If you're always running out of ice, you may need to supplement the ice made by your refrigerator with a portable ice maker. Having an ice maker has several advantages, especially if you entertain quite a bit or if you just love to munch on ice. Here are a few things to know about buying an ice maker.

Countertop Ice Makers

A small ice maker that sits on your countertop would be the ideal solution for your ice shortage. It doesn't take up much space and it is able to produce several pounds of ice a day. You can buy various sizes at different price points depending on the amount of ice you need. You can buy one of these models at a store that sells small appliances or maybe even at a camping equipment store.

If you're looking for something a lot larger like might be used in a commercial setting, then you'll need to shop at a kitchen appliance center or a restaurant supply store. However, even the small commercial ice makers are pretty expensive and their output is a lot more than you would probably need for home use. The countertop model is a good compromise between a huge commercial ice maker and the small ice maker in your refrigerator.

Advantages Of A Portable Ice Maker

There are several reasons to buy a portable ice maker and quit relying on your refrigerator to keep up. For one thing, your ice will be fresh, so it won't sit in your freezer for days and pick up odors. This might be important if you have morning sickness or problems with nausea and want to munch on ice but are nauseated by certain odors. Another benefit of one of these ice makers is you can take them anywhere. They are ideal for tailgate parties and for use in your RV. You won't have to waste money buying bags of ice and losing half of it when it melts in an ice chest. With a portable ice maker, you'll have a constant supply of fresh ice as long as you have a power supply to plug it into.

Choose Your Cubes

One of the best reasons to buy an ice maker is you can dial in the type of ice you want. Large cubes are ideal for alcoholic drinks and other beverages because they are slower to melt and they don't dilute the drink as quickly. However, if you are an ice-munching aficionado, you probably prefer tiny cylinders or ice bits that are easy to crunch without hurting your teeth. If you have kids, you may like shaved ice so you can make frozen treats.

If you have a refrigerator with an ice maker that just can't keep up, then buying a small unit that sits on your counter would be a good way to never worry about running out of ice again. You can pour filtered water or spring water in it and make the amount of ice you need each day, whether it is just enough for dinner or enough for a big party.

To rent or purchase an ice maker, contact a company such as Shealy-Hodges Corporation.