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The Best RV Ice Makers for Your Next Road Trip

Are you tired of lugging bags of ice from the store every time you want to fill up your cooler or freezer? If so, then a portable RV ice maker might be a good investment for you. 

Portable ice makers are small, compact units that can fit on your countertop or be stored away in a cabinet when not in use. Plus, they don’t have the same clogging issues many RV refrigerators’ ice makers experience. 

Portable ice makers work by freezing water that is poured into the unit. The ice is then collected in a tray or bin that can be dumped out when full. Some portable RV ice makers even come with a self-contained storage bin, so you don’t have to worry about where to put the excess ice. 

However, one downside of portable RV ice makers is that they generally don’t produce as much ice as a refrigerator-based unit. But if you’re only looking to make a few cubes at a time, then a portable ice maker might be all you need. 

Plus, they’re much easier to use and clean than a fridge-based unit.

We’ve selected our favorite RV ice makers based on their overall function, budget-friendliness, capacity, and energy efficiency. By the end of this article, you’ll find one that ticks all the boxes and be a step closer to that cool refreshing drink in the great outdoors.

Best Portable Ice Makers for RVs

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Our Top Picks | The Best Portable Ice Maker for RVs 

At a glance, here are our best RV ice makers on our list: 

bestNewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker - 50 lb 1. NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker – 50 lb
  • Overall best portable model
  • 50lb capacity
  • Thick insulation
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hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop 2. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
  • Best Budget
  • 2.2-liter reservoir
  • Compact design
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IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine 3. IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine
  • Best Compact
  • Self-cleaning
  • Scoop basket
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Igloo ICEB26BK Ice Cube Maker 4. Igloo ICEB26BK Ice Cube Maker
  • Best Large Capacity
  • Easy drainage & cleaning
  • Fast
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FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker 5. FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker
  • Best for energy-saving
  • Only 200w
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Best Overall RV Ice Maker: NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker - 50 lb

Specs

  • Dimensions: ‎15.75 x 13.58 x 13.7 inches
  • Weight: 21.6 pounds
  • Color: White/Black
  • Power: 170 watts

The NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker can produce 50 pounds of ice in 24 hours. With its insulation, you won’t have to worry about the ice melting too quickly — even if you leave it unplugged. 

Heavy-duty in design, the NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker tips the scales at 21.6 pounds. Indeed, it’s heavy for a portable ice maker. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t be an issue with BPA-free components built to last and churn ice efficiently. 

Despite its weight, it’s still easy to move and store, given its 15.75 x 13.58 x 13.7-inch frame. 

While producing ice, this model is quiet. Also, adding to the comfort factor is its single-button operation, which is straightforward. The NewAir Portable Countertop is easy to clean since you can easily remove the ice basket.

What We Liked

The 50-pound capacity of the NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker allows it to produce enough ice for almost two coolers. After 24 hours, you’ll have enough ice to last you three days or so if you can store it in your RV freezer. 

Also, the material that makes up the machine’s interior is highly insulating, meaning that ice stays solid for up to 24 hours. If you don’t have a freezer on board, that’s a big win. 

Another thing that stands out is how simple the controls are. There’s only one button atop the lid, meaning that all you need to do is put water in and turn it on. 

With its 15.75 x 13.58 x 13.7-inch construction, the NewAir Portable Countertop is a breeze to clean and store, balancing capacity and size.

What We Didn’t Like

At nearly 22 pounds, the NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker is the heaviest on our list. It may not be too heavy for most people, but you should think twice about asking your kids to move it. It’s also a tad cumbersome when shifting it to store on travel days.

While this portable model does make clear ice, it only makes one size of ice cubes. (We love chunky ice cubes). Nevertheless, the amount of ice produced per 24-hour period does compensate for the size.

