7 Best Portable Ice Makers (12v) for Sailing, Camping, and RV (2023 Update)

There’s nothing better than being able to have your favorite beverage ice cold when out in the wild or on the sea. However, having ice on hand is not easy. You could buy some from the store, but this would mean using up most of the space in your freezer, and you might run out depending on how long you’re going to be out there.

Here are the 7 best ice makers for sailing and camping:

1. BougeRV 12v Ice Maker
2. Frigidaire EFIC108 Portable Compact Ice Maker
3. Newair Portable Countertop Ice Maker
4. Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker
5. CHEFAVOR Portable Ice Maker Machine
6. The Hamilton Beach PIM-1-3A
7. Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker With Handle

Bringing an ice maker to your camping or sailing venture will undoubtedly enhance the experience in summer. In this article, I’ll share the features of these ice makers that make them great for camping and sailing, and the pros and cons of using some of them. I’ll also discuss how you get a 110v/220v ice maker to run on 12v.

If you’re considering living on a catamaran, you may be interested in my summary of how much it costs to do so.

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon; a purchase through those links earns me a small commission but doesn't affect your price.

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1. BougeRV Ice Maker 12v

This one is great for those of you who don’t have an inverter on your boat or RV and, therefore, can not access 120/220v power. It is run by 12v, so you can use it in most boats, cars, or RVs as long as you have a big enough battery to run it.

I recommend and use a lifepo4 100ah battery for all electrical systems that are a little more demanding than lights and fans. Ice makers like these draw a lot of current.

The TheBougeRV model is not the exact same that I use but is the most similar I can find and recommend; it has enough ice to keep serving 3-4 people, and it usually takes about 20-30 min to create new cubes.

I have also used it in intense heat (over 80F or 30C), and it works much better than expected!

2. Frigidaire EFIC108 Portable Compact Ice Maker

The Frigidaire is another great contender for the number one ice maker position. Its sleek black look makes it a preferred choice for many.

It takes about 8-15 minutes to create ice, which is longer than the Igloo. However, it can still make 26 pounds (11.79 kg) of ice in one day.

It weighs only 19 pounds (8.61 kg), making it more portable than other models. It also has an easy-to-use control panel that makes using the unit a breeze.

3. Newair Portable Countertop Ice Maker

This is one of the fastest portable ice makers in the market, creating one full batch in only six minutes and up to 28 pounds (12.70 kg) of ice per day. It has three size options suitable for different uses like keeping drinks cold or making slushies.

However, it is among the heaviest ice makers weighing about 30 pounds (13.6 kg). We would mostly recommend this ice maker for countertop usage or sailing where you don’t have to move it around frequently.

It may be too heavy for camping, but it’s more convenient and makes more ice than other ice makers.

4. Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker

Unlike its competitors, the Luma Comfort portable ice maker makes square ice cubes. Square cubes don’t melt as fast as pellets or rounder-shaped ice. 

This may be the best portable ice maker for camping.

This means the ice lasts longer and doesn’t water down drinks. This portable device makes 24 ice cubes per batch in 15 minutes and can make up to 28 pounds (12.70 kg) per day.

It has a heavier design than most portable ice makers, weighing 25 pounds (11.33 kg), and a bit pricier because of its quality, crystal clear, restaurant-quality ice cubes.

5. CHEFAVOR Portable Ice Maker Machine

This is the lightest ice maker in the market at only 18 pounds (8.16 kg), making it ideal for camping and sailing activities.

Still, it has excellent features, just like the other ice makers.

It can make a batch of nine ice cubes in only six minutes and can give you up to 26 pounds (11.79 kg) per day.

It’s tiny and doesn’t take up much space in your van or sailing boat.

6. The Hamilton Beach PIM-1-3A

Weighing only 19 pounds (8.61 kg), this bad boy can create 26 pounds (11.79 kg) of ice in a day. It takes 15 minutes to make 24 ice cubes, and because of its lightweight, you can carry it around very easily.

This highly-rated portable ice maker is undoubtedly one of the best in the market.

The Hamilton Beach Ice Maker boasts a quiet-running high-efficiency compressor. You can easily transport it to a picnic site when camping, use it on your yacht when sailing, or keep it on your RV’s counter. It is also very affordable.

It can create two different cube sizes and comes with an ice scoop for hygienic handling.

7. Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Handle

This one may be last on our list, but it’s one of the best ice makers yet.

This Igloo ice maker is best suited for transportation because its handle and weight make it easy to carry around.

The ice maker has a dedicated self-cleaning mechanism with five automatic cycles. It also has a drain plug, which is useful for draining excess water while rinsing out the machine.

It’s different from the first Igloo ice maker in that it has a two-quart water tank and is a bit less expensive.

It is made of stainless steel and comes with an ice scoop for better and cleaner ice handling. The electronic control panel is easy to use and lit with LED lights. It tells you when you need to add water when the ice bucket is full and allows you to select the size of the ice cubes.

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How To Make a 120v/220v Ice Maker Work In a 12v System?

Some of these machines are portable and run on 120v (USA) or 220v(Europe), this is totally fine, but to make them work in your boat or RV, you need to convert the 12v or 24v to 120v or 220v.

You do this by using something called an inverter. This little gadget can make you run any ordinary household appliance in a 12v system (which is the most common electrical system on boats, campers, RVs, etc.)

In my system, I use a 1500w inverter, but that is waay overkill if you want to power only a small ice maker.

If you want to permanently install the ice maker in your boat, I would just buy the 12v version mentioned above, but if you want to move it between places, then here’s what you need:

• A 12v to 110v/220v inverter with a continuous power output that is higher than the max output of your fridge. I use Victron gear as often as I can afford (in this case, the Phoenix 12/800), but I would recommend you get something cheaper, like the Maxpart 1000w (Amazon) or maybe even the really cheap Krieger 1100 (Amazon).

