I Put a Cheap Menards Ice Maker Through a 30-Day Kitchen Test

I Put a Cheap Menards Ice Maker Through a 30-Day Kitchen Test

I was at Menards for a box of deck screws and a gallon of paint when I saw it: a stack of budget-friendly units sitting right by the checkout. My fridge's built-in dispenser has been dead since the Bush administration, and the thought of another 10-pound bag of gas station ice was enough to make me grab a menards ice maker on the spot. It was an impulse buy, fueled by the promise of an 11% rebate and the desperate need for a cold glass of water.

The Hardware Store Impulse Buy: Why I Bought This Machine

There is something uniquely Midwestern about buying your kitchen appliances in the same building where you buy 2x4s and lawn fertilizer. The menards countertop ice maker is positioned as the ultimate convenience item. It is cheap, it is available right now, and if you time it right, that rebate check basically pays for the first few months of electricity.

I didn't expect a commercial-grade powerhouse. I just wanted something that didn't require me to crack plastic trays over the sink like a caveman. I tossed the portable ice maker menards carries into my cart, grabbed my paint, and headed home to see if it could actually survive a humid July in my kitchen.

Quick Takeaways

  • Produces first batch of 9 cubes in roughly 8 minutes.
  • Small footprint fits under most standard 18-inch cabinets.
  • Ice is 'wet' and melts faster than freezer-made cubes.
  • The fan is loud enough to be heard from the next room.

Unboxing and Build Quality: Is It Just a Rebranded Generic?

Straight out of the box, the build quality is exactly what you would expect for the price point. It is mostly lightweight plastic and feels a bit hollow. When you compare it to a portable countertop ice maker in stainless steel, the difference in heft is immediately apparent. The stainless units feel like appliances; this feels like a gadget.

The internal basket is thin, and the water reservoir holds about 2 liters. The compressor is surprisingly small, which explains why the unit is so light. However, the lid is clear, which is great for obsessive ice-checkers like me. Just don't expect heavy-duty insulation. If you leave the ice in the basket, it starts melting back into the reservoir within 20 minutes.

The 30-Day Ice Test: Does It Actually Keep Up?

I ran this countertop ice maker menards sells for 30 days straight. I never turned it off. Here is the reality: the '26 lbs per day' claim is based on a lab environment that is probably 60 degrees. In a real kitchen, you are looking at closer to 15 or 18 lbs. The first batch comes out thin and cloudy. By the third hour, the machine hits its stride and produces solid, bullet-shaped ice.

The biggest issue is the 'wet ice' phenomenon. Because the storage basket isn't refrigerated—only insulated—the ice is constantly at the melting point. When you dump it into a drink, it's fine. But if you try to bag it and put it in your freezer, it will turn into one giant, unusable brick of frozen slush. I also noticed that the white plastic housing stains easily. If I were buying again, I would look for a black ice maker to hide the inevitable kitchen grime and fingerprints.

A Quick Note on the Seasonal Aisle (And That Ice Cream Machine)

While I was grabbing the ice maker, I couldn't help but notice the menards ice cream maker sitting on the next shelf. It's the classic canister style that requires you to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before use. It's a fun $40 distraction for a weekend project with kids, but it suffers from the same build-quality issues as the ice maker. It’s loud, it’s plastic, and it’s destined to live in the back of your pantry by October. If you have the counter space, go for it, but don't expect artisanal results.

The Verdict: Should You Skip the Hardware Store Aisle?

Is the Menards unit a hidden gem? Not exactly. It’s a functional, entry-level machine that gets the job done if you’re in a pinch. It’s perfect for a dorm room, a small RV, or as a temporary fix while you wait for a repairman. However, if you are a heavy ice user who wants clear, hard cubes that don't melt the second they hit your glass, this isn't the machine for you.

The noise level alone might drive you crazy if you have an open-concept living area. If you want something that lasts more than two summers, you are better off spending the extra money on a dedicated ice maker from a brand that focuses on cooling technology rather than lumber and hardware. Keep your receipt—you might need that warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud is the Menards ice maker?

It sounds like a small dishwasher or a loud computer fan. You will definitely notice it running in a quiet kitchen, but it is not loud enough to drown out a conversation.

Does it make nugget ice?

No. It makes 'bullet' ice, which is hollow in the middle. It is crunchy and easy on the teeth, but it is not the soft, chewable nugget ice you get at fast-food chains.

How often do I need to clean it?

At least once every two weeks. Because the water sits in a plastic reservoir, it can develop a 'plastic' taste or even slime if you don't run a vinegar flush through it regularly.