Best Countertop Ice Makers for 2026
Discover comprehensive reviews of the best countertop ice makers to keep your beverages perfectly chilled without the hassle of traditional ice trays. Our expert analysis covers compact, portable units ideal for home kitchens, RVs, and entertaining, helping you find the perfect ice-making solution for your lifestyle.
Updated January 2026 • 18 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Produces 44 lbs of ice daily with 10-minute cycle times
- Quiet operation at 50dB, perfect for home or office
- Programmable 24H timer for energy-efficient automation
- Advanced 2-layer insulation keeps ice cold for 12 hours
Gevi Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 40lbs/24H
The Gevi Nugget Ice Maker delivers fast, chewable pellet ice production (44 lbs daily) with programmable timer scheduling and quiet 50dB operation. Features advanced double-layer insulation to preserve ice for 12 hours and an upgraded drainage system that reduces scale buildup by 50%, making it ideal for families and offices seeking reliable countertop ice production.
The Bad
- Ice retention limited if not transferred to freezer promptly
- Requires adequate countertop space (17.3" x 9.7" footprint)
The Good
- Produces ice in less than 10 minutes, consistently
- Large water tank minimizes refilling frequency
- Sleek design fits under standard cabinets
- CR Recommended with trusted Frigidaire brand reputation
Frigidaire EFIC117 Stainless Steel Countertop Ice Maker
The Frigidaire EFIC117 is a high-performing countertop ice maker that produces 26 lbs of ice daily with impressive speed, generating 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 7 minutes. Its sleek stainless steel design, intuitive digital controls, and large 2.1 qt water capacity make it a practical and space-saving solution for home, office, or bar use. Users consistently praise its reliability, efficiency, and affordability, though note that ice is soft and wet, requiring storage in a freezer for long-term preservation.
The Bad
- Ice is soft and wet, freezes together in storage
- Does not keep ice frozen without freezer transfer
The Good
- Produces ice incredibly fast, 9 cubes every 7 minutes
- Large 2.1 qt water tank capacity reduces refilling
- Sleek stainless design fits seamlessly in any kitchen
- Consumer Reports recommended at an excellent price point
Frigidaire 26 Lbs Portable Countertop Ice Maker
This Frigidaire countertop ice maker produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily with impressive speed, making 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 7 minutes. Users consistently praise its fast operation, sleek stainless steel design, and reliable performance at an excellent price point. The 2.1 qt water capacity and intuitive controls make it convenient for regular use, though ice tends to be wet and requires freezer storage to prevent clumping.
The Bad
- Produces wet ice that freezes together in freezer
- Does not keep ice frozen, requires transfer storage
The Good
- Makes ice extremely fast, 6-12 minutes per batch
- Compact design fits RVs, counters, and small spaces
- Self-cleaning function and easy to maintain
- Energy-efficient and quiet operation
- Excellent value
Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker
The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker is a compact, portable solution that produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily in just 6 minutes, making it ideal for supplementing inadequate built-in ice makers or camping scenarios. With its energy-efficient design, self-cleaning feature, and whisper-quiet operation under 40dB, users consistently praise its speed, ease of maintenance, and exceptional value. However, buyers should note this is designed for immediate ice production rather than long-term storage, as the ice will gradually melt without freezer backup.
The Bad
- No ice storage capability—cubes melt without freezer backup
- Fan noise louder than expected despite quiet operation claims
The Good
- Fast ice production: 8 cubes in 6 minutes
- Two ice size options with simple button selection
- Quiet, compact, and easy to use
- Built-in self-cleaning function for hygiene
Kismile Countertop Ice Maker
The Kismile Countertop Ice Maker produces 8 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes with a capacity of 26 lbs per day. This portable, self-cleaning machine offers dual ice size options and smart alert indicators, making it perfect for home, office, or party use. Users consistently praise its fast operation, ease of use, and quiet performance, though some note that freshly made ice requires freezing to achieve optimal texture.
