Since most RV freezers are about the size of a lunchbox, and ice cube trays are about as efficient as a screen door on a submarine, the struggle to keep drinks cold when living on the road is real. Sure, you could keep running to the gas station for overpriced bags of ice that melt faster than your will to do another campground chore—or, you could invest in a portable ice maker.
Portable ice makers can upgrade your RV experience, but they vary widely and have their quirks. We’ll help you sort through the sea of options, so you can find a quality machine that works as expected, is easy to maintain, and looks great on your countertop.
How Do Portable Ice Makers Work?
To start, it’s important to note that portable ice makers are not freezers. These compact machines are designed to make ice, not store it long-term. This means, they’re best suited for consistent daily use or one-off occasions that demand extra ice, such as parties or cookouts.
To use, you first add water to a reservoir inside the machine. The water is then drawn into a small freezing chamber with metal prongs or “fingers” that quickly grow very cold. These prongs are submerged in the water for a few minutes, freezing that water into cubes. Once the ice is formed, the prongs warm up slightly to release the cubes, which are then dropped into a storage basket. The cycle repeats until either the water runs out or the basket is full.
Note: Some portable ice makers produce different types of ice—like nugget or clear cubes—using alternative freezing methods. We’ll explore those cube styles and their unique processes later in the guide.
Depending on the machine, you can expect a batch of fresh ice in about 6–15 minutes and a full basket (around 1.5–2 pounds of ice) within an hour or so.
Now, as mentioned above, these machines don’t keep the ice frozen once it’s made. The internal “storage” area is cool-ish, but not cold enough to prevent melting. As the ice melts, however, the water drips back into the reservoir and is reused in the next cycle, making for a clever closed-loop system.
How to Choose a Portable Ice Maker
There are several factors to consider when deciding which portable RV ice maker is right for you and your space. After all, no one wants to end up with an appliance that hogs all the counter space or drains the RV batteries on a hot afternoon. Here are some important things to think about before pressing “Buy Now.”
Size / Weight
RVs aren’t exactly known for their sprawling kitchens. You’ll want something that fits comfortably on your counter or stows easily when not in use. Aim for models under 20 pounds and roughly the size of a bread machine or toaster oven. Bonus points if it has a carrying handle or fits inside a cabinet when not in use. Just remember: a smaller bin usually means smaller batch sizes, so you want to find the sweet spot between portability and performance.
Power Consumption
A continual source of aggravation and anxiety for RVers is how much power an appliance draws. Portable ice makers run on 110-120V AC—which is fine when you’re plugged into shore power at a campground, but becomes a consideration if you’re boondocking.
Most portable ice makers will draw between 100–200 watts depending on the model, so it’s important to understand how much juice your RV’s system can provide. Again, if you’re relying on a generator or shore power, this shouldn’t be a problem. For batteries or solar, however, the wattage demands can burn through your battery reserves quickly.
Ice Production / Capacity
If you’ve ever opened your ice maker only to find a sad handful of cubes, you know the disappointment of a small-capacity model. For solo campers, this might be fine—but if you’re rolling with a crew, camping for several days, or starting happy hour early, you’ll want a machine that churns out ice quickly.
High-output models can produce 30–40 pounds of ice per day, but that extra power comes at a price. Larger capacity machines typically cost more and draw more power, so you’ll want to balance your ice budget alongside your financial one.
Now, let’s talk cube type—because when it comes to ice, personal preference matters. Each style is made differently, which impacts texture and use:
- Bullet Ice: The most common shape from portable machines, these hollow bullet-shaped cubes form by freezing water around cold metal prongs (as described earlier). They’re great for drinks that don’t need to stay cold forever, like sodas, iced tea, or cocktails.
- Nugget Ice: Small, soft, and cylindrical, nugget ice is made by compressing flaked ice rather than freezing it on prongs. It’s perfect for smoothies, slushies, and ice-chewers—but melts faster, so less ideal for cocktails.
