I think I want to get one of these. As a low budget full time RVer, I try to avoid got weather so I don't run a big generator or air conditioning. I do have a tiny old 500W/600W peak generator that could run the ice maker, and I have an Alpicool fridge+freezer so I can keep the excess ice in bags. Ice is nice to have if a hot day or several sneak up on me, where I can't run the air conditioner off grid.
I've had the thought that you could use one of those in combination with a Yeti-type chest cooler for your refrigeration needs. Then when you need a freezer, use the smallest fridge/OR/freezers you can find. (To get a true freezer, you have to go with one of those really large ones, which allow you to have two sections, which are so expensive.) Any thoughts on my idea from people who have experience? I'm still in the planning stages. I'm also thinking of boondocking, so use of shorter periods of electric needs are the goal.
The ice this makes isn't "hard" like what you'd get in a normal freezer, therefore it melts faster than normal ice cubes. As a result, it's great for drinks but not so great for a cooler.
Look for these at your favorite home improvement or big box store. Spring and early summer are the most likely times to find them. My experience is that they are a one time purchase each year by home improvement stores, meaning once their supply is gone, they won't have more until the following year. By all means, DON'T consider buying one at an RV store, because you will probably pay 2 to 3 times the price. I paid about $100 for mine about 3 or years ago.
Yes, I do experience that I eventually sold this ice maker and went back to using regular ice trays in the freezer to make my ice. I didn't have the storage space to warrant keeping this ice maker - I needed the space for other things.
I think I want to get one of these. As a low budget full time RVer, I try to avoid got weather so I don't run a big generator or air conditioning. I do have a tiny old 500W/600W peak generator that could run the ice maker, and I have an Alpicool fridge+freezer so I can keep the excess ice in bags. Ice is nice to have if a hot day or several sneak up on me, where I can't run the air conditioner off grid.
These little ice makers are nice to have.
Thanks for sharing how cool this item works. Pun intended
It's a nice appliance to have on longer trips.
I've had the thought that you could use one of those in combination with a Yeti-type chest cooler for your refrigeration needs. Then when you need a freezer, use the smallest fridge/OR/freezers you can find. (To get a true freezer, you have to go with one of those really large ones, which allow you to have two sections, which are so expensive.) Any thoughts on my idea from people who have experience? I'm still in the planning stages. I'm also thinking of boondocking, so use of shorter periods of electric needs are the goal.
The ice this makes isn't "hard" like what you'd get in a normal freezer, therefore it melts faster than normal ice cubes. As a result, it's great for drinks but not so great for a cooler.
I had that exact thought myself Joy.
I really like my countertop ice Maker as well. Great overview!
Thanks! I love this little appliance when camping
Look for these at your favorite home improvement or big box store.
Spring and early summer are the most likely times to find them.
My experience is that they are a one time purchase each year by home improvement stores,
meaning once their supply is gone, they won't have more until the following year.
By all means, DON'T consider buying one at an RV store, because you will probably pay 2 to 3 times the price.
I paid about $100 for mine about 3 or years ago.
:-)
Thanks for the review , it’s good to know that you think they may be all the same as I’ve seen many price differences on EBay
Glad to help
We really don't use ice that much, but i always like looking at gadgets.
I LOVE this ice maker. :-)
When I put the ice in our freezer, the cubes stick together and becomes a frozen block. Do you experience this also?
Yes, I do experience that I eventually sold this ice maker and went back to using regular ice trays in the freezer to make my ice. I didn't have the storage space to warrant keeping this ice maker - I needed the space for other things.
How long does it take to form the ice ?
I show in the video how long it takes.
Can you give a link of these product ?
I’d recommend searching the internet for them. I haven’t researched them for several years so I am not sure who sells them.
How much does it weigh
During the time I had it, I never thought to weight it. I ended up selling it due to lack of use. I didn't use it enough to warrant keeping it.
This really isn't portable since you need 120v. There are 12v ice makers which would be more ideal for camping.
That's not what "portable" means. But we know what you are trying to say.
do you have a link for a 12 volt one shaunhall?