If you need a great performance countertop ice maker that produces fresh ice on-demand, this review would certainly be of interest to you.
The best countertop ice maker should fit into your space and match your décor. Most importantly, it should meet your daily need for fresh ice.
Which of the numerous countertop ice makers is the best? What features to look for?
We have compiled a review of our 5 best countertop ice makers, pointing out their standout features and what they can do. There is additionally a buying guide which is meant to serve as an aid in helping you to choose the best option possible.
Benefits & Buying Guide For the Best Countertop Ice Maker
If you are hoping to get the best countertop ice maker, here are a few things that you must put in mind:
- Size of the machine: If you do not have too much countertop space, you shouldn’t opt for a big-sized ice maker. You might not need to worry much if you have excess countertop space. The best countertop ice maker should be a perfect fit for your free space. To be on the safe side, ensure that the dimensions of your selected ice machine match up with space you have to spare.
- Design: It is equally important for you to take note of the color design and general outlook of an ice machine. Although this might not necessarily affect the ice-making process it is important if you are particular about the outlook of your countertop and we think you should be. Different countertop ice machines come in different colors and designs and choosing a portable ice machine that blends with your decor is a golden piece of advice after all.
- Durability: Like every other electric machine, countertop ice makers are more durable than the other, this might be as a result of the brand involved, the warranty, or the type of materials used in its construction. Getting an ice machine with durable parts and a high warranty saves you valuable money.
- Ease of operation and maintenance: Countertop ice makers that are easy to use and maintain are a great choice. Cleaning your ice machine is very important as this can influence the overall efficiency of your ice machine. Some ice makers have to be manually cleaning after each round of ice while others feature self-cleaning functions that make it easier to clean up the ice machine. We advise that you choose an ice machine that you would find easy to use and maintain.
- Ice making capacity: The Ice making capacity of different ice makers vary, while some countertop ice makers produce a lot of daily ice, some cannot make so much. Also, some have larger water reservoirs and this can influence the ice making capacity of an ice machine. Getting the best countertop ice maker is about getting the one that meets your needs, hence a nice maker that meets your daily ice needs would be a fantastic choice.
- Type of ice: Different types of ice machines make different types and shapes of ice from pellet ice, bullet-shaped ice, and others. Some also make crystal clear ice cubes while others don’t. You have to decide on the type and shape of ice that you prefer and choose a countertop ice machine that is equipped to make your type of ice. Also, some ice machines are enabled to make more than one size of ice, some produce up to three sizes of ice. If you love varieties, an ice machine with multiple ice size options would be a great choice.
- Price tag: Countertop ice makers have different price tags which might be as a result of the brand of the ice machine, construction materials, warranty, and durability which varies from one ice machine to the other. However, we admonish you to cut your coat according to your size by settling for an ice maker whose price tag tallies with your budget.
The Best Countertop Ice Maker on the market:
1. Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Ice Making Machine – Best Overall
- Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product and confirm it fits your space.Rated power :...
- MODERN DESIGN: Ice Maker with a large transparent window so you can always see your ice being made and the level.
- COMPACT & EASY: Frigidaire's countertop portable ice maker offers a wide range of uses with a compact dimension 9.5 in....
Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver ice making machine is our best countertop ice maker option. It is compact and classy, its portable size makes it a good fit for countertops.
Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver ice-making machine allows you to make quality ice from the comfort of your countertop at any time of the day. Furthermore, the ice-making machine is affordable and very much easy to use, it does not need a water line to make ice.
Features –
- Compact and Smart Design: The ice making machine has a sleek and beautiful silver outlook with portable countertop dimensions. Its lightweight and portability also make it easy to carry around at will.
- Simple ice-making process: Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Ice Making Machine allows you to have access to clean and quality ice right from the comfort of your ice machine. It features simple to use functions that enable you to make ice without hassle, just by filling up the water reservoir and selecting your preferred ice size.
- 2 sizes of ice: Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Ice Making Machine allows you to make 2 sizes of ice cubes so that you can have small and large-sized ice cubes for your favorite drinks.
- Easy to maintain: The ice machine is equipped with a drain plug that allows you to easily clean and drain the ice machine after each round of ice.
- Translucent lid: Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Ice Making Machine is equipped with a see-through channel on the lid that can be used to monitor the ice maker while it is running without opening the cover.
- Fast Ice: Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Ice Making Machine makes ice in a jiffy, producing ice in less than 6 minutes and up to 26 lbs. within 24 hours. With this ice machine, there is more than enough ice for everyone.
- LED panel: The ice machine also features an easy to use LED control panel that allows you to have control over the ice machine and allows you to control the ice maker with simple control buttons.
- Ice Shovel and basket: It also comes with a 12 kg capacity ice basket for holding a considerable amount of ice at a go, and an ice scoop for serving ice without stress.
Pros
- See-through lid
- Simple to use
- Compact and Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Small water reservoir
2. GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker – Best Quality
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its flavor,...
- 24 POUNDS OF ICE PER DAY - Never run out of nugget ice; This ice maker produces one pound of fresh ice per hour and has a...
- SMART - Built-In Bluetooth Connectivity: Schedule fresh ice, monitor your ice makers status and order accessories, all...
GE Profile opal countertop nugget ice maker is a smart countertop ice machine with smart controls including a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, a smart refill function, and an automated function that enables it to make soft and crunchy ice. It features a durable stainless steel outlook that is easy to clean and maintain.
The ice machine is compact and elegant, it is our best countertop ice maker and water dispenser. It also features smart accessories including a dip tray and an extra side tank that provides 3x more water for making a large quantity of daily ice.
Features –
- Elegant and Compact Design: GE profile opal features a sleek plastic and stainless-steel design that would blend well with any type of decor. Its compact and portable design makes it a good fit for any type of countertop space.
- Powerful Performance: The ice machine is equipped to make soft and crispy nugget ice in a space of 20 minutes and up to 24 lbs. of ice in 24 hours.
- Automated Machine: GE profile opal features an automated system that comes on when the ice bin is almost empty and goes off when the ice bin is full.
- Side attached tank: GE profile opal works as a countertop ice maker and water dispenser. It comes with a side tank that can be easily attached to the ice machine, the side tank enables the ice machine to make more ice up to 3 times its initial capacity.
- Large capacity ice bin: GE profile opal features a 3 lbs. ice bin for holding a large chunk of nugget ice at once.
- GE Profile Opal App: The ice machine comes with a Bluetooth connectivity feature that allows you to have control over the ice machine. You get to order accessories, set time for ice-making alongside other options via the GE Profile Opal App which can be downloaded on your mobile devices.
- Portable Machine: GE profile opal does not need a water line to get it running, this is because it features a water reservoir that has to be manually refilled to make ice. It also has the additional advantage of re-using melted ice for another batch of ice.
- Smart Accessories: GE profile app also comes with an ice scoop and dip tray so you can easily serve your nugget ice.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cleaning is a breeze
- Makes nugget ice
- Portable
- Durable design
- Smart features including an automated system and a GE profile opal app
Cons
- Noisy performance
- Expensive
3. CROWNFUL stainless-steel Ice Maker for Countertop – Most Affordable and Lightweight Option
- [Efficient & Quiet] The ice maker can produce up to 9 pieces of ice cubes in just 7 minutes and 26 pounds of ice per day. The...
- [2 Ice Sizes & Portability] The ice machine can make both large and small size ice cubes, where the large ice cubes are not...
- [Easy to Use] The ice maker is just a simple one touch operation and is equipped with infrared sensor technology, where the...
CROWNFUL stainless-steel portable ice maker is one of our best-value countertop ice makers. It is compact and lightweight, and it comes in a good-looking silver design.
All the features you need to make ice easily is equipped in this compact piece including a transparent window, a large size bullet ice, a drain plug amongst others. It works rapidly and quietly making a good quantity of long-lasting daily use.
It is rated as our most affordable and lightweight countertop ice machine on the market today.
Features –
- Sleek and Compact: CROWNFUL Portable Ice Maker comes in a sleek silver design that would blend well with almost any type of décor. Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal ice maker for countertops.
- Powerful and Quiet Performance: The ice machine works quietly and efficiently. It is equipped with a highly efficient compressor, and polyurethane foam layer for a reduced rate of energy consumption and better insulation.
- Transparent Window: CROWNFUL portable ice machine features a transparent window that allows you to monitor ice production without opening the cover.
- Large size of Ice: This unit makes large bullet-shape ice cubes. Each bullet ice has a dimension of 0.9 inch by 1.2 inch.
- Quick Ice: The ice machine works quickly, producing up to 9 bullet-shaped ice in 7 minutes and 26 lbs. of ice within 24 hours.
- Water Reservoir: This CROWNFUL is equipped with a water reservoir capacity of 60.8 oz. (1.8 L).
- Drain Plug: This unit is easy to operate and easy to clean. It has a drain plug that allows you to drain the ice machine without stress after use.
- Intuitive LED displays: This ice maker is equipped with LED indicators that indicates whether the ice is ready, or it needs cleaning. or when the reservoir needs to be refilled with water.
- Ice scoop and Basket: It is equipped with a 27 oz. (0.8 L) removable ice basket. It can hold 70-80 bullet ice.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick ice
- Quiet performance
- Lightweight and compact
- Transparent window
- Affordable
Cons
- Single size of ice – a large bullet ice-shape
4. Dreamiracle Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
- Efficient and Powerful: Dreamiracle ice makers adopt powerful compressor with thicker pew uew, 26g R600a refrigerant....
- 33 lbs Ice Daily Capacity: High heat conduction evaporator makes the refrigeration system stable and efficient, just 7...
- Auto-Cleaning and 2 Size Ice Selectable: Ice makers countertop with self-cleaning function that greatly facilitates your...
Dreamiracle ice maker machines our next best countertop ice machine. It is an outstanding ice maker from the reputable Dreamiracle brand.
It comes in a durable stainless-steel design that is built to last and it is equipped with smart features that make it easier to make ice including a good conductor and compressor, a food-grade foaming technology, a self-cleaning function, and more.
Its compact design makes it suitable as a countertop ice machine.
