Throwing a party? Melting in the heat? You just might need a portable ice maker! This heaven-sent machine doesn't just give you a good supply of ice, it can also be moved around pretty easily too! So whether you're throwing a party in your backyard or going on a camping trip in the summer, an ice maker is an absolute must-have!
However, there are a couple of things you need to look for to single out the perfect one for you. Luckily, we have done the digging for you and have come up with a top 10 list of the best portable ice makers out there! The gold star award goes to hOmeLabs's ice maker, which is a water-saver and comes with some extras too! Check out the rest of our list as well as our buyer's guide to learn more about how you can keep yourself and your loved ones cool and refreshed.
When it comes to choosing a portable ice maker, you want to keep an eye out for its capacity and turnaround time for producing ice. You also want to check what kind of ice it produces and make sure it's easy to use. Extras are a big plus too!
$169.99
Capacity | 1 gal. |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours |
Ice shape/size | Small and medium-sized bullet shape ice |
Size and weight | 12.9 x 9.5 x 14 in., 19.26 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet |
Energy efficiency | Low-energy compressor |
Controls | Control panel, warning lights, automatic shut-off function |
Extra features | Basket and ice scoop |
$179.99
Capacity | 0.6 gal. |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 8 minute-cycle |
Ice shape/size | Bullet-shaped and chewable |
Size and weight | 12.59 x 9.64 x 12.59 in., 17.2 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet |
Energy efficiency | Yes |
Controls | Control panel and light indicators |
Extra features | Infrared sensor, removable ice basket, and ice scoop |
$269.99
Capacity | Not indicated |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 28 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 pieces in 15 minutes |
Ice shape/size | Long circle shape |
Size and weight | 14.5 x 11.75 x 15 in., 24.3 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet |
Energy efficiency | Requires only 115V outlet |
Controls | LED display and water level indicator |
Extra features | Automatic shut-off, overflow protection and removable ice basket |
$170.25
Capacity | Not indicated |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 33 lbs. in 24 hours, 8-minute cycle |
Ice shape/size | Small and large bullet-shaped ice |
Size and weight | 14 x 9.4 x 12.9 in., 21.4 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet |
Energy efficiency | 120V outlet required |
Controls | Two-button control panel and indicator lights |
Extra features | Ice basket and ice scoop |
$159.99
Capacity | 0.5 gal. |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 pieces in 8-10 minutes |
Ice shape/size | Bullet ice cubes |
Size and weight | Package size: 14.6 x 14.2 x 10.7 in., 17.6 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet |
Energy efficiency | Low-energy cooling system |
Controls | One-button operation and indicators |
Extra features | Ice scoop and removable ice bucket |
$115.67
Capacity | 0.5 gal. |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 ice cubes in 7-15 minutes |
Ice shape/size | Small and large ice cubes |
Size and weight | 14.9 x 11.2 x 14.8 in., 19.7 lbs. |
Sound | Moderate |
Energy efficiency | Low-energy consumption |
Controls | LED control panel |
Extra features | Ice shovel |
$549.00
Capacity | 1 gal. |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 24 lbs. in 24 hours |
Ice shape/size | Soft-crunch nugget ice |
Size and weight | 15.25 x 14.25 x 17.25 in., 47 lbs. |
Sound | Loud |
Energy efficiency | 120V outlet required |
Controls | One-button control, bluetooth equipped |
Extra features | Side tank, ice bin, ice scoop, and drip tray |
$134.99
Capacity | Not indicated |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 ice cubes in 7 minutes |
Ice shape/size | Bullet-shaped and chewable |
Size and weight | 14.2 x 13.4 x 10.8 in., 20.1 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet, less than 50 decibels |
Energy efficiency | Low energy, 120W power machine |
Controls | One-button control panel and LED indicators |
Extra features | Removable ice basket and ice scoop |
$294.74
Capacity | Not indicated |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 pieces in 7 minutes |
Ice shape/size | Small and large cylinder-shape |
