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10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop - 44LB/Day, Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Machine with LED Display, 10-15 Minute Fast Ice Making for Home/Office/Bar

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want a countertop machine that produces a good amount of chewable nugget ice—up to 44 pounds daily—with a fast cycle time of just 10-15 minutes. This makes it suitable for small gatherings, home use, or office setups where quick ice supply matters. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to fit in kitchens, RVs, or bars without taking much space. The ice cube shape is popular for drinks because it’s soft and chewable, which many people enjoy.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,343
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Shape and Size
Cycle Time

Most important from
3526 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Produces ice quickly, delivering a batch in about 8 minutes and up to 25 pounds daily, meeting daily and small gathering needs effortlessly.
Ice Cube Shape and Size
The chewable, bullet-shaped ice has a soft texture with a hollow center, providing an enjoyable ice experience that lasts well in insulated containers.
Cycle Time
Produces ice quickly, delivering a batch in about 8 minutes and up to 25 pounds daily, meeting daily and small gathering needs effortlessly.
Water Refill Method
Simple operation with just water addition and a start button makes it highly user-friendly and suitable for everyday use.
Ease of Cleaning
Self-cleaning function runs automatically, requiring minimal effort to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
Size and Portability
Compact design fits neatly on countertops, taking minimal space and featuring a convenient handle for easy portability.
Noise Level
Quiet operation enhances its suitability for home or office environments where noise can be a concern.
#2
8.5 score

GE Profile Opal Ultra, Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 1 Gal XL Side Tank, *Amazon Exclusive*, 38 lbs/Day, Pebble Pellet Crushed Ice Machine, WiFi Stainless Steel

The GE Profile Opal Ultra is a countertop nugget ice maker that excels in providing soft, chewable nugget ice—great for drinks like cocktails, iced coffee, and smoothies. It produces a solid amount of ice, up to 38 pounds daily, with a 3-pound storage bin, making it suitable for family use or small gatherings. The included 1-gallon side water tank reduces the frequency of refills and supports continuous ice production without needing a water line, which adds to its convenience. The machine’s stainless steel design looks sleek and fits easily on most countertops, though it is a bit tall at about 16.5 inches.

Rating
8.5
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Shape and Size
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
158 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Ice production is incredibly fast, delivering the first batch in just minutes.
Ice Cube Shape and Size
The ice quality consistently meets expectations, producing soft, chewable nugget ice.
Ease of Cleaning
Maintenance can be tricky at times, with persistent sanitize and filter lights requiring troubleshooting.
Size and Portability
Its sleek, stainless steel design adds a modern touch to any countertop.
Noise Level
The machine operates quieter than expected, making it less intrusive in home settings.
#3
8.2 score

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Silver)

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want quick, chewable nugget ice at home or on the go. It produces up to 34 pounds of ice daily, with fresh batches ready in just 6 to 8 minutes, making it great for parties, camping, or just everyday use. The ice it makes is soft and crunchy, ideal for cooling drinks without dulling their flavor or hurting your teeth. Its 1.8-pound removable basket offers a reasonable amount of ice storage, though it may require frequent emptying during heavy use.

Rating
8.2
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Shape and Size
Cycle Time

Most important from
16929 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Produces soft, chewy nugget ice quickly and steadily, making it perfect for enjoying or storing in the freezer for days.
Ice Cube Shape and Size
Produces soft, chewy nugget ice quickly and steadily, making it perfect for enjoying or storing in the freezer for days.
Cycle Time
The ice basket fills in under two hours and refills rapidly once cooled, ensuring a steady supply of fresh ice.
Water Refill Method
Includes helpful features like a red light indicator for water refilling and a drain plug to easily manage excess water.
Ease of Cleaning
Requires regular cleaning and dust removal from coils to maintain optimal performance; however, internal components are not easily accessible for maintenance.
Size and Portability
Compact design fits nicely on the counter without taking up too much space, balancing portability with solid performance.
Noise Level
The machine operates quietly enough for home use, though the ice-making sound is noticeable and may discourage continuous running.

Top 10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop - 44LB/Day, Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Machine with LED Display, 10-15 Minute Fast Ice Making for Home/Office/Bar

Ice Production Capacity: 44 Pounds
Ice Storage Capacity: somewhat limited
Ice Cube Shape and Size: chewable nugget ice
Cycle Time: 10-15 minutes
Ease of Cleaning: self-cleaning, 20 minutes
Size and Portability: 14.96"D x 12.2"W x 9.45"H
Noise Level: noticeable during ice production

Chosen by 1343 this week

GE Profile Opal Ultra, Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 1 Gal XL Side Tank, *Amazon Exclusive*, 38 lbs/Day, Pebble Pellet Crushed Ice Machine, WiFi Stainless Steel

Ice Production Capacity: 38 Pounds
Ice Storage Capacity: 3 Pounds
Ice Cube Shape and Size: nugget ice
Cycle Time: about 10 minutes
Water Refill Method: 1-gallon side water tank
Ease of Cleaning: filters and descaling supplies
Size and Portability: 17.5"D x 13.43"W x 16.5"H

