Are portable ice makers worth it?

Yes, portable ice makers are worth the investment, especially for households that regularly use ice, or want to entertain guests. The portable ice maker is convenient and efficient in making quick ices, and it is just another kitchen appliance that we can spend to enjoy life more.

First thing first, I know we all have a refrigerator in our home, which maybe has a built-in freezer that can make ices. However, traditional refrigerators that have ice trays often fall short when one average household craves ices. Not to mention that it takes a long time to have the first batch of ice, so if you forgot filling the tray last evening, then your only option is the nearest 7-Eleven.

Unless you’re using a modern refrigerator, chance is your freezer doesn’t have a separate zone for holding ices. You must sacrifice the valuable space of freezer to hold more ices, which takes literally forever to make.

I must confess, I love ice, especially during a hot summer. A refrigerator can’t keep up with my demand alone, not counting my family. I bet that we have that in common.

Why you should have a portable ice maker?

Portable ice makers operate fundamentally differently from freezer methods, using conduction rather than convection for freezing. Well, to be simple, it makes faster ice production than a common freezer a lot. You can have your first batch of 9-12 bullet ices in 6 minutes. I know, it is super quick, and as long as you continue to fill the water tank, a portable ice maker can make about 26lbs of ice every day. You can also read my in-depth explanation on “How long does an ice maker take to make ice?”

Moreover, portable ice makers shine in its portability, obviously. Unlike commercial ice makers that require permanent installation and you need to know how to install an undercounter ice maker, a portable ice maker is more versatile, just plug and play, then you can bring this appliance to an outdoor camping.

People have limited kitchen space will like the portable ice maker, as it has a footprint similar to a coffee maker, so you can store it when you don’t need it anymore (in the winter, perhaps). That’s why ice makers are popular in RV, and I made a separate list of the best portable ice maker 2025.

Finally, with the countertop ice maker, you get access into different ice types that you never try before. You can have small clear ice cubes for your whiskey or coffee, and nugget ices are perfect for smoothies, because you can chew it easily. Don’t just limit yourself with the traditional, hard and slow-cooling ices.

Conclusion

Whether a portable ice maker is “worth it” ultimately depends on your lifestyle and ice consumption hobby. For many households, the convenience, speed, and quality of ice production makes a portable ice maker an excellent investment that improves everyday life.

If you’re constantly running out of ice, dealing with a broken refrigerator ice maker, or tired of filling trays, a portable ice maker can clear these frustrations while providing a steady supply of fresh ice. It is affordable, and the investment quickly benefits in convenience and enjoyment. Countertop ice makers are not loud, so you can enjoy your drinks without annoyance.

Here are my picks for the best budget ice maker, so it can quickly grab a portable ice maker that don’t break the bank.