Performance and portability are the two best things about RV portable ice maker.
But with thousands of different selections available in the market, it is overwhelming to figure out which is the right for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
After nearly 2 months carrying out extensive testing on 30 models, here are the 6 best portable ice makers for RV:
Here are the best portable ice makers for rv (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Vremi Countertop Ice Maker
- Most Efficient: Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
- Quietest: hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
- Shortest Operating Cycle: Deco Gear Rapid Electric Party Ice Maker
- The Highest Capacity: NewAir Portable Ice Maker
- Most Durable: COSTWAY Ice Maker for Countertop
| Best Portable Ice Maker For RV: Top 6 Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Vremi Countertop Ice Maker | Read Our Review |
Most Efficient | Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop | Read Our Review |
Quietest | hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine | Read Our Review |
Shortest Operating Cycle | Deco Gear Rapid Electric Party Ice Maker | Read Our Review |
The Highest Capacity | NewAir Portable Ice Maker | Read Our Review |
Most Durable | COSTWAY Ice Maker for Countertop | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Vremi Countertop Ice Maker
- Energy-efficient - water reservoir placed under the ice basket
- Not distract you – run quietly
- Safe to use and reliable – warning lights and auto-shutoff function
- A bit hard to clean
- Wish it had a pause button
If you’re an admitted ice cruncher, your teeth will definitely be happy with this Vremi Countertop Ice Maker.
It makes ice fast, quietly, and the ice cubes have a long tube shape to chill the drink quicker while not melting so rapidly. The best thing is these ice cubes aren’t really super-hard. They are, in fact, almost slushy when crunching.
We appreciate the two 2-liter water reservoir located just underneath the ice basket.
This allows for reusing water from melted ice to make new ones, making it the best-in-class energy-efficient model. Don’t worry if you forget to leave it run without monitoring as it has an auto-shutoff function in addition to warning lights to avoid overflowing.
| Vremi Countertop Ice Maker Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 13.5 x 12 x 9.5 inches |
Operating Cycle | 8 to 10 minutes |
Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle | 9 chewable delicious bullet-shaped ice-cubes |
Daily Ice Making Capacity | 26 lbs. of ice |
Highlight Features | Water reservoir sits below the ice basket Quiet cooling function Automatic shut-off feature Warning lights |
Whether you live in a small apartment or an RV with modest countertop area, don’t fret, this small-yet-might Vremi ice maker won’t cramp up your space.
Most Efficient: Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
- Look stylish and modern
- User-friendly – not require permanent installation
- Make 8-9 ice cubes in just 5 minutes and can reuse the water from melting ice to make a new one – energy- and water-efficient
- A bit of a slow start ice size-wise
While we don’t usually like to place appliances permanently on the countertop, this is a sweet exception to not just earn its place on the counter but also our heart.
It is extremely space-saving, portable, easy to use, and above all, nails up with a stylish design.
The biggest selling point is one batch of 8-9 ice cubes only takes about 5 minutes, and after 24 hours of running, this model can provide 26 pounds of ice. This makes it become the most efficient model here. And furthermore, it emits little noise and the fan isn’t hot when making ice also.
We like the way it cools down the water itself over time and keeps reusing the water through the unit.
| Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 12.6 x 9.6 x 12.6 inches |
Operating Cycle | 5 minutes |
Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle | 9 cubes |
Daily Ice Making Capacity | 26 pounds |
Highlight Features | Not require any permanent installation Free Ice Scoop and Basket Stylish and Modern Design |
In need of a portable ice maker that doesn’t require permanent installation and runs the most efficiently? Look no further!
Quietest: hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
- Money-saving and energy-efficient – the compressor requires low energy to cool
- Various choices of ice cube sizes
- Quiet and comfortable – the noise is just like a running fan
- Wish it was easier to clean
- A bit pricey
If you’re so sick of the noise and slow running of your old ice maker, it’s time to make a switch. For you, the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine is probably a nice option.
