A countertop ice maker can yield up to two pounds of ice, making it a convenient option for those who want frequent access to large batches of ice. Here are the best countertop ice makers for your home.
If you’re in the mood for a delicious blended beverage, a smoothie maker could be just what you need.
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1. Igloo ICEB26BK Automatic Ice Maker
Pros:- Holds up to 26 pounds of ice at once
- Choose between small and large sizes
- One batch is done in just seven minutes
Cons:- No medium size option
- A bit loud
- Ice melts after it's made
This Igloo ice maker holds up to 26 pounds of ice and has a three-quart water tank capacity. The ice basket holds up to two pounds of ice at a time. You can choose between small and large ice cube sizes, which makes it one of the best countertop ice makers for serving a variety of beverages, including mixed drinks.
A simple but efficient control panel puts the essentials at your fingertips. For example, you can select ice cube sizes and turn the machine on and off. Indicator lights let you know when to add water, and when the ice is full.
Even if you’re in a rush, you can make a single batch of ice in just seven minutes. If you prefer to keep track of your ice as it’s being made, simply monitor the progress via the transparent lid.
Find more Igloo ICEB26BK Automatic Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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2. Best Nugget Ice Maker: GE Profile Opal Countertop
Pros:- Nuggets are great for cocktails, sodas and other beverages
- Automatically powers on when ice supply runs low
- Softer cubes make delicious snacks
Cons:- May be too tall to fit underneath some cabinets
- Limited one-year factory warranty
- Not the quietest operation
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows you to schedule a fresh batch of ice using your smartphone as well as monitor the status of your GE Profile Opal and order accessories as needed. The nugget ice is ideal for your favorite drinks, including sodas, cocktails and more. The cubes are also softer than your average hard ice cube, which makes them easier to chew and snack on.
Once the machine starts cranking, you can expect about a pound of ice per hour (up to 24 pounds if you leave the machine running). Overall, the machine can hold up to three pounds of ice. It also comes with a side tank that you can easily attach if you want more ice.
If you’re looking for a quick batch, you can enjoy fresh ice cubes in less than 20 minutes. The Opal knows you’ll never want to run out of fresh ice, and automatically powers on when the supply gets too low.
This countertop ice maker fits nicely on most counters and works with any electric outlet.
Find more GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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3. Euhomy Ice Maker
Pros:- Includes a scoop and removable basket
- User-friendly indicator lights
- Makes a small batch in just eight minutes
Cons:- Doesn't have a self-clean function
- Ice tends to melt quickly
- A bit noisy
Prepare your favorite drinks quickly and easily with the Euhomy Ice Maker, which churns out several ice cubes in just eight minutes. You can also wait 24 hours to make 26 pounds of ice. An efficient compressor yields bullet-style cubes for cocktails, food, refreshing smoothies and more.
The ice maker comes with a scoop and basket so you can quickly get started. It’s also equipped with user-friendly light indicators that tell you when it’s time to add more water, when the ice bucket is full and your selected cube size.
A transparent window lets you keep tabs on the ice as it’s being made. You can opt for small or large ice cubes to make your favorite mixed drinks, fill a cooler or simply have some cold chips to snack on.
This small ice maker is compact enough for your boat, RV, kitchen counter and more. It also catches the eye with its modern stainless steel exterior.
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4. Best Self-Cleaning Ice Maker: Igloo ICEB26HNSS
Pros:- Produces 26 pounds of ice within a 24-hour period
- Makes up to nine small or large ice cubes in just seven minutes
- A 1.25-pound ice basket will keep the ice cold until you're ready
Cons:- Cubes can get stuck together in the freezer compartment
- Some say the ice is a bit wet
- Slightly loud
An automatic cleaning cycle makes this countertop Igloo ice maker a more hygienic solution for your kitchen. The ice maker has a 26-pound capacity as long as you keep its two-quart water tank full.
