You’ve learned about the benefits that clear ice can have over traditional ice and now you’re interested in purchasing a maker so you can have those benefits at home. But with the overwhelming selection out there, how do you know which one will suit your needs?
In today’s article, we’ll be looking at what a clear ice maker does and reviewing ten options that you can consider when shopping for your new appliance.
We’ll even share our top three best clear ice makers based on value, bargain, and customer choice. So, stick around to see which clear ice maker could be right for you.
Top 3 Picks
Best Value – Kismile Countertop Ice Maker
This ice maker boats two different size options for the ice being produced as well as the ability to produce 26.5 pounds of ice per day. It is remarkably simple to use and has an onboard LED panel that gives various information about the machine’s production. With a high-efficiency, quiet cooling system, transparent window, and lightweight compact design, this ice maker have lots of features that make it the best value in its price range.
Best Bargain – The AGLUCKY Automatic Countertop Ice Maker
If you’re looking for an option that gives you some of the convenient features other models have but doesn’t break the bank, look no further than the AGLUCKY Automatic Countertop Ice Maker. This model has all the features you’ll find in more expensive models packed into a compact and portable body that doesn’t shy on quality.
Customer Choice – The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
Loaded with smart technology, tons of features, and backed by the GE name, the Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker is the most popular model on our list based on user reviews and customer satisfaction.
What Is a Clear Ice Maker?
Clear ice is, as the name implies, crystal clear and comes with benefits not seen in traditional ice cubes. Not only does clear ice look nice in a glass of your favorite beverage, but it is also healthier and doesn’t have the all-too-familiar odor of regular ice.
During the freezing of regular ice, air bubbles and impurities in the water are pushed toward the center of the cube causing a cloudy, sometimes white effect to take place. Clear ice however is filtered to remove impurities and then passed over freezing coils to disperse all the air bubbles. It is frozen in layers and is harder than regular ice.
Clear ice makers are exactly that – machines that make clear ice. Until recently, these machines have only been seen in restaurants and bars since they were quite large and considerably expensive. However, with newer technologies being used and more compact and affordable options being manufactured, they are becoming more and more popular for home use as well.
Why You’d Want or Need Clear Ice
As mentioned above, there are several benefits to having clear ice that far exceeds how nice it looks in a glass. Since any impurities in the water are removed during the filtration process, clear ice cubes are healthier than traditional cubes and taste better. Unlike ice made by regular ice makers, they melt five times slower than regular ice and therefore don’t water down drinks or affect their taste. And because they last longer, you need less, which saves on water and power consumption needed to make more ice.
There are unlimited applications for the use of clear ice including the obvious restaurants and bars as well as home parties, juice bars, social gatherings, and more.
Commercial Uses for Clear Ice Makers
Clear ice was originally intended for hospitality businesses to increase the visual appeal of the ice and reduce overall water and power consumption. The clear ice makers that these businesses use are generally large standalone floor models that are costly to buy initially but save money in water and unitality bills over time. Hospitality models are high production machines that produce extremely large amounts of ice in a short amount of time.
Places that would require these types of Clear ice makers are restaurants, bars, lounges, hotels, casinos, and any other establishments where cold beverages are served in large amounts.
Home Uses for Clear Ice Makers
Clear ice makers are becoming more and more popular for home use and the production of smaller more cost-effective models has increased dramatically in recent years.
Typically sized for countertop use and easily portable, these compact ice makers can be used for any number of applications including summer parties, family gatherings, and weekends on the patio just to name a few. And along with the previously mentioned benefits, having your own ice maker at home will save countless trips to the local store to get more ice.
The Best Clear Ice Makers
NewAir Countertop Clear Ice Maker Machine
The NewAir ClearIce40 Countertop Clear ice maker gives you clean restaurant-quality ice within 15 minutes of starting it and can produce up to forty pounds of ice within twenty-four hours. This portable machine is easy to use and requires no installation. Simply fill up the water reservoir, plug it in, and press the one-touch control. And with an integrated automatic shut-off, you don’t have to watch for the storage tank to reach capacity.
Its advanced design passes water over chilled rods to keep air bubbles out and freezing evenly. And built-in filters mean you can use water right out of the tap and still expect crystal clear ice every time. The insulated storage tank keeps ice at the perfect temperature without drawing unnecessary power and increasing your electric bill.
This model comes with a BPA-free plastic scoop and removable ice bucket. At just 14.76×11.3×14.06 inches and just 26.3 pounds, this clear ice maker can sit on any countertop or in any minibar.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable.
- Quick run time.
- No installation.
- Easy on the environment.
Cons
- Slightly longer wait times than other models on our list.
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC452-SS Extra Large Clear Maker
The Frigidaire EFIC452-SS Extra Large Clear Ice Maker is a high-efficiency unit that can make up to twenty-four square ice cubes within fifteen minutes and up to forty pounds within one day. The insulated storage compartment can store up to 2.4 pounds of ice cubes at a time.
