There are a few different types of ice makers that you can buy. Which one you choose depends on where you wish to install your ice maker, the type of ice you want, and how long/often you plan to use the product. There are built-in/under-counter ice makers, and freestanding ice makers, in addition to portable ice makers and ice maker kits. Each option has its own advantages, but one of the biggest benefits of having a portable ice maker is that a water line is not required. You can add your own fresh water to the machine manually, letting you take it just about anywhere.  

While built-in and freestanding ice makers can make much more ice than a portable one, anywhere from 20 to over 100 lbs. in just over 24 hours, they lack the fully finished look and portable design that a portable/countertop ice machine has. The choice of which type you decide to purchase is up to you and your specific needs, but having some starter information before you buy a new ice maker can make all the difference in helping you make the best decision.  

There are many kinds of ice that all have distinct qualities and advantages, but these are just some of the most popular ice variations available. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one you want, based on what you like to drink most often. 

Nugget ice cools drinks quickly, making it perfect for hot summer days and those who love carbonated drinks. It’s also the best choice for those that enjoy chewing ice. Bullet-shaped ice, which can be made in just a few minutes by the ionchill Quickcube, is also great for frequency ice chewers, while flake ice (or shaved ice) cools drinks extremely quickly, and keeps perishables cold and fresh.  

Cube ice is commonly seen as the best multi-purpose ice, and is typically used for bagged ice, as well as soft or mixed drinks. Half cube ice is helpful for blending drinks and iced coffee thanks to its fast beverage-cooling effects. Crescent ice prevents messes and doesn’t splash when added to drinks, though it doesn’t cool drinks as fast as other types of ice. Finally, clear ice (or gourmet ice) cools your beverage slowly, but it lacks almost any taste or odor, and is commonly used in sipping drinks such as whiskey. 

Some of the most important factors to keep in mind when looking to buy a new countertop ice maker for your home include ice quality, ice output, storage capacity, drainage, cost, and convenience. Other things to consider include design, the amount of cleaning required, as well as the noise that the ice maker produces, and whether a cooling unit is integrated within the product. You want to focus your search on ice makers that quickly and quietly produce large amounts of ice.  

The ice should (ideally) be fresh and perfectly shaped, with your desired texture and crunchiness every time. In addition, your ice maker should be able to hold your ice when you aren’t using it, and keep it cool so it doesn’t melt quickly. Finally, you want an ice maker that’s easy and intuitive to use, with simple controls and a compact, sturdy design that fits wherever you choose to place it. 

The cost of a new ice maker will vary immensely. It is highly dependent on features such as size, weight, ice-making power, water capacity, and noise, among several others. Some less expensive countertop ice makers are currently priced at $70-$80 on Walmart, while the priciest ones can come in at just under $400.  

The ionchill Quickcube fits on the much lower end of the scale, and even though it might not cost as much as other ice machines on the market, it brings you just as much value, maybe even more. With a stainless-steel design that complements any space, a low-noise compressor for quiet yet efficient ice making, and powerful technology that creates up to 26 lbs. of perfect bullet-shaped ice cubes each day, the Quickcube goes above and beyond. It’s also lightweight, compact, and versatile, meaning you can add fresh ice to your smoothies, cocktails, iced tea, and more wherever you go! 

The ionchill Quickcube Ice Maker is a reliable and unique solution to all of your ice cravings! This bullet ice maker makes up to 26 lbs. of ice a day, and features a 0.6L ice basket, guaranteeing that you’ll never run out of crunchy, chewy ice again. Setting it up and using it is an absolute breeze. All you have to do is add water to its 1.2L reservoir, press the ON button, and let the Quickcube’s fast and super-efficient ice-making technology do the rest. The mini ice maker also has a simple and intuitive control panel, as well as an ice scooper, and a quiet, convenient and ultra-portable design for fresh and tasty ice anywhere.  

Not only does it make just as much ice in 24 hours as some built-in or freestanding ice makers, but it also features a 0.6L ice basket to hold all of your bullet-shaped ice. On top of all that, the ionchill Quickcube’s self-cleaning cycle can be controlled with the press of a button, making it easier than ever to keep this innovative ice machine clean and working optimally. If you’re in search of a new countertop ice maker, then this is the ideal choice for you. 

