Best Budget Portable Ice Makers Under $200 [ 2022 ]

Last Updated on February 12, 2022

To get the best portable ice makers, then you have to spend exorbitant prices?

No. That’s not always the case.

As a matter of fact, there are ice makers that go on sale for dirt cheap prices and perform as though they are high-end models.

However; there are many alternatives in the market, and most of the budget options are no good.

But it does not have to be that way.

Thanks to our research; we have scoured the internet to compile the list of the best budget portable ice makers that are affordable, efficient, and provide all-round performance.

Contents

1 Budget Portable Ice Makers – Comparison Table

Budget Portable Ice Makers – Comparison Table

NewAir AI-100R Portable Ice Maker

The Newair is a major player in the ice maker production space. They have lots of amazing machines that differ in price and function.

The AI-100R is a budget option that ticks all the right boxes. Thanks to the portable size, at 14.5 x 11.8 x 15 inches you can keep it on the countertop, homebar, office, etc.

It weighs 24.3lbs making it easier to transport.

Performance; it has a fast freezing rate and can produce batches of ice in 6 – 15 minutes, and in a day creates a whopping 28lbs.

It offers up to 3 cube sizes you can choose; small, medium, and large ice sized cubes. The control panel comes with push buttons that allow for turning on / off the machine.

Nifty features like the indicator lights around the control show you when the ice is ready or when you need to add water.

Side-mounted drain makes it easy to get rid of unused water from the machine. Making ice with Newair AI-100R does not require any complicated installation. Plug the unit to a socket, add water to the reservoir and press the turn on the button to make ice.

On buying this unit, use vinegar with water to make a batch of ice, this is to banish smell from the machine.

DELLA Compact Portable Ice Maker

The Della compact is one of the most rated budget ice makers in the market. It features a sleek, ergonomic design that allows for friendly use.

Its highlight is the fast ice production. This compact model would fit right into your countertop, RV, office, and your décor.

The manufacturers boast of a 6 minute ice time, producing up to 26lbs of bullet ice in a day. Indeed, storage bin at 1.5lbs stores enough ice that will save you from frequent trips to empty the bin.

Another great feature is the see-through window that allows you to check out the ice level.

The LED indicator allows you to know when the ice production is complete or when the reservoir is running low on water.

The operation is quiet and fast; sure you will not be disturbed by the noise it emits. For users that want to know the unit is ETL, CSA, UL, and FDA approved, meaning it’s safe to make healthy ice from the machine.

It is light at 21lbs, and moving it is a breeze.

Ice making is fast here, but it melts quickly too, it is important to store the cubes in the freezer.

Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

The vremi countertop ice maker is one of the best sellers online. On a closer look, you will notice the stainless finish which captures the eye of onlookers.

In the portable line unit, it has the most efficient performance. It produces the first batch of ice cubes in 8 – 10 minutes and up to 26lbs of ice in a day.

Indeed, it is compact at 9.5 x 12 x 13.5 inches and a perfect buddy for users on the go. Vremi is quiet and energy-efficient, running at 120 watts, thus conserving energy. The 2.2-liter water reservoir is below the ice basket; it collects and reuses melted ice to form new ice.

The most interesting feature of this model is the auto shut-off feature – it prevents the ice bin from overflowing or when water is low.

It also has a transparent window to view the ice making progress.

This unit comes with a basket and ice scoop, which you have to buy separately. Also, for a discounted price; you can buy a 50 pack of drawstring bags to store your ice in a refrigerator.

Overall, this is our best budget ice maker on the list, and you can see why. It’s fast, efficient, good looking and perfect for residential and outdoor purposes.

Frigidaire EFIC206-SILVER Ice Maker

The Frigidaire is a portable option you need to know; it features a fast ice making process; usually, you get the first batch in 6-10 minutes. It allows you to choose from 2 ice cube sizes and makes about 26lbs of ice in 24 hours.

Hate those clanging metallic sounds? Yes, the manufactures ensured you wouldn’t be dealing with unbearable sound cause this unit runs less than 38db.

It has a drain plug for quick water drainage and the transparent window to view the ice level. It comes with an ice shovel that helps to transfer ice from the machine to your cup/freezer.

The manufacturers were quick to point out that this cooler runs purely on compressor and electric power; no chemical refrigerant was used.

There’s no need to call a handyman to install the unit. Fix the cord to a socket, and wait for some minutes for the batch of ice.

