Ice makers have emerged as an important equipment in households today. Any occasion like a simple party in the house requires ice cubes for drinks.
The ice produced in refrigerators is not at all enough and you tend to run out of ice cubes frequently. But nowadays, thanks to portable ice makers, you no longer have to worry about running out of ice cubes.
These ice makers are quite safe and are convenient to use for all the occasions.
Portable ice makers comprises of an independent ice generator that that keeps ice frozen. One just has to deposit enough water and plug in the device in order to get enough ice.
Ice is required not just for drinks but it can also come in handy to treat burns, bruises, inflammation, pain etc. It is the first course of treatment for many health conditions.
It is important to understand that portable ice makers that keeps ice frozen should not to be confused with freezers. As a result you cannot keep foodstuffs or things that require freezing in these ice makers.
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The Best Portable Ice Maker That Keeps Ice Frozen
Image | Brand | Name | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Luma Comfort | Luma Comfort IM200SS | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
IKICH | IKICH Ice Maker Countertop | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
NewAir | NewAir AI-215SS | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
Magic Chef | Magic Chef 27-Lb. Portable Ice Maker | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
Gourmia | Gourmia GI500 | Prime | Check Price | |
FirstBuild | Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | Prime | Check Price |
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To help you out in finding the latest portable ice makers in the market today, we give you the top portable ice makers that you need to consider when buying:
RECOMMENDED
1. Luma Comfort IM200SS - Best Clear Ice Maker
- Have clear, restaurant quality ice that melts 5 times slower than cloudy ice.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Luma Comfort IM200SS is another hardworking clear ice maker, producing 28 pounds of ice within 24 hours.
Luma Comfort IM200SS is great because it has plug & play operation with no plumbing required, however many customers complain about it being a little bit heavy to be a truly portable unit which is especially true given that it costs around two hundred dollars.
It creates single-sized clear ice cubes within 15 minutes. Just pour water on the reservoir, close the lid, and wait for the cubes to emerge.
Pros
Cons
Findings
The IM200SS is sleek and stainless, making it the perfect portable ice maker.
2. IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine - Amazon's Choice
- Fast Ice Making & Energy Efficient: It makes 9 ice cubes within 7 minutes; The maximum production capability: 26 lbs/12kg ice cubes per 24 hrs; Compare with other ice maker, our fast cooling effect and low consumption with a powerful and noiseless compressor
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
IKICH is really great because of two key features – looks stunning and very easy to use. It is also a top rated residential ice maker machine making it one of our top recommendations.
Our home goes through way too much and we need a lot of ice these days, this product is for you if you decide to get the best home ice maker, and not just any random ice maker model.
We wanted a counter-top ice maker because it will take up less space, and we can also use it in our caravan too when we are out - anytime, anywhere.
Pros
Cons
Findings
We were all fed up of having to wait over night for our water to freeze into ice cubes in the freezer so we got wanted a machine to speed things up.
3. NewAir AI-215SS - with Self Cleaning Function
- Large output ice maker is perfect for parties and special events where you need consistent ice at a rapid pace; Operating Cycle: 7 minutes.
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This heavy-duty ice maker is perfect for those who need a large supply of ice cubes. It has a capacity of a whopping 50 pounds of ice in a single day.
Small, medium and large bullet-shaped ice cubes are ready within 7 to 13 minutes. It has a built-in storage bin for keeping unused ice cubes.
It’s also efficient, as it cleans itself automatically and shuts down right after use. This product also comes in a classy red color.
If you need an ice maker that can supply you many ice cubes, this product is what you need.
The capacity of this equipment is 50 lbs. of ice in 24 hours. Much bigger as compared to other ice makers. It is one of the best picks because it does not only produce bigger ice cubes it also produces ice fast. It has a great design and is recommended by many users.
Different bullet-shaped ice cube sizes are produced within 7 to 13 minutes. The built-in storage bin is used for keeping any unused ice cubes. It is also very efficient since it has an automatic cleaning feature and it shuts down right away after using it. The equipment is also available in a classy red color.
The machine has a see-through window with blue LED display. It is also equipped with an easy-to-use push-button controls.
Pros
Cons
Findings
The NewAir AI-215SS portable ice maker is one of our top picks, owing to makes ice fast. However, we knocked off a star because of it is a little hard to clean. Still, with great design it easily makes it into our list of recommendations.
