Looking to produce large amounts of ice while saving on freezer space? A compact ice maker fit snuggly on your kitchen counter and lets you create ice on command. Plus, nobody wants to run to the convenience store during a party because they’ve run out of ice. Here are some answers to your burning questions about countertop ice makers.  

How ice makers work 

A portable ice maker has a freezing element that is placed directly in a water reservoir. Because the freezing element of a portable countertop ice maker is placed directly in the water tank, it can make ice much more quickly than a regular freezer, which works by lowering the air temperature of the freezer. 

Instead of filling an ice mold with water and then putting the ice mold into a freezer, a portable ice cube maker freezes the water directly, so it takes much less time to complete a batch of ice.  

Types of ice and ice machines 

There are many reasons why you should buy an ice maker, but one way to decide which maker is right for you is to decide which type of ice you most suit your lifestyle. Here are types of ice that you can make at home with a portable ice maker:  

Nugget ice (“Sonic ice”, “Cubelet ice”: If you love chewing ice but don’t like how it hurts your enamel, then nugget ice is your best friend. It is soft and chewable. You might know it as “the good ice” because it is so addicting to munch on its own. Plus, it chills drinks quickly and is great in any slushy beverage. 

Bullet ice maker: If you enjoy making smoothies in the morning and cocktails in the evening, then bullet ice is the way to go. Bullet ice breaks down easily in a blender to give you all sorts of blended drinks.  

Clear ice maker: If you hate ice that melts fast and dilutes your drinks, then clear ice is the type you want. It is clear of ice bubbles, leaving you with a dense ice cube that last longer than other types of ice. 

Whisky ice maker: If you enjoy ending your day with a glass of scotch, then you know how important it is to have ice that doesn’t melt and dilute the flavor. Whisky ice is made to last long while also offering a nice chill for your favorite whisky.  

Flaked ice (“shaved ice”): If you’ve ever had a shaved ice cone, then you have enjoyed the way flakey ice melts on your tongue in a matter of seconds. Flaked ice is used to preserve produce, seafood, meat, and buffets.  

How to clean a countertop ice maker 

You may be surprised to learn that countertop ice makers need to be cleaned regularly to ensure you get clean ice every time. Fortunately, in only a few steps, you can sanitize your entire ice maker. Read the manual that comes with your ice maker. A good manual will give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean your countertop appliance with ease.  

For added convenience, look for a portable ice machine with a self-cleaning function. At the press of a single button, your ice maker will cycle through a process that will clean your portable icemaker for you.

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