The 8 Best Ice Makers in 2023

Final Verdict

For nugget ice, you can't go wrong with the GE Opal (view at Amazon), which makes up for its high price tag with multiple convenience features. It's equipped with a side tank that doubles the capacity of its main 2.4L water reservoir, providing water for three times the amount of ice so you don't have to refill it as often. And its Bluetooth capability and mobile app make it super easy to monitor ice production from your phone. Meanwhile, for clear cubic ice that looks stellar in cocktails, opt for the Euhomy 40 lb. Countertop Ice Maker (view at Wayfair), which filters and reuses any unused ice melt to make even more ice.

FAQs

How do you clean an ice maker?

Begin by unplugging your ice maker. Empty its reservoir of any liquid, either by turning the unit upside-down or opening the drain cap if it's equipped with one. Remove the ice bin and wipe it down with a soft sponge dampened with a bit of vinegar and lukewarm water. Next, wipe the interior with the same sponge and vinegar-water solution. (The exterior can simply be wiped down with a wet cloth.) Finish up by wiping everything down with a soft, dry cloth. Let your ice maker completely dry for about an hour before reinserting the ice storage bin and plugging in the machine. If your ice maker is equipped with a cleaning cycle option, engage it now. If your ice maker doesn't have this option, allow it to make ice a couple of cycles and throw out the ice, or feed it to plants.

How does an ice maker work?

Portable ice makers work differently from commercial ones. With most consumer units, water needs to be added to the water reservoir, up to the fill line. The water is then pumped from the reservoir through a water filter to the ice tray. The compressor and fan freeze the water into ice, or prongs are lowered into the water and turn very cold. Afterward, a warm refrigerant or a heat exchanger heats up the prongs and the ice slides off and falls into the ice basket. Ice makers take several minutes, anywhere from 5 to 20, to produce ice in one cycle.

How do you fix an ice maker?

If your ice maker isn't producing ice, troubleshoot it before springing for a pro repair. First, check the power cord to verify it's not damaged or unplugged, and then make sure the water reservoir isn't empty. If the water sensor says the tank is empty even after you filled it, find the sensor and clean it off to make sure it's not giving a false reading. Another issue could be a blocked water supply line: this is usually due to mineral deposits from hard water. Remove the water filters and thoroughly clean them, then check the pipes and water lines as well for blockages.

What to Look for

Ice Production

You'll want to choose an ice maker that can keep up with your needs, whether you have a large, thirsty household, or simply fix a drink for yourself every now and then. Speed of ice production is one thing to look out for, but how much ice is produced depends on the ice maker's size. A compact ice maker's storage bin will only hold a small amount of ice at a time, and will thus need to be emptied more frequently than that of a larger machine.

Types of Ice and Size

Portable ice makers offer a variety of ice shapes, such as bullet, nugget, crescent or cube, so you'll need to figure out which one suits your needs the best. Are you into tropical or blended drinks? You'll want a machine that produces nugget ice. If you prefer stirred drinks, a machine that makes slower-melting cubes is the way to go. And not all ice makers offer different ice size options, but there are a few that can dispense as many as three different sizes.

Type of Ice Maker

Where are you most likely going to need ice? Outside on your patio, in your kitchen, or in your restaurant? There are built-in ice makers that not only boast a larger storage capacity but can blend in with the decor or be hidden out of the way under a counter. Countertop models are smaller, but handy when you just need extra or periodic ice.

Additional Features

Some ice makers not only offer you a variety of ice sizes and ice thickness but an automatic timer to set when you want your ice ready. Also, if you aren't keen on scrubbing down your ice maker regularly, there are machines that come with a self-cleaning feature. For one-stop drinking, consider machines that work as both a water dispenser and ice maker.

Why Trust Liquor.com?

This roundup was updated by Caroline Pardilla, a cocktail writer and Instagrammer who has that condition where she can't drink a cocktail until after she takes a picture of it first.

This roundup was also updated by Jesse Porter, whose favorite kind of ice is the kind that's in a cocktail, and whose favorite kind of cocktail is one that's perfectly chilled.

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