Are you a lover of chilled and icy drinks? Do you need the best crushed ice maker? Anyone would appreciate the chilly and refreshing feel of cold drinks, especially on an outdoor vacation or just for random indoor treats during summer.
A crushed ice maker is one of the best investments you can make for your summer treats, it would save you the stress of waiting for hours to get ice cubes from the freezer or keeping ice cubes in ice bags for later. With the best countertop ice makers, you can get fresh ice within a few minutes at any time of the day.
The NewAir A1-100SS Portable Ice Maker is our best crushed ice maker, it earned this position for itself with its outstanding overall performance and superb ice crushing features. It supplies its first batch of ice within 6 to 15 minutes and can make more than enough ice for your daily needs.
It is equipped with smart features that make ice making fast and seamless. It is one of the best summer companions you can get anywhere.
We have a total of 5 best crushed ice makers with great ice making capacity, and they have the collective advantage of portability and ease of use. We encourage you to do a thorough read-through as you are sure to get one that would perfectly meet your needs.
Benefits & Buying Guide of the Best Crushed Ice Maker
As with other appliances, crushed ice makers are different from each other in terms of quality, size, and other parameters. In this section, we have made a list of the important features that you should check for in an ice machine to get the best, below are some of them:
- Warranty of the Machine: You need to look out for the warranty of a crushed ice maker before purchase, crushed ice machines with high warranty tend to last longer. Also, ensure to check if the warranty covers the entire machine as some warranties only cover some part of the machine.
- Ease of Operation: Some crushed ice machines need to be installed and this requires the services of professionals in this aspect while others do not need any special installation to get it running. Crushed ice makers with smart features including LED controls, water reservoirs, and more, are easier to operate.
- Size of the Machine: Ice makers come in different sizes and dimensions. If you have so much space, well, you might not need to worry about the size of the ice machine but if you just have a tiny bit of space to spare, you should get a small-sized ice crusher. Also, if you intend to take the crushed ice maker along with you on trips, then you need to get a compact-sized option that is portable and lightweight enough to carry around.
- Size of the Ice Cubes: Different ice machines produce varying sizes of ice cubes. Depending on your preference you might want your ice cubes in small or large sizes and some machines provide you with an option for producing 2 or more sizes of ice cubes to cater to your ice needs and that is altogether more fun.
- Extra Accessories: Some ice machines also have the additional advantage of featuring extra accessories like ice scoops, ice buckets, or trays, some also feature transparent lids amongst others. As we said earlier, they are additional advantages and not directly important to make ice.
- Durability: Ice makers that are built with durable and sturdy parts tend to last longer than others. For example, some ice machines are made of plastics, others are made of stainless steel, and as expected, the stainless-steel ice machines are sturdier and more durable than the plastic machines, they are also additionally easy to clean and maintain. However, the ice machines made of stainless-steel are pricier than others but if you have the means, they are well worth it.
Top 5 Best Crushed Ice Maker of 2021
NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker – Our Top Best Option
- FAST ICE PRODUCTION – Get fresh bullet ice in as little as 10 minutes, perfect for parties, everyday drinks, and quick...
- 28 LBS OF ICE PER DAY – Consistently produces up to 28 pounds of ice daily, eliminating trips to the store for bagged ice.
- 3 ICE SIZES – Choose small, medium, or large bullet ice cubes to fit cocktails, water bottles, or coolers with the push of...
Our foremost best crushed ice maker is the NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker. It is capable of making plenty of ice for all your daily ice needs. It is equipped with smart features that ensure quality and long-lasting ice production all day long including LED controls and light indicators, drain plug, automated function,
Whether you need a portable piece for your small countertop space or you need an ice machine that is portable enough to be carried along with you on trips, NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker is your go to ice maker as it is ideal for crushing ice both indoor and outdoor use.
Features –
- Ease of Operation: NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker is not complicated to set up and can be easily put to work by plugging the unit into a power source, filling the reservoir with water, selecting your preferred ice size, and pressing the power button, and your ice is on its way.
