Best Portable Ice Maker Buying Guide – Reviews, Comparisons & Recommendations


Best Countertop Ice Maker Options

Other sites might tell you it’s the BEST portable ice maker, but is it REALLY? Before you end up buying a piece of junk, take a look at what our research has uncovered about the supposedly “best” portable ice makers.

best portable ice makers


Updated on February 1, 2023

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Which portable ice maker is best? Our readers have spoken!

These are THEIR picks for the Top 10 Portable Ice Makers for 2023

Now, we have our own picks, but we think what our readers say is MUCH more valuable to you.

Our readers picked these 10 portable ice makers as the best options for a home countertop ice making unit.

We think they made some great picks this year! For example, this portable ice maker is their #1 choice – and it’s a good one!

On this page, you can read THEIR reviews, compare prices AND see which of the Top 10 are on sale TODAY.

Ok, let’s jump in and review the best portable ice makers…


Compare the Best Portable Ice Makers 2023: This Buying Guide was Voted “Most Helpful Portable Ice Maker Reviews”. Our “Tips & Tricks” will help YOU find the best portable ice machine at a great price.
in the picture:
NewAir AI-100R 28-Pound Portable Icemaker, Red
lots of color options – get more info:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017Y3GGI


The folks at Amazon also have their own list of best portable ice makers below – many are on sale.


If you’re curious (or in a hurry):

This specific Portable Ice Maker is the most popular.

It’s an excellent ice maker, yet you’ll also find that it is also one of the cheapest portable ice makers you’ll find online.

It’s available in stainless steel and other multiple colors and has a ton of 5-Star reviews. If you can get it for under $100, grab it. That’s one heck of a deal on a GOOD portable ice maker! (see color choices, check current price & read reviews here).

Which Portable Ice Maker Is Best?

When it comes to the portable ice makers with the best reviews, these are the 6 best portable ice makers to choose from. All are great units and very affordable. (compare these 6 portable ice machines here)

Portable Ice Makers-Best Choices:
  1. Magic Chef 27lb Portable Ice Maker (MCIM22ST) –
    info page
  2. NewAir Portable 28lb Ice Maker (AI-100BK) –
    info page
  3. Luma Comfort IM200SS 28lb Portable Clear Ice Maker –
    info page
  4. Gourmia GI500 Electric Compact Professional Stainless Steel Portable Ice Maker –
    info page
  5. Newair AI-215SS Stainless Steel 50 lb. Portable Ice Maker –
    info page
  6. Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker with Over-Sized Ice Bucket, Stainless Steel –
    info page

What do Consumer Reports reviews say about portable ice makers? After their own in-depth testing and independent review process, Consumer Reports also chose this same portable ice maker as their winner and best all-around portable ice maker.

We’ll talk more about that below.

ANY of the 6 portable ice makers in the list above are great units that you should be very happy with.

Compare ONLY the 6 Best Portable Ice Makers above on One Page Here

buying tip: watch that page above for deals on the Gourmia GI500 Electric Ice Maker – if it’s under $200, it’s a GREAT deal.


Compare Portable Ice Makers

Below are the 10 top portable ice maker models this year:


If you’re looking for a high-quality portable countertop ice maker that makes CLEAR ice cubes (like you get at restaurants), that would be the Luma Comfort ice maker (#4 on our list).

While the Luma Comfort is designed for home use, it has more of a professional/high-end feel and appearance… and owners LOVE it.

See the Luma Comfort ice maker here

So let’s find a portable ice maker that YOU will love.

That’s what this Portable Ice Maker Buying Guide is for –

to help you figure out what you need from your portable ice maker, compare inexpensive models and high-end portable ice maker brands, see current sale prices on the portable ice makers with the best rating to get the best deal, etc…

all with the end goal of helping YOU find the perfect portable ice machine for YOUR needs.

☑️ Tip: If you want a small portable ice maker that makes a LOT of ice…

 ==>> check out this NEW portable ice maker from Igloo.

  • It’s small and compact,
  • costs about the same as the others,
  • but it makes TWICE as much ice as other countertop ice makers make
  • Makes 48 POUNDS of ice a DAY!

I’ve also seen it on SALE quite often (check current price here)

This Buying Guide will help you navigate ALL the “best” portable ice makers 2023 has to offer – and help you find the right one for YOU.

Here are the current top 3 portable ice makers:

 Our #1 Best-Rated
Brand: Magic Chef
Get More Info
 Our #2 Best-Rated
Brand: NewAir
Get More Info
 Our #3 Best-Rated
Brand: Luma Comfort
Get More Info

 

ANY of those 3 portable ice makers above are all excellent choices. About 90% of our readers have bought one of the 3 units you see above.

