ice making options
If your home uses a lot of ice, having an ice machine can come in handy. When it comes time to buy an ice machine, there are several options available, the right choice for you will depend on both where you need ice and how quickly you need it.
The three most common forms of ice makers are undercounter models, portable countertop models, and high-end models intended for outdoor use.
Under-counter ice machines are relatively expensive. You can spend over a thousand dollars on a quality model. While they are not the easiest to install, they are installed in a similar way to a built-in dishwasher, the end result is desirable.
These are probably the most attractive model as they look great; they blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinet work. A little careful planning and you can choose one with a finish that matches other kitchen appliances, like your refrigerator.
This type of ice maker is installed with access to your home’s water supply, so you never have to worry about refilling them with water.
For maximum flexibility, a portable ice maker may be the best option. These units are self-contained units that simply need to be plugged in wherever a suitable outlet can be found. From a laptop ice machine not connected, they need to be ‘filled’ with water to serve as the raw material for ice.
A countertop ice maker like this one is great if you value the option of moving your ice maker. If you want to move it from your kitchen to your mini bar area, it’s not difficult at all. If the requirement to fill it up occasionally doesn’t faze you, then these units are a great option and can be found for as little as two or three hundred dollars.
The last popular option when buying an ice cube maker is to purchase a unit designed for outdoor use. This option is perfect for homeowners building an ‘outdoor kitchen’ in their backyard. Make sure any unit being considered has a sealed back, otherwise wind and rain will blow all sorts of debris inside.
A large capacity outdoor ice maker will be able to produce a large quantity of ice for large pool parties and other such events.
These ice makers that are designed for outdoor use are not cheap. But if that’s your intended application, don’t be tempted to go back to an indoor model, as they’re not designed to perform effectively in extreme environments. This could also potentially expose you to health risks.
With the many ice making options available, you should have no problem identifying a quality product capable of freezing the amount of ice you need, wherever you want.