Home Improvement Topics

Regular vacuuming is the key to keeping your carpets, rugs, and even hard floors looking their absolute best, but with so many different types and styles of floor care products available, finding the right one for your floor can be difficult, as consumers are offered a wide variety of vacuum choices. Nevertheless, there are many brands and models of solidly build vacuums that will last you several years without any maintenance problems. The type of vacuum cleaner you choose will greatly depend on your specific floor care needs and tastes. This brief Vacuum Cleaner How-To Guide will outline the important features to look for when purchasing a vacuum and help you decide which vacuum will best suit your needs.

Types of Vacuums

For residential use, upright and canister vacuums are usually the most popular vacuum options, but for specific areas such as furniture, hard floors, a cordless or stick vacuum may be able to do the job more efficiently. See below for an overview of some common vacuum types:

Upright vacuums are ideal for cleaning large, carpeted surfaces, and they are usually more efficient than canister models. However, canister vacuums may be more versatile, as they can clean many hard-to-reach spots such as stairs and furniture and they also offer greater mobility.

Handheld, or cordless vacuums are usually either battery or electrical powered and used for cleaning up specific spots that may be difficult to reach with a traditional upright or canister vacuum, such as chairs or even automobile interiors.

Stick vacuums look very much like upright vacuums, but offer less power. They are convenient, ideal for smaller areas such as rooms and apartments, and are relatively inexpensive.

For industrial or commercial applications, drum vacuums and backpack vacuums seem to work best.

Drum vacuums sit on top of an industrial drum and use it as the waste or recovery container of the vacuum.

Backpack vacuums, on the other hand, essentially work like canister vacuums and allow for rapid cleaning of large areas. There are straps that help carry the vacuum's canister on the user's back.

Vacuum Features to Consider

1. Motor Power- This is usually measured in amps and determines the amount of current used by a vacuum's motor. While this measurement is important, higher amps do not necessarily equate greater cleaning power. Instead, airflow is a greater indicator of a vacuum's effectiveness.

2. Air Flow - Without airflow, there is no way for a vacuum to pull dirt and carry it away. This is usually measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM.

3. Suction - This demonstrates the pulling power of a vacuum's motor, and strong suction power is especially needed when a vacuum is used on thick, plush carpeting.

4. Construction - Vacuums can be made of either plastic or metal, but as a rule, metal vacuum cleaners are generally more durable.

5. Dust Collection - There are bagged vacuums (usually composed of thick paper) or bagless models which use cyclonic technology and a plastic container to catch dust and dirt. Both systems are effective, and your choice will usually be based on personal preference.

6. Cord Length - Be sure that the cord of the model you choose is long enough for you to effectively clean an area of your home without having to change outlets.

7. Filtration System - Bagged vacuums do not usually utilize filtration systems, but bagless varieties can often boast sophisticated filtration systems which can filter out pollen and dust particles up to a certain micron size. Vacuums with filtration systems are generally a bit more expensive, but they can be extremely helpful for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

8. Comfort - Test out a vacuum before making a purchase, and see how it maneuvers and whether it is comfortable enough for continued use.

9. Noise Levels - If noise is an important factor, be sure to choose a model that keeps noise considerations in mind. Some manufacturers have designed vacuums with insulated materials around the motors as a way to decrease noise, and central vacuums also tend to produce much less noise than conventional vacuums.

10. Additional Tools - Detachable hoses, extensions, and upholstery brushes are just some examples of tools that can be included with a vacuum. Decide which accessories you will need to clean and make sure it is included with the model you choose.

Bagless vacuums have been steadily increasing in popularity, and bagless vacuum manufacturers have been praising the benefits of these vacuums over traditional units because they are supposedly "maintenance-free." Nevertheless, because bagless vacuum technology is still in its infancy, many consumers may not fully understand these types of vacuum systems, and further explanation is needed.

