Best Ice Makers of 2026

Mark Greer Avatar
Mark Greer
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Ice makers are essential appliances for any home or business that requires a constant supply of ice. These machines come in various sizes and designs to suit different needs, from small countertop models for home use to large commercial units for restaurants and bars. They work by freezing water in a reservoir, then using a motorized mechanism to break the ice into cubes or flakes. Some models are even equipped with features like self-cleaning functions and automatic shut-off to make maintenance and operation hassle-free. With a reliable ice maker, users can enjoy cold drinks and keep food fresh without having to worry about running out of ice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Antarctic Star Portable Countertop Ice Maker Cover #TOP 1
Antarctic Star Portable Countertop Ice Maker
ftb score rating icon 9.8
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle Cover #TOP 2
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS 26 Pound Ice Maker Cover #TOP 3
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS 26 Pound Ice Maker
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Ice Makers

Antarctic Star Portable Countertop Ice Maker

11015RIM0-WHITE
White
18Lbs/24H
Antarctic Star Portable Countertop Ice Maker Cover
Antarctic Star Portable Countertop Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning, 18Lbs/24H, One-Touch Operation, Ice Scoop for Home, Kitchen, Office(White)

The Antarctic Star Ice Maker is a handy countertop appliance that quickly produces ice in just seven minutes, perfect for keeping your drinks cold during parties or daily use. Its self-cleaning feature helps maintain the machine by removing mineral buildup, so you get fresh, clean-tasting ice without extra effort. You can easily watch the ice form through the clear lid, making it simple to keep an eye on progress without opening the machine. Plus, the one-touch control makes it very easy to use—just add water and press a button, so anyone can make ice quickly and hassle-free.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Self-cleaning function
Transparent lid
One-touch operation

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle

IM-12S-HM
Black
34LBS
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle Cover
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 (Black)

Introducing the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker, the perfect addition to your home or any occasion. This compact and portable ice maker is designed to quench your thirst fast with its efficient 6-minute ice-making capability. With a 1.2Qt water tank, it can produce up to 33 lbs of nugget ice daily, perfect for cocktails, smoothies, and other beverages. Its unique crunchy soft pellet ice cools drinks quickly while retaining their taste, providing a joyfully chewable experience. The sturdy handle and compact size make it easy to carry, allowing you to enjoy refreshing drinks wherever you go. The smart features, such as the "ICE FULL" indicator and "ADD WATER" alert, ensure a hassle-free ice-making process. Plus, the ice maker's low noise level and energy-saving design make it perfect for any environment. With ETL certification and a 1-year warranty, you can use the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with confidence. Wow your guests with delicious sonic ice!

What We Like
Chewable nugget ice
Fast ice production
Compact countertop design
Easy to clean
Responsive customer service
What We Don't Like
Slightly noisy operation
Occasional durability concerns

Frigidaire EFIC117-SS 26 Pound Ice Maker

EFIC120
STAINLESS
26 lbs per day
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS 26 Pound Ice Maker Cover
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

This portable ice maker makes 26 lbs. of ice per day in two different sizes, and features a 2.3 quart reservoir, soft-touch electronic controls with LED indicators, and a built-in air outlet fan. No installation is required - just plug in unit, add water and enjoy a batch of ice. The durable stainless-steel exterior and compact design make it ideal for use in small kitchens, RV's, boats, dorm rooms and more.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Large water capacity
Easy to use and clean
Space-saving design
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Ice sticks together
Does not keep ice frozen

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 40Lbs

IM017-N
Black
40LBS/Day
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 40Lbs Cover
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 40Lbs/24H Pebble Ice Maker Machine, Self-Cleaning Countertop Sonic Ice Makers with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker Machine for Home/Kitchen/Office

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is perfect for anyone who enjoys soft, chewable ice quickly and easily. It delivers your first batch of ice in just 7-10 minutes and can produce up to 40 pounds of pebble ice daily, so you never have to worry about running out during parties or at home. The ice it makes is soft yet crunchy, ideal for snacking or adding to drinks. Operating this machine is simple with just one button to start ice production and a light to check the process even in the dark. Plus, its self-cleaning feature saves you time by running a quick 20-minute cleaning cycle with a single press.

