The 13 Best Counter-top Ice Makers

When you’re drinking cocktails or having friends over, a counter-top ice-maker is an essential sidekick. A quality ice maker can make your life easy. You don’t have to fill up and empty ice molds or buy bags of ice to entertain your guests. If you’re a frequent entertainer, this appliance will change your life.

Choosing the ideal ice maker is a challenging task. You have to consider several factors before investing in one. To make things easy for you, we have compiled a list of the best countertop icemakers. Let’s explore your options!

The Best Counter-Top Ice-Makers

Top ProductsRatingIce Capacity
1. IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine4.326 pounds per day
2. Euhomy Ice Maker Machine4.540 pounds per day
3. COSTWAY Ice Maker Countertop4.426 pounds per day
4. Frigidaire Counter Top Ice Maker4.226 pounds per day
5. Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic4.326 pounds per day

1.NewAir 50-lb. Portable Ice Maker Review

Best Features:

  • Large capacity
  • Makes ice quickly
  • Noiseless
  • Self-cleaning feature and timer

Having a quality ice maker at home is a smart investment if you have a large family. Most refrigerators can produce ice, but they’re not as efficient as countertop ice-makersice-makers. Whether you’re replacing an existing fridge or looking to buy a brand new ice machine for the first time, the NewAir 50 lb. portable ice maker is an excellent choice.

It’s compact but powerful and can produce up to 50 pounds of fresh ice each day. Moreover, it makes 12 pieces in 13 minutes, which means you’ll have a constant supply for cocktails! You get a choice of three different ice sizes. Besides that, you can set the 18-hour timer to make ice on a schedule. It also features indicator lights that tell you when you should add water or when the ice bin is full. This appliance comes with an ice scoop designed for easy serving. Lastly, it has a self-cleaning mode and doesn’t require excessive maintenance.


2.Frigidaire EFIC103 26 lb. Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • Makes thick ice
  • Three different size settings
  • Portable

According to reviews, the Frigidaire freestanding countertop ice maker has transformed the ice-making mechanism. Despite being smaller in size (11.70 x 14.44 x 14.88 inches), this appliance produces an impressive 26 pounds of ice each day. Moreover, you can choose to have small, medium, or large cubes. The ice cubes are nice and thick, so they don’t melt too fast. It also promises efficient and noiseless ice production.

Powered at only 38 decibels, this appliance barely makes any choice. Other features include an internal ice bin to store more than 2 pounds of ice, an ice scoop, a digital control panel, and a transparent window. That way, you can monitor ice production without opening the lid. Lastly, the stainless steel exterior is sophisticated and modern, so it will also enhance your home décor.


3.Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • Makes chewable nugget ice
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Elegant design
  • Syncs to smartphone

Nugget ice soft and chewable ice that’s best suited for blended drinks like frozen margaritas and smoothies. It’s also superb for blended cocktails as keeps your mixture cooler for extended periods without diluting the flavors.

For a top-rated countertop ice maker that offers convenient features, we recommend the Opal nugget ice maker. It can produce 1 pound of ice nuggets per hour and a bin to hold up to 3 pounds of ice. Moreover, the transparent container lets you see how much ice is available. Along with that, the ice scoop makes it easy to remove ice.

Furthermore, the bin is insulated to keep your ice cold. If the ice inevitably melts, then Opal ice maker will sense it and automatically make more. One of the best features of this ice-maker is the Bluetooth technology used to adjust the controls. You can use your smartphone to operate, monitor, and adjust on-the-go. Consider downloading the FirstBuild app to organize a schedule.


4.Euhomy 40 lb. Countertop Ice Maker Machine

Best Features: 

  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Quiet
  • Quick processing

If you’re looking for a countertop portable machine that promises quality performance, the Euhomy ice-maker is an ideal choice. You can make thick or thin cubes simply by pressing the control knobs. You can adjust different thicknesses of ice, and make 24 cubes per cycle. Each round takes about 12 to 18 minutes. However, freezing is adjusted using the timer if needed. This appliance can make up to 40 pounds of ice each day so you can comfortably entertain your guests. It also churns out ice non-stop!

Moreover, it features smart sensors and indicators that detect when the ice basket is overflowing. As a result, it automatically stops making fresh ice when the bucket is full. Apart from that, there’s minimal wastage as melted ice goes through a filter before it returns to the reservoir. Then, the water-recycling system makes new ice. It also features a digital display and electronic controls for convenient use.


5.Magic Chef 27 lb. Capacity Countertop Portable Ice Maker

Best Features:

  • Compact design
  • Can make small or large ice cubes
  • Exterior drain

This portable ice maker can sit neatly on the countertop. It can make up to 26 pounds of ice each day. You can get 9 cubes in 7-minute cycles. That means you’ll have fresh ice ready to be scooped in less time. It can work continuously to make ice for parties. Next time you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, bring your fancy ice-maker out for an endless supply!  

Moreover, you can set it to make small or large cubes, depending on your requirement. It also has see-through window making it easier to check the ice level. Unused ice melts away, and the water drains into the reservoir. It also boasts a water-recycling system to convert melted ice into freshly frozen ice! Cleaning is easy, and you can empty the container if no ice is needed.  

Furthermore, this unit comes with a removable ice basket to retrieve ice and stockpile in the freezer. You also get an ice-scoop to collect ice in smaller amounts. Lastly, it’s available in different colors.


6. Igloo Countertop Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • Convenient design
  • Ice basket
  • Transparent lid
  • LED lights
  • Electronic control panel

For those who want to amplify their house décor, Igloo’s retro-style countertop ice maker is an excellent option. In seven minutes, this mini machine can make nine bullet cubes and produce up to 26 pounds of ice every day. Apart from that, the inner ice basket can also store up to 2 pounds at once. You can add up to 3 quarts water and choose your cube size using the LCD control panel. Moreover, the ultra-quiet mechanism ensures there’s no noise disrupting the environment. It’ll do all leg work for you and also includes a scoop for serving. Additionally, the machine is available in red, black, aqua, stainless steel, and white.


7. Della portable Ice-maker

Best Features: 

  • Convenient design 
  • Compact and portable
  • Ideal for parties

This Della portable ice maker is both compact and stylish. It’s built to be durable and boasts a sleek black finish. It comes with various unique features at an inexpensive price tag! This appliance serves as a remarkable freezer and produces ice cubes in as little as 6 minutes! Moreover, it’s ideal for your van, boat, or small kitchen. The ultra-quite operation gives you the chance to keep it inside your bedroom. Over 24 hours, it can produce 26 pounds of ice. It features a simple shutoff switch and can shut itself when the bin is filled with ice. If you’re fond of hosting parties, we recommend the Della portable ice-maker. With its small size, you can easily keep it on any countertop.


8.Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • LED indicators
  • Compact size
  • No installation required

This unit features a sleek, space-saving stainless steel design. It’s whisper-quiet and comes with soft-touch electronic controls. With compressor-powered freezing to avoid overheating, LED-backlit panels, and adjustable size settings, this countertop model is perfectly portable. You can place it anywhere in your home bar or kitchen. Moreover, it doesn’t require installation, and you just have to plug in the unit. With the dimensions of 14.5 x 11.7 x 15 inches high, this machine can make solid ice cubes in less than seven minutes! Lastly, it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice in two different sizes within 24 hours.


9.Costway Countertop Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • Fast and Efficient Ice Making
  • Multiple Smart Functions
  • Bullet Shape

Packed with unique features at an affordable price point, the Costway ice maker satisfies all of your cocktail-making needs. It can also make two different sizes of ice cubes. Moreover, ice maker indicators alert you to retrieve the ice cubes when the ice basket is full. Apart from that, it also indicates when to as to add water if the machine is running low. It features an easy-to-use control panel so you track its ice-making production through the transparent window. This environmentally-friendly, low-noise machine boasts a powerful compressor for fast ice making. It can produce nine ice cubes within 13 minutes and a up to 26.5 pounds of ice daily. At 9.5 x 14 x 12.5 inches, this portable ice maker can fit on any countertop in your home.


10. IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine

Best Features: 

  • Makes ice in 6 minutes
  • Smart indicators
  • 2-year warranty  

The IKICH portable ice maker boasts a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and can produce nine cubes in just six minutes! Moreover, it can make 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. It also includes a 68-ounce water tank and is easy to use. Simply add water, click the power button, select the ice cube size, and you’re done! You can make ice in two sizes — small and large — and you can scoop pieces with the included ice scoop. Plus, thanks to the transparent upper window, you can see how much ice you have left. On top of that, this machine is noiseless, so don’t worry about disrupting the environment when running. It also includes two light indicators that glow when your ice basket is full or when you need to add more water to the tank.