Pros

  • Large capacity despite its compact frame
  • BPA-free material that’s durable and provides excellent insulation
  • Easy controls

Cons

  • Not the lightest product on the list
  • Makes only one size ice cubes and smaller than most other RV ice makers

2. Best Portable Ice Maker on a Budget: hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop 

Best Portable Ice Maker on a Budget: hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop

Specs

  • Dimensions: ‎12.9 x 9.5 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 18.57 pounds
  • Color: White/Silver
  • Power: 120 watts

The hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine is a budget-friendly option balancing economy and function. This RV-friendly ice maker produces as much as 35 pounds of ice in 24 hours. 

However, depending on the settings, you can use it to make small to medium-sized ice cubes in as little as 10 minutes. Perfect for unplanned sundowners.

This portable ice maker measures just 12.9 x 9.5 x 14 inches, making it easy to store in an RV’s cabinet or chest. Also, it’s is one of the lightest at just over 18 pounds. 

An LED light indicates whether or not it’s on or off. It also shows whether or not there’s already ice in the ice basket. 

Quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to clean, the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker also boasts intuitive touch panel controls on the lid. The controls enable you to select the cube sizes and switch it on or off.

What We Liked

Right away, what impressed us was the presence of a water line and drain. So if you want to use this portable ice maker in your home and your RV, that’s a great feature. In addition, it can make it easy to remove excess water from the ice-making process. 

The water line makes filling the 2.2-liter reservoir easier and less messy than pouring water into it. In the RV, filling the reservoir is the same as every other portable ice maker.

There’s also the impressive speed of 10 minutes to make ice. The machine also automatically shuts off the second the process finishes, making ice-making so much easier. 

The hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker also comes with an ice scooper and a detachable ice basket that makes cleaning a breeze. Who said you can’t get a lot out of something budget-friendly?

What We Didn’t Like

With an interior made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (try saying that out loud after a G&T), the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker has resilience but at the expense of insulation. 

With that in mind, make sure to take your newly churned ice and put it in a cooler or freezer quickly, or it will begin to melt. Then the ice cubes stick together.

Also, at one time, you can only get about eight medium-sized ice cubes at most. Here, you can see that quantity is sacrificed for speed. You’ll need to prepare it in advance and store the cubes in your freezer to get lots of ice. 

While it emits minimal noise most of the time, it can be a little loud occasionally. The noise isn’t too disturbing, but it isn’t something you’d expect from a machine like an ice maker.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Perfect for when you need an immediate source of ice
  • Comes with a water line and drainage port

Cons

  • Can be noisy at times
  • Less-than-stellar insulation
  • Can only make a few ice cubes at a time

3. The Best Compact Ice Maker: IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine

The Best Compact Ice Maker: IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine

Specs

  • Dimensions: ‎10.75 x 14.17 x 13.19 inches
  • Weight: 15.6 pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Power: 172 watts

Measuring only 10.75 x 14.17 x 13.19 Inches, the IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine is the most compact on our list. However, despite its small frame, it boasts several functions to hold a candle to its larger counterparts. 

The IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine consists of an energy-efficient compressor and an aluminum condenser and refrigerant. These components enable the ice maker to churn out up to nine ice cubes in 9 minutes. 

Over 24 hours, the IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine produces up to 26 pounds of ice — not bad for a small portable ice maker. 

This model also has a single-button control scheme for straightforward ease of use. It also features LED indicator lights to give you an idea of whether or not there’s already ice in the basket. 

Weighing just over 15 pounds, this ice maker is the lightest we’ve found, making it easy to store, clean, and move. Perfect for bringing to a barbecue, camping trip, or a trip to the beach.

What We Liked

Portability is the key selling point of the IKICH Portable Ice Maker. This ice maker is a breeze to store and move around, true to what’s advertised. Controls are foolproof, with just one button to manage. It’s also very quiet, emitting just 50 dB of noise.

What’s also impressive is its maximum capacity. Over 24 hours, the IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine can make up 26 pounds of ice — despite its small size.

