Anybody Use A Portable Ice Maker?
 

Hi all,
I was wondering if it would be feasible to use a portable ice maker on a boat. They use 110v, and could be used when I run the generator for a couple of hours each day while on the hook.

Igloo Countertop Portable Ice Maker, White - Walmart.com

Thoughts?

Cheers, Bill

I talked the Cpt into getting one of which he uses All the time!<3

Seems like a good toy at the Marina, but 160 Watts are 120v AC plus ineficiency is 36 aH a day...lotsa juice for ice cubes!

I wonder if there is a more efficient model, as my planned solar array will really only output 80 aH a day...and that needs to power everything.

Would be interesting to have this on a dump load, hehehe

160 watts through an inverter is about 16 amps draw. 16 AH per hour of use.

384 AH per 24 hour day.

Thanks for the feedback on the power draw. I was envisioning only using it for the 3-4 hours of generator time each day. I would certainly not leave it on longer than that unless plugged in to shore power. They claim to make ice in less than10-15 minutes.

Oh well, I knew if it was a good idea somebody here would have already told us about it. :)

Cheers, Bill

If the gen is running for another reason why not? Its power draw is really only an issue if using an inverter and having to replenish the amps.

Yes ! I've used one the last 3-4 years aboard. It works great. boaught mine onine from miniappliance dot com for 150 and power it w/ a gas generator , 1/2 hour and enough ice for the evening refreshmens for 2 , while simultaneously toppong off batteries while on the hook. If in a marina all the rage as your the most popular person during the cocktail hour ! I've also taken the portable generator ashore small islands , set up the screen tent, generator,lights ,tunes,icemaker,etc and had a great beach party.
doesn't take up alot of room,.

I've been thinking about getting one of these.
12 Volt Portable Ice Maker

After seeing a friends portable unit working, I bought one from EBay for $105 w/ shipping.

They cycle in 8-10 mins. after the 1st batch and 12 bullet shaped (3/4-1" or so dia.) cubes ea time. I'll use it w/ dock power mostly, but I also have a sm generator along w/ Solar and Wind w/ an inverter if out. It came in today and cycled 4 batches in 45-50 mins.


that 12 volt unit above only uses 4 amps but $ 985.00?? yikes

Might be better to buy the cheaper ice maker and use the additional money to buy extra solar panels, eh?