6 Best-Rated Countertop Ice Makers We Recommend In 2024

Last updated on December 16th, 2024 at 03:50 am

Craving those frosty cubes but tired of running to the store? Is your fridge’s ice maker just not cutting it? Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, stocking the office breakroom, or just love a chilled drink on demand, a countertop ice maker might be your new best friend.

The good news? You’ve got options! There’s a whole world of ice makers out there, with different styles, features, and even types of ice they can produce. The not-so-good news? With all the choices available, picking the right one can feel like a brain freeze waiting to happen.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” ice maker, but we’ll guide you through the coolest options to find the perfect match for your needs.

So, let’s dive in and discover the ice maker that’s meant to be on your countertop!

Our Top Picks (Tested, Reviewed, and Approved)

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide a discount, and in return give us a commission in order to run the website.

Silonn Slim21 Portable Ice Maker

Silonn Slim01b Countertop Ice Maker

GoveeLife Smart Table Top Ice Maker

Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker Machine

Frigidaire Efic452 Clear Ice Cube Maker

Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker

What We Consider In Our Selection

Just like the title of this article says, these are 6 of the best-rated ice makers on the Market (the ones we suggest). They aren’t “The Best Ones” because the absolute best simply don’t exist. Everyone has different needs, so the perfect machine for one person might not be the perfect one for another. Also, in terms of quality, all these machines are pretty much the same, since, in case you didn’t know, most of them are of Chinese Origin. Yep, that’s right, “FROM CHINA.” That makes it even harder to say one is way better than the others.

To be completely transparent, we must admit that selecting these machines wasn’t a simple task either. Although there appears to be a wide variety, the reality is that there are only 3 distinct types: bullet ice makers, nugget ice makers, and clear ice makers (read more bout each type). This means that, for instance, you might see a bunch of bullet ice makers with different designs, but their main difference is just that (how they look), since their overall features will be very alike. And this holds true for each of the other types.

So, our main goal was to include 6 POPULAR machines that represented these 3 types. We didn’t want to recommend 6 different models that ended up making the same kind of ice.

This way, we would not only be recommending different options for different needs and preferences, but we would also be recommending machines that many others are already liking!

Our Test Results Breakdown

Okay, now you know how we chose our favorite ice makers. But are they really as good as their numbers suggest?

We tested them all out, and we’ll give you a quick summary of what we found below!

1- Silonn Slim21 Portable Ice Maker

Look and Size: This machine has one of the most stylish and practical designs we’ve ever seen in a bullet model! We’re confident that its modern look will complement any kitchen countertop. Plus, it’s super compact, so it would fit in just about any space you have for it.

Easy to Use: Using this ice maker couldn’t be simpler! It has only two buttons, and five little indicator lights. That’s it! No complicated settings to worry about!

Type of Ice: It makes those bullet-shaped ice cubes with a hollow center. They’re great for cooling down your drinks quickly. The downside is that this ice melts faster than some other types, which limits its use. In addition, this quick melting also means you might need to pop it in the freezer if you’re not using it right away.

Production and Storage: Because it’s pretty compact, this ice maker can’t hold a ton of water or ice at once. The water tank holds about 1.2 L, and the ice bin can hold around 1.3 lbs of ice. It takes a little over 1 h to fill up the bin. This is perfect if you don’t need a ton of ice, but it might not be the best choice if you need a lot of it on hand.

Performance: We really put this ice maker to the test over several weeks, and it worked flawlessly the entire time! It consistently churned out ice without a hitch, and all the functions worked perfectly from the very beginning.

Noise Level: This machine is super quiet! It’s definitely one of the quietest ones we’ve tried. The main sound you’ll hear is the ice cubes dropping, and even that isn’t bothersome at all. Honestly, if you’re not standing right next to it, you might even forget it’s running.

Easy to Clean: Cleaning this ice maker isn’t too bad! It’s not the absolute easiest to clean, but it’s definitely not difficult either. The spot where the ice cubes are made can be a little tricky to get to, but with a bit of practice, it’s not a big deal. Plus, it has a handy drain at the bottom to make cleaning and maintenance easier.

Portability: You can take this ice maker just about anywhere! Since it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a water line, you can use it wherever you want. It’s also super light, so it’s really easy to move around. Plus, it has a handle that makes carrying it a breeze.

Extra Feature: This ice maker has a couple of really cool features! Besides the carrying handle, which makes it easy to move around, we loved the handle on the ice basket! This handle has two purposes: it makes it super easy to take the basket out, and it also has a spot to hold the ice scoop. So clever!

Read Silonn Slim21 full HONEST review…

2- Silonn Slim01b Countertop Ice Maker

Look and Size: We were smitten with this ice maker’s looks! It’s way prettier than in pictures, and it would totally level up any kitchen counter. Plus, it comes in different colors to match your vibe. It’s also super compact, so it won’t hog your counter space if you’re short on room.

Easy to Use: This machine is a breeze to operate, with easy-to-understand controls and simple buttons. Even grandma could figure it out!

Type of Ice: The ice cubes it makes (bullet ice) are hollow, which is great for rapidly cooling down your drinks. What we don’t like about this kind of ice is that it also melts very fast, requiring it to be placed in the freezer almost immediately after it’s made. This rapid melting rate also makes it unsuitable for all types of drinks.

Production and Storage: This ice maker has a water tank that holds about 2 liters of water, while the ice basket can hold about 1.6 pounds of ice and fills up in roughly an hour. It does a pretty good job of making ice, especially for its size, so it’s perfect for smaller households or folks who don’t use a ton of ice.

Performance: This machine performed flawlessly throughout the entire testing period, which lasted several weeks and involved long hours of non-stop use. All the ice-making process and the various operating functions worked perfectly from the first day to the last. No issues were detected at any point.

Noise Level: This machine isn’t exactly quiet, especially if you’re standing right next to it. But it’s not so loud that you’ll want to throw it out the window. We think the sound it makes is totally acceptable.

Easy to Clean: Cleaning this ice maker is generally not difficult. While the ice-making compartment requires some extra effort, it’s still manageable. Plus, it includes a self-cleaning function and a convenient drain at the bottom to help simplify maintenance.

Portability: One of the things we love most about this ice maker is that it’s super light, so you can move it around easily. And since you don’t need to hook it up to a water line, you can use it anywhere you want. That’s a huge bonus!

Extra Feature: We weren’t particularly impressed with this ice maker’s features, as it doesn’t have anything that sets it apart from other models. It has all the basic features that most countertop ice makers have, but nothing that really stands out.

Read Silonn Slim01b full HONEST review…

3- GoveeLife Smart Table Top Ice Maker

Look and Size: This ice maker is about the same size as the Slim01b, and they kinda look alike, too. But instead of plastic, this one’s got a sleek stainless steel finish. It’s definitely nice-looking, but we still liked the Silonn a bit more. Either way, it would fit perfectly on any counter or in a small space.

Easy to Use: This thing is super simple to figure out. The buttons are easy, and the control panel is a no-brainer.

Type of Ice: This machine also makes bullet ice. It’s great for cooling drinks down fast, but it melts pretty quickly, too, so it’s not the type of ice for every type of drink. This rapid melting also means you’ll need to transfer it to the freezer right away if you’re not using it once it’s made.

Production and Storage: The amount of ice this machine makes and holds is similar to the Slim01b – not a ton, but decent for its size. The water tank holds about 2 liters, and the ice basket holds about 1.6 pounds of ice at a time and fills up in about an hour. Perfect for those who don’t need a lot of ice.

Performance: This machine proved incredibly reliable throughout weeks of continuous operation. Every aspect, from ice production to the various functions, operated without a hitch from day one.

Noise Level: Out of all the ice makers we tested, this one was the quietest. We even thought it was done making ice a few times, but then we heard the ice cubes dropping, and we knew it was still going! It really is super, super quiet!

Easy to Clean: Cleaning it is pretty much the same as cleaning the 2 Silonn. The hardest part to clean is where the ice is made, but it’s still not too bad. It also has a self-cleaning feature and a little drain, so taking care of it is no problem.

Portability: This ice maker is really light, so you can pick it up and take it wherever you want. And since you don’t need to hook it up to a water line, you can use it anywhere you can plug it in.

Extra Feature: And the cherry on top? One of the main reasons this ice maker made it onto our list is because it has one awesome feature: a Remote Control! You can control it from your phone, from anywhere at all! How cool is that?

Read GoveeLife Smart full HONEST review…

4- Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker Machine

Look and Size: This ice maker is a real stunner! We love the design – it’s so much sleeker and more modern than older clear ice makers. But it’s also bigger than more compact models (like bullet ones), so it might not be the best choice if you’re short on space.

Easy to Use: The control panel may seem a bit confusing at first glance, but when you figure out how it works you realize that it is actually quite user-friendly.

Type of Ice: This machine makes perfectly square, crystal-clear ice, just like the kind you’d find at a fancy restaurant. This ice is perfect for pretty much any drink. And since it melts slowly, you don’t have to worry about quickly transferring it to the freezer.

Production and Storage: It can make quite a bit of ice in a single day. The ice bin holds up to 2.6 pounds of ice at a time and fills up in just over an hour. But the best part is the water tank, which holds 3.2 liters, so you can get a whole bunch of ice without having to refill it so often. It’s perfect for big families or anyone who likes to have people over.

Performance: Despite being put through its paces with weeks of non-stop use, this machine functioned flawlessly. The ice-making process and all operational functions performed impeccably from the first to the last day of testing.

Noise Level: This was the second quietest machine we tested, right after the GoveeLife. It really is very quiet!

Easy to Clean: This machine, like most clear ice makers, is fairly easy to clean. It is even easier to clean than bullet models. It also has a self-cleaning function, which makes it even easier to maintain.

Portability: One downside is that it’s a little heavy, so moving it around isn’t as easy as some of the others we tested. While you can use it anywhere since it doesn’t need a water hookup, just remember that it’s not the most portable option out there.

Extra Feature: There are two features we really like about this ice maker. First, you can schedule when you want it to turn on and off. And second, there’s another way to fill the water tank through an opening on the top, which is super convenient.

Read Euhomy Im-Fp full HONEST review…

5- Frigidaire Efic452 Clear Ice Cube Maker

Look and Size: This ice maker isn’t the most modern-looking one out there. In fact, it’s the least attractive of the bunch. But its stainless steel exterior still looks pretty stylish and would probably match your kitchen just fine. It’s bigger than those bullet-shaped ice makers, so it might not be the best fit for smaller spaces.

Easy to Use: At first, the buttons and the LED screen on the control panel might seem a bit confusing. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that this machine is actually super easy to use.

Type of Ice: The type of ice this machine makes is our absolute favorite thing about it. It makes crystal-clear square ice that’s perfect for cocktails and any other drink you can imagine. Plus, this ice melts super slow, so you don’t have to rush to move it to the freezer.

Production and Storage: We loved the production and storage capacity of this machine. The water tank can hold 2.75 L, which is great since you don’t have to refill it as often as more compact models. Plus, the ice basket can hold up to 2.4 pounds of ice, and it fills up in just under 2 hours. It’s perfect for large families or those who consume a lot of ice.

Performance: Even after weeks of continuous operation, this ice maker never missed a beat. The ice-making process and all operating functions worked seamlessly from start to finish without a single issue.

Noise Level: This was probably the loudest machine we tested. But even so, the noise level was still totally manageable.

Easy to Clean: We were a little disappointed that this machine doesn’t have a self-cleaning feature. But we did love that the water drain is in the back, which is way more convenient than most counter ice makers that have it on the bottom. Overall, cleaning this machine is easy peasy. Like the Euhomy, it’s even easier to clean than the bullet models.

Portability: This is where this ice maker loses some points. It’s not light at all. And even though you don’t need to hook it up to a water line, which technically makes it portable, it’s not exactly easy to move around.

Extra Feature: One of the coolest things about this machine is that you can schedule when it turns on and off. That’s super handy and one of our favorite features in an ice maker.

Read Frigidaire Efic452-ss full HONEST review…

6- Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker

Look and Size: We thought the Silonn was the prettiest one until we laid eyes on this one. Pictures don’t do it justice! We’re totally smitten with it, but beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, so you might not feel the same way. It’s also super compact, which is awesome for anyone with limited counter space.

Easy to Use: Remember how we said the other machines are easy to use? Well, this one takes the cake! It only has one button and two indicator lights. “Easy to use” doesn’t even begin to describe it!

Type of Ice: If you’re a fan of that soft, chewy ice they use in drinks at fast food places, you’re in luck. This machine can make it right on your countertop whenever you want it.

Production and Storage: This machine doesn’t make or hold as much ice as the bigger models, but that’s because it’s so compact. The water tank holds 1.1 liters, which is enough to make about 2 pounds of ice (the same amount the ice bin holds). It can fill the bin in a little over an hour, depending on the room temperature.

Performance: This machine excelled during weeks of rigorous testing, with consistently flawless ice production and operation. Not a single problem arose throughout the entire process.

Noise Level: This machine was somewhere in the middle when it came to noise. It wasn’t the quietest, but it wasn’t the loudest either.

Easy to Clean: Everything about this machine is easy. It’s easy to use, easy to fall in love with, and even easier to clean!

