Whether you operate an outdoor bar, have a knack for throwing parties in your front yard or are planning a summer BBQ bash, few scenarios are more nightmarish than running out of ice. That’s where a quality outdoor icemaker comes in.
You might think that those little ice trays in your freezer might cut it, but larger parties need more ice than what those trays can provide. Even the ice machine built into your refrigerator won’t be of much help, as it isn’t portable and can only fulfill small household requirements.
As it turns out , there is a great option: invest in an outdoor icemaker. They don’t require much work, are easy to use and are perfect for the outdoors. Neither do they force you to run to and from the kitchen every time a guest looks for something to cool their drink. Instead, an outdoor icemaker will make your next party a breeze. You’ll have unlimited ice at very fingertips. Plus, a top quality icemaker is lightning quick and won’t leave you with room temperature drinks.
Our top pick is the EdgeStar IB150SS0D. Apart from having the best cost to performance ratio of any unit we reviewed, this machine is simple to use, easy to maintain and supports both built-in and freestanding installation. Throw into the mix its 00 lbs of ice-storage capacity, and you can easily see why it’s our #1 choice.
Best Outdoor Ice maker – EdgeStar IB250SS0D
- 25 lbs. daily ice production; 20 lbs. ice storage capacity; Crescent-shaped ice provides longer lasting ice
- This unit also operates as a freezer and will keep your ice frozen; No drain line required
The EdgeStar IB250SS0D is the perfect mix of style, performance and affordability. It boasts an impressive 25 lbs. of daily ice production for parties large and small. You’ll also have the option of making ice ahead of time with it’s sizable 20 lbs. of cold storage. Furthermore, it doesn’t require a drain line which makes it perfect for any backyard patio. Couple with the stainless steel exterior and reversible doors, this is simply put, the best outdoor ice maker on the market.
Top 3 Best Outdoor Ice makers Compared
Best Outdoor Ice maker Buyers Guide
One of the reasons people choose outdoor icemakers is because they can keep a gathering going on for hours. However, as common sense tells us, not every outdoor ice maker is built in the same manner. Which is why you need to identify the features which separate the best outdoor icemakers from the second rate ones.
And that’s exactly what this buying guide is going to do. Read on to know more about the considerations you might want to have when shopping for a brand new ice maker.
Suitability for outdoor conditions
Most people think that outdoor ice makers and portable ice makers are two names of the same product. That’s a false notion. Units that are built to last outdoors have some properties which not many portable models can provide. For instance:
Stainless Steel Construction
Take a standard steel icemaker outdoors, and the presence of humidity in the air will cause it to rust quickly. That’s why you need models which are made of stainless steel or other weather resistant materials.
As experts tell us, stainless steel icemakers are corrosion resistant. They have an oxide layer on top of the steel’s surface, one which keeps the after-effects of moisture at bay.
High-temperature rating
When choosing the temperature rating of your model, try to keep this note of caution in your mind: the higher the temperature rating, the less will be the unit’s ice production rate.
What you need, therefore, is a balance between the two. Units that are rated up to 100* F should be able to work in hot environments without decreasing their ice production rate.
Ice
Assuming that you aren’t a first-time user of an outdoor ice maker, you might already know that not all of these machines provide the same type of ice. Similar is the case with their production capacity, as some machines provide more/less ice than others.
Type of Ice
As Mashable tells us, there are 14 types of ice cubes for you to choose from. They include reusable ice cubes, ice which is meant for water bottles and crushed ice. You can also have machines that produce cubes of your favorite shape.
Other options include bagged ice, square cubes, cylindrical ice, and even ice nuggets. Provided you can afford to spend extra upfront – with the promise of decreased costs down the line, there are icemakers out there which are also able to churn out slow-melting ice.
Production Capacity
When deciding what production capacity you want your machine to have, look at your requirements. For instance, if your parties are limited to less than 10 people, paying extra for a machine that produces 25 lbs of ice per day can be overkill.
Conversely, if you have a big bar with a large number of customers, you might want to invest in a machine churning out north of 50 pounds of ice per day. It goes without saying that machines which provide this much ice won’t come cheap.
Type of drainage
When it comes to how they drain water which they no longer need, outdoor icemakers can be divided into three categories: gravity drain, pumped drain, and drain-less. Let’s discuss all of them in detail.
Gravity Drains
Machines that rely on the force of gravity to remove any excess water into a drain are the cheapest. As long as you have a nearby floor drain, they require no special plumbing whatsoever.
However, if there isn’t a floor drain in the vicinity of the place where you intend to install them, these machines might not be worth considering.
