For the purposes of this shopping guide, we'll be discussing automated, portable ice makers — the type of machine that sits on your counter top and cranks out ice cubes, nuggets, or flakes on command. An ice cube tray could also be considered an “ice maker,” as could a built-in machine in your freezer, but we're not discussing those products here. 

The ice makers recommended above require no external water line. Simply add water to the freezing chamber and turn on the machine. Inside the machine, metal probes connected to a heat exchange plunge into the water and freeze rapidly. Ice collects around these probes until it reaches a specific size. The excess water flows into the reservoir, and the heat exchanger reverses direction, prompting the metal probes to heat and release the cubes into an insulated compartment.

The cycle begins again when fresh water from the reservoir floods the freezing chamber and the metal probes revert to “freezing” mode.

Do you want an ice maker that creates 35 pounds of ice per day, or would you be satisfied with a machine that cranks out about eight ounces at a time?

If your goal is to make enough ice for a large party, a small-capacity machine with an eight-ounce output would necessitate frequent ice transfers to other containers. For some party hosts, that would be a nuisance. A large-capacity machine that makes 35 pounds of ice per day would require fewer ice transfers, if any.

Do you want a machine with handles that's lightweight and easy to ferry around? Or do you plan to create a permanent space for your ice maker on your counter top?

The truth is, not all “portable” ice makers are easy to move from one place to another. Before buying, be sure to investigate any “ease of transport” features that would make your life easier — or harder.

For example, models with compressor freezer technology tend to weigh 30 pounds or more. Generally speaking, they’re the heaviest on the market. Smaller units weigh less, but their output may lag behind the competition.

The typical ice maker produces conical, bullet-shaped cubes with a hollow interior. This type of ice is perfectly acceptable for cooling beverages and packing food, but it lacks the clarity and density that some people prefer in their adult beverages.

More “adventurous” cube shapes and consistencies aren’t offered by every machine. They include the following:

• Chewy nuggets or tubes
• Dice-shaped cubes and half-cubes
• Crushed ice (great for slushies)
• Flaked ice (melts fast)
• Ice pellets (easier to find online than in most stores)

Some machines are capable of making small, medium, and large cubes. Customer reviews of these machines are mixed. The freedom to create different sizes is certainly appealing, but some say the smallest cubes melt too fast and the difference between the medium and large cubes is negligible.

How quickly do you need your cubes? Production cycle length varies from one machine to the next. Appliance A may churn out ice in six to seven minutes, whereas Appliance B may require 20 minutes or more to deliver its first batch.

We've learned through the course of our consumer research that stated ice production times don’t always match real-world results. Some smaller ice makers produce an initial batch of cubes within minutes but take a lot longer to make subsequent batches. Similarly, some larger machines take 15-20 minutes for the first batch but just a handful of minutes for subsequent batches.

We’re proud of the five products on our elite shortlist, but even the best appliances require a little know-how. Keep these tips in mind when using your ice maker.

• Station the ice maker on a sturdy, level surface that can support the weight of both the machine and the water you pour into the reservoir.
• If you don't want to dedicate counter space to this “occasional” appliance, consider storing it in a cupboard between uses. Larger ice makers can take up as much space as a toaster oven.
• Empty your ice maker regularly. Almost all portable ice maker storage bins are insulated but not refrigerated. This means that finished ice cubes, when left unattended, could melt and refreeze, possible creating a flow problem for the freezer unit and one giant ice cube in the bin.

Q. I already have an ice maker in my freezer. Do I really need a portable one, too?
A. That depends on your personal circumstances. Those who entertain frequently may want to have extra ice on hand for party guests. You may find that in the summer it's practical to have an ice maker that you can bring outside with you on hot days. Travelers may want a way to produce their own ice while on the road. Fresh ice also becomes an important commodity during disaster relief operations in which perishable foods and medications need to be kept cool.

Q. What kind of maintenance is required?
A. Clean your appliance regularly to avoid the accumulation of mold or other allergens. Your owner manual should provide specific cleaning tips for your model. Remember, too, that the water tray must be emptied routinely to prevent ice cubes from freezing together and jamming your system.

Q. What's a reasonable price for an ice maker?
A. Cost runs the gamut from $100 to $500. In general, you can expect to pay $125 to $175 for an entry-level model, and $225 to $250 for a high-end ice maker.

Q. How much ice can I expect my new ice maker to produce each day?
A. It depends on the size and power of your machine. A few workhorse models can produce 35 pounds of ice per day, although the average production rate for most ice makers is closer to 20 pounds a day