Features –
- Easy Installation: Your ice machine is ready to make ice once the water reservoir is filled and you have selected your preferred size of ice.
- Compact and elegant design: Dreamiracle ice maker machine features a stainless steel design that is durable and easy to maintain, it would also be a great addition to virtually any type of decor and countertop design.
- Powerful and Energy-efficient Performance: The ice maker is equipped with a conduction evaporator, an outstanding compressor, and a 3-layered food-grade foaming technology that makes the ice machine cool rapidly, using less energy, and thereby making the ice-making process more efficient.
- Fast Ice Machine: Dreamiracle ice maker machine for countertop produces 9 pieces of bullet-shaped ice cubes in 7 minutes and it makes up to 33 lbs. of daily ice.
- 2 Ice Cube Sizes: You also get to make large and small-sized bullet-shaped ice by using simple control buttons.
- Smart Features: Dreamiracle ice maker machine for countertop features an automatic function that stops automatically when the water reservoir is empty and when the ice basket is full. It is also equipped with infrared sensor technology and a large transparent window for monitoring the entire ice making process.
- Water Reservoir: Dreamiracle ice maker machine for countertop is equipped with a 28 Litre capacity water tank that requires manual refilling to make ice.
- Self-cleaning Function: This ice maker features a self-cleaning function that allows you to simply clean the ice machine just by using a button.
- Ice Basket and Scoop: This unit has a 3.3 pounds capacity ice basket for keeping ice cubes and an ice scoop for serving fresh ice.
Pros
- Easy mode of operation
- Self-cleaning function
- Compact and durable stainless-steel design
- Lots of daily ice
Cons
- No option for temperature control
5. AGLUCKY Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
- Ice makers countertop and Wide Applications : AGLUCKY countertop ice maker has wide applications with compact size...
- Efficient and Quiet Ice Making : Our ice machine produces 9 ice cubes within only 6-8 minutes.It even can produce up to 26.5...
- Multiple Functions with Ice Scoop and Basket: Indicators of our ice machine maker countertop will remind you to take out the...
AGLUCKY Ice Maker Machine is our final best option for countertop ice machine. It is a compact ice machine with smart features and portable dimensions.
It comes in an easily maintained black design and it is equipped to make ice without stress from the comfort of your countertop.
It is equipped with amazing ice making features including smart controls, a transparent cover, a rapid cooling function, and more.
AGLUCKY Ice Maker Machine is arguably a great countertop ice maker with a good performance.
Features –
- Quick and Quiet: The ice machine works rapidly and quietly, churning out 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes within 6 to 8 minutes and up to 26.5 pounds of ice in just 24 hours.
- Easy to clean: The ice unit features a drain plug, for easy cleaning and draining of the ice machine.
- Compact and Elegant Style: This AGLUCKY comes in a nice black overall design that would be a perfect match for virtually any type of décor. Its compact and portable size make it a good fit for your tabletop.
- 2 Sizes of Ice: This Ice Maker comes with a function that allows you to make small and large sizes of ice for your frozen treats.
- Transparent Lid: It is equipped with a transparent lid that would allow you to monitor the whole ice making process without touching the cover, which would help the ice cubes to last longer.
- Smart indicators: It features smart light indicators that notify you when the ice basket is filled up and when the water reservoir is empty.
- Ice Basket and Scoop: AGLUCKY Ice Machine also features a removable ice basket for keeping fresh ice and an ice scoop for serving ice.
Pros
- Quick ice
- Easy to use and clean
- Compact design
- Affordable
Cons
- Ice cubes melt rapidly
Frequently Asked Questions
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
Countertop ice makers usually come in compact and portable dimensions that do not need excessive space. They can make good ice in no time like other regular ice machines. They are also not too heavy, as such, they can be easily moved around.
However, they do not have as much ice making capacity as large-sized ice machines and users mostly experience rapid melting of ice.
All the same, countertops are worth every penny as they are capable of easily meeting your regular daily ice needs.
What’s the best water to use in a portable ice maker?
The standard is colorless, odorless, and tasteless water, in other words, It is ideal for you to use portable water that is clean enough for you to drink.
You may also use filtered water or treated water for your portable ice machine.
Using clean and clear water has the advantage of yielding good quality ice cubes and also helping you to maintain your portable ice machine.
What is the best ice maker for home use?
The best ice maker for home uses is one that fits into your space without hassle, easy for you to use, and meets your daily ice needs.
All our countertop ice maker options are great for use at home as they are easy to use and manage, and they have impressive ice-making performances.
Is there a countertop ice maker that keeps ice frozen?
Most countertop ice makers are not equipped to keep ice frozen. However, some of them have a cooling or refrigeration function that allows the ice produced to stay longer.
For countertop ice machines that do not keep ice frozen, you can help the fresh ice to last longer by keeping the ice machine under normal or low temperature, the ice cubes would also last longer if you reduce the frequency with which you open the ice machine.
Do countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity?
Most countertop ice makers do not use a lot of electricity, however, some countertop ice machines use up a lot of electricity.
Countertop ice makers with efficient and good performance compressor will help to reduce energy consumption.