Do you have a home bar or are you in the process of designing one? May we suggest adding an ice maker in your design plan.
There are two types of ice makers suitable for a home bar installation.
We have reviewed 27 ice machines to compile this top-rated list. Check out these versatile units – you will find them useful in your home bar. More excitingly, you will never run out of ice at your party!
Benefits & Buying Guide of Best Ice Maker For Home Bar
Like every other home appliance, there are some features that you need to look out for in getting the best ice maker for home bar. Below is a highlight of some of the most important ones:
- Ease of Use: This is one of the most important factors to consider, the ease of use of a machine is quite dependent on individual preference. Some ice makers come with complicated functions that someone who is not tech-savvy might find hard. We advise that you choose an ice maker with simple functions that you can operate without much help.
- Ice Making Capacity: Different ice makers have different ice making capacity. Some ice makers make more daily ice than others. If you use a lot of ice in a day, go for an ice machine with a large ice-making capacity but if you just need a minimal supply of ice, a small or medium capacity ice maker should do. In all, ensure you choose the best option that tallies with your daily need for ice.
- Durability: Like every other machine, some ice makers last longer than others, some ice makers break apart after a short while and that is not too good for business. To be sure, you can look out for the warranty of the ice maker before purchase and choose the one that has a long enough warranty.
- Quietness: This is a very important feature to look out for in an ice machine, some ice machines feature cooling compressors that make it to work as quietly as possible. If you intend to use the ice maker in a commercial environment, you might not need to worry much about the sound it makes but if you plan to use it at home, then you might want to choose a quiet ice machine.
- The size of the machine: Some ice machines occupy more space than others. If you have limited space, you should be conscious of the size of the ice machine that you are planning to purchase and take note of its dimensions. In all, choose an ice machine that seamlessly fits into your space.
- Price Tag: You don’t have to break the bank to get an ice maker, make your plans within your budget. Several ice makers would suit your needs and still fit within your budget.
The Best Ice Maker For Home Bar 2021
1. EdgeStar Built-in Ice Maker – Best Quality
- Front venting for built-in or freestanding installation; ADA Height Compliant
- 25 foot long 1/4" water line connection included; Reversible door for left or right hand swing; Ice scoop included
- Easy, convenient, and inexpensive installation; On/off power switch; Auto shut-off when ice bin is full
Edgestar IB120SS built-in ice maker is our first best ice maker for home bar. It can easily be installed either as a freestanding or built-in ice machine. It comes in a sleek and classic design that would match up with any kind of home bar decor.
Also, this durable ice machine features all you need to make ice for your favorite cocktail drinks including a water line connection, automated system, ice scoop, and more.
Edgestar IB120SS is an ice maker built-in undercounter and it would be an easy fit for most undercounters.
Features –
- Elegant Outlook: The ice maker comes in a sleek design that is a beauty to see. It features a black body to match with a stainless-steel door, and it would be a nice blend for virtually any kind of décor. It would no doubt be a beautiful addition to your home bar.
- Easy installation: EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker is very easy to set up and it does not require a drain for its installation.
- Automated machine: The Ice Maker is an automated machine that goes off automatically when the ice bin is full and needs to be offloaded.
- Ice making and storage capacity: EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker can store up to 6 pounds of crescent-shaped ice and it makes up to 12 pounds of ice cubes in a day.
- Refrigerated Storage Bin: EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker features a refrigerated storage bin that enables it to work as a freezer, keeping your ice frozen and helping it to last even longer.
- Additional features: The machine also features front venting for installation, an ice scoop for a neat and easy transfer of ice from the machine, a 25-foot-long 1/4 inches of water line connection, and an on/off power switch.
Pros
- Sleek look
- Automated system
- Easy and inexpensive installation
- Quiet to a large degree
- Refrigerated storage bin for long-lasting ice
Cons
- The machine is pricey when comparing to models in its class. Remember a quality product always costs more to design and manufacture.
2. Igloo Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Portable, convenient and compact in size, this retro metallic red ice maker looks good on a...
