Top 15 Best Portable Ice Makers
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A portable ice maker is extremely helpful for those who don’t want to sacrifice many spaces for a fridge or for those who often hold a party and gathering.
Since there are many sizes, styles, models of the portable ice maker for you to choose, it may be hard to make a decision. By reading this article, you will find out which portable ice maker suits you the most.
Also, don’t forget to check out the 15 best portable ice makers.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Portable Ice Maker
Like two sides of the coin, portable ice makers have both pros and cons. The list below will point out both of the pros and cons of this product and help you to decide whether you should or shouldn’t get ones.
The Pros
Portable Ice Maker Takes up Fewer Spaces Than a Regular Fridge
Portable ice makers are usually very small, so they can fit in limited space. Also, they can work anywhere that has a power outlet. Therefore, if you live in a caravan house, a portable ice maker is the best choice for you.
Portable Ice Makers Are Convenient
Because of their portability, portable ice makers are super convenient for those who love to travel. Imaging going picnic or camping in the summer, you can make your chilled drinks whenever you want without having to buy ice from a convenience store.
Portable Ice Makers Make Ice Very Fast and Can Make Lots of Ice
Portable ice makers usually take as little as 10 minutes to make ice. With the help of them, you don’t need to wait for your ice trays to freeze or worry about how to fit all the trays in your fridge.
Moreover, the average ice maker can make 26 lbs to 40 lbs of ice per day. As a result, they are great for parties, family gatherings or picnics.
They Require No Drain
Many ice makers require a drain to let the excess water of melted ice out. In contrast, portable ice makers don’t need any drain pump at all, and they can recycle excess water of melted ice to make more ice. Therefore, there no need to worry about finding a place for the excess water.
The Cons
Their Storage Capacity Is Low
Portable ice makers can store 2.3 lbs of ice cubes on average. Although they can produce up to 40 lbs of ice a day, they are not big enough to store all the amount of ice they make.
This drawback is not so insignificant if you focus on convenience as well as you don’t have a constant and constant need for ice. However, if you need a product that has the more stable and larger capacity for your business operations or serves a large number of family members then you’d better consider the best undercounter ice makers.
My advice to you is to put all those ice in a batch and put them in the freezer to make sure you have enough ice to keep your party going.
They Can’t Keep the Freezing Temperature
All portable ice makers do is produce ice. They aren’t freezer; therefore, they can’t prevent ice from melting. Since they can recycle the excess water from melted ice, this doesn’t seem to be a big problem anymore.
What Are the Best Portable Ice Makers?
Have a look at these amazing portable ice makers and see for yourself which fit your needs the most.
- Best Overall: Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
‘’You can not go wrong with this ice maker, get it to enjoy all the facilities this one has.’’ - Best Speed: Frigidaire EFIC103 Portable Ice Maker Machine
‘’You can not skip this time-saving product if you are a time lover’’ - Best Look: Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker
‘’If you care about presentation, I promise this one won’t let you down’’ - Best for Business: Northair Portable Automatic Ice Maker
‘’High productivity and speed cycle time will definably make your business take off.’’ - Best Productivity: NewAir AI-215SS Portable Ice Maker
‘’No more having to run to the convenience store because this one can give you enough ice for a day long.’’ - Best Lightweight: BOSSIN Countertop Portable Ice Maker
‘’A 16 pounds ice maker is ideal to bring it anywhere with you.’’ - Best for Parties: NewAir AI-100BK Portable Ice Maker
‘’You can keep your party going all day with this productive ice maker machine.’’ - Best Storage Capacity: EdgeStar IP210RED Portable Ice Maker
‘’It can store up to 2.5 lbs of ice at times. How amazing is that!’’ - Best for RV: Igloo ICEC33SB Portable Clear Ice Cube Maker
‘’It is small enough to fit in limited space on your RV’s countertop.’’
Portable Ice Maker Comparison Chart
Before jumping into the detailed reviews, have a look at this comparison chart to compare all of 15 best portable ice makers.
Top 15 Best Portable Icemakers Reviews
Knowing that doing research for a portable ice maker can be exhausted, I have already done the hard work for you. Reading these detailed reviews provides information about sizes, productivity, storage capacity, etc. Also, you can figure out how portable ice makers work.
There are also highlight features, product specifications and some pros and cons of each product included in my reviews. Hopefully, my reviews include all the info you need and help you make the best decision.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Portable Ice Maker Machine
(Best Speed)
If you are looking for a small and convenient portable ice maker machine, this one is exactly what you need. They are large enough to generate the amount of ice that you need and small enough to be taken along with you to different places.
