Igloo ICEB26HNAQ 26-lbs Countertop Ice Maker Machine Review

Igloo ICEB26HNAQ (aka ICEB26HN) is portable countertop ice maker that produces up to 26 pounds of ice cubes in 24 hours.

Ice production

Igloo ICEB26HNAQ makes 9 ice cubes per batch. They are bullet shaped with hollow inside. Each batch takes 7-11 minutes to be made.

Igloo ICEB26HN can make ice cubes in two different sizes: small and large, however keep in mind that even so called “large” ice cubes are still rather small in size.

Bullet shaped ice cubes with hollow inside melt quicker than classic squared shaped ones, however they also have larger contact area so they do a better job of cooling drink.

Ice basket isn’t refrigerated so ice cubes slowly melt once made. If you want to store them for later use you will have to put them in freezer but they might freeze together into a clump which you will have to break apart with an ice pick (the longer you leave them to melt in ice basket the higher the chance).

Control panel

Control panel is pretty basic making it easy to use. There are only two buttons: for turning the unit on and selecting ice cube size.

Control panel also features 6 indicator lights:

• “S” – You have selected small ice cube size setting
• “L” – You have selected large ice cube size setting
• “Clean” – Unit is in self-cleaning mode.
• “Power” – Unit is turned on.
• “Add water” – Water reservoir is empty. Add more water to resume ice production.
• “Ice full” – Ice basket is full. Take out ice cubes to resume ice production.

Features

Igloo ICEB26HN has sensors to detect when ice basket is full or water reservoir empty. It also has other features like convenient carry handle, transparent lid (so you can see how much ice cubes are in the basket without having to open lid), removable ice basket and drain plug.

Only up to 1.25 lbs of ice cubes fit in ice basket which is less than most other countertop ice makers. Water reservoir capacity is 2 quarts.

Colors

Igloo ICEB26HN ice maker is available in different colors: Aqua (Igloo ICEB26HNAQ); black (Igloo ICEB26HNBK); white (Igloo ICEB26HNWHN); stainless steel and black (Igloo ICEB26HNSS); stainless steel and white (Igloo ICEB26HNSSWL).

The difference in model names signify the color of the unit so they all are technically the same ice maker.

Conclusions

Igloo ICEB26HNAQ is a decent ice maker for the money. It’s inexpensive but it’s not particularly better or worse than best ice makers in its price class. It’s very similar to them, essentially almost the same. If you are looking for a good ice maker machine you might also want to read our Best Portable/Countertop Ice Makers article.

Igloo ICEB26HN (ICEB26HNAQ / ICEB26HNBK / ICEB26HNWHN / ICEB26HNSS / ICEB26HNSSWL) Details/Specifications:

• Type: Freestanding / Portable / Countertop
• Ice output: up to 26 lbs per 24 hours
• Ice cubes per batch: 9
• Ice cube size options: 2
• Ice basket capacity: up to 1.25 lbs
• Water reservoir capacity: 64 oz / 1.9 liters
• Colors:
  • Igloo ICEB26HNAQ: Aqua color
  • Igloo ICEB26HNBK: Black color
  • Igloo ICEB26HNWHN: White color
  • Igloo ICEB26HNSS: Stainless steel & black
  • Igloo ICEB26HNSSWL: Stainless steel & white