The Bad
- Freshly made ice comes out wet and requires freezing
- Water quality impacts ice quality significantly
The Good
- Makes 26 lbs ice daily, fast 6-minute production
- Two selectable ice sizes, compact stainless design
- Digital controls with water/full bin indicators
- Quiet operation, reliable multi-year durability
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker
The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189 is a reliable countertop ice maker that produces up to 26 lbs of clear ice cubes per day with fast production times under 6 minutes. It features dual ice sizes, stainless steel construction with a transparent window, and user-friendly digital controls, making it ideal for families and regular entertaining. While generally well-regarded for performance and durability, some users note it requires proper maintenance understanding and may produce ice that melts if not used immediately.
The Bad
- Ice melts if not immediately transferred to freezer
- Requires regular vinegar cleaning and proper maintenance
The Good
- Produces nugget ice in just 6 minutes
- Quiet operation suitable for home and office
- Easy to clean with self-cleaning function
- Compact, portable design fits any countertop
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
The Silonn Nugget Ice Maker is a compact countertop appliance that produces up to 33 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day, with the first batch ready in just 6 minutes. Users praise its fast ice production, quiet operation, and easy maintenance, though some note the small storage capacity and occasional premature "full" sensor activation. At its current price point, it offers solid value for small households seeking convenient nugget ice at home or in the office.
The Bad
- Small storage basket fills quickly
- Noisy compared to some premium models
The Good
- Produces 100 lbs of ice daily at excellent value
- ETL certified for both home and commercial applications
- Fast ice production with quiet, efficient operation
- Smart LCD control panel with automatic cleaning function
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine
The EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker delivers impressive ice production of 100 lbs per day in a compact, freestanding unit suitable for both home and commercial use. With ETL certification, efficient operation, and strong user reports of reliability, it's an excellent value option for high-volume ice needs. However, setup considerations like proper drainage and ambient temperature management are crucial for optimal performance.
The Bad
- Gravity drain requires careful installation and setup
- Ice storage has limited insulation; melts quickly when full
The Good
- Produces 9 cubes in 6 minutes, very fast ice production
- Compact, portable design fits easily on any countertop
- Auto-cleaning function eliminates manual maintenance hassles
- Reliable durability with multiple years of consistent performance
Electactic 26Lbs Countertop Ice Maker
This portable countertop ice maker delivers impressive performance with 26 lbs daily capacity and rapid 6-minute ice production. Users praise its efficiency, compact design, and ease of cleaning, though some note that ice melts quickly and operation noise can be disruptive. Overall, it's a practical solution for those without built-in refrigerator ice makers.
The Bad
- Ice melts quickly, requires immediate freezer storage
- Notably loud operation, especially disruptive at night
The Good
- Fast ice production with quiet 46dB operation
- Soft, chewable nugget ice quality
- Compact, portable design with auto-cleaning
- Excellent value compared to premium brands
COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker
The COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker delivers soft, chewable pellet ice in just 8 minutes with a quiet 46dB operation, making it an excellent value alternative to premium brands like GE Opal. Compact and portable at under 21 pounds, it features automatic self-cleaning and produces 35lbs of ice daily. However, some users report ice jamming issues and hot exhaust on the fan side that require workarounds.
The Bad
- Ice occasionally jams requiring manual clearing
- Hot air exhaust and awkward water refilling design
The Good
- Rapid ice production in 6-10 minutes
- Quiet operation under 45dB
- Affordable price point
- Portable and compact design with handle
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine
The EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker delivers impressive speed, producing ice in just 6-10 minutes with a capacity of 26lbs per day, making it ideal for home and portable use. Users consistently praise its quick operation, quiet performance, and bullet-shaped ice quality at an affordable price point. However, durability concerns and occasional quality control issues warrant caution, as some units fail within the first year.
The Bad
- Durability concerns; some units fail within 1-2 years
- Ice clumping and melting issues in reservoir
The Good
- Produces 26 lbs ice daily with fast 7-minute cycles
- Convenient carry handle and compact countertop design
- Automatic self-cleaning function and simple LED controls
- Excellent value compared to premium competitors
Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker
The Igloo ICEB26 is a reliable and affordable countertop ice maker that produces 26 pounds of ice daily with 9 cubes ready in just 7 minutes. Users praise its durability, convenient carry handle, and self-cleaning function, though some report durability concerns after extended use. Best purchased with an extended warranty for peace of mind.
The Bad
- Some units fail prematurely; extended warranty strongly recommended
- Ice can taste like chemicals; requires thorough initial cleaning
The Good
- Produces clear, quality crescent ice in 12 minutes
- Compact, stylish design fits most countertops easily
- Simple one-touch operation with customizable ice sizes
- Built-in timer and self-cleaning functionality included
Northair Crescent Ice Cube Machine 35Lbs/24H
The Northair Crescent ice maker delivers impressive ice production (up to 35 lbs daily) with crystal-clear crescent ice and simple one-button operation, making it ideal for home, office, and entertaining. However, durability concerns and reliability issues reported by some users, particularly with extended use and aging, suggest mixed long-term performance despite strong initial satisfaction.
The Bad
- Durability issues after 6-12 months of continuous use
- Ice storage bin doesn't keep cubes fully frozen
The Good
- Generates 9 ice cubes in 6-13 minutes with quiet operation
- Compact design with handle for portability and travel
- Excellent value with self-cleaning function
- Hollow bullet-shaped ice prevents mouth injury and melts evenly
VIVOHOME Portable Countertop Ice Maker
The VIVOHOME ice maker is a compact, affordable countertop unit that produces up to 26 lbs of bullet-shaped ice daily with quiet operation and easy one-touch controls. Users consistently praise its value for money and portability, though some report durability concerns and issues with partially frozen, wet ice that clumps together.
The Bad
- Ice tends to be partially frozen and wet, clumping into blocks
- Durability mixed: some units fail within weeks, others last 1-2 years
The Good
- Produces ice quickly in 6-10 minutes per batch
- Compact, portable design fits small countertops
- Self-cleaning function and easy maintenance
- Affordable at its current price point
Electactic Countertop Ice Maker
This compact countertop ice maker produces 9-10 ice cubes every 6-10 minutes with a 1.5L storage capacity, making it an affordable solution for supplementing home freezers. Users praise its ease of use, quiet operation, and self-cleaning feature, though warranty service and durability concerns have been noted by some customers. Despite mixed experiences with customer support, it represents solid value for occasional to moderate ice production needs.
The Bad
- Warranty service and manufacturer support reportedly poor
- Small 1.5L storage requires frequent emptying
The Good
- Makes perfect chewable, crunchable nugget ice quickly
- WiFi-enabled with smart scheduling and voice control
- Includes 1-gallon water tank for extended use
- Relatively quiet operation compared to competitors
GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Nugget Ice Maker
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL delivers exceptional nugget ice quality with fast production (38 lbs/day) and convenient WiFi smart controls, making it ideal for ice enthusiasts. However, users report inconsistent durability issues, frequent maintenance requirements, and occasional operational glitches that can limit its long-term value despite strong initial performance.
The Bad
- Durability concerns; units fail within 18-24 months
- Requires frequent maintenance, descaling, and water refills
The Good
- Produces ice quickly in 6-12 minutes
- Integrated water dispenser adds convenience
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Three ice size options available
COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker with Water Dispenser
The COSTWAY ice maker delivers convenient bullet ice production at 48 lbs/day with an integrated water dispenser, though users report significant maintenance challenges and water usage concerns. While it produces ice quickly and has a sleek stainless steel design, cleaning accessibility and hygiene issues are persistent drawbacks that may require frequent attention for regular users.
The Bad
- Difficult to clean interior; buildup and slime accumulation
- Very high water consumption; low water dispense speed
The Good
- Produces quality nugget ice quickly and abundantly
- Compact, portable design fits most kitchen spaces
- Affordable price compared to premium competitors
- Large capacity drawer between refills
hOmeLabs Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The hOmeLabs Countertop Nugget Ice Maker produces quality nugget ice efficiently at an attractive price point, but suffers from significant durability concerns and noise issues. Users report failures within months including leaking, plastic deterioration, and mechanical breakdown. While it delivers excellent ice quality and high production capacity when working, reliability and longevity are major drawbacks that undermine its value proposition.
The Bad
- Extremely loud operation disturbs nearby rooms
- Frequent failures within months of use; leaking and plastic degradation