Pumped Drains
To operate at their optimal level, icemakers need drains where they can eject water that is no longer needed. However, sometimes it may happen that you don’t have access to a floor drain.
To prevent such an unwelcome scenario, make sure your model comes with pumped drains. These systems allow you to connect your unit’s drain to a nearby sewer system.
Drain-less
Finding it hard to believe that an outdoor ice maker can be drain-less? Then you must check out the EdgeStar IB250SS0D. Despite having a 25lbs daily ice production, this machine has no drain.
Though that doesn’t mean that it will keep on accumulating spent water. It operates just like your home refrigerator which also has no need of a dedicated drain.
Special Requirements
Before you purchase an outdoor ice maker, verify that your site has what it takes to meet the unit’s special requirements. Two such requirements need your attention more than others. Those are electrical requirements and clearance requirements.
Electrical requirements
The majority of outdoor icemakers you’ll see on the market are built to operate on a 120-volt electrical circuit. Though there are others that require you to install dedicated circuits for them. Make sure that your site can meet the electrical requirements of the machine you plan to purchase.
Clearance requirements
Most outdoor units are air-cooled and front breathing, meaning that their intake and ejection are from the front, a design choice that lets you install them between two cabinets or underneath a countertop. Check out its clearance requirements before you buy the ice machine.
Add-ons
Every device has some features which don’t have as much an impact on its performance as they do on the user experience. Commonly known as add-ons, such features make using the device a fun experience. The best outdoor icemakers also have some features that take your experience of using them to a whole new level.
Indicator lights: Indicator lights can perform various functions. Some models have LED lights that light up to tell you to add more water. Others, meanwhile, use them as a full ice basket indicator.
Recycle water: You can end up with outdoor ice makers who, instead of taking water from melted ice, recycle what they already have to produce more ice.
Energy Star rating: Outdoor ice makers that come with an Energy Star certification operate more efficiently and consume less electricity to keep your power bills down.
Best Best Outdoor Ice maker Detailed Reviews
Now that you have seen the features which separate the best outdoor icemakers from the riffraff, let’s turn our attention to products which actually have these features.
#1 EdgeStar IB250SS0D
- 25 lbs. daily ice production; 20 lbs. ice storage capacity; Crescent-shaped ice provides longer lasting ice
- This unit also operates as a freezer and will keep your ice frozen; No drain line required
The EdgeStar IB250SS0D is a compact ice maker whose stainless steel door and cabinet construction allow it to withstand the rigors of outdoor environment.
Feature
Most people think outdoor icemakers cannot be stylish. Most people, as it turns out, haven’t yet seen the commercial-grade stainless steel door of the EdgeStar. True, the main purpose of the door is to withstand humidity and prevent the build-up of rust, but it also ends up giving the entire unit a stylish look.
Since this model doesn’t require you to install a drain line, it provides you with two highly sought-after benefits. With no drain line to worry about, its installation is incredibly easy, as all you have to do is to just connect a water supply line. Also, you can place the unit anywhere you want.
Even for an outdoor ice maker, this unit makes plenty of ice. It boasts a daily production of 25lbs and can store 75% (20lbs) of its daily output. Also, the hardness of the crescent-shaped ice produced by this model allows it to last significantly longer.
On top of everything else, ambidextrous people among you might find it good to know that this unit comes with a reversible door, one which you can mount in both the left hinge and the right hinge operating direction. It even has its built-in freezer which keeps your ice frozen when you don’t need it.
What we don’t like
This unit tends to get a little noisy when it’s producing ice. That’s the only ‘drawback’ which we noticed with its operation.
Pros
- 25 lbs daily ice output
- 20 lbs. storage capacity
- No drain required
Cons
- slightly noisy
#2 U-Line Outdoor Nugget Ice Machine
The U-Line Nugget ice maker is a rated outdoor model that can produce a lot of ice and store one-third of the same. Provided you’re after a model that is eco-friendly, this outdoor ice maker deserves your attention.
Features
There are two areas where this model provides industry-leading features. It churns out up to 90lbs of ice per day, at least 40lbs more than what you get from most outdoor icemakers. And it comes with a built-in freezer which lets you store one-third of this machine’s produce.
Additionally, this model combines style with substance. Its digital touchpad control has an eye-catching blue LED display and can be used to regulate the daily output of this machine. Then there is the LED indicator light which alerts the user whenever the machine requires cleaning.