Me? I bought this portable ice maker – and I’m very happy with it.

It’s more compact in size than the others yet still makes a lot of ice quickly. It also has a digital LED display that I wanted (see the picture below in my review).

When comparing portable ice makers, you will find that there are SO many available features and options that it can make your head spin and make buying a mind-boggling experience.

How many pounds of ice do you need it to make each day? How quickly do you need it to make ice? Where do you plan to use it? There are a LOT of things to consider before buying.

But at the end of the day, it comes down to quality and price, right?

We all want to know we are buying a high-quality product for the BEST price possible, don’t you agree?

If price is a major buying factor for you – or you like knowing that you are getting the best deal possible:

This special page on Amazon has multiple portable ice makers on sale today

definitely worth taking a look BEFORE buying – you can find really great deals on this page

So WHICH portable ice making machine is right for YOU?

If you’re in a hurry … Take a look at these Top 10 Portable Ice Makers. That list can help you quickly compare and pick the best ice maker machine for your specific needs.

✅ Best Portable Ice Maker WINNER

Which portable ice maker is BEST? If we had to only pick ONE ice maker we agree with the results below:

Amazon chooses this portable ice maker as their ‘Amazon’s Choice‘ 2023 Winner.

The price is GREAT, it’s “Prime eligible” so shipping is free and you’ll get it FAST, the color is awesome, and it’s an all-around great countertop ice maker.

best portable ice maker 2023 best countertop ice machineIn my opinion, and via all the reviews of that portable ice maker, based on price, user experiences & feedback, value, quality, size, amount of ice made, variety of ice sizes, and over-all “coolness” – this is the best counter top portable ice maker machine you can buy that fits all budgets and counter top ice maker needs.

In fact, our readers ALSO pick this ice cube maker as the BEST portable ice maker too!

This Portable Ice Maker is LOVED By Our Readers

What I LOVE about this portable ice maker that Amazon and our readers picked as their winner, is that the ice stays frozen in the ice maker bin – even for several days.

That might not sound like a big deal, but most portable ice cube makers don’t do that… and if you don’t get the ice out and put in the freezer or in a good cooler, the ice cubes melt (and that is annoying!) and that defeats the purpose of HAVING a portable ice maker, don’t you agree?

PLUS: It makes ice like you get at Sonic =)

How wonderful would it be to have a Sonic ice maker for home use?!?! I LOVE Sonic ice!

Just as a fun side note: the ice at Sonic is called “Gold Nuggets” – in other words, it’s nugget ice cubes that are perfect combination of frozen water (ice) and air to make the ice cubes very chewable.

You can see Amazon’s Choice Winner here.

Best NEW Portable Ice Maker

Voted Best NEW Portable Ice MakerVoted Best NEW Portable Ice MakerGet More Info

There aren’t many NEW models of portable ice makers this year, but this newly released portable ice maker is AWESOME – and it sure looks cool, doesn’t it? (see more pictures here)!

Get this: It makes 27 POUNDS of ice cubes a DAY.

Each ice making cycle takes about 9 minutes.

Consumers are loving it – BUT they are also having hard time finding it in stock.

Get More Info and Check Current Availability Here

We’re really impressed with this little ice maker – it makes quickly AND it makes CLEAR ice cubes.

Consumer Reports Portable Ice Maker Winner

After digging around and reading portable ice maker reviews Consumer Reports has, we managed to find their pick for the best. Turns out that Consumer Reports picks the same ice maker that we do for Best Portable Ice Maker.

Found buried in the Consumer Reports website, was some info saying that even after a year of heavy use, this portable ice maker turned out to be the best.

Best portable ice maker consumer reports
Portable Ice Maker Reviews
Consumer Reports WINNER:

Picked as “Best Portable Ice Maker”

This is a great option for a countertop ice maker and the consumer reviews are really good, so might be worth a deeper look.

Check Current Price Here

It’s a good-looking stainless steel portable ice maker that would look great on your kitchen counter.

It makes 27 pounds of ice a day and only takes a few minutes to start making ice. It makes a lot of ice, too.

From what I’ve read here, a family of 6 runs this machine all day, every day, and they never run out of ice.

There are also 2 choices in style of ice cubes.

Oh, and it makes soft ice, too, like the ice you get in bars and restaurants – that’s kinda cool for those that like to chew ice.

Best Portable Ice Makers 2023

Now that we’ve talked about the single BEST portable ice maker according to consumers and Amazon reviews, let’s take a look at the best portable ice makers this year according to the reviews and ratings.


