Portable Ice Maker
Containing an independent ice generator which provides ice cubes, a portable ice making machine is a must-have for mobile bartenders, but it is just as useful for everyone else as well. After all, we all love cooling down by adding a few ice cubes in our drinks, so this is an investment worth making regardless of a person’s profession. In the following, we will show you what are the best ice making machines you can opt for, so stick with us if you are interested.
Top 7 Portable Ice Makers Comparison
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1. Newair AI-215SS
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2. Whynter IMC-330WS
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3. Think Gizmos TG22
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4. Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S
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5. hOmeLabs HME010019N
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6. DELLA 048-GM-48183
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7. RCA-Igloo
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Portable Ice Machines Reviews
Newair AI-215SS
We consider the Newair AI-215SS the best on the go ice maker available on the market at the moment. This innovative machine will definitely provide excellent results. It can produce up to 50 pounds of ice per day, which means that it is excellent for you, if you organize parties most of the time. It has a quick production time and 3 different ice sizes. An ample amount of ice will be produced for any occasion. What you need to do is to add water, set the 18-hour timer and you will have plenty of ice ready in a very short period of time. It features a removable ice bin and ice scoop, which allow you to remove and transport the ice easily, as you need. Furthermore, the overflow protection, automatic shut off, and an empty water reservoir indicator ensure that the Newair AI-215SS stays in tip-top shape.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Large capacity production | |
| 12 pieces per cycle | |
| Full basket indicator | |
| Convenient freestanding design | |
| Backed by a 1-year warranty | |
| No installation required | |
Verdict |
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The self-cleaning function and convenient side drain actually make maintenance and storage a snap. The AI-215SS is backed by a 1-year warranty. You should also take into consideration the fact that all Newair products are tested and have the appropriate safety certification. |
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Whynter IMC-330WS
The indicators and the touch pad control panel are intuitive and let you know when you need to add water or remove the ice. It can make an impressive 33 lbs of ice per day. It actually produces 9 ice cubes every 10 to 15 minutes, thanks to its 3.2 liter manual water reservoir. There are 3 ice sizes available to choose from, small, medium, or large. Another great thing about this machine is that it is very easy to maintain and clean. Thanks to the easy access drain port you will be able to clean the machine with ease. It is designed to continuously make ice, and it requires no draining or installation. The Whynter IMC-330WS is an ETL Certified appliance.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Easy to use control panel | |
| Makes 33 lbs of bullet-shaped ice cubes in 24 hours | |
| High efficiency CFC-free compressor | |
| No drain required-the water from melted ice cubes is filtered and re-used | |
| 3 ice sizes to choose from | |
Verdict |
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Another great ice maker you can choose today is this model from Whynter. This machine is a cost effective and easy solution for your ice making needs. It is lightweight and compact enough to be placed in small spaces and moved about as needed. Thanks to its attractive and ergonomic design, it will fit perfectly in any setting. |
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Think Gizmos TG22
We start off by praising the 26-pound ice output this machine delivers per day, and the fact that it takes only 6 minutes for it to provide you with the cooling cubes you want to put in your drink. Not only this, but it provides you with 3 size options for the cubes so that you may customize them to the drink type you consume or to your personal preference. It comes with a remote control which allows you to change settings without being in the proximity of the machine, and it features LED indicators that show you what the current status of the ice maker is. The ice bucket this machine features has a generous 2.2-pound capacity, and when the bucket is full, the machine stops producing ice until more room is made. Additionally, it is covered by a 1-year warranty against defects.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Features a sensor which enables it to automatically stop producing ice when the bucket is full | It’s a bit more expensive than other entries on this market |
| Comes with a remote control which makes it even more convenient to use | |
| Stainless steel construction ensures this is a long-lasting investment | |
| Boasts a clean look due to its ABS housing | |
| Backed by a 1-year warranty | |
Verdict |
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Able to produce as much as 26 pounds of ice per day, and stopping its operation automatically when the 2.2-pound bucket is full, this ice maker is perfect to have around. Sure, it might cost a pretty penny, but considering that it delivers the cooling ice you need for your drink in only 6 minutes, its worth the investment. |
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Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S
If you like cold drinks, then this is without a doubt the best way to keep ice on hand. When it comes to the features that it has, you need to know that this machine makes fresh ice in as little as 6 minutes, it has 2 ice sizes to choose from, a bottom drain that makes cleaning a lot easier, easy-to-use push button controls, an automatic overflow protection, lighted indicators that will remind you to add water and empty ice as well. Furthermore, the Avalon Bay has a contemporary design that complements any setting it is put in. Thanks to the simple design and silver texture, this ice maker will surely match any setting, whether it is in your kitchen or out by the pool. It weighs only 20 pounds, which means that you will be able to move it with ease. You will find it very easy to use because it operates using just a standard electrical outlet. You just need to plug it in and it is ready to use. The push button controls are very easy to use and clearly labeled. The machine comes complete with an ice scoop and basket. If there is any unused ice, it will actually be melt back into the reservoir and then recycled into fresh water. This machine uses environmentally-friendly R-134A refrigerant.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Produces 26 lbs of ice per day | It does not work like a freezer, so cubes left in the tray will melt if you do not remove them |
