Best Ice Makers for Outdoor Kitchens

Spring is here and with it summer is just around the corner. That means, spending time with family and friends outdoors in the warm sun having a great experience. This is a great time of year, whether having a backyard bbq, hanging by a pool or just grabbing a tan, you want to stay hydrated and moisturized to minimize the risk of heat related health issues.

So exactly what is an outdoor ice maker and how can it help me. Are they really useful for an outdoor Kitchen? What features are you looking for your ice maker machine to contain?

Well, for starters when you are hosting a party for example at your home, you don’t want to have to be concerning yourself, is there enough ice for cold drinks for all of my guests? Do I have to rush over to a convenience store constantly to grab ice for the outdoor ice machine? Your guests don’t want to have to wait to down their cold drinks on warm days at parties outdoors, nor should they have to. When planning a party or even just to complete your outdoor kitchen you should have an outdoor rated ice maker. Made by the likes of Deco Gear, Fire Magic, Scotsman, Sonic to Hestan are just a few of the names of great ice makers that will fit your outdoor needs.

I personally love to tan outdoors. Living in a northeast climate gives fewer chances to get that beautiful bronze tan that we strive for. While tanning, which is one of my favorite pastimes, I want to be able to reach over and grab fresh clear ice cubes for my drink without having to constantly run either inside or as mentioned before to a gas station or convenience store to purchase bags of ice. Add some good SPF sun protection a little relaxing music and a nice ice cool drink in your outdoor Kitchen, sit back relax and take some “me time”.

Have you had a long day at work? Want to sit outside next to your fire pit and have a nice cool cocktail to sit back and relax? Than an outdoor ice maker is for you. Enjoy yourself, you’ve had a hard day and you want to unwind, without having to run around for ice. Just plop down

True, the majority if not all of refrigerators have the ability to make indoor use ice, however this is much different than having a cube ice maker rated for outdoor use that can make different types of ice. Examples may be, cube ice machines, crescent ice machines, nugget ice machines (nugget ice makers), built-in ice makers or gourmet ice machines. The best outdoor ice makers will provide you with pounds of ice for outdoor refrigeration.

Types of Outdoor Ice Makers

As we have established ice production from outdoor ice makers can come from a variety of different types of ice dispensers. There are portable ice makers (fantastic for grabbing one with you to help out your friends at their parties. When they see what your outdoor ice maker can do for their event, they will be next in line to purchase one.

A clear ice maker is a great option. Pouring nice clear ice over your beverage of choice is gorgeous and adds to the desire to have that nice refreshing drink. Having a built-in water filter will ensure that you, or your guests can have fresh clean, clear ice with many outdoor ice makers having self cleaning capabilities. So a cool, refreshing drink is at your fingertips.

Depending on the layout of your outdoor Kitchen, an under counter ice maker may be the correct choice for you. Take some time, review what features you are looking for prior to making your purchase. Functionality, ease of use and staying properly hydrated are key for being outdoors. Therefore, an outdoor ice maker is the “icing on the cake” to your home.

Drain Pump

Draining your ice maker is a feature on many outdoor ice makers. They are made to filter out excess water or melt-water in 1 of 2 ways. The right type of ice-maker drain for your outdoor kitchen depends on its layout and design especially where your floor drain is located.

Your outdoor kitchen most likely already has an existing drain for another appliance. In that case, you may want to choose an outdoor ice maker with a gravity drain, and place it near the existing drain. Requiring an unimpeded, downward path for excess water to travel, gravity will pull it to the connected drain.

Outdoor Ice Maker Recommendations

Below are some of the best outdoor ice makers to help give you the direction of which route you want to take when making the investment in one. From personal use to a plethora of different features, we will review some of the amazing specs on these. Warranties from Deco Gear are included in these wonderful ice makers.

Our first outdoor ice maker to we would like to discuss is the Deco Chef 46LB Self Dispensing Nugget Ice Maker Countertop. What makes this freestanding outdoor ice machine so great?

1. Countertop self dispensing nugget ice maker

2. Makes up to 46 pounds of ice per day in nugget form

3. Creates up to 1.8 lbs of ice in one hour, stores 3.3 lbs of ice

4. Store up to 2.4 liters of water at a time with the detachable water reservoir

5. No ice scoop needed. Enjoy clear refreshing ice with an easy-to-use dispenser

6. Large water tank of 2.4 liters for plenty of ice making and storage bin for the ice.

7. Stainless steel finish which adds to the sleek look of your outdoor kitchen.

8. Energy star certified for lower power consumption

Please note: The recommendation is letting the machine sit for 4-24 hours before first use to let the internal coolant settle.

Another fantastic ice maker that we believe you will thoroughly enjoy is the Deco Chef 40LB Per Day Countertop Ice Maker. This is a portable ice maker that will fit all of your ice making needs.

With this outdoor ice maker, the decisions are in your hands. You can choose the thickness or density of the ice, you can use the control panel display on the ice maker to check its status.

1. Good amount of storage capacity for the finished ice.

2. Makes up to 40 pounds of ice per day

3. 2.4 lbs of fresh ice in just 15-20 minutes

4. Freestanding ice maker which can be placed on a counter

5. Generous ice storage with quick replenish times so your guests at a party aren’t kept waiting for that nice refreshing cool drink.

6. Control panel with screen indicators to tell you the status of your ice maker. Need to refill it? just check over at the reservoir.

7. Stainless steel finish for a modern look

If you are searching for a cost effective smaller sized ice maker look no further than the Deco Gear Rapid Electric Ice Maker - Compact Top Load.

This wonderful ergonomic and portable lightweight ice maker, is a great option as well for people who are hosting parties without having to run out ice. Some of the great features of this portable ice maker are; a compact top load that can produce 26 lbs of ice in one day. In addition, the ice maker can make new ice in approximately 6 minutes, so a minimal amount of waiting time. There is also a low water Level & maximum capacity alerts. So rest assured, this can easily be checked on and your guests at your party won’t be left waiting. There are selectable cube sizes as well with a removable tray.

When it comes to putting the finishing touches on your outdoor Kitchen, purchase an outdoor rated ice machine. From ease of use, great ice production, clear ice and cold drinks, you and your guests (if hosting a party or just having people over) will thank you.