Portable Ice Maker Statistics By Type, Application, Geography and Shipment

Saisuman Revankar
Written by
Saisuman Revankar

Updated · Dec 30, 2024

Rohan Jambhale
Edited by
Rohan Jambhale

Editor

Portable Ice Maker Statistics By Type, Application, Geography and Shipment

Introduction

Portable Ice Maker Statistics: Based on reports, the global market size of Portable Ice Makers is expected to reach approximately USD 2410.76 million by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 6.54% from 2022 to 2030. These ice makers are primarily used in commercial settings such as restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores to ensure a continuous supply of ice for various purposes.

The demand for portable ice makers has increased significantly due to the growing consumer preference for cold beverages during the summer season. This statistics report on Portable Ice Makers will cover all important aspects of the industry, including market shares, key players, revenue share, applications, market types, geographical distribution, and more.

Editor’s Choice

  • Market Size Projections (2029): The ice maker market is projected to reach approximately $6.65 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.12% from 2023 to 2029. This steady growth reflects a strong demand for ice makers across various industries.
  • Dominance of Ice Cube Makers: Ice cube makers lead the market segment, holding over 50% of the market share. They are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% by 2029, driven by their widespread application in both commercial and residential environments.
  • Market Valuation (2023): The global ice maker market was valued at $5.1 billion in 2023. This valuation underscores the current market demand and the influence of technological advancements in ice maker manufacturing.
  • Long-Term Market Growth (2032): The market is expected to reach $7.3 billion by 2032, with a growth rate of 4.1% from 2024 to 2032, indicating continued, albeit slightly slower, market expansion.
  • Food Service Segment’s Market Share (2023): The food service segment represents the largest market share for commercial ice makers, accounting for 40% in 2023. This is attributed to the essential role of ice makers in restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments.
  • Regional Market Leader (APAC, 2028): China is anticipated to dominate the Asia-Pacific market by 2028, with a projected market value of $255.9 million. This leadership is driven by extensive industrial, commercial activities, and growth in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
  • Household Usage: Around 35% of portable ice makers are used in residential settings, highlighting the importance of convenience and quick ice production in this sector.
  • Commercial Usage: Approximately 50% of portable ice makers are utilized in small businesses, particularly in cafes, restaurants, and bars, where efficiency and space-saving are crucial.
  • Popular Features: Over 60% of users prioritize portable ice makers that can produce ice in under 10 minutes, reflecting a demand for rapid ice production capabilities.
  • Size Preference: About 70% of consumers prefer compact, countertop models, emphasizing the importance of portability in purchasing decisions.
  • Consumer Satisfaction: Over 80% of portable ice maker users report high satisfaction, particularly valuing ease of use and reliability.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a significant consideration for approximately 45% of users, with many newer models incorporating eco-friendly technologies.
  • Regional Demand: North America holds the largest share of the portable ice maker market, accounting for nearly 40% of global sales, driven by high demand in both residential and small business sectors.
  • Seasonal Usage: Sales of portable ice makers increase by approximately 20% during summer months, correlating with higher consumer demand for ice in warmer weather.
  • Online Purchases: Nearly 55% of portable ice makers are purchased online, driven by the convenience and variety offered by e-commerce platforms.

(Reference: maximizemarketresearch.com)

What is a Portable Ice Maker?

The portable ice makers are specially designed cooling chamber system that helps in freezing water within a few minutes and can generate varying amounts of ice. The effective advantage of portable ice makers is that these devices don’t require any plumbing and installation process.

Benefits of Portable Ice Makers

  • The portable ice makers allow for making faster ice than a freezer does.
  • Enable in generating enough amount of ice for enjoying a party.
  • People don’t have to worry about stinky ice as ice-like freezers as this portable ice is directly prepared from a self-contained machine.
  • User can choose the size and shape of ice as their preference.
  • This ice maker does not require any water line hookup.
  • Lastly, the ice generated from portable ice makers is perfectly chewy.