- LARGE ICE MAKING CAPACITY: Keep the water tank filled and this unit will produce 26 pounds of ice in a 24 hour period enough...
- WATER TANK CAPACITY: 3 quarts
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker takes the second position on our list of the best undercounter ice maker for home bar. It provides an easy and fast way to get ice for your favorite drink mix.
The ice machine comes in a black modern-day design that is easy to clean and it comes with easy to use features including a drain plug, transparent cover, an illuminated control panel.
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker is our best option for the best small ice maker for home bar with a large ice storage capacity.
Features –
- Sleek and Compact: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker comes in a black plastic design that would be a great match for a modern home bar. It is a portable ice maker that is easy to clean and it won’t take up too much of your countertop space.
- Illuminated Control Panel: It also features an illuminated control panel that is easy to use. The LED lights alert you when the ice basket is full and needs to be offloaded, it also alerts you when the water tank is empty and needs to be refilled.
- Transparent Lid: It features a transparent lid that allows you to see the content of the machine without touching the lid, especially while the machine is running.
- Ice in no time: The ice maker produces 9 cylinder-shaped ice cubes for you in just 7 minutes, so you can have ice readily available to accompany your favorite drink mix.
- Large and Small-sized ice cubes: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker makes small and large-sized cubes, giving you the option of choosing the one you prefer the most.
- Drain plug: The ice maker is easy to clean as it comes with a drain plug that allows you to clean the ice machine without hassle, helping you to drain water from the ice maker after use.
- Large ice making capacity: With Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker has a 3 quartz capacity water tank and in a space of 24 hours, it can make up to 26 pounds of ice which is enough to keep your home bar running all day long.
- Ice basket and scoop: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker comes with an ice basket for holding ready-made ice and an ice scoop for serving ice.
Pros
- See-through cover
- Easy to use
- Control widget
- Compact piece
- Quick ice
- Light indicators
Cons
- Occasionally ice cubes might stick together if the water temperature in the Water Reservoir is too low, or your room temperature is too cold. Make sure your room temperature is between 45°F-90°F.
3. CROWNFUL stainless-steel Portable Ice Maker – Most Affordable Choice
- [Efficient & Quiet] The ice maker can produce up to 9 pieces of ice cubes in just 7 minutes and 26 pounds of ice per day. The...
- [2 Ice Sizes & Portability] The ice machine can make both large and small size ice cubes, where the large ice cubes are not...
- [Easy to Use] The ice maker is just a simple one touch operation and is equipped with infrared sensor technology, where the...
CROWNFUL stainless-steel portable ice machine for countertop is one of our most popular small ice makers for home bar. It has a compact design – 12.2” L x 9.05” W x 12.8” H in dimension. This small footprint is ideal for smaller counter space.
The ice maker is certified for use by ETL and FDA and it makes round ice with a smooth consistency that stays on top of your drinks without influencing its taste.
You can have ice easily and at pretty fast intervals – 9 cubes in 7 minutes. It’s nice not to having to wait for more than 8 minutes for each cycle – this unit works fast and efficiently.
The ice machine is easy to clean as it comes in a dirt-resistant material, i.e. stainless-steel. It also has a built-in self-clean feature.
Features –
- Compact and Classic design: CROWNFUL portable ice maker comes in a sleek silver exterior that would be a great addition to your home bar. Its compact design is an advantage, especially if you own a small bar – it won’t take up too much of your valuable counter space.
- Transparent Lid: This machine has a see-through cover that allows you to monitor the operation of the machine without removing the cover.
- Large-sized Ice: This CROWNFUL makes large bullet-shaped ice at a push of a button. Each cylindrical-shape-ice measures at 0.9 inch by 1.2 inch.
- Easy Cleaning: It features a drain plug that allows you to easily clean and drain the ice machine. It is a good idea to dry the unit after each use.
- Quiet machine operation: The Ice Maker works quietly as it features a built-in feature that allows it to make ice cubes without making high noise level. It registers at just under 40 dbA.