Bagged Vacuums:

PROS:
- Provide neat disposal of debris and dust.
- Offer better and more efficient performance than bagless vacuums over the life of the unit.

CONS:
- Vacuum bags need to be regularly replaced.
- Dust can leak out of the bag and exhaust it back into the room.

Electric domestic vacuum cleaners have been in production for nearly a century, with early models utilizing pillow cases for bagged collection. Bagged vacuum cleaners are the vacuums most people are familiar with: a replaceable bag acts filters and traps dirt while allowing air to flow through the bag, and these bags must be replaced when full.

In the past, vacuum bags were often composed of thin, porous paper with a cardboard collar to connect the bag to the vacuum cleaner. Due to the porosity of these bags, smaller dust and dirt particles were sometimes leaked, and if a vacuum had a cloth or vinyl zippered bag, dust particles could be exhausted back into the air. Vacuums with metal or plastic housing could also result in dust settling on the inside of this type of housing.

However, disposable vacuum bags have come a long way in the past decade, as most manufacturers are now designing 3-ply bags or those with cotton liners that filter far better than just standard paper alone. Some manufacturers even make vacuum bags that are composed of materials such as spun cotton, and these types of vacuum bags have even greater filtration abilities. Moreover, most modern vacuum bags have a cardboard or plastic enclosure which allows you to cover the hole in the bag before disposal, and this helps prevent dust from leaking back out.

Bagless Vacuums

PROS:
- Do not require replacement bags.

CONS:
- Use filters for the exhausting air which need to be replaced.
- Requires regular maintenance of the dust collecting bin and filter to ensure optimal performance.

Like the name suggests, a bagless vacuum is a vacuum cleaner that does not require a separate collection bag inside, as it is designed where dirt is collected in a compartment within the vacuum and can be emptied directly into the garbage. As such, bagless manufacturers often claim that bagless vacuums are cost-effective because there is no need to purchase separate bags.

Modern bagless vacuums are generally of the Filtered Cyclonic style. In order to remove dust and debris from the carpet, bagless vacuums use this cyclonic technology to separate particulates from the main air stream, and these are later deposited into the clear, plastic dust compartment. Unfortunately, the problem with cyclonic technology lies in the fact that only large dirt and debris particles are removed, and that fine dirt can sometimes exhaust back into the room. To overcome this one caveat, all bagless vacuums utilize filters to capture these smaller, hard-to-capture particulates. Therefore, while it may be true that over a number of years, substantial savings could be had from using a bagless vacuum, as it can eliminate the need to purchase vacuum bags, replacement filters are still a necessary expense, and these can cost upwards of $50 per filter and should be changed every year.

Those contemplating purchasing a bagless vacuum should also keep in mind that in addition to disposing the dirt inside the dirt compartment, you may have to periodically wash the dirt cup inside the vacuum from time and even unclog the cyclonic filter cup. Also, when the bagless vacuum is filled with dirt and needs to be emptied, this should only be done outside, as dumping the container elsewhere may result in the re-spreading of dirt within your home.

Ultimately, whether a vacuum cleaner uses a bagless filter or disposable bags, all of these will need to be replaced at some point, and you should expect to spend the same amount of money on either collection system for filters or bags in the average life of a vacuum.

Choosing a vacuum cleaner can be confusing for many consumers, and the number of vacuum types and options can seem bewildering. When it comes to vacuum cleaners, there are just as many choices as there are uses, and although some may think that vacuums simply remove dirt and dust from carpeting, many of today's modern vacuums can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. In addition to the ubiquitous upright vacuum and cyclonic bagless vacuum, there are also specialty vacuums to help you cope with hardwood floors, pet hair, asthma, and allergy problems. Therefore, not only will selecting the correct vacuum for your specific needs make your cleaning job easier, it will enhance the appearance of your floors. Here is a brief overview of the most common types of vacuums available on the market today:

Upright Vacuums are the most common type of vacuum, and these are great for cleaning large, clear carpeted surfaces. Upright vacuums have a pump that is mounted above the suction intake and a bag is mounted on the handle that is waist-high. These vacuums usually have mechanisms such as mechanical beaters and rotating brushes to help evenly distribute dust and debris. There are primarily two types of upright vacuums: single motor and dual motor. Single motor upright vacuums have a beater brush that is driven by the vacuum motor via belt, and on a dual motor upright vacuum, the vacuum and beater brush are driven by 2 separate motors.