Whether you’re gearing up for a tailgating party or you just want to make a large batch of ice at once, the appliance produces 26 pounds of ice within a 24-hour period. A quicker option is to make up to nine small or large ice cubes in just seven minutes. If you’re not quite ready to use the cubes, a 1.25-pound ice basket will keep the ice nice and cold.
LED lights make the entire experience more intuitive and user-friendly by alerting when the ice basket is full, when you need to add water and to indicate the size of the ice cubes. This countertop ice maker can be used outdoors and indoors and comes with a convenient carrying handle.
Find more Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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5. Quietest Countertop Ice Maker: IKICH Portable Ice Maker
Pros:- Choice between small or large cubes
- Bullet-shaped cubes stick together without melting
- Produces a batch in just six minutes
Cons:- May take a cycle or two for cubes to reach desired consistency
- No medium size available
- Ice melts fairly quickly
Avoid disturbing others with this IKICH portable ice maker, which doesn’t go over 45 decibels per cycle. Even when the machine is working hard, you’ll barely notice it running in the background.
Plans can change at the last minute, but this small kitchen appliance has you covered by producing ice cubes in just six minutes. And if you can wait a bit longer, the countertop ice maker yields up to 26 pounds of cubes in 24 hours. A generous 68-ounce water reservoir helps the process along.
This ice maker works hard but produces a minimal amount of noise, so you can use it without disturbing others. It’s also equipped with a user-friendly control panel so you can choose when to run the machine as well as your preferred ice cube size. Whether you select the small or large size, the cubes are bullet-shaped and are designed to stick together without melting.
Indicator lights keep you informed by letting you know when the ice is done or if you need to add more water. This small ice maker has a two-liter capacity and comes with a two-year warranty.
Find more IKICH Portable Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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6. Deco Chef Daily Production Clear Ice Maker
Price: $132.31Pros:- Removable ice tray makes it easy to transfer batches
- Selectable cube sizes for various drinks
- Stores up to 1.5-pounds of ice
Cons:- Full tray indicator sensor can frost over
- Relatively loud
- Not recommended for outdoor use
Make up to 26 pounds of ice per day with this Deco Chef compact ice machine. Equipped with a large 1.8-liter water reservoir, this handy appliance churns out roughly nine cubes per batch. If you’re craving a quick cocktail or need some ice for guests, each batch is ready in just six minutes.
Simply plug in the appliance, add water and choose which size cubes you want to make. A clear window lets you check on the batch at any time. You can monitor settings and make adjustments with the user-friendly display panel.
Each cube is shaped like a bullet, which is ideal for mixed drinks. These hollow ice cubes also melt evenly and will quickly chill your favorite beverages. Indicator lights let you know when it’s time to add water or empty the bin. There’s also automatic overfill protection for your safety.
Portable ice makers aren’t exactly stylish, but the Deco Chef puts a fun spin on a relatively dull task by brightening up your living space with an assortment of fun colors. It stands just over 9.5 inches high and 14 inches wide and fits in small spaces such as an RV, boat or cramped kitchen.
Find more Deco Chef Daily Production Clear Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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7. VIVOHOME Countertop Ice Cube Maker
Pros:- Safety features include automatic overflow protection and an indicator alert
- Makes smaller batches in 10 minutes or less
- Produces 26 pounds of ice cubes in 24 hours
Cons:- Quite load when dropping cubes into the bucket
- Ice cubes are on the wetter side
- Doesn't keep ice cubes frozen for long
Brighten up your living space with the colorful VIVOHOME ice machine. You can use this compact machine just about anywhere, including your RV, boat, bar and more. To get started, simply plug the machine in and add enough water to produce your desired amount of cubes.
While the ice maker cranks out up to 26 pounds of cubes in 24 hours, it also yields smaller batches in just six to 10 minutes. The bullet-shaped cubes are a convenient design for adding to water bottles, mixed drinks and more. A transparent window in the lid lets you check on the ice-making process without disruption.