Therefore, it is great for camping, picnic and it can fit perfectly in your small kitchen or dorm room.
This machine can generate 26 lbs of ice cubes per day and store 2.2 lbs of ice at a time. Moreover, there are 3 sizes of ice cubes: small, medium and large, so you can easily customize your ice cubes as you want.
Also, it is quite easy to operate this machine because it requires no installation, you just need to plug it in, add water, push a few buttons and ice cubes will be ready in 6 minutes.
Lastly, this machine has an LED indicator that tells you when the bin is full and reminds you to add water. In addition to that, it will automatically shut off when there is any problem which is safe and convenient for you.
Product specifications
Brand | Frigidaire |
Weight | 25 pounds |
Product size | 14 x 12 x 15 inches |
Color | Silver |
Voltage | 120 volts |
Material Type | Stainless-Steel |
Included Item | icemaker, shovel, basket |
Highlight features
- High portability
- 3 different sizes of ice cubes
- Generate ice in 6 minutes
- No installation and drain needed
Pros
- Makes ice fast
- Easy to use and clean
- Requires no drain
- Different ice cubes size
Cons
- Noisy operation
NewAir ClearIce40 Portable Clear Ice Maker
If you’re looking for ice maker with high capacity, this one is perfect for you because it can produce 40 pounds of crystal-clear ice per day.
This machine can produce ice within 15 minutes. Also, they have insulated storage inside to prevent your ice cubes from melting quickly.
Moreover, NewAir ClearIce 40 countertop portable ice maker comes with and removable ice basket which is definably easy to clean. With stainless steel construction, you can be sure that it can last for a long period of time.
Besides, you can easily operate this machine, all you need to do is plug it in, fill the reservoir and push the button and then you can have chilled drink in a few minutes.
Product specifications
Brand | NewAir |
Weight | 24 pounds |
Product size | 18.7 x 18.2 x 15.3 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 115V/60Hz |
Material | Stainless-Steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Make crystal-clear ice
- Make ice in 15 minutes for up to 40 pounds of ice per day.
- Well-insulated interior
- No installation needed
- Automatically shut-off feature
Pros
- High ice-making capability and productivity
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Noisy operation
Igloo ICEB226WH Portable Ice Maker
If you need a portable ice maker with high portability, this one is exactly what you need. You can take it anywhere with you because they take very little space and it only weighs 20.5 lbs.
What is even cooler about this machine is that it works effectively. They can make 9 of cylinder-shaped ice in just 7 minutes and 26 of ice in 24 hours. Also, you can customize your ice in 2 sizes.
This machine also has an indicator to alert low water levels and maximum ice capacity. For your convenience, the machine will automatically turn off when the ice basket is full and remind you to pour water for the next round of ice making.
Product Specifications
Brand | Igloo |
Weight | 20.5 pounds |
Product size | 9.6 x 14.7 x 12.4 inches |
Colour | Black, white, silver, red, blue |
Power | 120V |
Material | Metal |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Make ice within 7 minutes for up to 26 lbs per day
- Need drain
- High portability
- 2 optional sizes of ice
- Automatically shut-off feature
Pros
- Makes ice fast
- Easy to use and clean
- Different ice cubes sizes
Cons
- Require drain
- Noisy operation
Igloo ICEC33SB Portable Clear Ice Cube Maker
(Best for RV)
If you are a sophisticated consumer, I guarantee to you that this one will definably make you satisfied. It can produce up to 33 lbs in a day and 9 small or large clear ice cubes in 7 minutes.
In case you don’t know, clear ice cubes melt more slowly than traditional cloudy ice cubes, and they make your drinks taste better.
When you buy this ice maker, you will get an ice scoop to help sanitarily transfer the ice cubes to your beverage glasses and a removable ice basket.
Also, this machine has a control panel which indicates low water levels and maximum ice capacity. For your peace of mind, the unit of this machine will automatically shut off after 16 continuously working hours.
Product specifications
Brand | Igloo |
Weight | 25.1 pounds |
Product size | 11 x 14 x 13.8inches |
Colour | Black |
Power | 120V |
Material | Plastic |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Make ice in 7 minutes for up to 33 lbs in a day
- Make crystal-clear ice cubes
- Require drain and water line
- Automatically shut-off feature
Pros
- Make ice fast
- High capacity and productivity
Cons
- The unit can leak
Vremi Countertop Portable Ice Maker
What makes this product one of the best portable ice makers is its intelligence features and its productivity.
Firstly, this machine can produce 9 restaurant-quality ice cubes in just 8 minutes and up to 26 lbs of ice in a day.
