats and many more. Taking everything about the hOmeLabs HME010019N into account, it’s safe to say that this is worth the cost. It has all the features you could need in an ice maker and the price is very reasonable.
Key Features:
- Produces 26 pounds of ice per day
- Quiet cooling
- Makes bullet-shaped ice cubes in 8 to 12 minutes
- Auto Shut OFF
- Safe and ETL Certified electric ice maker
3. Think Gizmos TG22 Counter Top Ice Maker Machine
The TG22 by Think Gizmos is one of the fastest ice maker machines you can find. In just 6 minutes, it has a fresh batch of crunchy ice ready to be added to your favorite beverages. It costs a bit more than other models but it boasts lots of premium features including giving you the option of 3 different ice cube sizes to choose from.
Perhaps the first thing you will notice about this machine is the elegant and sturdy construction. Made out of a sleek blend of stainless steel and ABS, this ice maker not only looks great but it’s also very performant and ready to handle any ice making task you throw at it.
This model is intended more for residential homes but it’s still fairly portable and compact. On the front, you can find the control panel which allows you to toggle between the sizes of the ice cubes. You can choose between small, medium, and large and there are indicators for when the machine is full of ice or needs more water.
The ice bucket can hold 2.2 pounds of ice which is quite generous. It depends on the room temperature, but this machine is capable of making around 26 pounds of ice per day. The ice maker is easy to use and intuitive. No need for any installation, simply add water and you’re done. You can look through the small window to see the results. It would have been nice if the window was bigger but this is a non-issue.
As the Think Gizmos TG22 delivers in terms of performance and design, it’s definitely a winner among portable ice makers. It comes with a bonus ice scoop and a large ice bucket so all in all, this is a great investment if you want something more premium.
Key Features:
- Quality stainless steel and ABS housing
- Makes 26 lbs of ice per day
- Produces a batch of cubes in 6 minutes
- 3 different ice cube sizes
- Easy to use
- Includes ice scoop
Best Portable Ice Maker For Camping
4. Koldfront KIM202W Ultra Compact Portable Ice Maker
The Koldfront KIM202W is an extremely portable ice maker that’s great for camping, RVs, cabins, boats. Like all similar devices, make sure you have an outlet close if you don’t want your ice to turn back into water. This model has some great features for the price so let’s take a more in-depth look at it.
The main feature of this ice maker is its portability. You can basically place it anywhere and it won’t take up too much space. It’s good for any kitchen where you want a steady production of ice. This unit has the ability to produce 26 pounds of ice in a day. It makes either small or large bullet-shaped ice cubes and it can definitely make you forget about ice trays.
The integrated storage bin is decently insulated and can store 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. It’s not a good idea to leave the ice there for too long as this ice maker is designed to deliver the goods quickly and you have to use the ice as fast as possible. This ice maker can reuse the water from the melted ice adding it in a new cycle to produce more ice, a process that can save you some time.
Controlling this machine isn’t very difficult as Koldfront installed simple touch-sensitive controls on a front panel. From there you can choose between two sizes, small and large ice cubes. You can also turn it on or off from here.
Considering what it can do for the money, the Koldfront KIM202W shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the market for portable ice makers. It’s reliable and performant as well as very compact, able to fit nicely in any functional kitchen.
Key Features:
- Makes 26 pounds of ice per day
- Can store 1.5 lbs at a time
- 2 different ice cube sizes
- Produces a batch of ice in 10 minutes
- No drain required
5. Costway Portable Compact Electric Ice Maker Machine
One of the best rated portable ice makers that you can buy is this one from Costway. It comes in multiple color variants, provides a solid level of productivity, and it will save you a lot of time and effort. This is a portable ice maker that comes with a relatively balanced price for what it offers.
The first thing you can observe regarding this ice machine is the modern design. It has a see-through window to monitor the ice-making process and check the ice level. With many neutral colors like black, silver, and white it can fit well in many kitchen environments.
The ice cube basket has a pretty standard 1.5 pounds capacity allowing you to make a good amount ahead of time and have it available for later use. It can save you some space in the freezer but keep in mind that this doesn’t really have the ability to store the ice like a freezer so don’t expect the ice to last very long.
