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Best Of: Ice Makers

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Best Of: Ice Makers

06/24/24 11:53 am

Iced coffees, smoothies, lemonade stands, snow cones, entertaining and more! There’s always a need for ice in the summer. 

 

Save the schlep of buying bagged ice to keep up with all the ice your family uses this summer and look into an ice maker instead. These machines can produce ice in under 10 minutes! A huge improvement to filling up those ice trays which can take hours to freeze.

 

If you're an ice fanatic you know that not all ice is created equally - if you want the "soft" chewable ice (think hospital or restaurant ice) then an ice maker is the only way to get it at home.

 

There are two main styles of a standalone ice maker; a countertop machine vs. a professionally installed waterline machine.

 

Countertop makers are cheaper, smaller, portable, and a great option for a summer home. However they also have have smaller capacity to create ice, needs to be refilled manually and maintained, won't keep ice frozen for long periods of time and has to stay on the counter with access to a plug.

 

A waterline ice machine is more expensive, both in machine and installation costs. It is an amazing luxury addition to a kitchen, but not for everyone. We won't be discussing these in our post.


Things to keep in mind with a countertop ice maker:

  1. It is not for ice storage! If not removed from the bucket, ice will eventually melt. Some machines use that melted water to make more ice automatically, some machines need to be drained manually. Solution: a) use the ice right away and then unplug b) periodically remove the ice and keep in a bag/bucket in your freezer

  2. Like a water urn, they have to be descaled and cleaned every few weeks/months, depending on the water you use (ie: distilled or bottled or tap water)

  3. Many have lights and sensors making it muktzah for Shabbos use. The Opal is the only one we’ve found to have a “Shabbos mode”, read more here

  4. There is a surprising amount of different types of ice. From cube vs. bullet vs. nugget vs. pebble shaped ice cubes. Consider your favorite type of ice, whether you want traditional or chewable ice, and what you'd be using it for most when choosing your machine.

  5. Look for a reputable brand and consider purchasing an extended warranty on the maker of your choice in case you come across issues with functionality.


Here are some of our favorite makers on the market:

 

 

 

Overall Best: GE Profile Opal Maker

 

The original countertop ice maker is still head of its class! With app compatibility you can set schedules and automate ice production - making it ideal for Shabbos use. Its large water reservoir means you'll spend less time refilling it. This beautiful machine looks great on top of your counter. See full review here!

Ice type: Nugget

Bin Capacity: Up to 3 lbs 

Automated ice refreezing

1 year warranty


 

 

Most Compact Machine: Frigidaire Ice Maker

 

This tiny but mighty machine is ideal for smaller spaces and ease of portability. Great for smaller usage as the ice production may be quick but comes in small batches. Its bullet shaped ice is less crunchy but holds its shape for longer, great for iced coffee and drinks that you don't want watered down.

Ice type: Bullet ice

Bin capacity: 1.3 lb

Light indicators when to remove ice or water

1 Year Warranty


 

 

Best Versatile Machine: Igloo Ice Maker

 

This attractive ice maker creates bullet-shaped ice in minutes. What we love about this one is the options to choose from large or small sized ice. Note: You will need to manually remove the ice or water as it melts. This machine tends to get loud so if that is something that is important you to you, take note.

Ice type: Bullet ice

Bin capacity: 1.5 lb



 

Best Budget Nugget Maker: Silonn Ice Maker 

 

This nugget ice maker can make up to 33 lbs of ice in one day, making it ideal for hosting. It is one of the quieter machines on the market ensuring it won't disturb home or office, or wherever you choose to use this maker.

Ice type: Nugget 

Light indicates status: when to remove ice or empty water

1 year warranty


 


Most Ice Produced: Aeitto Ice Maker $299.99

 

There are a lot of great specifications on this ice maker. It has a large capacity, producing up to 55 lbs. of ice per day in the summer, due to its powerful yet low-noise compressor. One of our favorite things is that you can hook it up to a kitchen faucet with the provided tubing to add water easily, or fill it up manually as you would any other machine. 

Ice type: Nugget Ice

Automatic cycle of ice making, never have to drain old water

 

 

Best Crushed Ice Maker: Antarctic Star Ice Maker $209.99

 

The small pebble type ice, almost like crushed ice, is fun for everyday and parties.

Ice type: Pebble Ice

Bin capacity: 1.8 lbs

Manual draining of melted ice

 

 

 

Best Cubed Ice: Euhomy Ice Maker $159.99

 

This larger sized ice maker can make lots of ice, with the option to choose your preferred thickness. There are 2 ways to fill the reservoir of this ice machine, manually with a pitcher or with a barreled bottle water. Note: This machine does create sheets of ice that need to be gently separated. 

Ice shape: Cubed - adjustable thickness

Bin capacity: 2.6 lbs

1 year warranty



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