4. Magic Chef 27-Lb. Portable Ice Maker - Fastest Speed Model
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Keep the ice cubes coming with the Magic Chef MCIM22SV.
This ice maker can produce 27 pounds of ice each day giving a steady supply of ice cubes. You will not run out of ice cubes on your beverage pitchers or bucket during parties or get together with your friends.
It produces ice cubes in two sizes within seven minutes. The ice maker has a compact design making it very portable. Unused ice is returned automatically to the reservoir or drained out of the machine.
A small downside is that it’s a bit noisy when running.
Pros
Cons
Findings
The Magic Chef can hold up to 1.5 pounds of ice, and the digital control panel shows when you need to fill it again with water.
5. Gourmia GI500 - Fast Freezing
- FAST FREEZE: Fill with water, hit start, and watch through the clear lid as this powerful yet quiet machine churns out ice in as little as 10-15 minutes.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Boasts a 2.5 quart water tank, and can produce 26 lbs of clear, crispy ice a day. Drain plug in rear of machine.
This efficient ice maker machine makes 9 ice cubes within 10 minutes.
In a single day, the Gourmia GI500 can create 26 pounds of ice. It has a variety of functions such as a status display screen, a standby mode, auto shut-off, three cube sizes selection and a refill alarm.
Gourmia GI500 Electric Compact Professional Stainless Steel Ice Maker is really great because of two key features – compact size works well with smaller spaces and excellent value. Plus, also has high efficiency ice machine that produces ice in minutes making it one of our top recommendations.
The machine’s interiors are made from insulated material to lock-in the cold and keep ice fresh and cool. Gourmia GI110 is also portable and durable.
This ice maker can produce nine ice cubes within ten minutes. Within 24 hours this machine can produce 26 lbs. of ice. It has different functions like a standby mode, three cube sizes selection, status display screen, auto shut-off, and a refill alarm.
The Gourmia GI110 is amazing with two key features – compact size works compatibly with smaller areas and excellent value. Also, it is a high-efficiency ice machine that creates ice within a few minutes.
Pros
Cons
Findings
This ice maker machine internal features are made from insulated material to keep the ice cubes cool and fresh. The machine is also known for its durability and portability. With the Gourmia GI110, you don’t need messy ice cube trays.
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6. Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- COUNTERTOP SIZE - With its elegant design, the Opal will wow your guests before they even try the delicious ice it makes. Measures at 15.5 x 10.5 x 17.2 inches - The perfect size for any countertop in your home. Installation Clearance - 3 inches, sides and back.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This countertop ice maker not only produces 24 lbs of ice per day, Within only 20 minutes of ice making procoess, you’ll be enjoying soft, crunchy ice, just like the ice you love from your favorite restaurant.
This ice maker is also bluetooth equipped, so you can set up your ice making schedule from your phone using the free FirstBuild app. It senses when the bin is full of ice, so it won't overfill.
Pros
Cons
Findings
The machines ice bin does not have any refrigeration in it and ice eventually melts, however when it does, there are slots in the bin that allow the melt water to fall back into the reservoir, and is made into new nuggets.
Countertop Ice Makers - Buyer's Guide

When Ice Cubes Are Not Enough
When we are outdoors, we usually buy lots of ice cubes to cool our drinks. But the harsh summer sun easily melts away these precious cooling cubes, leaving us to run to the nearest gas station to purchase another set of ice cubes.
It’s a hassle and a waste of money on our part, right? All things considered, there’s a straightforward answer for keep away from this circumstance – the convenient, portable & compact ice maker!
Factors to Consider in Choosing Portable Ice Makers
If you are sure it is time to buy a portable ice machine, you need to consider the following factors:

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
Why Do You Need A Portable Ice Maker?
The best way to rejuvenate and keep your body hydrated during the summer season is by drinking ice cold water and other beverages. To make this possible, you need to have ice cubes ready all the time.
Buying lots of ice cubes cannot keep your drinks cold especially if you are outdoors under the heat of the sun. The scourging heat of the sun during summer can only melt the ice cubes easily.
Thus, you need to drive again to the nearest store to purchase more ice cubes. It is not the best way to keep your drinks cold.
To keep your beverages cold all day you need to have a portable ice maker.
How Do Portable Ice Makers Work?