Facts About Portable Ice Makers

  • Rapid Ice Production: Portable ice makers are designed to produce ice quickly, with many models capable of making ice in as little as 6-10 minutes. This rapid production is a significant advantage over traditional freezers, which take much longer to freeze water into ice cubes.
  • Compact and Portable: As the name suggests, these devices are compact and portable, making them ideal for small spaces like RVs, boats, and kitchens with limited counter space. Most models are lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Variety of Ice Sizes: Many portable ice makers offer the option to produce different sizes of ice cubes, catering to various needs, whether for chilling drinks or using in coolers.
  • Water Reservoir: Portable ice makers typically come with a built-in water reservoir that needs to be filled manually. Once the ice is made, any unused water is recycled back into the reservoir for the next batch.
  • No Drainage Required: Unlike larger commercial ice makers, most portable models do not require a drainage system. Melted ice is simply reused for making new ice, making them very user-friendly.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern portable ice makers are generally energy-efficient, with many models using eco-friendly refrigerants and minimal power to operate, making them suitable for off-grid use or areas with limited power supply.
  • Widespread Usage: Portable ice makers are widely used in various settings, including homes, offices, camping trips, and outdoor events. Their convenience and ease of use make them popular among consumers who need ice on demand.
  • Seasonal Sales Increase: Sales of portable ice makers typically spike during the summer months when the demand for ice increases due to warmer weather and outdoor activities.
  • Cost-Effective: Portable ice makers are often more cost-effective than installing a built-in ice maker in a refrigerator or purchasing bags of ice regularly, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Easy Maintenance: These devices require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional descaling are usually all that’s needed to keep a portable ice maker functioning efficiently.

General Portable Ice Marker Statistics

  • According to MarkNtel Advisors reports, in 2023 an innovative countertop home ice maker was launched by Wintersmiths known as Juniper. This device can generate automatic clear bar-quality ice and within 24 hours it can produce 12 large clear spheres, 12 large clear cubes, and 96 small clear cubes.
  • The portable ice maker market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028.
  • The leading key players of the portable ice makers are Euhomy, Houzz, Frigidaire, Vremi, Manitowoc, IKICH, Maxxlce, etc.
  • According to the reports of Technovio, by the end of 2027, the North American region contributed a market share of 35%.
  • In 2023 around the world, most portable ice makers were imported from China, the United States, and South Korea.
  • The most portable ice makers export from the United States, India, and the Philippines

Portable Ice Maker Usage

  • Outdoor Events: Ideal for picnics, camping trips, and outdoor parties where ice is needed for beverages and cooling food items.
  • Home Bars: Frequently used in home bars to quickly produce ice for cocktails and other drinks, ensuring a steady supply during gatherings.
  • Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Perfect for RVs where space is limited, providing a convenient ice supply for road trips and camping.
  • Boats: Used on boats to keep drinks cold and preserve perishable items during extended outings on the water.
  • Small Kitchens: Handy for small kitchens or apartments where freezer space is limited, allowing easy access to ice without needing a large freezer.
  • Offices: Useful in office settings where employees can enjoy cold drinks without relying on communal freezers or ice trays.
  • Backup During Freezer Breakdowns: Acts as a temporary ice source during freezer malfunctions, ensuring access to ice when needed.
  • Event Catering: Employed by caterers to provide ice on-site for events, weddings, and parties, offering fresh ice without the need for large storage or transport.
  • Tailgating: Popular for tailgating events, where quick and portable ice production is necessary to keep drinks cool.
  • Fishing Trips: Utilized during fishing trips to keep the catch fresh or to chill drinks while out on the water.

By Type

  • The industry is important segmented into Ice Cube Maker, Ice Flake Maker, Ice Nugget Maker, and others.
  • The largest market share was achieved by the segment of portable ice cube makers accounting for more than 50% in 2023, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% by 2029.
  • Whereas, the segment of Ice Flake Maker is expected to reach a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2029.
  • According to the reports of Global Newswire, in 2023 the global market share of Nugget Ice Maker is expected to reach up to 60% to 65%.
  • Whereas, by the end of 2033 the market is supposed to be $133.9 million by 2033 and the market will grow at 5.16% from 2023 to 2033.
  • The market of nugget ice maker market is increasing as 85% of North American people prefer drinking alcoholic beverages.

By Application

  • The portable ice maker market is segmented into food service, retail, healthcare, residential, etc.
  • According to Maximize Market Research, the largest market share was accounted for by the food service segment with 36.84% in 2022.
  • As of Cognitive Market Research, as of 2023, the food service segment is accounting for the largest market for commercial ice makers with a 40% share.
  • From 2023 to 2030, in the ice maker market, the healthcare segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.93%.

By Geography

(Source: technavio.com)

  • According to the reports of Data Bridge Market Research analysis, the largest market share of the portable ice maker market in the North American region is expected to reach $831.35 million by the end of 2030.
  • Whereas, the growth rate of the region is expected to reach a CAGR of 2.80% from 2023 to 2030.
  • According to the reports of Technovio, by the end of 2027, the North American region contributed a market share of 35%.
  • According to Data Bridge Market Research, by the end of 2029, the market valuation of portable ice makers in Europe is going to be $680.78 million
  • As of KBV Research reports, the market growth is going to be 4.2% of CAGR from 2022 to 2028.
  • According to the reports of Research and Market, the Asia Pacific portable ice market is going to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2022 to 2028.
  • In the region of APAC by the end of 2028, the China market is dominating with a market value of $255.9 million.
  • The estimated market growth of Japan and India is expected to grow at a CAGR OF 4.8% and 6.1% respectively from 2022 to 2028.