✅ Best Countertop Ice Maker Reviews & Features

Let’s dig in and look at the best countertop and portable ice makers this year from the list above and the best rated features for each portable icemaker.

✅ Best Portable NUGGET Ice Makers

When it comes to nugget ice cubes, this is the “short list” of the best portable nugget ice makers for home use – and away from home use. These are all very good machines and are suitable for countertop and tabletop use.

  • 1. Igloo ICE102-RED Compact Portable Nugget Ice Maker –
    Info Page
  • 2. Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Nugget Ice Maker –
    Info Page
  • 3. Della 048-GM-48195 Freestanding Countertop Nugget Ice Maker –
    Info Page
  • 4. Ivation IVA-ICEM15SIL Countertop Nugget Ice Maker –
    Info Page
  • 5. Della 048-GM-48226 Portable Easy-Touch Nugget Ice Maker –
    Info Page

#1 Best - Magic Chef MCIM2ST 27 lb Ice Maker Stainless Steel#1 Best – Magic Chef MCIM2ST 27 lb Ice Maker Stainless SteelGet Info#2 - NewAir AI-100BK 28-Pound Portable Ice Maker, Black#2 – NewAir AI-100BK 28-Pound Portable Ice Maker, BlackGet Info#3 - Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker, 28-Pound#3 – Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker, 28-PoundGet Info#4 - Gourmia GI500 Electric Compact Professional Stainless Steel Ice Maker#4 – Gourmia GI500 Electric Compact Professional Stainless Steel Ice MakerGet Info#5 - Newair AI-215SS Stainless Steel 50lb Portable Ice Maker#5 – Newair AI-215SS Stainless Steel 50lb Portable Ice MakerGet Info#6 - Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker with Over-Sized Ice Bucket#6 – Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker with Over-Sized Ice BucketGet Info

If you’re in a rush…

best portable ice makers buying guide

This Buying Guide is designed to help you compare the brands and the choices on the market in 2023 to ensure YOU buy the perfect and most affordable portable ice maker for YOUR needs.

✅ Best For The Money

The current Best portable ice maker for the money
WINNER: Best Value:
This is the best portable ice maker for the money

When it comes to countertop ice maker machines, which portable ice maker is the best value for the money?

After months of deep research and getting feedback via hundreds of portable ice maker reviews, this portable ice maker is THE best for the money.

It makes ice really fast and holds 2 pounds of ice (which makes it great for parties). It also does NOT use any type of “ice trays” – which means it doesn’t leak – that makes it PERFECT for a camper, RV, or boat as well as perfect in your kitchen.

It’s a truly “portable” portable ice maker.

Even at the budget-friendly price, this portable ice maker has a lot of great features…

  1. Makes 26 pounds of ice a day
  2. Smaller/Space-Saver size (great for RV, camper, small kitchen, office, etc)
  3. Makes ice in 10 minutes
  4. Energy Saver
  5. 3 ice cube sizes/shapes
  6. Recycles unused water into cubes
  7. Smart Alerts

There are many highly positive reviews of this ice machine (read all reviews here).

important: There are TWO models of this portable ice maker – a GI110 model and there is a GI120 model.
we prefer this GI120 model over the 110.

When you combine the value and quality of the ice machine with the affordable price, that makes THIS portable ice maker THE best for the money.

Review of My Portable Ice Maker

There are many specific needs, but for me, I simply wanted my ice maker to be portable, lightweight, easy to carry, simple to use, and VERY easy to clean – that way, I could use it not olny on my counter, but anywhere and EVERYWHERE.

Holiday Party Tip - GET A PORTABLE ICE MAKER! Seriously, a little countertop ice maker machine is SO handy - you'll never run out of ice!We not only do a lot of entertaining at home… cook outs, backyard parties, birthday parties, holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter – and ALL require me to come up with LOTS and LOTS of ice.

But I also plan and throw baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, fundraiser events, house warming parties, church events, receptions, reunions, etc AWAY from home – so my little ice cube maker machine HAD to be portable and easy to ME to take from place to place.

In all seriousness, if you host ANY type of party, get-together, Super Bowl party, Christmas party or family dinner – you NEED a portable ice maker. You’ll never run out of ice – which makes YOU the hostess (or host) with the mostest =)

in the picture: the portable ice maker I chose

I had one more requirement for my choice of a portable ice maker – it had to have a freezer type storage compartment to keep the ice frozen.

That frozen storage ability was a MUST HAVE for me.

I did NOT want to HAVE to tote a cooler around with me everywhere just so I’d be sure to have a place to keep my fresh ice frozen.