What We Like
Easy to clean
Quick ice production
Compact countertop size
Chewable nugget ice
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
A bit noisy
Ice may clump together

ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop

IM-NS451B
Silver
ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Cover
ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Smart Pebble Ice Machine with APP Control, 44 lbs Per Day Soft Pellet Chewable Ice with Self-Cleaning, Stainless Steel

The ecozy Nugget Ice Maker offers a vibrant full-color display that shows clear icons, water quality, and temperature, making it easy for you to monitor your ice-making process. Its advanced double-layer insulation keeps ice colder for longer, reducing melting and ensuring your ice stays fresh. The pull-out water tank simplifies refills and cleaning, so you won’t have to deal with spills or messes. Plus, with smart controls via the EcozyHome app or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant, you can start or stop ice production anytime from anywhere, giving you ultimate convenience and control.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Easy to use and clean
Good value for price
Compact countertop size
Improves water consumption
What We Don't Like
Slightly noisy operation
Small ice basket capacity

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker

IM013-N
Silver
35LBS/Day
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Cover
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers for Countertop with Ice Scoop & Basket, Self-Cleaning Sonic Pebble/Pellet Ice Maker Machine with 35lbs/24H Soft Ice for Home/Kitchen/Office, Stainless Steel, Silver

The EUHOMY Ice Maker offers a quick and endless supply of soft, chewable ice, producing up to 35 pounds in just 24 hours. You can enjoy your favorite drinks with crunchy, slow-melting nugget ice within minutes of pressing a button. The user-friendly design makes it easy to operate, so you won’t have to worry about complicated settings. Plus, with its automatic cleaning feature, maintaining the machine is a breeze—just press a button and let it do the work for you. This compact appliance fits perfectly in any kitchen or office, providing convenience wherever you need ice.

What We Like
Soft, chewable nugget ice
Fast ice production
Compact countertop size
Easy to use and clean
Self-cleaning function
What We Don't Like
Occasional ice basket backup
Cleaning process somewhat inconvenient
#TOP 7

Kismile Nugget Ice Maker

KS-Z5825NB-NEW
Silver
35lbs/day
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Cover
Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)

The Kismile Nugget Ice is a handy countertop machine that quickly produces chewable nugget ice, perfect for drinks like cocktails and sodas. You’ll get up to 35 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes, so you never run out. It’s easy to keep clean too—just press a button for a 15-minute self-cleaning cycle, saving you time and effort. Plus, it runs quietly at only 43 decibels, so it won’t disturb your home environment. LED indicators help you track water levels and ice production, making it simple to use and maintain.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Chewable nugget ice
Easy one-click operation
Compact and portable design
Self-cleaning feature
What We Don't Like
A bit noisy
Ice melts quickly
#TOP 8

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop

IM013-NSI-USEH
Stainless Steel
34LBS/Day
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Cover
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Ready in 7 Mins, 34Lbs/24H Pebble Ice Maker Machine, Self-Cleaning Countertop Sonic Ice Makers with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home, Stainless Steel

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker offers you quick and easy access to soft, chewable ice in just 7 minutes, perfect for keeping your drinks cool whenever you want. With its 1.1-liter water tank, it can produce up to 34 pounds of pebble ice in a day, ensuring you have plenty of ice for parties or daily use without needing to buy from the store. The ice it creates is slow-melting and crunchy, making it enjoyable to snack on or add to your favorite beverages. Plus, it’s super simple to operate—just press one button to start making ice. When it’s time to clean, the built-in self-cleaning feature takes care of maintenance with just a press of a button, saving you time and effort.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Quiet operation
Easy to use
Compact size
Produces two ice sizes
What We Don't Like
Basket not refrigerated
Shipping can be slow

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine

IM-FP
silver
countertop
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine Cover
EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker Machine Countertop, 2 Ways to Add Water, 45Lbs/Day 24 Pcs Ready in 13 Mins, Self-Cleaning Portable Compact, with Ice Scoop & Basket, Perfect for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar

The EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine is a high-quality, compact ice maker that produces 24 ice cubes per cycle, every 12 to 18 minutes. With a 45-pound daily capacity, you can adjust the thickness of the ice cubes according to your needs, letting you create perfect drinks. The machine is easy to use with an LCD display and digital design, and it offers on-time ice production. The material used is food-safe and anti-corrosion, and it operates at a super quiet sound level of around 45db. It also has an automatic cleaning function and a one-year warranty, making it an excellent choice for home, kitchen, office, or bar use.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Easy to clean
High water capacity
Works well for office or home
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Occasional noisy ice drop
Some reports of malfunction

Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker

EFIC120-BLKSS-SC
BLACK STAINLESS
Medium
Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker Cover
Frigidaire Countertop Portable, 26 lb per Day Bullet Ice Maker Machine (Black Stainless Steel)

The Frigidaire EFIC117-SSBLACK-COM EFIC117-SSBLACK 26 Lbs Portable Compact Maker is a must-have for those who love cold drinks. With the ability to produce 26 pounds of ice per day, this ice maker can make ice in as little as 6 minutes. It has a counter top design, is easily portable, and has a see-through design that allows you to watch as the ice is being made. The digital LED control panel allows for easy control of all ice making functions. The 2.3 quart water reservoir capacity ensures maximum ice making production, and it comes with an ice shovel.

