Best Countertop Ice Maker Buying Guides
To help you have an objective assessment and easier product search, we would like to suggest the following characteristics:
Price
Any product has its benefits and risks you may face, and they are investments for you. Therefore, you need to consider the specific budget you can spend on owning a desktop ice machine.
All in all, all high-priced devices offer commensurate quality. They are what everyone wishes for. However, you will not be able to own it if the spending exceeds the budget. Determine what you have so you know what you need.
Good products often have improved quality and performance, which come with higher prices. But you can find affordable and stable quality models like the FREE VILLAGE Ice Maker Machine for Countertop.
Size
The size will depend largely on the purpose and the space used. You can use the larger machine for your restaurant business in the summer or in bars,... On the contrary, a smaller model will be perfect for small spaces, in the home, or when camping, picnicking, or going to the beach.
When looking at the relationship between the above factors, you will have the most appropriate evaluations and choices. It helps to avoid shortages or waste of energy to operate the equipment.
Speed
Speed is a trait all business people put first. You need to deliver ice to customers immediately, instead of waiting hours. It is a feature that the countertop ice maker is highly appreciated compared with conventional traditional refrigerators.
You can check information about the length of the production cycle as its speed on the case, the body of the device, or the manufacturer's website. The average time for a small desktop ice maker to make ice cubes is about 5 minutes per batch. This time is faster than the large type because it requires more energy. In this respect, the Igloo Premium Countertop Ice Maker is a formidable competitor to most other products.
Structural Integrity of Ice
The shape of the ice may not be what matters in the ice-making process. Manufacturers have created different ice machines with different types of ice, depending on the condition. Usually, the product of this process is water that is cylindrical or bullet-shaped and hollow inside. The disadvantage of this type is the normal melting temperature and faster melting time.
However, when considering the advantages, the crushing ability of this ice is easier. You can use them to make smoothies or frozen foods.
Some manufacturers offer models that create square and transparent stones. Many bars and pubs chose a slower melt feature for cocktails and liquors. However, the production time is longer than the hollow cylinder type.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleanability considers how easy it is to clean, maintain, and have less trouble during operation. In general, you should choose an ice maker with a filter to make cleaning easier. In addition, you can also consider the drain plug. The location of this detail is on the side, back, or bottom of the machine.
Tips on Using Your Countertop Ice Maker
Do you know how to use the countertop ice maker most effectively? If not, read the next part now:
Use Filtered Water
You should use water that has gone through the filtration system to help you create the perfect crystal-clear stones. On the contrary, if you use unfiltered water, the finished products will be soft and not clear due to the remaining mineral content.
It would help if you chose a portable ice maker that does not have a built-in water filter because the finished ice will be cleaner and healthier to drink. At the same time, it will also keep the machine running stably, with less maintenance.
Keep It Clean
You can use detergent to clean the ice maker periodically. Besides, cleaning around to keep the machine clean is very important.
You need to perform a cleaning of the ice compartment and the water tank. It will minimize the amount of dirt or minerals that accumulate. If it remains in the machine, it may cloud or soften the ice cubes or reduce the safety of the ice.
Keep It Cool
The ice machine has a design with an insulated ice compartment. However, they will inevitably be affected by the room temperature where the device is located. It would help if you kept the ambient temperature between 50 degrees and 80 degrees F. The advantage of this operation is that it will use less electricity and keep the ice longer.
FAQs
How do countertop ice makers work?
The principle of operation of a countertop ice machine is similar to the process of a refrigerator when making ice. Specifically, clean water will be pumped into tubes or trays and molds and then placed in a fridge at a low temperature to freeze. After successful freezing, the compressor's excess heat system will push the ice into the bucket.
Specific steps:
Step 1: Connect the power source: You plug the machine into a 115v electrical outlet (which can be changed).
Step 2: Fill with water: You need to take the tray and fill it with water.
Step 3: Put the tray into the machine: You need to bring the tray full of water and close it. In addition, some devices allow you to add water directly to the tank.
Step 4: Start the device: You turn on the ice maker, choose the desired size, wait for a few minutes, and receive the finished product.
Even the Wamife Nugget Ice Maker Countertop can perform multiple tasks on the same product.
Can I leave my countertop ice maker on all the time?
As mentioned above, the ice maker can be plugged in continuously for a long time. You always want to have ice quickly, and then you need to be plugged in and running. Conversely, if you disconnect the power supply, the formed ice will melt into the water because the temperature in the machine has increased. They are completely similar to refrigerators or freezers currently on the market.
Can you put juice in an ice maker?
Some people love the fact that the juice is cold, even freezing. However, in the case of ice machines, you should not do this work. The reason is that except for water, in most liquids, there are usually fibers. They can damage the sensors and gears and make your portable ice maker less efficient.
The best advice for you is to use the refrigerator instead of the ice maker to freeze the juice.
How to clean a countertop ice maker?
You should review the instruction manual before cleaning for maximum efficiency. Alternatively, you can perform the steps in the following procedure to clean the ice maker:
- Disconnect the power supply
- Remove excess water in the machine.
- Disassemble the removable parts (water filter, spoons, ice tray, etc.)
- Add warm water to the inside of the ice maker.
- Use a soft cloth with mild detergent to clean the inside.
Note: If you have difficulty removing stains, you can use baking powder and water mixture with a small toothbrush.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with water.
- Drain or discard the water.
- Wipe dry with a cloth.
- Reinsert the device when everything is completely dry.
How long do countertop ice makers last?
It will be hard or impossible to find an ice maker that can work continuously for 10 years. Typically, this device's lifespan will be 4 to 5 years; some of the lesser ones work fine within the machine's warranty. In general, the best way for Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker to work well and stably for a long time needs periodic maintenance and cleaning.
Related Post: Best Commercial Ice Make
Conclusion
Thus, you can see countertop ice makers' outstanding features and advantages. If you're in the restaurant or pub business, you should own one. They will bring efficiency to your company and a good experience for your customers.
We hope that the information in the article will be useful for your work. Thank you for reading!
