Counter top ice makers also known as freestanding ice makers or home ice makers, provide and almost endless amount of ice between fills ups. The wonderful thing about them is that they do not need to be professionally installed, just plug in, fill with water and go. I personally own one and find it to be a wonderful addition, especially during Southern California Summers, to my kitchen appliances. All of the following reviewed machines were reviewed for two reasons (1) customer reviews and (2) ease of use. It should be noted that the average price is about $180 though there are more expensive ones on the market.
Chef Mate Counter Top Ice Maker (suggested retail price $169.99) A good machine of a small family. From a gallon of water, one gets an average of 33 pounds of ice, with the machine holding two and a half pounds between dumps (emptying of the ice bucket). The machine is able to produce three sizes and the first tray of ice is ready in as little as six minutes. The machine is easy to operate with soft touch controls to change ice sizes and power on and off. This is the machine I own personally and have discovered that the first batch of ice is the thinnest and it is best to let the machine continue on its cycle as the cubes will be the proper size on its second cycle and on. A good machine for a small family of four.
Mr. Freeze 35lbs-A-Day Stainless Steel Ice Maker (suggested retail price $199.99) Can make up to between 30 and 35 pounds of per day. Soft touch controls and the first tray of ice is ready in as little as ten minutes. The machine boasts three sizes for ice.
Sunpentown Portable Ice Maker (suggested retail value $229.99) With an LCD display, one can choose their cube size from three different sizes as well as set a timer to have the machine work automatically. Has a 35 pound capacity per day and holds within the machine two and a half pounds of ice between dumps.
Danby Portable 33 lbs Ice Maker (Suggested Retail Price $199.98) Another LCD display that allows consumer to program the machine as well as select their ice size. Capable of holding three pounds of ice between dumps. Further it has a self-cleaning cycle that eliminates the need to move the machine close to a sink for clean out.
Retro Series Ice Maker (Suggested Retail Price $169.96) Only available on-line through www.walmart.com. Capable of making 26 pounds of ice per day. The machine only makes one size of ice and turns easily on and off.
Kalorik Silver Spray Portable Ice Cube Maker (Suggested Retail Price $178.88) With its soft touch controls, the machine is easy to operate for its three ice sizes and is capable of making 33 pounds of ice per day in as little as ten minutes.
The machines can be found at any department store, I found most machines from Target and WalMart. Home Depot carries a selection designed for a favorite college football team. I found it interesting that Lowes did not carry a freestanding ice makers, be they for home or commercial use. These ice machines work on a gallon of water between re-fills and run every efficiently. It should be noted that although they are portable and countertop friendly, the machines will work at their best when allowed more than their recommended clearance for the fan which is positioned one the side of the machine. The Chef Mate at our home sits in our dining room with enough fan clearance to allow the machine to work properly. With a family of four, we use the machine every other day to its full capacity between dumps.
A freestanding home ice maker saves precious space in a freeze as well as saving time waiting for ice to be made. In as little as six minutes, your drink is cold. Overall the home ice maker is a good investment for those who use a quantity of ice.
