Best Ice Makers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 25, 2024
People associate ice cubes with holidays and summer. Having purchased an ice maker, you will always have an opportunity to bring conviviality to your life. This review of the best ice makers will help you make the right choice. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE OF ICE
ICE CUBE SIZE
DAILY ICE MAKING CAPACITY
ICE STORAGE CAPACITY
OPERATION CYCLE
WATER SOURCE
EXTRAS
CONVENIENCES
WEIGHT
ALERTS
WARRANTY
 
PROS

The device has a stainless steel body, which makes it more sturdy and robust, so it will serve you for a long time. It is fitted with non-skid feet for extra stability.

CONS

Doesn't have a see-through window. 

OUR VERDICT

The Polar G620 is a stylish, well made stainless steel ice machine that is suitable for both home use and use in bars and restaurants. It is capacious and can create up to 12 bullet-shaped pieces in less than 10 minutes, which means it can provide you with a constant supply of ice on call.

detailed parameters
TYPE OF ICE

Bullet-shaped cloudy ice cubes

ICE CUBE SIZE

3 ice cube sizes (small, medium and large)

DAILY ICE MAKING CAPACITY

17 kg

ICE STORAGE CAPACITY

2 kg

OPERATION CYCLE

10 minutes

WATER SOURCE

3.9-litre water tank

EXTRAS

Sturdy feet, Supplied with food-safe ice scoop

CONVENIENCES

Control panel with buttons and light indicators, User-friendly push-button controls

WEIGHT

18 kg

ALERTS

Warning lights for lack of water or full ice cube trays

WARRANTY

1 year parts & labour

PROS

The brushed stainless steel housing is resistant to rust and corrosion and not as susceptible to scratches as ice makers made from ABS plastic. The automatic sensors notify you when the bucket's full and when the tank starts running low.  

CONS

It offers only one size of ice cubes. 

OUR VERDICT

The NETTA Ice Maker Machine is a great home ice maker. It creates perfectly shaped cubes of ice in just around 10-12 minutes and needs no plumbing or any other complex maintenance, making it a go-to choice for parties, picnics, and family use.

detailed parameters
TYPE OF ICE

Bullet-round ice

ICE CUBE SIZE

Large cube sizes

DAILY ICE MAKING CAPACITY

12 kg

ICE STORAGE CAPACITY

2 kg

OPERATION CYCLE

10 - 12 minutes

WATER SOURCE

1.8-litre water tank

EXTRAS

Translucent window, ice scoop and bascet included

CONVENIENCES

Control panel with LED indicators

WEIGHT

7.5 kg

ALERTS

Warning lights for lack of water or full ice cube trays, Auto shut-off

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The ice-making capacity of 15 kg will meet the needs of the most demanding users, and the reasonable price to quality ratio will leave you pleasantly surprised.

CONS
Sometimes ice cubes miss the basket.
OUR VERDICT

A stylish design coupled with functionality is what makes the Andrew James ice maker machine an ideal option for every household. Its relatively light weight allows you to take it along with you on picnics and camping trips.

detailed parameters
TYPE OF ICE

Thimble-shaped cloudy ice cubes 

ICE CUBE SIZE

2 ice cube sizes (small, large)

DAILY ICE MAKING CAPACITY

Up to 15 kg 

ICE STORAGE CAPACITY

0.7 kg 

OPERATION CYCLE

5 to 13 minutes

WATER SOURCE

2.2-litre water reservoir

EXTRAS

Removable ice basket, Ice scoop, See-through window, Front drain 

CONVENIENCES

LED control panel with buttons and indicators 

WEIGHT

2.2 kg

ALERTS

Water level indicator, Full basket indicator, Auto shut-off 

WARRANTY

2 years 

PROS

Thanks to the automatic self-cleaning function, the maintenance of the device will be super quick and easy. It also helps to significantly prolong the service life of the ice maker even if you use it frequently. 

CONS

The ice scoop handle seems a little fragile. 

OUR VERDICT

This model distinguishes itself with a combo of a smart, portable, and self-cleaning design and a decent performance. It produces ice cubes in a choice of 6 sizes and can make up to 18 kg of ice per day. All of this makes it a great option for home and commercial use.

detailed parameters
TYPE OF ICE

Cube-shaped ice  

ICE CUBE SIZE

6 ice cube sizes

DAILY ICE MAKING CAPACITY

18 kg

ICE STORAGE CAPACITY

~2 kg

OPERATION CYCLE

13-18 minutes

WATER SOURCE

~2-litre water tank

EXTRAS

Translucent window, Ice scoop and basket included, Self-cleaning

CONVENIENCES

Control panel with LED screen, 24-hour timer, On/Off and select buttons

WEIGHT

12.3 kg

ALERTS

Warning lights for working cycle, lack of water or full ice cube trays

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

When you choose small ice cubes, the machine takes less than 6 minutes to make a full batch (9 cubes). The inside has been insulated to ensure that the cubes remain fresh so that you're not forced to remove and use them the second they're prepared.

CONS

The small drain hole makes flushing an hourly task.

