Finding the best ice makers for your home can be a real game-changer, especially as the weather heats up. But with so many choices out there, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one. This article will guide you through different types of ice makers, consider factors like ice type and production capacity, and even touch on how ice makers are made. You’ll be equipped to make an informed decision and finally enjoy having the perfect ice for every occasion, whether you’re sipping cocktails or just love crunchy ice in your water. So grab your favorite drink and let’s find you the best ice maker to fit your needs.
Understanding Ice Makers
Before we dive into specific product recommendations, it’s important to understand the basic types of ice makers and how they work.
Types of Ice Makers
Generally, ice makers fall into two main categories: portable (also known as countertop) and built-in. Portable ice makers are smaller and sit on your countertop. This is perfect if you have limited space or want to move the ice maker around. Built-in ice makers, on the other hand, are integrated into your refrigerator or freezer and usually have a larger storage capacity.
A built-in ice maker is a great option if you need a high volume of ice and have the space.
Ice Shapes
When you think of “ice makers,” you might only picture those classic ice cubes. But, modern ice makers can create a variety of ice shapes, each with its own benefits.
- Cube Ice: The standard shape most people are familiar with. They work well for most drinks and chill quickly.
- Nugget Ice: Also known as “Sonic ice” or “good ice,” this soft, chewable ice is perfect for cocktails, soft drinks, and even chewing on. It’s gaining popularity because it chills drinks fast without diluting them as much as cube ice. Those on the hunt for a small but quiet and efficient countertop ice maker that makes this ice size should check out the Aglucky Countertop Ice Maker that produces up to 26 lbs in 24 hours.
- Clear Ice: Clear ice, free of the cloudy centers often found in traditional cubes, is gaining favor. Bars and restaurants use this kind of ice in higher-end cocktails, both because it looks fantastic and because it melts much slower. This helps preserve the taste and consistency of your drink, as too much water can dilute the flavors. This clarity is achieved by freezing the ice from the bottom up and controlling the freezing process to prevent air bubbles from getting trapped inside. Some people even find the way clear ice cracks when you bite it to be uniquely satisfying.
- Crescent Ice: A semi-circular ice shape often used in smaller ice makers. They chill drinks faster than cubes.
- Gourmet/Top Hat Ice: These uniquely shaped ice cubes feature a wider top and a narrower base resembling a top hat. This is purely for aesthetics.
How Ice Makers Work
Although specific mechanisms vary, most ice makers operate on similar principles.
- Water Intake: Ice makers use a built-in water reservoir or connect to a water line for their water supply. Water is pumped from the reservoir into a freezing tray. Portable models usually use a reservoir you fill manually. However, some portable ice makers can be hooked to a water line like built-in models for more convenient use. Many find that a large water reservoir is important when looking for a new ice maker.
- Freezing: Metal prongs, called evaporator plates, are in the ice mold to rapidly cool the water and make it freeze. As the water freezes from the outside in, the evaporator plates help draw away any heat to make the freezing process even quicker.
- Harvesting: Once the water has frozen into ice, the prongs heat slightly to help release the ice from the mold. Depending on the type of ice maker, the ice drops into a storage bin where it stays chilled until used. There’s a sensor inside the bin to track how full it is. When it senses that it’s getting full or the ice is close to melting, the cycle repeats to keep that ice basket full of ice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ice Makers
Here are some things to think about when you’re deciding which ice maker is best for your situation:
1. Ice Type:
What kind of ice do you use the most? Do you usually use your ice maker to cool water, juice, and soda? Or are you crafting special cocktails? For casual use, crescent or cube ice will probably be fine. If you love the chewable ice like at Sonic, look for a nugget ice maker. And, for cocktail enthusiasts who are a little fancier, a clear ice maker might be the perfect addition to your bar setup.
2. Production Capacity:
How much ice do you go through daily? If you’re always hosting parties or gatherings, you’ll need an ice maker with a larger capacity than someone who primarily uses it for personal drinks.
For example, Insignia’s 26-pound portable ice maker will give you up to 26 pounds of ice a day, which should be plenty for daily needs. It is important to consider what your ice maker produces each day so that you can make sure your needs are met. You will also want to look at the ice maker’s dimensions to ensure a proper fit in your kitchen.