Secondly, it only weighs 20.9 lbs which means you can easily take it with you to outdoor parties or a picnic. Also, it comes with a removable ice basket and an ice scoop, so you can serve beverage without having to use your unwashed hand.
Last but not least, the unit of this machine is very smart. The designer lets the water reservoir sits below the ices basket, so excess water from melted ice cubes can be recycled into new ice.
Product specifications
Brand | Vremi |
Weight | 20.9 pounds |
Product size | 13.5 x 12 x 9.5 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 120V |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Produce ice in 8 minutes for up to 26 lbs of ice in a day
- Can recycle melted ice
- Automatically shut-off feature
Pros
- Make ice fast
- High portability
- Can recycle melted ice
- Silent operation
- Easy to use and to clean
Cons
- Only produce 9 ice cubes at a time
Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker
(Best Look)
Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker is truly a disposable item in your home bar or your parties. They make high-quality clear ice cubes that will make your beverage glasses look stunning.
Also, clear ice keeps your drinks cold for a longer time and taste even better. This machine can generate up to 28 lbs of ice per day; therefore, you will never have to run to a convenience store in the middle of summer anymore.
You just have to pour some water and wait for 15 minutes to enjoy a batch full of crystal-clear ice. It is really that easy because this machine requires no installation to start working.
Product specifications
Brand | Luma |
Weight | 25.5 pounds |
Product size | 11.3 x 14.8 x 14.1 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 120V |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Produce ice in 15 minutes for up to 28 lbs of ice in a day
- Require drain
- Make clear ice
Pros
- Easy to use and to clean
- No installation needed
- Make high-quality ice
Cons
- The size of ice cubes are small
- Silent operation
IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine
This amazing machine can make ice in an impressive amount of ice: 6 minutes, and they can produce up 26 lbs of ice in a day. With the newest cooling technology, they consume less power and make less noise.
However, you need to notice a few things when using this machine. Firstly, they need time to preheat which means that it will not work effectively for the first time. Secondly, they need to be the stand-upright position 4 hours before you use it.
Another outstanding point of this ice maker is that it is the lightest portable ice maker which is suitable for those who love to travel.
Product specifications
Brand | IKICH |
Weight | 17.35 pounds |
Product size | 13.4 x 10.2 x 14.6 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 120V |
Material | ABS |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- It only weighs 17.35 lbs
- It can make ice in just 6 minutes
- It needs time before they can work properly
- Require drain
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can make ice fast
- Silent operation
- Consume less power
Cons
- It is a little complicated to make this machine work properly
Northair Portable Automatic Ice Maker
(Best for Business)
With the extra-large capacity: 48 lbs per day, this ice maker can definably fit on many occasions. Whether you want to hold a big party or you want a large capacity ice maker for your small business, this one can help you with it.
No need to worry about not having enough ice to keep the party going, this one makes 12 ice cubes in 8-12 minutes, and it will alert you to add more water when the ice basket is full. Also, it gives you 3 optional sizes of ice cubes: Small, medium and large.
Product specifications
Brand | Northair |
Weight | 42.9 pounds |
Product size | 15 x 17.1 x 17 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 120V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Can make 48 lbs of ice in a day
- 3 optional sizes of ice cubes
- Make ice in 8-12 minutes
- Automatic shut-off features
Pros
- Make ice fast
- High capacity and productivity
- Quite operation
- No installation needed
Cons
- Low portability
NewAir AI-215SS Portable Ice Maker
(Best Productivity)
These machines can create up to 50 lb of ice per day, which is really the most outstanding capacity of a portable ice maker in comparison with others. How amazing is that! It can be fine if you target to use for small and medium entertainment and business purposes. But for the larger amount of ice demand, I also suggest you find out more available options in the checklist of the best undercounter ice makers to buy.
Also, it is very easy to use, you just need to add water, push a button to get this thing started, and you will have a basket full of fresh ice in 15 minutes. What makes the difference in this machine is its self-cleaning system.
Product specifications
Brand | Newair |
Weight | 36.1 pounds |
Product size | 14 x 16.9 x 16.8 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 120V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Produce ice in 15 minutes for up to 50 lbs of ice in a day
- Require drain
- Self-cleaning features
- 3 optional sizes
Pros
- High productivity and capacity
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Low portability
BOSSIN Countertop Portable Ice Maker
(Best Lightweight)
This machine is capable of making 26 lbs of ice in a day and takes only 6 minutes to finish 1 round of ice making process. You can have a batch full of bullet-shaped ice at your fingertips in a few minutes.
Also, you don’t need to have any installation and drain. It works effectively without making any noise. It is flexible and easy to use, so you can take it literally anywhere with you.
