Not everyone has room for an ice maker in their refrigerator. This is where freestanding ice-makers really come in handy. If you’ve ever opened your freezer, you have certainly seen a bin, filled with ice cubes. It’s just a matter of pressing the lever on the front of the refrigerator, and ice comes cascading down a hatch and into your glass. Now you can have the same thing on the countertop. In most kitchens you will find a variety of machines – most people have a fridge, freezer, cooker and microwave, the basic modern essentials for home cooking. However, in recent years we have seen a plethora of new kitchen accessories and gadgets become available and many people have invested in them, finding them really useful.

If you live in a small home, apartment or even an RV, the compact size of a countertop ice maker dispenser might appeal to you. In the case of a storm that might leave supplies low, you’ll be able to make your own ice. But beware if they break. They are all snapped together and you have to break the plastic to get these units apart. Check the label and if it is made in China you probably are out of luck. I had a machine for less then a year and it stopped working, the ice tray broke and the motor will not turn on. The manufacturer will not do anything because it was out of warranty.

Ice machines produce ice by using a pump to pour water intro a refrigerated ice tray. When the water freezes, the ice is loosened by a heating coil so the cubes can be moved into a collection bin. Portable ice machines can be very small, suitable for a dorm room, a counter top size, which is great for a family, or an under the counter size that is ideal for a small restaurant. The Bev Air counter top ice machines comes with a patented cleaning technology which is easy on you. Selecting the right ice machine can seem like a daunting task when you consider the wide variety of models available. Selecting the proper unit for your needs is crucial to running a smooth operation.

The Manitowc ice machine is the nation’s most popular and has a stainless steel finish, which is easy to clean and maintain. The Summit unit has a platinum finish door with black cabinet. And there’s the Hoshizaki commercial unit as well. Some countertop ice maker dispensers make chipped ice for personal beverages, while other machines make larger cubes. The machines that make smaller, chips of ice are better for offices or business hallways.

Some icemakers and bins now feature antimicrobial protection in plastic food-zone components that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus to help keep the equipment sanitary and working properly between cleanings. Some vendors permanently embed antimicrobial agents in select components of their ice machines during the manufacturing process. Not really sure if I want that or if I can just use soap and hot water when I need to. I hate chemicals.

So there you have it. A list of a few of the best and what to expect. Find a good website with sales on the ice makers and contact them about what you’re looking for. They might be able to make a deal for you.