Ice Maker

[laika]

I currently have a large top loading fridge and a smaller cool box, both with rubbish insulation which need to be reconsidered. I neither need nor have power budget for a full-on freezer but like the idea of being able to produce enough ice to meet the beverage needs of myself and my partner. This would not be permanently on, but I don't want a counter top portable unit as I'd like to be able to make/store ice under way to be ready for the post-mooring refreshments.

Are there any 12v icemakers (or possibly mini-freezers with ~5l capacity?) which are thrifty on power and people can recommend? Whilst I am more generally respected for my mixology skills than sailing ability, this is for a Westerly rather than a superyacht so 4-figure solutions are a non-starter

 

[prv]

My very ordinary boat fridge will (annoyingly!) freeze milk bottles if I stand them next to the element. It also usually freezes any water that ends up in the bottom of the box. I've never tried making ice, but if I put a few cubes in in a bag it will keep them indefinitely. Someone on the Cherbourg trip (can't remember who now) seemed rather surprised to be handed a G&T with lemon and big lumps of ice out of a 24' boat

I guess my point is that if you are working on improving the fridge anyway, you may not need to make separate arrangements just for a bit of ice.

Pete

 

[PCUK]

I used a Contessa counter top ice maker on board for several years until I sold the boat. It was built into a locker and was filled and emptied from the front loading draws and ran off the inverter. Never used it in rough weather but often got it going as we entered port and it never gave any trouble and always worked perfectly. I will be fitting a Hostess version on my next boat as this is the only front loader currently available. Always impressed other boat owners when we brought out an ice bucket filled with ice (and a nice bottle of Cava)!

 

[Stork_III]

I have one of these O plates with hinged door in my top opening fridge, makes icecubes very well, in addition the freezer blocks we take to the boat with food in the cool bag get put in as well. Fridge refreezes them and keeps things cold while sailing. We also have a Fridgemate controller, so as soon as engine goes on whilst out so does the fridge.

 

[RupertW]

This year we went for a 240v compact ice maker - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-James-Compact-Counter-Machine/dp/B002ALJAVM

We found that time in marinas made plenty, especially if overnight on the first night before our first sail of the week. Best value boaty buy in many years.

The main reason we got away with just the mains one was that our fridge is excellent at freezing when ice is already in it and the engine gets an hour or three each day. The rate a 240v produces ice is so much higher than a 12v (without vast amp drawing) that it seemed worthwhile.