Travel Tips Cool Gadgets The 10 Best Portable Ice Makers of 2023 Frigidaire’s EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker is convenient, reliable, and super easy to use. By Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Kaitlyn McInnis is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer with bylines in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Tatler Asia, CNN, The Points Guy, and more. Born and raised in Canada, she specializes in writing Canadian and international travel guides. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 11, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying a Portable Ice Maker FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski A portable ice maker makes it easy to ensure you always have ice on hand when you need it — whether that’s for making at-home iced coffee, filling a cooler, or shaking up freezing cold martinis on a whim. Portable ice makers can make pounds upon pounds of ice quickly and efficiently. The compact machines are small enough to sit on the kitchen counter and include their own reservoirs so you don’t have to worry about connecting your appliance to a water supply. They’re also easy to transport and set up in an RV or campsite so you can have access to ice while away from home. There are endless options out there, but not all portable ice makers are created equal. We scoured the internet to find the best options based on varying needs and preferences. Our favorite, the Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker, can churn out a whooping 26 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period — and it’s a bargain. The other ice makers on our list stood out for factors like ease of use, compact design, noise levels, and other important elements that help ensure consistent ice at home and on the go. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable: Free Village Ice Maker Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Easiest to Transport: Ecozy Ice Maker Countertop at Amazon Jump to Review Easiest to Use: Igloo Countertop Ice Maker Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Most Compact: Koolatron Ice Machine at Walmart Jump to Review Best Large Capacity: NewAir Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Parties: Soukoo Water Ice Maker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Quiet: Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Self-cleaning: Igloo 26-Pound Portable Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Nugget Ice: Euhomy Ice Maker Countertop at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This efficient option can produce 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours.What to Consider: The drain plug can be tricky to use and maintain. The Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker earns the top spot in our books due to its compact size and an uncompromising ability to churn out ice quickly. The surprisingly efficient ice maker is small enough to fit in kitchens with limited space while providing up to 26 pounds of ice in a 24-hour timeframe. Simply pour water up to the unit’s fill line and you’ll have ice in your glass in under 10 minutes. This Frigidaire model also stands out for its foolproof design that helps ensure you’ll never find yourself without ample ice cubes available: It provides alerts when the water tank is running low and also features an indicator for when the ice basket is full and ready to be emptied. It's also impressively insulated to help prevent the ice cubes from melting even if you leave them in the ice maker for long periods of time or overnight. If the ice is left long enough to melt, the runoff is recycled to make new cubes in your next batch. Although it only makes bullet-shaped ice, you get your choice of two different sizes to suit various beverages and needs. It also needs to be plugged into an outlet for operation, but a lengthy cord helps. Price at time of publish: $119 Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 26 pounds | Weight: 17.31 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice Most Durable Free Village Ice Maker Machine for Countertop Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This budget-friendly option is long-lasting, even with everyday use.What to Consider: The basin isn’t very insulated and ice can melt quickly. The Free Village Ice Maker Machine for Countertop is proof that you don’t need to spend a ton in order to have regular access to ice cubes at home. This budget-friendly ice maker is compact and efficient; it only takes five to eight minutes to make nine pieces of ice and can easily churn out about 26 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. The ice maker also offers a self-cleaning functionality that’ll help keep your ice cubes crystal clear for consumption, which makes for minimal effort when it comes to long-term maintenance on your end. An upgraded compressor and exhaust fan also help the Free Village Ice Maker's staying power. Plus, we like that this option is super lightweight and portable, which is great for storing when not in use or bringing with you on the road. Price at time of publish: $150 Dimensions: 13.9 x 9.5 x 13 inches | Capacity: 26 pounds | Weight: 16.75 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice Easiest to Transport Ecozy Portable Ice Maker Countertop Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: Lightweight and durable, this ice maker is heavy-duty and won’t break down with regular trips to camp or on an RV.What to