There are usually two types of cold drink consumers. Those who feel refreshed with a drink coming out of the fridge is one category. The other one includes the people who need some ice cubes in their glass for the drink to be savory enough. Of course, for the occasional drinkers, a bag or tray for ice in the freezer can easily do the job. But when it comes to party hosts, things change. For special occasions, a home ice maker can prove to be a real blessing. You can’t fail on having ice when your guests are waiting to taste your home-made cocktail, right?
Today’s article is all about the best home ice makers. We reveal all the secrets behind this wonder of modern technology that can save your life in the middle of a party. Find out more about how it works, how many types of ice makers are on the market. Read our quick guide to know which features you should look for. And of course, check out our list of most recommended products. All your doubts and worries should melt away after this reading. You’ll know enough to make a wise, well-informed decision about your future home ice maker.
Reasons To Get Your Very Own Home Ice Maker
In case you are still having doubts whether investing in a home ice maker is the solution for you, here comes a list. A list of benefits or main advantages these appliances bring to your home, of course.
- Useful for unexpected parties
Running all the time to the shop for a bag of ice or breaking the big chunks from your freezer ain’t fun. Having a dedicated device to make ice helps you save some time and effort. You can start preparing the drinks or do a refill, while the ice maker gets a new round of frozen cubes ready.
- Producing a variety of shapes and sizes
If you’re a newbie to cocktails or home-made drinks, you may think standard ice cubes are all you need. But if you are passionate about being behind the bar, then you know size and shape matter. From cubes to cones, flakes or nuggets, there is almost an art behind the type of ice you can put in a glass.
- Long-term investment for home
Common ice molds or plastic bags are cheap, but have a limited lifespan. Home ice makers, on the other hand, may involve a stretch in your monthly budget, yet will last for years to come. If you opt for a portable model, you can get all the ice you want in no time, even when you go camping. Easy to care for, clean and use, home ice makers are a long-term investment for your home.
Best Features To Look For In A Home Ice Maker
Since you are reading this, you have probably been curious already to see what the market has to offer. And there is a chance that all those ice makers galore intimidated you. So here is a quick buying guide, highlighting the main features you should look for.
- Water Source
Depending on where you plan to install and use your ice maker mostly, this aspect may prove crucial. You can choose between a refillable tank or a model connected straight to the water line. Refillable models give you more freedom with the location where you can place your ice maker. The condition is to always use clean, filtered water in them. On the other hand, ice makers that get water straight from your home source save you the worry of checking the tank. These also include filters, so one trouble less, especially when you are in a hurry.
- Capacity
You will surely not buy a home ice maker just to get three cubes of ice for an occasional cocktail. You probably need bigger amounts and that is why the capacity of production matters. Make sure to get a model that provides you with enough ice for everyone’s drink.
- Size
It is always great to have appliances that make your life easier. But that doesn’t mean you want to sacrifice every inch of your home in their favor. Getting an ice maker that doesn’t take more than the necessary/available space is what we advise.
- Type Of Ice
To each, their own, the saying goes. Whether you prefer big or small, cubes, nuggets or bullets, your ice maker should match your needs. Some models allow you to adjust the desired size of the ice pieces produced.
- Water Recycling Feature
A top-of-the-line kind of feature like this can really make your life easier. Most ice making devices can only store a limited amount of ice, for a limited time. That is why some of the ice cubes will end up untouched and melted in the machine. Normally, you would have to drain that melted ice water and refill the tank with freshwater. But thanks to this innovative feature, you can cross this task off the list. The melted water gets redirected to the freezing compartment and becomes cubes again. Time-saving, effortless to use and eco-friendly, these models are totally worth checking out.
- Ease Of Use
The purpose of modern household appliances is to make our lives easier. Therefore, your ice maker of choice should add a plus in comfort, not trouble. Avoid models with a tricky user menu or high maintenance.
- Warranty
Investing more than a few bucks means you want a piece that passes the test of time. A long-term warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to put your mind at ease. It is proof that the product’s quality meets high standards. Or in other words, that malfunctions are unlikely.
- Design
Options vary, from the metallic shine of stainless steel to striking colors like red. Adjust your preferences in accordance with the style already existing in your home.
- Price
Last but not least, your budget has a great say in the buying decision. You can find portable, compact ice makers available for a couple of hundreds. The market also includes exclusive models that can reach four-figure price
Our 2020 Review Of The Best Home Ice Maker Models
Before all this theory makes you get cold feet about the idea of buying a home ice maker, let us show you the real deal. Here comes our review of five most recommended models, that will melt your heart (but not your budget).
IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
The IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine can save your party, wherever you are. Get up to 9 bullet-shaped pieces of ice in just six minutes. This easy to use, fast and compact machine is a great addition to any home. Use it in your kitchen, bar or even office, with maximum convenience. Enjoy up to 12 kg of ice in 24 hours, thanks to the large, 2-liter water tank. The device allows you to choose between two ice-cube sizes. It requires low maintenance and comes with a two year warranty, for your peace of mind. Use it at unexpected parties or store it away with ease. This efficient and small-sized ice maker can fit on almost any countertop, measuring 8. 7 x 12. 3 x 12. 6 inches. The LED light indicators let you know when extra water is necessary or ice is ready. Plug it in, fill it up and enjoy ice, at a button-press away.
Pros:
- time efficient (6-minute operation)
- LED display
- compact design
- quiet operation.
Cons:
- some users complained ice is not suitable for storage (wet cubes that stick together).
Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine
Even for the small entrepreneurs, a convenient solution for their ice needs exists. That is the Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker, a reliable and efficient machine. Producing up to 100lbs in 24 hours, this ice maker is also energy-efficient, helping you cut down the costs. It comes with top-notch features like an intuitive LCD control panel. This way, operating or cleaning the machine is easier to understand. The overflow prevention sensor comes in handy if you are not always around the ice maker. Sturdy and durable, this device offers you various options for installing. Keep it freestanding or insert it in a built-in setup. And for added comfort, maintenance is a button-press away with the self-cleaning option. Choose your preferred cube thickness and in about 10 minutes, you can enjoy fresh ice.
Pros:
- large capacity
- energy efficient
- LCD control panel
- overflow sensor
- adjustable ice cube thickness.
Cons:
- common complaints about the drainage system.
GE Profile Opal
If you want elegance and practicality in one, check out the GE Profile Opal Countertop Ice Maker. Fast operating, portable and with top-of-the-line features, this machine is a must. Delivering the promise of delicious ice, this nugget ice maker enchants instantly. Enjoy up to 24 lbs of ice per day and the comfort of remote control. Use the smartphone app to set up the schedule for ice making. Fill up the reservoir, plug it in and get the crunchy ice you need in about 20 minutes. You can go entertain the guests, while ice is in the making. There is no overflow risk, thanks to the built-in sensor. And to make it even more irresistible, this ice maker also performs water-recycling. In other words, as ice in the container melts, the water returns to the tank and gets transformed into ice again.
Pros:
- fast operation
- compatible with smartphone app for remote control
- easy to use
- overflow sensor
- water-recycling feature
- portable design.
Cons:
- frequent complaints about noise level.
Vremi Very Nice Ice Maker for Countertop
For the non-conformist in you, the Vremi Very Nice Ice Maker is one of the coolest machines in the block. With a sleek, elegant design, the device provides top performance in ice making. Make your drink more refreshing with bullet-shaped ice. Ideal to fit in bottles, looking great in any glass, these out-of-the-cube ice pieces rock the scene. Producing up to 26 pounds of ice per day, this machine is also friendly with the environment. Energy efficiency and water recycling are among its top features. Worry not about melting ice cubes or your budget. Thanks to the water-recycling system, the melted water gets reused to make more ice. And your energy bills won’t drain your wallet. Quiet, fast, easy to use and with smart features, this ice maker takes your drink cooling skills to the next level. For fresh ice in under 10 minutes, this is the perfect addition to your bar.
Pros:
- sleek, smart design
- bullet-shaped ice cubes
- water-recycling system
- energy efficient
- quiet, 10-minute operation.
Cons:
- inconvenient draining cap, located on the bottom of the machine
- heavy construction, not easy to move
- some complaints about the overflow sensor malfunctioning (stopping the ice making prematurely).
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
And to sweeten up your day, we thought to bring something special into your attention. The Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker helps you be ready for the party. From children to adults, everyone will love the gelato you can prepare in this machine. Use the ice cream for smoothies, cocktails or simply to delight your senses. Thanks to its commercial-style compressor, this ice cream maker is unstoppable. You can produce batch after batch of ice cream and temporarily store it in. The cycle takes about an hour to prepare your ice cream/gelato. Also, the 10-minute Keep Cool feature gives you time to decide if you serve right away or store some ice cream away. Touchpad controls, LCD display and detailed instruction manual add up some comfort. Get creative and do your own mixes or follow the recipes. Both ways, the Cuisinart ICE-100 turns you into the coolest gelato master.
Pros:
- great performance
- long-lasting, resistant design
- ideal for gelato/ice cream
- touchpad controls
- LCD display.
Cons:
- complaints regarding the integrity of the compressor
- some users accused noisy operation
- unsatisfying customer service.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a home ice maker should not be a torturing process. We hope finding the right model for your ice needs gets easier after today’s article. When it comes to maintenance, we also have good news. Modern ice making machines have a self-cleaning feature. But you should also try to check and clean your device twice a year. This way, you can avoid slime or mold from infiltrating in the machine. Get the best home ice maker and keep only your drink on the rocks, not your budget. Let us know in the comments what ice-cube shape you use most and which of our recommended models won your heart.
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