- Clear Ice: The luxury option—clear cubes or spheres are formed by slow, directional freezing that pushes out impurities and air bubbles. These dense, slow-melting cubes keep cocktails cold longer but are rare (and pricier) in portable models.
Ease of Use & Maintenance
When shopping, choose a machine that keeps operation simple. Look for features like:
- Clear indicator lights that show when to add water or empty the bin
- Automatic shut-off when the bin is full or water runs out
- Self-cleaning cycles to reduce manual scrubbing
Keeping your ice maker clean is essential—not just for performance, but also for your health. Mold, mildew, and grime can build up fast, especially in spots where water lingers. To make cleaning easier, look for models with as many smooth surfaces as possible and minimal crevices. Fewer nooks and crannies mean less room for gunk to hide.
A solid drainage system is also key. You want a machine that fully empties out leftover water between uses.
For routine care, wipe it down after each use and give it a deeper clean every few trips. Using filtered water helps too—it reduces mineral buildup and slows mold and mildew growth.
Noise Level
Not everyone cares about noise, but if you’re a light sleeper or an early riser, the sound of your ice maker could be an annoying way to start the day. Just like a refrigerator or dishwasher, these machines tend to hum, click, or make a light buzzing sound as the compressor kicks in and the ice forms.
That said, some models can be significantly louder than others, especially during the ice-making process, with compressor cycles that can run for a few minutes. If you’re in a tight RV space, the noise could disrupt your peace, so it’s worth checking the decibel level before buying.
Look for models specifically marketed as quieter, producing a noise level between 40-60 decibels, or consider using the ice maker while you’re out and about, not when you’re trying to unwind or catch some sleep.
Warranty
Portable ice makers have moving parts, water, and electricity all in the mix, so a solid warranty provides peace of mind. Look for models with at least a 1-year warranty on parts, and check for any extended coverage on the compressor or motor.
Cost
Portable ice makers typically range from $120 to over $300, depending on features, size, and build quality.
At the lower end of the spectrum ($120–$180), you’ll find compact units with basic bullet-style ice, standard plastic housing, and manual operation. These models usually produce around 20–26 pounds of ice per day and are perfect for casual use. Think: weekend camping trips or occasional tailgating.
Spending more—$200 and up—generally gets you faster cycle times, larger output (up to 40 pounds/day), stainless steel construction, and premium features like self-cleaning functions, smart digital controls, and clear or nugget ice options. These higher-end machines are built for heavier use and tend to be quieter, more efficient, and more durable over time.
Want to save a few bucks on shipping? Use Parts Via’s free ship-to-store option at checkout. You can send your ice maker directly to a local store for convenient pickup—fast, free, and no delivery fees.
What Else You Should Know
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward with your portable ice maker:
- Ventilation is Key: These machines generate heat while working, so airflow and ventilation are critical. Be mindful of where you set up.
- Indoor Use Only: Despite the “portable” label, these ice makers are made for indoor use only. They’re not designed to handle exposure to direct sunlight, rain, or high outdoor temperatures.
- Leveling Matters: Much like your RV fridge, a level surface is needed for proper operation. If your camper isn’t fully stabilized or is on a slight tilt, it could affect ice production and cause issues.
- Drain Location: Not all portable ice makers have an easy-to-use drain. Some models can be a pain to empty, forcing you to tilt the whole unit awkwardly over a sink. Before buying, check whether the drain is conveniently placed.
Shop Smart at Parts Via
A good RV ice maker can transform your summer trips, giving you plenty of cold drinks without the hassle of gas station runs or hauling heavy bags of ice. Parts Via carries quality options from trusted brands to ensure you get the performance you need. And with fast, FREE ship-to-store, you can skip the delivery fees and pick up your ice maker locally.
So, before you pull the trigger on your next ice maker, be sure to shop smart. With the right model, you’ll have fresh, perfectly sized ice on demand. Happy travels, and may your drinks stay pleasingly chilled.