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Design
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 time period. It features a removable ice bin and an ice scoop, which allow you to remove and transport the ice easily, as you need.
Innovative
Due to the fact that it has been created with your needs in mind, you can choose the ice cube size to range from small to large with a simple touch of a button. The LCD indicators will let you know when the water tank is running low and when the ice bucket is full. The self-cleaning feature means that you only need to pay minimum attention to it. Long gone are the days where you had to scrub endlessly. The greatest thing about it is that when a malfunction occurs, it will automatically shut-off so it eliminates the risk of accidents.
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CONS
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- Large capacity production
- 12 pieces per cycle
- Full basket indicator
- Convenient freestanding design
- No installation required
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- Limited warranty period
- Costly acquisition
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| 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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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.
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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
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- It does not work like a freezer, so cubes left in the tray will melt if you do not remove them
- Some complained that it isn’t easy to clean
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| VERDICT
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Although there are many aspects to praise, 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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Vremi Countertop VRM010636N
3. Vremi Countertop VRM010636N
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This model is suitable for those who are looking for convenience and practicality. It comes with a portable bucket and a scoop for those who are not looking to spend extra money. Each ice cube weighs 8 grams making it perfect for mixing drinks or small water bottle openings.
It measures 9.5” x 12” x 13.5” so you can take it wherever you go. Since it doesn’t require a water hookup, it’s an ideal choice to take for barbeques, outdoor parties, or basement bars. You will never have to worry about second-guessing.
The maker prevent overflowing with warning lights and automatic shut-off for when the ice basket needs to be refilled or if it’s already full. The greatest thing about it is the fact that there isn’t any complex installation. If you’re a beginner, this model is suitable for you. It runs at a mellow and efficient 120 watts with a quiet cooling function.
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CONS
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- Electronic controls with an LED indicator
- Accessories are included
- Easy to fill and drain water quickly
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- It may take longer than the other models
- Some complained that the cubes melt quick
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| VERDICT
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It boasts a stainless steel finish that ensures it will last for years, so the longevity of your acquisition is ensured. The 2.2-liter water reservoir sits below the ice basket, letting it reuse water from the melted ice to make new ice.
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It takes only 6 to 13 minutes to make ice cubes with the Northair, which makes it perfect for parties as you won’t waste time in between preparing the ice needed to cool your guests’ drinks. Per cycle, it prepares 9 cubes that weigh either 0.25 or 0.32 ounces depending on the size you choose, and it is able to prepare up to 26.5 pounds of ice per day. Its water tank capacity is 2.2 liters, so manual replenishing isn’t required all that often. When the tank empties and the ice basket is full, the LED indicator light lets you know to take guesswork out of the equation.
Portability-wise, it’s safe to say this is one of your best picks as it weighs only 17.2 pounds, so there won’t be much effort involved with carrying it when you have events or in any situation where you are required to move it around. It measures only 9.5 inches by 14.1 inches by 12.9 inches, which means that it won’t take up much space either, being perfect for boat trips, parties, RVs, and camping vacations.
Its stainless steel exterior adds durability and ensures it won’t stain easily, and it is available in 4 different colors – stainless steel, red, black, and copper. The soft touch controls it features endorse ease of use, and unused ice that melts returns to the reservoir and is recycled into waste-free water. In terms of backing, the manufacturer has you covered in case any defects appear during the first 2 years after you make the acquisition.
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CONS
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- Ice cubes are produced in 2 sizes – 0.25-ounce and 0.32-ounce
- Measures 9.5” x 14.1” x 12.9” and weighs only 17.2 lbs
- Commercial-grade stainless steel build ensures durability
- LED indicator lets you know when the basket is full and more water is needed
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
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| VERDICT
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With a modern design and simplistic touch controls, the Northair is not only easy to use, but it is able to produce a staggering 26.5 pounds of ice per day, which makes it perfect for parties, boat trips, and camping vacations.
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Thanks to the electronic controls and the LED indicator, you can put in your ice order with the touch of a button. It 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.
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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
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- It doesn’t operate as fast as the other models
- Some complained that it gets loud
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| VERDICT
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The portable design will allow you to enjoy a cold, refreshing drink anywhere you go. It delivers 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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6. Hamilton Beach PIM-2-3A
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We start with the design of the appliance as it is indeed breathtaking. The stainless steel finish makes it stand out in any modern kitchen, while the 23-pound weight it boasts makes it easy to move it when needed, ensuring portability is granted with it.
