The ice lamp (not to be confused with a gas light) designed for drying gel polish on nails is a plastic case with functional LEDs built into the inside. LED devices for manicure and pedicure are a kind of "followers" of traditional UV devices. In the nail industry, this type of gadget is considered the most economical in terms of energy consumption and quality in terms of its functional properties.

LED lamp features

The main characteristics that distinguish an LED lamp from its counterparts are:

  • a long period of good “service” of the gadget to its user (most models have a reserve of LEDs up to 50,000 hours);
  • the most uniform gel coating polymerization on the nail plate, due to the thoughtful arrangement of LEDs on the inner surface of the device body;
  • low power consumption, and in some cases even the lack of the need to connect the led lamp to a power source due to the presence of a built-in battery in the device design;
  • low heat generation during direct operation (a high-quality “dryer” does not burn the fingers inside the device, while it dries the varnish);
  • the power of LEDs, in contrast to traditional UV lamps, does not decrease with an increase in their service life, which allows the user to "enjoy" the maximum efficiency of the LED lamp throughout the life of the functional elements specified by the manufacturer.

Of course, the above features should be identified as the main advantages of this type of lamp for nails. However, in addition to them, it is worth noting other characteristics that are undoubtedly the advantages of using ice devices:

  • compact body;
  • high speed polymerization of varnish;
  • manufacturers incorporating advanced features into the design of LED devices, for example, a hand movement sensor;
  • modern appearance of modern models of led lamps.

To form an objective assessment of the gadget in question, it is worth mentioning the most common disadvantages of its use:

  • cost;
  • lack of the ability to replace LEDs;
  • the need for their use in the polymerization of varnish specific types.

Based on the last paragraph, it is worth emphasizing that not every coating is suitable for drying in an ice lamp. To achieve maximum efficiency in the operation of an LED device, it is best to choose coatings with a marking:

  • UV / LED (universal varnish);
  • LED (varnish specially designed for curing in a diode lamp).

How to choose

To make a final decision about what should be a LED lamp for drying nails, the buyer needs to know the technical indicators that are important for their evaluation in making the choice in favor of a particular model:

  • device power (from 8 to 40 W; the best option is 36 W);
  • the presence of a timer (the automatic timer for 30 and 60 seconds is welcomed);
  • the type of lamp itself (a universal option will be a “hybrid” marked UV / LED, which gives the user the opportunity to use it for drying coatings of various kinds)
  • multifunctionality (it is desirable to remove the lamp tray for its instant transformation into a lamp for pedicure);
  • dimensions of the gadget (optimally the device should be compact, but at the same time fit all 5 fingers of the limb with painted nails into its inner part);
  • weight (the lightest and most compact devices, as a rule, are portable and require a long time to polymerize the coating with their help.The best option in this case is a lamp with a weight of at least 700 grams, but not more than 1.5 kg);
  • duration of the warranty period (lamps should be preferred with a service life of at least 2 years).

Now, having a basic understanding of the technical characteristics of ice lamps, it is advisable to turn to the top models included in the rating of the most popular devices among modern buyers.

The best models

SUN 1 UV / LED

SUN 1 UV / LED

  • Material: Plastic
  • Power Consumption: 220 W
  • Power: 48 W
  • Sparing mode: 24 W
  • Timer: 5, 30, 60 seconds
  • Duration: Up to 50,000 hours
  • Additional options: hand movement sensor; infinity mode
pros
  • appearance
  • polymerization rate of varnish
  • timer screen
Minuses
  • excessive heating of the hands with lamps during operation
  • short life of the device with regular use
  • the impossibility of a separate replacement of burnt diodes

Thanks to a well-thought-out lamp design, which implies the presence of a removable bottom on magnets, as well as a high power indicator, such an “assistant” will turn the home process of manicure and pedicure into a “salon” procedure with maximum comfort for its user.

SUN ONE 48 W

SUN ONE 48 W

  • Material: Plastic
  • Power Consumption: 220 W
  • Power: 48 W
  • Built-in timer: 5, 30, 60 seconds
  • Duration: Up to 50,000 hours
  • Additional options: dual light source; retractable magnetic tray; integrated fan
pros
  • adjustable power
  • uniform drying of varnish
  • rubber feet on the bottom of the housing for best stability
Minuses
  • build quality
  • energy indicator
  • difficulty in finding replaceable functional elements

The compact LED lamp with integrated advanced features is ideal for frequent professional use as well as for occasional home use.

Planet nails LED Tiny lamp

Planet nails LED Tiny lamp

  • Material: Plastic
  • Number of LED bulbs: 1
  • Power: 2 W
  • Power Type: 3 AA Batteries
pros
  • light weight
  • ease of transportation due to compact dimensions
  • reasonable cost
Minuses
  • long time of polymerization of varnishes
  • insufficient power of the device
  • build quality

A portable travel version of a lamp for the polymerization of nail polish, capable of supporting the beauty of the user without having to connect to the mains.

Solomeya LED - lamp

Solomeya LED - lamp

  • Material: Plastic
  • Number of LED bulbs: 15
  • Power: 24 W
  • Power Type: 220 W Power Supply
  • Built-in timer: 30, 60 seconds
  • Frequency: 50-60 Hz
  • Lamp Life: 50,000 hours
  • Additional options: sensor, responsive to hand movement

Professional lamp for the polymerization of a wide range of types of nail polish, with the effect of "sunlight", safe for the health of the eyes of the user.

Sun7 48 W

Sun7 48 W

  • Material: Combined
  • Power Consumption: 110-240 W
  • Power: 48 W
  • Power Type: Power Source or Battery
  • Lamp Life: 50,000 hours
pros
  • fast "replenishment" of the battery charge
  • build quality
  • “Advanced” equipment
Minuses
  • inconvenient LED layout
  • short battery life
  • fixed bottom

A high-quality gadget that is ideal for customers who appreciate the speed of varnish polymerization, the build quality and materials used in the manufacture of the device in question.

The use of LED-lamps for manicure and pedicure can rightly be considered a worthy alternative to salon procedures. Having carefully studied the above information, it will not be difficult for the user to choose the optimal device that provides him with extensive opportunities for personal care with minimal financial and energy costs.