If you want to provide your family and friends with the best drinks possible, then it is essential to start with great ice. Great ice is clear, fresh, and ready when you need it. That is why so many people are choosing to invest in the best countertop ice maker.
5 Features To Look Out for in Countertop Ice Makers
The difficult part is trying to decide what features are most important and the best fit for your needs. That’s where this handy guide comes in!
Of course, you can always check out countertop ice maker reviews online, but today we will look at the 5 most important features of a portable countertop ice maker to help you find the perfect ice machine for your home.
1. The Overall Look Of The Best Countertop Ice Maker
In a restaurant, commercial ice machines have one or two general looks. However, countertop ice makers offer a bit more variety. Knowing that your machine will be sitting out on your counter, taking looks into consideration is a valid concern.
The best countertop ice maker comes in a mix of finishes with stainless steel, black, and white being the most common options. There are some portable ice makers that come with colored panels which allow owners to match their machine to colored kitchen appliances.
While the look of your countertop ice maker is completely aesthetic, it is still nice to know that you will likely have options that suit your personal style.
2. Machine Ice Production Capacity And Ice Making Speed
One of the most important specs to consider when purchasing the best countertop ice maker for your family is how quickly you want ice, and how much you think you will use.
A countertop ice maker’s production capacity is measured in pounds of ice the machine can make in a 24 hour period. If you regularly host large gatherings it will be important that your machine is capable of making enough ice to serve everyone.
Another consideration is how long you want to wait for ice to be produced. For most machines the ice making speed is 10-20 minutes after water is added to the machine.
Different machine models will have different ice creation times. A countertop nugget ice maker can create a pound of ice per hour.
If quickly prepared ice is important to you, then you will want to carefully read a potential machine’s product specs.
You might want to check out countertop ice maker reviews online before making a purchase to see what other people say about specific model, brand, and machine.
3. Machine Durability
Portable ice machines naturally receive a lot of wear and tear. They may be used in a variety of settings and become a frequently used appliance in most homes. As such, durability is an important consideration when buying a machine.
If you are worried about wear and tear on your machine you may want to look into purchasing an ice machine that comes with a warranty. This warranty will guarantee you a working ice machine for a set amount of years.
Ice machines are one machine where you often get what you pay for. Buying a higher cost machine typically means a higher quality product.
The frequency of use will also affect the durability of a portable ice maker. For instance, a countertop nugget ice maker may not last 10 years if it is used daily.
In any case, make sure to read countertop ice maker reviews for any machines you are considering buying. Previous machine owners will be sure to comment on any features that they loved or that didn’t hold up to the test of time.
4. Intelligent Water Conservation
One feature that is important for those with an eco-friendly mindset is a machine’s ability to recycle water that isn’t used as ice.
Many machines need to be emptied of excess water between cycles as ice melts and pools in the bottom of the ice holder. However, some machines are equipped with the ability to recycle water back through the system for ice making.
By purchasing a countertop ice maker that uses an intelligent water system you will save water and require less frequent reservoir fillings.
Do keep in mind that water changes will still be needed and clear ice is best achieved in the first few cycles of water.
5. Machine Cost
The best portable countertop ice maker is an investment worth making but knowing how much you are willing and able to spend is important.
A typical base price of a portable ice maker is around $100.
If you want customized ice and better durability the price will rise. On the higher end you can expect to spend around $250 for the best countertop ice maker.
A countertop nugget ice maker, for instance, can be quite expensive. It is different from traditional ice machines. It produces ice that is chewable and boasts of soft texture.
If you want a durable machine that is going to last well past a year, it is worth it to pay a slightly higher machine price. Cheaper machines work in the short term but don’t have a review history of lasting too long.
If you want to be able to customize your machine with color features, special ice types, and have a larger ice capacity you will also see prices increase over the $100 mark.
Make sure to consider your budget, and the other features of your machine when looking at the best countertop ice maker within your price range.
As you look for the best countertop ice maker, keeping in mind these features will help you make a purchase that serves your family, coworkers, or other guests well.
When you balance looks, production, and price you are certain to get a machine that you can be happy to have on your counter. Happy shopping!