Icemakers need to make ice quickly and cleanly. They should not require a great deal of effort on the part of the user and should function the same way every time they are plugged in. The purpose of this article is to provide a fair overview of the Igloo Ice108 ice maker to determine if it actually stands up to the standards set for this type of product.
Igloo Ice108 Product Description
The Igloo Ice108 Ice Maker is a counter-top icemaker. Available in blue, black, or a stainless steel look, it’s a product meant to provide homes with a reliable ice-making solution that’s not attached to the freezer. This unit does not require an external water connection. On the other hand, users have to add water by filling a 2.3-quart water reservoir. The unit is plug-and-go, making use of air compression technology to make ice quickly and efficiently.
The ice maker complies with your commands via a simple control panel on top. The panel features a few basic LED indicators, with no other control features present. The product is made of stainless steel and weighs just under twenty pounds. As for measurements, it comes at fifteen by fourteen and a half by eleven inches, allowing it to fit comfortably on most kitchen counters and bar-tops.
Given the unit’s ice-making capacity, this is clearly an ice maker meant for use in the home. It is designed to fit in with most kitchen appliances. Therefore, it won’t stand out in the average home.
The Igloo Ice108 does have enough capacity to work at small bars. On the other hand, it is generally considered to be a consumer-level product. It functions admirably when used around the clock. However, it may not be able to stand up to the rigors of an industrial kitchen or for most business needs.
Igloo Ice108 Features and Functions
Igloo’s Ice108 icemaker is a consumer-grade product that puts out about the amount of ice an average-sized family needs on a daily basis. Capable of making about one tray of ice every six minutes, the machine has an overall capacity of about twenty-six pounds of ice per day if you are able to continually fill its reservoir with water. Realistically, the machine is able to make about four full gallons of ice per day if run at maximum capacity and in perfect conditions.
The unit makes ice in two different sizes – larger and small. The difference between the two sizes is in terms of thickness, not in terms of dimensions, though, so don’t expect to see a major difference between the two settings. The machine does feature an automatic cut-off when it is full, allowing users to walk away from the device without having to worry about it spilling its contents all over the floor.
While the ice maker does use air compression to power its cooling process, it is fairly quiet. It’s not any louder than the average kitchen appliance, though it can make a bit of noise when dumping ice. It’s certainly not loud enough to cause any major problems, even to those with fairly sensitive ears. Its power consumption is also fairly low/ However, the machine does not feature any particular certifications or ratings that make it seem more ecologically friendly than other ice makers.
How the Igloo Ice108 Works
The operation of the Ice108 is very simple. All you need to do is to fill up the machine’s reservoir, select your ice size, and turn the machine on. It should create its first cycle of ice is about six minutes, but it may take up to fifteen minutes in some cases. A full cycle, which equals around a typical tray of ice, may take up to ninety minutes to complete.
The ice-making process is fairly straightforward. There are no chemicals involved. On top of that, you do not have to connect the unit to a water line. Instead, you’ll just plug in the machine to a standard electrical outlet and let it work.
User Reviews
The users who are happiest with this ice maker model generally rave about the quality of the build and the speed at which the machine makes ice. Most people are fairly surprised that the machine is actually made of stainless steel instead of plastic. They are also impressed with how user-friendly this unit is. Others are just happy that it makes ice in a short span. There are also quite a few people who have been surprised by how quiet the machine can be.
On the other hand, a fair number of users have noticed some problems with the cut-off mechanism. This means they have to monitor the machine to make sure it doesn’t over-fill, which can be problematic. Other users encountered problems with the quality of the ice made, especially at first. They claim that the machine gives ice a plastic flavor which only goes away after cleaning.
Taken together, the reviews are mostly positive. The majority of users enjoy the machine for what it is, though there are still a few recurring complaints.
- Drops ice quickly.
- Consistent ice shape and quality.
- Surprisingly quiet, even if it uses a compressor.
- No chemicals used in the ice-making process.
- Stainless steel looks great.
- Very unique look that doesn’t detract from the product.
- Really does have plug-and-go functionality.
- Ice shape looks nice.
- Two settings allow you a little extra variety in your ice.
- A hint of chemical taste if you don’t clean the unit before using.
- Very hard to meet the full production capacity.
- Recurring problems with the cut-off sensors.
- A little too hard to move for the machine to be truly portable.
- Takes a little too long to make significant quantities of ice.
- Ice does tend to melt quickly due to its shape.
- No function for keeping the ice from melting after it is dropped.
- Can be somewhat hard to clean.
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Final Thoughts
The Igloo Ice108 Ice Maker isn’t a bad product at all. While it isn’t the fastest or most prolific ice maker out there, it does its job well. If you’re just looking to make ice for a few beverages at a time or if you don’t have a dependable in-freezer unit, it’s a good pick.
Our opinion isn’t the only one that matters. What did you think of this product? Did you find something that we didn’t mention? If so, make sure to let us know by getting in contact with us today!
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