This unit doesn’t limit your options as far as its installation is concerned. Provided you find its design compliments your interior décor, you can install this model in an already-designed cabinet. Conversely, if you are only going to use it outdoors, its UL rating ensures no harm will come to the machine even after years of use.
What’s more, you don’t even have to erect this model near a drain line. That’s because it comes with a drain pump its own, which you can connect to a pipe (not included) to transfer spent-water at a comparatively far-off distance.
What we don’t like
You might find it hard to get the hang of all the features on this machine. That’s because the instruction manual supplied with the U-Line Outdoor Nugget Ice Machine is a bit challenging to decipher.
Pros
- 90 lbs ice production
- 30 lbs storage capacity
- LED indicator light
Cons
- Difficult to understand instructions
#3 Blaze Outdoor Ice Maker
Whether you’re planning to throw a big party in your backyard or organizing a summer bash with your friends, the huge production output of the Blaze Outdoor Ice Maker will never let you run out of ice.
Features
Manufacturers of outdoor ice makers face a difficult choice when deciding whether or not to provide their models with digital temperature controls. On one hand, most users demand this feature. On the other hand, the fact that the unit will be used outdoors risks exposing the controls to humidity.
Fortunately, Blaze has come up with a solution to this problem. It has concealed the digital control panel of this unit behind its stainless steel door. That arrangement allows you to tinker with them whenever you want but still shields the controls from environmental irritants.
Yet another demonstration of the user-friendliness of this model is its daily ice output. You can get it to produce a mammoth 50 pounds of ice per day. And since it has a storage capacity of 25 pounds, there’s no time frame in which you must use that ice. After all, who wants old nasty flavored ice?
To make sure that you always get clean ice, this unit features a built-in water filter. It also has a self-cleaning mode which does what the name implies and boasts a convenient one-button operation. Also, the fact that it comes with certifications from Energy Star and UL means that this unit is energy efficient.
What we don’t like
As you might have guessed by now, the feature-loaded offering of this unit doesn’t come cheap. In fact, once you compare it with other models in this review, you’d realize that the Blaze Outdoor Ice maker is one of the priciest.
Pros
- 50 lbs daily ice output
- 25 lbs storage capacity
- Built-in water filter
- Digital control panel
Cons
- Fairly expensive
#4 Maxx Ice MIM50 Outdoor Ice Maker
- Up to 50 pounds daily ouput capacity
- Air cooled condenser
The Maxx Ice MIM50 Ice Maker is a sturdy unit whose build gives you the impression that it’s designed to last ages. However, that isn’t to mean that this unit looks ugly. It is a worth-having option if you need an ice maker which works quickly and produces a lot of ice.
Features
One glance at this model is all that you need to convince yourself of its durability. Even from a distance, the stainless steel coating gives the impression that this unit takes no prisoners when it comes to fighting humidity and keeping the likes of rust and corrosion at bay.
Underneath this layer of sturdiness are a plethora of user-intuitive features. Notable among them is the air-cooled condenser which empowers this unit to ignore the outdoor temperature and keep on producing ice. Then there is the automatic cleaning cycle which gives you one less thing to worry about.
Then comes the automatic overfill prevention feature which stops the unit from producing more ice once it reaches its capacity. You can get up to 50 pounds per day of individual ice cubes from this unit which, as long as you haven’t invited the whole city, will be enough for big gatherings.
Finally, this model is equipped with a built-in freezer that can store up to 25 lbs of ice at one time. It also features a gravity drain which means you don’t have to do anything to make it let go of excess water. Its NSF and UL certifications, meanwhile, guarantee the utility of this machine for outdoor applications.
What we don’t like
Even though this model isn’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination, the absence of a water-filter makes it hard to justify its almost astronomical price tag.
Pros
- Sleek and sturdy design
- Easy to install
- Substantial ice output
Cons
- No water filter
#5 EdgeStar OIM450SS Outdoor Ice Maker
- Fully wrapped in commercial-grade stainless steel; Elegant curved stainless steel handle
- Removable ice bin; Computerized controls; Reversible door
Provided you don’t have back problems stopping you from lifting heavy objects – or you can get someone else to do the heavy-lifting, the EdgeStar OIM450SS Outdoor Ice Maker can be a worthy addition to all your outdoor gatherings.
Features
While we aren’t defending its overall weight, the OIM450SS has certainly made good use of the extra pounds that it tends to carry. It has done that by coating not only its body but also the curved handle with commercial-grade stainless steel, thereby eliminating any chances of rust build-up.
In contrast to your average outdoor ice maker, this unit doesn’t tell you where you can put it. You can use this model both as an under-counter machine (because it has a fan exhaust) and uncovered as well (because of its stainless steel cabinet). That means that the choice is yours.