Safety features include automatic overflow protection and an indicator alert once the ice bucket is full. You’ll also get an alert and a red indicator light when it’s time to add more water.
Find more VIVOHOME Countertop Ice Cube Maker information and reviews here.
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8. COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker
Pros:- Choice between small and large cubes
- Produces up to 26.5 pounds of ice each day
- Has a 2.2-liter water tank
Cons:- No self-cleaning feature
- Ice cubes are on the wetter side
- A bit loud
Enjoy long-lasting performance with this COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker with a corrosion-resistant condenser. It’s also eco-friendly with its 1.5 pounds of storage and a 2.2-liter water tank. Convenient heat dissipation allows the machine to operate as efficiently as possible, whether it’s producing up to 26.5 pounds of ice each day or making a batch of nine ice cubes in just six minutes.
A user-friendly control panel with LED lights indicates when it’s time to add water or empty the ice bin. You can also select whether you want to make small or large cubes. These ice cubes feature a hollow design that works especially well for snacking and cooling down beverages.
Find more COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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9. hOmeLabs Chill Pill Countertop Ice Maker
Pros:- Makes two different cube sizes
- Takes just six to eight minutes per batch
- Makes up to 26 pounds of ice in a day
Cons:- No option for large ice cubes
- A bit loud
- Some ice cubes come out wet
The hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker measures 9.5 x 12.9 x 14 inches, making it a solid choice if you’re looking for a portable ice maker that will fit on your kitchen counter. There’s enough storage space to hold up to 1.5 pounds of ice. The machine also lets you choose between small or medium sizes.
In terms of speed, the machine makes approximately 26 pounds of ice each day. You can expect small and medium batches of ice cubes to be ready in just six to eight minutes. It’s also ETL Certified, which means this portable ice maker complies with North American safety standards.
Find more hOmeLabs Chill Pill Countertop Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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10. NewAir Portable Ice Maker
Pros:- Only requires a foot of countertop space
- Dispenses up to 33 pounds of ice each day
- Freezes ice cubes in only eight minutes per cycle
Cons:- Ice melts pretty fast
- Bin is on the small side
- Fairly loud
Upgrade your countertops or kitchen island with the NewAir Portable Ice Maker for any occasion. Despite its compact size, this countertop ice maker dispenses up to 33 pounds of ice each day. It also freezes the ice cubes in just eight minutes per cycle, so you don’t have to worry about waiting around to use the ice.
Alerts such as low water and a full ice bin keep the process going smoothly. You can also choose between small and large ice cubes, both of which have a hole in the middle.
This countertop ice maker doesn’t require any installation and only requires about a foot of your countertop space. The appliance comes with a scoop and ice basket. While its modern stainless steel exterior gives this ice maker an upscale appearance, it’s also available in black or white.
Find more NewAir Portable Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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11. Tavata Antartic Star Countertop Ice Maker
Pros:- Produces nine bullet ice cubes in eight minutes
- Makes up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours
- Choice bewteen small and large ice cubes
Cons:- Ice melts quickly
- A bit loud when dropping ice into the basket
- Some dislike how the cubes are hollow in the middle
Cleaning out your countertop ice maker probably isn’t high on your list of priorities, which is where the Tavata Antartic Star machine’s smart cleaning function comes in handy. Instead of using a sponge or rag to clean out scaly deposits left behind by hard water, all you need is a little bit of water and the small ice maker will take over from there.
The ice maker yields up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours or nine bullet ice cubes in eight minutes or less if you need ice quickly. LED lights let you need when you need to add water or when the bin is full. You’ll also be able to choose between small and large ice cubes.
There’s even a power indicator light to let you know that the appliance is on and working properly. Other features include a see-through window to watch the ice making process and low power consumption for maximum efficiency.