Depending on the type of ice maker, the chosen location for where to install it can vary drastically. Most built-in and freestanding ice makers have to be set up near a water line, so those will usually be installed and used in a kitchen. However, portable ice makers can have water added manually, so they can be used practically anywhere.  

Whether it be your kitchen, the office, or a tailgating party, the Quickcube goes wherever you go, thanks to the adjustable easy-carry handle. As long as the ice maker is on a hard, flat, surface, one that isn’t near heat sources, direct sunlight, or any type of liquid, it will be completely fine! 

Check that the water reservoir tank hasn’t run out of water, and that the ice basket isn’t completely full. Refill the water tank with fresh water when you notice it running low, and be sure to periodically remove some ice from the machine with the included ice scooper. Ensure that all components are installed correctly and not visibly damaged or malfunctioning, and that they are clean. If, after following all of the above steps, you still notice that the ice maker isn’t producing ice, there may be a more serious issue involved. Reach out to our Customer Service team at support@tzumi.com or 1-855-GO-TZUMI, and an experienced representative will be more than happy to assist you. 

Place the ice maker on a stable, flat surface, away from heat sources or direct sunlight. Leave at least 6 inches of free space between the sides and rear of the ice maker and other objects. It is recommended to run a cleaning cycle before using it for the first time. Ensure that the Quickcube’s power plug is firmly inserted into your chosen AC outlet, and that nothing is covering or inserted into the outlet.  

Do not use the ice maker if its power cord is damaged in any way. Do not cover the cord or submerge it in water. Never use a liquid other than water to make ice. Doing so may damage the ice maker and void any warranty in place. If you still have issues with getting the ice maker to turn on, call or email us at support@tzumi.com or 1-855-GO-TZUMI, and we will do everything we can to help you. 

Place the ice maker on a flat, hard surface, away from direct sunlight, and leave 4 inches on each side 
of the unit. If you are setting up the ice maker for the first time, let it sit for 4 hours so the refrigerant fluid can settle. Gently wipe the interior and exterior of the ice maker with a soft, damp cloth.  

Ensure that the water tank is filled up to its maximum fill line with clean water. You can also try running a self-cleaning cycle for 30 minutes and see if that helps to improve the rate of ice production. Reach out to Customer Service for more troubleshooting tips if necessary.  

If the “Add Water” indicator light is on, then there is insufficient water in the water tank. Try adding water to the water tank, or emptying the tank and refilling it from scratch, then press the Power Button to restart the ice-making process. If the “Ice Full” indicator light is on, then that means the ice basket is full. Remove some ice from the ice basket, and the ice-making process should restart after 3 minutes. 

If that doesn’t work, try unplugging the ice maker and plugging it back into your chosen AC outlet, then turn it back on again. Alternatively, run a self-cleaning cycle to see if that helps. If all of the above fails, we recommend getting in touch with Customer Service for further assistance. 

Try draining out any water by unplugging the drain cap on the bottom of the ice maker. Dry both the interior and exterior of the ice maker with a clean, soft cloth, and change the water inside the water tank every 24 hours. Make sure everything is plugged in and installed correctly on the ice maker. 

If this fails, some of the internal circuitry of your Quickcube may be damaged or malfunctioning in some way. Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the ice maker by yourself. Instead, call or email our Customer Service team, and we will get back to you as soon as possible with the next steps. 

You should never use the ice maker in a bathroom, or near a pool or other water source, as it may get wet and be seriously damaged. In addition, do not use the Quickcube in extremely hot or humid environments, near heat sources, or in direct sunlight, as well as in places where children are nearby. This product is not a toy. 

Only use the ice maker in a dry location, on a hard, flat surface. Always make sure to leave at least 4 inches on each side of the unit, so that its air exhaust vents have enough space to work properly. Also, be sure not to place the ice maker on the edge of a table or countertop where it can easily be knocked over by mistake, as this can cause serious damage to the product if it falls.