10 Best Portable Ice Makers In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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If you’re hosting a huge party and your fridge can’t quite do all the work, a portable ice maker will come in handy. And if you like camping and traveling, a portable ice maker would be easy to bring. It also doesn’t take up too much space, making it perfect for those living in a dorm or a small apartment.
There are many reasons why an ice maker is an excellent investment. Take a look at our list of the best portable ice makers on the market to help you decide which one to get.
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Our Top Picks
 
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Most Portable - Igloo ICEB26HNWHN Portable Ice Maker• Produces 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hours |
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Creates the Best Ice - Euhomy Portable Ice Maker• Makes 40 lbs. of ice in 24 hours |
Best Features - NewAir Portable Ice Maker• Creates 28 lbs. of ice in 24 hours |
1. LITBOOS Portable Ice Maker - Best Looking
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What Customer Have To Say
One customer said that he doesn’t have to run to buy ice bags whenever kids are visiting. This machine also reduces mess, is simple to use, and stylish. It has fingerprint resistant stainless steel body all over with brushed looks. Another one remarked that this ice maker makes ice quickly, and it is soft and comfortable to chew. It automatically turns on and off when it’s out of water, or it’s full. Overall, she said that it’s great for parties or everyday use.
Why We Think It’s Great
This modern-looking portable ice maker matches any kitchen setting with its stainless steel construction. As much as it is attractive, it is also easy to use and can make nine ice bullets in 7- 9 minutes. It also works quietly, so it won’t be a disturbance when you’re having a chat with friends while drinking beverages.
Who Should Buy It
If looks matter to you as much as function, this model is one of the best portable ice makers that relatively fit this criterion.
2. Luma IM200SS Comfort Portable Ice Maker - Best Splurge
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What Customer Have To Say
A shopper said that this is the best portable ice maker because it makes clear and more dense ice. While many reviews complain that the ice comes in batches, he said that they are super easy to break, and sometimes it's even easier to load this way. Another one said that the ice is nice and clear. The machine is handy for having ice whenever you want and not having to worry whether or not it’s fresh.
Why We Think It’s Great
Luma takes its inspiration from nature in making clear ice. The water is continuously flowing in a supercooled ice tray until it becomes frozen. This motion will leave no room for any impurities, thereby creating clear ice cubes. When the unused ice melts, the water becomes recycled, so there is less refilling and discarding to do.
Who Should Buy It
Unlike most ice makers, this one makes clear ice, which is beneficial in professional settings like bars and restaurants. They use clear ice because it is much better in more ways than one.
3. Igloo ICEB26HNWHN Portable Ice Maker - Most Portable
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What Customer Have To Say
An Amazon customer said that this ice machine is perfect. It makes a lot of perfect-sized ice in an hour, and he’s satisfied with the quality. This will be productive for his business. Another one shared that she got this ice maker because she’s tired of ice trays taking up space in her freezer. She suggests taking out each batch of ice from the basket so they will not melt quickly and clump together. Overall, she deemed this product great.
Why We Think It’s Great
This portable ice maker can produce nine small or large ice cylinders in seven minutes with its two-quart capacity. Its smart control panel alerts you when you need to refill the basket with water, so the ice just keeps coming for cold drinks all the time. Cleaning is also a breeze with its 5-cycle cleaning function.
Who Should Buy It
If you want to have a convenient ice maker that regularly supplies ice, Igloo is a good choice to start.
4. Frigidaire EFIC108-SILVER Portable Ice Maker - Best Value
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What Customer Have To Say
An Amazon shopper commented that this is the best thing she could have ever purchased. It fits great on top of her mini-fridge in her bedroom. On the other hand, another one said that she loves this item and uses it in her travel trailer. She added that she’s not buying ice anymore.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Frigidaire portable ice maker provides you with a steady supply of ice for parties or everyday use. This model makes nine ice cubes every 7-15 minutes. If you’re curious how the whole process works, you can observe through the transparent window, so you don’t have to open the lid and compromise the inner temperature.
Who Should Buy It
If you have a knack for matching your home interior design with the appliances you have, this is a great candidate because its color allows it to adapt to wherever it is placed.
5. Igloo ICEB26WH Portable Electric Ice Maker - Best for Traveling
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What Customer Have To Say
An Amazon patron shared that he bought this to use in his travel trailer and became his primary ice maker for drinks at home. While traveling, it’s nice to have instead of pulling ice from a cooler for drinks. It fits well and looks good. Another customer said that this is the perfect ice maker for her. She uses bottled water, and it fills her ice bucket up. She added that the cubes are somewhat soft, so smoothies are perfect for it.
Why We Think It’s Great
With this portable ice maker, you will never run to the store for a bag of ice ever again. Because of its 3-quart capacity, you don’t have to refill it with water as often, either. It quickly freezes and makes nine pieces of ice in 7 minutes. You are also given a chance to glance at the process through its clear lid.
Who Should Buy It
This Igloo portable ice machine allows you to choose either big ice for cold drinks or small ones that can fit in water bottles. If you find this feature, this is the best portable ice maker for you.
6. Euhomy Portable Ice Cube Maker - Produces the Best Ice
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What Customer Have To Say
One customer remarked that this ice maker is about twice the size as the others. It is heavy and well made, with no plastic feeling. It’s quiet and makes ice quickly. Overall, he highly recommends it. A different customer said that her husband couldn’t stop talking about how impressed he is with their new ice maker. According to him, it works exactly like the big expensive commercial ice machines at hotels and restaurants. It also makes crystal clear cubes.
Why We Think It’s Great
With efficient compressors, this ice maker can produce 24 high-quality ice cubes every 12-18 minutes. The controls allow you to choose the desired thickness and remind you when the machine needs water. You can also use the delay feature to ensure that you have ice before your event. Don’t worry about water wastage, too, because this machine recycles the melted water to be made into ice once more.
Who Should Buy It
If you often have visitors or gatherings at home, in the office, or wherever, the best portable ice maker for you is Euhomy.
7. NewAir AI-215SS Portable Ice Maker - Highest Yield
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What Customer Have To Say
A customer commented that she has ice all the time with this machine. She also likes the color and its ease of use. The ice also crushes easily in her blender for smoothies. A different customer said that his family had this machine for years. They enjoyed every minute of it because it makes ice fast and efficiently, perfect for serving guests cold beverages without delay.
Why We Think It’s Great
This portable ice maker is a handy tool when it comes to providing a continuous supply of ice, specifically 12 ice pieces in 7 minutes. You can fill the machine with water beforehand and set the timer so you can have ice in no time. It also helps in maintenance with its overflow protection, side drain, and self-cleaning function.
Who Should Buy It
The best portable ice maker for big gatherings or events is the NewAir AI-215SS. It may look small, but ice production for it is a breeze. After every batch, you can transfer the ice to the best ice buckets.
8. NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine - Most Efficient
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What Customer Have To Say
An Amazon patron commented that this is extremely easy to use, and it only took a few minutes to get the ice produced. She added that it is perfect for serving drinks. Another one said that she loves this ice maker because it has been a lifesaver. The ice also tastes good, it works great, and it is stylish. She also loves the cool color.
Why We Think It’s Great
Offering a quick production time, this model provides nine ice pieces every 6 minutes. It is also energy-efficient, using only 1kWh of electricity within 10 hours due to its R600a/0.8 oz refrigerant. The interior is also lined with an upgraded cyclopentane thickened foam layer, providing better insulation in storing the ice.
Who Should Buy It
No person would have to drink warm beverages when they have this portable ice maker. Aside from its function, this machine is also oozing with aesthetics, making it easy to place this anywhere.
9. NewAir Portable Ice Maker - Best Features
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What Customer Have To Say
An Amazon shopper said that this makes three sizes of ice, and after trying it, he and his wife no longer eat ice from frigid. It’s portable and an excellent buy. Meanwhile, another customer commented that he loves this machine because it makes ice as advertised. It doesn’t take an excessive amount of counter space, as well. She already recommended it to her sister.
Why We Think It’s Great
May it be indoors or outdoors, this compact ice maker makes nine ice bullets of three different sizes of your choosing in 15 minutes. The interior is a well-insulated storage compartment, so the ice keeps its structural integrity. When it’s time to dispose of the residual water, you simply plug the drain at the back and fill it up again.
Who Should Buy It
If you’re looking for a convenient ice supplier that you can carry anywhere easily, NewAir is the one for you.
10. Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker - Most Compact
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What Customer Have To Say
One Amazon customer said that he loves this ice maker. He suggested buying a sticky picture frame hanger to hang the scoop on the ice maker’s front to make it more convenient. Another buyer commented that this product is perfect for those who love ice and don’t have an ice maker in their fridge. It keeps ice making all day, and you can add your water so you can use bottled water or tap water.
Why We Think It’s Great
Going out to buy a bag of ice may be tiring, and using an ice tray may be too time-consuming. Luckily, a portable ice maker like Magic Chef provides the convenience you need. All you have to do is fill it with water, choose between 2 sizes and let the machine make nine ice pieces in just 7 minutes.
Who Should Buy It
If you are running low on space but still want a handy ice maker to place on your counter in the kitchen or a trailer, give Magic Chef a try. It will not disappoint you!
Things To Consider Before Buying A Portable Ice Maker
If you’re new to ice makers, then you’re going to need all the help you need. Here are some factors that you need to go through to choose the best portable ice maker.
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Production speed
The production speed of a portable ice maker is important, especially if you need ice for a large group. A unit’s production speed varies according to the brand and model. Before deciding which ice maker to purchase, determine what you’re using the ice maker for.
A fast, portable ice maker can make one piece of ice every minute, but even faster, ice makers can make nine pieces in six minutes. The speed can also vary according to the size of the ice.
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Size
If you’re planning on buying an ice maker and bring it with you most of the time, look for a light and small-sized model so it would be easier for you to store and carry it around.
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Mesh Filter
A portable ice maker that has a mesh filter is not a bad idea. It produces clear and tasty ice without buildup in your ice maker. It filters out the chemicals in the water so the ice will be clean and fresh. However, you can use a filtering pitcher, but a mesh filter saves time and effort.
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Timer Function
Some of the best portable ice makers have a timer, which is also a great feature for your machine. With this, you can easily make sure the ice is ready by the time you need it without having to wait. Remember, you need to consider the model’s production speed so you could match it appropriately with the timer.
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Noise Level
Some portable ice makers create loud noises when they are being used. It can get very annoying, and it’s not pleasant. If you’re sensitive to noise, opt for models that produce less noise.
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Ice Shape
Different models can produce different types of ice shapes. The most common is bullet-shaped ice. These are fast to make, but the process leaves a hole inside the ice, which makes them fast to melt.
Some models can produce ice in three different sizes. If you want the ice to last longer in your drink, opt for a model that makes square-shaped or rectangular-shaped ice.
Portable Ice Maker FAQ
1. What makes portable ice makers portable?
Portable ice makers are portable because it doesn’t require a water line or a draw line to work. What it needs to work is only a power supply. Just pour water into the reservoir and turn the machine on if you wish to start producing ice. You can take a portable ice maker in any place that has a 110-120V outlet.
2. How do I clean and maintain my portable ice maker?
You need to regularly clean your portable ice maker to keep it safe and ensure that it works smoothly. Luckily, doing so is effortless.
- Mix water with an ice machine cleaner and pour it into the water reservoir.
- Turn the ice maker on until the mixture has been made into ice.
- Throw away the ice and pour pure water.
- Turn it on again until the water becomes ice. Throw the ice again.
That’s it! The next batch of ice cubes you’ll make is already clean and safe to use.
3. Do I need a special plug or power supply to run my portable ice maker?
Portable ice makers have a three-prong plug, and it needs to be connected to a 110-120V outlet. You can connect the ice maker to your vehicle’s power source, and you just need a DC adaptor.
4. How do portable ice makers work?
Portable ice makers work simply. Because this machine is not connected to any water line, you need to manually fill up the unit’s water line.
The water is then pumped up to an ice tray found at the top of the ice maker. The water gets frozen by the compressor and fan. When the water freezes to its right size, the heat exchanger causes the ice to slide into the ice bin.
5. What type of ice do portable ice makers produce?
Most of the best portable ice makers produce bullet ice. As the name suggests, this type of ice is shaped like a bullet. It is cylindrical and has a rounded tip on one end. It is hollow inside, so expectedly, it melts quickly. There are also portable ice makers that produce the typical ice cubes.
Conclusion
Now that we spend most of our time indoors, it would be convenient to have everything you need at home, including the second most crucial ingredient in a cold drink: ice.
Sure, ice trays are an option because they are cheaper, but if you want to invest in something faster, you can rely on the best portable ice makers, starting with Igloo ICEB26HNWHN Portable Ice Maker. It is simple to use and is very easy to transport anywhere.
But if you want something fit for a more professional setting, the best portable ice maker is Euhomy 40Lbs/24H Portable Ice Cube Maker. Its distinct process makes it possible for it to create clear ice, perfect for cocktails and liquors.
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