If you’re in the market for the best outdoor ice makers right now, make sure to stop and consider some very important things first: size and portability, production and storage capacity, and price. With these factors in mind, I searched for the best ones in the market right now. If you’re in the market for one, I have the best ones listed and reviewed below!
I live in a pretty warm and oftentimes humid place. This is why I took such a liking to ice-cold drinks and beverages. From water to juice to soda and even to coffee, I always find myself wanting them cold and chilled to ease the hot, warm weather.
Whether it’s at-home made ice in our ice trays popped in the freezer or store-bought bags of ice, my family and I always make sure we are stocked up with ice for all our drinks. The problem with these ways is that it takes too much time to make your own ice or issues with ice storage when there’s now too much of them.
I’ve been eyeing an ice maker for quite some time now and finally decided to really look for the best one possible. For the best options to choose from right now, read on below!
Why You Should Get an Outdoor Ice Maker
Now, you might be thinking, can’t I just keep making ice in my freezer or keep buying bags of ice to keep my drink cold? I mean, sure, anyone can, but when you have people over, it would be such a drag to keep coming back in to refill buckets of ice.
This is where outdoor ice makers come into the scene.
One big benefit of outdoor ice makers is that it lets you enjoy cold drinks and beverages even if it is scorching hot outside!
When you have people over and are enjoying a good time out in your backyard, you won’t have to worry about going back in to get ice from your freezer. Also, gone are the days of worrying if your store-bought ice bags are enough to suffice the party. An effective ice maker machine will continuously produce ice people can enjoy through the night.
Ice maker machines let you make ice with a single push of a button! The best machines also have their own built-in drainage and a single-push button to clean as well. Ice maker machines just make everything easier for someone who likes their drinks cold and refreshing.
Before you go, keep in mind…
Ice makers are what they are – they make ice. But can they keep ice frozen?
Sure, they can – but for some time only and not for extended periods of time. Ice makers make ice but they’re not technically freezers. Unused and left ice in the container will eventually melt off.
Our Top Picks for the Best Outdoor Ice Makers
| Product Image | Product Name | Price | |
| Our Pick |  | Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine | Check Price |
| Best Compact, Portable Ice Maker |  | Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker | Check Price |
| Best of the Rest |  | DUURA DI50P Ice Cube Maker Machine | Check Price |
 | COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker | Check Price | |
 | NewAir 100BK Portable Ice Maker | Check Price |
The Best Outdoor Ice Maker
1. Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best outdoor ice maker is Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine! This promises to work well even with extreme outside heat and hot weather. And considering the outside environment, the ice it makes melts very slowly inside its storage so you can enjoy it much longer.
This ice maker machine can produce up to 100 lbs of ice per day. The storage container it comes with can store up to 33 lbs of ice ready for you and your guests.
This makes ice really fast and promises to keep up with all your needs for outdoor parties, get-togethers, and barbeque parties. You can expect to have about 45 pieces of ice cubes ready 11 minutes after the machine starts. This also allows you to change the size of ice produced.
There is a smart LCD panel that allows users to control and operate the unit with just a single click. It also has an automatic cleaning function.
On the panel, there is a display for the temperature of the environment it’s placed in. This allows the unit to make ice more efficiently and allows you to be aware of the surroundings of the machine.
Unlike other standing outdoor ice makers in the market, this has a curved flip cover design for an easier and convenient way of getting ice out. You won’t have to bend over to get some ice out of the storage basket. This has adjustable feet for customizable height for sure stable operation wherever you place it.
This ice maker has an energy certificate so it’s energy-efficient and cost-effective – friendly both to your bills and to the environment. This has an ETL certification and is approved for commercial use. With an ice tray that’s copper nickel-plated, it shouldn’t rust or corrode, keeping your ice clean.
There is automatic overflow prevention so you won’t have to worry about an overflow of ice cubes. This has a tolerable noise level on operation though the sound of dropping ice onto the container can be quite loud, as expected.
Pros:
- Works well in extreme heat and weather
- 100 lbs of ice per day with 33 lbs ice storage
- LCD panel for easy control
- ETL certification for both home and commercial use
- Energy certification
- Anti-corrosion and anti-rust ice trays
Cons:
- Loud dropping ice sounds
2. Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker – Best Compact, Portable Ice Maker!
If what you’re looking for is a compact and portable ice maker machine you can bring inside, outside, camping, or basically anywhere, you might want to check out Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker! This is very easy to transport and bring with you anywhere.
