NewAir Ice Maker Review: An Honest, In-Depth Look

Let’s be honest, there are few things more disappointing than reaching for a cold drink on a sweltering day, only to find an empty ice tray. It’s a modern tragedy. This is where the allure of a countertop ice maker comes in, promising a never-ending supply of frozen gold. After fielding countless questions from customers and spending years tinkering with these machines, I’m here to give you a comprehensive NewAir Ice Maker Review. We’re going to break down what makes these popular gadgets tick, whether they’re worth your hard-earned cash, and how to pick the right one for you. Forget the marketing fluff; this is the real scoop.

Before We Dive In: A Quick Ice Maker 101

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the NewAir brand, it helps to understand the landscape. Not all ice makers are created equal, and knowing the basics will make you a much smarter shopper.

Portable vs. Undercounter: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably seen both types. The most common are portable countertop ice makers, like the ones NewAir is famous for. These are self-contained units you just plug in, add water to the reservoir, and let them do their thing. They’re perfect for home bars, RVs, apartments, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with installation.

Undercounter ice makers, on the other hand, are built-in appliances that require a dedicated water line and a drain. They’re more like mini-freezers that only make ice, often producing higher quantities of crystal-clear, restaurant-quality cubes. They’re a bigger investment but are fantastic for serious entertainers or large families. For this review, we’re focusing on the portable countertop models.

The Magic Behind the Ice: How Do They Work?

Ever wonder how these little boxes churn out ice so fast? It’s a pretty neat process. Inside the machine, metal prongs (often called “evaporator fingers”) are submerged into a water reservoir. A refrigeration cycle kicks in, making these prongs incredibly cold. Water freezes around them, layer by layer, forming the classic “bullet” shaped ice. Once the cubes reach the right size, the machine briefly warms the prongs, causing the ice to release and fall into the collection basket. The whole cycle then starts over, typically taking just 6-10 minutes.

The NewAir Ice Maker Review: Putting It to the Test

NewAir has carved out a significant space in the countertop ice maker market. Their models are known for being user-friendly and reliable. But how do they stack up in a real-world setting? Let’s break it down.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup

Right out of the box, most NewAir models feel solid and well-built. The setup is refreshingly simple, which is a huge plus.

  1. Find a level spot on your counter, away from direct sunlight.
  2. Let the unit sit upright for a few hours before plugging it in (this allows the refrigerant to settle).
  3. Wipe down the interior and the ice basket.
  4. Fill the reservoir with water up to the max line.
  5. Plug it in, select your ice size (most models offer two or three), and hit the power button.
See also  The Ultimate Fast Ice Maker Review: Your 2024 Buyer's Guide

That’s it. Within minutes, you’ll hear the gentle hum of the fan and the whir of the motor. The first batch of ice is usually a bit small, but by the second or third cycle, you’ll be getting full-sized cubes.

Our Picks for the Best ice maker in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Num Product Action
1 Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice, Pebble Portable Ice Machine, 34lbs Per Day, Self-Cleaning, Sonic Ice, One-Click Operation, for Kitchen,Office Stainless Steel Black Check Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice, Pebble Portable Ice Machine, 34lbs Per Day, Self-Cleaning, Sonic Ice, One-Click Operation, for Kitchen,Office Stainless Steel Black on Amazon
2 EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black) Check EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black) on Amazon
3 Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes and Self-Cleaning, Portable Ice Maker with Handle for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV, Office, Black Check Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes and Self-Cleaning, Portable Ice Maker with Handle for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV, Office, Black on Amazon
4 Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium Check Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium on Amazon
5 FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine for Countertop, 26 lbs, Adjustable Ice Cube Size, Portable Ice Cube Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar- Black Check FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine for Countertop, 26 lbs, Adjustable Ice Cube Size, Portable Ice Cube Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar- Black on Amazon
6 ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker, 26.5Lbs/24H, 9 Bullet Cubes in 6 Mins, Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes (S/L), Quiet Compact Design, Double Handles, for Home, Party, RV, Camping, Green Check ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker, 26.5Lbs/24H, 9 Bullet Cubes in 6 Mins, Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes (S/L), Quiet Compact Design, Double Handles, for Home, Party, RV, Camping, Green on Amazon
7 Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click Operation Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, 33lbs/24H for Home,Kitchen,Office Check Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click Operation Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, 33lbs/24H for Home,Kitchen,Office on Amazon
8 FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver Check FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver on Amazon
9 EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker Machine with 35lbs/24H Soft Ice, Self-Cleaning Sonic Ice Maker with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office(Stainless Steels) Check EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker Machine with 35lbs/24H Soft Ice, Self-Cleaning Sonic Ice Maker with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office(Stainless Steels) on Amazon
10 EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) Check EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) on Amazon

Key Features That Actually Matter

When you’re comparing models, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of specs. Here are the features on NewAir machines that genuinely make a difference in your day-to-day use:

