The Best Portable Ice Makers

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Are you tired of constantly running out of ice during gatherings or outdoor events? Portable ice makers offer a steady supply of ice on demand. 

In this review, we'll explore several top-rated portable ice makers on the market. We will evaluate their performance, features, and overall value.

These ice makers will make sure you no longer think of making ice as a chore ever again. Read on to find your optimal ice maker.

The Breakdown:

• Magic Chef Ice Maker

• Luma Comfort Ice Maker

• GE Profile Opal 2.0Countertop Ice Maker

• Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker

• Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker

• ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker

• Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27

Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27

The Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27 is easy to set up no matter where you are, whether it’s in a kitchen, home bar, or dining room.

This ice maker’s capacity is 27 pounds, which will be more than enough for you and your guests to never run out of ice.

The Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27 is not only easy to set up but also incredibly fast at creating ice. It takes approximately seven minutes for it to create nine ice cubes.

You can choose between getting small or large ice cubes from the machine using the easy-to-use digital interface.

Portability is this ice maker’s strong suit. It has a removable ice basket and scoop to make it fit easily in any environment.

$112.58 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros

• It’s easy to set up and only takes a couple of minutes to provide ice.
• Its capacity is more than enough in case you don’t want to wait those few minutes.
• It includes a removable ice basket and scoop, which make it more portable.

Cons

• Some customers have complained about it being noisy.
• The ice provided by the machine may not be cold enough.

Luma Comfort IM200

Luma Comfort IM200

The Luma Comfort IM200’s ice cubes are clear because of the specific method it uses. A super-cooled ice tray freezes each layer of water poured on it.

When compared to other ice, clear ice shows its superiority in the quality of drinks it’s used in. Clear ice melts slowly, so you’ll have time to drink that tequila without getting it watered down.

Using BPA-free plastic is important for many customers. Fortunately, this ice machine does just that. It avoids any danger of harmful chemicals being adjacent to the ice you consume.

The ice machine only has one button to be turned on, and after you choose the size of ice you want, you’re good to go. There’s an indicator light that will inform you if you need more water.

The insulation of the ice machine will keep the cubes in the ice machine cold for longer. In case you don’t want anything to go to waste, the water caused by ice cubes melting will be gathered for later use.

$252.70 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros

• Clear ice cubes improve the quality of drinks by melting more slowly.
• BPA-free plastic keeps the water clean and safe to consume.
• No water goes to waste, and every ice cube that melts will be used in the next round of ice-making.

Cons

• Customer reviews have suggested that the ice machine might face maintenance problems.
• No color options other than the default stainless steel
• It’s in a higher price range compared to some of the other portable ice makers on this list.

GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank

GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank

People who like to chew on their ice know there’s a difference between how crunchable cubes are. That’s why this ice machine serves chewable ice cubes for your pleasure.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 can make a batch of ice in about 10 minutes. You can make 1.6 lbs of fresh ice every hour and keep 3 lbs in reserve.

The 38-pound capacity makes it so that you never run out of ice.

The built-in wifi lets you monitor the status through the SmartHQ app. You can even schedule when you want fresh ice to be served.

This portable ice maker connects to Alexa and Google Assistant and can be controlled by voice.

A detachable water tank removes the need for an external water source. It also makes it easy to move and clean.

The advanced cleaning system runs at regular intervals to help keep the machine performing well.

The LED display lights up when used, so you can operate it at night without turning on the lights.

Melted ice is recycled for the next batch, thanks to the detachable water tank.

$499.98 at Amazon (List Price: $599.00) (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros

• Water isn’t wasted even when ice cubes melt in the ice maker since the water is used in the next cycle.
• No need for an external water source as long as you have the detachable water tank with you.
• With the right app, you can schedule ice to be ready ahead of time.

Cons

• The water filter (P4INKFILTR) and cleaning kit (P4INKCLEAN) have to be bought separately.
• One of the most expensive ice makers on this list.
• Customer reviews suggest that only distilled water should be used. Otherwise, there will be maintenance problems.

Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker

Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker

The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker produces nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in just six minutes. In 24 hours, it can make up to 26 pounds of ice, ideal for everyday use or small gatherings.

This machine makes smooth, round ice cubes that are easy to chew and don’t stick together. They’re well-suited for cold drinks, iced coffee, or even snacking.

Despite its solid performance, it operates at less than 45 decibels—quiet enough for most environments. With a size of 11.57 x 11.42 x 8.74 inches and weighing 13.89 pounds, it’s easy to move around. The built-in handle makes it convenient to bring along to camping trips, parties, or RV getaways.

A transparent window lets you watch the ice-making process in real time. The control panel is simple to use: just add water and press the button.

Smart sensors alert you when the ice basket is full or when the water level is low. For cleaning, just hold the on/off button for five seconds to activate the self-cleaning cycle—no scrubbing required.

The machine comes with a basket, scoop, and user manual.

$79.99 at Amazon (List Price: $89.99) (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros

• Compact and lightweight, easy to carry.
• Quiet operation under 45dB.
• One-button auto-cleaning keeps maintenance simple.

Cons

• Some users mention the ice maker can be loud when dropping ice.
• Long-term durability may vary depending on use.

Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker

Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker

The transparent design gives the Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver compact ice maker a modern feel. This is because you can see the ice-making process in action.

The ice maker’s dimensions are 9.5 inches in width, 14.1 inches in depth, and 12.9 inches in height. The ice maker can make up to 26 pounds of ice cubes in 24 hours. For nine ice cubes, you’ll only have to wait approximately five minutes.

Unused water that melts from ice will be used by the machine to make a fresh batch. So no water goes to waste while fresh ice is constantly being produced.

There’s no need for you to constantly check the basket since the machine will indicate that it is full itself.  It will also alert you if there’s not enough water available.

The machine always produces bullet ice. You can choose between two different sizes. The ice maker can hold up to 1.5 pounds of ice giving you more than enough time to consume the ice.

$89.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros

• Can make nine ice cubes in a mere six minutes or less.
• Produces ice in two different sizes for you to choose from.
• Indicates when the ice basket is full for you to clear it out.

Cons

• Bullet ice isn’t very fun to chew when compared to other shapes of ice cubes.
• Takes up too much space on your counter top according to customer reviews.

ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker

ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker

The ZAFRO countertop ice maker produces nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in six minutes and up to 26.5 pounds in 24 hours—ideal for daily use or small gatherings.

It offers two cube sizes, with round shapes that melt slower and keep drinks colder longer. A 1.2L water tank and 1.3 lb storage basket ensure a steady ice supply, while indicator lights alert you to add water or empty ice.

Quiet at under 45 decibels, it’s suitable for home or office use. Compact (11.57 x 11.42 x 8.75 inches) and lightweight (13.7 lbs), it’s easy to carry with the built-in handle.

Hold the on/off button for five seconds to start self-cleaning.

$89.99 at Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros:

• Portable size with carry handle
• Two bullet ice cube sizes
• Quiet operation under 45dB

Cons:

• Small holding capacity
• Ice may melt if not used quickly

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

The Frigidaire EFIC108 makes up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours and offers two cube sizes. It starts producing bullet-shaped cubes in just minutes, ideal for daily use or small gatherings.

A clear window lets you view the ice-making process, and soft-touch controls with LED indicators make it easy to use. The side air outlet fan helps maintain consistent performance.

Compact at 13 x 9 x 12 inches, it fits on most countertops and requires no installation—just plug it in, fill the 2.3-quart reservoir, and go. A scoop and user manual are included.

Note: This machine doesn’t store ice long-term. Move ice to the freezer to prevent melting.

$77.17 at Amazon (List Price: $99.99) (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pros

• Two ice cube sizes to choose from
• Easy setup with no installation required
• Compact and simple to operate

Cons

• Ice must be moved to a freezer if not used right away
• No insulation for long-term ice storage

FAQs

Are Portable Ice Makers Worth It?

Portable ice makers make sense for people who want ice on demand without the need to have a dedicated water line. 

Examples include people who need ice while on picnics, outdoor events, parties, or on boats and yachts. 

They’re also a sensible purchase if you’re used to purchasing bagged ice. Though they cost more than bagged ice, over time, they save you money.

How Do Portable Ice Makers Work?

Generally, portable ice makers pump water from their reservoir into a tray. It’s important that the water is distributed evenly on the tray or mold. 

Afterward, the temperature is lowered, usually by a cool metal plate which freezes the water. The water first freezes at the edges and then slowly freezes all over.

This big block of ice is now very slowly heated so that it breaks up into smaller pieces and slides into the ice basket.

Do Portable Ice Makers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Manufacturers usually focus on making portable ice makers energy-efficient.

All ice makers use electricity to work. But they have functions such as automatically stopping or being controlled remotely to save energy.

Are Ice Makers Healthy?

Ice itself isn’t unhealthy for humans, but it’s important that the ice you consume is clean.

Ice makers usually have self-cleaning functions. This guarantees that the ice is created in a generally sterile environment.

Using clean, filtered, and distilled water also helps since dirty water will also lead to ice cubes that are unhealthy for humans.

Do Ice Makers Waste a Lot of Water?

Sometimes water is wasted when ice makers are making ice, but it’s usually a very small amount.

Many ice makers make use of the water created from unused ice cubes melting in their baskets. They do so by recycling them into their next batch of ice cubes.

Compared to ice trays or ice cube bags, ice makers use much less water, making them more efficient.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning ice makers regularly is a necessary step to maintaining them. However, some ice makers have features that allow them to clean themselves.

Removing ice buildup and blockages is recommended. Though not all ice makers need this, it’s best to use distilled water if you can.

Overall, your ice maker will have instructions alongside it that tell you how to take correct care of it. Be sure to read them carefully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best portable ice makers offer ice on demand. Ideally, this ice doesn’t melt easily and is clear and if your guests are into it, chewable.

Among the products we reviewed, two stand out for their performance and features. First is the Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27.  

The Magic Chef model impresses with its easy setup, fast ice production, and portability. 

Another strong option is the Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker. It’s compact, efficient, and features a self-cleaning function and two ice cube size options, making it suitable for kitchens, RVs, and small parties.

Overall, investing in a portable ice maker can enhance your ice-making experience. It provides convenience and quality ice whenever you need it.