hOmeLabs Ice Maker Product Description
The hOmeLabs Ice Maker is a consumer-grade ice maker meant for home use. Measuring about twelve inches by ten inches by fourteen inches, the bread-box sized machine weighs just under twenty pounds.
The main purpose of this machine is to sit on a counter-top or on a bar. While not notably larger than most other counter-top ice makers, the large machine is constructed of plastic polymers that are rated as safe for consumer use.
The engineering of the device makes it clear that this is not a commercial product. Able to store up to a pound and a half of ice, the output of the machine is ideal for home use. On the other hand, it is far below the threshold for what would be expected in most commercial settings.
hOmeLabs Ice Maker Features and Functions
This ETL-certified ice machine represents simplicity in action, with an ease of use that’s hard to match. It’s capable of making about twenty-six pounds of bullet-shaped ice per day, or about a pound and a half of ice every hour. It takes roughly six minutes to fill up a single tray. However, after setting up the machine for the first time, it can take up to ten minutes to get the machine working.
Because of the unit’s simplicity, it lacks in some of the features you might expect. There are no options for different sizes or shapes of ice, nor is there any kind of automatic timer. Instead, the device features an automatic cut-off when it is full. This helps to ensure that energy isn’t wasted, and that ice isn’t sent scattering all over the floor.
Fortunately, the machine is fairly quiet. While you’ll never find an ice machine that operates at a whisper, you won’t get many interruptions when this machine is working. It’s ideal for use inside or outside, able to put out enough ice to keep an average-sized family happy. On top of that, the hOmeLabs Ice Maker is generally able to keep up with the demands of a small party.
How hOmeLabs Ice Maker Works
The hOmeLabs Ice Maker is a very simple product to use. Set-up is very simple, as all you’ll actually need to run the device is a bit of counter space and an open outlet. You absolutely do not need a separate water line to run this ice-maker. You’ll fill the unit’s reservoir with water and let it go to work. For the most part, this is not a machine that requires supervision.
The literature for the device claims that it makes ice in about six minutes, though you’ll need a bit longer to make your first batch. The science behind the ice making is fairly simple, leveraging modern cooling and refrigeration techniques to pump out about a pound of ice per hour. As long as you can fill the unit’s reservoir, you can have fresh ice at your fingertips.
User Reviews
Users are generally happy with the hOmeLabs Ice Maker, though the reviews are far from universally positive. Almost every reviewer agrees that the machine really does make ice as fast as advertised. There is much content with the machine putting out a tray full of ice every six to eight minutes.
Most consumers also praise the size and the relatively low noise of the machine. Nonetheless, there are a few who have noted that the machine can be disruptive when it is dumping ice. Most users are also fans of the shape of the ice made by the unit.
The biggest complaint tends to concern the size of the ice tray. It fills up very quickly, which means that those who really want twenty-six pounds of ice are going to have to monitor the unit around the clock. Many users have also noted that the shape of the ice causes it to melt quickly. This can get a bit problematic when making a lot of ice at once.
All in all, most users enjoy the ice maker despite its minor flaws. The issues pointed out with the machine are par for the course for ice makers of this size. The lack of unusual issues does help to make the high rating understandable. While there have been a few bad experiences out there, most seem to be connected to one-time mechanical flaws rather than any systematic issues with the machine.
- Puts out a reasonable amount of ice over the course of an hour.
- Automatic cut-off helps to prevent spillage.
- Fits in well with most kitchen appliances.
- Relatively quiet, even when dumping ice.
- Ice tray stores enough ice for most families to use.
- Comes with ice bucket and scoop.
- No need to babysit the machine if you’re just looking to make a few pounds of ice.
- No advanced settings.
- Ice cube shape doesn’t lend itself well to storage.
- Too much observation needed to get maximum production capacity.
- Some minor problems with the machine stopping before it is full.
- Form factor isn’t terribly exciting.
- Claims of output are probably exaggerated, especially if the machine is left alone for long periods of time.
- Tends to underfill the machine more often than not.
- Our list of best countertop ice maker recommendations.
- The latest collection of best undercounter ice maker choices.
Final Thoughts
The hOmeLabs Ice Maker checks all the boxes when it comes to the functionality of a home ice maker. It’s easy to use, it makes ice at a reasonable pace, and it doesn’t need constant supervision to make a reasonable amount of ice. While it lacks advanced features that could make it stand out, it is nonetheless a useful tool. If you’ve used the machine – or if you have questions about it – don’t hesitate to get in contact with us to and share your thoughts and questions!
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