What is cooler about this product is that you can set on-timer and off-timer as you want. Don’t forget to drain the excess water each time by removing the plug underneath the unit on the bottom.
Product specifications
Brand | BOSSIN |
Weight | 16 pounds |
Product size | 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.3 |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 120V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Make ice in 6 minutes for up to 26 lbs per day.
- Have clock function
- Only weighs 16 lbs
- Two optional sizes of ice
Pros
- Makes ice fast
- Have clock function
- High portability
- Silent operation
Cons
- Only produce 9 ice cubes at a time
VIVOHOME Electric Portable Ice Maker
Buy this ice maker to add more facilities to your home. There are a few things you need to know about this product.
First, its small design can fit in any kitchen or any occasion. Second, you just need to add water, wait for about 6 minutes and you can enjoy a batch of chewable fresh ice.
Also, you can choose the size of the ice that you want just by pushing a few buttons. Thirdly, these machines can work all day long without making any noise.
Last but not least, they require draining, so you have to open the drainage system at the bottom to let the unused water out.
Product specifications
Brand | VIVOHOME |
Weight | 19.5 pounds |
Product size | 14.8 x 14.5 x 11.8 inches |
Colour | Silver, light silver, black, red |
Power | 110/115 V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Product 26 lbs of ice per day
- Require draining
- Only weigh 19.5 lbs
- 2 optional sizes of ice
Pros
- Make ice fast
- High portability
- Silent operation
- No installation needed
Cons
- Require draining
NewAir AI-100BK Portable Ice Maker
(Best for Parties)
What do you think of a portable ice maker that can make ice in 6 minutes? Isn’t it sound interesting to you?
If it is, then you might want to explore this amazing ice maker. It manages to produce 28 lbs of ice every day and store 2 lbs of ice each time. It also offers you 3 different sizes of ice so you can decorate your drinks as you want.
It comes in a small package that would fit anywhere you want. Moreover, it is a very easy-to-use machine, it just needs a touch of your finger to start working. In addition to that, it is available in many beautiful colors for you to choose from.
Product specifications
Brand | NewAir |
Weight | 24.3 pounds |
Product size | 14.5 x 11.8 x 15 inches |
Colour | Silver, light silver, black, red |
Power | 110/115 V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Takes 6-10 minutes to make ice
- Can produce 28 pounds of ice cubes per day
- Can hold up to 2 pounds of ice
- Drain from the spout located on the side
Pros
- Make ice fast
- High portability
- Easy to use and to clean
- Elegant look
Cons
- Noisy operation
EdgeStar IP210RED Portable Ice Maker
(Best Storage Capacity)
This portable ice maker from EdgeStar offers you three sizes of bullet-shaped ice, so you can freely decorate your beverage as you want. Also, it can generate a decent amount of ice in a day: 28 lbs and its bin can store up to 2.5 lbs of ice cubes. The insulated storage bin can prevent ice from melting.
In addition to that, the new innovative technology eliminated the need to drain and use the excess water to re-make new ice cubes. From now on, you don’t have to worry about finding a place to let the unused water out.
Product specifications
Brand | EdgeStar |
Weight | 24 pounds |
Product size | 14.4 x 11.7 x 14.9 inches |
Colour | Silver, light silver, black, red |
Power | 115 V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Can make ice cubes in 3 different sizes
- Well-insulated storage
- Can store to 2.5 pounds of ice at a time
- No draining and no installation required
- Can make 28 lbs of ice in a day
- Make ice in 10 minutes
Pros
- High Portability
- Have insulated storage
- Can recycle excess water
- No draining
- Easy to use
Cons
- Noisy operation
Prime Home Portable Ice Machine for Countertop
This machine can work very fast, they can make a batch of fresh ice in just 8 minutes. Besides, you can bring it to many places since it only weighs 18.85 lbs.
This machine can work continuously 24 hours and produce 26 lbs of ice at that time. Its small design help you easily see what going on inside through the transparent lid.
Moreover, it needs no advanced installation, you just need to plug it in and push a few buttons to make this machine work.
Product specifications
Brand | Prime Home Direct |
Weight | 18.85 pounds |
Product size | 14.9 x 14.9 x 14.8 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 115 V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Can make ice in 8 minutes for up to 26 lbs of ice in a day
- No installation required
- Require drain
Pros
- Make ice fast
- Silent Operation
- Energy saving
- High portability
Cons
- Require drain
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
(Best Overall)
They have a modern and shiny look, but their work is far beyond their looks. They can help you to save time because it only takes 8 minutes to produce a batch of bullet-shaped ice cubes.
This modern machine uses a light indicator to show you when the ice cubes are ready and remind you to add water for the next round of ice making. Moreover, it can work in silence and recycle unused water into new ice cubes.
Product specifications
Brand | Euhomy |
Weight | 17.2 pounds |
Product size | 12.6 x 9.6 x 12.6 inches |
Colour | Silver |
Power | 115 V |
Material | Stainless steel |
Included Item | icemaker, basket, ice scoop |
Highlight features
- Can make ice in 8 minutes for up to 26 lbs of ice in a day
- No installation required
- Can recycle excess water
- 2 optional sizes
Pros
- Make ice fast
- Silent Operation
- Energy saving
- High portability
- Have 2 sizes of ice
Cons
- Require drain
Portable Ice Maker Buying Guides
Before buying any product, it is necessary to do research. However, the researching process can be exhausted. No need to worry because I have already listed all the factors that you need to take into consideration. After reading my quick guide, I hope you will know more about portable ice makers and make choice more wisely.
What Are the Factors That You Need to Take Into Consideration?
Productivity
Due to its portability, an average portable ice maker can only produce about 20-30 lbs of ice in a day, but now some machines are both portable and high productive. They can generate up to 40 lbs of ice in a day.
2 Types of Ice
Have you ever wonder what is the difference between cloudy ice cubes and crystal-clear ice cubes? Crystal-clear ice cubes are not only looked better but they also melt 5 times slower than traditional cloudy ice cubes.
There are two explanations for these differences: types of water they use to produce ice and the way they use to produce ice. Since using what kinds of water is a personal preference, I am only going to discuss about the way they make ice.
Cloudy Ice
In case you don’t know, water contains impurities and substances such as calcium, fluoride and other minerals. As the water is being frozen too fast from outside, all impurities from water molecules are being pushed in the center.
As a result, the ice cubes are cloudy. This is a common way that the most portable ice maker uses to freeze water. This doesn’t seem to be a big problem at all since these kinds of portable ice makers can manage to give you a decent amount of ice in a few minutes.
Crystal-Clear Ice
In contrast with the way they make cloudy ice, the freezing process of making clear is done layer by layer. As they freeze water from inside out, all impurities from water molecules are pushed away.
Consequently, the ice cubes have a clear and see-through look. This type of ice is perfect for those who love the presentation and high-quality ice. However, this way of making ice takes more time to finish a batch of ice cubes.
Size and Style of Ice
These two factors can be vital for those who really appreciate presentations of beverage.
Most portable ices maker are available in bullet-shaped or cylinder-shaped ice, and there are a few portable ice makers can generate high-quality crystal-clear ice cubes.
Also, they often give you choices of ice sizes. You can check out my in-depth reviews of about 15 best portable ice makers to find the most suitable one or you.
Storage Capacity
The specific information about this will tell you how much ice a portable ice maker can store at a time. Many new portable ice makers can automatically stop making more ice when the ice basket is. As a result, you don’t need to worry that the ice will overflow.
Time for a Round of Ice Making
Some portable ice makers only take 6 minutes to finish a round of ice making, but some take 12-15 minutes. Cycle time depends on what kind of ice that ice maker makes, crystal-clear ice cubes usually takes a longer time to make.
Style
Nowadays, many portable ice makers are made from stainless steel which gives them a sleek modern look.
Energy Consumption
This specification will give you the idea of how much energy a portable ice maker consume. If you live at home, that will not be a big problem, but if you live in an RV or you run a business, then you should notice about the energy consumption of an ice maker.
Intelligent Technology
A smart portable ice maker should include a recycled function that will help you recycle excess water from melted ice into new ice cubes. In this way, you will never have to worry about drain the excess water out and find a place for them.
FAQs
Here’re some common questions about portable ice makers. I hope you’ll find some useful information in this FAQ.
My Top Pick
Hopefully, you can invest your money in the best portable ice maker after finish reading my reviews.
After trying out all these ice makers, my favorite one is Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop. It manages to make high-quality ice in just 8 minutes, and it also has the ability to recycle unused water to make new ice.
Can you recommend a rolling tray for under the counter pull out for the Euhomy ice maker. I have limited counter space.
Dear Sue,
First of all thanks for contacting me.
Mostly, any tray larger than 12.6 X 9.6 X 12.6 in would do, but if it were me, I would go with this Everie Sliding Tray
Hope this helps!
Have a wonderful day and stay safe.
Loves, Amanda.
Fantastic site, thanks a million for your effort
Dear Jacquiline Fileds,
Thank you very much for your comment!
Your kind words warmed my heart and really encouraged me to improve. I value and respect your comment; please don’t hesitate to share this post with your mates if you find it helpful!
Loves,
Amanda