Finding the best ice maker for RV life isn’t just about convenience – it’s about enjoying those end-of-day cold drinks when you need them most. Every RV driver knows that small freezer compartments barely keep leftovers cold, let alone produce enough ice for your daily needs.
Stops at gas stations for ice bags costs you travel time, and those melting bags clutter your limited storage space. Remote camping make this problem even worse. A portable ice maker for RV eliminates these hassles by producing fresh ice right on your RV counter.
The right portable ice maker for your RV should balance several key factors: compact size, reasonable power draw, quick ice production, and quiet operation. These machines typically start cranking out ice within minutes and won’t drain your battery or disturb your peaceful campsite evenings.
I’ve tested about 20 models in my friend’s RV and select some to make a list of the best ice maker for RV. I don’t think the list is meant to affect your previous choices if you’ve already bought one for your RV, instead it is for people who’re looking to buy one, or seriously consider to replace one.
No need to waste time browsing other sites for the perfect ice maker to suit your needs. Here at Ice Artisan:
- I continually update my list of top ice makers to ensure you always get the latest, best ice maker.
- I deliver honest reviews—as a full-time ice maker technician—so you can make the best choice.
- I never hype a product just to earn a click or a sale.
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Best ice maker for RV comparison table
For those who prefer a quick overview, I’ve used AI to create this comparison table of the best ice maker for RV. It focuses on just what matters: price, capacity (for storing more ice), and ice type (which affects everything from cooling speed to mouth feel). Nothing fancy here – just the practical facts that help you narrow down your options before diving into the details. Check out my detailed breakdown below if something catches your eye.
| Model | Price | Capacity (lbs/day) | Ice Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Frigidaire EFIC121 | $99-$149 | 26 | Bullet Ice | Read more |
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Sweetcrispy | $58-$65 | 26.5 | Bullet Ice | Read more |
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Euhomy IM-06D | $70-$100 | 26 | Bullet Ice | Read more |
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Silonn SLIM21B | $80-$110 | 26 | Bullet Ice | Read more |
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Igloo ICEB33 | $125-$175 | 33 | Bullet Ice | Read more |
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Euhomy CFIM-30D | $339-$470 | 17.5 | Bullet Ice | Read more |
Best ice maker for RV – The most portable in 2025
My Pick
RV life needs appliances that deliver reliability without breaking the bank. Finding the best ice maker for your mobile home means balancing compactness, power efficiency, and budget considerations – and the Frigidaire EFIC121 hits all these marks perfectly. That’s why my pick of the best budget ice maker is again, what I consider as the best portable ice maker for RV.
Frigidaire brings over a century of cooling expertise to their ice makers. This American brand, founded in 1918, revolutionized refrigerators into what we know today. That heritage means we can believe in the Frigidaire EFIC121’s dependable performance.
The Frigidaire EFIC121 proves you don’t need to compromise quality for affordability. It asks for a budget price even for the most budget-conscious buyers, the same as every other Chinese ice makers that you can find today, like Euhomy or Silonn.
Like everything that I will introduce in this list, the Frigidaire EFIC121 is suitable for countertop space in RV. It will also have quick ice production cycle, though the difference between other countertop ice makers are negligible, so I don’t think it’s the good selling point to mention.
Rather than that, the Frigidaire EFIC121’s robust engineering stands up to every highway you throws to it. It is also simple to fix, with parts available everywhere. That’s why I really love the Frigidaire EFIC121, and advise every RV owner to have one.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Best budget ice maker for RV
If you’re looking for the cheapest ice maker for RV, then you should consider the Sweetcrispy countertop ice maker. At under $60, it costs significantly less than other ice makers in my today list like the Frigidaire EFIC121, making it attractive for cost-conscious travelers.
The trade-off comes with customer support – or lack thereof. Sweetcrispy’s assistance is practically non-existent once you’ve made the purchase. This means learning to troubleshoot your portable ice maker yourself becomes part of RV life. Many owners that can handle basic maintenance like clearing ice blockages, cleaning the water tank, and understanding why the unit sometimes stops mid-cycle. I have written many ice maker FAQs to provide a knowledge base of ice makers for ice enthusiasts.
