Are you planning to add a home bar to your house? Or maybe just wanting to do a simple upgrade to the one you have? One of the questions you may be asking is what is the best ice machine for home bar set ups. We are BIG ice people over here. Look, if you know you know. So today I am breaking down everything you need to know when it comes to those ice machines. I’ll share with you different types of ice makers and my own top pick for a delightful ice-cold drink.
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Best Ice Machine for Home Bar Put to the Test
For years, I was stalking Black Friday sales and thinking to myself, “This year, I’m going to finally buy a good ice maker.” Each year the sale would pass, and I would ultimately regret not having bullet ice to chomp on.
Until one year: it happened. I finally bought my ice maker. I was eyeing the GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker for some time. It would frequently go on sale on Amazon, but for some reason, I had such a hard time justifying spending the money on it. I finally decided to treat myself, and boy am I glad I did. The GE Opal ice maker is still the best choice for our family. We use it daily with no regrets.
So what makes this ice maker superior? Really, what makes any ice maker worth purchasing for your own home and kitchen? Before you check out Amazon’s newest sale (at the time of publishing the GE Opal is on sale), you’ll want to do a bit of research. Decide what is important to you in terms of space requirements, your water supply requirements, different sizes of ice and types of ice, maintenance, and of course, budget.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing:
When deciding on an ice machine for a home bar there are some things to consider. Like most things in homes it is not one size fits all, so make sure you look at these considerations before getting to my favorite options.
Capacity:
How much ice do you need to produce and store on a daily basis? How big is your family, and how often is the bar being used?
This also may be affected by the location of the bar. If your kids will have access to the ice dispenser, then you’ll want to factor that into your decision. Trust me, I speak from experience on this. You’ll want to make sure you have enough ice to go around for the entire family without having to make multiple batches. If you have a large family, you’ll want an ice maker that makes large amounts of ice.
What Kind of Ice Can it Make?
Home ice machines can make a variety of ice types. It is worth noting that some ice machines are only capable of making one kind of ice, while others are able to make multiple types. Some of those ice types to consider when making your decision are:
- Cubed ice: This is the most common type of ice and is typically used in drinks, coolers, and ice buckets.
- Crushed ice: This type of ice is ideal for blended drinks and cocktails, as well as for use in ice packs and coolers.
- Nugget ice: Also known as “chewable” ice, this type of ice is made by compacting and shaving small pieces of ice. It is ideal for use in drinks and can also be used in ice packs and coolers.
- Gourmet ice: This type of ice is typically larger and more transparent than regular cubed ice. It is ideal for use in premium drinks and cocktails.
- Flake ice: This type of ice is made by shaving a block of ice into thin, flat pieces. Ice Flakes are often used in seafood displays, as well as in drinks and ice packs.
Ice shape and ice size is not something to take lightly. People often seek out machines that make chewable ice, or as I like to call it, Sonic ice. If the shape and size is important to you, make sure you pay attention to what kind your machine will make.
What Does Your Space Allow?
Ice machines come in several sizes and shapes. You have everything to consider from an ice machine inside a fridge/freezer, to a large stand alone, built-in appliance. There are also several counter top ice machine options.
For smaller kitchens, a portable countertop ice maker may be a great option. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that if you lack kitchen counter space and storage space, you’ll want to look for something that is a more compact size. A commercial ice maker takes up a lot of room, and may not be a great choice if you are limited on storage capacity.
Water Line & Water Tank Considerations
When picking a home ice machine, there are a few things to consider in terms of a water line or water tank:
- Water line connection: Some ice machines require a direct water line connection in order to operate. This means they will need to be installed near a water source and plumbed in by a professional.
- Water tank capacity: Some ice machines have built-in water tanks, which can be convenient if you don’t have a nearby water line. Consider the size of the water tank and how often it will need to be refilled based on the ice production rate.
- Self-contained or remote condenser: Some ice machines have a self-contained condenser, which means the condenser unit is located within the same cabinet as the ice maker. Other ice machines have a remote condenser, which means the condenser unit is located separately from the ice maker. This can be a good option if you have limited space in your home bar.
It’s also important to ensure that the ice machine you choose is compatible with your water source and the water pressure in your home. If you are unsure about this, consult with a professional plumber.
Maintenance
You need to consider how easy the machine is to clean and maintain. Some home ice makers have a self-cleaning function while some require you to do this yourself on a regular basis. This is a major consideration to take into account.
Price
Last, I have to mention price. The price range for a home ice machine can vary greatly, depending on the type, capacity, and features of the machine.
- Entry-level ice machines: These are typically small, countertop models that can produce a limited amount of ice and may only make one type of ice. These can range in price from around $100 to $300.
- Mid-range ice machines: These models are typically larger and can produce more ice, as well as make multiple types of ice. They may also have additional features such as built-in water dispensers or ice storage bins. These can range in price from around $300 to $1,500.
- High-end ice machines: These models are typically larger, more advanced, and can produce a large amount of ice quickly. They may also have advanced features such as self-cleaning, digital displays, and smart home integration. High-end ice machines can range in price from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
It’s worth noting that these prices are approximate and vary depending on brand and location. Also, it’s important to consider that installation and maintenance may also add to the overall cost of the ice machine.