Portable ice makers work on the same lines as a freezer .Water should be poured into it prior to switching on the device. This water gets pumped into the rotating ice tray. The device comprises of a compressor and a fan.
These two act together to freeze the water into ice once the device is switched on. It has a warm refrigerant inside which causes the ice to be released into the bin.
Why Does Portable Ice Maker Matters?
Portable ice makers are great for home usage. They are quite helpful in hosting small parties at home or in making ice for a family. They help you to come out of the running out of ice scenario. You no longer have to rush to the store in order to purchase a bag of ice, you can get it instantly at home.
Also, these portable ice makers that keeps ice frozen can be carried anywhere and everywhere. Ice makers are quite useful when you go out for camping, tailgating, boating and RV Trips. These ice makers are also finding widespread usage in retirement communities and office break rooms.
If you and your family members need a lot of ice throughout the day and you more often have to visit a convenience store to purchase the same, then you are the right candidate to purchase a portable ice maker.
Things To Consider While Buying A Portable Ice Maker?
If you intend to buy a portable ice maker, you should consider the following factors that can help you in choosing the perfect ice maker:
✓ Size – Portable ice makers will be always small in size. But portable ice makers of different brands come in multiple shapes and sizes.
If you are planning to buy portable ice makers that will spend a lot of time sitting on a countertop in your home or kitchen, you have to check the space available on the countertop.
But if you are purchasing an ice maker in order to carry it from one place to another, you have to check the weight of the device because it is difficult to carry a bulky device wherever you go.
If size and weight of the device, does not matter to you, then the only thing to consider is the capacity of the device.
You should consider purchasing an ice maker that is neither too small nor too big. You should make a choice depending on the ice you need.
The production capacity of an ice maker is usually mentioned on its packaging. This production capacity is provided in terms of pounds of ice
✓ Speed – You have to find an ice maker that will make ice quickly.
Sometimes party guests would have to wait for a long time in order to get a refill. You can avoid that by choosing an ice maker that produces ice fast enough.
Manufacturers will usually provide information on the specs provided regarding the time required by a device to produce ice. You have to go through it beforehand while purchasing an ice maker.
✓ Cost – The cost of an icemaker depends on its capacity. They range anywhere between $100 to $250 in price.
When it comes to ice makers, if you pay a higher price, the machine remains durable for a longer period of times.
Cheap ice machines are known to have problems within the first year of its purchase.
✓ Durability – Ice makers are not the type of devices that last a decade or a lifetime, once you purchase it.
But still you should not go for a machine that will have problems in the first year of its purchase itself.
Some manufacturers provide warranties on ice machines. It is wise to choose one of those types that come with a warranty.
✓ Water Use – Some of the ice makers are endowed with a feature that allows it to reuse water that gets melted away from ice that is not used.
You should opt for a machine of this type to save water. Also it is important to go for a self cleaning ice machine as it save your time and energy after a party.
How To Clean and Maintenance a Portable Ice Maker?
A portable ice maker is easy to clean and requires very less maintenance. Some of the tips to clean a portable ice maker are:
1. Unplug and Empty the Device – In order to clean an ice maker, you have to empty it fully and unplug it from the wall. This will ensure your safety.
2. Ice Tray Removal – Remove the ice tray from the device and keep it aside. After some time you can clean it.
3. Wipe It – Use a soft cloth and wipe the interior of the device. If the ice maker is very dirty, use two teaspoons of vinegar on the soft cloth and use the same to wipe the interior of the device.
This will clean up the dirt and will also remove the excess calcium build up which is caused as a result of running hard water within the device.
Now wipe down the removed ice tray in the same manner. You can also use a small amount of vinegar if it is especially dirty. Now place the ice tray back in the ice machine and plug in the device.
4. Cleaning Cycle – Switch on the portable ice maker and run it for a cycle or more with a small amount of vinegar. You can also use lime juice and water for the purpose. This will ensure that the unit is clean.
Final Words
A portable ice maker that keeps ice frozen is a must to have device for every household. It does not cost a bomb and is easy to maintain. Hence you can just go ahead and purchase that portable ice maker.
We hope that our guide helps you decide on which one to buy. Checking the specifications, features and other portable ice maker reviews are the best thing that you can do before you decide.
All users have their preferences, so choose the one that will meet your requirements. Compare at least two to three products then decide which is the best. If you think this buying guide is helpful to you feel free to share this post with others.
Happy Shopping!