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There’s nothing better than an icy drink on a hot day, especially while you’re camping! However, most RVs are lacking in the ice-maker department… so what’s a camper to do? Get a portable ice maker, of course! Portable ice makers for RVs are a game changer whether you’re on a weekend trip, tailgating, or full-time RVing.
A portable ice maker can be extremely useful for an RV owner. And this is a device many RVers say they can’t live without!
With a portable ice maker, you can prepare a great deal of ice so that you can keep several drinks cold throughout the day. This way you will always stay refreshed even on the hottest days.
When you purchase a portable ice maker for your RV, there are a few things to consider.
The most important thing to decide is how big an ice maker you need. If you have smaller RV you will only need ice for a few people and, as a result, you will only need a small ice maker. However, if you plan on bringing several people with you on a trip, you will need much more ice. As a result, you will need a larger ice maker to accommodate everybody.
Do RVs Come with Ice Makers in the Freezer?
No, in most cases, RV refrigerators do not have ice-makers in them. And that’s actually for the best so you don’t have to worry about winterizing it!
If you are fortunate enough to have a freezer at home with an ice maker, you know how convenient that is. Unfortunately, you will probably not be as lucky with your camper or RV. In most cases, RV freezers are not built with an ice maker. There may be some select cases where they do have one, but it is rare. As a result, you will need to purchase a portable ice maker if you want a steady supply of ice.
Are a Portable and a Countertop Ice Maker the Same?
In your search for a portable ice maker, you may come across the names of a few other ice makers. One of those names might be a countertop ice maker. If you come across this name you should be aware that it is the same thing as a portable ice maker. It is just one of those things that has multiple names. It is called a countertop ice maker as well because many people will make their ice on the countertop.
Do Portable Ice Makers Need a Water Line?
One big question many people have before they use their portable ice maker for the first is, do portable ice makers need a water line? Although you might think that you do, there is actually no need to use a water line at all. Instead of using a water line you can pour water into the unit’s reservoir and turn it on to start the ice production process.
What Kind of Water Is Best to Use in a Portable Ice Maker?
When you use a portable ice maker, you need to make sure that you are using the right kinds of water. The first and most important thing to remember is that you should only use potable or water suitable for drinking. Generally, the water that you put into the portable ice maker should be between 51 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you should make sure that you change the water in the water reservoir every 24 hours or so to ensure that it stays at a reasonable hygiene level.
You should note that the “Add Water” light relies on an electronic sensor that might not detect purified, filtered, reverse osmosis, or distilled water. To get the sensor to detect this kind of water, you might need to add a small amount of salt to the machine to increase the mineral content. This amount of salt should be undetectable to your taste buds, but it should raise the mineral content high enough so that the sensor can detect water in the reservoir.
Do Portable Ice Makers for RVs Keep Ice Frozen?
No, most portable ice makers for RVs aren’t made to keep ice frozen for an extended period of time. However, some do, and if they do they will clearly state it on the sales page!
Portable ice makers are best at making ice. If you want to make a bunch of ice to stock up on, simply put it in a container and pop it in the freezer after your ice maker completes a cycle.
What Are the Best Portable Ice Makers for an RV or Camper?
Here we will look at some of the best portable ice makers available to you on the market right now. You should note that although this is a numbered list, we did not rank the products. Instead, they are listed in no particular order. Additionally, remember that you do not need to purchase any of the products listed below. You can also use the information you learn about the products below to get an idea of what to expect from a portable ice maker. With that information, you can do your own information and find the portable ice maker that is best for you.
1. COSTWAY Portable Ice Maker for RVs
This portable ice maker from COSTWAY has dimensions of 9.5 inches x 14 inches x 13 inches. It is small enough to fit on most countertops, and it is easy to carry with you. This makes it a great option for an RV owner because you are usually limited in countertop space.
The portable ice maker is also equipped with a high power compressor, 9 corrosion resistant condenser and R134a refrigerant, and a 2.2L/ 74oz water tank. It is also environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, and it barely makes any noise at all.
You do not need to worry about production with this ice maker as it produces 9 ice cubes every 6 to 13 minutes. Throughout the day it will produce 26.5 pounds of ice. This should be plenty of ice for you to stay cold and refreshed the throughout the day.
The ice maker comes with an indicator that will remind you take the cubes out of the ice maker when the basket is full. It will also tell you when there is a lack of water. The control panel is easy to read and understand.