EUHOMY Ice Maker Machine

Ice Production Capacity: 26 pounds daily
Ice Storage Capacity: 1.3 pounds
Ice Cube Shape and Size: bullet-shaped
Cycle Time: 6 minutes
Water Refill Method: 1.2-liter tank
Ease of Cleaning: automatic self-cleaning
Size and Portability: 11.42"D x 8.74"W x 11.57"H, 13 lbs
Noise Level: under 45 decibels

GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro, 60lbs Daily, 6-Minute First Ice, 40dB Ultra-Quiet with AI NoiseGuard, App & Voice Control, Self-Clean, 3.5lbs Basket & Dual Water Tanks, for Home Kitchen, Party

Ice Production Capacity: 60 pounds daily
Ice Storage Capacity: 3.5 pounds
Ice Cube Shape and Size: nugget-shaped
Cycle Time: 6 minutes
Water Refill Method: dual tanks, 7.1 liters total
Ease of Cleaning: two self-clean modes: daily, descale
Size and Portability: 21.22"D x 13.98"W x 17"H, 42 lbs
Noise Level: 40 decibels

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 38lbs/Day, Removable Top Cover, Self-Cleaning, Portable Chewable Ice Maker with Basket, Scoop, for Home/RV/Party/Camping (Black)

Ice Production Capacity: 38 Pounds
Ice Storage Capacity: 1.8 Pounds
Ice Cube Shape and Size: small soft pellet ice
Cycle Time: 6 to 8 minutes
Water Refill Method: 1.2-quart tank, low water alert
Ease of Cleaning: self-cleaning, removable top cover
Size and Portability: 11.61x9.45x12.99 inches, compact
Noise Level: under 50 decibels
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Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Ice Makers

Choosing the right countertop ice maker begins with thinking about how much ice you actually need, how often you use it, and how much space you have available in your kitchen. A good ice maker should be easy to use, quick to produce ice, fit comfortably on your countertop, and suit your style of entertaining or daily routine. By understanding the key features, you can match a device to your habits, whether you're making cold drinks for a few people or hosting larger gatherings.
Ice Production CapacityIce production capacity tells you how much ice the machine can make in a 24-hour period. This is important because it helps you determine whether the ice maker will keep up with your demands. Smaller units might produce around 20 pounds per day, which is enough for personal or small family use, while larger units can make over 30 pounds a day, suitable for parties or frequent entertaining. Think about your typical usage: if you mostly use ice for a couple of drinks each day, a lower capacity is fine; if you often host friends or have a big family, higher capacity will be better.
Ice Storage CapacityThis specification refers to how much ice the machine can hold at one time before you need to remove some. A larger storage bin means you don't have to empty it as often, making it more convenient if you want a steady supply. Storage bins on countertop models usually range from a few pounds up to around 3 pounds. If you want ice ready for more people simultaneously, aim for a bigger storage capacity; for single or occasional use, smaller bins are sufficient.
Ice Cube Shape and SizeDifferent ice makers produce different shapes and sizes of ice cubes, such as bullet, nugget, or square cubes. This matters because the ice's shape affects how quickly it cools drinks, melts, and fits into bottles or glasses. Some models let you select the size (small, medium, or large). If you have a specific use, like chilling bottles or making cocktails, think about what size and shape fit best; nugget or chewable ice might be nice for everyday drinks, while larger cubes melt slower and are better for whiskey or cocktails.
Cycle TimeCycle time is how long it takes the machine to make a single batch of ice, often listed in minutes. A shorter cycle time (around 6-10 minutes per batch) means you'll get fresh ice more quickly, which is useful for parties or when you need ice in a hurry. If you're patient or use ice more gradually, a slower cycle might not matter much. Consider your regular ice needs and how quickly you expect to need new batches.
Water Refill MethodSome ice makers require you to manually add water, while others may have options for connecting to a water line. Manual-fill models offer the most flexibility and are easy to move, while water-line connected units are more convenient if you want a steady supply without having to refill. Consider whether you want portability or convenience; if you plan to use the machine in different places (like events or camping), manual fill is best, but for a permanent kitchen spot, a water line can be handy.
Ease of CleaningHygiene is important because leftover water or ice can breed bacteria. Some machines come with self-cleaning functions, while others require you to wipe them down manually. A self-cleaning feature saves effort and keeps your ice tasting fresh, especially if you use the machine every day. If you want low maintenance, look for models with simple cleaning processes or built-in cleaning cycles.
Size and PortabilityCountertop ice makers come in different shapes and sizes, affecting how much space they take up and how easy they are to move around. Smaller, lighter models fit tighter spaces and are easier to store or take on trips, while larger units might be more stable for frequent home use. Think about the space you have available, whether you plan to move the machine often, and choose a size that fits your countertop and lifestyle.
Noise LevelAll ice makers make some noise when running, especially during the ice-making process. Some are quieter than others, important if you have an open kitchen or use the appliance during quiet times. Manufacturers may describe their machines as 'quiet,' but you can also check for user reviews. If you're sensitive to noise or plan to use the machine in communal spaces, aim for quieter models.

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