With a water reservoir capacity of up to 0.7 gallons and an astounding capacity to hold up to 2 pounds of ice at a time in storage, it makes for quite a convenient pick. There are 2 different cube sizes that you can pick between, and it provides you with 9 ice cubes once every 7 minutes, so you can cool drinks at a party in no time.
It features not one, but three LED indicator lights that announce you when it is producing ice, when the storage basket is full, and when it needs to be refilled with water. Furthermore, the neat compressor it uses is designed to last a long time while producing as little noise as possible to not become a nuisance.
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CONS
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- Makes 9 ice cubes once every 7 minutes
- Boasts a large reservoir capacity of 0.7 gallons
- Compact design ensures it won’t occupy much space on the counter
- Ice scoop is included with the purchase
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
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- Some customers find the sizes of the cubes to be smaller than they had expected
- Ice cubes melt quickly
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| VERDICT
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Weighing only 23 pounds, which is going to make relocation easy when needed, and able to output up to 26 pounds of ice per day, this Hamilton Beach entry delivers from all perspectives, making for a smart acquisition.
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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.
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CONS
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- Easy-Push touch buttons
- ETL, CSA, UL Listed Certifications
- Removable tray for easy ice transfer
- No installation required
- 2 selectable cube sizes
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- It does not operate quietly
- The bin is not refrigerated, so you have to move the ice in the fridge to prevent it from melting if you don’t use it on the spot
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| VERDICT
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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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Compact and weighing only 28 pounds when empty, this Frigidaire product is a must-have for anyone looking for a smart solution to producing ice cubes almost on demand. Per day, it produces up to 26 pounds of ice, and you have your choice of 3 different selections when it comes to sizes, more precisely small, medium, and large. It takes as little as 6 minutes for it to prepare the ice, which means that not much time will be lost on the process either.
The bucket it features is able to hold up to 2.2 pounds of ice at a time, which is quite average for these products. It boasts a stainless steel construction which guarantees durability in the long-run, which is especially important for bartenders and people who want to use it for professional purposes. Furthermore, a 1-year warranty is offered for it by the manufacturing company.
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CONS
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- Electronic controls for ease of use
- Stainless steel body ensures long-lasting durability
- Weighs only 28 pounds – easy to move around when needed
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
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- Can get a bit noisy
- Some report that it wrongfully displays the “ice full” message
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| VERDICT
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Able to produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, if you are in need of a portable appliance to prepare the “cool” addition to your drinks, look no further than this Frigidaire entry which truly has it all.
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If you like cold drinks, then this is 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, it is sure to 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. It comes complete with an ice scoop and basket. If there is any unused ice, it will actually melt back into the reservoir and then recycled into fresh water. This machine uses environmentally-friendly R-134A refrigerant.
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CONS
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- Produces 26 lbs of ice per day
- Makes ice in as little as 6 minutes
- Automatic overflow protection
- It uses environmentally-friendly R-134A refrigerant
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- It does not work like a freezer, so cubes left in the tray will melt if you do not remove them
- Some find the basket to be too small
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| VERDICT
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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. It is lightweight and portable as well, perfect for parties, camping vacations, and boat trips.
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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.
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CONS
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- Features a sensor which enables it to automatically stop producing ice when the bucket is full
- 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
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- Limited warranty period
- Some customers reported leaks
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| 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, it 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, it’s worth the investment.
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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 pounds 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 it with ease. It is designed to continuously make ice, and it requires no draining or installation. Furthermore, the Whynter IMC-330WS is an ETL Certified appliance, so built quality is a given.
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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
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- Limited warranty period
- Some find the cubes to be a bit too large
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| VERDICT
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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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Is It Worth the Investment?
Many people invest in an ice making machine 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 of 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, you should consider 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 machine 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
?How fast do they work?
All of the models we have presented can make ice within minutes. Long gone are the days where you had to wait many hours to get few cubes of ice.
?Will I need to drain the remaining water?
No, as the modern ice makers reuse the water that is inside in order to produce more ice. This makes your job easier as you do not have to constantly refill it.
?Can I leave it in direct sunlight?
You can but you may compromise its efficiency. The hotter the environment surrounding it is, the harder it is for the machine to produce ice.
