How do you provide ice for guests?

Question

We are preparing to go live soon with our first STR and are looking at these options:
- Ice trays in freezer
- Ice maker in freezer
- Ice dispenser in fridge door
- Countertop ice maker
- Bag of ice in freezer
- Other options

I would like to understand the implications on:- Guest satisfaction - Ease of maintenance (cleaning, mechanical issues, etc.)- Sanitary and health concerns (COVID-19, etc.)

Thanks!

Collin Hays · Answer

Ice maker.

Account Closed · Answer

@James McQuirter depends on your market. We provide ice makers (separate appliances that just make ice) in the larger, luxury beach homes.  And ice makers in the fridge or ice trays in the smaller homes.  I would not pay for a separate ice maker appliance if you don’t need to.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Ice trays in freezers...

James McQuirter · Answer

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Randy Dubiskas · Answer

Beware of Samsung refrigerators - I bought a house with a brand new one with ice make and dispenser in the door.  The part that rotates broke or does not rotate so no ice comes out.  I checked with appliance repair places - nobody has the part or wants to fix it.

Soooo....I put ice trays in the freezer.  No complaints.  Nothing in the reviews.

John Underwood · Answer

Ice maker in fridge. People can get extra bagged ice if they need it.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Ice maker in the fridge. People can pick up their own bag of ice at any gas station or grocery.

Torrey Taralli · Answer

I just use the ice maker in the freezer. We are in a beach town so I assume lots of cooler use and have never had a guest mention it.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @James McQuirter, I have a small built in ice maker in the fridge and I dedicated the top freezer drawer to ice. There is a large ice bucket in there with 12 ice trays. I ask the guests to fill them up before they leave and it has worked great for 5 years now.

Our house is on the lake and people are going to fill up coolers. I make sure that ice bucket (large rectangle)is full before each guest.

How do you provide ice for guests?

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