  • Production Capacity: Most NewAir models produce between 28 and 50 pounds of ice per day. Don’t be fooled by this number. That’s the maximum output if you run it 24/7 and constantly empty the basket. A more practical metric is how quickly it makes a single batch (usually 9-12 cubes every 7-15 minutes).
  • Ice Shape and Size: The majority of NewAir’s portable units make bullet-shaped ice with a hollow center. This shape is great because it cools drinks quickly, and the softer texture is easy to chew. Many models offer small, medium, and large size options.
  • Intuitive Controls: The control panels are typically straightforward, with simple buttons and indicator lights that tell you when to add water or when the ice basket is full. This “set it and forget it” functionality is a major selling point.
  • Self-Cleaning Function: This is a must-have feature. With the press of a button, the machine flushes itself out, making regular maintenance a breeze. We’ll talk more about cleaning later, but trust me, you want this.
  • Viewing Window: A large window on the lid lets you see how much ice you have without opening it and letting the cool air escape. It’s a small detail that you’ll come to appreciate.
See also  The Ultimate Premium Ice Maker Review You Need to Read

The All-Important Question: How’s the Ice?

Let’s cut to the chase: the ice quality is excellent for its intended purpose. The bullet-shaped cubes are soft enough to chew but solid enough to keep your drink cold without melting instantly. Because they’re made quickly from standing water, they can sometimes be a bit cloudy, but this doesn’t affect the taste or performance. If you’re a connoisseur who demands perfectly clear, dense ice for sipping high-end whiskey, a portable machine might not be for you. But for 99% of us who just want ice for sodas, cocktails, and iced coffee, it’s fantastic.

Is a NewAir Ice Maker the Right Choice for You?

A NewAir ice maker is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently runs out of ice, loves to entertain, or simply wants the convenience of on-demand ice without relying on their refrigerator’s slow-moving ice maker. It’s ideal for parties, RVs, office break rooms, and dorms.

However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The ice storage basket is not a freezer. The ice will slowly melt over time, and the meltwater drains back into the reservoir to be made into new ice. It’s designed for continuous production and immediate use, not long-term storage.

Getting the Most Out of Your Machine: Pro Tips

Owning an ice maker is great, but a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping it running smoothly and ensuring your ice tastes fresh.

“The biggest mistake people make is not cleaning their portable ice maker regularly. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mildew and mineral buildup. A simple cleaning routine once a month will double the life of your machine and keep your ice tasting pure.” – James Peterson, Appliance Repair Technician

The Secret to Better-Tasting Ice

The type of water you use makes a huge difference. For the best results, use filtered or distilled water. Tap water, especially if it’s hard, can lead to mineral buildup (scale) inside the machine and can impart a noticeable taste to your ice.

A Simple Cleaning Routine You’ll Actually Stick To

Follow these steps every 3-4 weeks to keep your machine in top shape.

  1. Empty the Machine: Unplug the unit, remove the ice basket, and drain all the water out using the drain plug on the bottom or side.
  2. Run a Cleaning Cycle: Create a cleaning solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour it into the reservoir and run the self-cleaning function if your model has one. If not, just run a few regular ice-making cycles, discarding the ice.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the vinegar solution completely. Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth. Then, fill the reservoir with fresh, clean water and run another 1-2 cycles, discarding the ice, to rinse out any lingering vinegar taste.
  4. Dry and Store: Wipe the interior and basket dry. It’s a good idea to leave the lid propped open for a while to ensure it airs out completely before storing or its next use.
See also  The Ultimate Compact Ice Maker Review: Your 2024 Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my NewAir ice maker?
A: For optimal performance and taste, you should perform a full cleaning cycle with a vinegar or specialized cleaning solution at least once a month. If you use it daily or have hard water, cleaning it every 2-3 weeks is even better.

Q: Why is my NewAir ice maker making a lot of noise?
A: A low humming or fan sound is normal. Loud grinding or squealing noises could indicate a problem with the motor or that the machine needs to be cleaned to remove mineral buildup. Ensure the unit is on a level surface as well.

Q: Can I leave my NewAir ice maker running all the time?
A: Yes, you can. The machine is designed for continuous operation. It will automatically stop making ice when the basket is full and restart as the ice melts, so it’s energy-efficient and won’t overflow.

Q: Why are my ice cubes coming out small or hollow?
A: This can happen for a few reasons. The first batch is often smaller as the system gets cold. It can also indicate low water in the reservoir or that the ambient room temperature is too high, preventing the ice from freezing fully.

Q: Can I use other liquids besides water in my ice maker?
A: Absolutely not. You should only ever use water in your ice maker. Other liquids like juice or soda contain sugars and other ingredients that will damage the internal mechanisms and void your warranty.

The Final Verdict

After a thorough review, it’s clear that NewAir ice makers deliver on their promise of providing a fast, convenient, and reliable source of ice. They are well-designed, easy to use, and perfect for the average household’s needs. While they won’t produce the crystal-clear cubes of a high-end undercounter unit, the quality and speed are more than enough for daily drinks, parties, and get-togethers. If you’re tired of constantly refilling ice trays and want to upgrade your beverage game, this NewAir ice maker review concludes that it is a solid and worthwhile investment. Go ahead and make your next drink a cold one; you’ve earned it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *