The sunny days are finally here, so it's finally time to try some delicious cocktail and iced drink recipes. But to make these recipes, you'll need ice cubes. To get plenty of ice, why not buy an ice maker? There are many options, from compact to built-in, from home use only to mixed use (home and business). Read our guide to find the right ice maker for you.
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Our selection
"Enjoy delicious, icy drinks around the clock with the Klarstein Eiszeit Crush with three functions and two ice sizes."
"With a production capacity of 9 ice cubes per cycle, this budget-friendly appliance will allow you to enjoy all the iced drinks you want."
"You can use this powerful machine both for preparing cold drinks in your kitchen and for professional use."
"If you are looking for a robust machine with a large capacity, this is the machine for you. With its 45 kg of ice cubes/day,…"
Enjoy delicious, icy drinks around the clock with the Klarstein Eiszeit Crush with three functions and two ice sizes.
See the priceThis machine is one of the best on the market today. It is a powerful machine that can produce 15 to 18 kg of ice cubes per day. It is suitable for everyday use as well as helping you to liven up your garden barbecues. It has a control panel with LCD screen. It offers two sizes of ice cubes: small and large. This machine is also multifunctional: it will serve you ice cubes, but also iced water and crushed ice. Its water tank has a capacity of 1.8 liters and the container can produce 600g of ice cubes for each cycle.
With a production capacity of 9 ice cubes per cycle, this budget-friendly appliance will allow you to enjoy all the iced drinks you want.
See the priceThe Tectake ice maker can produce 9 ice cubes in only 10 minutes, for a daily capacity of about 12 to 15 kg. It is very easy to use, you just have to fill the water tank and that's it, no need for additional water supply. The device is very compact(36 x 24 x 32 cm) and quite light(7 kg), so it is very transportable, and will fit perfectly in all kitchens (large and small), it will even be suitable for office use.
You can use this powerful machine both for preparing cold drinks in your kitchen and for professional use.
See the priceThe Frostica silber from Karlstein can produce up to 20 kg of ice in 24 hours, which will be deposited directly into the ice cube tray (capacity 3,5 kg). With this machine you can have as many flake ice cubes as you want, which you can use for food counters or to cool fish displays, etc. The machine is easy to use, and it will alert you with an indicator light if the tank runs out of water. The machine may be a bit bulky (dimensions approx. 38 x 60 x 47 cm [WxHxD] and weight approx. 31.1 kg), but it makes up for this with efficiency.
If you are looking for a robust machine with a large capacity, this is the machine for you. With its 45 kg of ice cubes/day, it is the most productive machine of this selection.
See the priceThe vidaXL 420W Ice Maker is capable of producing up to 32 ice cubes per cycle. It operates with alow noise level. The machine is made of stainless steel and is relatively compact: it is 43 cm long, 40 cm wide and 71 cm high. The vidaXl ice maker uses a water supply system, but it is not too difficult to install. It is equipped with an alarm that will warn you when the freezer compartment is full or when there is not enough water.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level ice maker
Your guide :
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In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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KLARSTEIN -Eiszeit Crush ice maker
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TECTAKE - 9 per cycle silver ice maker
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KLARSTEIN - Frostica Silber
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VIDAXL- Appareil à glaçons 420 W Noir
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Enjoy delicious, icy drinks around the clock with the Klarstein Eiszeit Crush with three functions and two ice sizes.
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With a production capacity of 9 ice cubes per cycle, this budget-friendly appliance will allow you to enjoy all the iced drinks you want.
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You can use this powerful machine both for preparing cold drinks in your kitchen and for professional use.
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If you are looking for a robust machine with a large capacity, this is the machine for you. With its 45 kg of ice cubes/day, it is the most productive machine of this selection.
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Multifunction machine
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Compact and transportable machine
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Powerful machine
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Large capacity (32 ice cubes/cycle and 45 kg/d)
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Sleek and elegant design
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Up to 15 kg of ice cubes/day
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A production capacity of 20 kg/dr
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Fairly fast operation
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produces ice cubes after 10 min
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Some users have complained about the scoop not being able to pick up all the ice cubes
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Suitable for professional use as well
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Silent machine
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Automatic shut-off when ice tray is full
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Bulky machine
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Sober design
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Somewhat compact
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May be noisy as well
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Some users have complained about the water drainage system
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Some ice machines allow you to choose ice sizes. Check the specifications, as products vary in this regard. One machine may give you a choice between small and large cubes, while a slightly more sophisticated machine may increase your choices to three: small, medium and large cubes. Small cubes are generally faster to produce, but will melt faster in your drink.