Portable ice makers that do NOT have that freezer storage option, well… sure, they make ice cubes, but they start melting right away unless you move the cubes to the freezer or a good cooler.

My pick for BEST portable ice maker.  This is the LED controls on my countertop ice cube maker.  I LOVE it!
the LED digital controls on my portable ice maker
see more pictures here
I have a YETI cooler alternative that I love – and good golly, it certainly DOES keep ice for a long time – but I didn’t want to HAVE to bring that with me. Plus, my home bar refrigerator doesn’t have a freezer in it.

Instead, I wanted a portable ice maker that would also keep my ice cubes frozen.

While the one I bought ranks #4 on our Best Portable Ice Makers List below, it was the best choice for ME and MY needs.

This is the review I read that helped me pick my portable ice cube maker.

Plus, I managed to buy it for around $175 – which was an amazing DEAL!

You can check the current price here.

(if you can get it on sale, GRAB IT – you’ll love it)

BUT – just a warning – it’s hard to find and sells out quickly.

Short story – this is the portable ice maker that works best for me.

If you’re on a budget, yet want a great portable ice maker, watch this review video of this portable ice maker (it’s really good!)

Ice Maker on My Kitchen Counter - Love my portable ice maker!  We run out of ice ALL the time and this solves the problem AND we take it with us in the RV, tailgating, etc.  LOVE it!

I love it! It might be considered more of a high-end, luxury portable ice maker, but it really wasn’t that expensive. Plus, having the PERFECT portable ice maker/freezer combo was absolutely worth the money! If you’re interested, you can read all consumer reports, reviews, and feedback here.

Here are some more helpful reviews of “portable” ice cube making machines.

Portable Ice Maker Review Video

This is the portable ice maker model being shown in the video above.

He got his at Sam’s Club for well over $100, which in my opinion, is too much.

The prices change all the time, but if you can get it for around $100 or so AND it’s actually in stock (they sell out ALL the time) – you should get it.

Check current price and availability here.

Here are other affordable portable ice makers with freezer combo models we considered.


So, that’s my story of the best portable ice maker for my needs – now, let’s talk about YOU.

Portable Ice Maker Uses

First, let’s start with WHERE you want to use your portable ice maker.  This will help narrow down your choices dramatically.

Best For Camping

A portable ice maker is a GREAT thing to have when you’re camping.  You’ll need some sort of power supply,  from either your campground or from your vehicle.

Here are some of the best-rated portable ice makers for camping.

How about the best portable ice maker for your RV or camper?

Best For RV

Need a great portable ice maker for your RV (recreational vehicle) or camper? Let’s take a look at your options and which is the best ice maker for YOU.

There are different needs for a portable ice cube making machine for an RV motor home than there are for having one in your own home kitchen.

For many, needing a smaller ice maker is ideal so you save space on countertop areas.  No one needs a big, bulky ice machine when you have limited space to begin with.

This is the favorite portable ice maker for RV use according to consumer reports, reviews, and feedback – they LOVE it!

best portable ice maker machine for RV

It comes in red, white, and a silver/stainless steel color. Great little lightweight portable ice maker!

Read all consumer reports and reviews here.

BUT, listen up… if you’re willing to spend just a little bit more, this Portable Mini Ice Maker from Magic Chef is really fantastic.

It makes 27 pounds of ice cubes per day, AND it makes a cycle of ice in about 7 minutes. It also has a choice of THREE types of ice cubes where the other one above only had a choice of 2 kinds of ice cubes.

I did a lot of research on RV and Motor Home forums and the over-whelming majority love their Magic Chef portable ice maker. When other “fancier” units broke, their Magic Chef was still going strong.

Best For Boat

When it comes to picking the best portable ice maker for your boat, there are a few GOOD choices of marine portable ice machines. Here’s your best options…

I sure wish we had a portable ice machine in our boat last summer – how NICE that would’ve been to have freshly made ice as opposed to almost melted ice from the cooler (yuck!)

The over-whelming majority of boat owners swear by their U-Line Marine Ice Maker. They are truly awesome, make a ton of ice really fast, and the machines last for years.

BUT, they tend to be a little on the expensive side and out of many boat-owners budgets. You can check current prices on U-Line Marine Ice Makers here.

Below are some other less-expensive portable ice makers for boat and pontoon use.


Best For Car

car power supply for portable ice maker
see this car power inverter here
If you’ve ever traveled long distances in your car with your family/kids and or friends, I don’t need to explain just how convenient a portable ice maker would be in your car.

Plus, just how awesome would it be to have FRESH ICE for your drinks while on the road, right?

Using a portable ice maker in your car or truck requires special power supply cords, etc, so make sure you buy one that actually does what you need in order to get power to your portable ice maker.

Be sure to get a GOOD power inverter like this one (the one in the picture) so you can plug your ice maker in.

There not expensive at all – and well, you NEED one to make ice in your moving vehicle.

But the truth is, using a portable ice maker in your car, truck, or SUV is probably not the BEST idea. Instead, get a really good cooler like these coolers and fill it with ice before your trip. The ice will last for days and days.

Best For Outdoors

Let’s take a look at the best OUTDOOR portable ice maker. There are only few GOOD outdoor table top ice makers that are worth it.

Here’s the short list of the only “BEST” outdoor portable ice makers that we would consider buying:

see this outdoor ice maker here

  1. This Igloo 26 Pound Portable Ice Maker
  2. This Portable Ice Maker from NewAir
  3. This 26 pound Portable Icemaker from Curtis Ice
  4. This Stainless Steel Outdoor Ice Maker from Orien ( it’s large and “high-end”), or
  5. This “Mini” Compact Outdoor Portable Ice Maker from Igloo

We entertain quite often and the first thing we always run out of is ICE.

Buying a portable ice maker for outdoor use is at the top of our list for our backyard entertaining this year.

Those outdoor ice machines are the only outdoor use ice makers we are choosing between.

Best For Office

My sister-in-law works in a small office with a handful of employees.

Get this, they still use those plastic ice cube trays to make ice!

But guess what?  No one ever bothers to refill them.

She and her boss are now choosing between these portable ice makers for office use.


Best For Home Bar

Some day, when we completely finish our home bar in our basement, I WILL have one of these portable ice makers.


Best For Home/Kitchen

If I weren’t getting an ice maker for our outdoor use, I would just get one specifically for my kitchen.  I’d want it to be smaller with less of a ‘footprint’ on my counter – and if it’s portable, I can take it anywhere I want/need.

Note: if you are looking for an excellent under counter/built-in ice maker for your kitchen, take a look at this one and read the reviews.  It’s awesome!

Popular Portable Ice Maker Brands

There are MANY brands and styles from various ice maker manufacturers.

The best portable ice maker brands to compare are: 

Needless to say, that’s not a complete list of portable ice maker machine brands, but it’s a good place to start your ice maker comparisons before you buy.

Best Residential Ice Maker

If you’re looking for a top-quality and affordable residential ice maker to use on your kitchen counter or anywhere in your home, take a look at the winner for Best Residentail Ice Maker below.

Amazon chooses this portable ice maker as their ‘Amazon’s Choice’ Winner. The price is GREAT, it’s “Prime eligible” so shipping is free and you’ll get it FAST, the color is awesome, and it’s an all-around great countertop ice maker. See Amazon’s choice for BEST Residential Ice Maker on Amazon here.

Best Rated Countertop Ice Makers

Della Ice Maker Reviews

Della offers some high-quality and top-rated portable ice makers. They even have this countertop ice maker dispenser shown below that is a consumer favorite.

The countertop ice maker and ice dispenser found here is a HUGE favorite in the portable ice maker category.

  • Simple & Hassle-Free Electronic Ice Maker – Just Add Water & Press the Button
  • Quick Ice Making: Ready to Serve in 9 Minutes – Makes up to 33 lbs. of Ice Per Day
  • LED Digital Display Indicators – Choose (2) Different Sized Ice Cubes, Small & Large
  • Ability to Connect Water Supply Pipe Line for Direct Water Tapping – Tabletop Design
  • Water Reservoir Capacity: 1.8L – Ice Storage Capacity: 600g – Size: 14.6″ x 12.2″ x 13.8″
  • This countertop ice maker machine in the picture above is FANTASTIC – and wow, what a great price today! (check current price here). While this looks like a counter top ice maker a restaurant would have, it’s for home use and perfectly sized to sit on your kitchen counter making it one of the best residential portable ice maker machines on the market this year.

    While this ice maker machine looks fancy and like a luxury, high-end appliance, but it’s actually a very inexpensive portable ice maker with GREAT reviews (read consumer reports and reviews here).

    Below are some more popular Della portable ice makers – each ice machine below is a good choice to buy.

    Della Portable Ice Maker Easy-Touch Buttons Digital 2 Selectable Cube Sizes - Up To 26 LBS of Ice DailyDella Portable Ice Maker Easy-Touch Buttons Digital 2 Selectable Cube Sizes – Up To 26 LBS of Ice DailyGet More Info –
    See Review
    Della Portable Ice Maker Easy-Touch Buttons Yield Up To 26 Pounds of Ice Daily Countertop Machine -Stainless SteelDella Portable Ice Maker Easy-Touch Buttons Yield Up To 26 Pounds of Ice Daily Countertop Machine -Stainless SteelGet More Info –
    See Review
    Della Portable Ice Maker w/Easy-Touch, Yield Up To 26 Pounds of Ice Daily (Red)Della Portable Ice Maker w/Easy-Touch, Yield Up To 26 Pounds of Ice Daily (Red)Get More Info –
    See Review
    Della Electric Ice Maker Machine Express 26lbs/ Day with LCD Display Clock, Timer, Status -Stainless SteelDella Electric Ice Maker Machine Express 26lbs/ Day with LCD Display Clock, Timer, Status -Stainless SteelGet More Info –
    See Review

     

    ThinkGizmos Ice Maker

    ThinkGizmos portable ice maker - probably the BEST portable ice maker this year!
    see this ThinkGizmos Ice Maker Here

    The portable countertop ice maker from ThinkGizmos is also a top-rated ice maker that I’ve found on sale BIG TIME here on this page quite a few times lately.

    • Stainless Steel & Built to last
    • 3 Ice Cube Sizes
    • First batch of ice in 6 minutes (!)
    • Includes free ice scoop
    • Professional grade ice maker (very quiet)

    It really is a great countertop ice maker to have at home – very convenient for parties and get-togethers so you never run out of ice. The folks at ThinkGizmo really know what they’re doing.

    I’ve heard that the ThinkGizmos portable ice maker works even better than an Igloo portable ice maker!

    Get more details on the ThinkGizmos Ice Maker here.

    Dometic Ice Maker Reviews

    Dometic isn’t a really BIG player in the portable ice maker department, but they do have these ice makers that are pretty good – (read the reviews here)


    As a side note regarding Dometic products: One Dometic product I LOVE is this Dometic Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer – it is AWESOME! Take a look…

    This "iceless" electric cooler (or freezer) from Dometic is superb! Absolutely worth the money!

    This "iceless" electric cooler (or freezer) from Dometic is superb! Absolutely worth the money

    Get More Info &
    Check Price Here

    Portable Ice Maker Buying Tips:

    Below are some things you need to consider before you buy a portable ice maker.

    Price

    Yes, price is the first consideration when comparing these portable ice making machines.

    Sure, you want a great deal and you want the lowest price, but cheap is not the best option for a GOOD portable ice maker.

    There are lots of high-end portable ice makers… and then there’s ones that cost less that $99 – $100 or so.

    Be sure that you are getting the exact portable ice maker model you want with the WARRANTY you need to get the best value.

    Energy Star

    portable countertop ice makers energy star ratingsEnergy Star ratings are very important to let you know how much power/energy your portable ice maker will use in YOUR specific situation.

    Obviously, an ice maker installed at home won’t be as concerning energy-use wise as one that is plugged in via a 12volt plug to your car or RV – or draining the battery on your boat.

    Be mindful of energy and power consumption for the model you choose.

    Ice Maker Options

    You can get portable ice makers with refrigerated storage, water filters, space-savers, 12 v, 220 volt, 24ov, gas-powered ice makers – even propane-powered ones.

    There are portable ice makers with a water dispenser, some with a  freezer compartment, some of these portable ice makers also have an ice crusher option – some are meant to be installed and other portable ice makers are free-standing and are truly portable. There’s even fancy, high-end portable ice makers with LED screens and all kinds of ‘whistles and bells’.

    Like THIS portable counter top ice maker – it’s a GREAT machine and believe it or not, it’s very affordable. Check current price here.


    see this countertop ice machine here

    As you can see from just that short list of options, there is a LOT of choices to be made.  You are certainly not limited by options – most are only limited by their budget.

    Size

    For almost all uses, a smaller sized ice maker machine is ideal.  Easier to travel with and will save space on your counter tops at home or office.

    Be sure to review the size specs before buying to make sure it will fit your needs.

    Speed of Ice Making

    This was a big one for us – how FAST does the portable ice maker actually make ICE?  To be truly useful for us, it needed to make ice cubes quickly.

    Amount of Ice Cubes

    Another important consideration before buying a portable ice maker is to decide how MUCH ice you need it to make each cycle and the maximum amount of ice cubes it can make in a day.

    Some people really want a portable ice maker machine that makes 50 pounds of ice cubes… other folks choose 35 lbs or 30 lbs.

    Again, lots of option here as well.

    Ice Cube Size/Shape

    Another important factor for many people comparing portable ice makers, is the type/size/shape of the ice cubes the machine makes.

    Here is a simple graphic to show the 5 different types of ice cubes.

    Source: http://hoshizakiamerica.com/ice-calculator/
    Source: http://hoshizakiamerica.com/ice-calculator/

    As you can see, there are crescent ice cubes, square ice cubes, flaked ice (the kind of ice cubes that Sonics restaurants have – my personal favorite) – there are ‘Top Hat’ ice cubes, and ‘Cublelet’ ice (the softer small pellet shaped ice cube pieces).

    If you’ve never even thought about the shape of your ice cubes and really don’t care, you might want to ask your family, friends, and/or co-workers. I guarantee that someone DOES have a preference!

    If you REALLY want your ice maker to make ice cubes like Sonic, check out this highly-reviewed under-counter/stand alone ice maker machine. Everyone LOVES the ice it makes!

    Ease of Use

    No one wants a complicated appliance to deal with.  Who has time to keep reading the manual for directions to learn how to use a portable ice maker??  No one, right!

    Make sure your ice maker is easy to CLEAN as well.  There is nothing worse that getting a fancy new gadget – and THEN learning how to clean it is harder than you ever anticipated.

    Make sure it’s simple to use AND simple to clean.

    Color/Style

    There are MANY colors of portable ice makers available… from black to stainless steel  to red to teal and back around the rainbow.

    If you plan to install your portable ice maker in your home or anywhere else the decor matters, be sure the color and style you choose will blend and match well so it’s an accent – not an eye-sore.

    Where to Buy

    Amazon

    Personally, I buy virtually EVERYTHING from Amazon – and they have an excellent selection of portable ice makers with all sorts of options here.

    The Free Shipping alone lets me know I am getting a great deal and I’ve found the prices to be consistently competitive.

    Plus, it sure beats GOING out to buy a portable ice maker sold in stores like Target, Home Depot, Lowes, Kohls, Costco, etc  – I’d rather my UPS guy BRING it to me…lol!


    ✅ On Sale / Deals

    If you’re looking for a deal on a portable ice maker, be sure to check out the page below and you’ll find a LOT of portable ice makers on sale:

    Here are other well-trusted sites online that have good deals and sales on portable ice makers.

    Walmart

    I was looking through the portable ice maker deals at Walmart and came across this great little unit that currently costs a bit over $100 at Walmart, but today I see it cheaper here: (check current price here).

    Excellent and AFFORDABLE portable ice makerThis ice cube maker machine is designed to be a stand-alone unit so no installation is necessary.

    It takes about 10 minutes to make a cycle of ice cubes and can make up to 26 lbs of ice a day.

    Also makes 2 kinds of ice cubes.

    Best of all, this ice maker doesn’t need directions or an instruction manual – it’s THAT easy to use.

    KMart

    I came across this really good-looking RED portable ice maker at Kmart here and after looking around online, I saw it on sale today here.

    Portable countertop ice maker in RED!  This ice machine works SO well!This top-rated NewAir AI-215R portable ice maker makes 50 POUNDS of ice per day… and makes a cycle of ice cubes in just 7 minutes.

    Super easy to use – just plug it in, add water (bottled or tap), and press start on the LED screen and you’ll have fresh ice in just a few minutes.

    Has lots of storage room for ice and keeps ice frozen, too. Also has an 18 hour time to let you plan ahead to have ice cubes ready and waiting when you’ll need them.

    Brookstone

    Brookstone has a very cool stainless steel portable ice maker so I poked around to see if I could find a better price. (today, the better price was here)

    Best portable ice maker - Convenient, compact design is ideal for use in small kitchens & other compact spaces like RVs, boats & more

    It makes 28 pounds of ice and takes about 6 – 10 minutes to go through an ice making cycle.

    Also, it makes 3 styles of ice cubes  =)

    OverStock

    This is a good deal on a high-quality portable maker (shown in picture below)

    This portable ice cuber maker cranks out a cycle of ice cubes every 10 minutes and makes up to a POUND of ice an hour and 35 pounds of ice in a day.This portable ice cuber maker cranks out a cycle of ice cubes every 10 minutes and makes up to a POUND of ice an hour and 35 pounds of ice in a day.

    Great for kitchen/home/mini-bar use or for on the go use (camping, RV, boat, etc).

    It has a nice LED screen, and 18-hour timer (that’s a great feature for portable ice makers to have).

    Update: That portable ice maker above just isn’t getting good reviews. We have changed our preference tothis Igloo portable ice maker – it’s much better!