Canister Vacuums are handy for hard-to-reach spots such as stairs, furniture, and upholstery. They feature a cylindrical design that houses a motor and bag in a separate canister unit which is then connected to the vacuum head by a hose. Generally speaking, upright vacuums have been shown to be more effective at cleaning carpets in independent tests, but because canister vacuums are usually lighter, they offer greater maneuverability.

Cordless Vacuums are very efficient for quick clean up of spills and messes, and they are also great for vacuuming the interior of cars or boats. These are usually either battery or electrically powered, but they have limited suction capabilities.

A Wet/Dry Vacuum is a form of canister vacuum and this is designed to handle liquid spills. They can usually accommodate wet and dry soilage, and some models are equipped with a switch or exhaust port for reversing airflow. This function is useful for everything from blowing dust into a specific area for easy collection or even clearing a clogged hose.

Robotic Vacuums are autonomous, compact vacuums that move around an area and vacuum until they cover the entire area. Some robotic vacuums are very advanced and offer features such as scheduling options, independent memory, and self-charging bases. Although these types of vacuums are only meant to supplement a standard, human-operated vacuum such as a canister or upright, they are great for daily or weekly touch-up cleanings in between regular vacuum sessions.

Stick Vacuums are convenient and lightweight, and they are best used for light vacuuming of areas like hard floors or carpet. They are versatile, relatively inexpensive, and include with many of the same attachments as upright vacuums.

Central Vacuums consist of a central power unit that is placed in a remote area such as a garage, utility room, and basement with wall inlet valves installed in various locations throughout a home. These valves are connected to the central unit with plastic tubing, and when vacuuming, the only the pickup head and hose needs to be moved from room to room. While central vacuums may be somewhat pricey to initially install, they have the ability to create more suction than conventional vacuums because their fans and motors do not have to be moved. Also, because of the remote location of central vacuums, they are less noisy.

Drum Vacuums are primarily used in industrial applications. A vacuum head sits atop an industrial drum and this drum is used as the waste or recovery container. Compressed air and electric powered drum vacuums are the most common types.

Back-Pack Vacuums, like Drum Vacuums, are used in commercial and industrial settings. They're essentially like canister vacuums, except there are straps that help carry the canister on a user's back, which also allows for rapid cleaning of large areas.

Overall, in addition to choosing a vacuum based on your specific cleaning needs, don't forget to also consider some important attributes of a vacuum such as the motor power, air flow, filtration system, cord length, and included attachments.

HEPA air purifiers have been on the market for a while, but there have also been some recent advances made in air purification technologies as of late. Many air purifier manufacturers are now utilizing Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology as a way of removing toxins from the air. This purification method may be the most advanced one yet, and some of the more advanced models are currently being offered by Airpura and Airsopure.

For years, PCO has been FDA approved for reducing bacteria in meat processing plants, and it is even used to cleanse pesticides from the fruits and vegetables we eat. Essentially, PCO filtration can be summed up as such: An intense light is reflected onto a metal surface which in turns oxidizes toxins from the air. In chemistry, photocatalysis is defined as the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst, and an example of this would be the oxidation of organic contaminants such as bacteria and mold using magnetic particles coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and agitated using a magnetic field that is exposed to UV light. Therefore, this type of air purification technology converts harmful particulates and toxic gases into safer compounds such as carbon dioxide and water.

