Best Ice Maker for RV: Keep Your Cool on the Road

Why Every RV Needs an Ice Maker

There's something about camping that makes cold drinks taste better—and something about summer camping that makes ice run out way too fast. If you've ever spent a vacation rationing ice, making daily trips to the gas station for bags, or dealing with a tiny freezer that can barely keep up, you know what we're talking about.

A portable ice maker is one of the most underrated RV upgrades you can make. Imagine having fresh ice whenever you want it—no more ice runs, no more melting bags in the cooler, no more lukewarm sodas on a hot day. For full-time RVers, weekend warriors, and boondockers alike, an ice maker changes the game.

The challenge? RVs have limited space, limited power, and the road can be bumpy. Not every ice maker is built for life on the move. In this guide, we break down the best ice makers for RV use, considering factors like size, weight, power consumption, and durability. Whether you're a weekend camper or living the van life full-time, there's an option for you.

What to Look for in an RV Ice Maker

Choosing an ice maker for an RV is different from choosing one for your kitchen. Here's what matters most:

**Size and Footprint**: Counter space is at a premium in most RVs. Look for a compact model with a small footprint. Most portable ice makers are about 10" x 14", which fits on most RV counters.

**Weight**: If you'll be moving the ice maker frequently (storing it while driving, pulling it out when set up), go for something lightweight. The best portable models weigh 15-25 pounds.

**Power Consumption**: This is the big one for RVers. Most portable ice makers draw 150-250 watts when running, which means they work fine on shore power but can be heavy on batteries or generators. If you boondock often, look for energy-efficient models or consider a 12V option.

**Durability**: RV life means bumps, vibration, and temperature extremes. Look for machines with solid build quality and good warranties. Avoid flimsy models that might fall apart on rough roads.

**Ice Production vs. Demand**: How much ice do you actually need? For 2 people, 20-26 lbs/day is plenty. For families or groups, look for 30+ lbs/day.

**Ease of Draining**: RVs don't always have convenient drains. Look for models with easy drain plugs so you can empty water before travel.

**Noise Level**: In a small RV, a noisy ice maker can be annoying. Look for models rated at 50 dB or lower.

Frigidaire EFIC189 — Best Overall RV Ice Maker

The Frigidaire EFIC189 is our top pick for RV use because it strikes the perfect balance of size, weight, performance, and price. At just 14.1 pounds, it's one of the lightest full-capacity ice makers on the market, making it easy to move between storage and countertop.

The EFIC189 produces 26 pounds of bullet ice per day—plenty for most RVers. The first batch is ready in just 6-8 minutes, so you're never waiting long for ice. The 2.3-quart water reservoir is a good size for a portable unit, and the LED indicator lights let you know when the basket is full or water is low.

One of the best features for RV use is the self-cleaning function. When you're living on the road, convenience is everything, and being able to clean the machine with the push of a button saves time and effort. The machine also drains easily—just pull the plug at the bottom.

Power draw is about 175 watts during ice production, which means it works fine on 15-amp shore power circuits. It will also run on most 300-watt+ inverters if you have battery bank setups. Just keep in mind that it's an AC unit, not 12V DC, so you'll need shore power or an inverter to run it.

At around $119, it's reasonably priced and widely available. If it breaks on the road, you can usually find a replacement at a Walmart or Target, which is a big plus for travelers.

Igloo ICEB26RR — Best Budget Option

If you only need an ice maker for occasional camping trips and don't want to spend much, the Igloo ICEB26RR is a solid choice. At under $100, it's one of the most affordable reliable ice makers you can buy.

Don't let the low price fool you—the ICEB26RR produces 26 pounds of ice per day, matching much more expensive models. The first batch takes about 7 minutes, and the 3-pound ice basket is actually slightly larger than the Frigidaire's. The retro design (available in red, turquoise, and other fun colors) adds a bit of camping charm.

The main trade-off at this price is build quality. The plastic housing feels less substantial, and there's no self-cleaning function. You'll need to manually clean it with vinegar or ice maker cleaner, which isn't hard but adds a step.

For occasional use—weekend trips, tailgating, family vacations—the Igloo ICEB26RR delivers excellent value. It's not the best choice for full-time RVers who will use it every day, but for recreational campers, it's hard to beat the price.

Just keep in mind that at 21 pounds, it's a bit heavier than the Frigidaire. And like all portable ice makers, it needs 110V power, so you'll need shore power or a generator/inverter.

