Countertop ice makers are back in demand, and there’s no complicated reason why. The world has become a hub of working smart, not hard but seeing impressive results, and this also applies to our everyday lives.
The innate desire to find the most convenient ways to do the most complicated task is directly linked to the surge in popularity of countertop ice makers. These machines do the work of a freezer by supplying ice cubes, but they remove the long waiting hours and replace them with quick minutes, with their compact sizes as the cherry on top.
However, all good things come at a price-sometimes unbelievably high- and this article aims to ineptly explore the world of countertops and decide whether they are worth the investment.
So, are countertop ice makers worth it? Let’s dig in and get our verdict!
Table of contents
Understanding Countertop Ice Makers
Are countertop ice makers worth it? Learn about the nitty-gritty of these appliances, including the different models in this section.
What Are Countertop Ice Makers
They’re a staple in many homes and businesses and are simpler, faster alternatives to traditional ice trays or ice makers installed in refrigerators.
Countertop ice makers are portable machines used for making ice cubes. They’re cubic and typically sit on the counter, island, or a table, hence the name.
These machines convert water or any other liquid into sizable ice cubes in large quantities.
The countertop ice maker often has a scooper and ice bucket or tray for collecting the cubes when they’re ready.
Different Types of Ice Makers
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
Even though this guide focuses on countertop ice makers, they’re not the only types in the market. People with larger ice needs can get a freestanding or built-in ice-making machine, while the portable countertop suits personal usage.
Whichever type you choose depends on other factors, such as budget and space for placement. Portable countertop ice makers help you avoid either of these since they’re affordable and compact.
Do you need more convincing to buy a portable countertop ice maker? Check out these benefits and user experiences.
Benefits of Countertop Ice Makers
Are countertop ice makers worth it? The following are reasons why you should not second-guess your decision to get one.
Convenience and Portability
The ease of use with ice makers is unprecedented, so it’s little wonder their popularity has grown impressively over the years.
You don’t need to be a special expert or a professional to work your way around this; it’s just you and your product manual against the world. Plus, it’s very compact, and while it may take reasonable counter space in your kitchen, it is still not as demanding as a freezer or refrigerator.
Speed and Efficiency
What feels better than clean, chewy ice? Ice produced in minutes!
Countertop ice makers give you all the ice you need within 6-10 minutes, and they save you long trips to the store, making a mess in your car on your way back, or an unfulfilling party hosting experience.
Simply fill it with water, connect it to a power source, and watch the magic happen. Your ice machine can provide a 24-hour supply of ice, so you never have to stress about running out of cubes. Are countertop ice makers worth it? Absolutely!
Versatility
Talk about a range of ice shapes and types useful for different beverages- smaller cubes for smoothies and large cubes for sodas; these machines have got you covered.
Countertop ice makers work according to your preference and fit into every usage scenario. Whether it’s an indoor date night, a loud party in the yard, that afternoon family Thanksgiving BBQ, or your office end-of-the-year dinner, there are ice cubes for everyone.
Comparing Costs
Now, this is where you need to factor in your budget, as most countertop ice makers are not cheap, but are countertop ice makers worth it?
Initial Investments
Your average countertop ice maker costs about $120 – $250, while the VEVOR machines cost $312.99 – $532.99, depending on the capacity. Machines that produce up to 62 lbs/day are more expensive than the 30 lbs/day ice makers.
Remember that the costs of countertop ice makers can also be influenced by the brand model, so keep an open mind, do your research, and spend accordingly.
Maintenance and Operation Costs
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
Maintaining your countertop ice machine, such as cleaning or descaling, does not cost anything, but when you have to repair it, you might spend up to $100-$200.
Operation costs are directly linked to how much energy it consumes, which will reflect on your light bill. Always get an energy-saving model like the VEVOR Portable Ice Machine to help you save power and protect the environment.
Savings Over Time
Your financial commitment to owning a countertop ice maker leads up to this grand point. You get to cut down on the ice purchase cost at the store every time there’s a gathering, as you now have one on your kitchen counter.
Plus, your countertop ice maker is yours for life for less than $500, and you can use it over and over again if you have developed a good maintenance culture with it.
Real User Experiences and Reviews
Are countertop ice makers worth it? Well, the taste is in the pudding. Read about firsthand experiences from real-life VEVOR Portable Ice Machine users to draw your verdict.
Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Brianna rated the VEVOR countertop ice maker five stars because “it’s super easy to clean,” and she loves the amount of Ice she gets in an instant.
One anonymous customer bought the machine for their travel trailer but confessed it hadn’t left the house because of its efficiency. They praised the recycling technology that allows melted ice to return to the bucket and make more cubes. Also, the ice lasts long.
A proud grandmother said her granddaughter loves the pellet ice the machine makes, while Deb enjoys and recommends this ice maker despite its loudness.