This unit produces 50 pounds of clear, cubed ice per day and has the capacity to store half of it at any time. Also, since the door on the unit is completely reversible, both the left- and right-handed configurations are easily installed based on your preference.
What’s more, the OIM450SS comes with all the accessories that you may require to get it up and running. Its package includes a cooling water line, a drain line, and an ice storage bin. Though its manufacturer recommends that you hire a licensed plumber for its installation.
What we don’t like
As stated earlier, the manufacturer recommends that you hire a licensed plumber to have this unit installed. That’s the only aspect of this model that didn’t impress us. After all, a DIY friendly unit will save you time and money.
Pros
- Commercial grade stainless steel
- Impressive ice output and capacity
- Comes with casters
Cons
- Not easy to install
#6 Fire Magic Outdoor Ice Maker
- Produces up to 63 pounds of cube shaped ice per day with a 27 pound storage capacity
- Ice is continuously replenished as it is used
At the cost of sounding hyperbolical, the Fire Magic Outdoor Ice Maker is one of those units which could fill every glass in your party and still have some ice left to spare.
Features
Some units in this review have a daily ice output of 25lbs. A majority, as you have already seen, doubles that production rate. None of the units, however, come even close to producing the 63lbs of ice which this unit churns out on a daily basis.
Knowing that it is producing more ice than what’s considered normal by man, the manufacturer knew that it had to offer something similar in terms of its storage capacity as well. Hence the reason why the Fire Magic Outdoor Ice Maker reservoir can hold 27 pounds of ice.
Furthermore, while most units in this review have a side-located handle, the Fire Magic’s is on the upper side of the door. That saves you the trouble from bending while trying to open the door to either take out the ice or tinker with the controls.
Lastly, if you end up ignoring this unit for some time, its auto-shutoff feature will turn off the system to keep your energy bills low. Equally useful is the auto-defrost function which makes sure that the ice doesn’t build up to an excessive level.
What we don’t like
Compare the price of this model with other units in this review, and you’d see that it costs three times as much as, say, the EdgeStar Outdoor Ice Maker.
Pros
- Auto shutoff feature
- Auto defrost
- 63 lbs. daily ice production
Cons
- Very expensive
#7 Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15″ Outdoor Ice Machine
- aker
- 26 lbs Storage Capacity
As far as durability of the materials of construction goes, it doesn’t get any better than stainless steel whose ability to fight moisture and keep rust at bay is one of the many reasons which makes the Scotsman SCN60GA Outdoor Ice Machine a must-have.
Features
Two features make this machine ideal for blended or soft drinks. It produces the same chew nugget ice which the food service industry has been using for ages, which means your guests won’t raise their eyebrows on seeing the design of ice in their glasses.
Secondly, this model comes with a smart display control panel. It contains an LED light which lits up the moment when the unit is producing no water, thereby making you aware that the machine needs cleaning for optimal functioning.
Then there is the field reversible door of the Scotsman. It being reversible means that both the left- and the right-handed individuals can fit the door according to their comfort – with the layer of stainless steel over the entire machine keeping rust at bay.
Lastly, with all due respect to the above mentioned features, what separates the Scotsman from your average outdoor icemaker is its 80lbs production capacity. Similar is the case with its storage capacity of 26lbs, which is the 3rd highest of any model in this review.
What we don’t like
Scotsman could have done better when setting the internal temperature of this machine. It isn’t cool enough for the ice nuggets to stay in their frozen-shape for hours. With the result that even if you aren’t drawing ice, this machine will still continue to melt the one it already has.
Pros
- Smart display control panel
- Huge production and storage capacity
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- Stored ice tends to melt faster than in other units
#8 Summit Stainless Steel Outdoor Icemaker
- U.L. approved for outdoor use, with three levels of weatherproofing in design
- Complete construction in durable 304 grade stainless steel
The Summit Stainless Steel Outdoor Icemaker isn’t capable of producing enough ice to keep big parties flowing. Instead, with its production capacity standing at 10lbs, this machine is suitable for small gatherings.
Features
What this machine lacks in its daily production rate it more than makes up for inflexibility. Its design is such that you can use the Summit Icemaker both as a built-in or a freestanding unit. Also provided are optional bases that raise its height for standard or ADA counters.
Having features to meet the requirements of your indoors doesn’t mean that this machine has nothing to offer under the open sky. That is, because, apart from being approved by UL for outdoor usage, this unit contains three weatherproofing levels in its design.