This portable ice maker produces ice that will not hurt in your mouth. It produces ice cubes that are hollow so that they will float in your drink without affecting the taste. You can also choose whether you want small or large ice cubes.
Finally, this ice maker is made from food grade materials, and is certified with ETL. It has a durable surface, is smooth, and smudge resistant. You can wipe of stains with a rag with ease to keep it clean and shiny.
2. Igloo Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker for RVs
This portable ice maker from Igloo is designed for convenience. It is small and compact so that you can put it on your countertop and so that you are limited in space. Despite its small size, it has a large capacity in the water tank and will produce roughly 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours.
The water tank capacity of the ice maker is three quarts. The ice basket will store two pounds of ice at a time. As a result, you will need to remove ice from the ice maker fairly regularly so that it can keep producing ice. The ice maker will make nine small or large cylinder shaped ice cubes in seven minutes.
The control panel on the ice maker is simple and easy to understand. It is illuminated with LED lights, and the electronic panel lets you know when you need to add more water or when the ice basket is full. It also has a transparent lid so that you can view the ice cube capacity with ease.
3. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker for RVs
This portable ice maker from hOmeLabs is another great option if you need an ice maker for your RV. It is a powerful ice maker can produce 1.5 pounds of ice at a time, and up 26 of pounds of ice a day. The dimensions for the portable ice maker are 9.5 inches x 12.9 inches x 14 inches. This size makes it an ideal ice maker for an RV owner.
When you go to produce your ice, you have the option to choose small or medium ice cubes. After you turn on the ice maker, you will have ice in six to eight minutes. The small ice cubes should be able to fit through the opening of a water bottle. The medium sized ice cubes are a great option for mixed drinks.
The ice maker is also energy efficient as it is equipped with a compressor that requires low energy to cool. It has a smart design as the water reservoir sits below the ice basket and reuses water from any melted ice. There are also warning lights that will go off if the ice basket is full or more water needs to be added.
Finally, the portable ice maker comes with a basket and ice scoop. There is no installation you need to do when you purchase it either. So, you can take it out of the box and get it to start producing ice immediately.
4. 2 in 1 Portable Ice Maker with Water Dispenser for RVs
This ice maker from Northair is incredibly efficient as it can produce up to 40 pounds of fresh ice per day and it serves as a water cooler too! It can create a 12-bullet ice cube in an average of 8 to 10 minutes. This ice maker uses its water cooler style to supply ice or cold drinking water any time you need it. You can mix the ice with drinks, dishes, fruits, or wine.
Luckily, this machine is incredibly easy to use. It has an automatic barreled water intake. The buttons on the control panel let you select any of the three ice sizes. There are also indicator lights that will tell you when your ice is ready.
Additionally, this portable ice maker has high quality compressors that produce very little noise so that they do not disturb you. The inner core uses commercial refrigerant R134a to ensure that it is environmentally friendly and pollution free.
If you purchase this product and you have issues with it or do not like it, there is no need to worry. There is 1 year warranty and 30 day return policy with the product. So, you can purchase it, test it out, and if you do not like it, return it.
5. FOOING Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker for RV
The Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker Machine by FOOING has dimensions of 14.1” diameter, 11.2: width, and 13.7” in height.
This ice maker can make 24 cubes per cycle, and each cycle takes 12 to 18 minutes. However, freezing time can be adjusted using the timer if you desire!
This portable ice maker for RVs can make up to 40 pounds of ice per day, so it can definitely keep up with your family’s needs for lemonade, iced tea, or even frozen margaritas!
The FOOING portable RV ice maker has a self-cleaner function, making it a really convenient option for RVers who want to spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning appliances.
Keep All Your Drinks Cold with Your New Portable Ice Maker for RVs
After reading, we hope you have all the information you need to purchase the best portable ice maker for you. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it should all be helpful as you search for the best portable ice maker for you. You never know, maybe one of the ice makers listed above is the perfect fit for you and your RV.
We wish we could tell you what the best portable ice maker was for you. Unfortunately, everyone has different needs, and for us to assume we know what yours are would be irresponsible. However, we can say with confidence that each of the ice makers listed above were received well by consumers.
As you do your research, make sure you know what you are looking for before you make a purchase. Not all ice makers are the same, so make sure you know what features are important to you, and which you do not need. If you keep those things in mind, you will find the perfect portable ice maker in no time.
Have you ever used a portable ice maker before? Why do you want to purchase an ice maker? Where do you plan to take your RV on your next trip? Let us know in the comments!
