Updated: 10/28/2022
A countertop ice maker is a great appliance to have in your home. They are easy to use and can make a lot of ice in a short amount of time. In this blog post, we will give you instructions on how countertop ice makers work.
We will also answer some common questions about these appliances. So, if you are looking for information on countertop ice makers, you have come to the right place.
And be sure to find out if an undercounter refrigerator or an indoor smokeless grill is worth it too in my DIY skills series of articles. Maybe you’re looking to buy a water filter, or just want some general maintenance guides, I’ve got you covered with my other articles.
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How Do Countertop Ice Makers Work?
A countertop ice maker is really just a miniature version of a larger freezer. It contains a small compressor and evaporator that freezes a small amount of water into ice.
This is how they work:
Water is pumped from the reservoir using a small electric motor. The freezing cycle begins by way of an electrical circuit. A built-in thermostat monitors the ice-making process. The frozen ice is then dumped into the ice bin, ready for use. This process is repeated until the ice maker is full.
The countertop ice maker does not require a lot of space and can be placed on just about any countertop or flat surface.
How To Use A Countertop Ice Maker
1. First, you will need to find a place for your countertop ice maker. Once you have found the perfect spot for your appliance, it is time to get started.
2. To begin, you will need to add water to the reservoir of your countertop ice maker. The amount of water you need to add will depend on the size of your appliance, but generally up to the ‘Max Fill’ line. Most countertop ice makers have a water reservoir of about 2.1L which will make about 4.5lbs of ice.
Once you have added water to the reservoir, you will need to turn on your countertop ice maker.
3. To do this, simply press the power button and wait for the unit to start up. It should only take a few minutes for your countertop ice maker to start making ice. The water is pumped from the reservoir, sometimes through a filter, up to the top of the unit where it is frozen into ice cubes or nuggets.
See my guide to the best nugget ice makers to help you buy the right one.
Now that your countertop ice maker is up and running, it is time to start using it.
4. Simply place a glass or cup under the dispenser and press the button to dispense ice. Your countertop ice maker will dispense as much or as little as you want.
Portable Ice Maker Directions
The directions for your countertop ice maker will vary depending on the model you have. However, most countertop ice makers are very easy to use, just like the instructions above. Find the instructions for popular ice maker models below.
Setup And Use Instructions:
How To Install A Countertop Ice Maker
Installing a countertop ice maker is a relatively easy task. Most units will only require an electrical outlet for power and will not need a dedicated water line.
Just decide where you would like to place your countertop ice maker. A kitchen counter, a bar top in the living room, or a protected outdoor kitchen location will all work.
It should be placed on a level surface that is close to an electrical outlet. Also, make sure the countertop ice maker clearance is at least 3 inches all the way around for proper air circulation. Do not place it near a stovetop or other heat source, as this will affect the ice-making performance.
The great thing is your ice maker is portable, you can place it just about anywhere you need it.
Troubleshooting A Portable Ice Maker
If your countertop ice maker is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
- First, check to make sure that the appliance is plugged into an electrical outlet.
- Next, check the water supply to make sure there is enough water in the reservoir.
- If both of these things are checked and your countertop ice maker still does not work, you may need to consult the user manual for further troubleshooting steps.
Check out my ice maker troubleshooting guide for more information.
13 Common Questions About Portable Ice Makers
If you notice mold growing in your countertop ice maker, there are a few things you can do to clean it. First, unplug the appliance and empty all of the ice out of the unit. Next, mix equal parts water and vinegar and use this solution to clean the interior of the appliance. Finally, rinse the unit with clean water and dry it before using it again.
If your countertop ice maker is leaking water, the first thing you should do is unplug the appliance. Next, empty all of the ice out of the unit and check the seals and gaskets to see if they are damaged. If the seals are damaged, they will need to be replaced. Finally, clean the interior of the unit and dry it before using it again.