This is a compact machine but is able to make about 26 lbs of ice per day. The built-in bin is able to store up to 1 to 1.5 lbs of ice ready for your use. This has a 2.3 quart capacity water reservoir to make sure it keeps on making much-needed ice.
It comes with a LED panel design, this allows you to customize operation in one place. The digital LED panel has an indicator to alert you when your storage bin is full or when your water reservoir needs refilling. Once the alert goes off, it will turn off its operation. And once the issue is resolved, it will automatically resume operation to produce more ice.
This one gives users two choices of ice sizes for whatever you need. Even without a freezer function, this does have a compressor cooling system which allows ice to melt much slower in the storage bin so you can enjoy them much longer.
This is very easy to use, requires no installation whatsoever, and doesn’t take up much counter space. It’s also fairly quiet during operation, as many users would agree. There is a large see-through window on top of the machine so you can see that it’s producing ice without having to open up the lid.
This comes equipped with a drain plug so you can conveniently drain water out and clean your machine with ease. Many found this a quality-built machine. It’s efficient though small.
The only factor many were on the fence with is the smaller ice basket and water reservoir on the machine. You would have to constantly refill the water and take out the ice to make sure it keeps on producing more.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- 26 lbs of ice per day with 1.5 lbs of ice storage
- Indicator when bin is full or if reservoir needs more water
- Easy to use, no installation
- LED panel design
- Built-in drainage plug
Cons:
- Small ice basket and water reservoir
3. DUURA DI50P Ice Cube Maker Machine – Best of the Rest!
Our best pick of the rest of our favorite outdoor ice maker machines is DUURA DI50P Ice Cube Maker Machine! With a stainless steel finish, this promises quality build that goes and works well for both commercial and residential settings. Have this freestanding or under any of your kitchen counters as a space-saving solution.
This is able to produce up to 65 lbs of ice per day. Its built-in and removable ice bin is able to store up to 25 lbs of ice ready for you to take out and use anytime.
With a digital control panel, this displays the temperature in which it operates on and has touch control and lockout feature for ease of use.
Inside the ice maker is a bright blue LED lighting that illuminates the inside of the machine. The stainless steel door is also conveniently reversible. You can install it to open left or right, whichever fits your space best. It has adjustable feet so you can level the machine even on uneven floors and ground.
With Energy Star certification, this meets strict energy efficiency standards. You don’t only save on bills but you help save the environment. It also has both NSF and UL approval, perfect for any use or setting. Whether you’re using it for business or for outdoor barbeque parties, you’re good to go with this one.
This comes with its own built-in drain pump for easy installation anywhere where there is a drain available. It has an automatic cleaning mode you can use with a single push of a button to clean out the unit. And with an automatic overflow prevention function, you won’t have to worry about ice overflowing from the storage bin as it automatically stops production when that happens.
As with many ice making machines, ice production can be a bit loud, though tolerable and expected. Many have also reported that the ice produced comes out in sheets instead of in cubes. One would have to break them up into smaller cubes with the ice scoop the unit comes with.
Pros:
- Residential and commercial use
- 65 lbs of ice per day with 25 lbs of ice storage
- Reversible stainless steel door
- Energy Star certification
- NSF and UL-approved
- Temperature display
Cons:
- Can be loud
- Ice comes out in sheets
4. COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker
The next item to make it into our list of the best outdoor ice makers is COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker! Another portable, countertop ice maker machine, this is transport and travel-friendly. You can keep it inside the house, in your outdoor kitchen, or out by your backyard as you entertain friends and guests.
This ice maker is able to produce 26 lbs of ice for 24 hours with 1.5 lbs of ice storage. It has a 2.2 L water tank to ensure that it keeps producing as much ice as you would need. This produces ice quickly, being able to produce 9 ice cubes in only 6 to 13 minutes. You can also choose from 2 ice sizes for all your beverage needs.
Having been made with food grade materials and with an ETL certification, you can trust that this produces only safe and clean ice cubes for your consumption. There is an air grille on the side of the unit to better dissipate heat. This ensures safe running and operation of the machine.
There is a user-friendly control panel on the unit that lets you customize how it operates and produces ice. There are also indicators on the panel that lets you know when the storage basket is full of ice or when your water reservoir needs more water. After these issues are resolved, it’s business as usual.
With a transparent top window, this allows you to see and tell if it’s producing ice without having to open up the lid. There is a drain plug at the bottom of the machine to empty out unused water.