Do you want an ice maker that can produce several kilograms of ice cubes per day? Or would you be satisfied with a machine that can produce only a few hundred grams at a time? If your goal is to make enough ice for a large party, a small capacity machine with an output of a few hundred grams at a time would require frequent transfers of ice to other containers. For some guests, this would be a nuisance. A large capacity machine that produces hundreds of grams of ice would require fewer transfers. Note that professional machines can produce more than 20 kg of ice cubes per day. However, their prices can be high.
Do you want a machine with lightweight handles that are easy to carry? Or are you planning to create a permanent space for your ice maker in your home? The truth is, not all ice machines are easy to move from one place to another. Before you buy, be sure to investigate any "ease of transport" features that would make your life easier - or more difficult. For example, built-in models typically weigh ten kilograms or more. Generally speaking, they are the heaviest on the market. Smaller units weigh less, but their output may be less than the competition.
Some small ice machines produce a first batch of cubes in a few minutes, but take much longer to make subsequent batches. Similarly, some larger machines take 15-20 minutes for the first batch, but only a few minutes for subsequent batches. Pay attention to this detail at the time of purchase to avoid disappointment later.
How fast do you need your cubes? The production cycle time varies from machine to machine. Unit A can produce ice in six to seven minutes, while Unit B may require 20 minutes or more to deliver its first batch.
Ice makers do not require an external water line. Simply add water to the freezing chamber and turn on the machine. Inside the machine, metal probes connected to a heat exchanger dip into the water and freeze quickly. Ice accumulates around these probes until it reaches a specific size. The excess water flows into the tank and the heat exchanger changes direction, causing the metal probes to heat up and release the cubes into an insulated compartment.
The cycle begins again when fresh water from the tank floods the freezing chamber and the metal probes return to freezing mode.
The inside of ice makers can become hotbeds of mold and germs if you don't clean them regularly. This is because they are damp, dark and hot when not in use. The good news is that if you've ever cleaned a coffee maker, you know how to clean an ice maker. Unplug it first and remove the ice cube tray. Wipe down the inside with a cloth or paper towel, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. (If it is particularly dirty, pour white vinegar on the cloth before using it). Do the same with the ice cube tray.
Prepare a cleaning solution containing 10 parts water and 1 part white vinegar or lemon juice, then run this solution through a few normal ice cycles and discard the ice. Drain the machine and wipe the interior with a clean cloth or paper towel. Fill the container with clean water and run a few normal cycles, discarding the ice after each; this will remove any excess cleaning solution in the unit.
There are mainly two types of home ice makers on the market, indoor ice makers and outdoor ice makers. Both work in much the same way, the differences are mostly in size for some models.
This type of ice maker is recognizable by its compact size, which can easily fit on a counter or table. Portable ice makers are only a few dozen centimeters tall and weigh no more than 15 kg.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
This type of ice maker will suit you if you only need a small volume of ice each time you use it. It will also be suitable if you only have a small space to store your machine.
Built-in ice machines can be identified by their much greater height than portable machines. A built-in machine is about 60 or 70 cm and up. This type of machine is not meant to fit on a countertop, but rather to be placed on the floor against a wall, sometimes even outside for the sturdiest and loudest machines.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
This type of ice maker will suit you if you are the kind of person who needs a lot of ice: if you particularly like frozen desserts, or if you often serve wine for example. They are also suitable if you need an ice maker for your business.
The air-cooled ice maker is generally the most popular, as it is more affordable and easy to install. It works by drawing in ambient air through a fan to reduce the temperature of its compressor. One of the most compelling reasons to opt for an air-cooled ice maker is that it does not require water drainage.
However, there is also a downside to its use. This is because the operation of an air-cooled ice maker depends on the environment in which it is located. The machine must have an open air flow through the vents. It is therefore less efficient in hot locations.
This type of ice maker is less used. However, it is the most efficient at removing heat quickly. Since this machine uses water instead of air for cooling, it consumes a large amount of water. However, it ensures a constant production of ice cubes. It is also much quieter and does not increase the ambient temperature of a room in which it is installed.
However, it is more than obvious that the potential disadvantage of a water-cooled ice maker is that it consumes a lot of water. And its installation is also complicated. Moreover, its use is not recommended if you do not have a large water tank.
