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The Best Countertop Ice Makers Worth Your Hard-Earned Money In 2025.

best countertop ice makers

Dying for those frosty cubes but tired of running to the store? Or maybe your fridge just isn’t keeping up with your chilling needs? Whether you’re planning a fun backyard get-together, need ice for the office, or just fancy a perfectly cool drink whenever you want, a countertop ice maker could be your new favorite gadget!

Now, you might think picking the best countertop ice maker is a huge headache with all the options popping up – different styles, features, and even types of ice! But guess what? It’s actually not as tricky as it seems. I’ve already done the digging for you, so you won’t get a “brain freeze” trying to figure it all out.

No need to stress about finding the “perfect” one, because I’m here to walk you through the very best choices out there. I’ll help you find a countertop ice maker that’s just right for what you need.

So, let’s jump right in and discover the awesome ice maker that’s ready to make your countertop its new home!

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

List Of The Best Countertop Ice Makers

Top Pick:

Euhomy Im-12s Nugget Ice Maker

Editorial Score:
Based on 5 categories.
8.8
Check Lowest Prices

euhomy im-12s nugget ice maker on a kitchen counter
Type of Ice 9
Prod-Storage 8
Compact Size 9
Portability 8
Easy to Clean 10

PROS

  • Carrying Handle
  • Easy Maintenance

CONS

  • A Little Bit Heavy

Jump to Review⬇️

Top Pick:

Silonn Slim24b Pebble Ice Maker

Editorial Score:
Based on 5 categories.
8.6
Check Lowest Prices

silonn slim24b nugget ice maker on a kitchen counter
Type of Ice 9
Prod-Storage 8
Compact Size 9
Portability 7
Easy to Clean 10

PROS

  • Super User-Friendly
  • Easy Maintenance

CONS

  • A Bit Heavy

Jump to Review⬇️

Top Pick:

Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker Machine

Editorial Score:
Based on 5 categories.
8.2
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euhomy im-fp clear ice maker on a kitchen counter
Type of Ice 10
Prod-Storage 10
Compact Size 7
Portability 6
Easy to Clean 8

PROS

  • Schedule Operation
  • Two Ways to Add Water

CONS

  • Big-Heavy

Jump to Review⬇️

Great Choice:

Silonn Slim21b Portable Ice Maker

Editorial Score:
Based on 5 categories.
8.2
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silonn slim21b bullet ice maker on a kitchen counter
Type of Ice 7
Prod-Storage 7
Compact Size 10
Portability 10
Easy to Clean 7

PROS

  • Dual-Function Bin Handle
  • Carrying Handle

CONS

  • Lower Quality Ice

Jump to Review⬇️

Also Great:

GoveeLife Smart Table Top Ice Maker

Editorial Score:
Based on 5 categories.
8.0
Check Lowest Prices

goveelife smart bullet ice maker on a kitchen counter
Type of Ice 7
Prod-Storage 8
Compact Size 10
Portability 8
Easy to Clean 7

PROS

  • Remote Control
  • Super Quiet

CONS

  • Lower Quality Ice

Jump to Review⬇️

How I Selected And Why Trust Me

First off, I’m gonna tell you about two things I didn’t really think about when picking these machines, and why: Brand and Price.

See, I’ve been using and testing these ice makers for over a year now, and I’ve also dug through tons of reviews on a bunch of them. Based on my own experience and a lot of the comments I’ve read, here’s the deal: it really doesn’t matter if you snag one from a super Popular Brand or one of the most expensive ones. When it comes to quality and how long they last, honestly, there’s hardly any difference between these machines.

Trust me, I’ve seen “popular” machines with crazy high price tags (probably ’cause of the brand name, I figure), and when I went to check them out, they don’t even have 4-star ratings. Go figure!

So, the biggest thing you gotta know, in my opinion, is that the 3 most common and well-liked types of ice makers out there are: bullet ice makers, nugget ice makers, and clear ice makers. Though, to be fair, clear ice makers are the least popular of the three.

While you might spot some variations in models and styles within each type, the truth is, two or more machines of the same kind (no matter how they look) pretty much offer the same thing.

That’s why, for putting together this list, and since each type has its own specific features that fit different needs and what people like, I picked (from the three types) the ones with the best sales, ratings, and good reviews on Amazon.

To guide your decision on the best machine for your specific demands and likings, I’ll explain the main differences between these ice maker types below.

I’m not gonna lie to you. I’m not some editor with years of experience in food stuff, appliances, or home decor. I’m not even an editor, and definitely not an expert in anything, really.

I’m just a regular person, like you or anyone else, who’s always liked recommending things I’ve actually tried and found helpful. So, I pass those recommendations along because I figure they might be useful to others too.

It’s been a bit since I started using these super handy gadgets – which, by the way, are totally among my favorite kitchen things now – and I just wanna share what I’ve learned about them so far.

So, my main goal with this article isn’t really to earn your trust as much as it is to give you what I think is good info. Hopefully, that won’t just help you make better buying decisions, but also help solve whatever problems or needs you might have.

All the machines I suggest here have more than 4 stars on Amazon. And to make sure those ratings were solid and not just from a couple of sales, I took the time to read a ton of reviews for each one.

I also want to make it clear that I bought all of these myself. In fact, I’ve owned two of them for almost a year now – (read the short story here). So, my recommendations or thoughts aren’t swayed by any company or maker.

Key Buying Factors: Countertop Ice Makers By Type

Alright, so you’re ready to get a countertop ice maker, but not sure which one’s the right fit. I got you!

It’s actually pretty helpful to know the different kinds of countertop ice makers. Even though they all share the basic features of any ice maker today, they’ve got some key differences. Knowing these will help you pick one that best suits what you like and what you need.

You’ll want to consider things like the type of ice it makes, how much space you’ve got for it, how much ice you typically use, where you plan to use the machine, and of course, your budget. So, let’s break down the 3 main types you’ll see out there.

Countertop Bullet Ice Makers

countertop bullet ice maker machine

Pros

  • The Most Compact-Portables
  • The Cheapest

Cons

  • Lowest Quality Type of Ice

Ice Type

So, bullet ice makers crank out hollow, cylinder-shaped ice—kind of like a bullet. It’s the lowest-quality type you’ll find from countertop ice makers. You can use it for pretty much anything ice is for, but it’s not always the best fit for every situation because of its quality.

From what I’ve gathered, this ice isn’t top-notch because it freezes super fast. That speedy freezing traps air inside, which makes the ice cloudy and also means it’ll melt quicker than other kinds of ice.

That’s why, for instance, it’s not great for fizzy drinks—it makes them go flat fast. And since it melts fairly quickly, it’s also not ideal for alcoholic beverages or for keeping things cold in a cooler.

Even though it’s hollow, this ice is actually pretty solid, even in its small size. So, if you’re looking to use it in a blender, it’s not the best choice. And definitely not if you’re someone who likes to chew on ice.

Size and Weight

What really sets bullet ice makers apart is that they’re the most compact and lightest countertop ice makers out there. So, they’re spot-on for folks who don’t have much room, anyone who needs to move them around a lot, or even for those who want to take one with them when they’re out and about.

Production and Storage

Since these machines are super compact, their storage isn’t huge for either water or ice.

And while most of them can supposedly make over 20 pounds of ice in a day, you’d have to be filling them up with water and emptying out the ice constantly to hit that amount, or even get anywhere near it.

Price

When it comes to price, bullet ice makers are hands-down the most budget-friendly countertop ice makers. You’ll usually find them in the $70 to $120 range (unless they’ve got some fancy bells and whistles), and some models can even be snagged for under $60.

Top Rated Countertop Bullet Ice Makers on Amazon

Countertop Clear Ice Makers

countertop clear ice maker machine

Pros

  • Clear, Long-Lasting Ice
  • Large Production-Storage

Cons

  • The Biggest and Heaviest

Ice Type

These machines churn out that solid, square, clear ice—you know, the kind you see in big commercial setups at hotels, bars, and restaurants.

The way clear ice freezes is the total opposite of bullet ice. With this kind, the freezing process is slower, which helps push out air bubbles and other stuff that’s not pure. This results in pure, clear, slow-melting ice.

That’s why this ice is perfect for pretty much any drink, whether it’s alcoholic or not, and it’s also great for keeping things fresh. Plus, since it looks so classy and clear, it’s often used to make fancy cocktails look even better in bars and restaurants, or for showing off food at events and big parties.

Oh, and even though it can be super dense, you can also adjust it to be thinner. So, it works perfectly fine in blenders, and you can even chew on it if that’s what you like to do.

Size and Weight

These clear ice makers are definitely some of the biggest and heaviest countertop ice machines out there. So, if you’re tight on space, they’re probably not the best fit.

And even though you can move them around since they don’t need a water hookup (just like any countertop model), making them usable in different spots, their weight means hauling them around often isn’t much fun at all.

Production and Storage

Another cool thing about these machines, besides the awesome ice they make, is how much they can produce and hold.

They don’t just make a ton of ice; you can also get a lot of it without having to constantly refill them or empty them out. Plus, some models, like the one I’ve talked about, even have another way to add water (through an opening on top) to keep the ice coming more steadily.

Price

These aren’t the priciest countertop ice makers, but they’re not the cheapest either. You’ll typically find them in the $150 to $180 price range.

Top Rated Countertop Clear Ice Makers on Amazon

Countertop Nugget Ice Makers

countertop nugget ice maker machine

Pros

  • Soft, Chewable, Nugget Ice
  • The Most User-Friendly

Cons

  • The Most Expensive

Ice Type

These machines crank out that tasty nugget ice—you might also hear it called sonic, pebble, or pellet ice—just like what they use in bars, restaurants, and even hospitals. This kind of ice is super versatile, so you can use it in all sorts of ways.

Making nugget ice is a bit more involved than clear or bullet ice, but basically, it’s made by compressing ice flakes. This gives it a really nice soft and chewy texture.

You can use it in practically any drink, including juices, sodas, malts, cocktails, and teas. And because it’s so soft, it’s perfect for blenders. Not only does it put less stress on the blender, but your smoothies will also come out much smoother and creamier.

On top of all that, since it’s moldable, it’s also great for keeping things fresh in coolers and even for ice packs.

Size and Weight

Most models are pretty compact, so they won’t hog too much counter space. And while they are heavier machines, the more compact ones are still pretty manageable to move around. Plus, some even come with a handle to make carrying them easier.

Only a handful of models are truly large and really heavy.

Production and Storage

No matter the size, these machines can make a good amount of ice. However, if you need a lot of ice, the more compact models might need you to empty them out and refill them often.

Bigger models have more room for water and ice, so you won’t have to refill or empty them as much. Some can even link up with an extra water tank, and others can even be connected directly to a water line.

Price

These are typically the priciest type of countertop ice makers. You’ll usually see the more compact models going for around $170, while the bigger ones can set you back around $400 or even over $500.

Top Rated Countertop Nugget Ice Makers on Amazon

Best Countertop Ice Makers Compared


Euhomy Im-12s Nugget Ice Maker
Silonn SLim24b Nugget Ice Maker
Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker
Silonn Slim21b Bullet Ice Maker
GoveeLife Smart Bullet Ice Maker
Ice Type
Nugget
Nugget
Clear
Bullet
Bullet
Dimensions
11.61″D x 9.45″W x 12.99″H
11.3″D x 8.9″W x 12.91″H
14.2″D x 9.9″W x 14.6″H
11.57″D x 8.4″W x 11.42″H
12.32″D x 8.74″W x 12.6″H
Weight
19,6 lbs
20,08 lbs
24 lbs
13,7 lbs
17,23 lbs
Water Tank
1.1 Liters
1.1 Liters
3.2 Liters
1.2 Liters
2 Liters
Ice Basket
1.8 lbs
1.8 lbs
2.6 lbs
1.3 lbs
1.6 lbs
Prod Capacity
up to 34 lbs/24 h
up to 33 lbs/24 h
up to 45 lbs/24 h
up to 26 lbs/24 h
up to 26 lbs/24 h
Special Feature
carrying handle
4 status indicator lights
schedule operation / 2 ways to add water
carrying handle / dual-function ice bin handle
remote control via cell phone

Reviews Of The Best Countertop Ice Makers

1. Top Pick: Euhomy Im-12s Nugget Ice Maker

euhomy im-12s nugget ice maker
  • Dimension: 11.61″D x 9.45″W x 12.99″H
  • Weight: 19,6 pounds
  • Water Tank: 1.1 Liters
  • Ice Basket: 1.8 pounds
  • Prod Capacity: up to 34 lbs in 24 h

Type of Ice

If you’re a fan of that soft, chewy ice they use at fast food restaurants, which is great for just about any drink (and even other non-drink uses), this ice maker can make it right on your countertop or wherever you want to use it, whenever the craving strikes.

Production and Storage

It has a water tank that holds 1.1 liters, enough to make just over 2 lbs of ice (the ice bin holds about 1.8 lbs). 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

I was smitten with this machine’s look! It’s way prettier than in pictures. It would totally level up any kitchen counter. Plus, it’s quite compact, so it won’t hog your counter space if you’re short on room.

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.

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 whole top comes off, so you can give the upper water tank a cleaning as well, ensuring a thorough cleaning of the machine.

Extra Feature

Another feature that I want to highlight about this machine, besides its removable top, is its carrying handle. It definitely makes the ice maker so much easier to move around, which is super handy.

2. Top Pick: Silonn Slim24b Pebble Ice Maker

  • Dimension: 11.3″D x 12.91″W x 8.9″H
  • Weight: 20,08 pounds
  • Water Tank: 1.1 Liters
  • Ice Basket: 1.8 pounds
  • Prod Capacity: up to 33 lbs in 24 h

So, this is one of two ice makers my wife and I had kicking around for almost a year now. We put it to work a lot, especially when we’re whipping up smoothies, and yeah, sometimes for those weekend cocktails with friends.

We’re pretty stoked on how it looks, especially the black color—it just blends right in with pretty much everything else in our kitchen.

We haven’t had a single hiccup with it so far. And even though we’re loyal bottled water users and it’s got a self-cleaning thingy, we still give it a good manual scrub at least twice a month.

Type of Ice

The Silonn Slim24b also makes that awesome, chewy nugget ice, just like the one at your favorite restaurant! People love this ice because it’s so versatile – perfect for pretty much any drink, and even handy for other stuff too.

Production and Storage

Its water and ice capacity is the same as the Euhomy. The reservoir holds 1.1 L, enough to produce 2.4 lbs of ice. The ice bin can hold up to 1.8 lbs at a time and fills up in a little over 1 h. 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

This machine with its shiny black finish is a real looker. It definitely caught my eye from the very first moment! Honestly, I think it’s the prettiest one on the list. I 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

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.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning it is a breeze, just like using it! It’s got the usual self-cleaning thing and a drain at the bottom. Plus, like the Euhomy, you can remove the entire top to clean the upper tank as well, so you won’t have any trouble keeping it completely clean and running smoothly.

Extra Feature

Here’s something I really liked about this machine: It has 4 different-colored indicator lights for every status, so you can tell what’s going on at a quick glance. It’s a small detail, and maybe not a big deal for everyone, but it’s a unique touch that none of the other models on this list have.

3. Top Pick: Euhomy Im-Fp Clear Ice Maker Machine

euhomy im-fp countertop clear ice maker machine
  • Dimension: 14.2″D x 9.9″W x 14.6″H
  • Weight: 24 pounds
  • Water Tank: 3.2 Liters
  • Ice Basket: 2.6 pounds
  • Prod Capacity: up to 45 lbs in 24 h

This is our other machine. Beyond all the great ratings and glowing reviews, this one just spoke to us. It was hands-down the most attractive, modern, and practical clear ice machine we laid eyes on.

We snagged it not just because its ice is super versatile (you can use it for pretty much anything!), but also because it can crank out a ton of it. That’s a huge win for our regular outdoor shindigs, where we always need a good stash.

Just like with the Silonn, we stick to bottled water and make sure to give it its regular manual cleanings. No hiccups with this one either, thankfully!

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 – I mean any drink at all. And since it melts slowly, you don’t have to worry about quickly transferring it to the freezer once it’s made.

Production and Storage

It can make quite a bit of ice in a single day. The ice bin holds up to 2.6 lbs of ice at a time and fills up in about 1 h and a half – on the default ice setting. But the best part is the water tank, which holds 3.2 L (enough to make 7 lbs of ice), 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! I 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, 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 on the list. 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.

Ease of Cleaning

This machine, like most clear ice makers, is fairly easy to clean. I’d say it is even simpler 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 I 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 using a bottle through an opening on the top, which is super convenient.

Good To Know:

The ice from this machine comes out in a single sheet of 24 cubes that are all connected, so you’ll need to break them apart yourself.

4. Great Choice: Silonn Slim21b Portable Ice Maker

  • Dimension: 11.57″D x 11.42″W x 8.74″H
  • Weight: 13,7 pounds
  • Water Tank: 1.2 Liters
  • Ice Basket: 1.3 pounds
  • Prod Capacity: up to 26 lbs in 24 h

Type of Ice

The Silonn Slim21b 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 ice bin holds about 1.3 lbs of ice and takes a little over 1 h to fill up. The water tank holds about 1.2 L, enough to make 2.6 lbs of ice (the same as 2 baskets). This is perfect if you don’t need a ton of ice, but it might not be the best option if you need a lot of it on hand.

Look and Size

This machine has one of the most stylish and practical designs I’ve ever seen in a bullet model! I’m confident that its modern look will complement any kitchen countertop. Plus, like I 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.

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, I 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!

5. Also Great: GoveeLife Smart Table Top Ice Maker

goveelife smart table top ice maker
  • Dimension: 12.32″D x 8.74″W x 12.6″H
  • Weight: 17,23 pounds
  • Water Tank: 2 Liters
  • Ice Basket: 1.6 pounds
  • Prod Capacity: up to 26 lbs in 24 h

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 compared to other types of ice, which in turn means its use for non-beverage-related purposes is also quite limited.

Production and Storage

It has a basket that holds about 1.6 lbs of ice, which fills up in roughly 1 hour. While the water tank can hold about 2 liters of water, which is enough to make more than 4 lbs of ice (almost 3 baskets). This ice-making capacity should cover your ice needs just fine if you don’t need a ton of it.

Look and Size

I’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

This GoveeLife smart machine is really light (17 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.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning it is pretty much the same as cleaning the Silonn above. 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 my 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?

My Short Personal Story: From Store Runs to Countertop Convenience

To be honest, my wife and I don’t exactly use ice every single day, but we do need it pretty often. But beyond how much we actually use, what really got us thinking about buying one of these machines was just the idea of having ice whenever we needed it.

There’s simply no comparison between that sudden craving for an ice-cold drink (or needing ice for something else super useful) and being able to get it in a flash from your own comfy home. That beats having to face the sad truth that if you don’t run to the store, you’re pretty much out of luck.

Well, that second situation was our reality until a little over a year ago when we started researching solutions and discovered these super handy gadgets.

Long story short, the first machine we got was a bullet ice maker. From its features, it seemed like it would fit our needs. And since it had good ratings and most of the comments were positive, we figured it would be a solid choice.

The hiccup came when we started noticing that the type of ice it produced wasn’t the most suitable for some of the uses we were giving it. For example, my wife and I love having friends over almost every weekend, and we often mix up cocktails. And it was clear that pretty much from the moment we started using this ice at those gatherings, we all realized and agreed that, compared to the store-bought ice we used before, this one just wasn’t up to par in terms of quality.

Then there was my wife, who’s a huge fan of chewing ice. Since we’d seen in pictures that this kind of ice was hollow, we figured it would be somewhat chewy. Well, turns out reality showed us it was pretty much the opposite!

As we used it more, it became clear that this bullet ice just wasn’t the right fit for what we needed. That’s when it clicked: the difference in ice type was clearly the main reason for the price variations we saw across machines, with simpler bullet ice makers being more affordable.

Knowing that clear ice makers and nugget ice makers were the other main options, we actually decided to go for both! While the ice from both of these types of machines is super versatile because of its quality, each one is specifically better in different situations.

So, we ended up purchasing the Euhomy clear ice maker and the Silonn nugget ice maker. This way, we could finally have two types of ice that perfectly fit all our needs and preferences, where bullet ice simply didn’t measure up.

You see, while we were a bit worried about spending money on something we weren’t sure would be worth it at first, we realized something that we’ve definitely seen prove true over time: no matter which type you end up getting, even though these machines are not meant to last for years, we’re pretty sure most of them will pay for themselves long before their useful life is over. Ours certainly did!

Anyway, we’ve had both of them for almost a year now, and honestly, there hasn’t been a single day we’ve regretted buying them.

Today, they’re among our absolute favorite appliances, and we truly believe they’ve been, without a doubt, one of the best investments we’ve made so far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Countertop ice makers are a game-changer for those who love ice but hate waiting. They offer unmatched convenience with their simple plug-and-play operation and intuitive controls. Forget waiting for ice trays to freeze or relying on slow refrigerator ice makers; countertop models churn out ice in minutes, offering different types and sizes of ice to suit your preferences.

They provide ice on demand whenever you need it, whether it’s for a refreshing drink or a backyard barbecue. Plus, most models don’t require a water line connection, and their compact, portable designs make them perfect for small kitchens, RVs, boats, or even tailgating parties.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.