3. Speed:
Consider how quickly you need ice. Some ice makers can churn out ice cubes in as little as six minutes. If you often find yourself needing ice in a pinch, you might want to invest in one of these speedier models that make fast ice.
4. Size and Space:
Think about how much space you can realistically allocate for an ice maker. If you have limited counter space, then portable, compact ice makers are ideal. They can easily be stored away when not needed. You might have to sacrifice some features to get a small footprint if space is tight.
5. Features:
Some ice makers include special features. Many machines now have self-cleaning functions. They often include other useful features like indicators to remind you to add water or to let you know the ice bin is full.
Other handy features include a built-in water dispenser so you can get both ice and cold water from one appliance.
6. Budget
You’ll find a huge range in prices, from budget-friendly to top-of-the-line models. Some ice makers might even go on sale during Prime Day.
Consider what features are essential to you and what you’re comfortable spending before deciding.
7. Drain Type
This is primarily for portable ice makers that need to be drained periodically. There are two types – gravity drain and drain pump. Gravity drains work well if the ice maker is sitting on a raised surface with a sink below for easier draining. Ice makers with a drain pump are good choices if it’s sitting lower because it actively pumps the water out instead of relying on gravity.
Understanding the Appeal of Nugget Ice Makers
Nugget ice makers have recently exploded in popularity, making it to many home kitchen countertops across the United States. While several factors contribute to this surge, several aspects make this ice type highly desirable. It’s great for soft drinks because it absorbs flavors well and delivers an interesting mouthfeel. It’s important to note that not all nugget ice makers are created equal.
According to Andy Currie, a mixologist at Hopleaf Bar in Chicago, the small particles in nugget ice “pack a good amount of surface area in to chill liquids more efficiently. This helps it chill your drinks much faster while minimizing the amount of dilution. If you use cube ice, a considerable amount ends up at the bottom of your drink with less ice surface area making contact with the actual drink you’re trying to chill.”
These portable appliances provide a consistent supply of nugget ice that used to only be accessible at fast-food restaurants or convenience stores. People no longer need to stop for their favorite drinks just for the ice.
Nugget Ice Maker Considerations
If you’re intrigued by nugget ice, there are several key features and aspects you should consider.
Style and Aesthetics
Countertop ice makers, in general, come in a wide array of styles, from simple to sleek. They often incorporate a range of color schemes. So think about what best fits the look and feel of your kitchen.
Many find that the sleek, modern design of ice makers and GE Profile, make them attractive additions to their countertops. Their availability in finishes like black stainless steel allow users to match the aesthetic of other kitchen appliances for a cohesive look. Having an attractive countertop is important to many.
Side Tank Options
Adding a side tank lets you enjoy more continuous ice production. This is incredibly convenient if you use a lot of ice throughout the day because you’re not having to refill it as often. But make sure your model comes with or offers a compatible side tank. Many ice makers offer this side tank add-on.
Chewability
Not all nugget ice is created equal. While the GE Profile Opal 2.0 has those soft, satisfyingly chewable nuggets that many associate with “Sonic ice,” other models have nuggets that are more crunchy than chewy.
Clear Ice: Bringing Bar Quality to Your Home
Those stunningly clear, slow-melting ice cubes you see at fancy cocktail bars can also be made in your home. Clear ice makers work a bit differently than their nugget or cube counterparts. Like nugget ice makers, these models have exploded in popularity in recent years as people explore new ways to elevate their at-home cocktail experience. Now you can get perfectly crafted, bar-worthy drinks anytime in the comfort of your kitchen. They offer many benefits over standard ice.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Clear ice cubes elevate the appearance of your drinks. Whether for a simple glass of water or a special cocktail, using these crystals instead of standard cloudy ice makes your beverages appear more professional, refined, and enticing. The way the ice interacts with light refracts in such a beautiful way makes all the difference.
- Slower Dilution:Clear ice melts slower. This means that your drink’s flavors are preserved much longer, offering a more balanced, enjoyable, and longer-lasting drinking experience.