In conclusion, the choice between these two types of ice makers depends on the amount of ice you will need. Opt for a water-cooled ice maker for a hot area to ensure constant production. However, choose the air-cooled model for its low water consumption to save more energy.
For efficient cooling during the summer months
Our water consumption increases considerably during the summer months. For extra freshness, you can add 2 or 3 ice cubes to each glass. However, it is not easy to satisfy your ice needs without the right equipment.
To avoid having to refill your ice cube trays repeatedly and to ensure that you have more than enough ice throughout the long hot days, the ideal is to invest in an ice cube maker. It will give you the necessary freshness.
Moreover, if you wish to concoct small thirst-quenching cocktails, with or without alcohol, it will quickly provide you with one of the precious ingredients necessary for the realization of your recipes.
To avoid running out of ice cubes, we advise you to invest in a high-performance equipment. Some models can be programmed and provide information on the amount of water in their reservoir, as well as any excess ice cubes in their tray.
To save time in the production of ice cubes
Molds filled with water and placed in the freezer can provide you with a certain amount of ice. However, they will have great difficulty meeting your needs, especially on hot days. This is because the rate of freezing of the water in the moulds is relatively slow, regardless of your freezer setting.
To be able to quickly access a large quantity of ice cubes, the use of a machine specially designed for ice cube production is highly recommended. Whatever your needs, we recommend a machine with a production time of no more than 15 minutes.
To meet the needs of your guests efficiently
If you regularly host guests in your home, an ice maker could be of great use to you. This type of appliance will help you meet the cooling needs of your guests, provided it is efficient enough.
Opt for a machine that can produce 12 to 15 kg of ice cubes per day and that offers features to automate and check the proper production process. Knowing that your attention will be focused on your guests, an alarm signaling a lack of water and/or an excess of ice cubes could be useful.
In our opinion, the best brands of ice cube machines in 2022 are :
This German brand specialises in the manufacture of kitchen appliances and small household appliances. It has an excellent reputation. We particularly appreciate the innovative and futuristic design of its products.
Lagrange is a French brand that has been around for 60 years now, starting with the production of electric waffle irons with interchangeable plates before extending its expertise to other household appliances. This brand is particularly appreciated for the performance, simplicity and user-friendliness of its products.
This German brand was created in 1960 and is now an international reference for kitchen appliances and small household appliances. We particularly appreciate this brand for the quality and reliability of its range of small appliances.
Tectake is a French brand specialized in e-commerce and which offers a vast range of products dedicated to the house of which the household appliances. Its values are reliability, customer satisfaction and a very good quality-price ratio.
This American brand was created in 1970, and its mission is to make cooking an art accessible to all. We particularly appreciate the technology of their appliances, which can be used by professionals as well as in any French kitchen.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Choose the right location for your ice maker
Place the ice maker on an elevated surface that is sturdy enough to support the weight of the machine and the water you pour into the reservoir.
Don't overlook the storage option
If
you don't want to devote counter space to this "occasional" appliance, consider getting a machine that can be stored in a closet between uses. Larger ice machines can take up as much space as a toaster oven. If your kitchen isn't very large, this may not be the option for you.
Empty your ice machine regularly
Presumably
all the storage bins in the portable ice maker are insulated but not refrigerated. This means that if you "forget" the ice cubes you just made in the machine, they could melt and refreeze, which could create a flow problem for the freezer and you will have a giant ice cube in the bin.
Think about how often you will use your ice maker
Commercial-grade models can cost thousands of dollars, a bit of an overkill if you only need it for occasional home use. It's not a good idea to spend a huge amount of money on an appliance that you'll only use once in a while.
Look for Energy Star certified models
An
Energy Star certified outdoor ice maker uses less energy than other models, which is better for the environment and your wallet
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The best ice maker depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out more.
No. Portable ice makers do not require a water line. Simply pour water into the unit's tank and turn it on to start the ice-making process.
Portable ice makers do not require a water line or drain, only a power supply, and can be taken almost anywhere a 110-120V outlet is available.
Most ice makers will drop their first cubes into the bin within minutes. It usually only takes 10 to 30 minutes.
Portable ice makers are compact enough to fit comfortably on a countertop, but large enough to hold a substantial amount of ice. Most models are less than 40 cm long and are less than 30 cm wide.
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