Size and weight | 12.2 x 9.06 x 12.8 in., 19.31 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet |
Energy efficiency | - |
Controls | Electronic control panel with indicator lights |
Extra features | Removable ice basket and ice scoop |
$143.62
Capacity | - |
---|---|
Turnaround time | 27 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 cubes in 7 minutes |
Ice shape/size | 2 sizes, bullet-shaped |
Size and weight | 15.4 x 11.7 x 15.7 in., 20.9 lbs. |
Sound | Loud |
Energy efficiency | - |
Controls | Digital control panel |
Extra features | Ice basket and ice scoop |
Image | 1 ![]() hOmeLabs | 2 ![]() E EUHOMY | 3 ![]() NewAir | 4 ![]() NewAir | 5 ![]() CROWNFUL | 6 ![]() FRIGIDAIRE | 7 ![]() GE Major Appliances | 8 ![]() IKICH | 9 ![]() Igloo | 10 ![]() Magic Chef |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop | Countertop Ice Maker Machine | AI-100W Ice Maker | Portable Ice Maker | Countertop Ice Maker Machine | Compact Ice Maker | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | Ice Maker for Countertop | Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine With Handle | Portable Countertop Ice Maker |
Features | A Straightforward Ice Maker That Saves Water | An Ice Maker With Infrared Technology | An Ice Maker With a Handy Safety Feature | A Safe and Simple Ice Machine That's BPA-Free | A Lightweight and Portable Ice Maker | A Stainless Steel Ice Maker With a Convenient Drainage System | A Bluetooth-Equipped Ice Maker With All the Extras | An Energy-Efficient and Quiet Ice Maker | A Self-Cleaning Ice Maker With a Convenient Handle | A Compact Ice Maker for a Quick Fix |
Price | $169.99 | $179.99 | $269.99 | $170.25 | $159.99 | $115.67 | $549.00 | $134.99 | $294.74 | $143.62 |
Capacity | 1 gal. | 0.6 gal. | Not indicated | Not indicated | 0.5 gal. | 0.5 gal. | 1 gal. | Not indicated | Not indicated | - |
Turnaround time | 26 lbs. in 24 hours | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 8 minute-cycle | 28 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 pieces in 15 minutes | 33 lbs. in 24 hours, 8-minute cycle | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 pieces in 8-10 minutes | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 ice cubes in 7-15 minutes | 24 lbs. in 24 hours | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 ice cubes in 7 minutes | 26 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 pieces in 7 minutes | 27 lbs. in 24 hours, 9 cubes in 7 minutes |
Ice shape/size | Small and medium-sized bullet shape ice | Bullet-shaped and chewable | Long circle shape | Small and large bullet-shaped ice | Bullet ice cubes | Small and large ice cubes | Soft-crunch nugget ice | Bullet-shaped and chewable | Small and large cylinder-shape | 2 sizes, bullet-shaped |
Size and weight | 12.9 x 9.5 x 14 in., 19.26 lbs. | 12.59 x 9.64 x 12.59 in., 17.2 lbs. | 14.5 x 11.75 x 15 in., 24.3 lbs. | 14 x 9.4 x 12.9 in., 21.4 lbs. | Package size: 14.6 x 14.2 x 10.7 in., 17.6 lbs. | 14.9 x 11.2 x 14.8 in., 19.7 lbs. | 15.25 x 14.25 x 17.25 in., 47 lbs. | 14.2 x 13.4 x 10.8 in., 20.1 lbs. | 12.2 x 9.06 x 12.8 in., 19.31 lbs. | 15.4 x 11.7 x 15.7 in., 20.9 lbs. |
Sound | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Moderate | Loud | Quiet, less than 50 decibels | Quiet | Loud |
Energy efficiency | Low-energy compressor | Yes | Requires only 115V outlet | 120V outlet required | Low-energy cooling system | Low-energy consumption | 120V outlet required | Low energy, 120W power machine | - | - |
Controls | Control panel, warning lights, automatic shut-off function | Control panel and light indicators | LED display and water level indicator | Two-button control panel and indicator lights | One-button operation and indicators | LED control panel | One-button control, bluetooth equipped | One-button control panel and LED indicators | Electronic control panel with indicator lights | Digital control panel |
Extra features | Basket and ice scoop | Infrared sensor, removable ice basket, and ice scoop | Automatic shut-off, overflow protection and removable ice basket | Ice basket and ice scoop | Ice scoop and removable ice bucket | Ice shovel | Side tank, ice bin, ice scoop, and drip tray | Removable ice basket and ice scoop | Removable ice basket and ice scoop | Ice basket and ice scoop |
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Here are a few things to look for when choosing a portable ice maker! It can help to think about what's most important to you. Do you need something super quiet, or do you want to make the most ice possible?