    Best Buy

    BestBuy has a unit that is definitely worth mentioning – the Mr Freeze 26 lb Portable ice maker.

    This is a great portable ice maker for boat use, camping use, and/or in your RV.

    This is a great portable ice maker for boat use, camping use, and/or in your RV.

    Yes, it works great for home use as well, but it is extra “portable” making it perfect for outdoor use.

    Produces up to 26 pounds of ice a day and only takes a few minutes per ice cube making cycle.

    This unit is also the most affordable and inexpensive portable ice maker I’ve found today.

    Camping World

    I was thrilled to see this deal on a teal blue colored small portable ice maker, isn’t it unique?

    this portable ice maker  makes ice in under 13 Minutes and Produces 26 lbs. of ice every 24 hoursIt’s not the fastest portable ice maker, but it gets the job done.  The size though, is what makes this the perfect portable ice maker for your RV or camper.

    Update: the color options change regularly. Today I see silver/stainless steel and black units on sale on this page.

    Refurbished Options

    You can get a great deal on a refurbished portable ice maker here.

    The deals change every day, but I’ve seen many of these ice maker deals for under $100.

    Ok to Buy Refurbished?

    If you go to this page on Amazon and see a deal on a CERTIFIED refurbished portable ice maker, yes, it’s a good idea to grab it up as soon as you see it.

    Not only can you see a LOT of money and get a really cheap portable ice maker, if there is the “Prime” logo next to it, Amazon will have your back in the off chance something is wrong.

    I have never had a problem with a Prime purchase that Amazon didn’t correct very quickly for me, so I would totally trust a refurbished appliance from them.

    Which Portable Ice Maker is BEST?

    I took a stroll around the internet to some trusted product comparison and reviews sites to see which portable ice maker they say is best.

    Here’s what I found out…

    Home Depot Says:

    I took a peek to see what the good folks at Home Depot had to say.

    The reviews at Home Depot say that this portable ice maker from Magic Chef is best – and it looks like a good one.

    Makes 30 pounds of ice and each ice cube cycle is complete in 7 minutes – that’ really good.

    It also offers the option to create 3 different sizes of ice cubes, with the “small setting” being similar to Sonic ice.

    The reviews on Amazon here are “all or nothing” star-wise – consumers either love it… or hate it.

    Check current price and/or read reviews here.

    Best-Sellers

    If you’re looking for the best-selling and most popular portable ice makers, check this page on Amazon (updated daily).

    Igloo ICE101-Black Counter Top Ice Maker, BlackIgloo ICE101-Black Counter Top Ice Maker, BlackSee ThisAvalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice MakerAvalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice MakerSee ThisIgloo Countertop Compact 26 lb. Portable Freestanding Ice Maker, Red (Certified Refurbished)Igloo Countertop Compact 26 lb. Portable Freestanding Ice Maker, Red (Certified Refurbished)See ThisDELLA© Stainless Steel Water Dispenser w/ Built-In Ice Maker Machine Counter Portable, 40-PoundDELLA© Stainless Steel Water Dispenser w/ Built-In Ice Maker Machine Counter Portable, 40-PoundSee ThisKnox Portable Ice Maker w/LCD Display - 2.8-Liter Water Reservoir, 3 Selectable Cube Sizes - Makes up to 27 Pounds of Ice Daily ,Stainless SteelKnox Portable Ice Maker w/LCD Display – 2.8-Liter Water Reservoir, 3 Selectable Cube Sizes – Makes up to 27 Pounds of Ice Daily ,Stainless SteelSee ThisSunpentown IM-101 Portable Ice Maker with LCDSunpentown IM-101 Portable Ice Maker with LCDSee This

    New Portable Ice Makers for 2023

    Thre are new models and brands of portable ice makers coming out in 2023 every day.  Check this page to see the newest models available.

    This portable ice maker makes ice like Sonic has – perfect for the recipe above!

    Portable Ice Maker Deals

     

    Holiday Party Tip - GET A PORTABLE ICE MAKER!  Seriously, a little countertop ice maker machine is SO handy - you'll never run out of ice!

    Best Portable Ice Machine Winners This Year

    Best portable ice maker - best portable ice makers 2023 countertop ice makers this year
    Here’s the list for this year’s best portable ice machines. Feel free to click any winner below to read reviews, check for deals, and compare with other portable ice machines.


    Party Tip!  Get a countertop ice maker (it's a PORTABLE ice maker) so you never run out of ice!
    Sonic Cherry LimeAid recipe - copycat recipe for Cherry LimeAid drink from Sonic restaurants