A lighter-plug style adapter is the easiest one to use since it plugs straight into your cigarette lighter socket that can be found on most vehicles.

Or you can go for the “crocodile” connector that attaches straight to your battery or power terminals.

Sizing your system can be a bit complicated, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram at @catamaranfreedom or send an email

Pros and Cons of 12v Ice Makers for Campers and Sailors

What are the pros and cons of using a 12v ice maker when going out to camp or sail? Let’s find out below:

Pros

• Compact: 12v ice makers don’t take up much space. They’re usually small in size and can be placed on your RV’s countertop without any problem. They can also fit inside a small boat and be used effectively.
• Portable: ice makers can be carried around easily. They all fit in a car and be brought to a park or an outdoor venue. You can also connect a portable ice maker to your car’s power supply with an AC/DC inverter as mentioned above.
• Easy installation and use: You don’t need a plumber to help set up a 12v ice maker. These units are simple to use. Pour water into the machine, switch it on, and the Ice will form. Because there’s no water or drain connection requirement, all which is necessary is a power supply.

Cons

• Small capacities: Most 12v ice makers can only produce a maximum of 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of ice per day. This amount of ice may be sufficient for you, your family, or a small group, but not enough to fill glasses for a large group of people.
• You have to add water continuously: You still need water to make ice in the 12v ice makers. However, since they don’t connect to a water faucet, you need to add water to make more ice.
• No storage: 12v ice makers come with a tiny ice basket that can’t store more than 3 pounds (1.36 kg) of ice. Therefore, extra storage space is needed, either in a cooler or a freezer, when using them.

Are Portable Ice Makers Good?

Portable ice makers are good for camping or sailing to provide ice in as little as six minutes. They can produce up to 30 pounds (13.60 kg) of ice per day, ideal for filling a cooler. These devices are efficient, easy, and fun to use and can save you time and money.

Before portable ice makers became popular, campers and sailors had to make stops to stock up on the ice. But this is no longer the case as you can make ice on the go and save on time and extra costs.

Portable Ice Makers Save You Time and Money

Bags of ice don’t cost that much, but the cumulative costs of incessant ice purchases made along the way can be higher than when using a portable ice maker. Additionally, the hustle of going out to look for some ice while camping in an unfamiliar area can be time-consuming. 

Depending on how much ice you need per day, you can save a lot of time and money by getting a portable ice maker. What’s more, it’s never easy finding ice while in the middle of a lake or sea surfing, until you locate a marina. If you’re also considering living on a boat, you may find it helpful to explore what type of boat suits you best. Check out this resource for guidance.

Always Have Ice on the Go

With portable ice makers, you can enjoy refreshing drinks at any time of the day without having to worry about the temperature of your drinks. Gone are the days when you had to wait hours for the ice to freeze in cube trays or make repeated visits to the store to get ice bags. With a portable ice maker, you can enjoy your camping or sailing trip without unnecessary interruptions.

Ice Makers Are Fun and Efficient

Ice makers can be quite fun to use and are very efficient. These machines help to have ice readily available on your family trips. You can make frozen desserts, such as slushies for the kids, and properly make cool, delicious beverages and drinks for your adult family members.

Is It Cheaper To Make Ice or Buy It?

It is much cheaper to make ice than buy it when out on a camping or sailing trip with your friends and family. However, if you’re planning for a one-day or night event, it may be cheaper to buy ice rather than make it yourself using a portable ice maker.

You can acquire a portable ice maker for as little as $100, an excellent investment considering you can use it for many years.

If you use two to three bags of ice every day on your camping trip, each bag of ice goes for about $4, depending on the location you are in. You will end up spending way more than $100 within two days or so, which is all you will spend to acquire a new portable ice maker.

Factors To Consider When Buying a Portable Ice Maker

There are numerous options to consider when choosing an ideal portable ice maker for sailing or camping, and this means you might have a tough time choosing one. However, here are the primary considerations that should set you off in the right direction:

• Production speed: This is a key factor for choosing a portable ice maker, especially when going camping or sailing with a large group of people. Most ice makers produce 20 to 30 pounds (9.07 to 13.60 kg) of ice every day; however, some are overachievers and may produce up to 40 pounds (18.14 kg). Be sure to pick one that satisfies your team’s needs.
• Size and weight: Considering you’ll be moving around with the ice maker, picking the right size that doesn’t take up much space and is easy to carry around is essential to consider when buying an ice maker.
• Storage capacity: Most ice makers have a bin that can hold about 2 pounds (0.90 kg) of ice. While portable ice makers can produce a large amount of ice, they lack a refrigeration mechanism, making it impossible to keep the ice in the bin for an extended period. This is important to keep in mind when out camping, where you may need to have a cooler or portable freezer for your ice.
• Power supply: Most ice makers don’t consume too much energy when in use, especially when only used during camping. So, depending on its primary function, you should consider the location and whether you’ll have electricity to use the ice maker. Several ice makers use a battery pack for regions where electrical outlets are scarce. However, these are very uncommon on the market today and quite expensive.
• Cleaning: Some ice makers are self-cleaning, while others require manual cleaning. Here is a guide on how to clean your portable ice maker:

Final Words

Portable ice makers are great for campers and sailors, especially those traveling in small groups. No longer must you take your drinks at room temperature because you ran out of ice. Using portable ice makers, you can have some ice cubes ready in less than 10 minutes.

They’re a good investment for frequent campers and sailors and save a lot of time and money often wasted trying to locate convenience stores while out camping.