How to Choose a Portable Ice Maker

There are many reasons to get a portable ice maker. Hearing the clinking of the ice as the cool condensation runs down the glass between every sip is a delightful experience. However, that is just the beginning of the possibilities provided by a portable ice maker. Portable ice makers are perfect for people who:

• Have an older or damaged refrigerator that doesn’t provide ice
• Enjoy hosting get togethers, parties or picnics where drinks are plentiful
• Want refreshments nearby when watching a movie or TV series
• Have bars or recreation rooms in their homes
• Have friends or relatives that recently moved into a new home and are in need of an original gift
• Like going on camping adventures and need a portable camping ice maker

Portable ice makers can also potentially save you a little money. Larger built-in and freestanding ice makers generally use up more energy than running a portable ice maker. Plus, the best portable ice makers are able to produce ice much faster than any other ice machine. This is a particularly enticing feature for those who partake in backyard barbeques and patio parties that need ice fast and on the go.

Since they are fully mobile and can conveniently be carried around to any location, portable ice makers are relatively small in size. Most of them are around fourteen to sixteen inches tall with slightly smaller widths and depths. The majority of a portable ice maker’s size is dedicated to the chamber where water is poured and the storage compartment that keeps the freshly made ice cold.

If you are hosting larger gatherings, a bigger portable ice maker would suit your needs better than a smaller unit. Since many models offer an affordable price point, you could also consider getting multiple portable countertop ice makers and have them supplying ice in several locations at once.

Portable ice makers work by having water poured into a rotating ice tray, which is then quickly frozen by a compressor and a fan. Then, a refrigerant fluid causes the ice to be released into the bin where the ice is ready to be served. Operating a portable ice maker is just as simple as the ice making process. Simply pour the water in (cool, filtered water works the best) and press the start button. Some models will also require you to preset what type of ice you’d like.

Although traditional ice machines can take hours to produce refreshing ice, portable ice makers typically start dropping the first cubes within minutes. And, though storage capacities vary depending on the size of the unit, most portable ice makers are able to store around three pounds of freshly made ice.

In addition to conveniently being moved to any location and quickly providing filtered ice, the best portable ice machines also produce various types of ice. Half and full ice cubes have become the standard in at-home ice production. However, portable ice makers typically offer more variety than just the basic square and rectangular-shaped cubes. The structure of ice actually has a significant impact on certain types of drinks. Other types of ice include:

• Nugget ice. Also known as opal, pebble or pellet ice, this is the crunchy, chewable variety that is served in many restaurants. Somewhat cylindrically shaped with internal air bubbles, nugget ice absorbs the flavor from your drink and makes chewing it that much more enjoyable.
• Gourmet ice. With a shape that resembles a top hat, gourmet ice produced by top hat portable ice makers melts very slow and is ideal for keeping alcoholic beverages cool without watering them down.
• Bullet ice. The hallowed out interior of bullet ice makes it melt rather quickly, making bullet portable ice makers a great option when keeping water chilled.

Although many portable nugget ice makers and other small portable ice makers feature various ice shapes, you should always confirm that the unit you want is also capable of producing the type of ice you’d like.

Portable ice makers can last several years if they are properly cared for. There are several factors that go into how long the appliance lasts:

• How often the ice maker is used
• What type of environment the appliance is used in
• If regular maintenance is kept up
• How well and how often the ice maker is cleaned

If you take care of your portable ice maker, you can enjoy freshly made, filtered ice in all of your cold beverages for a long time. Whether you regularly host larger gatherings, want an easily moveable option for ice on the go or just want to add another element to your essential gear for outdoor cooking, many people can benefit from having a portable ice maker. You just need to make sure you find the right one that fits in with your personal ice making needs.