Portability: Nugget ice makers aren’t usually known for being lightweight, but this one isn’t too bad. It’s not as light as a bullet ice maker, but it’s not super heavy either. And since it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a water line, you can take it with you wherever you go.

Extra Feature: The feature that we want to highlight about this machine is its carrying handle. It definitely makes the ice maker so much easier to move around, which is super handy.

Read Antarctic Star full HONEST review…

How We Do The Tests?

All ice makers recommended in this website undergo a rigorous testing process lasting no less than 3 months and no more than 4 months before receiving our approval. During this period, each machine is tested at least 5 days a week, with 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted operation per day.

Our testing is comprehensive, examining every aspect of the machine’s performance, from ice production to operational functions.

Ice Production Evaluation

We meticulously assess the ice-making process, ensuring:

• Consistent production speed: We verify that the ice production speed remains constant throughout each batch of ice produced and until the ice basket reaches its full capacity.
• Consistent ice quality: We evaluate the ice quality under varying ambient temperature conditions to ensure it remains consistently high.
• Reliable ice ejection: We confirm that the ice cubes are correctly ejected from the machine without fail.
• Acceptable noise levels: We measure the sound levels emitted during water pumping and ice production to ensure they are not disruptive.
• Efficient water recycling: We verify that the water resulting from melted ice is correctly recycled and pumped back into the system for the production of new ice.

Operational Function Evaluation

We also rigorously test the operational functions of each machine, ensuring:

• Accurate automatic stop: We confirm that the automatic stop function for ice production is correctly activated when the ice basket is full.
• Efficient production restart: We assess the efficiency with which ice production restarts when the sensors detect that the ice level has decreased.
• Accurate indicator lights: We verify that indicator lights, such as “add water” or “ice full,” are activated correctly and only when appropriate.
• Effective self-cleaning: We confirm that the self-cleaning function is carried out correctly and within the designated time frame.

Any machine that fails in even one of these aspects is considered defective and then returned. We allow for one return; if a machine needs to be returned a second time, it is immediately eliminated from our list of top picks. Only those machines that demonstrate impeccable efficiency from the first day to the last day of testing are chosen, reviewed, and approved for recommendation.

 These ice makers are incredibly easy to use, so they don’t need to be tested by experts, much less in labs🙄. Our main testers are regular people (like you and us) who also have a high ice consumption in their daily lives. They are the ones who spend the most time with these machines and put their overall performance to the test. We believe there is no better way to know what these machines are made of than being used in real life, by real users. 

Key Buying Factors: Countertop Ice Makers By Type (Specs, Pros & Cons)

Alright, so you’re ready to get an ice maker, but not sure which kind is best for you? We got you! Knowing the different types of ice makers is important because it can help you choose the right one for your needs. You’ll want to consider things like the space you have available, how much ice you usually use, where you’ll be using the ice maker, and what your budget is. So let’s break down the 3 types you’ll find on the market:

Bullet Ice Makers

Specs:

• What kind of ice? These make cylindrical, hollow (bullet-shaped) ice cubes that cool your drinks down fast but also melt pretty quickly, limiting what you can use them for.
• Size and weight? Usually the smallest and lightest kind of countertop ice makers, perfect for tight spaces or taking on the go.
• How much ice? Due to their compact size, they produce and retain the least amount of ice compared to clear ice makers and some nugget ice makers.
• How much do they cost? The most budget-friendly option, usually ranging from $70 to $120.

Best Bullet Ice Makers on Amazon…

Clear Ice Makers

Specs:

• What kind of ice? These make those fancy, clear square ice cubes that melt super slowly. They’re perfect for cocktails and other drinks where you don’t want your ice to water down your drink too quickly.
• Size and weight? A little bigger and heavier than bullet and some nugget ice makers, so they’re not as easy to move around.
• How much ice? They make and hold a good amount of ice, great if you use a lot of ice.
• How much do they cost? A bit more expensive than bullet ice makers, usually costing between $160 and $230.

Best Clear Ice Makers on Amazon…

Nugget Ice Makers

Specs:

• What kind of ice? These make those soft, crunchy ice nuggets you find at some fast-food restaurants. Nugget ice is fun to chew on and it soaks up the flavor of your drinks. Perfect for smoothies, blended cocktails, and other mixed drinks.
• Size and weight? They can be big or small, light or heavy – it depends on the model.
• How much ice? They may or may not produce and store a lot of ice! It depends on the size of the machine.
• How much do they cost? Usually the priciest type of ice maker, starting around $170 and going up to $500 or more.

Best Nugget Ice Makers on Amazon…

Frequently Asked Questions