On top of that, the entire model is encapsulated in multiple layers of 304-grade stainless steel. Apart from protecting the entire unit – which includes its base, top and the rear-side, stainless steel coating also covers the handle.
Finally, Summit has taken no chances over the machine’s and the user’s safety. Hence the reason why the weatherproof design of this model contains a sealed back to protect electrical components – with the GFCI unit automatically resetting the unit in case of power failure.
What we don’t like
The 10lbs production capacity of this machine is, by far, the lowest of any outdoor icemakers we have seen in this review.
Pros
- Weatherproof design
- Lots of safety features
- Does not require a drain
Cons
- Relatively low daily output
#9 RCS 26 Lb. Outdoor Ice Maker
- Produces up to 44 pounds of cube shaped ice per day with a 26 pound storage capacity
- 304 grade stainless steel exterior matches other outdoor kitchen components
The RCS 26lb. Outdoor Ice Maker isn’t as famous in the market as some other machines you’ve already seen in this review. Its lack of game, if you ask us, is a good thing since this model isn’t as pricey as some of its counterparts.
Features
Measuring only 23.6 x 14.6 x 33.1 inches, the RCS Ice Maker is incredibly compact for an outdoor machine. Its slim dimensions mean you can easily fit this model inside your kitchen cabinet, in boats and RVs or even in the boot of your car.
Won’t handle the machine like this damage its exterior? Absolutely not. That’s because it has a 304-grade stainless steel coating which isn’t only rust-proof but is also scratch-resistant. As long as you don’t deliberately try to disfigure it, this machine will retain its original shine.
Even if does end up hosting a few scratches, the amount of ice this machine will force you to handle will make you forget about them. It produces up to 44 pounds of ice cubes per day, which is at least 14lbs more than the ice production rate of most machines you see on the market.
Still, if you are in no mood of baby-sitting the ice, this machine won’t force you. It can do that since because of its 26-pound storage capacity which, proportionately speaking, is the biggest capacity offered by any machine in this review.
What we don’t like
Since this machine has a gravity drainage system, you might need to get innovative during its installation process to connect it to your waterline with the hose. Either that, or you might want to hire an expert plumber.
Pros
- Front venting design
- Compact construction
- Auto-Shutoff feature
Cons
- Can be troublesome to install
#10 Maxx Ice Under Counter Outdoor Ice Maker
- Up to 50 pounds of crystal clear ice production per day
- Removable 25 lb ice storage bin with automatic overfill prevention
When it comes to outdoor ice-making machines, Maxx is a very reputable brand whose specialty lies in making outdoor refrigeration equipment. However, while the reputation of its manufacturer did play a part, it were the features of this model which convinced us to recommend it to our readers.
Features
Everything about the ice storage bin of this model deserves our praise. Though compact in shape, it can hold 25 lbs of ice – which is 50% of the daily production of the Maxx. Its removability means you don’t have to apply extra effort to clean the bin in its installed form.
Then comes the automatic overfill prevention feature. It relies on a sensor that forces you to take notice of the moment ice starts to overflow beyond capacity. Provided you are busy somewhere else and fail to take notice, the sensor will then shut down the machine, protecting it from damage.
Enabling this machine to look beautiful in any outdoor setting is its black exterior. That’s a hugely welcome sight given the fact that most other outdoor icemakers come to have an external silver coating, one which makes it difficult for them to blend-in with their surroundings.
On top of everything else, this machine won’t weigh heavily on your energy bills. It comes with Energy Star certification which, as you might already know, is awarded only to those appliances which operate efficiently. The presence of NSF and UL certifications, meanwhile, guarantees the utility of this model for outdoor applications.
What we don’t like
Given the fact that this machine weighs incredibly heavy, we were disappointed to see that it doesn’t have any wheels to carry its weight. Their absence means you might need two or three persons to transport this machine from one room to the other.
Pros
- Eye-catching design
- Automatic overfill prevention
- Certified by Energy Star for efficient operation
Cons
- Does not have wheels
Summary
While you may accuse us of trying too hard to remain politically correct, it’s a fact that all the outdoor ice maker machines recommended in this review are the best in their own right. Each of them has got something unique to offer to customers looking for a little extra in their model.
Having said that, there’s still one model that we think is better than the rest, the EdgeStar IB250SS0D. It’s cost effective, looks great and produces wonderful ice. Add on to that the outdoor weather resistance and easy installation and you can see why it’s number one on our list.
Now that you’ve got our outdoor icemaker under control, you might want to look into an Outdoor BBQ island to take your patio to the next level.
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