PCO air purifiers use broad-spectrum UV light which reacts with a thin film of titanium dioxide, which, in the presence of water, creates hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions that "burn" VOCs and microorganisms adsorbed on the catalyst's surface. With that in mind, many consumers may mistake UV air purification with PCO technology, and rightfully so. However, while both types of air purifiers are similar in that they harness the oxidation properties of ultraviolet light, PCO purification systems utilize UV lamps with additional wavelengths. These additional wavelengths ensure a quicker reaction rate when it comes the degrading of toxic compounds that are polluting the air you breathe.

Because PCO technology is an extremely powerful purification method, PCO air purifiers have the ability to eliminate particles as small as 0.001 microns, including the tiny penetrating particles that can absorb into your lungs and cause damage (HEPA filters are only able to filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns). Studies have also shown that in addition to VOCs, toxic gases, and chemicals, photocatalytic air purifiers can also render gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide harmless - pollutants which can often escape standard air purifiers utilizing HEPA or ionic technology alone.

Those concerned with the possible health effects associated with PCO air purifiers will be glad to know that PCO air cleaners have been found to be much safer than ozone and ionization, and they work wonderfully well for those with asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Nonetheless, one should keep in mind that minute levels of ozone are created during the catalytic free radical generation process, but most PCO air purifiers only produce ozone levels in the 0.01 - 0.04 ppm range (0.05 ppm is the maximum level allowed by federal law for medical devices). Most people can detect ozone at 0.01 ppm, and the general rule of thumb for those with sensitive lungs is that if you can smell the air purifier working, you may not want to use it in your home.

A child's arrival can be one of life's most joyous occasions, and if you're expecting a baby, you may be focused on planning the baby shower or decorating the nursery. While finding interesting color schemes and baby furniture can be exciting, you may be unaware that many of the products commonly found in nurseries such as paint, furniture, and carpeting can emit harmful pollutants such as particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your baby's air.

Paying close attention to your child's indoor air quality is extremely important, as prolonged exposure to airborne pollutants can result in adverse health effects such as asthma, allergies, hay fever, and breathing difficulties. In fact, studies conducted by the EPA have shown that asthma afflicts approximately 6.3 million children, with the biggest growth in asthma cases occurring in children under five. Asthma also tends to be interrelated to allergies, with a large number of asthmatic children also suffering from severe allergies. Therefore, with this in mind, creating a natural baby nursery should take precedence over many other baby-planning activities, as clean air and a baby's immune system are inextricably linked.

As mentioned, VOCs often plague baby nurseries, and they can be found in products such as gasoline, nail polish, and paint thinners. In addition to being hazardous to your baby's health, VOCs harms the environment by contributing to ground-level ozone. Look to these tips to make your nursery as safe as possible.

Paint
VOCs are found in many paints and are released in the air as the paint dries. Before painting your nursery, be sure to look for paints that are low in both VOCs and odor. After the nursery is painted, keep the room well-ventilated by keeping windows open and fans on until there is no remaining odor. Children and pregnant women should also avoid going inside newly painted rooms for at least 72 hours, and if you must paint after the baby comes home, keep the child in another bedroom for a few weeks or until there is no odor.

Floors
Because infants and young children spend the majority of their time on the floor, look for safe floor coverings such as cotton hand-loomed rugs, natural carpet, or even carpet tiles. Also look for area rugs made of natural fibers such as sea grass, sisal, coir, hemp, or jute, as these are stylish, extremely durable, often cost less than wool. If you choose to use conventional carpet or rug, air it out in a ventilated area for a week before installation, or ask the carpet retailer to have it aired out and unrolled a week prior to installation and/or delivery.

Furniture
Beware of cribs, changing tables, dressers, and shelves made of laminated wood, pressed wood, fiberboard, or particle board, as these can eliminate formaldehyde due to the glue in the products. Instead, opt for solid wood cribs and furniture and use natural or chemical-free bedding.