What We Didn’t Like

Indeed, it produces some ice within minutes. However, despite the presence of a condenser, the IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine has a “pre-use” period. Before usage, you’ll have to leave it on for a few hours to get the best results. That’s not ideal when boondocking or dry camping and relying solely on your batteries.

The ice basket’s material also doesn’t provide much insulation beyond a few hours. Hence, you have to use the ice immediately or throw it in the freezer. 

In the manual, there’s also an instruction not to fill it close to its maximum level. Unfortunately, this leaves much room for interpretation, causing the average user to use less water. But, of course, less water means less ice.

Pros

  • Large ice capacity despite size
  • Extremely portable and quiet
  • Can produce ice within minutes

Cons

  • It takes hours for the ice maker to warm up (or cool down even)
  • Insulation can be better
  • No way to tell if the water is past max level

4. The Best Large-Capacity RV Ice Maker: Igloo ICEB26BK Ice Cube Maker

The Best Large-Capacity RV Ice Maker: Igloo ICEB26BK Ice Cube Maker

Specs

  • Dimensions: 17.75 x 14.50 x 12.25‎ Inches
  • Weight: 20.5 pounds
  • Color: Aqua/Black/Red/Gray/White
  • Power: 120 volts

Many RV ice makers can produce 26 pounds of ice. However, few can do it in the time the Igloo ICEB26BK Ice Cube Maker does. 

The Igloo Ice Cube Maker quietly produces up to 26 pounds of consistently shaped ice in 24 hours or less. Even within minutes, you’ll see ice cubes forming from the transparent lid. This is also where you’ll find the LED indicator and straightforward single-button control panel. 

The Igloo Ice Cube Maker also boasts a high-capacity three-quart water tank. In addition, the ice basket holds two to three pounds of ice at a time. It’s also detachable, making cleaning easy. 

The Igloo Ice Cube Maker measures 17.75 x 14.50 x 12.25 inches and weighs 20.5 pounds. Its sleek frame features no odd edges, making it compact and easy to store alongside other items in your RV.

What We Liked

It’s always a fantastic experience to see ice forming, and it’s an experience the Igloo Ice Cube Maker delivers well. The transparent top lid is as clear as the ice created below. 

Also worth noting is a drainage port for removing unused or residual water from the unit. 

We also like how quiet the ice maker is. This is great if you’re making ice overnight.

What We Didn’t Like

To get the 26-pound capacity of ice, the three-quart water tank will need to be filled over 30 times. 

It’s also not the lightest RV ice maker around. In fact, it’s almost as heavy as our heavy-hitter on this list – the NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker. 

It is quiet most of the time. However, during the instances where it makes noise, you’ll hear it emit a fan-like noise. It might not be too loud for some, but it’s enough to keep some awake. Hence, keep it a distance from you if you’re sleeping.

Pros

  • Transparent lid
  • Easy drainage and cleaning
  • Great ice-making speed

Cons

  • Might need refilling 
  • Not the lightest RV ice maker
  • Can be noisy at times

5. The Best Energy-Saving RV Ice Maker: FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker

The Best Energy-Saving RV Ice Maker: FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker

Specs

  • Dimensions: ‎14.1 x 9.5 x 12.9 inches
  • Weight: 18 pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Power: 120 volts

Delivering 200 watts of power with just 110 volts, the FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101 Portable Ice Maker is as energy-efficient as they come. So if you’re using shore power, you can leave this ice maker on overnight and not see significant spikes in your energy consumption. 

It’s as energy-efficient as it is compact. Measuring just ‎14.1 x 9.5 x 12.9 inches and weighing less than 18 pounds, the FRIGIDAIRE Portable Ice Maker is easy to store and move. With easy drainage courtesy of its drain line, you won’t have to tip it over to remove water. 

LED indicators and a control panel on top put ice-making in your hands. Like many ice makers of similar size, it churns out 26 pounds of ice over 24 hours. However, for shorter 15-minute intervals, the machine can produce some ice with its high-quality condenser and compressor.