OUR VERDICT

The COSTWAY Portable Countertop Ice Maker is good enough at producing ice to accommodate office use too. The machine is easy to operate, letting you decide the ice cube size, the batch size, and even the operation cycle (to some extent). The settings are easily accessible via the touch buttons.

detailed parameters
TYPE OF ICE

Bullet-round ice cubes

ICE CUBE SIZE

2 ice cube sizes (small, large)

DAILY ICE MAKING CAPACITY

12 kg

ICE STORAGE CAPACITY

0.7 kg

OPERATION CYCLE

6 - 13 minutes

WATER SOURCE

2.2-litre water tank

EXTRAS

Translucent window, Ice scoop included

CONVENIENCES

Control panel with LED indicators

WEIGHT

8 kg

ALERTS

Warning lights for lack of water or full ice cube trays

WARRANTY

1 year

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Polar G620

Makes Lots of Ice

If you really love throwing big parties with iced drinks on a frequent basis, you most definitely will need an ice making machine that can produce a lot of ice. The Polar G620 is the perfect choice for this purpose.

The best thing about this model is that it is very capacious. It has a large water tank that can fit up to 3.4 litres of water and is able to produce up to 17 kilos of ice in one day. When you turn it on, the machine starts working immediately and you will get the first ice cubes in about 10 minutes. The machine can make up to 12 pieces of ice in one cycle, which will all have the shape of a bullet. You can even choose from 3 cube sizes: large, medium and small.

Next, we really like how convenient this model is to use. It features a control panel with easy-to-push buttons. The body is fitted with non-skid feet that ensure stability on any surface while the machine is working. The machine may seem a little pricey, yet its price is justified by the quality. The body of the device is made of stainless steel, which makes it extra robust, but also a bit heavy. The manufacturer also offers a 1-year warranty for parts and labour.

So, as you can see, the Polar G620 is a perfect choice for those who may need a lot of ice. You can use it at home or it can become handy in a bar, café or restaurant.

Review of Polar G620 Counter Top Ice Maker

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £211.19
Stock In stock
ASIN B0024OFDPW

 

NETTA Home

Brushed Stainless Steel for the Win

The NETTA Ice Maker Machine is sleek, with its stainless steel housing making the appliance look more expensive than it actually is. The brushed steel construction not only protects the appliance against rust and corrosion but also makes sure that the finish is not easily scratched. The machine is pretty compact too, measuring modest 23.2 x 31 x 31.6 centimetres and not going above 7.5 kilogrammes from the weight perspective, putting the "portable" in the "portable ice maker".

Despite its unobtrusive design, the machine's maximum daily ice production reaches 12 kilogrammes, enabling office use too. More often than not, ice cubes do not take more than 10 minutes to finish forming, so you won't be waiting for them for too long. The transparent window will let you find out how much ice is left without removing the lid, whereas the automatic sensors will tell you when the ice bucket is full and when the water tank is running low. Now, serving the ice cubes will not always be fun because the ice scoop that's shipped with the machine is not especially comfortable.

Aside from that though, the NETTA Ice Maker Machine makes a compelling case, with its low-noise operation, compact design, and durable construction that can handle any trip.

Review of NETTA Home Ice Maker Machine

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £129.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0886LPY9X

 

Andrew James Compact

Ice On Demand

When the hot season starts, finding some way to reduce the influence of burning sunbeams is what we desire most no matter where we are. To give you the chance to cool down even while being far from home, the Andrew James Compact Counter Top Ice Maker Machine was created.

To begin with, its relatively light weight and compact size enable you to use it not only at home but even take it to go when travelling by car, boat, or yacht. At the same time, the productivity of this ice maker is second to none of its rivals. The 15-kilogramme daily ice-making capacity along with the 2.2-litre water reservoir and useful extras guarantee that this appliance will meet the needs of even the most demanding users.

Next, the model is not only simple but also safe to use. The device offers various indicators that show when the ice scoop is full or whether the water reservoir requires a refill. The machine also comes with an auto shut-off feature that turns it off if the ice maker is not in use for some time.

One other important feature to take into account is that you can start using the ice maker machine only 2 hours after transportation.

All in all, the Andrew James Ice Maker will definitely suit your needs no matter whether you’re a calm homebody or a curious traveller.

Review of Andrew James Compact Counter Top Ice Maker Machine

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £124.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B002ALJAVM

 

FOOING R600a

Offers Various Ice Cube Sizes

Do you want to be able to get a big amount of ice on a daily basis? If so, consider purchasing the FOOING R600a Ice Cube Maker Machine. It is functional and easy to maintain, and it provides enough ice to let you enjoy cool cocktails even at big parties.

What makes this model stand out from its counterparts is that it can produce up to 18 kilos of ice per day. Note that the ice tray can fit about 2 kilos of ice, so if you need a big batch, make sure to empty the tray in time. The set of the device includes a convenient ice scoop that allows removing ice cubes with ease. There is also a special indicator that informs you when the tray is full.

Speaking of which, this machine offers as many as 6 cube size options. Thanks to that, you will be able to get fitting cubes for every kind of glasses and make not only tasty but also cool-looking cocktails.

