Is an Ice Maker Worth It?

Many refrigerators nowadays have an included ice maker that produces several pounds of ice each day to cool your favorite drinks. However, these accessories can’t compare to the style, versatility, and high production rates of dedicated ice maker appliances.

As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best ice makers for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of refrigeration appliances like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about ice makers before checking out what our top picks have to offer.

Benefits of an Ice Maker

Bulk Ice Production – Ice makers’ high daily ice production rates and high-capacity bins are extremely useful for homeowners that host large parties. Many of our commercial-grade units can produce close to 100 lbs. of ice while their bins can store as much as 30 lbs.

Versatile Installation Options – Ice makers can go almost anywhere in or out of your home. Countertop ice makers (also known as portable ice makers) are convenient for compact kitchens, producing a small batch of ice when needed and can be stored away afterwards. Freestanding ice makers can go in the room of your choice while built-in units can be installed under your kitchen counters for an integrated appearance. There are even outdoor ice makers manufactured with superior insulation to produce plenty of ice in your outdoor kitchen suite, saving trips in and out of our house while entertaining guests.

Saves Freezer Space – Many refrigerators have an integrated ice maker in their freezers, but these come at the cost of additional storage space for a bin and/or dispensing mechanism. A dedicated ice maker can produce way more ice daily without sacrificing fridge capacity.

Automatic Drain Systems – Water accumulates as ice melts, but rather than manually removing the water, ice makers typically include one of two drainage options – a gravity drain or a drain pump. A gravity drain passively removes water since it relies on natural downward water flow but requires the drain to be directly under the unit, limiting where an ice maker can be installed. A drain pump, however, can pump water out of the bin horizontally or vertically, allowing for more flexible installation.

Gourmet Ice Options – Do you crave bite-sized, chewable ice like the ones made by Sonic ice makers? Now you can own one that produces slow-melting nugget ice like those found in your favorite fast-food restaurants! Alternatively, if you’re a liquor aficionado, you’ll definitely want a unit that produces ice balls. Ice balls offer sleek, sophisticated presentation that elevates the visual appeal of liquor, adding an elegant aesthetic to any drink.

Luxury Finishes – High-end ice makers are available which perfectly integrate into luxury kitchen suites. Match your pro-style appliances with a stainless steel unit, or maintain a low-profile with panel-ready ice makers that disappear behind custom cabinetry.

Convenient Accessories – Ice makers come with several accessories for efficient serving and maintenance, including ice scoops, drain pumps, and leveling legs.

Is it Expensive to Run an Ice Maker?

Several factors can increase an ice maker’s energy efficiency, including its daily ice production rate, insulation quality, usage frequency, and ambient temperatures around where it is installed. A safe bet when trying to cover all these bases is to look for an ENERGY STAR certified ice maker. These models typically use less energy for ice production cycles than standard ice makers, reducing both your utility bills and environmental impact while still delivering high-quality performance.

What is the Life Expectancy of an Ice Maker?

A good quality ice maker can last up to 10 years if properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Like with any appliance, consumers should educate themselves beforehand on essential care tasks they will need to perform to ensure their purchase’s longevity. Some common upkeep that can be expected includes:

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