I remember I first heard of the tagline “It’s not just good, it’s Sonic good” – I was in junior high then. My friends and I thought those “Sonic guys” in the commercial were so hilarious. As you guessed it, we have been fans of the Sonic Drive-in and their slushes since we were kids.
If you enjoy smoothies and slushes like we do, and you would like to make these fun and cool beverages at home, then consider getting a sonic ice machine.
Here are our five top-notched sonic ice makers, plus a detailed review of each. Depending how fast and how much ice you need, any one of these highly-rated and well-priced models is a great choice.
Benefits & Buying Guide for Best Sonic Ice Makers
At this point, you are probably wondering when we would get down to the business of showing you how to get the best sonic ice machine. It’s about time and we are starting with this detailed guide, emphasizing the major things you need to know to get the best among the rest. These features are highlighted below:
- Its Ice Making Capacity: When we talk about the ice making capacity of an ice maker, we are talking about the maximum quantity of ice that it can produce within 24 hours. It is important to look out for the ice making capacity of the ice-making machine that you intend to buy and this is somewhat dependent on the purpose of its use. If you plan to use the ice making machine for commercial purpose or occasional parties, then you should consider going for an ice maker with a large ice-making capacity. However, if you just need a machine to make a small quantity of ice for just you or a small or medium-sized family, an ice maker with a moderate ice making capacity should do.
- Design and portability: Different ice makers come in different colors and styles, if you are particular about getting a perfect match for your kitchen décor, then you should choose a matching color and design. However, if you intend to carry the ice maker around, you might want to choose an ice maker with neutral colors like stainless-steel, silver, black or white.
- The ice holding capacity: Some ice makers store more ice than others, this is because their ice baskets are larger. If you plan to use the ice maker for business or to make ice for a large number of people, you should settle for a machine that can hold a large number of ice cubes per time. However, if you just need an ice maker to attend to your basic ice needs and maybe that of a few other people, you don’t have to worry about the ice storage capacity of the ice maker. Alternatively, you could also keep the ready-made ice cubes in storage bags while you are making another batch of ice cubes.
- Sound of the machine: It is important to also consider if the machine makes a loud noise. Some ice machines make loud and uncomfortable noises while others run rather quiet operations. This is even more important if you are using the ice maker in a public space, you should choose an ice maker that makes little or no noise. However, if you don’t exactly care about the sound it makes, you may choose any kind of ice maker that you prefer.
- Easy set up: Choosing an ice maker that is easy to set up and operate is golden advice. This is very important, especially if you are not exactly a tech-savvy person. It would be awkward to run around looking for help just to make ice for your family or even a visitor. We advise that you choose an ice maker that makes it very easy to have access to ice cubes.
- Speed of the Ice Maker: The working speed of an ice maker is also clearly important in making an ideal choice for the best blender for Sonic ice. The working speed of an ice maker is the amount of time that it takes to make ice. Since the reason why you are getting an ice maker is to have access to quick ice, you should choose an ice maker that churns out ice for you within a few minutes. However, you should also note that some ice makers work faster than others, in all choose the one that meets your needs the most.
- The Price tag: As with every other product, different ice makers have different price tags and overall working quality. However, we advise that you go for an ice maker that fits well within your budget, and several ice makers fall within this range. Choose an ice blender with a good enough quality and affordable price.
The Best Sonic Ice Makers 2021
Igloo Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine – Best Choice.
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Portable, convenient and compact in size, this retro metallic red ice maker looks good on a...
- LARGE ICE MAKING CAPACITY: Keep the water tank filled and this unit will produce 26 pounds of ice in a 24 hour period enough...
- WATER TANK CAPACITY: 3 quarts
Igloo ICEB26WH Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine is our best sonic ice maker option. It comes in a compact yet stylish design, and it is well-priced.
This efficient ice-making machine is loaded with outstanding features. They are simple to use and access, including a large ice-making capacity, a see-through lid, LED control panel, Ice basket with a 2-pound capacity, and more.
Yes, it makes large and small-sized ice in just few minutes. It is our best portable pellet ice maker.
If you need a great ice maker with top-notch features for making quality sonic ice, Igloo ICEB26WH might just be what you’re looking for!
Features –
- Stylish and Compact: Igloo ICEB26WH Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine has a sleek, stylish, and compact design that would beautifully grace the top of your counter without taking up so much space. It is also portable enough to be carried around.
- Large Ice Making Capacity: The ice maker has a 3-quartz water tank capacity and it produces up to 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hours for a non-stop supply of quality ice all day long.
- Large and small-sized ice cubes option: Igloo ICEB26WH Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker makes good quality cylinder-shaped ice in large and small sizes, giving you the option of choosing the ice cube size that you prefer.
- LED control: Igloo ICEB26WH ice making machine has a control panel that is easy to operate. It features light indicators that alert you when your ice basket is filled up and needs to be offloaded and when your water tank needs to be refilled.
- Fast and Quiet freezing: Igloo ICEB26WH ice-making machine works speedily yet quietly, making 9 small cylinder-shaped ice cubes in 7 minutes.