Choose a portable ice maker that'll give you the amount of ice you need. The size of your household and how often you want to use it are both key!
For a small get-together with just a few close friends, a small ice maker that will fit snugly on your countertop just might do the trick. However, if you're throwing a huge outdoor birthday party, you'll want something that can make enough ice for you and all your guests. In this case, bigger might be better.
You also want to consider how quickly the ice maker can produce ice. While some can make a couple cubes within a few minutes, others need more time. Depending on how urgently you need ice, you'll want to give this factor some thought. If you only need ice once or twice a day, a longer wait time likely won't be an annoyance.
There are many different kinds of ice shapes and sizes. While some machines can only make one size of ice, others give you the option to choose a large or a small size. While large ice might be ideal for keeping cans of soda cold in a cooler, smaller ones can fit more easily into glasses.
There are also different ice shapes. While some ice makers give you cubes, others give you bullet-shaped ice. Sometimes this shape has a hollow space in the middle.
Large ice might be better for kid's drinks, since they minimize the chances of your little one swallowing the ice whole. Smaller ice works well for making smoothies since your blender won't have a hard time crushing it. Some ice makers even give you nugget-like ice that has a soft crunch. These are great for slushies!
You also want to choose an ice maker that is simple to use. Consider a size and weight that makes it easy to move around. Also, pick one that's energy efficient and quiet. User-friendly controls and extra features are a perk, too!
Because you're looking for an ice maker that's portable, you don't want to get one that's the size of a mini refrigerator! You also don't want one that needs to be installed with pipes, drainage, wrenches, and all. Compact ice makers can usually be carried by one person. They also don't require installation; they're basically plug and go.
Though portable ice makers come in different shapes and sizes, pick one that you feel comfortable with. If it's something you think you can manage lugging around easily, then go for it. Try carrying something close to its weight, so you know if it's light enough for you before you add it to your cart.
You may also want to consider where you'll be using your ice maker. If you're just moving it around home, a larger size may be manageable. But if you want to bring it on-the-go to work, hotels, or campsites, and smaller machine might be preferrable.
Many ice makers have a loud, churning sound. Besides it being annoying, especially during a chill kitchen dinner party, young children might find it frightening. Pets might freak out too from the obtrusive crushing sound, so you might want to avoid this.
Choose an ice maker that has a quiet compressor. A quiet compressor limits the noise that the machine makes, which keeps the peace and quiet in your home.
Not all ice makers are nice to your electricity bill. To avoid any budget problems, make sure that the machine you buy is energy efficient. Look at the energy that the ice maker requires. This information is usually listed down in the product details section of its page.
However, if you can't find its energy usage, try looking what voltage of outlet it needs. Worst comes to worst, you can always get in touch with the ice maker's manufacturer to do a background check on its energy usage. It's better safe than sorry for the sake of your electric bill!
A user-friendly control panel should be simple and intuitive. Some ice makers have a lot of complicated controls, and not everyone understands what each button will do. To avoid the unnecessary stress, pick an ice maker with just enough buttons to get the job done.
Indicator lights let you know when the machine needs your attention. Many ice makers come with lights that tell you when it needs to be filled with water and when it's completed an ice-making cycle. Others even come with a light indicator that lets you know when the machine is due for a quick clean!
Everything is better with extra features! Some ice makers come with add-ons that just make life easier for you. Many include a removable ice bucket for easy serving after the ice is made. Plus, a removable bucket can make cleaning easier as well.
Other ice makers also come with an ice scoop, which helps you serve ice in a hygienic way. One of the ice makers in our top 10 list even comes with Bluetooth compatibility for extra convenience! You may also see features like a drip tray or water reservoir.
The heat can make you feel drained and uncomfortable. These appliances can help keep you cool and refreshed! Check out our favorite items that can help cool down your body and your space.
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