What makes the best outdoor ice maker worth the money? Well, there are several factors to take into consideration before you decide on the right one for your needs.
How effective the machine is, whether it’s freestanding or built-in, its daily ice output, and many more. Ideally, it should drain the water out as it melts so that the machine doesn’t create an ice block.
And it must be very well insulated so that less ice melts in the first place. Another thing you will should also think about is appearance.
We have compiled a list of the best outdoor ice makers based on their performance according to buyers.
10. U-Line Outdoor Crescent Outdoor Ice Maker
We start off our list with the U-Line outdoor ice maker – one of the most efficient on our list. It only needs 3 gallons of water to yield up to 23 pounds of ice, which is sufficient for 8 to 12 people on a hot summer day. The machine has a 12-pound storage bin and does not require a drain line, making installation a breeze.
It produces crescent-shaped ice cubes and has a reversible door. In addition, its exterior is vinyl coated; this gives off a smooth, elegant texture AND makes the machine scratch- and peel-resistant.
- Free Lift Gate Delivery on large units Included to get unit off the truck only.
9. Hoshizaki 321-lbs Cubelet Ice Machine and Dispenser
This machine can produce up to 321 pounds of ice cubes in a day and store 40 pounds at a time, which makes it a high-capacity outdoor ice maker. The stainless steel design is great for both commercial or residential use – just keep its astronomical output in mind!
The machine comes with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel exterior and antimicrobial protection, which will slow down the slime and bacteria growth within the interior of the unit.
- Half Sized Crescent Shaped Cubes
- Air Cooled Condenser
8. Aicok Portable Outdoor Ice Maker
The Aicok ice maker is a compact appliance that can make the first batch of 9 ice cubes in as little as 6 minutes with a daily ice cube output of 26 pounds. It comes with a removable ice basket and a plastic scoop, both BPA-free.
In addition, this compact and portable stainless steel ice maker can also be programmed to start or stop in one-hour increments. The ice maker comes with a 24-month warranty.
- FAST RESULTS- Get ice on demand with a high efficiency ice machine that produces 9 pieces of ice in just 10 minutes,...
- LARGE CAPACITY- The ice machine can produce over 26 lbs. of ice a day 2 quart water capacity, produces 1 ½ lbs. of ice...
- INCLUDED INSIDE- 3 cube sizes, status, clock, timer, auto shut off, standby and refill alarm so no need to monitor, 2...
This product is also featured on our list of the best countertop ice makers – check it out!
7. Manitowoc UDF-0190A NEO Air Cooled Ice Machine
This Manitowoc is wired for 115v plugin and makes full ice cubes. It will make 198 pounds of ice in 24 hours but the bin can only hold 90 pounds at a time. It has a self-cleaning function that does what is supposed to and a sleek design, which some users might consider outdated.
Before considering this machine, you should also know it does not come with all the hookups you need to install it; you will need a filter, pump, drain tube, and everything in between.
- Exterior made of quality stainless steel and ABS plastic
- Uses AlphaSan to clean internal components
- CFC-free R-134A refrigerant is eco-friendly
6. Blaze Stainless Steel Outdoor Ice Maker
This one will make 50 pounds of ice while storing up to 25 pounds. It comes with a water filter and a percolating cold plate which ensure the purity of the ice cubes and is also Energy Star rated.
The door is reversible for installation ease and the digital controls are hidden behind the door so that you don’t accidentally change the temperature.
You can install this machine under counter or as a freestanding unit no matter the terrain or counter height as it also comes with four leveling legs. In addition, it also comes with a stainless steel scoop, a drain line, and a water line.
- UL listed outdoor ice maker with gravity drain; Energy Star rated
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Capable of producing up to 50 pounds of cubed ice in a 24-hour period; 25-pound max capacity
5. Scotsman Brilliance Stainless Steel Outdoor Ice Maker
This Scotsman outdoor ice maker can produce up to 65 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 26 in its bin. It yields crystal clear gourmet ice cubes that are slow-melting and completely taste-free.
This machine also features a water quality sensor, a lighted bin, and a self-closing, reversible door for convenient installation. This outdoor ice machine has a stainless steel cabinet and front door and also comes with a user-friendly control panel that alerts you when the water is low or when the machine needs cleaning.
