Best Ice Makers for Your Kitchen

Many new refrigerators come equipped with an automatic ice maker as a standard feature, but if it doesn't, a freezer ice maker can be installed into most top-mounted and side-by-side refrigerators. Keep in mind that these are not portable and must be installed directly into your refrigerator or freezer.

Freezer ice makers:

• Produce around 5 to 8 trays of ice per day.
• Feature a simple trip-lever mechanism to activate the ice maker and spur production.
• Can produce crushed ice, which cools beverages more quickly.

Check with the dealer or manufacturer to make sure that you’re getting the right model of freezer ice maker for your refrigerator.

Freestanding ice makers are an ideal solution when a standard refrigerator ice maker cannot keep up with demand.

Under-counter units are capable of producing and storing up to 25 pounds of ice per day, and most are finished to match other kitchen appliances.

Freestanding ice makers can be built in, meaning they are installed in place next to or within your cabinetry, or they simply plug in as a freestanding unit.

If you are a big ice consumer, then consider a commercial ice maker. These ice makers are usually air-cooled, water-cooled or remote air-cooled. They can generate much more ice than a unit built for home use, but they can also be noisier.

Portable ice makers have become more popular because they don't have any special requirements for installation—just plug in, fill the resevoir and you'll have ice in no time.

The latest portable ice makers continue to offer sought-after features:

• Some units can generate up to 29 pounds of ice per day and create different sizes of ice cubes, including crushed ice.
• Since they are designed to be moved around, portable ice makers use reservoirs for you to fill with water instead of getting water through a dedicated water line.
• An insulated storage compartment helps keep ice cold.
• Look for models with an easy-to-remove basket to make getting ice out easier.

Automatic ice makers can be installed within a few hours. It's easiest for people who have some plumbing installation experience. You'll need supply tubing, compression fittings and wrenches for installation.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Ice maker kits may or may not include supply tubing and compression fittings.
• Plastic supply lines are easier to install than copper lines.
• Use a standard T-fitting and shutoff valve if you’re not able to use a saddle valve for installation.
• Freestanding ice makers may take up a lot of room and can be noisy.

When purchasing an ice maker, consider the features of each before making your decision:

• Ice makers with filters ensure that pure, clean water is used to make ice cubes.
• Self-cleaning ice makers automatically empty the ice bin and cycle a cleaning solution through the unit.
• Freestanding units made from stainless steel provide long-lasting dependability.