When it comes to ice cream or cocktail parties, having enough ice is essential. Even refrigerators equipped with ice makers can’t keep up with demand when your supply is low.
A wide variety of ice machines for the home is now offered to consumers. This buying guide will help you make sense of the world of ice makers, whether you’re looking for quality, quantity, or both.
Factors to consider
Drainage
Most ice machines don’t spend energy maintaining their storage containers at a subzero level. Instead, a surplus of ice keeps these insulated containers comfortably chilled throughout the day. Some of the ice, though, will melt over time.
To properly dispose of the melting ice, all types of ice makers—outdoor and indoor—need a drainage line. Units designed to be used on the go, such as countertop and portable models, recycle the meltwater for future use.
Gravity drains and drain pumps are two solutions for draining. If you intend to put your ice maker within a few feet of a drain, gravity drains might be a good option.
Although this is the case, gravity drains only make sense if your drain is lower than the ice machine itself.
It makes it logical to choose a drain pump model in many cases. While you can buy a drain pump separately for certain gravity drain ice makers, purchasing a model with a built-in pump is often more convenient.
Capacity
The average domestic ice maker can create between 12 to 25 pounds of ice each day, more than enough for most people. Specific versions can churn out 55 pounds of meat a day in commercial settings or for those who entertain often.
Storage capacity is another factor to consider. There are numerous models whose daily output volume exceeds their storage capacity in pounds of cubes.
Even if this is true, you shouldn’t be using the machine at maximum capacity for a whole day.
For example, countertop versions may only hold 2 pounds even if they’re capable of producing 25 pounds of fresh ice each day, whereas larger models may contain as much as they can make in one day.
Production Speed
In addition to determining how much ice you need, you must also ensure that your ice maker can produce ice rapidly enough. In terms of ice output each day, this is often expressed in pounds.
In making sure that you and your family or visitors don’t have to wait long for a refill, it’s best to go with a machine that has a bigger capacity.
If you’re running low on ice, know that someone will have to take a moment to fill it back up. You don’t need a dedicated water connection to use this ice maker, which makes it portable.
While the installation process is simplified, you will still have to replenish the water supply manually. This may be a minor task, but one that must be completed to ensure that the ice supply doesn’t run out.
In most cases, the manufacturer’s product specifications are explicit about how long you may anticipate waiting before you begin to obtain ice.
Most countertop ice makers will start making ice within 10 to 20 minutes after being filled with water and turned on. If you’re concerned with speed, keep an eye out for the differences between models while you’re shopping.
Takeaway
If you’ve been purchasing bags of ice from the grocery store daily, an icemaker may save you money in the long run.
Find the best portable ice maker for your needs, and you’ll always have enough ice at home, at work, on camping vacations, or even at parties.