Countertop Ice Makers, Cool as a Cube-cumber
I know you’ve been there. A long day on the job and all you want is a cool drink to relax and unwind. You open the fridge and what do you find but an empty ice tray. Or somehow worse… Just. One. Cube. Who leaves one cube? Seriously? Just refill the tray Derek, JEEZ. Sorry, rant over, but you know the pain. The solution? A countertop ice cube maker. With this in your kitchen arsenal you’ll never feel be-tray-ed again.
Read on and we’ll lay out the basics on this appliance and give some recommendations for our top picks.
Here’s The Scoop
Speed
Euhomy Ice Maker, First Cubes in 6 Minutes, 40lbs in 24 hrs (Learn More Here)
How fast these machines make ice is honestly impressive, the slowest we’ve recommended here still puts out a full tray of cubes in 13 minutes. That’s faster than you could go buy a bag at the corner store. Some models can make up to 40 pounds in a 24 hour period (That’s given you're using it steadily, as the hopper will become full well before 40 pounds). That should be more than enough ice for the average family’s use. Even in a small coffee shop or employee break room, the larger model listed here can keep up with pretty heavy demand.
Capacity
Hopper capacity, not the speed at which the machine will produce ice, will be the limiting factor for most. Many models have an insulated hopper to conserve the ice, but you’ll want to bag some of the ice up and store in the freezer for later use.
Controls
Most countertop ice makers produce “bullet ice”
Countertop Ice makers are, at their core, a simple kitchen appliance. This is reflected in the controls, with most unit’s control panels consisting of an on/off switch and adjustment for ice cube size. Some models also have a built in timer to shut the unit off overnight or when you’re away during the day.
Efficiency
In addition to being a handy addition to your kitchen, these countertop units are surprisingly efficient, using between 150 and 300 watts to operate. Assuming $0.06 per kilowatt hour and running the unit continuously (although it may be less depending on your situation) these units cost around only $10 a month to always have fresh, clean ice. Not too bad!
Last Thoughts and Product Recommendations
A portable, countertop ice maker is a great addition if you’ve got a square foot of space to give up in your kitchen. They provide fresh, clean ice whenever you need it, and with most units coming in at 30db operating volume, you won’t hear it anymore than your fridge. They require a little cleaning once a month, but otherwise you’ll be set to enjoy a cold drink whenever you’d like. Here’s a few options that check all the boxes for us at SageConsumers. Happy Chillin’!!
Here we have Frigidaire’s baseline countertop ice maker. This unit has a great sized hopper that will hold plenty of ice for most homes. The simple design will also fit into many kitchen designs, making it a very versatile appliance.
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A comprable product from Euhomy, this ice maker has the added feature of choosing between 2 ice cube sizes. dial it in and have the perfect cube for your taste.
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One of the fastest models, this Frigidaire produces a load of ice (5 cubes) every 6 minutes, pretty impressive for a small package like this. With a 10”x13.5” footprint this is a space conscious way to get fresh ice in your kitchen.
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Igloo’s model has many of the same features as the other models listed here with the added benefit of better insulation that keeps your ice around longer. If you want a dependable unit with a simple to frills design, look no further.
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GE makes great products and that’s on full display with the GE Opal. If you’re looking for a premium option with a unique twist this is it. This ice maker produces a unique crushed ice, and with a easily detachable side tank filling is a breeze. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to control when ice is made. You can also check the machines status from the app. Another neat feature is UV water purification to ensure your machine and ice stay nice and clean.