12V Ice Makers for Off-Grid Camping

If you camp off-grid without shore power, you might be wondering about 12V ice makers. The short answer: true 12V portable ice makers are rare, and most aren't great. The better solution for off-gridders is usually a 12V portable freezer/refrigerator that can also make ice.

Dometic is the gold standard in portable 12V refrigeration. Their CFX series of compressor coolers can freeze water solid and keep food frozen at temperatures as low as -7°F. While they don't make ice in the traditional sense (you fill trays and freeze them), they do produce perfectly good ice cubes and give you the added benefit of refrigeration.

A 30L Dometic CFX draws about 45 watts when the compressor is running, which is much more efficient than running an inverter + portable ice maker setup. It can run directly off your RV's 12V battery system, and many boondockers report running them for days on solar alone.

The downside? Price. A 30L Dometic CFX costs around $499—significantly more than a portable ice maker. But it's also much more versatile, keeping food cold or frozen AND making ice. For serious off-grid campers, it's often the better investment.

If you're set on a true 12V ice maker, there are a few small Chinese-made models on Amazon, but reviews are mixed. Most RVers we've talked to prefer the 12V freezer approach for reliability.

Power Considerations for RV Ice Makers

Power is the biggest concern when adding any appliance to an RV. Here's what you need to know:

**Shore Power**: If you always camp with hookups, any portable ice maker will work fine. They draw 150-250 watts, which is well within the limits of even 15-amp campground circuits.

**Generator Power**: A 2000-watt generator can easily run a portable ice maker along with a few other small appliances. We still recommend running it during the day when you're using other things anyway rather than running the generator just for ice.

**Inverter + Batteries**: If you have an inverter and battery bank, you can run a portable ice maker on DC power converted to AC. Figure roughly 200 watts of draw, which means: - 100Ah 12V battery = about 6 hours of runtime (the ice maker cycles, so actual time is longer) - Solar panels can help recharge during the day - We recommend at least 200Ah of battery capacity for comfortable all-day use

**12V Compressor Coolers**: As mentioned above, Dometic and other brands make 12V compressor freezers that can make ice. These are much more efficient for off-grid use since they skip the inverter conversion losses.

**Tips for saving power**: - Run the ice maker during the day when solar is charging - Transfer finished ice to your freezer or cooler - Don't run it 24/7—run it in batches as needed - Keep the machine in a cool, well-ventilated spot

Ultimately, most RVers find that a portable ice maker + shore power is the simplest, most affordable solution. If you boondock frequently, a 12V compressor cooler is worth the investment.

Tips for Using an Ice Maker in Your RV

Living with an ice maker in an RV is slightly different than at home. Here are our best tips:

**Secure it for travel**: Always empty the water reservoir and ice basket before driving. Secure the machine so it doesn't slide around—use a non-slip mat or bungee cords.

**Use filtered water**: RV water quality varies wildly from campground to campground. Use filtered or bottled water in your ice maker to reduce mineral buildup and ensure great-tasting ice.

**Clean it regularly**: RV environments are dusty and the machine gets jostled around. Clean monthly with ice maker cleaner to prevent mold and scale.

**Ventilation is key**: Portable ice makers generate heat and need good airflow. Don't stuff it in a cabinet or corner. Leave several inches of clearance around all sides, especially the back where the compressor is.

**Don't overfill**: When you're bouncing down the road, water can slosh out if the reservoir is too full. Fill to about 80% for travel days.

**Consider a dedicated spot**: If you have the space, find a permanent home for the ice maker on a counter or shelf. Constantly moving it increases the chance of damage.

**Have a backup plan**: Machines break, especially on bumpy roads. Keep a couple of ice trays in your freezer as backup, or know where the nearest grocery store is for emergency ice runs.

With a little planning, an ice maker is one of those RV upgrades that makes you wonder how you ever camped without one.

Final Recommendation

For most RVers, the **Frigidaire EFIC189** is the best choice. It's lightweight, compact, fast, reliable, and affordable. It works well with shore power and has the self-cleaning feature that makes maintenance easy on the road.

If you're on a tight budget or only camp occasionally, the **Igloo ICEB26RR** gives you reliable ice production for under $100. It's not as well-built as the Frigidaire, but it gets the job done.

For off-grid boondockers who want both refrigeration and ice, a **Dometic 12V compressor freezer** is the way to go. It's more expensive but gives you dual functionality and true 12V efficiency.

Whichever you choose, having fresh ice on demand is one of life's small luxuries that make road trips and camping just a little bit better. Stay cool out there!

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