The unit’s 1.2-liter capacity and quiet operation suit RV life perfectly. Its compact footprint doesn’t overwhelm tiny kitchens, while the six-minute ice cycle keeps drinks cold during hot afternoon travels. It doesn’t have that much of storage of the Frigidaire EFIC121, but some people only travel alone and doesn’t need so many ices.
Sometimes the lowest price tag is the definition of the “best portable ice maker”. As an ice maker technician, I like to tinker with my appliances, and I know many people have as good skills as mine.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Another portable ice maker for RV
All RV travelers often struggle to find reliable ice makers from recognizable brands. The Euhomy IM-06D solves this challenge by offering comparable pricing to the Frigidaire EFIC121, while frequently having flash sales that make it even more affordable.
Amazon’s bestseller rankings tell a compelling story – Euhomy consistently outperforms competitors, meaning the Euhomy isn’t just about making cheaper ice makers. Instead, Euhomy has established itself as a trusted name in portable ice makers with high quality and durability.
RV owners will appreciate brands they can count on, especially when driving through remote areas where appliance failures mean serious inconvenience. While I don’t think the Euhomy IM-06D is super good at durability, it’s surprisingly decent for the price. I still believe in the Frigidaire EFIC121 more, but if you’re willing to gamble on saving a few dollars.
However, there is one thing you may find the Euhomy IM-06D more appealing: its handle. Want to bring the ice machine into camping? The Euhomy IM-06D proves to suit this trait even better than the Frigidaire EFIC121.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
More portable ice maker for RV
The Silonn SLIM21B is another ice maker for RV, competing directly with the Frigidaire EFIC121 and Euhomy IM-06D, creating healthy competition among affordable options. If you’re choosing between these three ice makers, I believe whatever you choose will be a great companion in your travel life.
Silonn’s Hong Kong heritage is an unexpected element to the portable ice maker market. This background means it has different product lines than most common Chinese ice makers that are OEM version of the Euhomy, coming from many factories in Ningbo.
It’s another Amazon’s bestseller portable ice maker, the same as the Frigidaire EFIC121 and Euhomy IM-06D, and they all deliver good value at the same price. Reviews highlight that the Silonn SLIM21B delivers reliable ice production day after day, mile after mile. My experience with this countertop ice maker on an RV trip is also great.
The Silonn SLIM21B also has a handle, which is god-sent feature for an RV life. Whenever you want your portable ice maker in camps or outside the RV, the Silonn SLIM21B goes with you.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
More storage for RV
The Igloo ICEB33 proves that heritage matters when you’re constantly on the move. While Chinese ice makers dominate the budget segment, this homegrown option from one of America’s most trusted cooler manufacturers delivers noticeably better durability.
Igloo’s 75-year history in cooling solutions translates directly to ice maker engineering. Their products withstand the constant jostling of highway travel, campground moves, and seasonal storage that destroy lesser machines. I heard too many people praising the Igloo ICEB33 to be the endgame investment, after years of using budget Chinese ice makers.
Increased storage capacity sets the Igloo ICEB33 apart from budget countertop models. The Frigidaire EFIC121’s storage is good, but at a slightly higher price, the Igloo ICEB33 doubles the capacity of things like the Silonn SLIM21B.
Real-world durability matters most when repair shops are miles away. The difference becomes obvious during your third year of use, when budget models start showing wear while known-brand units keep making ice reliably.
Because Euhomy and Silonn are new names, it’s undeniably simple to just buy from a company that we knew.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Best ice maker for off-grid RV use
RV enthusiasts looking for the ultimate upgrade will find the Euhomy CFIM-30D redefines portable ice making. Unlike typical countertop ice makers, this dual-function powerhouse combines a 35-quart refrigerator with a dedicated 13-quart ice maker – solving two critical RV needs with one appliance.
The dual power versatility gives this unit a significant advantage for mobile living. The included standard AC and 12V DC power cords allow seamless transitions between campground hookups and boondocking scenarios. You can even operate it from portable power stations when completely off-grid, making it perfect for extended dry camping.
