GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Review Portable Countertop Machine with Voice Control and Self-Cleaning

Description

A Sleek and Feature-Packed Ice Maker

The GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Countertop (Model H717D) made its way into my kitchen, and it’s been a game-changer. This compact yet innovative ice machine promises a wealth of features like voice control, rapid ice production, and adjustable ice sizes, all wrapped in a sleek silver design. I tested it extensively, and while there are plenty of positives, a few quirks stood out.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the build quality feels impressive. It’s compact enough to fit comfortably on my countertop without looking bulky, measuring 12.52 x 9.45 x 13.11 inches. The silver finish gives it a modern, polished appearance, making it blend seamlessly with my kitchen appliances. The RGB lighting on the ice basket adds a fun, customizable touch—I set mine to a calming blue that matches my kitchen’s vibe. However, I noticed the machine needs a bit of breathing room, requiring at least a 4-inch clearance on all sides for proper airflow. That’s something to consider if you’re working with limited countertop space.

Performance and Ice Quality

I was genuinely impressed with the performance of this machine. Within just 6 minutes, it churns out 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes. The option to choose between small, medium, and large ice sizes is a great touch. I found the medium size perfect for my iced coffee, while the larger cubes worked well for cocktails. The 2-liter water tank ensures there’s plenty of ice for parties or family gatherings, producing up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a freezer, so you’ll need to transfer the ice to your freezer for long-term storage.

Key Benefits

• Voice Control & Wi-Fi Connectivity: It pairs seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing me to schedule ice-making or check the status without leaving my couch.
• Self-Cleaning Functionality: Pressing a single button initiates a 10-minute self-cleaning cycle, which is a lifesaver for maintaining hygiene.
• Smart Monitoring: The app notifies you when the ice basket is full or when water levels are low, which I found incredibly convenient.
• Customizable RGB Lighting: Personalizing the basket’s lighting adds a fun and modern twist.

Effortless Smart Features

The Wi-Fi-enabled app integration is where this ice maker truly shines. Scheduling ice production in advance through the app is so convenient, especially when hosting friends. I also appreciated the beeping alerts, which you can disable in the app if they get annoying. One issue I encountered here was the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi limitation, as I had to tweak my router settings for compatibility. That might not be a big deal for most, but it’s worth mentioning.

Limitations

• No Cooling Function: The lack of a cooling feature means the ice begins to melt if left in the basket. You’ll need to use or store it quickly.
• Wi-Fi Restrictions: Only supports 2.4GHz networks, which could be a hassle for some users.
• Counter Space Requirements: The need for 4-inch clearance around the machine might limit placement options.

Efficient and Hygienic Cleaning

I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate the self-cleaning feature until I used it. With just the press of a button, the machine takes care of itself, ensuring the ice stays fresh and clean. The app even allows you to customize the cleaning intervals, which is a nice touch. I tested the machine with purified water, and it noticeably reduced ice cube sticking, which was a minor annoyance with my old ice maker.

Product Competitors

There are plenty of competing products in the countertop ice maker market, but this one stands out for its smart capabilities. Compared to a traditional ice maker like the GE Profile Opal, the Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control of this machine feel more advanced. However, the Opal comes with a larger ice storage capacity and a built-in cooling feature, which could be a deciding factor for some. On the flip side, many budget-friendly options lack features like customizable ice sizes or self-cleaning, making this product a well-rounded choice for tech-savvy users.

True Value

For me, the price-to-quality ratio hits a sweet spot. While there are cheaper ice makers on the market, they often lack the premium features this one offers. The combination of voice control, rapid ice production, and smart monitoring feels worth the investment. Plus, the ETL certification gives me peace of mind about safety and reliability.

Adverse Aspects

• Limited Ice Storage: The basket holds just 1.5 lbs of ice, which might not be enough for larger gatherings.
• Beeping Alerts: While helpful, the beeping can get annoying until you disable it via the app.
• Dependent on Smart Features: If you’re not into using apps or voice assistants, you might not take full advantage of what this machine offers.

This machine balances modern smart features with solid performance, making it a strong contender in the countertop ice maker category. Despite its few quirks, it’s a well-designed and efficient product that has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen.

Additional information