| Makes ice in as little as 6 minutes | |
| Automatic overflow protection | |
| It uses environmentally-friendly R-134A refrigerant | |
Verdict |
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We also highly recommend the Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S. This is a clever portable home ice maker. It is not only more convenient but a lot faster as well, than many other freezer ice makers available on the market today. It can produce large amounts of ice in a very short period of time. On its maximum settings, this machine can make up to 26 pounds of ice every 24 hours. This machine is lightweight and portable as well, perfect for parties, camping vacations, and boat trips. |
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hOmeLabs HME010019N
With a 2.2-liter water reservoir capacity and able to produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, this hOmeLabs portable machine is ideal for mobile bartenders as well as everyone else who loves drinking cool, refreshing drinks when they are on trips. To get the ice ready, it takes the machine approximately 6 to 8 minutes, so you won’t have to wait too much for it to be done. It produces bullet-shaped ice cubes, and it automatically shuts off when it is full of ice to prevent any damage.in terms of ice storage, it can hold up a maximum of 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. It is easy to fill and drain whenever needed. The simplistic control panel makes it a cinch to operate it. Furthermore, it measures only 9.5 inches by 12.9 inches by 14 inches, occupying little space where you store it.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Automatically shuts off when it gets filled with ice | |
| Only provides 1 selection when it comes to the shape of the ice produced | |
| Measures only 9.5” x 12.9” x 14”, occupying little storage and counter space | |
| Comes at a reasonable price which makes it affordable | |
| Intuitive control panel makes using it easy | |
| LED indicator light lets you know when the ice is done | |
Verdict |
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Although there are many aspects to praise when it comes to this ice machine, we must put emphasis more on its cheap price and fast ice delivery rate of only 6-8 minutes. It is indeed one of the best options to go for as it is convenient for your wallet as well as your time. |
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DELLA 048-GM-48183
The DELLA 048-GM-48183 features an insulated storage bin, that is well-insulated and it is also able to hold 1.5 lbs. of ice at a time. Furthermore, it features easy-to-use controls, easy monitoring, and a light indicator that will let you know when the water level in the reservoir runs low. When the ice bucket is full, you will also be alerted to remove them so that more ice can be created. It has the following certifications: ETL, CSA, UL Listed, and it is 14-1/2 inches long, 9-3/4 inches wide, and 12-3/4 inches high. It is available on the market today on two colors, black and red, in order to match any interior.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Easy-Push touch buttons | It does not operate quietly |
| ETL, CSA, UL Listed Certifications | |
| Removable tray for easy ice transfer | |
| No installation required | |
| 2 selectable cube sizes | |
Verdict |
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If you are looking for a compact, lightweight, and portable ice maker for your RV, boat, or small kitchen, then this ice maker from DELLA is absolutely perfect for you. It operates anywhere there is an outlet available. It has an attractive design with a very beautiful finish. No installation is required. The only thing you need to do is to just plug it, add water, and then enjoy a batch of ice. The whole ice-making process will take about 6 minutes. |
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RCA-Igloo
Thanks to the electronic controls and the LED indicator, you can put in your ice order with the touch of a button. This ice maker produces 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. Another excellent thing about it is that it consumes little energy, and it is also extremely easy to maintain. You can choose between 5 different finishes: red, black, silver, white, and stainless steel. This ice maker from RCA-Igloo operates quietly, compared with other machines in this category which are quite noisy.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Electronic controls with an LED indicator | |
| Available in 5 different colors | |
| Enjoy a batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes | |
Verdict |
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The last product on our top, but not the least, is this ice maker from RCA-Igloo. You can now be ready for any party or gathering, with this great ice maker. The portable design will allow you to enjoy a cold, refreshing drink anywhere you go. It features 2 cube sizes so that you can easily customize your ice to your drink. Furthermore, it also comes equipped with a 2.3 quart reservoir so that you can make plenty of ice ahead of time to have on hand. |
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Is the Ice Maker Worth the Investment?
Many people invest in an ice maker because they want to have instant ice for parties so they won’t have to run to the store and supply their bar with ice cubes. However, considering these machines are not cheap at all, the question whether or not they are worth the investment remains solid. If you are considering getting one yourself but you are not sure how effective it will be, you might find the answer after reading the following lines.
Before buying an ice machine that costs over $200, analyze how often you will be using it to make sure the purchase is in demand. If you have parties weekly around the summer or you often have friends over and you like to serve them a cocktail, you might actually need to rely on your own ice supply. If you are not a party person and you might only need the portable ice maker once or twice during the summer, you might want to reconsider the purchase.
A good ice maker can give you ice cubes in a matter of minutes, most of them under 10 minutes, so you will have ice on demand any time you want. Moreover, when they reach the total capacity of ice they can make, they can store it at the proper temperature so you will always get cold and hard cubes for your beverages. If you need ice right away, having a machine at hand will be your best solution instead of going to the store for some ice.
A refrigerator with an ice dispenser can be expensive and no matter how much you like the idea, you might not want to change your old fridge just because it does not deliver ice. Therefore, a portable ice machine can be a small investment compared to replacing your refrigerator.
