Retro-styled countertop ice makers might be a good substitute for a full-sized retro refrigerator with an ice maker built in.

In my previous article about affordable full-size retro refrigerators, a common question in the comments was about retro refrigerators with ice makers.

Yes, it's true: Only the most expensive Retro Refrigerators will come with an ice maker built in.

But, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your money or that retro style for the convenience of an ice maker.

Instead, you might consider getting a countertop ice maker that matches the style of your cool retro fridge. Some benefits include:

• They are more affordable.
• They produce ice faster.
• They can save space.

Let's look at some of the ways retro-styled countertop ice makers for homes can be better than a Retro Refrigerator with an ice maker…

Retro Refrigerator with an Ice Maker (Pros & Cons)

The great convenience of having a retro refrigerator with an ice maker built in is two-fold:

1. Ice is ready to use as soon as you need it, and
2. You don't have to think about making it.

If your refrigerator ice-maker is connected to a waterline, the whole process is automated for you in the background.

The main drawbacks to this are when you need A LOT of ice, and if you need it FAST.

For example, while entertaining a lot of guests at a big party, or for an impromptu gathering.

A refrigerator ice maker won't keep up, because the freezing process is slower.

Another common drawback that I hear reported about built-in ice maker ice is a bad or funny taste.

Depending on what you have in your freezer, and how the ice is stored, the ice can pick up that “freezer burn” taste.

It can also be affected if you don't regularly clean your built-in ice maker, and the water-line, which can be a difficult process.

Countertop Ice Makers for Home Use (Pros & Cons)

Bigger than a toaster, but smaller than a microwave (or about the size of a small one), a countertop ice maker can produce a small bowl of ice in a matter of 5-10 minutes.

1. They are compact (bigger than a toaster, but smaller than a microwave);
2. Portable (put them anywhere in the house or on your deck);
3. Do not require a water line or drain; and
4. Can be easily put away when you don't need them.

“Ice when you need it” is as simple as pouring water in, and turning it on.

And, their price point makes them a more affordable addition to your retro refrigerator than an upgrade to a more expensive fridge.

Of course, there are some drawbacks:

For one, there's no long-term storage. Once the ice is made, you need to either use it right away, or store it in your retro fridge freezer.

They also require a little attention.

For example, you'll have to manually add water when you need more ice — it's not automatic.

And, you'll need to be sure to maintain and clean it somewhat regularly, to keep out debris, mildew, and maybe some mineral residue from the water.

6 Good Retro Style Countertop Ice Makers

Here are a few brands and models of retro-style countertop ice makers that might go will with your other retro kitchen appliances.

They all function similarly—the technology is basically the same for all:

1. Pour water in
2. Turn it on
3. Wait about 10 minutes (give or take a few minutes depending on the model)

…and BINGO! Your first cubes of ice are ready.

Though, I'm not sure you could really call them “cubes” because they're not square-shaped. Countertop ice makers usually create bullet-shaped ice. Though there are exceptions.

Differences include things like options for ice-cube size, windows vs. transparent lids to watch the progress and see when your ice is ready, and the advertised speed of freezing.*

*(It seems to me that the faster speeds are referring to the smaller ice cube sizes.)

For your benefit, I've added links to product pages and manuals, as well as some videos of the countertop ice maker reviews that exhibit the relative sizes and functionality of the products.

Disclosure: 3GoodOnes.com is a professional review site. Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission for your purchase. (e.g., As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) It is my hope that this post leaves you so well informed, that you won't mind that very much.

Retro Countertop IceMakers

I hope this article has broadened the options for your retro kitchen appliances, by showing you that retro-styled countertop ice makers might be a good alternative to a full-sized retro refrigerator with an ice maker built in.

If you have any questions, or even advice or other suggestions for future readers, please leave them in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, and good luck building your retro kitchen!

~ Scott