Find more Tavata Antartic Star Countertop Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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12. Crownful Ice Maker Machine
Pros:- User-friendly operation for beginners
- Produces up to nine cubes in less than 10 minutes
- Ice bucket holds up to 80 ice cubes
Cons:- Water bucket isn't removable
- A little noisy
- Ice cubes melt quickly
A quiet cooling system ensures the CROWNFUL Ice Maker will hum along in the background without disturbing the party. As with many other small ice makers in this price range, you can expect up to nine pieces of ice in less than 10 minutes or a full 26 pounds of ice cubes in 24 hours.
The removable ice bucket holds up to 80 ice cubes, which is plenty for an indoor bar, pool party or larger gatherings. A user-friendly one-button operation means you can get started right away, even if this is your first time using an ice maker. An ice scoop is included.
Find more Crownful Ice Maker Machine information and reviews here.
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13. NutriChef Digital Ice Maker Machine
Pros:- Makes up to 33 pounds of ice each day
- Can make a smaller batch in 10 minutes or less
- Stain-resistant stainless steel exterior
Cons:- A bit noisy
- Ice melts quickly
- Some find the setup confusing
A 2.2-liter capacity means you can keep refilling the ice buckets for your pool party, a day on the boat and other adventures. Despite its compact size this NutriChef digital ice cube maker churns out 33 pounds of ice each day and can deliver a small batch in just 10 minutes.
A choice between small, medium and large ice cube sizes gives you more flexibility when making your favorite drinks, restocking coolers and more. LED lights alert when it’s time to refill the water or empty the ice tray. There’s also a see-through window to track the ice as it’s made.
Easy-touch buttons make this appliance a user-friendly choice. Not only does its stainless steel exterior make this countertop ice maker a modern addition to your home, it’s also stain-resistant for added convenience.
Find more NutriChef Digital Ice Maker Machine information and reviews here.
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14. Merax Portable Ice Maker
Pros:- Stores nearly 2.5 pounds of ice
- Equipped with a 2.2-liter water tank
- One batch takes around 15 minutes
Cons:- Ice cubes sometimes come out in clusters
- Some competitors make a batch in less time
- Doesn't have a freezer compartment to keep ice cold after making a batch
The Merax Portable Ice Maker measures 11.2 x 14.4 x 13.8 inches. If you’re looking for a portable ice maker that will churn out clear ice cubes that not only take longer to melt than other types of ice cubes but won’t water down your beverages, consider this ice maker.
You can expect a wait time of approximately 15 minutes for a single batch. There’s enough room to store up to 2.4 pounds of ice. Choose between small, medium and large sizes depending on your needs. This ice maker has a 2.2-liter water tank along with a user-friendly digital control panel.
Find more Merax Portable Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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15. Arctic Pro Portable Digital Ice Maker
Pros:- Makes a quick batch in eight minutes
- Powerful compressor helps produce 26 pounds of ice each day
- Sensors keep the ice from overflowing
Cons:- A bit noisy
- Ice cube tray isn't that big
- Large ice cubes could be bigger
An easily visible LCD control panel is a step up from the LED indicator lights found on many other small ice makers in this price range. The display on the Arctic Pro Portable Digital Ice Maker allows you to check on the ice-making process via the timer, turn the machine on and off, select whether you want to make small or large ice cubes and control the cleaning functions.
A see-through window lets you check on the ice as it’s being made. Sensors prevent the ice from overflowing. As with most portable ice makers in this price range, this machine cranks out up to 26 pounds of ice per day, thanks in part to its powerful compressor. However, it also churns out a smaller amount in just six to eight minutes.
Its compact size makes this home ice maker a great choice for pool parties, tailgating, bars, kitchens and other settings. The ice maker comes with a small scoop and ice basket.
Find more Arctic Pro Portable Digital Ice Maker information and reviews here.
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16. Prime Home Portable Ice Machine
Pros:- Can reuse ice water to make another batch
- Produces up to 26 pounds of ice within 24 hours
- Makes a quick batch in eight minutes
Cons:- Doesn't have an automatic clean cycle
- Can be tricky to get the ice cubes out of the tray
- A few complaints of an initial plastic taste
The Prime Home Portable Ice Machine yields fresh cubes in just eight minutes, making it a great choice for those last-minute pool parties and cold drink cravings. If you don’t need the ice right away, the machine produces 26 pounds of ice within 24 hours. Each bullet-shaped piece fits smaller water bottles and mixed drinks.