To further protect your baby from pollutants, consider purchasing a high quality air purifier with HEPA and Activated Carbon. In fact, Austin Air has even created a product just for this purpose: the Baby's Breath Air Purifier ($299.99). Not only does this air purifier offer a high level of protection from a variety of airborne contaminants, it also creates a gentle hush that resembles the familiar sound your baby has enjoyed for nine months in the womb.

For those who live in cooler areas, increasing humidity levels in the home can also increase one's comfort levels. Indoor humidity levels in the winter should be around 30 to 40%, as winter air holds moisture, and when it is heated indoors, it becomes dryer, which then causes skin irritation, sinus attacks, and dry eyes. Using a humidifier can also be of benefit by doing the following:

1. Relieving dry sinuses
2. Reducing the possibility of winter infection by keeping the mucous membranes moist
3. Reducing static electricity shocks
4. Preventing valuables and furniture from cracking and warping

However, in the past, humidifiers were often loud appliances which had a tendency to expel particles in the air such as mineral dust. The good news is that the humidifiers now being produced are easier to maintain and relatively quiet. There are generally 2 types of humidifiers: cool mist and warm mist, and which one you choose generally boils down to a matter of taste, as both types of humidifiers raise humidity levels and will make you more comfortable. Here are some Pros and Cons of cool mist and warm mist humidifiers:

Cool Mist Humidifiers:
Cool mist humidifiers such as the Air King 9915 work by making water vapor though a rapidly turning disk within the water of the unit. Because this vapor is not heated, there is no risk of burning. A filter is also used to trap minerals and impurities, and a cool mist is then evaporated into the air. Cool mist humidifiers also include evaporative humidifiers, impeller humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers such as the Eva-Dry 2500i Ultrasonic Humidifier.

Pros:
- More comfortable in warm climates
- Cool mist is easier to breathe
- Relatively easy to clean
- More effective in large areas
- Safe to use around young children

Cons:
- Due to the fan noise (with the exception of ultrasonic humidifiers), cool mist may be noisier than warm mist units
- The wicks in evaporative humidifiers can get dirty and develop mold

Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers produce a soothing, warm mist and they include steam humidifiers and vaporizers. Although these types of humidifiers are less likely to grow mold and bacteria, they can cause burns. Vapor is made in these units by a steam-causing heat element. Because this method does not cause minerals to be deposited into the air, tap water can be used. However, because of the high temperature of the water, they're not recommended for those with young children.

Pros:
- Effective for treating colds and flu
- Quieter than cool mist units
- More comfortable in cooler climates and in the winter
- Cleaner mist than cool mist units

Cons:
- Covers smaller area when compared to cool mist humidifiers
- Can leave a room feeling muggy
- The hot steam can be dangerous and extremely hot

Also keep in mind that studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have shown that when used improperly, ultrasonic humidifiers can disperse materials such as microorganisms and minerals from their water tanks into indoor air, as microorganisms can often grow in stagnate water contained in these humidifier tanks. Therefore, to decrease exposure to these microorganisms and minerals, try to use bottled water instead of distilled water; empty the tank and wipe surfaces daily; do not permit the area around the humidifier to become wet; and also purchase a humidifier with an anti-bacterial filter to help sterilize the water in the tank.

Even though we're in the middle of winter, entertaining is a year-round tradition, and whether you're throwing a spectacular cocktail party at home or enjoying an outdoor picnic on a brisk afternoon, an icemaker may be of the most important (and overlooked) appliances necessary to ensure that your drinks stay cold and your party stays hot. Icemakers, whether installed in your refrigerator or as freestanding or portable units, allow you to have plenty of ice on hand when you need it. While installing an ice maker into your refrigerator is one of the most convenient options and will provide ample ice for most of your needs, there are some situations when a freestanding or portable icemaker may be more efficient.

For example, if you occasionally need ice cubes for water or cold drinks, a refrigerator with an automatic icemaker may work just fine. However, if you have a large family or small business that requires a constant, consistent, and large supply of ice, a freestanding icemaker may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you like the convenience of having ice in minutes wherever you go, a portable icemaker may work best.