- Designed for commercial applications
- Control panel informs about water condition
- Approved for outdoor use
4. Maxx Cold Outdoor Ice Maker
This outdoor ice maker produces up to 50 pounds of crystal-clear ice cubes each day and can be used for households or commercially, as it’s NSF- and UL-approved. It features a stainless steel exterior with a reversible door and comes equipped with a self-contained condenser.
The products measures 14.60 inches in width, 34.70 inches in height, and 24.90 inches in depth and is suitable for freestanding or built-in applications.
- Up to 50 pounds daily ouput capacity
- Air cooled condenser
- Stainless steel construction
3. Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker
This unit makes restaurant-style quality ice cubes that are crystal clear and, according to the manufacturer, melt much slower than cloudy ones. It can produce 28 pounds per day and requires no plumbing which also makes it portable.
This is a great fit for any occasion and can accommodate a good sized event from home. You can also read our full review to get a better idea of the product.
- Have clear, restaurant quality ice that melts 5 times slower than cloudy ice, Ice Shape: Cubed, Product...
- Convenient, compact design is ideal for use in small kitchens and other compact spaces like RVs, boats and more
- Powerful compressor produces 28 pounds of ice a day so you never have to run to the store for a bag of ice again
2. Scotsman 65 lbs Self-Contained Gourmet Ice Machine
Scotsman is the world’s largest manufacturer of ice machines, and, with over 300 models, they made it on the list of best outdoor ice makers. This outdoor ice maker can store 26 pounds of ice and produce 65 pounds in a day.
It features a water-quality sensor so you know your ice is free of impurities and a drain pump that keeps water from just pooling around the machine. The self-closing door adds to the convenience of this machine while ensuring your ice stays solid.
This Scotsman outdoor ice maker is the second best outdoor ice maker on this list.
- Designed for commercial applications
- Control panel informs about water condition
- Approved for outdoor use
1. Scotsman CU0515GA Air Cool Ice Cube Maker
Moving on to the best choice possible, we have the Scotsman CU2026SA-1 ice maker that can up to 218 lb. of crystal-clear ice cubes per day. It features a compact design which makes it suitable for tight spaces and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The product measures 26 inches in width, 39 inches in height, and 27 3/8 inches in depth. The ice maker’s control panel notifies you of scale buildup so that you know exactly when to descale, sanitize, and more.
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Power cord for quick installation
- Under counter bar installation puts the ice where it is needed; legs allow for cleaning below and for aisle ventilation
Conclusion
Outdoor ice machines are different from your run of the mill ice maker because they are equipped to keep ice coming and are designed to hold up against harsh weather.
Even with a tight budget, you can find an affordable option for the best outdoor ice machine with a little research. Share your thoughts and experiences with us and, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Thanks for this very helpful list. I have to say I have my eye on the Blaze Stainless Steel Outdoor Ice Maker. It looks great and it appears to be of high-quality. I just need to compare its prices to the others around.
Hi, Nathan! If you decide to purchase it (or any of the other options on our list), please be sure to come back and let us know what you think about it.
Anyone who is looking for a good quality stainless steel outdoor ice machine should strongly consider getting the Lynx. It can hold quite a bit and it is one of the better makes around. I am happy with the one I have.
Hi, Rena,
We’re glad you agree with our top pick, thanks for sharing your opinion.
Have a good day!
In my experience, the Hoshizaki outdoor ice maker is the greatest one around since it can not only create loads of ice but can handle it as well. Some of the other ones that I have tried were not as efficient and durable as this one.
Thank you, Evan! We appreciate you letting us know your personal experience with this ice maker.
The U-Line outdoor ice maker is highly efficient and you are guaranteed to end up with plenty of ice with this product. If you are hosting any big parties or events, this is the one to get, well during the warm weather that is.
Hi, Vinnie! Thank you for your valuable input.
Winter is approaching but I am already making plans for the summer. We are going to build a deck so that we can host some parties, and we are looking into outdoor ice makers as well so this is a good list.
I have no idea why Blaze did not get a positive review, in fact, the reviews seemed to be quite dismal. They are a good make and I know for a fact that their outdoor ice makers are really good. I am confused.