Best Ice Makers for Boat of 2026

Mark Greer Avatar
Mark Greer
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Ice makers for boats are a crucial addition to any seafaring vessel. These devices provide a convenient and reliable source of ice for drinks, food storage, and even medical use. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit the needs of any boat owner, from compact and portable models for smaller boats to larger, built-in units for luxury yachts. Many ice makers for boats are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, with features like corrosion-resistant materials and waterproof seals. With an ice maker on board, boat owners can enjoy cold drinks and fresh food even when miles away from shore.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine Cover #TOP 1
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Cover #TOP 2
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
ftb score rating icon 9.7
VIVOHOME Portable Electric Compact Ice Maker Cover #TOP 3
VIVOHOME Portable Electric Compact Ice Maker
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Ice Makers for Boat

#TOP 1

FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine

EFIC101BLACK
Black
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine Cover
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine for Countertop, 26 lbs, Adjustable Ice Cube Size, Portable Ice Cube Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar- Black

The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient ice maker. This 14.1 x 9.5 x 12.9 inches portable stainless steel ice maker is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for small spaces and easy to move. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, and has digital LED controls for easy selection of ice size. The large viewing window allows you to conveniently check when the basket is full, and the real stainless steel cabinet and included ice shovel and drain plug make it a durable and convenient choice. Reviews are generally positive, with customers praising its fast and easy setup and efficient ice production.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day
Digital LED controls for easy selection of ice size
Large viewing window
Real stainless steel cabinet
Includes ice shovel and drain plug
Fast and easy setup
Efficient ice production

Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop

HZB-15NH
34Lbs/24H
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Cover
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Soft Chewable Ice, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Stainless Steel Black)

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker is perfect if you want soft, chewable ice that’s gentle on your teeth and great for drinks like cocktails or sodas. It quickly produces your first batch of ice in just 10 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for a cold refreshment. With the ability to make up to 34 pounds of ice daily and store 12-15 pounds, it’s great for gatherings or busy households. Plus, it’s easy to use and portable, featuring handy indicators that tell you when the ice bin is full or water is low, helping you avoid messes or damage. The smart self-cleaning function also saves you time by keeping the machine clean with just a push of a button.

What We Like
Soft chewable ice
Fast 10-minute ice production
Portable with easy indicators
One-touch self-cleaning
#TOP 3

VIVOHOME Portable Electric Compact Ice Maker

VH1245US
Silver with handle
26lbs/Day
VIVOHOME Portable Electric Compact Ice Maker Cover
VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker Machine with Handle Hand Scoop 10 Ice Bags and Self Cleaning Function 26lbs/Day Silver

The VIVOHOME Compact Ice Maker is a handy countertop appliance that quickly produces up to 26 pounds of ice daily, making it perfect for your home or outdoor gatherings. Thanks to its efficient R600a compressor, you get fresh ice cubes in as little as 6 minutes, all while enjoying a quiet operation under 40 dB. This machine is easy to use with a simple one-touch control panel that alerts you when the ice basket is full or water is low, so you can focus on your event without interruptions. Plus, the self-cleaning feature helps you maintain the ice maker effortlessly, ensuring it stays hygienic and lasts longer.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Quiet operation
Easy one-touch controls
Self-cleaning function
Compact and portable design
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Ice Makers for Boat

What to Consider When Choosing an Ice Maker for Your Boat

When you’re out on the open ocean, you don’t want to be without the essential luxuries—and having a steady supply of ice is one of them. Whether you’re looking for a reliable way to cool off drinks, to store fish, or to just keep your food fresh and cold, an ice maker is a great way to get the job done.

The first thing to consider when choosing an ice maker for your boat is size. Many boats have limited space, so you’ll want to make sure the ice maker you select is able to fit into available space. You’ll also want to think about how much ice you need to produce, and what size of cubes you want. Smaller cubes will melt faster, which is great for drinks, but larger cubes may be better for storage purposes.

The next thing to think about is power. You will want to make sure the ice maker you select runs on the same power source as your boat, which is usually DC voltage. You should also think about how much power it will draw, and how much it will cost to run.

You’ll also want to consider the type of ice maker you need. Portable ice makers are great for smaller boats, but if you have a larger vessel, a built-in ice maker may be a better option. Built-in ice makers are more reliable and often produce more ice, but they can be more expensive.

Another important factor to consider is the noise level of the ice maker. Many ice makers are quite noisy, and you don’t want to have to shout over the sound of the machine. Look for an ice maker that is quiet and won’t disturb your time out on the water.

Finally, consider the materials used to make the ice maker. You want an ice maker that is durable and will last through heavy use and choppy waters. Look for an ice maker that is corrosion-resistant and made from high-quality materials.

With these factors in mind, you should be able to find an ice maker that is perfect for your boat. Whether you’re looking for a portable or a built-in, an ice maker is a great way to keep your drinks cold and your food fresh while you’re out on the open ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you make ice on a boat?

One option for making ice on a boat is to use disposable ice cube bags. These bags can be filled with water and tied off, creating round ice cubes. Each bag usually makes 18 cubes, but they cannot be reused and need to be torn apart to retrieve the ice.

2. Are ice makers worth it?

Whether an ice maker is worth it depends on your ice usage. If you frequently need a large amount of ice, an ice maker can save you time and hassle. However, if you only use a few ice cubes a week, a stand-alone ice maker may not be necessary and could take up unnecessary space.

3. Is there a water cooler that makes ice?

Yes, there are water coolers available that also have ice-making capabilities. For example, the PETSITE Countertop Water Cooler Dispenser is a 3-in-1 appliance that provides hot and cold water, as well as a built-in ice maker. This can be a convenient option for those looking for a multi-functional appliance.

4. How do you keep ice frozen on a boat?

To keep ice frozen on a boat, it is recommended to use insulation and a larger cooler with more ice. Wrapping a cooler in a sleeping bag can help maintain low temperatures for a longer period. Adding more insulation or using a larger cooler with a sufficient amount of ice will help prolong the ice's chill.

5. What is the best ice for boat travel?

While any type of ice can be used for boat travel, Blue Ice is known for its fast melting speed. However, crafting Blue Ice requires nine packed ice blocks, unless you have a Silk Touch pickaxe with Efficiency. In that case, you can quickly obtain a large quantity of ice from icebergs.

6. What are the disadvantages of ice maker?

One disadvantage of portable ice makers is that they require a continual water supply. Without a water line, you will need to manually add water whenever the ice is low. This can be inconvenient, as you'll need to find a water source or bring bottled water with you.

7. What type of ice maker line is best?

Copper and plastic are common materials used for ice maker water lines. Copper lines are durable, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand high water pressure. They are a reliable choice that can last longer. Plastic lines can also be used but may not be as durable or resistant to pressure.

8. Is there a cooler that keeps ice frozen?

Yes, there are coolers designed to keep ice frozen for extended periods. For example, the YETI Tundra cooler is known for its impressive ice retention performance, capable of keeping ice frozen for up to 10 days. It features thick insulation, a secure lid system, and additional features like tie-down slots and a dry goods basket.

Editor's Notes

During our ice maker for boat research, we found 25 ice maker for boat products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 95,814 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ice makers for boat list. We found that most customers choose ice makers for boat with an average price of $94.36.

The ice makers for boat are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ice makers for boat, including Frigidaire, Antarctic Star, VIVOHOME. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mark Greer Avatar

Mark Greer has been an excellent residential carpenter for eight years in Los Angeles and has complete knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and home DIY. He never misses a chance of the lookout for new features and innovations in popular and novel home appliances as an insightful writer.