We were impressed by the overall build quality of the Frigidaire. It does not compromise, and with a robust stainless steel body, it will last many years of use.

Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Ice Maker

The igloo company is known as a budget manufacturer in the cooler and ice making space. Most people that lived in the ’90s have fond memories of the igloo; it is as though buying an Igloo product brings back those nostalgic memories.

This retro designed ice maker has a large 3 quarts tank and can produce 9 small or large cylinder-shaped ice cubes in 7-15 minutes.

It offers 26lbs of ice in a 24-hour time frame, and the ice basket can store 2lbs of ice.

The control panel makes ice making easier; it has LED lights to know when you need to add water or when the ice basket is full. Transparent lid allows for monitoring ice level.

Colzer Electronic ice maker

The Colzer portable ice maker was one of the options we didn’t hesitate to add to our list. It retails for less than $200, securing a place on our list.

For starters, the Colzer is a heavy performer producing up to 25lbs per day. It has a large water tank (1.8L) and a large ice storage capacity of 1.5lbs.

Ice usually melts fast in the average ice maker, but this unit has an insulated area that extends ice life. However, don’t get carried away; it will melt gradually. But thanks to the ice mechanism, the melted ice will be reused to form new fresh ice.

The auto-shutdown feature is one of the best things about the product. It will automatically stop when the ice basket is full or when the water is low.

This countertop ice maker does not require any intricate installation; add water, plug the unit to start making ice.

Before you start making ice, it is essential to check the drain plug and inner silicone plug for leakages.

Place the unit on a ventilated area to ensure smooth operation. This is a fast ice maker, but the first five batches are slower but increases as it continues the production.

Are you having problems with ice making?

On purchase, make sure it sits for 24 hours before you start using it. This is because the flow of the refrigerant may have been hampered during transportation.

If it still does not work, then thank your stars cause it comes with a 12-month warranty and a cooperative customer service that will help you solve the problem.

What To Consider Before A Budget Ice Maker

We understand that you are here to find cheap ice makers and there still are many good options aside the ones mentioned in the list.

But how can you know an ice maker is good? Well, we will go through some important point to help you choose a great machine to satisfy your needs.

Size

Size is perhaps the most important factor to consider before you make a purchase.

You need to know how much space will be enough to store your equipment. Most of the ice makers on the list average a 12 x 11 x 12 inch side. They are easy to transport, and you can use them indoors and outdoors easily.

Know the space of your home bar, countertop or Rv, and check the specifications of the ice maker. If you can figure that out, pick a product that would fit in without hassles.

Ice Production

Depending on the occasion, you will need an ice maker that will cater to the functionary needs.

Now, the average residential ice makers make about 26lbs of ice per day. If you can do the rough math of how big the occasion you are using the machine for, you can know whether the ice maker will suffice.

Again, most portable ice makers are suited for small gatherings. A larger crowd, say in a restaurant means you need a freestanding commercial ice maker which is more expensive. However, you can make ice and store in the freezer before the scheduled event.

Finally, do the due diligence to know the production capacity of an ice maker and compare it to your basic needs. Will it satisfy those needs? Yes, then buy it. No, then find a more the best choice.

Ice Type

It depends on how you want your ice, do you want it small, medium, or large.

Depending on your taste, you should pick an ice maker that can create your favorite type of ice.

Most of the ice makers on our list can form bullet-shaped and cube-shaped cubes. There are other ice types with includes; the crescent-shaped ice, sonic ice, nuggets or shaved ice.

Some ice makers produce denser ice cubes than others. It is important to know your kind of ice and choose an ice maker which can give you that kind of ice.

Insulation

Residential ice makers are good at ice making. However, unlike commercial models, most do not have in-built freezers in them. The result is quick ice melting in comparison.

Modern models are now producing models with storage areas to hold ice for more extended periods. Still, this can’t replace the freezer. The insulated storage can only hold ice enough for you to transfer them into a freezer.

If you can afford commercial ice makers, use Ziploc or plastic bags to store your ice and toss into your freezer.

Where to buy Budget Ice Makers?

You either purchase your unit from the manufacturers or online. Our favorite spot online is Amazon. Why? Because they have a pool of comments and reviews from buyers, this informs you of some of the things you don’t know about a product.

Take it as a preemptive method to avoid buying a product you can’t handle. And for the good retail discounts, Amazon is the best place, no doubt.