In terms of speed, this machine is able to crank out batches of ready-to-serve ice in 8 minutes on average. A very good value for the price. A light indicator will alert you to the situation when the water runs low and you are required to add some more. You will also be alerted when the ice bucket is completely full and it has to be taken out. The control panel is easy to use and helpful to select between the two sizes (small and large) for the ice cubes.
Suitable for many activities where there’s a need for refreshingly cold beverages, the Costway ice maker machine can be the ideal companion that will save you time, power, and space. It operates at low noise and it comes with an ice scoop. The ice-making area can be a little hard to clean but all in all, this machine is light, reliable and performs exactly as expected.
Key Features:
- Portable and compact design
- Can make 26lbs in 24 hours
- 1.5 lbs capacity of ice cube basket
- Easy to use control panel
- Light indicator
6. Igloo ICE102 Counter Top Ice Maker
Another worthy addition to this list is the Igloo ICE102, a portable ice maker with a compact and convenient design ready to be used in various kitchen environments or during various outdoor adventures that include RVs or boats. It can make ice in a consistent and reliable manner but don’t expect a huge quantity of ice.
There are two cube sizes to customize your ice according to your preferences. There’s a 2 pounds reservoir integrated that enables you to store plenty of ice ahead of time which can be used whenever you want. It’s recommended that you take the ice out and use it quickly. Depending on the outside temperature it should last around 8-10 hours before it melts completely.
Using this unit is a breeze. No installation needed, just add water and wait somewhere around 15 minutes to get a fresh batch of ice. There’s no need to drain the melted ice because it goes back into the reservoir to be used in a new cycle of ice-making.
Igloo guarantees that this unit is capable of making 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours though usually, the results aren’t always as advertised. You will probably not be able to reach this value but for most users, it makes enough ice to last them for a long time.
This model has a nice design. It looks great in any kitchen but it can also be carried with ease to have it wherever fresh ice is needed. Igloo provides a few color options including a glacial blue version that’s very stylish.
Although not as reliable compared to other ice makers on the market, the Igloo ICE102 can be a potent solution for getting rid of ice trays once and for all. It works great even if it has some limitations. All in all, this earns a recommendation, especially considering its low price.
Key Features:
- Convenient and compact design
- Requires no installation
- Produces 26 pounds of ice a day
- LED control panel
- 2.0 lbs capacity of ice cube basket
7. Rosewill RHIM-15001 Compact Ice Maker Countertop
Making ice fast requires a performant machine. One that can do a solid job, producing ready-to-serve ice in 6-12 minutes is the Rosewill RHIM-15001 compact ice maker. It has a higher price but it seems justified when you take a look at the features and capabilities of this machine.
In less time than it takes for you to drive to the closest store to get a bag of ice, this machine will have a fresh batch of ice created in the comfort of your home. This ice maker can produce 26.5 pounds of either small or large ice cubes. If you’re worried about leaving the machine unattended, Rosewill integrated an automatic stop function to shut off the device after it finishes its task.
Using this machine is easy enough, just pour in water, set the size of the ice cubes and let the machine do its magic. A reasonably large window allows you to watch the process in its entirety. Once the batch is done, you can enjoy beautifully solid cubes of ice that will remain separated and won’t lump together.
In the ice basket you can hold approximately 1.54 pounds of ice at a time and in case you made some extra ice and don’t need it, just let it melt. Thanks to the innovative water-use design, the machine will re-utilize the melted water turning it back into more ice whenever you want.
Due to its stylish stainless steel design, this portable ice maker is also attractive, complementing well most kitchen decors. It’s fairly small and compact too, enabling you to easily take it during your boating sessions or on an RV. There are certainly lots of uses for such a great ice maker.
The Rosewill RHIM-15001 deserves a spot on this list considering its features for the cost. It’s a little noisier than other models out there so this could be a negative point but you can still get used to it. With so many premium features and taking into account the superior quality of the ice cubes made by this ice maker, this is a solid investment.
Key Features:
- Ready-to-serve ice in 6-12 minutes
- Compact and portable
- Insulated Storage Bin
- Stainless Steel Finish
- Makes 26.5 lb of small or large bullet-shaped ice cubes in 24 hours
- Innovative Water-Use Design
Best Portable Clear Ice Maker
8. Della Easy-Touch Ice Maker 048-GM-48220
Another great ice maker from Della, this model manages to strike a good balance between performance and price. It comes with many essential features for everyone who needs fresh ice quickly including a see-through window to check the ice level.
