1
Voltage Gate
PASSDevice output type must match generator output.
120V required -> 120V available
Can the Explorer 500 Run a Portable Ice Maker? It Depends on Your Model
2 of 3 models are compatible with this generator.
Jump to model-specific results ↓Power Margin Analysis
500W / 1000W Capacity Running 50W to 368W headroom by model
132W to 450W required
Surge Up to 606W headroom on lighter models; 350W short on demanding models
394W to 1350W required
Decision Gate Waterfall
Same decision gates as the engine: voltage, running, surge. Runtime is shown as operational context.
2
Running Gate
PASSContinuous draw with safety buffer applied.
132W to 450W required -> 500W available (50W to 368W headroom)
Required 132W to 450W required
Available 500W
3
Surge Gate
PARTIALStartup peak with safety buffer applied.
394W to 1,350W required -> 1,000W available (606W headroom on lighter models)
Required 394W to 1,350W required
Available 1,000W
4
Runtime Insight
INFORuntime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.
Continuous estimate: 1.0h
Device profile reference: up to 4h per day.
Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.
View full compatibility reportDecision Snapshot
Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.
⚡
500W
Running Power
🔋
518.4Wh
Capacity
⏱️
~1h
Est. Runtime
☀️
112.5W
Solar Input
Quick Compatibility Check
- 1 2 of 3 models are compatible with the Explorer 500.
- 2 Model requirements range from 105W to 360W running watts.
- 3 See the model-specific results table for per-model verdicts.
Model-Specific Results
2 of 3 models are SAFE or TIGHT. Most demanding model: GE Profile Opal 2.0 (XPIO13SCSS) — Nugget (1,080W surge).
| Model | Running | Surge | Verdict | Runtime | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 (XPIO13SCSS) — Nugget | 360W | 1,080W | Fail | — | OEM Verified |
Show expert analysisTechnical: The Opal 2.0 is the highest-draw variant in this set at 360W. Unlike basic bullet ice makers, nugget models use both a compressor and an auger to crush and form chewable ice, pushing power demand well above the 100–120W typical of bullet units. Field note: At 360W this is not the lightweight camping load many expect. Verify your station can sustain it before hauling it to a tailgate — a 500W station works, but leaves little headroom for anything else. Can a portable power station run a countertop ice maker? Yes — the worst-case countertop ice maker in our set draws 360W running with an estimated 1080W startup surge. Any station rated above that threshold handles even the most power-hungry nugget models. Simpler bullet-style makers draw far less. Startup surge is modest (3x running) and rarely the bottleneck — battery capacity determines session length, not whether you can start the machine. | |||||
| Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver — Bullet | 105W | 315W | Safe | ~3.5h | OEM Manual |
Show expert analysisTechnical: A basic bullet ice maker drawing only 105W. The small hermetic compressor produces minimal startup inrush — estimated at 315W, well within reach of even the smallest portable power stations. Field note: At 105W this pairs with virtually any power station in the catalog. The real camping question is runtime: a 300Wh station gives roughly 2 hours of active ice production before needing a recharge. Can a portable power station run a countertop ice maker? Yes — the worst-case countertop ice maker in our set draws 360W running with an estimated 1080W startup surge. Any station rated above that threshold handles even the most power-hungry nugget models. Simpler bullet-style makers draw far less. Startup surge is modest (3x running) and rarely the bottleneck — battery capacity determines session length, not whether you can start the machine. | |||||
| Igloo IGLICEB26HNSS — Bullet | 120W | 360W | Safe | ~3.0h | OEM Manual |
Show expert analysisTechnical: A 120W bullet ice maker with a carry handle designed for portability. Draws 2A at 120V with a small hermetic R134a compressor producing minimal startup inrush. Field note: The carry handle and light weight make this the most camping-friendly option in the set. Pair it with a mid-range station (500Wh+) for a full afternoon of ice at a campsite. Can a portable power station run a countertop ice maker? Yes — the worst-case countertop ice maker in our set draws 360W running with an estimated 1080W startup surge. Any station rated above that threshold handles even the most power-hungry nugget models. Simpler bullet-style makers draw far less. Startup surge is modest (3x running) and rarely the bottleneck — battery capacity determines session length, not whether you can start the machine. | |||||
How This Pairing Performs Across Our Database
This unit is outside the compatible set; 27 of 33 generators pass SAFE/TIGHT for this device.
How Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) Performs Across 33 Tested Generators
27 of 33 generators are SAFE+TIGHT for Portable Ice Maker (Countertop).
27
Safe+Tight
Safe 26 (79%)
Tight 1 (3%)
Fail 6 (18%)
Power Comparison: Jackery Explorer 500 vs Top Alternatives for Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)
Jackery Explorer 500 Fail
Current unit
Running 500W
Surge 1,000W
Fit class uses buffered needs (running and surge) for this device.
Specs & Surge Analysis
⚡
Outdoor & RV
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)
Outdoor Ice Making / Tailgating
Select Your Model:
360W
Running
1080W
Surge
120V
Required
True Surge™ Analysis
Safety Buffer: +25% Running Power Usage 26% to 90% Utilization
132W to 450W required 500W Capacity
50W to 368W headroom by model
Surge/Startup Peak 39% to 135% Utilization
394W to 1350W required 1000W Capacity
Up to 606W headroom on lighter models; 350W short on demanding models
Voltage Match 120V ↔ 120V ✓
Startup Surge Visual
Startup Surge
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) vs Explorer 500
Startup surge exceeds the power station limit. A soft starter may resolve the surge gap.
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Generator Insights
The 1000W surge capacity can handle typical motor-driven loads like small refrigerator compressors, sump pumps, or power tools that require brief startup bursts. The 518.4Wh capacity supports moderate runtime for essential devices during outages. This unit can support typical household backup needs where continuous draw stays within the 500W running limit.
This portable power station uses lithium battery chemistry with manufacturer-defined operating parameters. No third-party testing data or additional safety documentation was provided for review. Source: Jackery Explorer 500 Specs (Official) (manufacturer documentation).
Extend Runtime with Solar
Keep your Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) running with solar • MPPT: 12– 30V • Max: 112.5W
Official Jackery
100W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
Plug & Play
Full in ~7.4h 
Smart Value EcoFlow
110W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> DC7909
Full in ~6.7h Adapter required: MC4 -> DC7909.
Smart Value Goal Zero
100W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
Goal Zero proprietary -> Jackery proprietary adapter required
Full in ~7.4h Adapter required: Goal Zero proprietary -> Jackery proprietary adapter required.
Technical Analysis
Spec-Based • No GuaranteesTechnical Breakdown
Portable ice makers span a wide wattage range: basic bullet models draw 100-120W while nugget ice makers like the GE Opal reach 360W. All use small hermetic compressors with estimated 3x startup surge. The parent profile uses the highest variant to prevent under-sizing.
Expected Behavior
Estimated runtime: ~1h. Ice production cycles on and off — the compressor runs for a few minutes, rests while ice forms, then restarts. Average power over a session is lower than peak rated watts, extending effective runtime on battery.
Field Note
Know which type you have before sizing your station. A bullet maker (100-120W) runs all day on a mid-range battery. A nugget maker (360W) needs a station with at least 500W continuous output and enough capacity for the session length you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Jackery Explorer 500 power a Portable Ice Maker?
It depends on the model. 2 of 3 Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) models are compatible with the Jackery Explorer 500. See the model-specific results table for exact verdicts per model.
How long will the Explorer 500 run a Portable Ice Maker?
It depends on the model. Compatible models run approximately 3.0–3.5 hours on the Explorer 500. 1 of 3 models are not compatible. See the model-specific results for details.
What Else Can You Run?
With 25W allocated to the Portable Ice Maker (Countertop), the Explorer 500 still has ~15W of margin. These devices could run simultaneously:
💡
LED Lamp
10W
📡
Wifi Router
15W
Power Tip: To get the most out of your Explorer 500, keep it in a well-ventilated area. Extreme temperatures can slightly reduce the efficiency of the LFP/NMC cells.
Compare all 33 generators for the Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)
Ranked by budget, runtime, and overall compatibility.
Technical Sourcing & Verification
ID: jackery-explorer-500-portable-ice-maker 🏛️ Device Data Source
Engineering Est. Safety Factor Applied
Derived from variant list (max of variants). Running worst case = GE Profile Opal 2.0 XPIO13SCSS (360W OEM from geappliances.com spec page). Surge worst case = GE Profile Opal 2.0 (1080W, 3x compressor startup estimate — no OEM LRA published for any variant).
⚡ Generator Specs Source
OEM Verified
Jackery Explorer 500 User Manual
Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable.
Our methodology →
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