What to Look for When Buying an Ice Maker for Your Home

Finding the best ice maker for you

Instead of waiting for ice to freeze in a tray or relying on a refrigerator’s slow built-in ice machine, an ice maker for your home not only speeds up the ice making process and provides more ice, but it also gives you various ice options to help cool down any beverage.

How to choose an ice maker that fits your specific needs

When choosing an ice maker for your home, first you must determine what you intend on using the ice maker for. Do you want a pebble ice maker that makes chewable nugget ice or is a bullet ice maker more your style with its thicker ice? Many ice maker models have various ice options to choose from.

People who host larger groups and parties might benefit most from having a built-in ice maker in their home since it makes and stores bigger portions of ice. Households that have occasional, moderately sized get togethers with family and friends might be better off with a freestanding ice maker. If you enjoy the thought of casually moving your ice maker to any area you wish, a portable ice maker is more aligned with your needs.

Different types of ice makers

There isn’t just one type of ice maker available for your home. Depending on your needs, you might benefit most from a portable countertop ice maker, a freestanding ice maker or a built-in ice maker.

Portable countertop ice makers

Countertop ice makers are smaller in size and lightweight, giving you limitless options of where to place your ice maker, which is great for homes with home theater setups, bar areas or outdoor patios. Simply place your portable ice maker on a flat surface, such as a countertop or tabletop, plug in the unit, pour fresh water in and press start. You’ll have fresh ice in minutes for your drink while also having a convenient ice storage area for refills.

Freestanding ice makers

Ideal for a kitchen or eating area, freestanding ice machines can be a great addition to any home. Larger freestanding ice makers produce and store more ice and can be great options for big gatherings and parties. They can be conveniently stored in kitchens or bar areas with a little extra space. Smaller freestanding models are sized similarly to counter ice makers and can be moved around with ease. Without taking up a lot of space, freestanding units are a popular choice for homeowners who enjoy fresh ice that is usually available in various sizes.

Built-in ice makers

Built-in ice makers can vary in size but are usually bigger and can produce and store large amounts of ice, unlike a countertop ice maker. Furthermore, built-in ice makers must be properly installed and be connected to a water line. They are usually installed under the counter to save kitchen space. In order to install a built-in ice maker, you must make sure the unit you want will fit into your designated spot. Professional installation is typically recommended to ensure the ice maker works properly and doesn’t leak.

Does the shape of an ice cube matter?

You wouldn’t think the structure of an ice cube has an effect on anything, but the shape does make a difference. Here are the various types of ice certain ice makers can produce:

Full and half ice cubes. Commonly made in ice trays and larger ice makers, full ice cubes and half cubes keep beverages cool while also providing the classic clinking sound that everyone enjoys.
Bullet ice. The bullet shape features a hollowed inside that allows the ice to melt more quickly, which is great when drinking water, but not ideal for keeping alcoholic beverages cool.
Top hat ice. Molded into a round design with a flared base that looks like a top hat, top hat ice has a slower melt rate and is excellent for mixed drinks.
Nugget ice. Shaped as its namesake and also commonly referred to as pebble, pellet or Sonic ice, ice from a nugget ice maker is smaller and softer than other types of ice and is the preferred ice at many bars and restaurants.
Crescent ice. Commonly produced by freestanding ice makers, crescent ice is shaped like a half moon which allows great liquid displacement for keeping drinks cool longer.

You should be sure to check the specifications of an ice maker you are potentially going to purchase to verify exactly what types of ice it can make. However, even the most affordable ice makers typically do include various shape settings.

The benefits of having an ice maker in your home

Anybody can stick an ice tray with water into their freezer or purchase a bag of ice at a convenience store, but having an actual ice making machine in your home is a game changer and pairs perfectly with other bar accessories. Some of the benefits of having an ice maker in your home are:

Ice is made extremely fast. An ice tray typically takes at least two to four hours to freeze. Refrigerators and freezers with built-in ice makers can also take up to 90 minutes or more to produce ice for your drink. Portable countertop ice makers, however, can produce fresh and crisp ice in a matter of minutes.
Ice makers are easy to use. Whether it’s a smaller portable unit or a bigger freestanding ice maker, ice machines have one thing to do and they do it well: make ice. Most ice makers let you choose how fast you’d like your ice and what shape or thickness you’d like, but other than that, you simply press a button and let the ice maker do its job.
Easy access to plentifully stored ice. Most ice makers have generously sized compartments for storing ice. This allows you to easily scoop up ice whenever you’d like, never letting a drink get too warm while saving space in your freezer.
Ice can be made in various shapes. Ice trays and most refrigerators with built-in ice makers are limited to only making ice cubes. Standalone ice makers provide various options for your ice.

How do ice makers work?

Ice makers generate ice during a process called adiabatic cooling, which uses pressure to rapidly cool water. The water quickly solidifies into ice as it is contained in several shaped molds. Once completely frozen, the newly formed ice is released into an ice maker’s storage compartment, ready to scoop up into a glass.

How much is an ice maker?

The technology that goes into making the adiabatic cooling process possible is constructed from rare and delicate materials. Furthermore, under the counter ice makers and most other home ice machines contain stainless steel, which is produced from a variety of expensive metals. This is why some ice makers are more expensive than others. However, there are still many affordable ice makers to choose from, which gives everybody the opportunity of having fresh ice made fast, never going without a cold beverage again.

To get the most out of your ice maker, be sure to clean it regularly and use room temperature water. This and essential appliance upkeep will make your ice maker work more efficiently and last longer.