- Drain Plug: It features a drain plug that allows for easy cleaning and draining of the ice-making machine after use.
- Ice Basket and Scoop: Igloo ICEB26WH ice-making machine comes with a 2-pound capacity ice basket and scooper for a neat and easy transfer of ready-mades ice.
- Translucent window: You don’t have to open the lid of the ice maker while it is running, you can view the content of the ice-making machine via its see-through lid.
Pros
- Quality ice in no time
- Quiet machine
- Light indicators
- Simple to use
Cons
- The lid is made of Plastic material. It may be more susceptible to cracks after many years of use.
Igloo Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Portable, convenient and compact in size, this retro metallic red ice maker looks good on a...
- LARGE ICE MAKING CAPACITY: Keep the water tank filled and this unit will produce 26 pounds of ice in a 24 hour period enough...
- WATER TANK CAPACITY: 3 quarts
Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker is one of the best sonic ice machines there is and it is our second-best option. It is fast and efficient, providing you with quality ice for all your favorite drinks within a short time.
The portable pellet ice maker comes in a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to move around. It comes with amazing features that make ice making a breeze including an LED control panel, a drain plug, transparent windows amongst others.
Features –
- Nice and compact: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker comes in a sleek and compact black design. Whether you need an ice maker that you can move around or place on a countertop, Igloo ICEB26BK is one of the best sonic ice makers that you could possibly get.
- Ice making capacity: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker features a 3-quartz water tank capacity through which it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice within 24 hours. With this masterpiece, you can have your favorite drinks served chill all day long.
- Quick ice: The ice maker is fast at making ice, churning out 9 cylinder-shaped ice cubes in 7 minutes at any time of the day for all your favorite drinks and beverages.
- Large and Small-sized ice cubes: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker produces quality cylinder-shaped ice in large and small sizes.
- Transparent window: It features a see-through window that allows you to monitor what is going on in the machine without necessarily opening the lid.
- Ice basket and scoop: It features an ice basket that can take up to 2 pounds of sonic ice and an ice scoop, which can be used to easily transfer ready-made ice cubes into your favorite drinks at any time of the day.
- Drain plug: Igloo ICEB26BK Portable Electric Countertop Automatic Ice Maker features a drain plug that facilitates the easy cleaning and draining of the ice maker when not in use.
- LED lights: It comes with an easy to use control panel alongside light indicators that notify you when your water tank needs to be refilled and when your ice basket needs to be offloaded by illuminating the control panel.
Pros
- Transparent window
- Nice and Compact design
- Fast ice maker
- Easy to use
- LED control
Cons
- The material of the door is made of plastic.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker – Pocket-friendly option.
- 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 EFIC206-TG-Silver Compact Ice Maker is a small pellet ice maker that features everything you need to get good quality ice in no time.
If you want an ice maker with a nice look and compact feature, you might want to try this masterpiece.
Frigidaire EFIC206-TG is an ice-making machine that is fast and easy to use and clean, giving you quality ice in less than 10 minutes. It is one of our best pellet ice makers and our most affordable option.
Features –
- Sleek and portable design: Frigidaire EFIC206-TG-Silver Compact Ice Maker comes in an elegant silver cover that would beautifully grace a small part of your countertop. The ice maker is our most lightweight piece which makes it portable and easy to move around.
- Ease of use: With Frigidaire EFIC206-TG-Silver Compact Ice Maker, you can make ice easy and fast by following simple steps. Just by adding water into the water tank and selecting an ice size, you can get sonic ice in a few minutes.
- Ice making capacity: The machine is fast at making ice, you can get quality ice in just 6 minutes, and in 24 hours, it can produce as much as 26 lbs. of ice cubes.
- Compressor cooling system: It has a compressor cooler that helps to prevent over-heating and keep the whole system cool while in use.
- Drain plug: It also features a drain plug that makes it easy to clean and drain the ice maker after you are done making ice for the day.
- Large and small-sized ice: Whether you want large sonic ice balls or small-sized ones, Frigidaire EFIC206-TG-Silver Compact Ice Maker gives you an option for choosing your most preferred ice cube size so you can have your favorite beverages just the way you like it.
- Transparent windows: Frigidaire EFIC206-TG-Silver Compact Ice Maker also features a large see-through window that helps you to know what is going on in the machine while it is running without opening the lid.
- Ice shovel and basket: Frigidaire EFIC206-TG-Silver Compact Ice Maker features an ice shovel and a 1.2 kg capacity ice basket for neatly harvesting ready-made ice and transferring it into your favorite beverage.
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Translucent lid
- Speedy ice maker
- Quiet machine
- Compressor cooler
Cons
- No LCD screen
- Cleaning some areas might be a bit challenging
NutriChef Countertop Ice Maker
- COUNTERTOP ICE MAKER: Enjoy convenient kitchen style with the NutriChef Portable Ice Machine - Just add water for automatic...
- PORTABLE ICE: Compact & portable style allows you to transport the ice maker from the kitchen table to the backyard patio -...
- DIGITAL CONTROL: Simple electric plug-in design features hassle-free operation thanks to the front panel digital LCD display...
