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BigMoneyJim · 02-04-2006, 07:13 PM

Does anyone have any experience with small, standalone ice cube makers? I'm an apartment dweller tired of not having one built into my fridge, and I just started googling for something I can put on my counter top.

The major stores don't seem to carry a selection, but they are available by mail. The low end appears to be between $200-$300 with bottom-dwelling prices hitting $150.

If anyone bought one or has a link to consumer ratings I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

cute fuzzy bunny · 02-04-2006, 09:18 PM

Bag of ice from the grocery store once a week for a buck will outlast any icemaker...

Next are ya going to be asking about anyone who puts in tequila pipe lines...

LOL! · 02-05-2006, 04:45 AM

I replaced the icemaker in our 10-year old fridge last year. I cost about $90. If you add the valve, that's another $35 I think. So I think you could retrofit your fridge's freezer to have an automatic icemaker for less than $150 including taxes. A place like www.repairclinic.com will sell a whole kit, but after checking prices there, I just went with the local appliance parts store because I didn't want to wait a couple days.

If you don't own your fridge in the apartment, I guess this would not work because you would have to get a water line into the freezer. OTOH many fridge's are already plumbed for an icemaker.

ladelfina · 02-05-2006, 05:50 AM

Quote:

small, standalone ice cube makers

I think they call them "trays".

I knew I guy whose family had a beer tap in the kitchen from a keg in the basement.. late '50s early '60s.* According to him, this was not unusual in Milwaukee. (!?)

I started out ready to pooh-pooh this idea but I went to a site called Compact Appliance, and the device they sell does indeed look pretty.. uhm.. cool! ($239). They have reviews on the site but there is only one for this item; it is 5 stars, though.

If I were on a tight budget but just generally needed more ice than I could make/store in my regular freezer, I might check out their tiny freezer unit, which is only $89. You'd have to use trays and wait, though. If you regularly have impromptu parties where you need a lot of ice right away, I might splurge on the icemaker. In a rented apt., I wouldn't want the responsibility of retro-fitting.. what if the water line leaked or something and caused damage?

I saw a very extensive positive review of another model here, complete with lots of pictures of the device.