Not only is this small ice maker portable, it doesn’t require a water hookup and can be used outdoors and inside. For maximum safety, the ice maker prevents overflow and automatically shuts off once the ice basket is at full capacity. You’ll also get an alert if you need to add more water.
The 2.2-liter water reservoir is conveniently located underneath the ice basket, so you can simply reuse the ice water when it’s time to make a new batch. A plastic scoop is included, along with a removable ice bucket. A timeless stainless steel exterior makes this countertop ice machine as attractive as possible.
Find more Prime Home Portable Ice Machine information and reviews here.
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17. FirstBuild Opal Nugget Ice Maker
Pros:- Makes chewable ice cubes
- Bluetooth technology
- Ice scoop included
Cons:- Only makes one size
- A bit heavy
- Some competitors take less time to make ice
The FirstBuild Opal Nugget Ice Maker makes those crunchy and chewy ice nuggets that are just as satisfying on their own as they are in your favorite beverages. The portable ice maker yields up to a pound of ice in just one hour, or as much as 24 pounds of ice in a day. The reservoir has a 2.5-quart capacity, while there is room to store up three pounds of ice at a time. The machine has an operating temperature range of 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Instead of freezing water to make a hard ice cube, Opal scrapes flakes of ice from a chilled stainless steel cylinder then extrudes and compacts them to make unique nuggets. If you prefer to use filtered water, you can install a separate NSF/ANSI 42 filter to eliminate unwanted odors, tastes, or chlorine. Bluetooth technology allows you to schedule ice making when it’s most convenient.
Find more FirstBuild Opal Nugget Ice Maker information and reviews here.
Which Is the Best Countertop Ice Maker?
Ice makers can be a convenient choice for your home if you're looking for a portable machine that can have ice cubes at the ready when you need them. Not all ice machines are the same, though, which is why we've rounded up the top picks for your home.
Some countertop ice makers are fast and efficient. Such machines produce limited amounts of ice at a single time and are ideal if you need to grab a few ice cubes occasionally for a drink. Other nugget ice makers produce larger batches of ice and can store more ice cubes at a time.
How quickly the ice is produced is another reason to choose one ice maker over another. Some countertop ice makers yield a smaller batch in less than 10 minutes. You can generally expect to wait up to a day for larger quantities of ice to be produced.
A countertop ice maker also comes in handy for making your own ice cream at home. While chocolate, vanilla and cookies and cream stand out as the most popular flavors in America, according to the International Dairy Foods Association, you can use your ice maker to make just about any flavor.
Which Portable Ice Maker Is Right for Me?
Whether you're looking for an extra ice machine to have around the home or you enjoy having fresh ice for indoor or outdoor gatherings, a nugget ice maker is a practical choice. Most countertop ice makers are small enough to fit on your countertop yet are large enough to crank out up to 26 pounds of ice per day, or near 10 ice cubes in 10 minutes or less if you need a quick batch.
According to the Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, one of the greatest advantages of a portable ice maker is its overall versatility. Even a small ice maker usually gives you a choice between various cube sizes, so you can select the best fit for your cocktail, water bottle and more. The best countertop ice makers also provide a consistent flow of ice throughout the day so you won't have to worry about running out when you really need the ice.
Is a Small Countertop Ice Maker Right for Me?
Nugget ice cubes tend to melt slower than other types of ice cubes, making them especially useful for cooling your favorite drinks without the foam. The cubes are also quite soft and easy to chew, which means you can keep a stash lying around for snacking or cooling off on those hot summer days. Nugget ice cubes work especially well for mixed drinks, fountain beverages and specialty soft drinks to stash in your mini-fridge.