- Fast Ice: You don’t have to wait for long hours to have your drinks served chilled as this unit produces 9 bullet-shaped ice-cubes within few minutes. Its water reservoir capacity is 60.8 oz. (1.8 L). and it makes up to 26 lbs. of bullet ice in 24 hours, meeting your fresh ice needs all day long.
- Light indicator: This CROWNFUL Portable Ice Maker Machine features light indicators that alert you when the ice is ready, and when the water reservoir needs refill.
- Ice scoop and Basket: It features a removable ice basket for keeping ice, and an ice scoop for transferring your fresh ice cubes into your beverages or mixed drinks.
Pros
- Quick Ice
- Extremely lightweight
- Compact and portable
- Transparent cover
- Quiet and outstanding overall performance
Cons
- One size ice cube only
4. Vremi Very Nice Ice Maker for Countertop
- Build A Better Beverage: Ditch annoying ice cube trays and clunky freezer ice, and treat yourself to beautiful bullet-shaped...
- Quick Ice, And Lots Of It: Cool cubes are ready in just 8 to 10 minutes. This slick small kitchen appliance produces a...
- Compact With Killer Design: Measures 9.5 x 12 x 13.5 inches and fits nicely on most countertops, with a 2.2 liter water...
Vremi very nice ice maker is our next best undercounter ice maker for home bar. It is an energy-efficient ice maker with an elegant and compact design. It would no doubt be a priceless addition to a home bar.
Ice making is a breeze with Vremi very nice ice maker, as it is loaded with easy to use features including a cooling unit, light indicators, ice scoop, basket amongst others, making ice cubes available to you in no time.
Features –
- Classy and Portable: Vremi very nice ice maker comes in a compact silver and black portable design that sits comfy on your countertop space without using up too much of your space.
- Ice bucket and scoop: Vremi very nice ice maker comes with a 1.5 pounds capacity ice bucket and a small ice scoop for transferring cylinder-shaped ice cubes from the machine into your favorite drinks.
- Fast and Quiet Performance: The ice machine works quietly and efficiently, making 9 bullet-shaped ice in 8 to 10 minutes.
- Easy to Use: Ice making is hassle-free with Vremi very nice ice maker. No tech skill or pre-installation is required, just fill the reservoir with water and plug it into a power source and you will have your ice cubes ready in no time.
- Indicator Lights: The ice maker features indicator lights that alert you when the ice basket is full and needs to be emptied and also water tank is empty and when the ice bucket is filled up with ready-made ice.
- Ice Making Capacity: Vremi very nice ice maker comes with a 2.2-liter capacity water reservoir that allows you to reuse melted ice and it makes up to a total of 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice in a day.
- See-through Lid: It also features a transparent cover to help you monitor ice production.
Pros
- Makes ice in no time
- Easy to use
- Indicator lights
- Quiet performance
Cons
- Makes just one size of ice
- Plastic design
5. COOLLIFE Portable Ice Maker for Countertop
- Highly Efficient Ice Production - Countertop ice maker with scoop, Make up to 26.5 lb of small or large bullet-shaped ice...
- Portable and Compact Design - Coollife ice cube maker size is 9.5"x 14" x 13" , perfect for home parties, RVs, camping...
- Intelligent LED Light Indicator Applied Indicator light- Lets you know when the ice basket is full and when you need to add...
COOLLIFE Ice Maker for Countertop is a great ice machine with a unique and contemporary design that looks great in a modern décor. The ice maker is built with high-grade materials and it is for use both indoor and outdoor.
Ice making is fast and easy with COOLLIFE Portable Ice Maker for Countertop – 10 ice cubes in 6 minutes! It is loaded with user-friendly features that make ice making seamless and these features include light indicators, a drain plug, transparent lid, ice basket, and other amazing features.
Features –
- Great Outlook: COOLLIFE Portable Ice Maker comes in a copper-color stainless steel body that stands out from most silver-colored units. The ice machine is compact at 9.5″x 14″ x 13″ – you can find space for this small footprint on your counter.