This is very easy to set up and maintain and doesn’t take up much when it comes to installation. It has a mild noise level that’s tolerable but definitely noticeable.
Like most compact outdoor ice makers, this has a smaller basket and water reservoir. Make sure you keep an eye on the indicators to ensure it keeps on making and producing ice.
Pros:
- Portable, countertop machine
- 26 lbs of ice per day with 1.5 lbs of ice storage
- 2.2 L water tank
- ETL certification and food-grade materials
- Operation indicators
- Built-in drain plug
Cons:
- Small ice storage and water tank
5. NewAir 100BK Portable Ice Maker
And our last favorite outdoor ice maker is yet another portable and compact machine – NewAir 100BK Portable Ice Maker! The compact and stylish design looks good on top of any counter, table, or basically anywhere you need ice for your drinks. This promises to quickly produce ice every 10 minutes.
This ice maker machine makes 28 lbs of ice cubes in 24 hours. It has a water tank that can hold up to 2 L of water to ensure it keeps producing ice through the night. Unlike many ice maker machines, you can choose from a variety of 3 ice sizes with this one.
With an ultra-insulated storage area, this is able to keep ice longer, helping it melt much slower. The insides are thick and well-insulated to ensure your ice stays as ice longer. With BPA-free parts, this ensures the safety of its ice cubes for consumption. There is also a vent on the side of the machine to let out the hot air produced during the ice-making process.
It has a user-friendly 2-button control panel operation that allows you to control how the ice maker works and proceeds to make ice. There are both a clear indicator light and an empty water reservoir indicator light. These indicators let you know when the basket is full and when your water tank needs to be refilled.
Many would agree that this is very easy to operate and clean, a total no-brainer. The sound it makes on operation isn’t terrible as well and it presents no unpleasant vibration during the process.
As with most ice maker machines, this has some loud noises when ice falls into the bin, which is mostly tolerable and very much expected.
Pros:
- Compact, countertop machine
- New batch of ice every 10 minutes
- 28 lbs of ice per day with 2 L water tank
- Ultra-insulated storage area
- Clear indicator light and empty water reservoir light
- BPA-free parts
Cons:
- Loud noise of ice falling into basket
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Ice Maker
Size and portability
An outdoor ice maker can either be a large machine or a compact and portable unit. The answer to the question which one you should get depends on your needs and use for the ice maker.
If you’re planning on using it in an outdoor kitchen, bar, or even a small business venture, you should probably get a large ice maker. These machines can either be freestanding units or can go under counters. These ice makers have bigger production and storage capacities.
If you want something you can use whether you’re inside, outside, or traveling, compact and portable ice makers are the way to go. These are easy to carry, travel with, and require zero installation. Most of them work by just plugging them into an outlet.
If you don’t see yourself needing to use the machine every day and just want one for special occasions, a portable unit might be for you. These smaller units also have a smaller production and storage capacity.
Ask yourself what you would be using it for to determine which one to go with.
Production and storage capacity
Production capacity equates to how much ice an ice maker can produce. This will also determine your choice of ice maker machine according to your needs. This is usually listed as x lbs in 24 hours or per day.
Storage capacity means how many pounds of ice a storage bin in the machine can hold before it’s full.
A machine’s production and storage capacity can also depend on its size. Larger ice makers generally can produce and store more ice than smaller, compact ones in the market.
Again, consider what you will be using your machine.
Price
The best outdoor ice makers come in a variety of price points. Ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay for. Larger capacity ice makers, naturally, are pricier than compact and portable smaller capacity units.
Conclusion
An outdoor ice maker is a must for anyone who enjoys cold and chilled beverages with fresh ice. And if you’re one who enjoys hosting parties, get-togethers, and barbeque parties, this is one investment that will make party-hosting much more bearable.
Our number one pick for the best outdoor ice maker is Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine! This works well in an outside setting and even under extreme and hot weather conditions. This produces up to 100 lbs of ice per day, with 33 lbs of ice storage capacity.
If you’re looking for a compact and portable ice maker machine, check out Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker! This ice machine is very easy to transport from inside your house to your outdoor kitchen to your backyard and even to RV camping trips. It has a production capacity of 26 lbs per day and can store up to 1.5 lbs of ice in the bin.
And the best of the rest of our favorites is DUURA DI50P Ice Cube Maker Machine! This works for both residential and commercial settings with a capacity of 65 lbs of ice per day and 25 lbs of ice storage at a time.
And that has been our picks for the best outdoor ice makers in the market right now! Happy shopping!