Cleaning and maintaining your countertop ice maker is relatively easy. First, unplug the appliance and empty all of the ice out of the unit. Next, mix equal parts water and vinegar and use this solution to clean the interior of the appliance. Finally, rinse the unit with clean water and dry it before using it again.
Clean the unit about twice a month using a water and vinegar solution and just wipe down the inside. You can also buy an ice machine cleaning solution that you add to the water and run a cycle, then run another cycle of just plain water. Try not to let water sit in the machine for long periods of time, drain any leftover water.
When you are not using your countertop ice maker, it is important to store it properly. First, make sure that the appliance is unplugged and empty of all ice. Next, clean and dry the unit before storing it in a cool, dry place.
Your countertop ice maker will keep ice frozen for as long as it is plugged in. However, it is important to note that the ice will eventually melt and will then feed back into the reservoir where it will be made back into ice.
If you run your countertop ice maker without water, the appliance should recognize this and stop, however, it may overheat and shut off. This is a safety feature to prevent the appliance from catching fire.
Manufacturers do not recommend using it outdoors. However, yes, you can use your countertop ice maker outdoors but it is important to make sure that the unit is protected from the elements.
You can use tap water or bottled water if you prefer. It is best to go ahead and filter the water before pouring it into the ice maker.
Most countertop ice makers can produce a batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes, with the average being between 10-15 minutes and around 40 pounds of ice per day.
The water reservoir of a countertop ice maker is about 2.1L which will make about 4.5lbs of ice. This will depend on the size of your appliance. Most countertop ice makers have a capacity of around 40 pounds of ice a day.
No, you should not store your countertop ice maker in the freezer. These appliances are designed to be used at room temperature, storing them in the freezer can damage the unit.
No, a drain line is not required for a countertop ice maker. These appliances are designed to be used without a drain line. Any ice that melts is simply collected in the reservoir and reused.
7 Tips For Buying A Portable Ice Maker
7 tips for buying your own portable ice maker can be found in my Best Countertop Ice Maker Buying Guide. These tips include:
- Size and Weight: Check the available space you have on your counter or various locations and make sure to select a unit that matches that size. See above for the specs across common models.
- Also, note the weight of the machine if you intend to carry or move it frequently. Most weigh roughly the same, in the range of 15-20 lbs. My top pick, the GE Profile Opal, weighs in at a net of 38 pounds which is heavier than most but is worth it for the quality of the unit.
- Speed and Capacity: Making enough ice is critical, figure out your needs and match an ice maker to them. Small units produce about 26lbs of ice a day and roughly 9 pieces of ice with every batch. A batch can take as little as 6 minutes, with the average being between 10-15 minutes.
- Cost: You can buy a portable ice maker for about $100-$150 dollars. Some units have more features and maybe a little more expensive though. If you intend to use an ice maker frequently, buying one that costs a little more and is of higher quality will be worth it as it should last longer.
- Features: Models of ice makers come in different colors so you can buy one to match your space. Also, the display may show you the status of the ice-making process, may indicate it is in self-cleaning mode or tell you when the ice tray/bucket is full.
- Decide how much ice you need: Do you want ice for one person or enough for a party?
- Consider how often you’ll use it: If you’ll only use your ice maker occasionally, a countertop model may be all you need. If you entertain frequently or have large parties, consider an ice maker that stores more ice and makes it faster.
- How easy is it to use: Check how easy it is to use the controls and how easy it is to clean. Some models have automatic shut-offs or self-cleaning features, which can be helpful.
How Do Countertop Ice Makers Work – Summary
We hope this blog post has given you all the information you need on countertop ice makers. These appliances are a great way to have ice on hand without taking up a lot of space. They are easy to use and don’t require a drain line, so many people find they are very useful to have as an addition to the kitchen.
I’m J.S., I created and am the content manager at DIYHouseSkills.com. I do the research and write the articles that appear on this website. I’ve learned many household skills during my life and think it’s important to at least know the basics so that you can save yourself time and money… READ FULL BIO >