11 Best Countertop Ice Makers: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

A countertop ice maker is a great option for anyone who entertains or crafts cocktails at home. It can produce an almost endless supply of cubes no matter where you’re located, and there’s nothing worse than running out on the cold drinks.

We all know how frustrating it is to come home from a long day at work, and not be able to enjoy an ice-cold drink. Thankfully, there are so many different countertop ice makers on the market that can help you get your fix in no time! The 11 best countertop ice makers will provide you with all the information you need to find the perfect product for your needs.

Whether you want just enough of a batch for one person or prefer something more robust that can produce plenty of cubes per day, this blog post has got you covered. You’ll also learn about some features worth considering when making your purchase decision including noise level, capacity (batch size), and price. Plus we’ve compiled quotes from customer reviews to make sure you know what to expect before you buy.

The outstanding advantages of Countertop Ice Maker

The best part about a countertop ice maker machine is the ability to have ice cubes ready in a matter of minutes. They also provide an endless supply of ice, so you’ll never have to worry about running out when entertaining guests for dinner or hosting a barbecue in your backyard. In addition, most models will give you enough cubes for multiple cocktails or beverages at once. You can also store the ice cubes for later use, which is great if you want to keep some during the winter months or have a cooler where you can stow them instead of standing over the machine waiting for each one to be made.

A countertop ice maker is also compact enough to fit in most kitchens without taking up too much space. Plus, many of the newer models come with sleek and stylish designs that will complement any décor.

How Do Countertop Ice Makers Work?

The technology behind countertop ice makers has advanced over the past decade. Many of today’s models will produce at least 28 pounds of cubes every 24 hours, which is more than sufficient for home use.

Also remember that there are two types of machines available on the market: undercounter and built-in. Undercounter units are freestanding appliances, so you can find one in virtually any style or color to fit your décor. They also come with storage space for the excess cubes, which helps when entertaining guests or using them for additional beverages throughout the day.

Built-in ice makers are wall-mounted appliances that provide fast and easy access to both cubed and flaked ice. All you have to do is turn on the machine and let it do its job. Plus, most built-in models are Energy Star certified, so you can save money on your energy bill each month.

List of 11 Best Countertop Ice Makers Reviews

1. Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Compact Countertop Ice Maker

• The Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Compact Countertop Ice Maker is a top-quality appliance that will make your party more enjoyable. The large see-through window allows you to watch the ice level and check the status of the machine while you cook or serve. 
• The compressor cooling system keeps your food cold for hours, making it an ideal choice for busy family members. With its noise level of only 38 dB, this ice maker is perfect for small kitchens. You can choose to have either a 2-inch or 3-inch size ice basket.

2. Igloo ICEB33SL Large-Capacity Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker

• This ice maker is designed for convenience and looks great on a countertop. It has a large ice-making capacity, which means it can produce 33 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. Plus, the 2.5-quart water tank is refillable so you never have to worry about running out of cold water again.
• The ICE BASKET has a Capacity of 2 pounds for storing ice. You can keep your drinks cold with the ICE BASKET. The Quick-Freezing Ice feature will make small or large cylinder-shaped ice cubes in just 7 minutes.
• The electronic control panel on the wall of this bedroom is a simple way to understand and illuminate it with LED lights. It lets you know when you need to add water when the ice bucket is full and allows you to choose the size of the cubes.
• The transparent lid on this ice cube maker makes it easy to see how much ice there is in the machine. The large clear lid also allows you to see the capacity of the ice cubes. Additionally, removing the removable ice basket and scoop means that you can easily move them around so that they are used somewhere else in your house.

3. NewAir Countertop Ice Maker, Portable Stainless Steel, ClearIce40

• The NewAir ClearIce 40 countertop portable ice maker is the perfect way to make amazing quality clear transparent ice in minutes and up to 40 lbs of ice in 24 hours. With an easy one-touch control, your machine starts up instantly and ensures that your cubes don’t melt nearly as quickly as traditional ice machines. 
• The small BPA-free plastic ice scoop makes it easy to find the right size for your desired amount of ice, and the removable ice basket means that you can easily change out plenty of fresh cubes every time. Plus, the automatically shuts off when ice is full so you can relax knowing that your large batch of clear transparent ice will be ready when you are. It’s the perfect addition to any kitchen, bar, or special event.

4. HAILANG Portable Countertop Ice Maker

• With this modern design, you can use this countertop ice maker to make delicious cold drinks or for making iced tea at home. It’s portable and compact so it can be taken where ever you go. You can use it for bar, tea shop, KTV, kitchen, and office applications.
• Just add water and press the On/Off switch, and you will see a blue light indicator. Then wait for 7-10 minutes to enjoy your iced drinks. The melted ice water will flow into the reservoir again and it will be used for making iced drinks. It is an energy-saving process that works efficiently.
• This portable ice maker has three sizes of ice cubes- small, medium, and large. You can select these sizes to be used in order to cool drinks and food. It produces round and smooth bullet-shaped ice which won’t hurt your hands.

5. AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine

• This countertop portable ice maker is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy way to make ice. It’s compact and has a wide range of applications- perfect for any situation. You can use it at home, in your bar or restaurant, or in your office.
• This ice maker is very efficient and quiet. It produces 9-12 ice cubes per minute, making it fast and easy to make good cold ICE every day. Plus, these countertop machines are equipped with a quick and quiet cooling system that keeps the nugget ice machines cool. This will help save energy as well as keep it nice and noise-free.
• This ice maker indicates that the basket should be taken out when there is enough water in it and also suggests adding the water to the machine if it does not have enough water.
• This ice maker comes in two sizes- small and large. The small size is perfect for cooling drinks and food, while the large size can be used to produce round and smooth bullet-shaped ice. It doesn’t hurt your hands, which is always convenient.

6. FRIGIDAIRE EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Ice Maker

• The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Ice Maker is the perfect addition to your home bar or party scene. It’s small, compact, and easy to use – just plug it into an outlet and you’re ready to go! With its elegant design, the EFIC235 will wow your guests before they even try the delicious ice it makes.
• Well sized for any countertop in your home, it produces 44 lbs. of ice per day and can hold 3 lbs. at a time in its large, easily accessible bin. As the ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir where it will simply be Made back into more ice – perfect for providing that desired level of convenience and enhance when entertaining guests.

7. TRUSTECH Countertop Ice Maker, Ice Scoop&Basket, Black

• Ice machines are great for self-cleaning! Just press the button on the front of the machine to start self-cleaning mode and it will create 9 cubes of ice in 6 minutes. It produces up to 26.5 pounds of ice per day, so you can easily keep your freezer stocked with fresh ice every day.
• The ice machines at Dyper are large or small. However, the popular bullet shape is not easy to melt and stick together- it’s great for cold drinks. You can check the inside of the machine through a large view window on the top cover of this countertop.
• The countertop ice maker has an automatic-detected control panel. When there is not enough water in the tank, the indicator light will turn on to remind you to add more water. When the ice bucket is full, the portable ice maker will remind you to take out the extra ice so that the ice cube machine could start making ice for the next cycle.
• This ice maker machine is a great choice for people who want to make their own drinks or prepare food at home. It is compact and easy to carry, so you can use it anywhere. Plus, the wide range of applications this ice maker has makes it perfect for many different purposes.

8. Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker, with Ice Scoop & Basket

• Euhomy ice maker countertop can produce delicious, chewable, crystal clear, bullet-shaped ice cubes. The portable ice maker can make 26lbs of ice cubes per 24H and 9 Ice cubes ready on an average of 8 minutes. You can choose a large or small size according to your needs. All to bring you the best possible drinking experience.
• The control panel of the intelligent ice maker is intuitive and simple. It has an indicator that will light up when there isn’t enough water in the water tank or when the ice bucket is full, to remind you to add more water or remove extra cubes.
• Ice machines are often equipped with the most advanced infrared sensor technology. This tabletop ice machine also includes a removable ice basket and an extra ice scoop, making it easy to make delicious cubes for your drink! Plus, the warranty is 1 year.
• The Euhomy countertop ice maker is equipped with the most advanced refrigeration technology. They use efficient compressors in order to ensure that your ice maker will produce the highest quality ice cubes. Additionally, this machine is very quiet, keeping you and your guests comfortable while enjoying their refreshments.
• The Mini ice maker is easy to use, compact and portable. It’s easy to clean and even easier to transport. By keeping the tabletop ice maker upright for at least 24 hours before first use, you will get the best results.

9. FZF Countertop Ice Maker, Stainless Steel

• This ice maker machine has a self-cleaning function which makes the cleaning progress much easier. To activate this mode, press the ON/OFF button for 5 seconds. The “S” indicator will flash back and forth during the self-cleaning progress. Lemon and baking soda can be added to water to clean it better.
• This ice maker machine is highly efficient and stable, meaning it can make excellent ice cubes and cool drinks without making too much noise. Plus, the quiet cooling fan ensures your countertop stays cool while you’re working.
• This countertop ice maker machine is perfect for when the weather is hot when you’re craving a cold drink, when you need to keep food fresh, or when you just want to cool off your forehead. It has small or large size of bullet-shaped ice cubes to choose from.
• Touch-sensitive control systems are a newer and more advanced type of ice maker. This one has the most advanced infrared sensor technology, which makes it easy to see what is going on with the ice machine. Furthermore, when you have enough water in the tank (or if there’s too much snow on the ground), this system will remind you to refill it.
• The countertop ice cube maker is very lightweight and portable making it easy to store or carry. It has a removable ice basket and ice scoop, so you can move the pellet ice cubes easily. Additionally, it is rated prime for kitchen use meaning that it would be perfect for your next party or celebration.

10. Silonn Countertop Ice Maker

• The Silonn ice maker only takes 7 minutes to make 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes. Fill a 2L water tank with maximum ice capacity, and it will be able to churn out 26 pounds of frozen cubes in 24 hours. You can choose between Small or Large size ice cubes. When you make your purchase, you also get two different sizes of small and large ice cubes- perfect for refreshing seafood or beers.
• When making ice cubes, the noise is lower than 35dB, similar to a working refrigerator. The transparent lid allows you to monitor the ice capacity. This sensor automatically detects when there is too much ice and stops producing it so that it doesn’t overflow.
• The ice machine is very easy to operate and has a user-friendly control panel. You simply fill it with water, press the on button, select the size of your ice cubes, and that’s it. The machine starts cleaning itself automatically after a certain amount of time. It also has high-quality materials which make it durable and efficient.

11. GE Profile Opal Countertop Ice Maker, Stainless Steel Finish

• If you’re looking for a refreshing, chewable, and crave-able nugget ice that is ready fast, look no further than OPAL NUGGET ICE. This type of ice is made from compressed ice flakes and retains its flavor instead of being smooth like traditional hard cubes. It’s perfect for cocktails such as sodas and other beverages.
• The SMART system, built into the new ice maker movement, provides easy Clapper control. Simply touch your Samsungisner to set a fresh boundary connection and monitor your frozen food in an app instead of needing to unfold the entire connected gadget.
• Batch-made ice is an innovative design that avoids clumping and leaks. The automatic ice maker fills your ice reservoir when you have some regular water in there. This keeps you ice-cold for a longer time, up to 3 weeks.
• This ice maker is a portable unit that moves easily with you, no water hookup is required. It can be placed in any standard electrical outlet and filled the reservoir with water. When ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir where it will simply be made back into more ice.

Tips and guide to buying the best Countertop Ice Maker

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of countertop ice makers on the market, it’s time to start shopping! But before you do, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Noise Level

One factor you may want to consider is the noise level of the machine. Some countertop ice makers can be a little bit louder than others, so if you’re looking for something that’s quiet, make sure to read the product specifications before making your purchase.

Capacity

Another thing to think about is how much ice you’ll need on a daily basis. If you only plan on using the machine for yourself, a smaller capacity (batch size) may be all you need. But if you’re looking for something that can produce more ice for larger gatherings, then you’ll want to consider a model with a higher capacity.

Types Of Countertop Ice Maker

There are two types of countertop ice makers available on the market: manual and automatic. Manual machines require you to fill a reservoir with water and then press a button to start the freezing process. Automatic machines have a built-in water reservoir, so all you have to do is plug it in and wait for the ice cubes to start dropping into the bin.

Size

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the machine. If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to consider a model that’s compact and takes up minimal counter space. But if you have a larger kitchen, there are also some larger models available that can produce more ice at once.

Ice Shape

You’ll also want to think about the shape of the ice cubes. Most countertop ice makers produce either square or cylindrical ice cubes, but there are a few models that come with the option to choose between the two shapes. So if you have a preference, be sure to look for a machine that offers this option.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Machine

Finally, you’ll want to think about how easy the machine is to clean and maintain. Some models come with removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, while others require manual cleaning. Be sure to read the product specifications before making your purchase.

Tips for using your Countertop Ice Maker

Once you have your new countertop ice maker, here are a few tips for using it safely and efficiently.

• Only use cold water when filling the reservoir. Hot water can damage the machine.
• If the ice bin is full, remove the excess cubes and store them in the freezer for later use.
• Don’t put anything other than ice cubes in the machine. If you put something else in, it will clog the mechanism and stop the machine from working.
• If the machine isn’t producing ice, check to make sure that the water reservoir is full and that the ice cube tray is properly fitted in place.
• When not in use, unplug the machine and clean it with a soft, damp cloth.
• Never immerse the machine in water.
• Use a mild detergent to clean the exterior of the machine, but never use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

FAQs about a Countertop Ice Maker

Which countertop ice maker is right for me?

If you want a simple, compact machine to use for personal use, a manual model may be the best option. If you plan on using the machine frequently, however, then an automatic model with a larger capacity might be better.

Is countertop ice maker safe?

Yes, as long as you keep the machine clean and follow the safety instructions provided in the product manual.

Can I use my countertop ice maker to make other types of frozen drinks?

Some models come with the option to produce other types of frozen drinks, such as slushies or smoothies. Be sure to read the product specifications before making your purchase.

How do I know when my countertop ice maker needs to be cleaned?

If your machine starts making loud noises or malfunctions, it may need to be cleaned. Be sure to read the product specifications and cleaning instructions before making your purchase.

How long does it take to make cubes in a countertop ice maker?

It generally takes about six minutes for an automatic model to produce one batch of ice cubes. Manual machines require you to monitor the process.

Conclusion

With a countertop ice maker, you’ll always have an ample supply of fresh, clean ice cubes. The best models come with many convenient features and settings and are easy to maintain and use safely in your home or office. When choosing the right machine for you, be sure to consider factors such as size, the shape of the ice cubes, availability of extra features, cleaning and maintenance requirements, and so on.

Countertop ice makers are popular because they’re convenient and easy to use. They don’t require a lot of space, can store lots of ice at once, and produce crushed or cubed ices in seconds without the need for any installation work. We hope you found this article helpful as we shared the 11 best countertop ice maker products that will suit your needs and budget. If not, feel free to scroll through our list again with an open mind – there is something for everyone on here. Have fun shopping.