Ice makers are a great way to keep your drinks cold and your food fresher for longer. They’re also great if you want to add a bit of fun to parties and get-togethers. But with so many different options out there, where do you begin?
Choosing the right ice maker for your needs can be a tough decision. There are a lot of factors to consider before going to an ice maker depot, but here are a few of the most important ones:
How Many People Will Use It?
First, you want to consider how many people will use the machine. Because ice makers come in several sizes, ranging from small countertop machines that make enough ice for your home bar to large commercial-grade machines that can produce hundreds of pounds of ice per day.
The size you choose depends on the amount of ice you’ll need. Most of the time, the amount of ice you need is based on the number of people who will use it.
So, if it’s just for occasional use, you can get away with something small and simple. But if your family hosts parties or often has guests, you’ll probably want something that can make more ice at once.
What Type of Ice Do You Need?
Next, think about what type of ice you’ll be making. These appliances produce three main types of ice: cube or crushed, flake or crystal, and nugget shaped.
You will want to choose one that produces the type of ice you want most often, or that matches your needs best, depending on how often you’ll use the machine and what kind of drinks you like to serve at
For example, if you’re going to be using the machine in an office setting and will only be making cubed ice, then it doesn’t matter whether the device comes with crushed or not—you can buy your crusher separately.
However, if you have children who love crushed ice on their lemonade or something like that, having both options built into one machine might be more convenient for them.
Are you Conscious of Its Efficiency and Energy Use?
All ice makers use electricity to create their products. However, some models are less efficient than others, meaning they use more energy for the same amount of output than others. If efficiency is important to you, look for an Energy Star label when making your purchase decision.
How Much Is Your Budget?
A smaller countertop machine will be sufficient if you make ice for yourself. However, if you have a large family or frequent parties and events, you’ll probably want to invest in a giant machine that can produce more ice at once.
Final Thoughts
Ice makers are a great way to cool drinks quickly and are increasingly popular additions to home bars. However, there are myriad models on the market with varying features, capacities, and prices.
When shopping for an ice maker, check the list above before making your final decision.