It makes ice with almost no sound emitted that in a completely silent room, you’ll faintly hear a small fan running. The loudest noise might be the dropping of prepared ice about every 8 minutes until it’s full. But that’s unnoticeable!
A good thing about this unit is it makes two different cube sizes – the smaller is perfect to fit into a plastic water bottle and the bigger keeps chilling the drink better.
With such various ice cube size choices, it’s also ideal to be used during parties as well. One can choose their favorite ice size.
| hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 9. 5 x 12. 9 x 14" |
Operating Cycle | 8 minutes |
Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle | 7-9 cubes |
Daily Ice Making Capacity | 26 pounds |
Highlight Features | Make smooth bullet-shaped ice cubes within 8 minutes A compressor that requires low energy to cool |
Operating with the sound that’s no different than a running fan, hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine is the best choice for people who prefer something works efficiently but keeps silent.
Shortest Operating Cycle: Deco Gear Rapid Electric Party Ice Maker
- Hold the ice well with minimal melting – well-insulated storage
- Easy to use – require no installation
- Allow you to track the ice inside – transparent window
- Wish the trays were larger
- A bit heavy
- Slightly noisier than other counterparts
The Deco Gear Rapid Electric Party Ice Maker is a wonderful upgrade from ice cube trays for people who are a big fan of icy drinks.
The ice size choices are perfect and the ice isn’t too hard, tastes crisp, and has no odd plastic-y odor.
It just makes a few ice cubes at a time but thanks to the short operating cycle, it makes them quickly.
In fact, this is one of the RV ice makers out there featuring the shortest running cycle.
And it requires no installation at all. Although the machine doesn’t refrigerate ice for you, it comes in well-insulated storage that holds in a while before starting to melt off. But don’t worry, the melted water will be recollected and reused to make new ice so your basket will never be empty.
| Deco Gear Rapid Electric Party Ice Maker Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 4 x 4 x 4 inches |
Operating Cycle | 6 minutes |
Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle | 8 cubes |
Daily Ice Making Capacity | 26 pounds |
Highlight Features | Clear window Alert indicators No installation required Well-insulated storage |
If your family consumes a huge amount of ice daily, such portable ice makers with the shortest operating cycle like this Deco Gear are perfect.
The Highest Capacity: NewAir Portable Ice Maker
- Enough for big families’ use – feature 28 pounds of capacity
- Not impacted by room temperature – well-insulated design
- A bit noisy
- Heavy to carry
While the cost is a lot cheaper than buying a whole new freezer or refrigerator, this portable ice maker produces huge quantities of ice at a good speed.
Importantly, it comes in the largest capacity – 28 pounds as max load.
Seem like the storage space is well-insulated that room temperature hardly impacts its content. There was little melted ice found. The size is just perfect for mixing drinks or making a refreshing glass of ice water.
Like other models, it stops making ice once the storage space is full and you’ll hear an alert sound. This design is well-constructed, not flimsy, and much better than the fridge ice maker.
| NewAir Portable Ice Maker Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 14.5 x 11.8 x 15 inches |
Operating Cycle | 6-15 minutes |
Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle | 9 cubes |
Daily Ice Making Capacity | 28 pounds |
Highlight Features | Indicator lights Produces 28 pounds of ice a day |
In a pinch, for those families who love crunching ice or adding lots of ice to your drinks, this portable ice maker – with 28 pounds of capacity – will fit snugly the bill.
Most Durable: COSTWAY Ice Maker for Countertop
- Durable, impact-resistant, and anti-smudge – feature strong ABS surface
- The ice doesn’t hurt your mouth – smooth and round bullet-shaped ice with hollow design
- Multiple ice size options to choose from
- Easy to clean
- Run a bit loudly
Out of a bunch, we find the COSTWAY Ice Maker for Countertop to be the most durable model due to the smooth and smudge-resistant ABS surface.
The most notable thing is all materials are food-grade as well as meet the ETL certification for ultimate safety for human health. Additionally, the ice cube shape is thoughtfully designed to not hurt your mouth.