With user-friendly electronic controls and no installation required, simply add water to the 2.3-liter reservoir, plug it in, and get crisp, clear ice within minutes. The compressor cooling system draws air from the water eliminating the cloudy centers seen in traditional ice cubes and the large window lets you watch the ice as it’s made.
With auto defrost, the EFIC452-SS is easy to clean and has an integrated drain plug, allowing you to defrost, drain, and clean the unit safely and thoroughly.
Running at just 120 watts and including a silent cooling function, this clear ice maker is a quiet and energy-efficient option. A convenient ice shovel and basket come with this ice maker letting you entertain to your heart’s content.
This portable unit is 14 x 11 x 15 inches and twenty-six pounds making it ideal for countertops, mini-bars, or even RV’s.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick run time
- No installation
- Energy-Efficient
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other models on our list.
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine can produce twenty-four high-quality ice cubes per twelve-to-eighteen-minute cycle and up to forty pounds every day. The electronic digital controls are easy to use and include a timer function with up to an eight-hour delay for ice at just the right time. The integrated indicator lights will let you know when it is time to fill the water reservoir or empty the storage compartment. And will no installation required, all you have to do is fill the reservoir, plug it in, and hit start.
The easy-open water reservoir holds 2.2 liters of water and can run five cycles per tank, making up to 120 ice cubes. Boasting a water recycling system that collects melted water and filters it for reuse, this machine ensures no water is wasted. And with the ability to adjust the thickness of the ice cubes, you get ice exactly how you want it.
This energy-efficient clear ice maker uses copper, nickel-plated ice tray technology and has anti-corrosion and anti-rust features. Advanced refrigeration technology and an efficient compressor ensure the machine is quick and quiet while also being environmentally friendly. After a few cycles, access the automatic self-cleaning feature for easy care and maintenance and clean cubes every time.
The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker is compact and portable at only 14.1 x 11 x 13.7 inches and 33 pounds. The package includes the ice maker, one ice scoop, and a 2.2-pound capacity removable basket.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick run time
- No installation
- Energy-Efficient
Cons
- One of the heavier models on our list.
NewAir Portable Ice Maker Countertop
The NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker produces restaurant-quality ice in as little as 6 to 15 minutes and makes up to 28 pounds per day. The easy push-button controls make operation a breeze and two indicator lights let you know when the water reservoir is empty, or the ice basket is full. And with no installation required, making ice is as easy as filling it up, plugging it in, and hitting start.
The bullet-shaped ice cubes melt five times slower than traditional cubes and with 3 sizes to choose from you’ll always get exactly what you need.
The AI-100SS shuts off automatically when the water tank is too low, or the storage compartment is full, and the side-mounted drain makes emptying and cleaning this machine a breeze.
The compact 14.5 x 11.75 x 15-inch, 26-pound design is perfect for mini-bars, apartments, and RV use and the unit comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Restaurant quality ice
- Easy to use.
- 3 sizes of cubes to choose from
- Perfect for RV’s
Cons
- Less warranty than other models on our list.
Sentern Portable Countertop Clear Ice Maker
Sentern Portable Countertop Clear ice maker produces hard, dense cubes of ice in as little as fifteen minutes, which stay hard and melt slower than traditional ice. With a 2.2-liter water reservoir and easy-to-use digital control panel, this model is simple to use and requires little maintenance.
This compact and portable ice maker features modern refrigeration technology and a powerful but quiet compressor saving energy and minimizing sound transmission. The large see-through window lets you monitor the process and check on ice levels without having to open the lid.
It is important to note that this unit is for making of the ice only. It is not equipped with a storage compartment and once full, the ice must be used or transferred to a cooler or traditional freezer unit.
Pros
- Portable
- Makes ice in little time.
- Easy to use digital controls.
- Quiet and efficient operation
Cons
- Is not equipped with a storage compartment.
GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker produces smaller, chewable ice made from compacted ice flakes. With no installation required and easy set-up, you can have clean and clear ice within 20 minutes from start and up to 1 pound per hour. The integrated bin holds 3 pounds of ice at a time and the maker can produce a total of 26 pounds of ice per day. Additionally, the included side tank can produce up to three times more ice and attaches directly to the ice maker unit.
This unit boasts a water recycle feature which re-filters any melted water and returns it to the water reservoir to be made back into ice. The smart technology senses when ice is running low and automatically starts producing more.
With onboard Bluetooth technology, you can schedule the ice maker to turn on, monitor its status, and order additional accessories conveniently from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-compatible device.
The GE Profile Opal Nugget runs on 120 volts at fifty-three decibels and is compact and portable at only 10 ½ x 15 ½ x 17 ¾-inches. The included scoop makes transferring ice to where you need it convenient and hassle-free.
Pros
- Smaller, chewable ice cubes
- Easy setup
- Water recycle feature.
- Bluetooth control
- Compact
Cons
- Slightly longer wait times than other models on our list.
AGLUCKY Counter top Ice Maker Machine
The AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker produces bullet-shaped ice in two different sizes and can produce up to nine cubes within six to eight minutes. In total this unit can produce 26.5 pounds of ice per day. Simple to use, it features intuitive display indicators that let you know when the water reservoir needs to be refilled and when the storage tank is full. The top cover has a transparent window letting you see the ice as it’s being made.
An exhaust cooling function ensures the machine stays cool during operation and remains energy efficient with minimal noise impact. The maker is powered with 110 volts.
This compact unit is 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.6-inches and only 17 pounds. It comes complete with an ice scoop and removable basket.
Pros
- Produces two different sizes of ice cubes.
- Simple to use.
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet
- Intuitive display
Cons
- Slightly less features than other models on our list.
Kismile Countertop Ice Maker Machine
The Kismile Countertop Ice Maker can produce up to nine cubes in only six to eight minutes and 26.5 pounds of each per day. The bullet-shaped ice cubes can be produced in one of two sizes and the 1.7-liter water reservoir means you have to refill less often. With no installation required, you simply have to add water, plug the unit in, a press start. The rest takes care of itself.
An integrated LED control panel displays various information including the ice size setting, ice level indicator, basket full warning, and if the machine is in operation or self-cleaning mode. There is a drain plug at the bottom of the water reservoir that makes emptying the machine quick and the self-cleaning feature makes maintenance a breeze.
The high-efficiency cooling system keeps the machine running at top performance while saving energy and the environment. It also makes for an all-around quieter ice-making process. The transparent window in the lid lets you see the ice being produced as well as how much is currently in the storage compartment.
This maker runs on 120 volts and produces less than 45 decibels of sound. And at 13.9 x 9.5 x 13-inches and only 16.72 pounds it is compact and easy to store on any countertop or in any mini-bar.
Pros
- Fast production
- No installation required.
- LED control panel
- Self-cleaning
- High efficiency
Cons
- Slightly smaller water reservoir than other models.
Dreamiracle Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
The Dreamiracle Ice Maker has two selectable sizes and produces dense, bullet-shaped ice cubes. Requiring no installation, all you have to do is fill the reservoir, plug it in, and press start, and within seven to ten minutes you’ll have up to nine ice cubes ready to use. And with a capacity of thirty-three pounds per day, you’ll always have plenty of ice on hand. This machine has a 2.8-liter reservoir and infrared sensors that automatically stop production when the water level is too low or when the storage basket is full. The one-button self-cleaning features make maintenance as simple as making the ice.
Boasting an R600a high-efficiency compressor and advanced exhaust cooling function, this ice maker is energy efficient and quiet. It has nine pure copper evaporator columns with nickel-plated surfaces providing rapid refrigeration and increased corrosion resistance. And three-layer foaming technology adds rapid cooling without increasing consumption.
At 15.75 x 9.69 x 16.93 inches and only 24 pounds this ice maker is portable and easy to store. It comes complete with a transparent window, one ice scoop, a 3.3-pound/120-piece basket, one measuring cup, and a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Two selectable sizes
- Thirty-three-pound capacity per day
- Automatic stop
- High-efficiency compressor and exhaust
Cons
- Heavier than other models on our list.
AGLUCKY Counter top Ice Maker Machine
The AGLUCKY Automatic Countertop Ice Maker produces bullet-shaped ice cubes in two selectable sizes. Simple operation and no install time means you can produce up to nine cubes within the first six to eight minutes of production and up to 26.5 pounds in 24 hours. Indicator lights let you know when the water needs to be topped up or when the storage basket is full.
An exhausted cooling function helps keep the machine cool while it works and a high-efficiency compressor means more ice, with less consumption. The top cover has a transparent window letting you see the ice production features at work and the modern design and function make the ice maker quiet while in use.
The AGLUCKY Automatic Countertop Ice Maker is 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.6 inches and only 16.87 pounds making it one of the lightest models on our list. The kit includes an ice maker, an ice scoop, and a convenient ice basket.
- Quiet
- Compact and Portable
- Energy Efficient
- High capacity
- Slightly fewer features than other models on our list.
Concl²usion
There are a lot of options to consider when shopping for a clear ice maker including size, ease of use, capacity, ice storage, and a load of other features. We hope our list has shed some light on what’s available and helped you to decide what you want and need in your new machine.
We’d love your feedback. Let us know if this review was helpful and if you have any questions about what we’ve discussed. Until next time.
The post The Best Clear Ice Maker For Your Home Ice Making Needs appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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