FAQ’s
- Q: Why would I choose a portable ice maker over a built-in version?
A: Built-in ice makers are great for many reasons, but they are often too big to be easily placed on boats, RVs, or just in kitchens where cabinet space is limited. Portable ice makers resolve the space issue, being light enough and small enough to be easily moved anywhere you like while also not requiring a permanent water hookup. All you have to do is plug the machine in, pour some water into the reservoir, and watch the magic happen.
- Q: How much ice can a portable ice maker make in one day and how much can the unit store?
A: Portable ice makers vary in their ice production and storage capacity, depending on their size. The typical production range is 25-35 lbs/day and average storage capacity is 2.5 lbs.
- Q: Should I take any extra measures before using my ice maker?
A: Yes, you should clean out your ice maker before using it for the first time. It is best to run your first few cycles with a capful of vinegar or lemon juice and water. Then, make sure that you empty the water reservoir and run a few cycles with clean water to take care of any plastic taste left over from manufacturing. This process can also be used from time to time to help keep your unit clean.
- Q: How can I make the ice from my portable ice maker taste better?
A: Often times the first batch of ice will taste bad because it is the first bit of water to go through the machine after the unit has been sitting idle for a while. The first couple batches of ice are almost always recommended to be thrown out when using the machine. All succeeding batches of ice should taste fine.
- Q: How much space will I need for my portable ice maker?
A: Unit specifications are included with our different product reviews and in your unit’s product manual, but most portable ice makers will fit on a kitchen counter with standard cabinetry clearance above the countertop. Just be aware that most portable ice makers open on the top and thus require a few extra inches of clearance so that you can easily access the ice production and storage compartment.
- Q: Do portable ice makers require a drain?
A: No. Because they recycle the excess water to produce more ice, these units do not require being hooked up to an external drain. They do, however, have a plug that can drain excess water if you choose to stop making ice, just as any insulated cooler would.
- Q: Does a portable ice maker produce different results than a standard freezer unit?
A: The ice produced by portable ice makers typically is a slightly different shape (bullet shaped vs. crescent shaped) and is usually wet ice. Standard freezer ice makers produce a drier type of ice because the ice that is produced is then stored in a freezer. Portable ice makers are not equipped with a freezer, and thus the ice they store tends to melt slowly, like it would in any insulated cooler.
- Q: Why does my ice maker produce wet ice?
A: Portable ice makers do not come with a freezer in the ice storage area. Because of this, the ice begins to melt and the water that melts off of the ice gets recycled back into the machine to produce more ice.
- Q: What size is the ice that these portable ice makers produce?
A: Almost all portable ice makers can produce three different sizes (S, M, L) and most users find that the Large setting produces ice cubes that are roughly the same size as a standard freezer unit.
- Q: Do I have to monitor the progress that my ice maker makes when producing ice?
A: It is wise to at least check back on the ice maker every so often because if it is allowed to continually make ice, the ice that has been produced could back up, jam the machine, and then break your ice maker. In order to avoid this, you should periodically remove some of the ice that has been produced and either use it or move it to another freezer so that the unit does not jam and consequently break.
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