Key Considerations for Clear Ice
While a Klaris Clear Ice Maker can provide consistently stunning ice cubes, you do have to keep in mind that it still takes 8 to 10 hours to produce a mere 4 cubes. This isn’t unusual for clear ice makers that prioritize crystal clarity. Keep this in mind when deciding which clear ice maker is best for you.
High-Capacity Alternative
If you want higher volume production or faster production but aren’t too fussed about extreme crystal clarity, the Luma Comfort Clear Ice Maker could be the answer. But consider its footprint and size when you make your decision as it requires more counter space. One of the bigger issues you encounter with smaller ice makers is the small capacity. They often don’t keep up with our demands for ice on a hot day. What’s great about this Luma Comfort Ice Maker is that its water capacity lets it run much longer before requiring a refill.
Smaller Countertop Choice
Those on the hunt for a small but quiet and efficient countertop ice maker should check out the Aglucky Countertop Ice Maker that produces up to 26 lbs in 24 hours and is on sale now with a coupon at the time of publishing. This is a great option if you need to save on counter space.
Our Top Ice Maker Picks
Blaze Grills 15-Inch 50 Lb. Outdoor Rated Cube Ice Maker with Gravity Drain – Stainless Steel
You want ice. You want a lot of ice. But you also want a reliable ice maker that can withstand the elements. This Blaze Grills ice maker might just be the answer. This bad boy can crank out a whopping 50 pounds of ice every single day. It’s also built tough with its stainless steel construction.
This ice maker is outdoor-rated, so you do not have to worry about it rusting or breaking down. It also features a gravity drain, so you do not have to worry about manually draining the water. Just set it and forget it. That is what we want right?
Scotsman Brilliance 80 Lb. 15-Inch Outdoor Rated Nugget Ice Maker with Drain Pump – Stainless Steel
Want the good ice? You know, the kind that you get at your favorite restaurant? This ice maker from Scotsman makes nugget ice. It also comes with a pump. This helps get rid of excess water. But this ice maker does have a few other things that make it worth a look.
First, you can put it outside. It can handle high temperatures. So go ahead and put it next to your grill! This ice maker can make up to 80 pounds of ice every day. It can also store up to 30 pounds. That’s a lot of ice! You’ll always have enough ice for parties and get-togethers.
U-Line 90 Lb. 15-Inch Outdoor Rated Nugget Ice Maker with Gravity Drain – Stainless Steel
Want a bunch of ice for your outdoor parties? This U-Line ice maker is ready to be your new best friend. It makes 90 pounds of ice every day. You and your guests can have all the ice they want. It makes good ice too, the soft nugget ice that people really like.
You won’t need to use a bucket to get the ice out. This ice maker has a gravity drain. That also means you won’t have to worry about cleaning out a pump. The stainless steel design is easy to clean. It will look good for a long time. This ice maker is great for people who like to entertain outside.
Hestan 55 Lb. 15-Inch Outdoor Rated Clear Ice Maker with Gravity Drain – Stainless Steel
You might also want to check out this Hestan ice maker. It makes clear ice, which is different from nugget ice. Some people say clear ice is better. It is denser than other ice, so it should last longer. This Hestan ice maker makes 55 pounds of ice per day. Plus, it has a gravity drain to remove excess water.
This ice maker is 15 inches wide. It has an outdoor rating, so you can use it for your backyard parties. You can feel good knowing that it is made from stainless steel, too.
Bull BBQ 62 Lb. 15-Inch Outdoor Rated Gourmet Cube Ice Maker with Gravity Drain – Stainless Steel
This Bull BBQ ice maker is a workhorse. It also looks great doing it! This stainless steel ice maker can produce up to 62 pounds of ice every single day. That is a lot of ice. You can be the king or queen of the pool party with that much ice! But, what makes this Bull BBQ ice maker so special? Let’s take a look:
Gourmet Ice – You might be wondering, what is gourmet ice? Gourmet ice is a larger and clearer type of ice. This ice is typically found in restaurants and bars. Gourmet ice is slow melting, so your drinks won’t get watered down.
Outdoor Rated – When an ice maker is “outdoor rated”, this means that it can withstand the elements. It can get rained on and be fine. This is because the internal components are protected. You’ll want to make sure you purchase an outdoor-rated ice maker if you plan on using it outside.