Ice Maker Website Traffic by Country

Ice Maker Website Traffic by Country

(Source: similarweb.com)

  • As of November 2023, Mexico had a 17.99% of total traffic on icemakers.com.au.
  • Other countries contribution in total traffic are followed by the United States of America = 16.79% increased by 5.07%, Russia (16.56%), Australia = 15.01% (+10.11%), and Indonesia (11.68%)
  • Furthermore, other countries collectively made total website traffic almost 21.96%.

By Shipments

The global market for portable ice makers, as outlined in Volza’s Global Reports 2023, shows interesting trends in import and export activities. Key insights include:

  • Global Import Shipments: The portable ice maker market saw 728 import shipments worldwide in 2023, reflecting significant global activity.
  • Diverse Supply Chain: The market involved 152 importers and 136 suppliers, indicating a broad and diverse supply chain.
  • Leading Importing Countries:
  • United States: The largest importer with 660 shipments, showcasing strong consumer demand.
  • India: Imported 19 shipments, suggesting a growing market presence.
  • Philippines: Recorded 16 shipments, highlighting emerging market potential.
  • Top Exporting Countries:
  • China: Dominated the export market with 678 shipments, emphasizing its manufacturing leadership.
  • United States: Exported 23 shipments, reflecting both domestic demand and export strength.
  • South Korea: Contributed 10 shipments, indicating its participation in the global market.
  • Key Product Categories: The primary HSN codes for both imports and exports were 841869, 950670, and 84186910, illustrating the specialized and varied nature of portable ice makers and their parts.

Recent Developments

  • In January 2022, Hoshizaki Corporation acquired Brema, a significant player in the commercial ice maker market. This acquisition was part of Hoshizaki’s strategy to become the leading commercial ice maker manufacturer in Europe, expanding its product range and market presence across the region.
  • Companies such as NewAir and Scotsman Ice Systems have introduced new models of portable ice makers that cater to both residential and commercial markets. These models emphasize faster ice production, energy efficiency, and compact design, reflecting growing consumer demand for portable and efficient ice-making solutions.

Best Portable Ice Maker Statistic by Rank

#1. Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker (overall best)

Features are 15*11*14.5 inches, generates 26 pounds of bullet size ice in 24 hours (1 glass of ice just in 10 minutes), and the cost of this device is $169 available at Amazon.  

(Source: travelandleisure.com)

#2. Free Village Ice Maker Machine for countertop (most durable)

Features are 13.9*9.5*13 inches, generates 26 pounds of bullet-size ice in 24 hours (for generating 9 pieces of ice the device takes 5-8 minutes), and cost$180 available at Amazon

(Source: travelandleisure.com)

#3. Silonn Countertop Ice Maker (Easiest to transport)

Features are 8.7*12.3*12.5 inches, generate 26 pounds of bullet-size ice in 24 hours (size and color of ice cubes are inconsistent), and cost $90 (Amazon) / $145 (Walmart).

(Source: travelandleisure.com)

#4. Igloo Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine (easiest to use)

Features are 17.1*12.2*14.4 inches, generates 26 pounds of bullet size ice in 24 hours, and costs $130 at Amazon and $110 at Walmart.

(Source: travelandleisure.com)

#5. Koolatron Automatic Digital Control Ice Machine (most compact)

Features are 12.8*9*12.2 inches, generate 26 pounds of bullet ice in 24 hours, and cost $146 at Walmart and $186 at Wayfair.

(Source: travelandleisure.com)

Conclusion

As of today, after completing the article on Portable Ice Maker Statistics it can be said that the market is enhancing steadily around the world. The portable ice makers are the smallest and fastest icemakers available in the global market and they mostly generate bullet-shaped ice whose appearance is opaque and cloudy.

As of several report analyses by the end of 2023, the global valuation of the portable ice maker market is going to reach around $5.1 billion and is expected to grow more in the coming year. This article includes as many as possible statistics about the portable ice maker market, which I hope will help in understanding the topic effectively.

Saisuman Revankar
Saisuman Revankar

Saisuman is a talented content writer with a keen interest in mobile tech, new gadgets, law, and science. She writes articles for websites and newsletters, conducting thorough research for medical professionals. Fluent in five languages, her love for reading and languages led her to a writing career. With a Master’s in Business Administration focusing on Human Resources, Saisuman has worked in HR and with a French international company. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and singing classical songs. At Coolest Gadgets, Saisuman reviews gadgets and analyzes their statistics, making complex information easy for readers to understand.

More Posts By Saisuman Revankar