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 countertop ice maker, but we’ll guide you through the coolest options to find the perfect match for your needs.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the ice maker that’s meant to be on your countertop!
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Top Pick:
Euhomy Im-12s Nugget Ice Maker
PROS
- Carrying Handle
- Good Insulation
CONS
- A Little Bit Heavy
Top Pick:
Antarctic Star Pebble Ice Maker
PROS
- Good Insulation
CONS
- A Bit Heavy
Top Pick:
Silonn Slim21b Portable Ice Maker
PROS
- Dual-Function Bin Handle
- Carrying Handle
CONS
- Small Storage
Great Choice:
Silonn Slim01b Countertop Ice Maker
PROS
- Super Reliable
CONS
- Basic Features
Also Great:
GoveeLife Smart Table Top Ice Maker
PROS
- Remote Control
- Super Quiet
CONS
- Low Insulation
Also Great:
Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker Machine
PROS
- Schedule Operation
- Two Ways to Add Water
CONS
- Big-Heavy
What We Consider In Our Selection
The reason we select these machines is not only beacuse they’re consistently among the Top Rated Countertop Ice Makers, but also because they tend to be “The Most Popular of the Three Main Types Available“.
You might think there are many kinds of these machines, with all the different looks and styles out there, but there are actually only three main types: Bullet Ice Makers, Nugget Ice Makers, and Clear Ice Makers.
While all 3 types have the same basic features that most ice makers have these days, there are some key differences between them that you should know, which we’ll explain below.
We also want to point out that we don’t just recommend these machines because they’re super popular. We wanted to be absolutely sure they were as good as many say they are. So, we got them ourselves and tested them thoroughly to see how well they worked.
This way, we could guarantee 3 important things to us: 1- suggest different choices for different needs, 2- suggest machines that lots of people already enjoy, and 3- make sure you’re getting a machine that’s worth your money.
Key Buying Factors: Countertop Ice Makers By Type (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
Pros
- The Most Compact-Portables
- The Cheapest
Cons
- Lowest Quality Type of Ice
- Small Water-Ice Storage
- Low Insulation
- What kind of ice? These ones produce hollow, cylindrical (bullet-shaped) ice cubes that are great for cooling your drinks down fast, but they also melt relatively 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? They can produce quite a bit of ice, but due to their compact size, they retain less water and ice than Clear and some Nugget Ice Makers, so they may require more refillings and emptyings.
- 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
Pros
- Clear, Long-Lasting Ice
- Large Production-Storage
- They Have Great Insulation
- Not The Most Expensive
Cons
- The Biggest and Heaviest
- Not The Cheapest
- What kind of ice? These ones make those fancy, clear square ice cubes that melt super slowly. They’re perfect for cocktails and other drinks where you don’t want the ice to water them down too quickly.
- Size and weight? They’re bigger and heavier than bullet and most 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
Pros
- Delightful, Chewable, Nugget Ice
- Can Be Compact and Portables
- They Have Good insulation
- Some Have Large Storage
Cons
- Some Are Big and Heavy
- Can Have Low Storage
- The Most Expensive
- What kind of ice? These ones produce 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, mixed drinks, and even non-drink-related uses.
- Size and weight? They can be big or small, mid-light or heavy – it depends on the model.
- How much ice? They may produce a lot of ice, but many may not hold a lot of it! 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…
Test Results (Summarized)
Now that you know our top 6 picks, do you want to know if they are 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. Top Pick: Euhomy Im-12s Nugget Ice Maker
Type of Ice
This ice maker makes that awesome, chewy nugget ice, just like you get at your favorite restaurant! People love it because it’s so versatile – perfect for pretty much any drink, and even handy for other stuff too.
Production and Storage
This machine has a water tank that 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. Dispite its size, it does a pretty good job of making ice, so it’s perfect for smaller households or folks who don’t use a ton of ice.
Look and Size
The Euhomy Im-12s with its shiny black finish is a real looker. It definitely caught our eye from the very first moment! Honestly, we think it’s the prettiest one on the list. We have no doubt it would look great in any kitchen. Plus, it’s really compact, which is awesome for anyone with limited counter space.
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 (19,6 lbs). And since it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a water line, you can take it with you wherever you go.
Performance
This machine has excelled during weeks of rigorous testing, producing and performing flawlessly. Its testing period is not yet complete, but so far not a single problem has arose.
Noise Level
We were actually surprised how quiet this thing is! Usually, nugget ice makers are a bit on the noisy side compared to other countertop types. But this one? It’s seriously one of the quietest we’ve ever come across.
Ease of Use
Countertop ice makers in general are so easy to use, but nugget ice makers really take the cake! This one only has one button and two indicator lights. “Easy to use” doesn’t even begin to describe it!
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning it is just as easy as using it! Like most countertop ice makers, it’s got a drain at the bottom and a self-cleaning feature for easy maintenance. But what’s really great is that the top comes off, so you can give the upper water tank a cleaning as well, ensuring a thorough cleaning of the machine.
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 Euhomy Im-12s Full HONEST Review…
2. Top Pick: Antarctic Star Pebble Ice Maker
Type of Ice
If you’re a fan of that soft, chewy ice they use at fast food joints, which is great for just about any drink (and even other non-drink related uses), this ice maker can make it right on your countertop or wherever you want to use it, whenever you want it.
Production and Storage
Its water and ice capacity isn’t the largest out there. The water tank holds 1.1 liters, and the ice basket (which fills up in a little over an hour) can hold up to 1.8 pounds at a time. If you need tons of ice, this might not be your best bet. But, if you’re okay with emptying and refilling it every so often, it can definitely crank out plenty of ice throughout the day.
Look and Size
We’d say this machine is all about being compact and stylish. It’ll squeeze into pretty much any spot, and it’s got a look that’ll go with just about anything around it.
Portability
Because it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a water line, you can technically use it and take it anywhere you like. But, heads up, while it’s not super heavy, it’s not exactly feather-light either (around 21 pounds). So, you probably won’t want to be lugging it around all the time.
Performance
Performance-wise, it has been rock solid. We’ve been running it non-stop for weeks, and it hasn’t skipped a beat. Everything, from making ice to all the other functions, has worked perfectly without any problems. We’re still testing it, but up to this point, it’s been incredibly dependable.
Noise Level
It was somewhere in the middle when it came to noise. It wasn’t the quietest, but it wasn’t the loudest either.
Ease of Use
You won’t believe how simple this thing is to use. Seriously, it’s just one button and two little indicator lights. That’s all there is to it! Easy? Nah, it’s crazy easy!
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning it is a breeze, just like using it! It’s also got the usual self-cleaning thing and a drain at the bottom, so you won’t have any trouble keeping it clean and running smoothly.
Extra Feature
We were a little bummed that this machine doesn’t have any extra bells and whistles. It’s pretty basic, just the standard stuff you see on most ice makers these days. Actually, it’s one of only two on our list that didn’t really impress us with any extra features.
Read Antarctic Star Full HONEST Review…
3. Top Pick: Silonn Slim21b Portable Ice Maker
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 other types, limiting its use not only in drinks but also for other non-drink-related uses.
Production and Storage
Because it’s pretty compact, it 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.
Look and Size
The Silonn Slim21b 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, like we said, it’s super compact, so it would fit in just about any space you have for it.
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 (14 lbs), so it’s really easy to move around. Plus, it has a handle that makes carrying it a breeze.
Performance
We really put it 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.
Ease of Use
Using this it couldn’t be simpler! It has only two buttons, and five little indicator lights. That’s it! No complicated settings to worry about!
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning it 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 and a self-cleaning function to make cleaning and maintenance easier.
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…
4. Great Choice: Silonn Slim01b Countertop Ice Maker
Type of Ice
The Silonn Slim01b produces hollow, bullet-shaped ice cubes that are good for quickly chilling drinks. What we don’t like about this type of ice is that it melts a bit fast, making it unsuitable for all types of drinks and uses.
Production and Storage
It has an ice basket that holds about 1.6 pounds of ice and fills up in roughly an hour. While the water tank can hold about 2 liters of water, which is enough to make about 2 baskets of ice. This ice-making capacity should cover your ice needs just fine if you don’t need a ton of it.
Look and Size
We were smitten with this machine’s look! It’s way prettier than in pictures. It would totally level up any kitchen counter. It also comes in different colors to match your vibe. Plus, it’s quite compact, so it won’t hog your counter space if you’re short on room.
Portability
One of the things we love most about it is that it’s super light (15 lbs), 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!
Performance
It 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
It isn’t quiet, especially if you’re standing right next to it. But it’s definitely not loud either. We think the sound it makes is totally acceptable.
Ease of Use
This ice maker is a breeze to operate. With an easy-to-understand control panel, even grandma could figure it out!
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning it 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.
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…
5. Also Great: GoveeLife Smart Table Top Ice Maker
Type of Ice
This machine also produces bullet-shaped ice, which is ideal for quickly chilling drinks. However, it’s not the ice for all types of drinks, as it melts relatively fast, which in turn means its use for non-beverage-related purposes is also quite limited.
Production and Storage
The amount of ice it 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.
Look and Size
It 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.
Portability
This GoveeLife smart machine is really light (16 lbs), 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.
Performance
It 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!
Ease of Use
This thing is super simple to figure out. With just 3 buttons and 7 indicator lights, the control panel is a no-brainer.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning it is pretty much the same as cleaning the 2 Silonns. 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.
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…
6. Also Great: Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker Machine
Type of Ice
The Euhomy Im-Fp 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.
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.
Portability
Another downside is that it’s a little heavy (24 lbs), 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.
Performance
Despite being put through its paces with weeks of non-stop use, it functioned flawlessly. The ice-making process and all operational functions performed impeccably from the first to the last day of testing.
Noise Level
One thing we love about it is how quiet it is. It was the second quietest machine of all, right after the GoveeLife.
Ease of 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.
Ease of Cleaning
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 and a drain port at the bottom, which makes it even easier to maintain.
Extra Feature
There are two features we really like about the Euhomy Clear Ice. 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…
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use tap water in a countertop ice maker?
Yes, you can use tap water in a countertop ice maker. However, using filtered or distilled water is generally recommended. Tap water can contain minerals that might build up over time, affecting the ice maker’s performance and potentially altering the taste of the ice.
If you choose to use tap water, be sure to clean your ice maker more frequently to prevent mineral buildup and maintain its optimal functionality.
Can I leave my countertop ice maker on all the time?
Countertop ice makers have an automatic shut-off feature, allowing them to run continually without manual oversight. However, because these machines don’t keep the ice frozen, they will cycle on to make more ice as it melts. This process isn’t harmful in the short term but could lead to increased wear and tear over time, possibly reducing the ice maker’s lifespan. It’s essential to balance the convenience of continuous operation with the potential need for more frequent maintenance.
Do any countertop ice makers keep ice cold?
While countertop ice makers are designed to make ice quickly, they do not have the capability to keep ice frozen for extended periods. They lack the necessary insulation and cooling power of a freezer.
Once the ice is made, it will gradually melt unless transferred to a freezer. However, the melted ice is usually recycled back into the water reservoir to create more ice, so it’s not wasted.
Do countertop ice makers need a water line?
No, most countertop ice makers do not require a water line connection. They typically feature a reservoir that you fill manually with water.
However, there are some models that offer the option to connect to a water line for continuous ice production. Additionally, certain models may have features like:
- Additional water tanks: These can be attached to increase the ice maker’s capacity and reduce the frequency of refills.
- Refillable cavities: Some models have a top opening designed to be filled directly from a water bottle.
Ultimately, the choice between a manual fill or water line connection depends on your preference and how frequently you use the ice maker.
Do countertop ice makers get moldy?
Countertop ice makers, due to their moist environment, can be susceptible to mold growth if not properly maintained. Mold can develop if the appliance isn’t cleaned regularly or thoroughly dried, especially after each use or before storage. To prevent this, it’s essential to clean your ice maker frequently, particularly if you’re using tap water. Additionally, make sure to dry the machine completely and ensure no standing water remains when it’s not in use.
What is the life expectancy of a countertop ice maker?
Countertop ice makers are not renowned for their long lifespans, with most models lasting between 1 and 3 years. However, the actual lifespan can vary widely depending on the specific model, brand, frequency of use, and, critically, how well the appliance is maintained. Regular cleaning, descaling, and diligent adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions are essential for maximizing the lifespan of your countertop ice maker.
Do countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity?
The electricity consumption of countertop ice makers can differ based on the specific model and brand, as well as how frequently the device is used. Despite these variables, it’s common for these appliances to have relatively low energy requirements. This means that while there might be some variation in power usage from one unit to another, overall, countertop ice makers are designed to operate efficiently, without significantly increasing your energy costs.
How to choose a countertop ice maker?
To choose the right countertop ice maker, it’s crucial to understand that there are 3 distinct types: bullet, clear, and nugget ice maker. Each type differs from the others in terms of size, weight, ice production capacity, storage capacity, and price. So, understanding the differences between them will help you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.(read more)
Beyond machine type, research different brands and pay close attention to customer reviews. Look for brands with a reputation for excellent customer service and consistently positive user feedback. This will ensure a smoother experience should you encounter any issues or have questions about your ice maker.
If this is not the correct way to ask a question I apologize. I have the Frigidaire EFIC452 that I’ve used for the past 4 years. After recently ruining the evaporator coating, I opted to replace it with the Euhomy IM-FP. How would you say the cleaning process differe between the two and which one is better to maintain? I haven’t cleaned the IM-FP yet after unboxing but I’m not sure how to remove the water separator pipe if need be.
No need to apologize. We welcome any questions or comments readers want to share.😊
To answer your question:
The cleaning and maintenance process is exactly the same for both models. As for the water separator tube, it doesn’t need to be removed for cleaning if it’s not clogged.