What We Like
Fast ice production
Large water capacity
Easy to use and clean
Compact countertop size
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Wet ice may stick together
Does not keep ice frozen
Best Ice Makers Feature Image

Choosing the Best Ice Makers to Build Your Dream Home

Capacity

The capacity of an ice maker is an important consideration when selecting the right model for your needs. Most ice makers have a capacity of 40 pounds, but some models can hold up to 100 pounds. For smaller households, a model with a small capacity may be sufficient. However, for larger families or for those who entertain often, a higher-capacity ice maker is essential.

Using Place

There are a variety of ice makers on the market that are designed to meet different needs. Those who enjoy spending time on the water can purchase portable ice makers that can be used on board. Office ice makers are a great option for businesses that want to provide their employees with fresh, cold drinks. And for those who like to entertain, there are bar ice makers or commercial ice makers that can produce large quantities of ice. There are also RV ice makers that are designed for use in recreational vehicles.

Finish

The finish makes a great influence when you place it in an obvious area. Most would care about this feature when buying a model for a kitchen or home bar. It has to properly fit the other appliances and furniture. Black and white colors can be a simple style to coordinate easily in space. While the stainless steel gives a modern design if you prefer.

Efficiency

Even with its compact size, it can consume a lot of energy for daily use. Choose an energy star, compliant model. That might cost more bucks but it reduces electricity bills and carbon footprint in long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it worth it to get an ice maker?

Getting an ice maker can be a worthwhile addition to your home, especially if you frequently need ice. These countertop appliances can quickly produce a tray of ice cubes and continue making more as needed, saving you time and effort.

2. Do any countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?

Countertop ice makers can keep ice frozen for a short period of time, but if the ice is not used or transferred to a freezer, it will slowly melt. However, certain models have a feature where the melted ice is recycled back into the reservoir to make more ice.

3. Do countertop ice makers work well?

Countertop ice makers are highly efficient and can produce ice at a rapid rate. Some models can start producing ice in less than 10 minutes, while traditional freezers or ice trays may take much longer. Countertop ice makers are a convenient and fast solution for your ice-making needs.

4. Can I leave my countertop ice maker on all the time?

Leaving your countertop ice maker on continuously is possible, but it is not recommended. The ice will gradually melt and be recycled into the water reservoir, resulting in clumped ice that is less convenient to serve. It is better to make the desired amount of ice, store some in the freezer, and turn off the unit until more ice is needed.

5. Can you use tap water in a countertop ice maker?

It is advisable to use distilled or filtered water in your countertop ice maker to improve the taste of the ice and prolong the machine's lifespan. Some models may also specify that they can work with soft tap water. Using clean water helps ensure the quality of the ice produced.

6. What are the disadvantages of an ice maker?

One disadvantage of portable ice makers is that they require a constant supply of water. Without a water line, you will need to manually add water each time the ice is low. Additionally, the ice may taste bad if the machine is not properly maintained, or if the water used is contaminated with odors or impurities.

7. Why does the ice in my countertop ice maker taste bad?

There are two common reasons why the ice in a countertop ice maker may taste bad. First, odor contamination can occur when smells and flavors from food in the fridge mix with the ice. Second, using unclean water as the source for making ice can also affect its taste. It is important to ensure the water used is clean and the ice maker is properly cleaned and maintained.

Editor's Notes

During our ice maker research, we found 24 ice maker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 189,251 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ice makers list. We found that most customers choose ice makers with an average price of $135.06.

The ice makers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ice makers, including Antarctic Star, EUHOMY, Frigidaire, ecozy, Kismile. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mark Greer Avatar

Mark Greer has been an excellent residential carpenter for eight years in Los Angeles and has complete knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and home DIY. He never misses a chance of the lookout for new features and innovations in popular and novel home appliances as an insightful writer.

Ice Makers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Antarctic Star EUHOMY Frigidaire EUHOMY ecozy EUHOMY Kismile EUHOMY EUHOMY Frigidaire
Model Name Countertop Ice Maker nugget ice maker EFIC117-SS IM017-N IM-NS451B IM-15S KS-Z5825NB-NEW IM013-NSI-USEH IM-FP EFIC120-BLKSS-SC
Capacity 1 Liters 34 Pounds 26 Pounds 40 Pounds 44 Pounds 35 Pounds 35 Pounds 34 Pounds 45 Pounds 26 Pounds
Wattage - 15.63 watts 105 watts 139.00 192 watts 128 watts 120 watts 130 watts 110 watts 1000 watts
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy