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You are here: Home / Reviews / Best Portable Ice Maker of 2018 [Complete Reviews with Comparison]

Best Portable Ice Maker of 2018 [Complete Reviews with Comparison]

January 3, 2020 By Kammie @ Sensual Appeal

best portable ice maker

best portable ice maker

A portable ice maker can be a fantastic solution when you don’t want to have to refill an ice tray every day or just don’t have room for making and storing all that extra ice. Many of them are also small enough to fit easily onto a countertop during use and in a cupboard otherwise.

If you’re new to shopping for portable ice makers, we’re here to help! In this list, you’ll find a great selection of small, easy to use ice makers that will surely become highly used and enjoyed tools in your household. Read on to learn about five highly popular portable ice maker options.

If it’s a counter top ice maker you are looking for,  then you can see our recommended selection of the best products here, including reviews and comparison.

Comparison Chart

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Our Portable Ice Maker Reviews

1. Koldfront KIM202W

[amazon fields=”B013XXTFKG” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large”]

This is a lower cost option that is great for those who want to step into the portable ice maker market without dishing out the big bucks. It’s reliable, quiet and capable of holding quite a bit of ice.

[amazon fields=”B013XXTFKG” value=”thumb” image=”2″ image_size=”large”]

Features:

  • Offers 2 different cube sizes
  • Stores up to 1.5lbs of ice
  • Produces ice in about 10 minutes

When you need ice quickly, the Koldfront is able to dish it out in as little as 10 minutes, which isn’t much of a wait time at all! You’ll also have the option of choosing between two different cube sizes, so you can set it to meet your needs. Furthermore, you can expect to get up to 26lbs of ice from this machine per day.

What’s to like about Koldfront KIM202W

Many users love that they can get a steady supply of ice from this machine without having to refill it too often. Some users have also found that they can rely on Koldfront machines like this one to last for years before they end up needing to replace it.

What’s not to like about Koldfront KIM202W

While for the most part this machine is designed to work very well, there can be some problems with the sensors. If you try out this ice maker and notice that the full or water sensors remain on even when they aren’t needed, it’s a good idea to contact customer service to resolve the problem.

PROS

  • checkRuns quietly
  • checkLong-lasting
  • checkCreates a steady supply of ice.

CONS

  • In some cases, the full sensor can be triggered even when the machine isn’t full
  • Some units can cease working suddenly
  • The add water light can remain on when not needed

2. Gourmia GI110

[amazon fields=”B0178HI1WQ” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large”]

This stark white device can be a great addition to any household. It sports a 3 quart water rank and a price lower than many other options out there. It’s also highly compact and able to take up very little space.

[amazon fields=”B0178HI1WQ” value=”thumb” image=”2″ image_size=”large”]

Features:

  • Offers 3 ice cube sizes
  • Holds over 2lbs of ice
  • Takes as little as 10 minutes to start making cubes

With the Gourmia, you’ll be able to choose between 3 different ice cube sizes, so whether you like your cubes big or small you’ll be all set. It’s also a device that is able to get to work in as little as 10 minutes, meaning there’s very little wait time for you before you have a supply of cubes.

What’s to like about Gourmia GI110

One of the most appreciated features on this device is the cleaning cycle, which makes it much easier to keep the device sanitized. It’s also a device that won’t easily become an eyesore in your home, with its simple, white design. Many find it to be quite aesthetically pleasing.

What’s not to like about Gourmia GI110

It’s important to keep in mind that devices like this one aren’t meant to be freezers. They can make ice quickly, but if the ice is left too long then it can start to melt. You’ll also need to remember to unplug the device when you are finished using it, as there is no method of simply turning it off.

PROS

  • checkOffers a useful cleaning cycle
  • checkEasy to set up
  • checkAesthetically pleasing

CONS

  • Ice can melt more quickly than in a freezer
  • It cannot just be turned off, it needs to be unplugged
  • Some units can cease working without explanation

3. Mr. Freeze MIM-18SI

[amazon fields=”B06W2HD4S1″ value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large”]

The Mr. Freeze is a great option for those who want something that looks great and doesn’t take up a lot of space. It also comes at an awesome price that will allow you all the ice you need without breaking the bank.

[amazon fields=”B06W2HD4S1″ value=”thumb” image=”2″ image_size=”large”]

Features:

  • Provides 2 ice cube sizes
  • Can make up to 26lbs per day
  • Makes cubes in as little as 6 minutes

Once this device is ready to go, you’ll be able to get ice cubes in as little as 6 minutes. That’s really not long at all! It will also be able to provide up to 26lbs of ice in a day, which makes it great when you are having a large party or need to fill up things like coolers or freezers.

What’s to like about Mr. Freeze MIM-18SI

This machine has a very simple, elegant design that will allow it to fit into just about any space inconspicuously. Some may even mistake it for a bread maker. It also comes at a great price, which is perfect for those who are on a tighter budget.

What’s not to like about Mr. Freeze MIM-18SI

Like with many other ice makers, the sensors can have a tendency to burn out, so make sure to keep an eye on them as much as you can to spot any potential problems. It’s also important to remember that ice shouldn’t be left in the machine too long, as it isn’t designed to work as a freezer.

PROS

  • checkWorks quickly
  • checkAffordable
  • checkCompact and aesthetically pleasing

CONS

  • “Needs water” light can remain on when not needed
  • Ice sensors can burn out unexpectedly
  • Ice will melt more quickly than in a freezer

4. Hamilton Beach PIM-2-3A

[amazon fields=”B074VG1DCZ” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large”]

The sleek, black design of this machine gives it a high-tech design that might be reminiscent of a computer casing. The speed with which it’s able to produce ice, and the cost are also to be praised!

[amazon fields=”B074VG1DCZ” value=”thumb” image=”2″ image_size=”large”]

Features:

  • Offers 2 different cube sizes
  • Makes 26lbs per day
  • Produces ice in as little as 7 minutes

This is a really great little machine, able to make ice cubes in as little as 7 minutes. That may not be the quickest speed in this list but it’s pretty close! You’ll also be able to get up to 26lbs of ice from this machine daily, so it’s going to be able to handle the wide majority of ice needs.

What’s to like about Hamilton Beach PIM-2-3A

On top of the great design, this device works quickly, quietly and is highly user-friendly. Because of that, it’s a fantastic choice when you’re looking for something convenient.

What’s not to like about Hamilton Beach PIM-2-3A

This option can be a little less compact than others, so it may need a little more space to be kept. You’ll also need to remember to add water to the machine when it gets low.

PROS

  • checkWorks quickly
  • checkVery easy to use
  • checkRuns quietly

CONS

  • May be less compact than other options
  • You will need to remember to add water to the machine 

5. Smad Portable Ice Maker

[amazon fields=”B01MXKIQWH” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large”]

As the highest rated machine in this list, the Smad offers a great look, high speeds and even an ice scoop to keep everything sanitary!

[amazon fields=”B01MXKIQWH” value=”thumb” image=”2″ image_size=”large”]

Features:

  • Offers 2 cube sizes
  • Holds 1.5lbs at a time
  • Can make ice in as low as 6 minutes

Though it may be a little more expensive than other options in this list, the Smad certainly backs it up with speed and ability. It’s able to begin creating ice cubes in as little as 6 minutes and can hold 1.5lbs of ice at a time.

What’s to like about Smad Portable Ice Maker

Customers enjoy being able to choose the ice cube size, and the machine works very quickly to start popping out cubes for the whole family to enjoy, whatever the reason.

What’s not to like about Smad Portable Ice Maker

The largest downfall with this device is that the price is a little higher than many of the other options on this list. You’ll also need to remember to add water to it as needed.

PROS

  • checkWorks quickly
  • checkSize options are convenient
  • checkVery compact

CONS

  • Ice cubes will melt if left too long
  • May be more expensive than other options

FINAL VERDICT

On this list, the Smad Portable ice maker takes the top spot due to the high levels of praise it has received. It’s a portable, quiet machine that will ensure you have a steady supply of ice for the whole family to enjoy as often as they wish. It’s also able to hold up to 1.5lbs. at a time so you won’t need to worry about it running out.

​Fun facts:  If you’d like to know why some ice cubes come out cloudy and others clear, then read this!

Filed Under: Reviews

About Kammie @ Sensual Appeal

Kamila (Kammie) Gornia is the Founder of Sensual Appeal, where everything is delicious, mindful, and happy. She believes that a healthy happy life should be rooted in real foods and self-love. She is an entrepreneur, as a Business Coach for passion-driven solopreneurs and focuses on marketing + mindset. She's also been a freelance photographer for 6 years.

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