topic Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker? in Kitchen

Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:31:10 GMT

Ice maker for freezer replaced in August and causing problems. Too expensive to replace again. Not enough space in freezer for ice cube trays. We don't use a lot of ice every day. So many brands available . Appreciate any information or suggestions from anyone that has tried this. Thank you.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

sunshine45 — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:34:06 GMT

we do, but it is not cheap......we have an OPAL that makes crunchy ice.

it was a family gift for christmas two years ago and i LOVE it!

we have used it quite a bit during the holidays.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

Kachina624 — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:46:56 GMT

@SouthernBee Are you aware that the countertop ice makers only make ice but don't keep it? When I learned that I immediately lost interest in them. I don't want to devote freezer space to storing big quantities of ice.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

Venezia — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:54:24 GMT

@SouthernBee - I have an Igloo stainless steel icemaker. When we had our flooring replaced this past summer, I didn't want the water line (to the fridge) coming up through the laminate floor. So we made the decision to disconnect it.

I've been using the icemaker since July and like it. I just make enough at a time to fill the ice container that's in my freezer. It's only me and DH and he never uses ice, so it works very well for us. And this way I can still use the dispenser, when I want ice cubes.

I got mine at Kohl's during one of their sales (plus I had a discount coupon). It makes the conical cubes (with a hole in the center) and I've found it works best on the "large" setting. I also learned to throw the first lot away. It takes a cycle or two for the icemaker to get really cold. Then it's just a matter of waiting till the hopper is full and transferring the cubes to my freezer.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:56:40 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@SouthernBee Are you aware that the countertop ice makers only make ice but don't keep it? When I learned that I immediately lost interest in them. I don't want to devote freezer space to storing big quantities of ice.

@Kachina624 : Yes. Not planning to store ice. Just need some ice every few days.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:59:14 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
we do, but it is not cheap......we have an OPAL that makes crunchy ice.
it was a family gift for christmas two years ago and i LOVE it!
we have used it quite a bit during the holidays.

@sunshine45 : Thank you. Noticed so many brands available that I have never seen.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:03:16 GMT

@Venezia wrote:
@SouthernBee - I have an Igloo stainless steel icemaker. When we had our flooring replaced this past summer, I didn't want the water line (to the fridge) coming up through the laminate floor. So we made the decision to disconnect it.

I've been using the icemaker since July and like it. I just make enough at a time to fill the ice container that's in my freezer. It's only me and DH and he never uses ice, so it works very well for us. And this way I can still use the dispenser, when I want ice cubes.

I got mine at Kohl's during one of their sales (plus I had a discount coupon). It makes the conical cubes (with a hole in the center) and I've found it works best on the "large" setting. I also learned to throw the first lot away. It takes a cycle or two for the icemaker to get really cold. Then it's just a matter of waiting till the hopper is full and transferring the cubes to my freezer.

@Venezia : Thank you. Dh doesn't use ice. I like a glass of iced tea once in a while. Plus need ice cubs if someone visits.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

ValuSkr — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:03:50 GMT

No, I never have a need for ice. My freezer has ice cube trays and a bin but I am usually using that space for other things.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

Venezia — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:05:43 GMT

@SouthernBee - If you only ever use ice once in a while, you might do better with a couple of old-fashioned ice cube trays! Just a thought.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

sunshine45 — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:06:27 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@SouthernBee Are you aware that the countertop ice makers only make ice but don't keep it? When I learned that I immediately lost interest in them. I don't want to devote freezer space to storing big quantities of ice.

@Kachina624

my OPAL actually keeps ice......i can make it in the morning and there is still ice in the compartment the next day in the evening.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

amyb — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:19:38 GMT

@Venezia wrote:
@SouthernBee - If you only ever use ice once in a while, you might do better with a couple of old-fashioned ice cube trays! Just a thought.

Even if you do use ice everyday, as I do...I have four old school trays in my, not so huge, GE 25 y.o. fridge/freezer. Plenty of room for all my freezer food too. Works for me. Nothing expensive has "broken" or needed replacing in all that time and I have all the ice I need everyday. Why complicate life?

No biggie to me to do it the old school way. I realize these makers however are the new "air fryer" so ...I'm probably in the minority.

And I'm also not a "family of five" either or entertain large crowds, when, maybe then, they come in handy.

I am however, also drinking a nice glass of ice water right now too.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

Icegoddess — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:24:51 GMT

We had this discussion over Christmas lunch as we somehow got on the topic of why Consumer Reports doesn't like any refrigerator that includes an icemaker. So, what are the alternatives? The countertop ice maker was mentioned and my husband was surprised to find out that they don't keep the ice frozen. I wouldn't want to devote the countertop space for one regardless, although one that actually keeps the ice might be an option for him when he goes to his boat.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:34:47 GMT

@amyb : I use a walker and really do a lot of dropping and spilling stuff. I have 4 ice cube trays that I have tried to use but creates a big mess for me.

