Igloo is a name that’s synonymous with coolers, and it is rapidly becoming known for well-made portable ice makers, too. Not every refrigerator includes an ice maker, and sometimes you’re in a place where you don’t have access to a freezer. That’s when an Igloo ice maker comes in handy. Whether you’re making cocktails for guests on the patio, or you need some extra ice for the kids’ sodas at dinner, an Igloo ice maker gives you the size, shape, and quantity of ice you need right when you need it.

Igloo ice makers are also great for taking ice on the road. Sometimes you need ice for a cooler whether you’re headed to the beach or on a long road trip. With an Igloo ice maker, you can easily produce a lot of ice in a hurry, avoiding the hassle of going to the store for a bag of ice. Igloo ice makers offer many different options for all of your ice-making needs.

Check out our review and our favorites to see which Igloo ice maker is right for you and yours.

Igloo ice makers come in many different shapes, sizes, and finishes. The primary determining factor in choosing yours is how you’ll use it. If you plan to use it outside the home most of the time, you’ll have different considerations than someone who plans to primarily use it indoors.

If you plan to use your Igloo ice maker outdoors on a regular basis, you may want to choose a model that won’t fade due to sun exposure. Some Igloo ice makers have a plastic outer surface, while other are aluminum. The color of the housing, as well as the material, will impact how the machine holds up to sun exposure.

You’ll also want to consider what you’ll do with your Igloo ice maker when it’s not in use. Some people choose to leave the machine out on the counter, while others store it in a cabinet with other appliances. Think about the style of Igloo ice maker you choose and how it may or may not jibe with your kitchen décor. For some people, design is just as important as utility.

Some Igloo ice makers can make up to 48 pounds of ice in a single day, so you’ll want to assess what your ice needs are before purchasing. Most people only need a small amount of ice on a regular basis and so don’t need such a large capacity machine.

• Clear: Some Igloo ice makers create clear ice cubes, which contain fewer air bubbles and contaminants and melt more slowly than cloudy cubes. Clear ice cubes are made by creating the cubes slowly, freezing the water bit by bit as opposed to quickly and all at once. This allows any air bubbles to escape rather than being pushed into the center of the cubes and frozen.

• Sizes: Most Igloo ice makers offer the option of making between one and three different sizes of ice cubes. Whether motivated by personal preference or logistical requirements, the ability to make different sizes of ice cubes will give you all the options you need at any given time.

Although most Igloo ice makers incorporate a refillable water reservoir, some can be hooked up to a water line, providing a constant stream of water so you don’t need to repeatedly refill the machine.

Most of the Igloo ice makers on the market today have an option for making ice quickly. The fastest setting currently available from Igloo is 6 minutes. Of course, if you’re not in a hurry, you can use the regular setting, which makes ice in approximately 20 minutes.

Some Igloo ice machines can hold up to two pounds of ice in the ice bin for regular use. If you plan on using your ice maker for entertaining a large number of people, a large-capacity ice bin is probably a feature you’ll want to consider. You can also empty the ice into a nearby cooler to keep space available in your Igloo ice maker bin.

Inexpensive: Igloo ice makers that cost between $100 and $150 can accommodate whatever small-scale ice-making needs you have for an in-home get-together, although they may not be as sturdy as some of the others.

Mid-range: You’ll find the most options in the $150 to $250 price range. The ice bin capacity in most of these units is a few pounds.

Expensive: Spend between $250 and $350 and you’ll find Igloo’s heavy-duty ice makers, which can make up to 48 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period.

• Place your Igloo ice maker in a convenient spot. If it’s out of the way, behind another appliance, you won’t have easy access to your homemade ice.

• Make sure the wall outlet you use can handle the additional power without tripping the circuit breaker. You’ll be disappointed to come back later to find an empty ice bin if it shuts off.

• Use the purest water you can. This will provide the best-tasting and clearest ice cubes possible.

• Check the water reservoir regularly. Otherwise you may not make full use of your Igloo ice maker’s capacity.

One of the most common uses for an Igloo ice maker is to make ice for a day at the beach or a picnic. If you plan to use yours for this purpose, think about getting one of these Igloo coolers to fill with your freshly made ice. At 16 quarts, the Igloo Profile Cooler is small enough to be easily portable, and it even has a convenient media sleeve for your cell phone. Another good option is the 60-quart Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler. With its extendable handle and sturdy wheels, you’ll be able to take this cooler anywhere you want. If you’re looking for the top of the line, look no further than the 70-quart Igloo Trailmate Marine Wheeled Cooler. The Ultratherm-insulated body and lid can keep ice cool for up to four days, so the party doesn’t have to stop until you’re good and ready.

Q. Do Igloo ice makers with a water-line hookup also work by manually pouring in the water?

A. Yes. Although some igloo ice makers have an option to hook up to a permanent water line, you can also add water manually.

Q. Will a standard wall outlet provide enough power to run my Igloo ice maker?

A. Yes. Igloo ice makers are designed to run off any standard wall outlet, though you’ll want to verify that you aren’t overloading the outlet with too many appliances.

Q. Do I need to wash my Igloo ice maker after every use?

A. No. Although it’s a good idea to run hot water through the machine occasionally to make sure that no bacteria or germs remain in the apparatus after continuous use.