Nutrichef countertop ice maker is the next best pellet ice maker, it is a compact piece housed in a stylish stainless-steel design that is easy to set up and manages. It makes different sizes of top-notch quality ice cubes within a few minutes.
The unique ice maker helps you to serve your favorite drinks chilled at any time of the day without hassle.
NutriChef countertop ice maker is easy to move around and does not take up too much countertop space. It is one of the best portable pellet ice makers that makes sonic ice
Features –
- Portable and Stylish Design: NutriChef countertop ice maker is a compact machine with a stylish design. The ice maker is housed in a stainless-steel cover that is easy to clean and adds a beautiful glam to your kitchen décor. You can easily carry the machine around as it is one of our best portable ice makers.
- The varying size of ice cubes: The ice making machine makes ice cubes of different sizes so that whether you want large, medium, or small-sized ice cubes for your favorite drinks, you can adjust the settings and serve your drinks just the way you like it.
- Easy to Use: The ice making machine is easy to set up and use. Just by following simple steps, including adding water into the reservoir, plugging the machine into a power source, choosing your preferred ice cube size, good quality ice cubes can be ready in a few minutes. It also features a self-cleaning function.
- LCD Control Panel: NutriChef Countertop Ice Maker features a control panel with buttons that makes ice making hassle-free. It also features light indicators that notify you when the water tank needs to be refilled and when the ice tray needs to be offloaded.
- Transparent Lid: It also features a see-through lid that helps you to conveniently monitor the operations of the ice maker without opening it while it is running.
- Ice Making Capacity: NutriChef countertop ice maker has a 2.2 liters water reservoir capacity and it makes up to 33 lbs. of premium quality ice within 24 hours.
- Fast and Quiet Operation: The ice making machine makes quick ice, churning out premium quality ice in 10 minutes without making any disturbing noise.
- Ice tray and Ice Scooper: NutriChef countertop ice maker features a 1.8 lbs. capacity ice tray and an ice scooper for transferring ice cubes into your drinks in a clean and sanitary way.
Pros
- Easy and fast ice maker
- Quiet mode of operation
- Commendable overall performance
- Makes varying sizes of ice cubes
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Some customer complained that the reservoir started leaking after a while
Whynter UIM Stainless steel Ice Maker
- Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product and confirm it fits your space
- Built-in or freestanding installation (front venting) with no drain required
- Makes 12 lbs of crescent-shaped ice cubes in 24 hours
Whynter UIM-155 Stainless steel Ice Maker is one of our best sonic ice machines. It is a highly efficient ice maker that is easy to operate. You don’t have to wait for hours to have ready-made ice as the machine is very fast.
It also comes in a stylish design that would match up with any kind of decor and it is loaded with features that enables it to make ice easily available for your favorite drinks and beverages.
Features –
- Sleek Look: The ice maker comes in a sleek and elegant stainless-steel design and it features a stainless-steel door and black cabinet that would no doubt match up with your kitchen decor. Although it can be a little heavy and therefore not easy to move around.
- Ice making and storage capacity: Whynter UIM-155 Stainless steel Ice Maker is an inbuilt portable ice maker that has a direct water line connection. It can hold up to 6 lbs. of ice in its ice bin and can make up to 12 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice within 24 hours.
- Automated System: Whynter UIM-155 Stainless steel Ice Maker features an automated system that goes off once the ice bin is filled up with sonic ice.
- Ice scoop and ice bin: Whynter UIM-155 Stainless steel Ice Maker comes with an ice scoop and bin for neat and easy harvesting of the ready-made quality ice.
- One button operation: Whynter UIM-155 Stainless steel Ice Maker features a one-button operation that makes ice making a breeze so that you can have access to good quality ice without stress.
- Impressive performance: Whynter UIM-155 Stainless steel Ice Maker has an impressive overall performance and can be installed either as a built-in or freestanding installation unit. It also features a powerful compressor for cooling the system while in use.
Pros
- Sleek and classy
- No drain is required
- Quiet system
- Durable and long-lasting piece
- Easy to use
Cons
- The machine is heavy
- Professional expertise is needed for its installation
- Its ice making capacity is quite small
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
What ice machine makes Sonic ice?
A lot of ice machines make Sonic ice, however, if you are looking for the best Sonic ice makers, you should check through our list. We have 5 of the best ice maker options with amazing features that would assuredly give you good quality Sonic ice in a few minutes.
How do I keep Sonic ice from freezing?
Sonic ice makers do not feature refrigeration, this is to ensure that the ready-made ice retains it’s soft and chewable texture. Hence, by default, a Sonic ice maker does not encourage freezing.
How do you make Sonic ice at home?
Making Sonic ice at home is very easy when you have the best Sonic ice machine, just following simple steps, makes Sonic ice readily available for you. We have 5 of the best Sonic ice machines on this list to narrow down your search.
What makes Sonic Ice so good?
A lot of people like Sonic ice as it helps them to savor the taste of your drinks even better. This is because it is light and chewable which makes it float on the surface of your drinks.