Gravity Drain – Most quality ice makers will come with a drain. But, some ice makers require you to pump the water out, while others just use gravity. A gravity drain is much more convenient, and the Bull BBQ ice maker has this.
Overall, the Bull BBQ 62 Lb. 15-Inch Outdoor Rated Gourmet Cube Ice Maker is a great option for those that need a reliable and high-quality ice maker.
We understand choosing among the vast options can be difficult. So, to help make it a bit easier we’ve put together a summary of three recommendations – one for nugget lovers, another for those who want clear ice, and a final selection for more general cube ice. Making ice at home has never been easier.
The Importance of Safety & Reliability
Whether you’re browsing ice makers for a new addition to your home, it’s a good idea to review the recent safety recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Be an informed consumer and always consider safety first.
Take a look at the recall information on this specific ice maker before purchasing – Countertop Nugget Ice Makers Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard. They were sold exclusively on Amazon.
Consider Materials and BPA-Free Options
When selecting an ice maker, pay attention to the materials they’re made of. It’s advisable to prioritize those constructed from BPA-free materials to eliminate the potential risk of harmful chemicals leaking into your ice.
Understanding BPA
BPA is a chemical that’s been used in many consumer products, including some food storage containers, plastic water bottles, and certain types of plastic ice cube trays. Research shows there have been potential health effects associated with exposure to this compound. You’ll notice that ice makers prioritize BPA-free materials, minimizing potential exposure for you and your loved ones.
Nugget Ice at Home – Customer Favorites
Here are several highly-rated ice makers available on Amazon that make restaurant-quality nugget ice at home that reviewers seem to absolutely love. The GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker continues to dominate the conversation around countertop ice machines thanks to features like Bluetooth connectivity. “By far the best purchase I have made for my family,” One reviewer wrote.
Customer Feedback & Experiences
The Merax Sentern Portable Electric Clear Ice Maker is another solid choice that has many Amazon shoppers impressed, especially since it comes in at a lower price than some competitors. But don’t let the budget-friendly price deter you. As one customer put it, “Sonic crunchy ice on demand.” It’s a favorite among nugget ice enthusiasts across multiple forums and online communities. If you are looking for large cubes of ice, this is not the ice maker for you.
The Frigidaire Gallery 44 lb. Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker is receiving great customer feedback, with one customer sharing that “This is a great product.” It is highly praised for its simple and easy touchscreen functionality. It has a clear window so you can watch the ice being made.
The Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop offers another option – “This makes it so I don’t have to go to Sonic or Chick-fil-A for ice again.” These customer experiences further highlight the convenience and growing love for at-home nugget ice production that many feel can now compete with commercial ice makers.
The Hicozy Dual-Mode Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is an innovative ice maker with unique two-mode functionality. The fast-ice mode makes nine ice cubes in seven minutes while the chewable ice mode allows for soft, easy-to-chew ice.
FAQs About Ice Makers
Who makes the best residential ice machine?
While the definition of “best” depends on your individual preferences and needs, GE Profile and Frigidaire consistently deliver quality residential ice makers across various categories, including nugget, cube, and clear ice. It really just depends on your ice preferences and needs.
Are portable ice makers worth it?
This depends. If you find yourself frequently needing more ice than your freezer’s built-in ice maker can supply or you want a particular type of ice that’s not available, a portable ice maker might be worth it. If you want easy-to-chew “good ice” at home, consider a nugget ice maker. You might have to pay a little more for some of the best ice makers.
What is the difference between an ice maker and an ice machine?
Typically, “ice maker” refers to smaller countertop appliances for home use. “Ice machine” might refer to larger, commercial-grade appliances designed for bars, restaurants, or other high-volume needs.
What type of ice maker line is best?
A dedicated water line is generally considered the best option for ice makers because it offers continuous operation without the need to refill a reservoir. It is, however, typically only possible with built-in ice makers. Flexible, braided stainless steel water lines are considered more durable than plastic options.
Conclusion
Finding the best ice makers involves considering factors such as production capacity, drain type, safety and reliability, ice type preferences, features, size, and even the chemical composition of materials. Whether you prioritize convenience, aesthetics, or chewability, explore these options with an open mind and use this article as your trusted resource to make the choice that suits your lifestyle best. Enjoy.