Best Entry Level Ice Machines For Home Bars
Taking into account the above considerations, here are the best two entry level ice makers for your home or home bar. Both of these ice machines are great options for those who are looking for a small, affordable ice maker that is easy to use and maintain. They are suitable for home bars and small parties. However, they can only produce a limited amount of ice and make only cubes.
The hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
This portable ice maker is a great option for those who want a compact and lightweight machine that is easy to move around. It can produce up to 26 lbs of ice per day and can make a batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes. It has a simple control panel and is easy to clean and maintain.
Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
The Frigidaire is a higher end option when looking at entry level ice machines. It is capable of producing up to 26 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. I personally love the new color options that this ice machine comes in. Personally, I think the off white version that would look gorgeous sitting on your countertop.
It uses a specialized freezing process to create small, “chewable” nugget ice that is similar to the ice found in commercial soft drink dispensers.
It easy to operate with a LED control panel. The panel will let you know when the ice basket is full or when the water level is low. It has a sleek, modern design and is easy to clean and maintain.
This ice machine is not designed to work with a direct water line connection. On the plus side, it does have a self-cleaning function. This ice maker is a good option for those who are looking for a high-end machine on a lower end budget that can produce a large amount of high-quality nugget ice.
Best Mid Level Home Ice Machines For Your Home Bar
Now we are moving up to those more mid-level ice machines. These are still going to be fairly affordable in the range of ice machines. Keep in mind the price point is rising and these will make a higher quantity of ice on a daily basis.
GE Profile Opal Home Ice Machine
This is our personal ice machine. The GE Profile Opal is a high-end, countertop nugget ice maker that is designed for home use.
It is capable of producing up to 24 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 3 pounds of ice at a time. It uses a specialized freezing process to create small, “chewable” nugget ice. This ice is similar to ice found in commercial soft drink dispensers.
One of the unique features of the GE Profile Opal is its Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to control the ice maker using a smartphone app. You can view the current ice level, schedule ice making, and even receive alerts when the ice bin is full or when it’s time to change the water filter.
The Opal has a sleek design and is easy to clean and maintain. The ice maker is designed to work with a direct water line connection. It also has a self-cleaning cycle function.
This ice machine typically falls in the $400-$600 price range, and is easy to find on sale on Amazon.
EdgeStar IB120SS
The Edgestar 1B20SS is a built-in ice maker that is designed for home use. It is capable of producing up to 12 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 6 pounds of ice at a time. It can make a batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes with a variety of ice cube sizes.
This ice maker is designed to be built-in to a home bar, kitchen or any other room. It has a sleek, stainless steel design. The control panel is simple and easy to use. Plus, it has a self-cleaning function leading to easy maintenance
This is a great option for those who want a high-end built-in ice maker. It can produce a large amount of ice quickly. It’s suitable for all your entertaining needs. The price for this machine is currently under $500 on Amazon which is a great affordable option.
It’s worth noting that the installation of this built-in ice maker should be done by a professional, as it requires a direct water line connection and a drain.
Best High End Home Ice Makers
Now for the high end options. These are great options if you are looking for a built-in machine that makes a lot of ice. Both of these commercial ice machine options are frequently used in residential spaces. If you frequently have large gatherings I would keep these great options in mind. Remember, neither of these options are a compact ice maker. Ultimately, you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of space to take on their large sizes.
The Manitowoc SM-50A
The Manitowoc SM-50A is an under-counter ice machine that is designed for commercial and residential use. It is capable of producing up to 55 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 20 pounds of ice at a time. It can make a variety of ice cube sizes and can be configured to make different types of ice.
It is built with a durable stainless steel construction and self-contained design. In other words, the condenser unit is located within the same cabinet as the ice maker. It has a simple control panel, and it’s easy to clean and maintain
This under-counter ice maker is designed to be installed under a counter or in a cabinet and requires a direct water line connection and a drain. It’s a great option for those who want a high-end ice machine that can produce a large amount of ice quickly and can store a good amount of ice, but don’t have enough space for a freestanding machine.
The Manitowoc SM-50A is a suitable option for home bars, small restaurants, and for those who like to entertain guests at home. The price for this machine is typically around $2,000 – $3,000.
Kitchenaid 15 in 50 lb Built-in Ice Maker
The KitchenAid 15 in. 50 lb. Built-In Ice Maker is a high-end, built-in ice maker that is designed for home use. It is capable of producing up to 50 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 25 pounds of ice at a time. It can make a variety of ice cube sizes and has a PrintShield stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and smudging.
This ice maker features an intuitive control panel with an LED display, which allows you to easily monitor and adjust the settings. It also has a self-cleaning function, which makes it easy to maintain. It has a built-in drain pump for easy installation and the ability to produce ice in two different sizes.
It is designed to be built-in to a home bar, kitchen or any other room and requires a direct water line connection and a drain. This is another great option for those who want a high-end built-in ice maker that can produce a large amount of ice quickly and can store a good amount of ice, but don’t have enough space for a freestanding machine. The price for this machine is typically around $2,000 – $3,000.
Round Up Of Favorite Ice Machines
Take a look at my favorite ice makers all in one convenient location.
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Pin This Photo Below For Later
All of the options we’ve covered have different pros and cons. Each of them would be a great addition to your home bar or kitchen. Take a look at each feature and determine what works best for your home and family’s lifestyle. Be sure to pin the photo below for later, and if you don’t already – follow me on Instagram (@arinsolange) and Tik Tok (@arinsolange) for more fun!