- Compact and Elegant Machine: NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker comes in a stainless steel and black design that is easy to maintain, it would fit in any kind of décor without hassle. The machine is also built with compact features that make it fit for small spaces, it would sit conveniently on your countertop without using up too much space.
- Speedy Performance: The ice machine makes fresh and quality ice every 6 to 15 minutes. It makes up to 28 lb. of bullet-shaped ice in 24 hours to meet ice needs all day long.
- Option for 3 Cube Sizes: NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker features an option for making 3 ice cube sizes so that you can make large, medium, and small-sized cubes as the occasion demands.
- Automated Function/Indicators: It is also equipped with an automated function that enables the machine to automatically goes off when the water reservoir is empty and when the ice bin is full. It also features indicators that alert you when the reservoir needs to be refilled and when the ice basket needs to be emptied.
- Portability: NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker does not need to be connected to a water line to make ice. It features a 5-liters reservoir that has to be manually filled with water.
- Drain Plug: The ice machine is also easy to clean as it features a drain plug that makes the cleaning and draining of the machine a breeze.
- Removable Ice Basket and Scoop: NewAir AI-100SS Portable Ice Maker comes with a 2.2 lb. capacity removable ice basket that is used for holding ready-made ice and a sleek ice scoop for neatly serving ice cubes into your favorite drinks.
Pros
- Durable stainless-steel design
- Quick ice
- Ease of operation and maintenance
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Might make disturbing sounds after a while
- Some parts of the machine might break apart after some time
- Warranty expires after 90 days
NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop – Best Option for Countertop
- 【FAST ICE-MAKING】This Ice Maker produces up to 9 ice cubes per cycle in as few as 6 minutes, with a max daily production...
- 【ENERGY-SAVING & NOISE-FREE】Featuring an R600a/0.8 oz refrigerant, this countertop ice maker offers fast cooling and only...
- 【SMART REAL-TIME MONITORING】Equipped with an infrared light-receiving diode, this ice maker gives intelligent...
NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop is our best countertop crushed ice maker. It has an outstanding ice crushing performance and it is equipped with smart functions that make ice making easy and fast without making disturbing noise.
It additionally comes in a compact and elegant design that delivers the combined benefit of portability and beautification. With no special installation steps, you can have quality ice at your disposal at any time of the day.
Features –
- Sleek and Compact Design: NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop comes in a small and compact design that makes it suitable for small countertop spaces. It is made of durable materials that would stand the test of time, serving you efficiently for a fairly long time.
- Quick and Quiet Performance: The ice machine works quickly yet quietly, it features 9 evaporator pipes that enable the machine to produce 9 cubes of ice in just 6 minutes, it also makes as much as 287 lbs. of bullet-shaped ice within 24 hours.
- Smart Features: It is equipped with intelligent functions and light indicators that alert you when the ice basket is filled up and needs to be emptied for more ice production, the light indicator also helps to notify you when the water reservoir is empty.
- Protective Feet: NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop is equipped with 4 non-skid feet that ensure that there is space between the countertop and the ice machine. The skid feet also ensure that the machine is stably sited on the countertop, thereby preventing accidents resulting from an unstable machine.
- Cooling Fan: NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop also features a cooling fan that circulates air around the machine, ensuring that the machine works as fast and efficiently as it should.
- Drain Plug: It also features a drain plug for quick and hassle-free cleaning of the ice machine after each operation.
- Translucent Window: NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop comes with a transparent lid for monitoring your ice making operation without opening the lid while the machine is running.
- Portability: The ice maker features a 1.85 L reservoir that requires manual refilling with water to make ice.
- Ice Scoop and Basket: NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop also comes with a 282 oz capacity ice basket for holding a batch of ice and an ice scoop for a neat and easy dishing of ice.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Quick and quiet performance
- Long-lasting ice cubes
- User-friendly interface and smart features
- Firm and sturdy design with protective feet
- Compact piece
Cons
- The machine might leak out water
Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machine – Our Most Affordable Option
- Ice maker produces up to 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hours
- Water reservoir: 3. 1L Noise: 42DB
- Portable and Compact, The portable and compact design make it possible to work anywhere, such as party, gathering, RV, boat,...
Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machineis our best portable crushed ice maker and our most affordable piece. It comes in a compact white design that would blend with any type of décor, it is additionally lightweight and portable to transport from one place to the other.
With Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machine, you don’t need to wait for long to get ice as the machine crushes ice quickly and seamlessly.
Features –
- Elegant and Compact: Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machinecomes in a nice white color that would be a great match for your countertop. It also features a compact and lightweight design that would not use up too much space and at the same time, it is easy to carry along with you on outings.
- Quick Ice: Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machine makes 9 cubes of adjustable sizes in 7 to 15 minutes. It produces up to 26 lbs. of ice in a total of 24 hours.
- Great Performance: The machine works efficiently and quietly making enough ice to last you the whole day. It also features a compressor cooler that helps to prevent over-heating and keep the whole system cool while in use.
- Transparent Lid: The ice machine comes with a transparent cover that allows you to see into the machine while it is running, you get to do this without opening the cover.
- Drain plug: Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machinecan be easily cleaned and maintained via its drain plug which allows you to drain water out of the machine without stress.
- Portability: Another major advantage of this ice machine is its portability. Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machine comes with a 3.1Liters reservoir that requires manual refilling with water to get it running.
- LED screen: It is equipped with an LED screen that gives you easy access to different functions that comes with the ice machine including adjusting the ice cube sizes.
- Ice Shovel and Basket: Frigidaire EFIC108-White Portable Ice Making Machine comes with an ice basket for holding ready-made ice cubes and a porta shovel and a basket for removing ready ice neatly and hygienically.
Pros
- Ease of operation and maintenance
- See-through lid
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- Quick ice
Cons
- Makes one size of ice
Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine
- Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product and confirm it fits your space
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: The Igloo countertop ice maker is portable, convenient, compact in size, and looks great on any...
- LARGE ICE MAKING CAPACITY: With a 3-quart capacity water tank, this countertop ice maker will produce 26 pounds of ice cubes...
Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine is our next best countertop crushed ice maker. It is a premium piece with outstanding ice crushing features including a transparent cover, a large-capacity ice basket, easy to use functions, light indicators amongst others.
It provides a fast and hassle-free way to get ice from the comfort of your countertop. It is additionally easy to maintain while making ice available for your daily needs. It comes with a large capacity water tank that makes it suitable for outdoor use, is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
Features –
- Sleek and Portable: Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine comes in a stylish retro metallic red color and a compact size that does not require too much space for placement. It is additionally lightweight and portable enough to be carried around.
- Fast Ice Maker: The ice maker makes up to 9 cylinder-shaped ice cubes in just 7 minutes and it can make up to 26 pounds of ice in just 24 hours to meet your daily ice needs.
- 2 Sizes of Ice Cubes: Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine comes with a function that allows you to choose your preferred ice cube size. It can make large and small-sized cylinder-shaped ice at any time of the day.
- LED Control: The ice machine features an illuminated control panel that is easy to control, thereby making ice-making hassle-free. The light indicators notify you when your ice basket needs to be offloaded and when your water tank is empty.
- Easy to Clean: Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine features a drain plug that aids the easy cleaning and draining of the ice machine after use.
- Portability: The ice machine does not need an additional waterline as it features a 3-quarts capacity reservoir that requires manual refilling with water and that makes it suitable for outdoor use.
- Ice Basket and Scoop: Igloo ICEB26RR ice-making machine comes with a 2-pound capacity ice basket for holding ice cubes and a portable scooper for dishing ice neatly into your drinks.
- Transparent Lid: The ice machine features a large transparent lid that allows you to monitor ice production without opening the lid, especially while it is running.
Pros
- Fast ice
- Ease of use and maintenance
- Option for 2 ice cube sizes
- Quiet performance
- Compact and portable
- Light indicators
Cons
- Ice cubes produced are usually wet
- Users might experience lighting failure
Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker
- COUNTERTOP ICE MAKER: This 14.1 x 9.5 x 12.9 inches portable stainless steel ice maker is compact and ideal for small spaces....
- FAST AND EASY: A portable ice maker requires no installation - just plug-in unit, add water & wait up to 15 minutes to enjoy...
- TECHNICAL SPECS: The large viewing window allows you to conveniently notice when the basket is full of ice, or whether you...
Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker is a great crushed ice maker with an outstanding performance. The compact piece comes in a black design that would blend in with almost any type of décor and does not require too much countertop space. Its portable size also makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
It is equipped with all that it takes to meet all your daily ice needs including a large reservoir that enables it to make a large quantity of ice, an illuminated control panel, an option for two sizes of ice cubes, and more.
Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker is one of our best portable crushed ice makers.
Features –
- Nice and Compact Design: Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker is a compact piece that comes in a nice black design, it would be a great match for almost any type of décor and it is lightweight and portable enough to take along with you on outdoor trips.
- Ease of use: Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker provides an easy way to get ice for your favorite drinks. Just by filling the water tank and selecting your preferred ice size, your ice is as good as ready.
- Quick Ice: The ice machine makes its first batch of ice within 15 minutes and it can make as much as 26 lbs. of ice in just 24 hours.
- Drain plug: Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker also features a drain plug that makes the machine very easy to clean and drain after use, helping the machine to last longer and work efficiently.
- 2 Sizes of Ice: Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker allows you to choose your preferred ice size by providing you with a function for choosing between large and small-sized cube options.
- Transparent Cover: The ice machine also features a translucent lid that allows you to monitor the entire ice making process without opening the cover.
- Ice shovel and basket: Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker features an ice basket for collecting ice in the machine and an ice shovel for a neat and hygienic serving of ice.
- Portability: Frigidaire EFIC108-B-Black Compact Ice Maker additionally features a 2.3 quartz reservoir that requires manual refilling with water to make ice.
Pros
- Easy to use and maintain
- See-through lid
- Fast ice
- Nice and compact design
Cons
- Makes wet ice cubes
- Might make loud noise after a while of use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a portable ice maker that makes crushed ice?
Of course, a lot of portable ice makers produce crushed ice. If you are looking for a portable ice maker that can crush ice, we have 5 of them on this review, they all feature refillable water reservoirs and they have good ice crushing performance. However, our best option in this category is the NewAir A1-100SS Portable Ice Maker, we already highlighted their standout features above.
What ice machine makes sonic ice?
Sonic ice is otherwise known as a pellet or nugget ice and quite some portable ice machines make sonic ice. All the ice makers on our list make soft bullet-shaped ice, however, our best option is the NewAir A1-100SS Portable Ice Maker.
Which countertop ice maker is the best?
The best countertop ice maker should be sturdy and compact so it can sit conveniently on your countertop space, choosing the best countertop maker depends on several factors and one of them is your countertop space, an ice maker that fits and sits comfy on your tabletop alongside other important features is best for you.
However, our best countertop crushed ice maker is the NOVETE Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop, we particularly love its skid feet and portable size which makes it a perfect fit for small spaces.
How much does a crushed ice machine cost?
The cost of a crushed ice machine is determined by a lot of factors including the size, ice making capacity, type of ice, durability, and others that you ought to consider. Typically, commercial crushed ice machines are more expensive than regular portable ones, most of them cost around $1500 to $10,000 and they have a higher cost of maintenance. However, portable ice makers are less pricey as some of them cost as low as 99$.
How do you crush ice at home?
Below is a simple method to crush ice at home:
- Select well-dried ice cubes for crushing depending on the quantity of crushed ice that you need
- Put the selected ice cubes in a Lewis bag or clean towel
- Hold the Lewis bag firmly in such a way that your ice is well covered and crush the ice using a mallet or any other hard tool
- Crush the ice to your preferred consistency
- Finally, you can serve your ice!