While the price point sits considerably higher than budget models, RV owners quickly appreciate the value. Rather than purchasing separate refrigeration and ice making appliances, this combined unit actually saves precious counter and storage space. The ability to produce ice in just eight minutes means never running out during those hot summer cookouts.
The substantial storage capacity for both refrigerated items and ice production (up to 100 cubes) eliminates frequent trips to refill your ice supply. Even the most remote camping spots won’t leave you without cold drinks and fresh ice.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
What to look for in the best ice maker for RV?
Choosing an ice maker for your RV means thinking about more than just how much ice it makes. You need to consider how it fits in your limited space, how quickly it works, and whether it can run on your RV’s power system.
Compact footprint and weight
Space is precious in an RV, so size matters. Look for ice makers under 12 inches wide and deep to leave room for food prep. Height is crucial too—anything over 14 inches might not fit under your cabinets.
Consider where you’ll store the ice maker when driving. Will it fit in your cabinets? Don’t forget to account for handle, which is convenient when you want to bring it outside your RV.
Weight is another factor. Most RV countertops safely accept appliances under 25 pounds, but heavier units might need extra support. Even when an ice maker physically fits, an oversized unit can make your space feel cramped, so sleek designs help maintain that sense of openness.
First ice time and production speed
In RV life, time matters. The best models deliver your first batch of ice within 6-8 minutes, while budget options might take 12-15 minutes.
Consistent production cycles help you plan better than maximum speed. Good units maintain steady production regardless of whether the bin is empty or nearly full.
Hot weather affects performance. Quality ice makers show minimal slowdown when temperatures climb—important for summer camping trips when you need ice most.
Batch size varies between models. Some make larger batches (12+ pieces) but take longer, while others produce smaller, more frequent batches (6-9 pieces).
Ice type and storage bin
Different ice types serve different purposes. Soft nugget ice is premium, chewable, and absorbs drink flavors well. Standard bullet ice offers good cooling and structure. Clear cube ice looks better, melts slower, and packs efficiently but typically costs more.
For RVs, 1.5-2.5 pounds of storage capacity works best—enough for 4-6 drinks before needing a refill. Larger capacities waste valuable space.
Good insulation keeps ice usable for 5-8 hours, while budget models might see significant melting within 2-3 hours. Easy access design with angled bins and built-in scoop storage prevents spills and contamination.
Power consumption and inverter compatibility
Power efficiency is critical in RVs. Models with direct 12V compatibility offer flexibility for off-grid camping without needing an inverter.
Efficient 110V models operate at 100-120 watts, working with smaller 500W inverters while minimizing battery drain. Be aware of startup surges that might temporarily demand 2-3 times the running wattage.
Some efficient units can run on modest solar setups (200-300W) with adequate battery storage. Understanding the duty cycle helps estimate real power needs—most units run at about 60-70% of their rated maximum since they cycle on and off.
Check standby power consumption too. Good models use under 2 watts when idle, while less efficient ones might draw 5-10 watts continuously—significant during overnight boondocking.
Ease of use and maintenance
Simple operation and maintenance become even more important in an RV. Look for drain plugs positioned for complete water evacuation without awkward tilting or spills.
Easy filter access encourages regular maintenance. Cleaning reminders help seasonal users remember maintenance between trips.
Clear, illuminated controls visible in various lighting conditions prevent frustration. Transparent water reservoirs or good indicators eliminate the need to open the lid to check levels.
Intuitive operation benefits everyone, especially in shared or rented RVs where users may have different technical skills. Good documentation specific to RV use helps troubleshoot common problems.
Final thoughts: Why a good ice maker makes RV life better?
A quality ice maker transforms your RV experience beyond just providing cold drinks. It eliminates ice bag runs, prevents cooler water from soaking food, and ensures refreshing beverages anytime. The convenience enables spontaneous social gatherings and adds that touch of home comfort wherever you travel. For many RVers, these simple luxuries make life on the road truly rewarding.
You can also read my list of the best budget ice maker, which is tailored to fit in a common home more than the RV.