One of the biggest advantages of this ice maker is that it has a self-cleaning option. It makes the unit's maintenance much easier, plus it helps prolong its service life.

Overall, the FOOING R600a Ice Cube Maker Machine is a solid choice for every kitchen. Its highly productive performance, convenience in use and versatility make it a reliable assistant for hot seasons.

Review of FOOING R600a Ice Cube Maker Machine
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B08RYRN52L

 

Costway Portable

Going Red

The COSTWAY Portable Countertop Ice Maker is bright, referring both to its red finish and the intelligent controls. The touch buttons on the top are intuitive and allow you to easily manipulate the model's settings. Not dissimilar to most ice makers, this machine pairs the buttons with LED lights, displaying the selected setting. Next to these buttons and lights, you'll find the large see-through window, enabling you to observe the progress.

The machine's output is considerable and efficient, producing ~9 cubes within 6-13 minutes, whereas most ice makers take 10-15 minutes. You can also choose between two ice cube size options. To no one's surprise, small ice cubes will take less time to prepare.

Going back to the construction part though, the model's inside is insulated, making sure that the ice remains fresh. We're not crazy about the small drain hole though, making flushing an hourly task when you're preparing batch after batch. On the upside, the water tank here measures 2.2 litres, so you'll be wasting less time refilling it.

In addition to the obligatory ice scoop, the machine is also shipped with a removable basket that allows you to carry the ice cubes to the table with comfort and ease.

In closing, the COSTWAY Portable Countertop Ice Maker can make more ice than you need, taking less time to do so than most models.

Review of Costway Portable Counter Top Electric Ice Machine

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £132.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07RQQBCKQ

 

What Is an Ice Maker?

An ice maker is a useful appliance that will provide you with as much ice as you need. These machines come in a variety of different sizes and designs and can produce all types of ice allowing you to use it for different purposes. You can find ice makers designed specifically for stationary use and smaller units that can be taken with you. The latter can be used directly from a power outlet or via a power adapter, depending on the option you choose. In this review, we've included both smaller and larger ice makers from different brands so that you could find the most suitable for your needs and budget.

Those keen on barbecue, picnicking, and parties may also get interested in buying a camping cooking stove, which can be used in the backyard, park or during camping trips. While if you often travel by car, we'd recommend you to look through our selection of car cooler bags.

What Features to Compare

Type of Ice

In general, ice makers can produce cloudy or clear ice.

Cloudy ice not only chills beverages but also absorbs them. Thus, you can chew such ice after you've finished your cocktail. As a rule, cloudy ice is thimble-shaped since it is made in portable ice makers with low-temperature metal pegs. During the ice-making process, these pegs are immersed in water where they accumulate some layers of ice and produce ice cubes resembling thimbles with rounded ends. The length of these ice cubes is about 3.2 cm, but you can always adjust their diameter. Large ice cubes are 2.54 cm in diameter, while medium and small ones are 2.3 cm and 2 cm respectively. Stationary and embedded ice makers can produce crescent-shaped cloudy ice cubes, but you'll have to connect these devices to a water pipe. And if you don't want to chew the ice, you can make it harder: for that, just take it out of an ice maker and put in the freezer for a couple of hours.

In regards to clear ice, it has a solid structure due to a completely opposite freezing technology. In order to get clear ice cubes, it is essential to use flowing water which is deprived of impurities. The advantage of clear ice cubes is that in addition to being clearer, they also melt slower than cloudy ice, which makes them a popular choice of restaurants and bars.

Ice Production

Performance is the second important thing to consider. It is defined by a few factors, that is, the maximum amount of ice a device can produce per day, its ice storage capacity, and its operation cycle. If you don't look for a commercial-grade device, we recommend opting for models capable of producing around 10 kilos of ice per day on average. This amount will suffice most household needs, even in the hottest summer. When it comes to ice storage capacity, this parameter will show you how much ice the device is able to accommodate inside without having to empty its basket. And when it comes to the operation cycle it will tell you how long it'll take to make one batch of ice.

Conveniences and Alerts

Finally, check out extras. In general, producing ice cubes is a simple process: all you need is to plug the device in, select the needed setting and switch it on. However, some more sophisticated models may come featured with added functions, so if you want to get the most of the device, learn in more details what's included with the purchase. As for cleanup, make sure an ice maker comes with a side drain to let you empty its basket after use without much effort. Having said that, most modern ice makers do not waste water. Instead, they recycle it for the next batch of cubes. Another feature that will surely add to the convenience of use and, more importantly, provide you with peace of mind, is auto shut-off: for example, if the basket is full and you're not there to turn it off, the device will switch off automatically, thus prolonging its service life. You can also find models with alerts that will audibly inform you when ice cubes are ready, so you can spend time with your friends rather than being tied to the ice maker. Last but not least, we recommend choosing a unit with a low water alert so you can refill it in time without risking damaging the device.

Sources:

1. Kristen Hicks The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Portable Ice Maker, Compact Appliance. October 5, 2016.

2. Ice Maker Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.

3. Types of Ice Machines, Webstaurant Store.

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