Anybody Use A Portable Ice Maker?

[montenido]

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

[bwalker42]

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

[night0wl]

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

[mitiempo]

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

384 AH per 24 hour day.

[montenido]

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

[mitiempo]

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.

[joethecobbler]

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,.

[ctj1950]

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

[MacGyverRI]

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

[tomperanteau]

Originally Posted by MacGyverRI

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?