It is smooth and round bullet-shaped ice with a hollow silhouette to float easily on your drink with no affection to its tastes.
With this unit, you’ll get two ice cube sizes to ensure it fits not just your preference but also your water cup/bottle for the most convenience.
| COSTWAY Ice Maker for Countertop Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 9.5” x 14” x 13” |
Operating Cycle | 6-13 minutes |
Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle | 9 ice cubes |
Daily Ice Making Capacity | 26.5 pounds |
Highlight Features | Food-grade materials Durable ABS surface Round and smooth bullet-shaped ice Multiple Smart Functions |
If you want an ultra-durable portable ice maker that can stand up daily abuse and last longer, this is it.
How To Choose The Best Portable Ice Makers For RV?
Capacity & Processing Cycle
There are two terms relating to capacity when it comes to RV portable ice makers:
- “Ice Making Capacity Per Cycle” – measuring unit is ice cubes/cycle
- “Daily Ice Making Capacity” – measuring unit is pounds
Averagely, a batch of 7-8 ice cubes can be made in a 5-15 few minutes while the daily ice making capacity is within 20 to 28 pounds/day, depending on specific units.
Before making your choice, you should estimate the amount of ice consumed daily of your family. And whether you usually host BBQ parties or friend gatherings or not.
After determining the amount of ice, choose a product that can make a higher quantity than that.
Quality & Material
- Portable ice makers aren’t made equally.
- There are many material options equivalent to different grades of durability and quality. The two most common types of materials are stainless steel and plastic.
- Undoubtedly, stainless steel ice makers are always stronger and more durable than other ones. But this material is heavy, less maneuverable, and more expensive. If you find yourself aren’t ready to invest in a stainless-steel model, high-quality plastic is perfect to alternate.
- Remember to opt for BPA-free and food-grade plastic ice makers. If possible, look for a product that is ETL certified for much peace in mind.
Ice Cube Sizes
- If you’re a solo RV-er, it’s not necessary to choose a portable ice maker with multiple ice cube sizes. Just go for the option that you prefer the most.
- Take note that different ice cube sizes deliver different chilling ability and longevity. Besides, make sure that the size option fits your water bottles, cups, or anything you usually use to drink.
- For couples or a big family, choosing a model with various ice cube sizes is more ideal to ensure it fits each member’s needs and preferences.
Which Brands Make The Best Portable Ice Makers For RV?
Vremi
- Vremi is a quite young yet reliable brand specializing in kitchenware where you can find many practical, user-friendly, high-quality, and affordable products.
hOmeLabs
- All the products from hOmeLabs are built on a foundation of thoughtful, skillful human support with highlighting on intuitive, mindful, and modern design. Above all, they’re highly competitive in price.
NewAir
- Having been in the industry for over 15 years, NewAir is a trustful manufacturer in compact appliances, including portable air makers. Their products are well-loved widely for reliable warranty, decent quality, and compact, lightweight design.
FAQs
Are portable ice makers worth it?
Yes, they are.
They help you in getting chilled drinks at any time and anywhere as wanted. They are lightweight, compact, highly maneuver, and cheaper than buying a freezer or a fridge.
Do portable ice makers keep ice frozen?
No, they don’t.
Portable ice makers aren’t a freezer and they just keep ice cool. So, after the ice is made, you should bag it and store it in a freezer.
Do portable ice makers use a lot of electricity?
This factor depends on the brand/model and frequency of upkeep.
Normally, the first batch of ice eats up more energy than usual but when making more ice, water temperature in the machine will be lowered. So the faster the ice is made, the less energy consumed.
Do portable ice makers need a water line?
No, they don’t.
Instead, it requires adding water into its reservoir.
What's the best water to use in a portable ice maker?
Potable water within 51°F to 90°F.
Conclusion
Before purchasing any portable ice maker, make sure you’ve determined the desired capacity, weight, size, and design.
Think of your favorite ice cube size and budget as well. The tests and ratings of those 6 best portable ice makers for RV are designed to help you make this decision and find out the right one that best fits your needs.