Anyone interested in this type of machine wants to know the amount of ice a unit can handle. This is a performant ice maker capable of delivering approximately 26 pounds of ice in a day. It operates in cycles of around 6 minutes and makes batches of 9 pieces of ice cubes of different sizes.
Using an intuitive control panel you can select the desired size for your ice cubes. You can choose from large, medium, and small. The insulated basket can hold 2 pounds of ice at once which is plenty for a party.
The water in the reservoir will eventually run out but the machine provides an indicator to alert you when that happens. There’s also an alert for the times when the ice bucket gets full and needs to be emptied for more ice to be created.
Besides the sleek performance, this unit comes with a sleek design fitting for any home. It’s compact and practical and Della includes a removable tray to transfer the ice more easily. This model can be the ideal companion for your RV trips in the summer or for making parties and picnics more exciting.
Although this Della ice maker is not as reliable as others on this list, the machine is still working as expected, making real ice that you can conveniently use. There’s an included ice scoop for removing the newly created ice from the storage compartment. Considering the audible alert and the small footprint, essential features to have in any portable ice maker, this is strongly recommended.
Key Features:
- Sleek performance
- See-through window
- Yields Up To 26 Pounds of Ice Daily
- Makes a batch of ice in only 6 minutes
- Can hold 2 pounds of ice at a time
9. Yongtong Portable Ice Maker IM-12AR
For those with lower budgets, the Yongtong IM-12AR represents a decent alternative to some of the more expensive ice makers out there. While it does have some impressive specs, the quality of the ice created by this model is not comparable to other models on this list.
It can make batches of ice cubes in about 6 minutes and it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours at its maximum output. Sounds good until you realize that the ice melts a bit faster than you’d expect from a conventional ice cube.
The machine gets high points for ease-of-use. There are no complaints here as this unit has two cube sizes that can be selected and requires no plumbing in. Add water and watch through the window how your new batch of ice is created.
When the water in your tank is running low you will be alerted by a red indicator to add some more. An alert also goes off when the ice bucket becomes full. These are helpful features to make sure that you always have ready-to-eat ice cubes at your disposal.
Thanks to the modern compressor technology, this machine is fairly quiet and the refrigeration capability will enable you to store the ice for a while in the basket. Don’t leave it for too long though as this can’t replace a freezer.
This machine works nicely overall. It makes ice cubes fairly quickly and even if they melt pretty fast, it’s still worth making the investment into one. The Yongtong ice maker is recommended for its features but the very low price is what really sells this machine. At this price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a machine that offers the same. For more casual users, this can represent a better option than the more expensive units.
Key Features:
- Makes a batch in about 6 minutes
- Portable and compact
- Stainless steel design
- Very easy to use
- See-through window
- 2 ice sizes
10. Igloo Compact Ice Maker EKU-ROG-WHT ICE108-SILVER
Although it doesn’t look like a special ice maker, this model from Igloo has certain features that turn it into an attractive choice. It finishes a batch of ice in only 6 minutes and can make square-shaped ice cubes as opposed to the usual bullet-shaped variants seen on other models.
This model comes with an air-cooled compressor so it’s important to keep it somewhere without any obstructions on its vented side. This is to prevent any damage from overheating which can potentially lower the lifespan of the unit.
If you’re searching for portability, this ice maker will cover your needs easily. It features a stylish contemporary design that will make it ideal for any homes. This is nice and all, but one of the most prized features of this type of machine is the user-friendliness. In this regards the ice maker provides some push-button controls to operate it without too much hassle. Select the right size for the cubes and press start.
The ice basket is not very big but the machine makes ice pretty fast so this is not a problem for most people. It’s always recommended to use the fresh ice as quick as possible because the machine is not designed to hold your ice in perfect condition for more than a few hours.
With the help of some LED indicators, the ice maker warns when the time for emptying the ice basket comes. It gives an alert when you need to add water too. This is a very practical approach compared to an LCD screen for example. Just check the lights and you’re done.
The only thing where this model falls a bit short is in terms of reliability. Even though all ice makers lack a very high lifespan, this one seems to have a shorter one than most. It can be a great investment though, considering the square-shaped ice cubes and the rest of its features, especially taking into account the reasonable cost.
Key Features:
- Can make a batch of ice in approximately 6 minutes
- Produces 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours
- Square pieces of ice
- LED display
- Compact portable design