Common Complaints and Issues
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
The main complaint VEVOR ice maker users have is its loudness, and even that isn’t enough to stop them from enjoying their machine. One user, Mona, also complained that it was larger than she expected but admitted she didn’t check the size during purchase.
Irene dislikes that it needs its own power plug, and Mike dislikes its on/off switch.
Regardless of their slight complaints about the VEVOR ice maker, every review ends with the customers’ love for their machine and happily recommend it.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Countertop Ice Maker
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
The following points will help you make the most reasonable choice when it comes to procuring a countertop ice maker. Remember, the essence of purchasing a countertop ice maker is to make ice-making easier; whatever will reduce the chances of that must be greatly avoided.
Consider Your Needs
Ask yourself, “Why am I buying a countertop ice maker?” Is it for private use, like hosting dinners or brunches with a few guests, or commercial use, like selling cold drinks at a store or bar?
If it’s for personal use, you can comfortably buy the VEVOR countertop ice maker. It’ll fit right into your space and serve you well. But if it’s for commercial or large-scale use, then it’s better to buy a built-in or freestanding ice maker with a larger capacity.
Key Features to Look For
Grab a pen and paper and tick these things off your countertop ice maker essentials list. Let’s go!
- Speed
- Storage and production capacity
- Energy saving
- Noise levels
- Types of ice produced
- User-friendly interface
VEVOR Portable Ice Maker- A Comprehensive Review
Why is the VEVOR portable ice maker a top brand? We’re using our guidelines for this review, which include what to look for and consider your needs. Firstly, here’s what you get from VEVOR:
Key Features and Specifications
- Fast Ice Production: The machine creates crunchy and chewy ice cubes within 15 minutes. It can make up to 37 lbs of ice in one day. These ice cubes stay solid inside the machines
- Protective Features: The VEVOR countertop ice maker self-cleans using an intelligent UV light feature. So, you don’t have to stress over manual sanitization beyond the regular bi-monthly cleaning.
- Water Inlet: Filling your container with clean water is never an issue; the VEVOR ice maker offers a dual water inlet, either manual or automatic, to ensure continued ice production. This function combines a slide track-making machine with a fixed water receiving platform to collect melted water back into the tank for recycling
Here are the specifications:
- 170W power
- 120V/60Hz voltage
- 38.05 lbs weight | 16.9” x 9.5” x 16.5” size
- <45dBA noise level
- 2.65l tank capacity
- 4.8 lbs ice storage
- 430SUS SHell and ABS Inner Liner
Performance and User Experience
The overall user experience is positive. Many customers praise the VEVOR ice machine for being fast, durable, and efficient. It produces chewy and clean ice despite its speed and automatically makes more ice when it runs low.
Pros and Cons
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
VEVOR Portable Ice Maker boasts a large customer base, so different perspectives are bound to emerge. For this reason, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of using this ice machine.
Pros
- Fast and efficient ice production to serve your needs
- Strong and durable construction to withstand long hours of use and the stress of moving from one place to another.
- The VEVOR brand provides impeccable customer service and offers round-the-clock technical support throughout your usage. The 12-month warranty clause also adds a nice ring to it.
Cons
- Perhaps due to its large production capacity, users of the VEVOR Portable Ice Maker have noted its slightly higher noise level compared to other brands available on the market.
- It may be pricey for your budget
- Needs maintenance, even if it’s only six times yearly
Frequently Asked Questions
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
VEVOR Portable Ice Maker can produce up to 62 lbs of chewy, clean ice and has a storage capacity of 4.8 lbs, ensuring you get all the ice cubes you need for that party or gathering. This impressive production rate and storage capacity are large compared to most ice makers on the market.
Is It Easy to Clean?
VEVOR Portable Ice Maker has a self-cleaning function that eliminates the need to exert physical strength or dismantle the ice machine’s parts to clean it.
Simply let it run for 8 minutes, and you can throw in a cleaning solution or ice maker cleaner to get your ice maker interior sparkling clean and prevent cloudy ice cubes. This does not mean you should ignore the physical parts. Wipe down with a clean fiber cloth dipped in water to remove dust, dirt, and loose particles.
Conclusion
Countertop ice makers are great companions in the home and kitchen, helping to make ice production easier and faster. You can also pick from a variety of ice cube sizes depending on your preference, and they are incredibly user-friendly, as you can get them to work just by pressing a button.
So, are countertop ice makers worth it? In our esteemed opinion, this functional home machine is absolutely deserving of every penny that comes out of your purse. You can go through the guide for more information on countertop ice machines, including the types that are available to you and real-life reviews from users.Say goodbye to dragging bags of ice in the store and those soaked car seats on your way back. With the VEVOR Portable Ice Maker, you can embrace the easy, luxurious life in whatever shape you desire up to 7 buckets of ice in a day!