I wish my GE side by freezer / fridge was dependable. Sadly only 6 years old and multiple issues since October trying to get it repaired. The stress of spoiled food and having to eat out Thanksgiving. Someone finally fixed it and even called GE for help and this was one week before Christmas. Then issues started Christmas night but determined it was the ice maker and opening and closing the doors during Christmas. I now check the freezer/ refrigerator temperature every couple of hours.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

Venezia — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:39:38 GMT

So many refrigerators with an icemaker inside seem to have problems with water leaking or just not functioning properly within a short space of time. Samsung especially seems to be noted for problems.

Our fridge/freezer is a 21-year-old Kitchenaid; hasn't had any problems.

But another reason we went to a portable icemaker (besides the new flooring) is that the water line to the in-freezer icemaker never gets cleaned.

With my portable model, it has a cleaning cycle. In fact, I'm about to go run it right now!

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

amyb — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:42:51 GMT

@SouthernBee Oh, I do understand...having to use a walker, as my mom did for a few years, it make things like this so hard, things most of us don't think of being an issue. For me I never thought of using anything other than the trays. For you, this would be hard!

So sorry for all the issues with the fridge due to to the ice maker.

My kitchen is due for an update and I'm not trying to "jinx" the fact that so far so good on the appliances (especially these days with supply chain issues, I keep telling myself, don't wait until these things give out!)...I think I've been lucky up to now with how long it's lasted.

I also hate when something has an "added feature", such as an ice-maker, that I don't even want, but yet makes my appliance vulnerable to malfunctioning!

I think GE owes you something...or the appliance center you bought it from; can they help?

Sounds like a nightmare for you....I do hope you can get it resolved. These days no one seems to be there to stand behind a product and help customers!!

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:54:39 GMT

@amyb : Thank you. The area for my refrigerator is small. Went looking since October and nothing available to fit my space and what does is on back order and really didn't like the options .

My extended warranty expired when I had a lot of stuff to deal with. No help available from Home Depot or GE because I have tried. Things are really complicated now days trying to get stuff repaired or replaced.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:02:14 GMT

@Venezia wrote:
@SouthernBee - I have an Igloo stainless steel icemaker. When we had our flooring replaced this past summer, I didn't want the water line (to the fridge) coming up through the laminate floor. So we made the decision to disconnect it.

I've been using the icemaker since July and like it. I just make enough at a time to fill the ice container that's in my freezer. It's only me and DH and he never uses ice, so it works very well for us. And this way I can still use the dispenser, when I want ice cubes.

I got mine at Kohl's during one of their sales (plus I had a discount coupon). It makes the conical cubes (with a hole in the center) and I've found it works best on the "large" setting. I also learned to throw the first lot away. It takes a cycle or two for the icemaker to get really cold. Then it's just a matter of waiting till the hopper is full and transferring the cubes to my freezer.
@Venezia : Need a good laugh? I just went online to Kohl's and typed in:Igloo counter top ice maker . The response was a Mens to boyz ice tee shirt. Tried again with just ice maker and same results.😯😯

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

amyb — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:05:51 GMT

@SouthernBee wrote:
@amyb : Thank you. The area for my refrigerator is small. Went looking since October and nothing available to fit my space and what does is on back order and really didn't like the options .
My extended warranty expired when I had a lot of stuff to deal with. No help available from Home Depot or GE because I have tried. Things are really complicated now days trying to get stuff repaired or replaced.

Oh that is really a shame and criminal these days...everyone just takes everyone's money and runs. I'm so sorry.

I have long thought I'll run into the same problems fitting my limited space in my small condo kitchen, unless I really reconfigure the space on a remodel as my neighbor did.

25 years ago I recall I had exactly 2 fridges to pick from for my size space. Everything since then has gotten SO BIG big big, in every category...and with supply issues...God knows what my options will be....but you've given me thoughts that the time to start shopping around is NOW.

I do hope somehow you find a way to resolve this. Home Depot can suck according to all the contractors in our area....perhaps do you have smaller ma & pa appliance centers in your area where you can shop next? That's what I've used and definitely will again. Though I realize, not an option in every area.

I wish you get some kind of help.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

SouthernBee — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:04:56 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
We had this discussion over Christmas lunch as we somehow got on the topic of why Consumer Reports doesn't like any refrigerator that includes an icemaker. So, what are the alternatives? The countertop ice maker was mentioned and my husband was surprised to find out that they don't keep the ice frozen. I wouldn't want to devote the countertop space for one regardless, although one that actually keeps the ice might be an option for him when he goes to his boat.

@Icegoddess : I really don't have the extra counter space but need something.

Re: Any one have a counter top ice cube maker?

RollTide2008 — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 20:31:02 GMT

I have one. It's either KitchenAid or Cuisinart. I bought it when my son was playing travel baseball and some body part always needed to be iced down. Ice will keep for a few hours in the machine but not for days. If I'm hosting card night, it's fine for that. I don't want to fool with old school trays. They need to sit flat in the freezer so you can't stack anything under or on top of them. It's easier to put the ice in a gallon zip top bag and put it in the freezer.