11.Northair Portable Countertop Ice Maker

Best Features:

  •  Fast and efficient
  • Compact sized
  • 1-year warranty

Priced under $90, this noiseless countertop ice maker is an excellent buy. It’s designed to churn out nine ice cubes within six minutes and produce up to 26 pounds of ice in a day. This machine also adjusts to two different ice cube sizes. Moreover, the indicator light alerts you when the machine is running or when you need to add more water to the tank. It’s also equipped with a water reservoir and stocked with an ice scoop that helps you retrieve cubes anytime you’re ready.


12.Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • Automatic shutoff feature
  • Environment-friendly
  • Noiseless 

Vremi is well-known for its powerful and reliable countertop ice machine. This energy-efficient stainless steel machine is compact and measures 13.5 inches deep, 9.5 inches wide with a height of 12 inches. It’s also light-weight, which makes it ideal it’s for parties and travel. It’s portable and doesn’t require a water connection. Moreover, it includes a removable 1.5-pound bucket, an ice scoop, easy-to-use digital control, and an automatic switch. The ultra-quiet Vremi countertop model can produce nine transparent bullet-shaped ice cubes in 8 minutes—and up to 26 pounds of ice daily.


13. KUPPET Portable Ice Maker Countertop Ice Maker

Best Features: 

  • Quiet and energy-efficient
  • Smart design
  • ETL certification

This ice maker will brighten up any kitchen space! The Kuppet portable ice machine comes in two shades, mint green, and red. Like other machines on our list, it can make nine cubes within six to 10 minutes — and it can make 1.1 pounds of ice per hour. However, it’s a little bigger than the other options. The 74-ounce water tank can make ice in two different sizes, and you can use the scoop to shovel them out. Like other models, the device’s built-in alert system warns you when the water reserve is low or when the ice bucket is full. Moreover, the transparent window gives you a glimpse at how much ice is left. Like the others, this also provides quiet operation.


 Buyer’s Guide – Things to Consider

5 Best Ice Cube Makers To Buy Online

Here are some of the factors to consider when buying an ice machine:

Size

Ice machines come in a wide variety of sizes from compact countertop models to models that require significant floor space. Ask yourself if you want to place that countertop model in your kitchen or if you prefer to keep a large machine operating at all times in the garage?

Speed

How quickly do you need ice? This depends on whether you prefer to make ice ahead of time or want a constant supply. Some machines can supply ice quickly, so you can get the party started. However, if you don’t have sufficient storage containers for ice, it’s wise to get an ice machine that can keep up with persistent demand.

Ice storage capacity

Consider buying an ice machine with a larger storage capacity. They’re able to hold enough ice so you’ll never need to make ice for your guests. It’s always a good idea to have extra storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I need a water supply line to use my portable ice maker?

No. Portable ice makers don’t require a water supply line. Instead, you only need to pour some water into the unit’s tank. Once you switch it, the ice maker’s starts the ice production process.

How do portable ice machines work?

Portable ice machines work like a traditional freezer ice maker. Water is poured into a rotating ice tray. After that, the cooling compressor and fan freeze the water into ice. Lastly, a warm refrigerant causes the ice cubes to be released into the bin.

How quickly does portable ice maker produce ice?

Most portable ice makers make their first cubes in the bin within minutes. Traditional ice trays take longer to produce ice. However, with modern ice makers, there’s less waiting time.

How small are countertop ice makers?

Portable ice makers are compact and fit comfortably on a countertop. But they are large enough to store a substantial amount of ice. Most models stand at 15 inches tall and have a 12 inches width.

What makes portable ice machines portable?

Portable ice makers don’t require a water supply line or a drain line. They only require a power supply. Therefore, you can virtually carry them anywhere a 110V outlet is available.

How do I clean my ice maker?

Portable ice makers are easy to maintain. Clean your portable ice machine manually to ensure it runs smoothly. Add an ice maker cleaner to water and pour the mixture into the water tank. Run the ice machine until all of the water cleaner mixture has turned into cubes. Discard these cubes. Next, run the ice machine using just water. Discard this batch once again. You also want to clean your ice scoop using a dishwasher. Like any other utensil, this will need to be washed daily.

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