Choosing the best Chinese flake ice machine for your home can be confusing at first. You don't want to buy one that provides more ice than you'll ever need or one that produces too little. Finding one that fits your needs involves knowing what it is you are trying to accomplish and how often you'll want to use it at full capacity.

To help, we've tried out several on the market today and determined what it is you need to determine before making a purchase. Here are several key features and functionalities to look for so you can make the best possible choice for your home needs.

• Space Availability: Although you may have a use in mind for your ice machine, the first thing to consider is what type of space is available for one. Fortunately, ice makers come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These can be countertop, under-counter, freestanding, or portable. Most ice machines require space near a water source and an electrical outlet, so consider these factors as you search for the perfect spot.

• Ice Maker Type: The type of ice maker you choose will depend on how you plan to use it. If you want to entertain often, add a freestanding or countertop model to your home bar or entertainment area. If you want to pull out your flake ice maker during children's parties or on scorching hot summer afternoons, you most likely only need a portable unit to which you add your own ice and have it crushed or flaked for use in snowcones or other treats.

• Ice Variety: Do you want a unit that makes only flake ice or offers you a choice of different ice types? Your type choices include nugget ice, cube ice, crescent ice, flake ice, and delicately shaved ice. While it is difficult to find a do-it-all ice maker, you do have some variety in the units available today.

• Amount of Ice Needed: If this is your first ice machine purchase, you may find it challenging to determine how much ice you need overall. Ask yourself how often you will need flake ice. Will it just be for special events for a small group? Or do you plan to install one near your home bar for entertaining regularly? There are ice machines that make up to 99 lbs. of ice in a 24-hour period and hold a capacity of 29 lb.s at any given time, which is great for entertaining larger groups.

• Drainage: Where there's ice, there's water. Proper drainage capabilities are essential. Most ice machines added to homes today, such as countertop or freestanding, usually allow for 1 of 2drain options: Gravity or drain pumps. The drainage you choose often depends on how close you will be setting up your ice maker to a working sink drain. If it is around 2' away, a gravity drain works well. The other option is a drain pump for those ice machines not placed near sinks or without a way to move downwards toward a drain.

Electrical Setup: The majority of ice makers require either a 115-volt or a 220-volt outlet. Standard wall outlets in your home usually are 115-volt receptacles. For the larger, commercial-style ice machines, the outlets look like your washer and dryer outlets.