Of course, with so many choices, many consumers may find icemakers confusing. However, this icemaker guide will help you find the right icemaker to best fit your needs. Before purchasing an icemaker, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. What advantages do freestanding or portable icemakers offer?
2. What features are most important to me?

Freestanding Icemakers
These units are an ideal solution for businesses or larger families where a standard ice maker can't keep up with demand and some can even be installed underneath a counter. Freestanding commercial icemakers also have the ability to produce different types of ice cubes, such as crushed ice or ice nuggets. In fact, some models such as the Franklin Chef FIM200 feature a large output of up to 260 pounds of ice cubes per day and are great for high-usage commercial applications. Here are some freestanding icemaker pros and cons:

Pros:
- Ability to produce many hundreds of pounds of ice per day
- Produces multiple types of ice cubes - flaked ice, crushed ice, standard cubes, or ice nuggets

Cons:
- May be somewhat noisy and bulky

Portable Icemakers
If you enjoy entertaining, are looking to fill up a cooler for a day of boating, or even just want to enjoy iced drinks in the convenience of your own home, a portable icemaker will ensure that you always have an ample supply of ice on hand. In fact, many portable icemakers even have the capability of making up to 50 pounds of ice in a day, making them ideal for outdoor kitchens or even bars. These units are also easy to install and maintain - simply add water, plug the ice maker in, and start enjoying fresh ice in just minutes. Also, like many commercial freestanding units, some portable icemakers such as the compact and affordable Newair AI-200SS, also allow you to choose from three different ice cube sizes.

Pros:
- Ideal for backyard barbecues or parties
- Simple to install
- Great for ice on the go
- Compact and unobtrusive

Cons:
- May not be suitable for commercial applications

Other Features to Consider
Icemakers, whether freestanding or commercial, can come in the form of simple, no-frill models or advanced units with different features such as self-cleaning functions, filters, and stainless steel construction.

For commercial icemakers, a self-cleaning feature, as found in the Franklin Chef FIM70, is extremely important, as this automatically empties the ice bin and cycles a cleaning solution through the unit so you don't have to. In fact, even many portable icemakers such as the NewAir AI-300S will also include this convenient function. In terms of water, most icemaker manufacturers will recommend that you use purified or bottled water in order to avoid foul smelling or tasting ice, and some icemakers have built-in filters to ensure perfectly tasting ice cubes. Lastly, portable or freestanding icemakers constructed of all-steel housing will also provide long-lasting dependability.

In early December 2007, Congress approved a new bill that would provide an additional $409 million to its Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, a program aimed at providing heating and cooling subsidies to those in financial need. Nevertheless, many political pundits are questioning whether this amount is enough, and home heating costs are still on the rise this winter.

Coincidentally, heating bills are rising at a time when utility companies across the country are now broadening their payment options for their customers, and this includes allowing credit cards to be used to pay for utility bills. According to a recent article and poll published by financial site, Creditcards.com, this may prove to be disastrous for many Americans, as the article notes that paying for living expenses with credit cards may be fine for those who can afford to pay off their balance every month, using a credit card to pay for an electric bill may not be a good idea for those who are prone to carrying a high revolving balance.

While more than 2/3 of the above poll's participants stated that they would try to keep their energy bills low by turning down their thermostat or by using other sources of heat such as supplemental space heaters, Perry Sioshansi, president of Menlo Energy Economics, a San Francisco based energy consulting company, notes that Americans will need to make better, long-term changes when it comes to their energy consumption habits. In fact, Sioshansi notes, "We all need to make those decisions when we buy appliances, when we're replacing appliances. When the light bulb goes out, buy the more efficient kind and put it in, get the more-energy-efficient insulation for the walls%u2026these are permanent things that improve the utilization of energy."