Consider: The ice cubes are rather small compared to other ice makers. If you’re looking for a portable ice maker that you can easily throw into the car for your next camping trip or set up in a compact RV kitchen, you’ll want to consider the Ecozy Portable Ice Maker. This small appliance weighs just over 17 pounds, and it’s also particularly convenient for transport thanks to the stainless steel design and simple hinged opening at the top of the machine. The corrosion-resistant exterior and insulated interior also help to ensure your ice maker won’t rust or leak while the self-cleaning functionality means you don’t have to worry about washing the interior workings of your ice maker by hand. Price at time of publish: $140 Dimensions: 8.7 x 12.3 x 12.6 inches | Capacity: 26.5 pounds | Weight: 17.46 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice The 7 Best Camping Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Easiest to Use Igloo Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It: This ice maker is stylish and practical, storing up to two pounds of ice at a time.What to Consider: It can be quite noisy compared to other ice makers. The Igloo Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for an ice maker that is a no-brainer to operate. The compact ice maker features a three-quart capacity water tank, transparent top lid, and LED-illuminated control panel designed to alert you when the ice basket is full or when you need to add more water to the reservoir. The control panel also makes it easy to choose between the two different sizes of ice cubes. This option also stands out for its slick design and makes a great option for anyone looking to keep their ice maker on the counter all the time. It’s available in five different fun shades to suit your existing kitchen design, including lavender, turquoise, and red. Price at time of publish: $198 Dimensions: 17.1 x 12.2 x 14.4 inches | Capacity: 26 pounds | Weight: Not listed | Type of Ice: Bullet ice Most Compact Koolatron Automatic Digital Control Ice Machine Wayfair View On Walmart View On Campingworld.com View On Home Depot Why We Love It: It has a self-cleaning function and the basket and scoop can also be put in the dishwasher.What to Consider: The water reservoir is small and will require regular refilling. Looking for a compact ice maker that’ll be able to squeeze into your limited counter space? The Koolatron Automatic Digital Control Ice Machine is slender and lightweight, which makes it ideal for kitchens that are on the smaller size or those who already have a fair number of appliances taking up space. The water reservoir is quite a bit smaller than other ice makers on the list, but this option does include an easy-to-read digital LED indicator that’ll let you know as soon as the water is running low or needs to be refilled. This ice maker also includes a self-cleaning function, and the removable ice basket and scoop can be thrown in the dishwasher. Price at time of publish: $210 Dimensions: 12.8 x 9 x 12.2 inches | Capacity: 26.5 pounds | Weight: 16.4 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice Best Large Capacity NewAir Countertop Ice Maker 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Campingworld.com Why We Love It: This ice maker can make a generous 50 pounds of ice in 24 hours.What to Consider: This option is quite a bit louder than others on the list. Most ice makers cap out under 30 pounds of ice every 24 hours — and that’s mainly due to the size restraints that portable ice makers try to stick to. That said, it’s not impossible to find a larger ice maker if you’re traveling with a large group, planning for an epic bash, or otherwise happen to require more ice in a short period of time. The NewAir Portable Ice Maker isn’t all that much larger than a regular ice maker, but it can churn out a generous 50 pounds of ice in 24 hours. This option also offers three different sizes of bullet ice cubes, allowing you to curate them based on your specific needs or whims. The large ice basket is well insulated and keeps ice cold for long periods of time. It even includes an 18-hour timer that allows you to start the ice production exactly when you need it. Price at time of publish: $241 Dimensions: 16.9 x 14 x 16.7 inches | Capacity: 50 pounds | Weight: 37.6 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice The 10 Best Portable Induction Cooktops of 2023 Best for Parties Soukoo 2-in-1 Water Ice Maker Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This convenient ice maker features a dual water tank for extended uninterrupted ice-making.What to Consider: The ice maker is quite large and probably won’t work in smaller kitchens. Planning a party is hard enough without having to worry about where and when to get the ice. That’s why the Soukoo 2-in-1 Water Ice Maker is a must-have for those who host regular gatherings and get-togethers. This large-capacity ice maker can make 48 pounds of ice in 24 hours, but the best part is the dual water tank feature. It has a built-in water reservoir tucked into the ice maker but also features a top opening that can accommodate a 5-gallon water jug. This means you won’t have to worry about refilling your water reservoir for the entire party and beyond, saving you from having to frantically run to the store for ice and your guests from having to sip lukewarm drinks. Price at time of publish: $290 Dimensions: 16.7 x 14.4 x 17.8 | Capacity: 48 pounds | Weight: Not listed | Type of ice: Bullet ice The 7 Best Portable Blenders of 2023 