Ice Makers: The Ultimate Guide to Getting the Best for Less
Ice Makers: The Ultimate Guide to Getting the Best for Less
Ice is a summer essential, and having an ice maker can make it easy to keep your drinks cold and refreshing. But ice makers can be expensive, so if youre on a budget, youll want to find the cheapest ice maker that meets your needs.
Types of Ice Makers
There are two main types of ice makers: portable and built-in. Portable ice makers are smaller and more affordable than built-in ice makers, and they can be easily moved around. Built-in ice makers are more expensive, but they are also more convenient and can produce more ice.
How to Choose the Cheapest Ice Maker
When choosing an ice maker, there are a few things youll need to consider:
* **Capacity:** How much ice do you need? Portable ice makers typically have a capacity of 1-3 pounds, while built-in ice makers can produce up to 20 pounds of ice per day.
* **Type of ice:** There are three main types of ice: cubes, crushed ice, and nuggets. Cubes are the most common type of ice, and they are perfect for drinks and ice cream. Crushed ice is great for cocktails and smoothies, and nuggets are perfect for chewing.
* **Features:** Some ice makers have additional features, such as a timer, a water filter, and a self-cleaning function. These features can be convenient, but they can also add to the cost of the ice maker.
The 5 Cheapest Ice Makers
If youre looking for the cheapest ice maker, here are five options to consider:
1. **Igloo ICEB26RR**: This portable ice maker is one of the most affordable options on the market. It has a capacity of 26 pounds, and it can produce up to 9 cubes of ice per hour.
2. **Frigidaire EFIC189**: This portable ice maker is another great option for budget-minded shoppers. It has a capacity of 18 pounds, and it can produce up to 10 cubes of ice per hour.
3. **GE GIM15**: This built-in ice maker is a good value for the price. It has a capacity of 15 pounds, and it can produce up to 20 cubes of ice per day.
4. **LG LFXS28968S**: This built-in ice maker is a bit more expensive than the other options on this list, but it has a number of features that make it worth the investment. It has a capacity of 28 pounds, and it can produce up to 50 cubes of ice per day. It also has a built-in water filter and a self-cleaning function.
5. **KitchenAid KUIX505HPS**: This built-in ice maker is the most expensive option on this list, but it is also the most feature-rich. It has a capacity of 50 pounds, and it can produce up to 100 cubes of ice per day. It also has a built-in water filter, a self-cleaning function, and a touch screen display.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your ice maker running smoothly, its important to clean it regularly. You should also descale it every few months to remove any mineral buildup. Here are a few tips for maintaining your ice maker:
* **Clean the exterior:** Wipe down the exterior of the ice maker with a damp cloth.
* **Clean the interior:** Remove the ice bin and wash it with soap and water. You can also use a vinegar solution to clean the interior of the ice maker.
* **Descale the ice maker:** Fill the ice maker with a vinegar solution and run it through a cycle. This will help to remove any mineral buildup.
Conclusion
If youre looking for the cheapest ice maker, there are a number of affordable options on the market. By following the tips in this guide, you can find the perfect ice maker for your needs and budget. The Igloo ICEB26RR is our pick for the best cheap ice maker. Its affordable, has a large capacity, and produces high-quality ice.
