What are Portable Ice Makers?
Portable ice machines are essential little gadgets that perform strictly what their name implies: they take water and turn it into ice. Most of the best portable ice makers for RV are compact. So they don’t take up a lot of counter space and are simple to store when not in use. They don’t require a water connection, making them convenient to transport.
An Overview of the Best Portable Camper Ice Makers
- Igloo ICEB26WH Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine: Best convenient handle
- FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker: Best modern design
- VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker: Best efficient, quiet performer
- Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine: Best for countertop
- Magic Chef 27-Lb. Portable Silver Countertop Ice Maker: Best portable ice maker
The Benefits of Portable RV Ice Makers
They are Truly Portable
You can use a portable ice maker for campers anywhere there is an electrical outlet. It’s a little device that fits on a countertop and takes up little space. They’re ideal for gatherings with friends and family and road vacations.
A portable RV ice maker can easily plug into a car using a simple DC adaptor. They’re even small enough to fit on the small counters seen in RVs and campers.
They Can Make Ice Quickly
The average portable ice maker can make ice in as little as 10 minutes. This means you won’t have to wait for your ice trays to freeze or worry about washing, storing, or trying to fit them all into your freezer the night before a big party. Simply turn on the ice maker, add some water, and let it do its thing.
There is No Need for a Drain or a Water Line.
Many stand-alone RV ice makers necessitate using a floor drain or another method for removing surplus water from melting ice cubes. If you want one in your home, you’ll need to install a floor drain, buy an expensive drain pump, or find another way to dispose of excess water.
Don’t worry about draining with an RV portable ice maker. Portable ice makers use the water from melting cubes instead of wasting it. They reuse melted cubes to generate additional ice, eliminating the requirement for a drain.
They also don’t necessitate the installation of a permanent water pipe. You will not deal with any of the other headaches with appliance installation. You simply plugin.
They Produce, and Store More Ice Than You Might Expect
For their modest size, portable ice makers produce a surprising volume of ice every day. The average ice maker can produce between 26 and 35 pounds (11.8 and 15.89 kilos) of ice in a 24-hour period. They can’t keep all of this ice at once, but they have a significant storage capacity, holding between two and three pounds (0.9 and 1.36 kilograms) of ice.
Pour each batch of ice into bags and store it in your freezer if you want to collect the whole production capacity amount. You’ll have close to 35 pounds (15.89 kilograms) of ice ready to use at the end of the day.
They’re Simple to Use
Countertop ice makers are simple and safe for both children and the elderly. Pouring water into the tank, turning it on, and returning in a few minutes to discover ice ready to use is all it takes to make ice. You won’t have to worry if you forget to empty the ice because it will melt and recycle.
They Can Create a Wide Range of Ice
Many people believe that having a portable ice maker for RV means sacrificing variety, but this is simply not true. Although many machines produce bullet-shaped ice, some produce clear, restaurant-quality ice. You can also decide the size of your cubes using some components. This is an appropriate choice if you want smaller or larger cube sizes than standard.
Considerations to Make Before Buying a Portable RV Ice Maker
If you’ve decided it’s time to get a portable camping ice maker, there are a few key considerations to consider to help you pick the appropriate one for your needs.
Dimensions and Capacity
Because they are portable, portable ice makers for campers are often small. Even so, the amount of space they take up and the amount of ice they can make or store differ significantly. Manufacturers will mention the dimensions and capacity rate in their product specs, making it easy to ensure that you’re getting the correct size or capacity.
An ice maker that is too little will not address all of your problems, while one that is too huge will waste both energy and space. Consider how much ice you’ll require before purchasing an ice machine. This will assist you to determine the best ice maker for RV.
Production Capacity and Speed of a Small Ice Maker
You must determine the amount of ice your ice machine can retain and ensure that it can produce ice quickly enough for you. The capacity is pounds of ice per day.
If you and your family or coworkers go through a lot of ice daily, or you want to know that your party guests will never have to wait for a refill, the bigger the output capacity, the better.
If you’re running out of ice quickly, keep in mind that someone will have to stop and pour more water. You don’t have to connect this type of ice maker to a dedicated water connection, making it “portable.”
While this avoids any complicated installation, you will still need to add water manually. It’s not a big job, but it’s one that you must complete to prevent the ice from melting.
Most manufacturers also state how long it will take before you start to get ice in their product specifications. After you initially add water and switch on your countertop ice machine, it will take 10-20 minutes to start producing ice. This varies from model to model, so if speed is essential to you, keep an eye out for it.
Extra Features Include:
- Self-cleaning — A self-cleaning ice maker simplifies the most time-consuming aspect of operating a portable ice maker.
- Automatic timer – An automatic timer allows you to program the machine to manufacture ice at a given time, ensuring that it is ready for you when you need it.
- Ice size selection – Depending on your preferences, some portable ice producers allow you to pick between two or three different sizes of ice.
- Ice scoop – Many portable RV ice makers contain an ice scoop.
Reviewing the Best Portable Ice Makers for RVs
Igloo ICEB26WH Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine: Best Convenient Handle
Brand: Igloo
Model Name: Automatic Portable Electric Countertop
Colours: White, black, aqua
Capacity: 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms)
Voltage: 120 volts
Item Dimensions: 9.61 x 14.69 x 12.4 inches (24 x 37.3 x 31.4 centimeters)
About this item:
- Say hello to this great small, attractive, and portable gadget that will keep your drinks always cool. This unit is capable of manufacturing ice in as little as 7 minutes and can produce 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms) of ice every day. The 2-pound (0.9 kilograms) ice basket has plenty of room for all of your beverage needs, including a viewing window so you can keep an eye on the ice as it forms.
- The LED-lit panel lets you choose between tiny and large ice cube sizes and when you should add water, and when the ice basket is full. Ideal for pool parties, house bars, dorm rooms, and offices, among other places. Cold beverages Warm Greetings.
- This retro metallic red ice maker is portable, practical, and compact, and it looks great on a countertop while creating ice whenever or wherever you need it.
- If the water tank is consistently full, this unit can generate 26 pounds(11.8 kilograms) of ice within 24 hours, enough to keep drinks cold all day.
- Its basket stores up to 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) of ice at a time.
- It is quick in freezing ice. In a minimum of seven minutes, you can have nine little or large cylinder-shaped ice cubes.
- The electronic control panel is easy to understand and illuminated with led lights. It tells you when you need to add water and when the ice basket is full and allows you to select the size of the ice cubes.
- It has a transparent lid. The large glass lid provides for simple ice cube capacity viewing.
- It has a removable ice basket. To transfer ice cubes, simply remove the ice basket.
- Remove the ice basket to transport big amounts of ice, then fill drinking cups with the provided ice scoop.
- When not in use, remove the drain plug to drain water from the unit quickly.
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker: Best Modern Design
Amazon’s Choice in Ice Makers by FRIGIDAIRE
Brand: FRIGIDAIRE
Capacity: 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms)
Color: Stainless steel
Wattage: 200 watts
Voltage: 120 volts
About this item:
- When you see this brand, Frigidaire, you immediately think of quality and reasonable prices for kitchen appliances.
- Thanks to the LED design, you can check the ice level and select the size of ice cubes you want. The big see-through window on the cover makes it convenient to see the shovel and ice basket.
- The air outlet will keep it going for the duration of the party, and the drain plug makes emptying the ice maker easy. All of this is from Frigidaire, the world’s leading refrigerator manufacturer.
- The voltage of the product is 120V.
- Has a modern design; compressor cooling ice in less than six minutes.
- Stainless steel ice maker with a huge transparent glass so you can always watch your ice as they manufacture and the level.
- The ice maker indications will remind you to remove the ice cubes when the basket is full, and when the ice maker water is low, it will tell you to add more.
- It has two ice cube size options.
VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker: Best efficient Quiet Performer
Brand VIVOHOME
Capacity 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms)
About this item:
- The package contains two electric portable tiny countertop automated ice cube maker units. Make some refreshing drinks in your kitchen with the VIVOHOME Ice Maker.
- A well-working icemaker – You’ll receive a handful of ice in less than 10 minutes. It’s as simple as plugging in power, filling the water container, turning it on, and letting it run. In 24 hours, both machines can produce up to 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms) of bullet ice.
- Has a quiet performance with a good design. The ice makers use a compressor cooling system that runs quietly and won’t interfere with your daily routine. The one with the broader viewing glass comprises a high-density polyurethane foam layer with excellent thermal insulation capabilities that effectively isolates external heat and slow ice melting.
- It is transparent at the top allowing you to keep an eye on the process and check the ice level, and the easy-to-open and convenient door makes gathering ice and filling your cup easy.
- You can carry out all activities on the control panel, and an indication will prompt you to take the necessary steps. Multiple protection mechanisms prolong your machine’s life.
- It is easy to carry it along since it is lightweight. Any occasion will benefit from the compact design. It is ideal for RVs, boats, kitchens, tea shops, KTVs, offices, bars, restaurants, parties, get-togethers, and holidays, among other places.
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine: Best For Counter Top
Brand: Luma Comfort
Capacity: 74 pounds (33.5 kilograms)
Color: Stainless steel
Wattage: 130 watts
Voltage: 120 volts
About this item:
- This little ice maker is stylish and compact, making it ideal for use on the counter. This easy-to-use ice dispenser requires no installation and is straightforward to operate. With a 15-minute freezing period every cycle, you’ll have ice in no time.
- This ice maker produces pure, restaurant-quality ice that looks amazing in any drink and melts five times faster than hazy ice.
- It can produce up to 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms) of ice every day. Luma Comfort is a Southern California-based maker of home appliances and comfort goods.
- You don’t need installation for this simple, hassle-free ice dispenser; simply plug it in, add some water, and wait for 15 minutes to enjoy your first batch of fresh ice.
- Every 15 minutes, cube-shaped ice is ready, so you don’t have to wait long to chill your drink.
- Storage is easy with a side-mounted drain, and you don’t have to worry about water leaking everywhere.
Magic Chef 27-Lb. Portable Silver Countertop Ice Maker: Best Portable Icemaker
Brand: Magic Chef
Voltage: 120 volts
Color: Stainless steel
Item Dimensions: 15.4 x 11.7 x 15.7 inches (39.1 x 29.7 x 39.8 centimeters)
About this item:
- Magic Chef’s portable countertop ice maker can produce up to 27 pounds (12.25 kilograms) of daily ice on demand. This handy icemaker is tiny enough to put on your kitchen counter or take to a party. When entertaining friends and family, it’s exactly what you need to keep your ice bucket or beverage pitchers full.
- This amazing tiny ice maker makes ice in two sizes in as little as seven minutes and holds up to 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms) of ice at a time. In addition, the digital control panel alerts you when you need to empty the storage bin. With Magic Chef’s portable ice maker, you can stop buying ice and start generating it on demand.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Portable Ice Makers for RVs
When it comes to camping basics, every RVer has its own needs and preferences. Getting the best portable ice maker for RV can take some time and effort. Our best choice icemaker is Igloo ICEB26WH Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine. It produces a lot of ice cubes in a short time, thus convenient for most occasions.
Check out user reviews on Amazon or other online forums if you’re looking for more information or input on specific portable ice makers for camping. Read our article and find out 34 Interesting Facts About Camping.