- Quick Ice: It features a DC fan that starts faster with little or no noise. It makes a larger volume of air which leads to rapid cooling of the machine. It makes 10 pieces of bullet-shaped ice in just 6 minutes.
- Different Sizes of Ice Cubes: This COOLLIFE makes two sizes of bullet ice. A small ice at 2 cm x 2.5 cm, and a large ice cube at 4 cm x 4.5 cm.
- Ice Making Capacity: The ice machine comes with a 2.2 L water tank and it makes up to 30 lbs. of ice within 24 hours.
- Easy to use Control Panel/ LCD Screen: It features a simple LCD control panel that gives you seamless control over the machine. It also features an infrared sensing technology that notifies you when the water reservoir is empty and when the ice basket is full.
- Easy to Clean: This COOLLIFE Portable Ice Maker is made of stainless-steel, and it features a pure nickel-plated ice lattice. It also has a self-cleaning function that makes cleaning a breeze just by adding water and a push of a button.
- Long-lasting Ice Cubes: Ice cubes made from the machine generally last longer, this is because it comes with a thick foam layer and an insulated board that prevents a rapid melting of ice.
- Ice Scoop and Basket: This Portable Ice Maker comes with a removable ice basket, and a scoop for dishing the ice cubes.
- Transparent Lid: You don’t have to open the cover to see what’s going on in the ice production. This is because it has a see-through cover that allows you to monitor ice making process without removing the cover.
Pros
- Fast on-demand ice
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Self-cleaning Function
- 2 sizes of ice
- Advanced infrared sensing technology
Cons
- The beautiful copper-color exterior may not go with your choice of color scheme.
6. VIVOHOME Electric Portable Countertop Ice Cube Maker Machine
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE - The lightweight feature makes it portable and convenient to use anywhere; Compact design performs...
- FAST FINISH - Just plug in the power, add water and enjoy a batch of ice in about 6-10 minutes; The machine can make up to 26...
- EASY TO USE - No installation required; Turn the machine on/off and select ice size (S/L) on the control panel according to...
Finally, we have VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker. Although it comes last on our list, it is one of the best small ice makers for home bar.
The home undercounter ice maker is loaded with user-friendly features that make ice making hassle-free. Some of these features include a compressor cooler, a transparent lid, large and small-sized ice among others.
Features –
- Portable and Classic Design: VIVOHOME ice maker comes in a compact and portable design that would fit under most under counter without hassle. Its silver cover would be a beautiful match for any home bar.
- Easy to Use: There is no need for any installation, you can start making ice by using it’s on/off button. With VIVOHOME ice maker, ice making is as easy as ever.
- Ice Making Capacity: It produces its first batch of ice in just 6 minutes and it can make up to 26 lbs of bullet ice in 24 hours.
- Transparent Window: VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker features a see-through lid that allows you to monitor ice production without having to open the lid.
- 2 sized Ice cubes: The ice machine gives you the option of selecting your most preferred ice cube size as it can make small and large-sized ice cubes.
- Quiet operation: VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker features a compressor cooler that enables it to work quietly and efficiently.
Pros
- Portable and piece
- Features an on/off button
- Quiet performance
- Easy to use
Cons
- No indicator light
- 2 ice cube sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ice for home use?
The answer to this question is majorly dependent on your individual preference. Once you know what your needs are, you can head on to choosing the one that suits your needs the most. We have some of the best options on our list to help you narrow down your options.
Does a portable ice maker keep ice cold?
Ice makers that come with the freezing feature help to keep ice cold, making it last longer and most portable ice makers lack this feature. If The portable ice maker has a built-in freezer, then it would keep ice for a longer time.
How do you clean a portable ice maker?
Portable ice makers can be cleaned either manually or using the self-cleaning mode. For manual cleaning, you use an equal solution of water and vinegar to wash the machine, after which you would rinse and drain.
For self-cleaning, you make use of the self-cleaning button after pouring equal portions of water and vinegar into the ice machine, then rinse afterward.
Please note that not all ice machines feature a self-cleaning mode.