Best Ice Makers – Buyer’s Guide
Ice makers have proven to be one of the more useful kitchen appliances in today’s market. They can be used for supplemental ice or other purposes. If you will purchase a great quality product, you will no longer have to make hasty trips to the nearest gas station. Our expert tested and selected the best options for you.
Contents
Our pick
Igloo ICE103
The Igloo is among the most versatile and best ice makers that you can buy today. It can be used indoors, office, or even in your RV.
The most common complaint of all ice makers is the noise, but the Igloo ICE103 is among the quietest on the market. Add the reversible door and you really can’t ask for anything else out of an ice maker. It can go virtually anywhere that you want to put it.
Igloo has the best-sized bucket and can hold over two pounds of ice and gives you twenty-six pounds of ice in a day. It offers everything you need to have ice on hand at all times.
Why Do You Need an Ice Maker
Installing a large and bulky refrigerator, cooler or freezer can require a large amount of effort and money. As you may have gathered from the name, these appliances can be used almost anywhere, and they do not require any amount of installation.
Ice maker machines are very easy to operate. All you need to do is pour in the water and choose your desired setting. With an ice maker, you should always be able to have a fresh batch of ice within minutes. You can also avoid the use of generic ice trays. You can use this appliance in RV’s, boats, campers and use it for tailgating.
However, even mini ice maker does always require a source of electricity. That is something to remember. Countertop machines are created to match existing décor, which is always a nice feature for a home appliance.
Budget pick
Ivation Portable Ice Maker
Ivation has the perfect compact size that will fit anywhere that you would like to place it. You will love how fast you can get the ice.
Top 5 Ice Makers
| Brand |
|---|
| Igloo |
| Ivation |
| NewAir |
| Koldfront |
| Edgestar |
Ice Maker Features
Some of the newest models have a long list of features and make the process easy and enjoyable. Most models have an insulated storage bin, so the ice that you make with the model doesn’t melt very quickly. A lot of the new ice maker brands can give you a variety of ice and a variety of functions.
There are many different features you must consider when looking for your best ice maker.
Pounds/Day
Theoretically, this is the maximum number of pounds of ice your portable ice maker could make in a single day. Of course, this would only be possible if the reservoir was always full and the ice basket was emptied when it got full. It all depends on how much ice you plan on using.
Most people would probably be satisfied with best ice makers producing about 20-30 pounds of ice per day. If you plan to host parties or events, you may want to find a model which can produce 30+ pounds of ice or more per day. 30+ pounds of ice might seem like it is too much. Although, it should be noted that it does not come out all at once.
Dimensions
Anyone who is searching for a counter top ice maker would want to carefully consider the dimensions of the machine they plan on buying. In general, the more ice a machine can produce in a day, the larger the footprint. A small ice maker may fit on your counter fine, but it won’t necessarily put out as many pounds of ice per day as some of the bigger units.
Weight
While a small ice maker may only weight about 20 to 25 pounds, the large ice maker can get up to 35 pounds or more. It is important to consider the weight of your new ice maker if you will plan on transporting it, especially if you have to carry.
Cycle Length
This depends on how fast you need your ice. Fortunately, most small portable ice makers will start pumping out fresh cubes in 15 minutes or less. You will not have to wait long to start making ice cold beverages. If you need a lot of ice fast, you might want to consider a model with the shortest cycle length. Some units will produce ice in as little as six minutes.
Ice Sizes
You must always consider the ice size when buying best home ice maker. Some best ice makers will only produce one size of ice, while others can be more versatile.
Ice Shape
As always, different ice makers for home will create ice cubes of different shapes as well as sizes. Some ice machines create smaller cubes that are generally referred to as pellets while other machines will create cubes that are much larger and might be called nuggets. Some ice machines can even create both and other sizes in between.
Overflow Protection
This is usually standard on most models. Don’t bother picking up a machine that doesn’t have overflow protection. Overflow protection turns your ice maker off once the ice basket is filled, preventing an avalanche of ice overflow.
Control Panel
You need a control panel to help you control your device while also providing valuable information. For example, your control panel will help let you know when your ice basket is full and when you need to add more water.
LED
LED (Light Emitting Diode) control panel is found on basic units. Tiny LED lights will indicate modes being used and tell you when to add more water or when your ice is ready.
LCD
LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays) can be found in the more advanced models. LCD displays will typically use words to display information, rather than using indicator lights.
Ice Basket
It might not seem that important, but your ice basket plays a significant role in your ice maker’s functionality. Simply put, you need something to hold your ice.
Capacity
The capacity of your ice basket is also important. Once your basket is full, your ice machine will stop making ice. A small basket means less ice to use at any given time.
Removable
A removable ice basket is a great feature to look for. You can take the whole basket out and dump it into another container or bring the ice to your table or bar for making drinks.
Reservoir Capacity
The reservoir capacity is also good to know. It determines how much ice can be made before you have to refill your device. A small reservoir means you’ll be adding water continuously.
Price
The average home ice maker should not cost you more than $120-$250, depending on the size of the machine and the features it offers. Even the best portable ice maker is not going to be that much better than a machine costing $120-$150. You do not want to overpay for this item.
Types of Ice Makers
There are many types of best ice makers to consider when looking for the ice maker that is perfect for you and your home.
Built in ice makers
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Whynter | Built in |
| Sunpertown | Built in |
| Edgestar | Built in |
The best built in ice makers can cut a significant expense from your restaurant or a food truck. With the wide variety of products available, though, it can be tough to pick out which one is the best for your business. Each one has different advantages and different target audiences.
The investment, in the ice maker itself as well as picking out the most effective one for your business, is well worth it because an ice maker can easily pay for itself if used correctly.
Do not settle for anything less than the best when it comes to picking out the perfect ice maker for you and your eating establishment. If you’re new to the world of best ice makers and the benefits they provide, you’ll soon wonder how you ever managed without their convenience and efficiency.
Under counter ice makers
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Manitowoc | Undercounter |
| Della | Undercounter |
| Edgestar | Undercounter |
Best under counter ice makers are the perfect way to keep your restaurant stocked with a large amount of high-quality ice every day. They quickly pay for themselves if used correctly, letting you take advantage of their one-time price in order to avoid buying ice over and over again.
You’ll also love the convenience of having fresh, clean ice cubes available for you and your customers – it is a part of restaurant management that’s easily overlooked but is very important in order to tie your brand together.
Dry Ice makers
Whether you are interested in packing and preserving goods at low temperatures, or simply want to perform unique science experiments, a high-quality dry ice maker is an excellent way to do that. Anyone can safely and quickly make large volumes of dry ice with a quality machine, as they are able to efficiently convert liquid CO2 gas into a variety of dry ice formats.
With standard threads on couplers, making dry ice is as simple as opening the valve and letting the dry ice maker work its magic. Flake and snow forms of dry ice are outstanding for packing irregularly-shaped items while cylinders and blocks are perfect for more straightforward shipping needs.
Portable and countertop ice makers
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Avalon Bay | Undercounter |
| Della | Undercounter |
| ThinkGizmos | Undercounter |
A portable ice maker is a quality machine that contains an independent ice generator that forms and freezes ice cubes. The portable ice maker only needs to be plugged in and will even keep the ice frozen for a certain period of time before it is transferred to a drink, cooler, or freezer.
Your average portable countertop ice maker has to be small enough to fit on a kitchen counter top. They are the best small ice makers that you can purchase on the market, and they produce ice faster than the average ice maker built into a home refrigerator. They produce their first batch of ice within an average of ten minutes. All you have to do is fill the designated reservoir with water, plug in the machine, and turn it on.
Outdoor ice makers
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| IceMeister | Outdoor |
| AGA Marvel | Outdoor |
| Lynx | Outdoor |
What separates an excellent event from an average one is often the quality of the food and drinks, and no one ever raves about a party that serves a warm margarita on a hot summer day. Outdoor ice makers is a great way to keep drinks cool.
Capable of standing up to harsh weather conditions, below ice makers offer a great way to keep your kitchen or bar functional and looking professional all year long. Don’t risk running out of ice at your next party or barbecue with the reliable and durable outdoor ice makers.
Commercial ice makers
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Manitowoc | Outdoor |
| SPT | Outdoor |
| Maxx | Outdoor |
The fact is that every reputable establishment like a restaurant or a coffee shop as well as a bar with a beer fridge is going to need a highly performing ice machine. Installing the best commercial ice machine is truly going to bring a lot of advantages in your establishment. Not only that, such a machine is practically mandatory if you want to meet the client’s requirement.
No bar is going to be able to function properly if it is not able to provide enough ice for the drinks it is offering. Same goes for coffee shops and restaurants. Ice is essential and this is obvious. However, choosing the best commercial ice maker, like a beverage cooler, is not as easy as it may sound.
This is why we have made up a list of the best commercial ice machine reviews that you can freely compare and select the one that would most adequately live up to your expectations and accommodate your needs.
Types of Ice Cubes
It would be nice if all ice were the same shape. Or, maybe if any sort ice could fit in any glass, just liquid it’s meant to chill. Unfortunately, that is not the case. You’d be surprised to know that many food industry establishments, businesses, and private homes consider the shape and clarity of the ice they want when purchasing the best ice maker. It’s not simply about aesthetics; it comes down to the fact that different ice cubes melt differently in your glass.
It’s not simply about aesthetics; it comes down to the fact that different ice cubes melt differently in your glass.
Cloudy vs. Clear
Most of the best ice makers on the market produce cloudy, or opaque, ice. This kind of ice isn’t white and cloudy because it’s dirty or impure; rather, the water is frozen at a much greater speed, leaving small air bubbles trapped inside the cubes.
Many restaurants appreciate cloudy ice because it’s soft and porous, absorbing the taste of the drink it sits in. It also has the benefit of cooling drinks immediately. Many people enjoy soft ice because it’s light and crunchy, making it appealing to those who chew ice as a habit; fortunately, they won’t damage their teeth as badly as they would with hard, clear ice.
Some of the best ice makers are designed specifically to create clear ice by removing all the air and impurities from the ice during the freezing process. More formal restaurants choose hard ice, which is clear, odorless, and tasteless.
Drinks do not penetrate hard ice; on the contrary, hard ice takes longer to melt, does not dilute drinks, and only provides cooling from the outer surface. Clear ice makers are generally the most expensive type on the market.
The Different Shapes of Ice cubes in relation to their respective ice maker
- Portable, under counter, and commercial ice makers all produce ice cubes of different shapes.
- Crescent shaped ice is the most common form of ice you’ll see produced by your refrigerator and under counter ice makers. Flat on one edge and rounded on the other, it’s typically cloudy in appearance.
- Bullet shaped ice looks the way its name suggests: like a cylindrical bullet with a rounded hole in the flat end. Also, opaque in color, bullet ice is commonly made by portable home ice makers.
- Flake ice is usually completely white and is one of the cheapest forms of ice to make in great quantities. It cools drinks quickly and is convenient for packing and storing food, making it a favorite choice of many restaurant establishments.
- Nugget, or pellet, ice is clear, crisp, and popular as a chewable ice. Because it melts slowly and doesn’t dilute drinks, many people see it as a refreshing option for their soft drinks.
Ice maker maintenance
Below we have some guidelines on what sort of maintenance your every-day ice maker will need.
Stainless steel exterior
The stainless steel door is the part of the best rated ice makers and wine coolers that will attract the most attention. Keeping it clean, gleaming, and fingerprint free will require some periodic care. Wash the surface with warm, soapy water mixed with an all-purpose cleaner or liquid detergent.
Use a non-abrasive sponge and never rub against the grain. Rinse off the soap with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Special stainless steel wipes will restore its shine. Finally, wipe it clean with a dry towel until it looks polished.
The water system
As the ice maker performs its freezing cycle, minerals from the water are released and over time form a scaly buildup in the water system. About every six months, or whenever you see buildup on the machine components, it’s necessary to clean off the mineral deposits using a specialized ice maker cleaner. Some models alert you when it’s time to clean the machine.
The condenser
When a condenser becomes dirty or clogged, it’s important to clean it so the air flow isn’t restricted. Otherwise, temperatures in the ice maker can become too high, reducing its ice production and damaging the internal components. Turn off or unplug the machine before you remove the lower access panel and the venting grille.
Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush attachment to clean the condenser of dirt and lint. Replace the grille and the panel and turn the machine back on. Several best ice makers require you to empty the ice bin before running the cleaning cycle. Always read the manufacturer’s manual for the proper cleaning steps for your ice maker machine.
Tips for your ice maker maintenance
- Station the ice maker on a sturdy and level surface that can support the weight of both the machine and the water you pour into the reservoir.
- If you don’t want to dedicate counter space to this “occasional” appliance, consider storing it in a cupboard between uses. Large free standing ice makers, like kegerators, can take up as much space as a toaster oven.
- You should empty your home ice maker regularly. Almost all portable ice maker storage bins are insulated but not refrigerated. This means that finished ice cubes, when left unattended, could melt and refreeze, possible creating a flow problem for the freezer unit and one giant ice cube in the bin.
Conclusion
Quality and best ice makers can be difficult to find. Thankfully, the following guide should help you understand what it takes to find the right ice maker for you. If you want a good supply of fresh ice at home whether to make ice cream or cold beverages, then you need a reliable ice maker to do the job for you.
Ice maker will be a wonderful final touch to your new kitchen. It adds a great entertainment environment. To conclude, every glass of Coke or whiskey requires at least one cube of ice that intensifies the flavor, and this quality makes an ice maker a must-have for every kitchen.