Because home heating costs can account for more than half of a household's energy bill, even seemingly small changes may result in substantial energy savings over the course of a season. In fact, many homeowners may not realize that simple adjustments to one's thermostat will reduce winter heating needs by approximately 15% - a return many families may find well worth the small sacrifice in comfort, and an energy-saving method that will hopefully decrease the need to find different ways to pay for inflated heating costs.

Regardless of what type of heating system you have, a small reduction in your household's temperature can make a huge difference in your fuel use. For every 1 degree Farenheit reduction you make, you can save 3 percent in total energy use - savings that will surely be welcomed during the winter season.

In addition, you may not realize that your home may have uneven heating patterns. If this is the case, an energy expert may be able to help adjust your system to address uneven temperatures. If these adjustments prove to be insufficient or if you still need additional heat in your home but do not wish to utilize your central heating system, a portable space heater can be also be used to reduce the overall temperature in cold spots.

Sometimes it's hard to imagine that icemakers have only been in existence since the last century or so. In the past, ice was hard to acquire, and in hotter climates, delivery services provided huge blocks of imported ice from either industrial refrigeration plants or colder climates. In some of the hottest parts of the world, ice was considered a luxury, and even for people in the United States, ice was extremely expensive. In other words, if you needed to keep your food cold and fresh, there was really no other choice.

However, the advent of the compact refrigerator in the 20th century brought food preservation and ice production into modern day homes, and in the 60's, automatic freezer icemakers made life even easier. Typically speaking, the process in which primitive freezer icemakers produce ice is fairly simple: water is poured into a mold, left in the freezer until it turns solid, and ice cubes are then extracted. Modern home icemakers found in most new refrigerators, on the other hand, are even more advanced and act almost like ice cube "assembly lines." These types of icemakers use electric motors, electrical heating units, and electrically operated water valves, and need to be powered by hooking the icemaker to the electrical circuit powering the refrigerator. In addition, the icemaker is then hooked up to the home water line in order to provide fresh water for the ice cubes.

While very convenient, many consumers often complain that their freezer icemakers are slow at making ice. Most freezer icemakers have the ability to turn a new batch of ice when the water in the icemaker has frozen, and this may take anywhere from 75 to 120 minutes. The length of time it takes to produce a batch of ice also depends on few other factors, such as the freezer temperature, the temperature of the room in which the freezer is located, and the humidity level. Also, another complaint about freezer icemakers is the quality of the ice being produced. For those living in areas with hard water chock full of minerals, this greatly affects the taste of ice cubes. Lastly, because the ice in freezer icemakers is stored in the refrigerator, these cubes can pick up odors from inside the freezer and refrigerator (especially from open food containers), and it is for these reasons that a portable ice maker may be more practical.

Portable icemakers have the main benefit of producing ice cubes quickly, and once the unit is plugged in, water is poured in, the size of the ice being made is set, and the ice making cycle begins, therefore eliminating the need for set up time or an adjustment period for the compressor to reach a specific temperature. In fact, many portable icemakers, such as the NewAir AI-210SS, can produce ice in as little as 6 minutes, making them a welcome addition to parties and gatherings. Also, with portable icemakers, you can control the size of your ice cubes and even your ice quality, as you can add either bottled or tap water into the unit, and some models such as the NewAir AI-300S offer you the flexibility of either using bottled water or connecting the unit to your home water line. As an added bonus, most portable ice makers do not require any draining or direct plumbing, and they are compact enough to be transported with ease.

Portable Icemaker Buying Tips:
1.When looking for an icemaker, consider how much ice you need to make in a given day, and use this as a key factor in your product selection. Most of the smaller portable icemakers are able to produce up to 35 pounds of ice per day, while commercial icemakers such as the Franklin Chef FIM400 can make up to 400 pounds of ice per day.
2.Decide whether you want to use bottled or tap water, or even if you want to connect the icemaker directly into your water line.

3.Keep in mind that most portable icemakers are not freezers, and they will not be able to store ice for extended periods of time.