Does the Electactic portable ice maker deliver fast performance and quiet operation? Review here!

Description

Ice Production Speed

Testing the ice production speed of the Electactic Z5812KH-W-ELEC-01 countertop ice maker has been, in a word, impressive. The claim of producing 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s real. I timed it myself, and the first batch of ice was ready in exactly 6 minutes, making it perfect for those moments when I’ve got thirsty guests waiting. By the end of the day, it had churned out nearly 26 pounds of ice, as promised. It felt like having my own little ice factory sitting on the counter.

That said, the speed does come with a slight compromise. While the machine is quick, the cubes come out a little wet, so storing them for later can cause some clumping. A quick shake or smacking them lightly solves this small issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to stockpile ice.

Features

This portable ice maker truly packs in features that make it stand out. The self-cleaning function is a blessing for someone like me, who enjoys convenience over tedious maintenance. Holding down the “CLEAN” button initiates a 30-minute cleaning cycle, and the digital screen counts down every minute, so there’s no guesswork involved.

The LED control panel is intuitive, allowing you to select between two ice cube sizes—S and L. The smaller cubes work wonders for chilling seafood and snacks, while the larger ones are my go-to for drinks. There’s also a timer function that lets you set the machine to start or stop within a 24-hour range. This was particularly useful when I wanted ice ready for my morning smoothies without having to wake up earlier to start the machine.

Noise Levels

No ice maker is completely silent, but the quiet operation of this model definitely deserves a shoutout. With a noise level of under 35 dB, it’s quieter than my coffee grinder. The only sound it makes is the occasional clunk of ice dropping into the basket, which I’ve come to find oddly satisfying.

I’ve used this in my home office, and it hasn’t interrupted any Zoom calls or distracted anyone in the room. Compared to other ice makers I’ve tried, this one is significantly less intrusive when it comes to sound.

Strengths

• Produces ice remarkably fast—9 cubes in 6 minutes.
• Self-cleaning mode simplifies maintenance.
• Compact and portable design, perfect for small spaces or travel.
• Quiet operation under 35 dB, ideal for home or office use.

Ice Quality & Type

The ice cubes this machine produces are bullet-shaped, with a hollow center. I’ve always had a soft spot for this type of ice because it cools drinks quickly without watering them down too fast. Choosing between two sizes is a nice touch, although I mostly stick to the larger cubes for beverages.

One thing to note is that the ice comes out slightly wet, which means it’s not rock-hard like the kind you get from a freezer. This makes it ideal for immediate use but less suitable for long-term storage unless you’re willing to deal with some clumping.

Ease of Use

Setting up the machine for the first time took me less than 5 minutes. All I had to do was fill the reservoir with water, press the “ON” button, and select the ice size. The digital display made it easy to see how much time was left for each batch, which is great for someone like me who likes to plan ahead.

The removable top cover is another thoughtful detail. Cleaning the interior was a breeze, and accessing the ice basket didn’t require any awkward maneuvering. Plus, the included ice scoop and basket made serving ice effortless.

Durability

While I’ve only been using the Electactic ice maker for a couple of months, it feels sturdy and well-built. It’s been running almost daily without any hiccups. The plastic construction is lightweight yet durable, and the handle makes it easy to carry around.

That said, I’d recommend handling it with care if you’re planning to move it frequently, as the exterior might scratch over time. Only time will tell how well it holds up with prolonged use, but so far, it’s been reliable.

Warranty

Knowing that the product comes with a warranty is definitely reassuring. While I haven’t had to use it yet, I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing the manufacturer stands behind their product. It’s always worth double-checking the terms, though, as warranties can vary depending on where you purchase the machine.

Areas for Improvement

• The ice cubes are slightly wet, which can lead to clumping during storage.
• A larger water reservoir would reduce the need for frequent refills.
• The exterior could be more resistant to scratches for better long-term durability.

Competing Products

In the world of countertop ice makers, there’s no shortage of options. I’ve tried a few others, including models from Igloo and Frigidaire. While those were decent, they didn’t quite match the speed or quietness of this one. Some competing brands offer larger water reservoirs, which could be an advantage if you don’t want to refill frequently.

However, where this product excels is in its compact design and self-cleaning functionality. The Igloo model I tested didn’t have a self-cleaning option, which made maintenance more of a chore. On the other hand, Frigidaire’s ice maker had a sturdier build but was noticeably louder.

Affordable Quality

For the features you’re getting, this machine delivers solid value. The ability to produce ice quickly, the self-cleaning mode, and the quiet operation make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you entertain frequently or need ice on demand. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the performance justifies the price.

If you’re someone who values convenience and efficiency, this ice maker is worth considering. It’s a bit of an upfront investment, but the daily convenience it offers feels like a luxury.

Additional information