This bestselling portable ice maker can be yours for a cool $78 (2024)

FAQs

Are portable ice makers worth it? ›

Advantages of A Portable Ice Maker

If your refrigerator doesn't have an ice maker built into it, then you may be faced with the hassle of buying bags of ice, or filling up bothersome ice trays. Neither of these are great options for the long-term. A portable ice machine offers a convenient alternative.

Ice makers are not freezers. While the chamber is cold, it will not keep ice frozen for an extended period of time. If you need to keep the ice frozen, put it in a separate container and hold it in the freezer until use.

Most ice makers can be left on all the time in order to ensure that you always have a fresh supply of ice. Like refrigerator ice makers, these appliances are typically designed to run constantly.

If you prefer crystal-clear ice, we recommend the Luma Comfort IM200. If nugget ice is your thing, we like the GE Profile Opal 2.0.

Remove and Clean Removable Ice Machine Parts

Anything that comes in contact with the ice in your ice machine should be cleaned regularly. If your ice machine has a basket or other receptacle, remove it along with the ice scoop or cup.

A good ice machine is the difference between foggy cubes and a crisp, refreshing drink. Sadly, with every piece of equipment comes a lifespan. With proper cleaning, a quality ice machine will last around 4 to 5 years on average, sometimes even longer. So how do you know when it's time to replace your ice machine?

Ice melting too quickly is another common issue of portable ice makers. If your ice melts too fast, there could be warm air entering the appliance and causing the ice to melt. The good news is that the melted ice water is not wasted. It is channeled back to the reservoir to make more ice.

However, in general, portable ice makers do not use a lot of electricity. If you are interested in purchasing a portable ice maker, we suggest you do some research to find the most energy-efficient model as far as possible.

Determining which type of ice maker is best depends on the needs of your kitchen. If you are regularly the host of large co*cktail parties, undercounter and freestanding ice machines are the better options because they produce more ice in a single day than other options.

Regardless of the beverage ice is used in, filtered water allows the ice to do its job without altering the flavor of the drink.

Why does my countertop ice maker get moldy? ›

But whether the issue is a lack of clean water or poor handling, dirt in your ice maker can start a process that ends up with harmful mold and slime in the machine.

The manufacturing process involves using high-quality materials and components, which adds to the overall cost. Secondly, the demand for nugget ice makers has led to limited competition in the market. With only a few manufacturers producing these machines, the lack of competition allows them to set higher prices.

Newair Countertop Ice Maker

That said, it's by far the fastest, highest-output machine of the bunch—about twice as fast as the Igloo or Frigidaire. Every 7 to 9 minutes, 12 large bullet cubes drop down, making just under 2 pounds an hour (and just under 3 pounds in about 90 minutes).

It typically takes 6-18 minutes to fill up a portable ice maker tray, depending on the size of the machine. However, it can vary as larger portable ice makers may need a consistently longer time to fill their trays with freshly-made ice cubes.

In short, a portable ice maker is a very efficient way to make ice, and it will not have a significant impact on your electricity bill.

You don't need one. If you rarely open your freezer, chances are you don't need one. However, if you like to entertain, find you frequently need bags of ice, or your in-freezer ice maker just can't keep up with your demands, you might want to look into one of these.

Ice vending machines can be lucrative additions to your existing business, a stand-alone business, or a helpful supplement to income after retirement. Regardless of your ice vending machine arrangement, it's important to accurately estimate the income you can expect from your investment.