What We Liked

True to what’s advertised, the FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101 produces ice with minimal input. Hence, you’re not likely to encounter disruptions in your ice-making. The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC 101 doubles as an ice cube fridge once you hook it up to a power supply. 

It’s also compact and easy to store, given its sleek design. Weighing just 18 pounds, anyone can easily move it from one part of the RV to another. 

What We Didn’t Like

The reservoir’s capacity can be better since it’s just 2.3 quarts. Hence, to get 26 pounds of ice, you’ll have to refill it. 

It can also take a while before the ice maker produces a quart of ice. It can take an hour for a quart of ice to be produced at times. This is hardly impressive since the reservoir’s capacity is double that. 

While the transparent window on top of the ice maker is clear, it’s also on the smaller end. Hence, you might not get a full view of the ice-making process if that’s your thing.

Pros

  • Energy-efficiency
  • Versatile
  • Compactness par excellence

Cons

  • Small transparent window
  • Small water storage capacity
  • Not the best option for when you need fast ice

How Do Portable Countertop RV Ice Makers Work? 

Every portable countertop RV ice maker consists of three main components: the reservoir, heat exchanger spikes, and the ice tray.

Water flows into a collection point near the heat exchanger spikes whenever water is in the reservoir. However, before the water gets through the heat exchanger spikes, it undergoes a refrigeration process that takes minutes or hours. The process is made possible by condensers, compressors, and refrigerants inside the ice maker. 

After refrigeration, the heat exchange spikes can now churn out ice. The thickness of the ice will vary. A longer refrigeration time (like 24 hours) allows ice to consolidate more densely. 

The spikes produce ice, and ice falls into the ice tray. Sensors near the mouth of the tray will trigger the LED indicator that states that the tray is full. Once the tray is full, you may open the lid, and the ice is ready to use. 

Is Buying An Ice Maker For Your RV Worth It? 

portable rv ice makers

Whether you should invest in an ice maker depends on the length of your RV trip and your love of cold drinks. 

A refrigerator with an ice-making function will suffice if you take your RV for short trips. 

However, portable ice makers don’t experience the same clogging issues common to the ice makers on refrigerators. That gives portable models a significant advantage for frequent RVers. 

Read more: 5 Best RV Refrigerator Options For Campers, Travel Trailers & Motorhomes

How Long Does A Portable Ice Maker Take To Make Ice?

This depends on the brand. However, as you’ve seen, most RV ice makers will churn out a batch in anything from 10 to 15 minutes. You can help reduce the time needed by using pre-refrigerated water.

If you want to make big batches of ice, you can keep refilling a portable ice maker and transferring the ice cubes to the freezer as they are churned. 

Your freezer will probably do a better job at reducing the temperature of the ice, again, depending on the model. And colder ice melts more slowly, making it ideal for long cocktails.

What Kind Of Water Is Best To Use In A Portable Ice Maker?

using a Portable Ice Makers in an RV

Only use potable drinking water in your ice maker. If you’re hooked up to city water that’s safe to drink, you can use the water right out of the faucet.

If unsure of the quality of your water, ensure you use water from your water filters

Some RVs aren’t fitted with water filters. So unless you have a portable water filter, like a Big Berkey, you should use purified or distilled water.

Purified and distilled water are both potable and devoid of sediments or microorganisms. Using these types of water, you’ll get safe and transparent ice from your ice maker. 

Cold distilled or purified water is ideal for a shorter refrigeration process. The colder the water is, the less time the ice maker needs to reduce its temperature.

Wrapping Up

Purchasing a portable ice maker for your RV is a great way to enjoy chilled and refreshing sundowners while on the road. However, when looking for the best portable ice maker for your RV, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

First, you’ll want to make sure the model you select is compact and lightweight enough to easily be transported. Second, you’ll want to consider how much ice it can produce per day. And finally, you’ll want to consider the portable ice maker’s power consumption. 

With these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best portable ice maker for your RV needs.