Best Quiet Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why We Love It: This budget-friendly ice maker is compact and whisper-quiet.What to Consider: The ice basket isn’t very insulated and ice melts quickly. The Frigidaire EFIC108 Ice Maker is an excellent option for those looking for a whisper-quiet and non-imposing portable ice maker that won’t overwhelm a small kitchen. The budget-friendly appliance runs at less than 38 decibels, which won’t disrupt your household or gathering, while the compact size is small enough to comfortably fit on limited counter space (or in cabinetry when not in use). We also love that this ice maker is sleek and modern in design and comes in a wide variety of cool colors, like bright red and sky blue that’ll easily suit your existing kitchen decor. Price at time of publish: $108 Dimensions: 14.9 x 14.8 x 11 inches | Capacity: 26 pounds | Weight: 18.61 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice Best Self-cleaning Igloo 26-Pound Portable Countertop Ice Maker Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why We Love It: Lightweight and easy to clean, this compact ice maker is a breeze to maintain.What to Consider: The ice basket is quite a bit smaller than similar options on the list. Portable ice makers tend to require a fair bit of maintenance: You have to ensure the water reservoir is cleaned and full, the appliance takes up precious counter space, and the clunky design isn’t always easy to store or travel with. The Igloo 26-pound Automatic Self-cleaning Portable Countertop Ice Maker, however, ensures at-home ice-making is convenient and easy to maintain by automating the cleaning process one step further. The affordable ice maker is automatically self-cleaning and will run a wash cycle every five uses so you don’t have to worry about remembering to spruce it up. It’s quick-freezing and comes with a built-in top handle for easy storage and transport as well. Price at time of publish: $185 Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.1 x 12.2 inches | Capacity: 26 pounds | Weight: 19 pounds | Type of ice: Bullet ice Best Nugget Ice Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This high-end ice maker can make 30 pounds of versatile nugget-shaped ice cubes in just 24 hours.What to Consider: The price-point is significantly higher than similar options on the list. The Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker was designed for those looking for a large volume of versatile ice cubes, and it delivers. The high-end portable ice maker can churn out 30 pounds of nugget-shaped ice cubes in 24 hours and features a large insulated ice basket for keeping your ice cold and perfectly shaped for the long haul. We also like that this ice maker gives you the option of filling your water reservoir manually or automatically by connecting your machine to a potable water source. It also features a self-cleaning function that helps prevent limescale and odors at the push of a button. Price at time of publish: $340 Dimensions: 17.6 x 9.7 x 17 inches | Capacity: 30 pounds | Weight: 40 pounds | Type of ice: Nugget ice Tips for Buying a Portable Ice Maker Choose the right size for your space Portable ice makers are designed to be compact — but compact can be relative. You’ll want to be sure to measure the counter space available for your ice maker and check that the listed dimensions don’t exceed it. Keep in mind that certain ice makers require pulling a water reservoir in and out of the top of the appliance, which might make it hard to store your ice maker underneath a cabinet. Check your electrical setup Before you invest in an ice maker, you’ll want to double check your current electrical setup and ensure you have an outlet that’ll suit your appliance. Most ice makers will come equipped with a three-prong plug, which means you likely won’t be able to plug it into a power bar or other two-prong outlets. If you’re taking it on the road, have a plan to bring along a compatible generator or other power source. Frequently Asked Questions How do I clean my portable ice maker? Most modern ice makers offer self-cleaning functionality, but if you use your ice maker on a regular basis you might want to consider giving it a little helping hand. Consider running a mild cleaning solution through your ice maker (10:1 ratio of water and either lemon or vinegar) to ensure your machine stays clean and sanitary. Can I leave my portable ice maker on all the time? There’s nothing wrong or dangerous about leaving your ice maker on all the time as the melted ice simply gets recycled back into the water reservoir, but doing so will likely result in your ice cubes melting together and forming large clumps of ice that are less convenient to use. How does a portable ice maker work? Portable ice makers function by pulling water from the built-in reservoir into a container where the ice forms on frozen metal prongs. The water freezes much quicker than it would in a regular ice cube tray due to the fact that the prongs, like air conditioning or refrigerators, are full of a fast-freezing substance called refrigerant. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis scoured through product manuals and reviews and used her experience as a travel writer and former gear editor to curate the best options to suit most needs. The 9 Best Wine Fridges and Coolers for Perfectly Chilled Wine Every Time Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Additional reporting by Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit