Having no free ice sucks, especially when your refrigerator lacks a built-in icemaker.
A Countertop Ice Maker offers you a nice method for making clean ice without filling your freezer with trays. The vast majority of models are small, easy to use, and portable.
We are comparison-shopping five choices to see which ones meet a variety of needs, including quick turnarounds, chewable Nugget ice, clean-up help, and portability.
What We Learned
A countertop ice maker is most useful when you need ice regularly but do not have enough freezer space.
The best models make ice quickly, have simple controls, and are easy to clean. We also found that ice type makes a major difference in the overall experience.
| Countertop Ice Maker | Ice Type | Daily Ice Production | First Batch | Noise | Self-Cleaning | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silonn Chewable Pellet Ice Machine | Nugget / Pellet | Up to 33 lbs | ~6 min | — | Yes | Chewable nugget ice |
| Frigidaire 26 Lbs Portable Ice Maker | Bullet | 26 lbs | ~7 min | — | — | Everyday kitchen use |
| EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker | Nugget | 34 lbs | ~6 min | <45 dB | Yes | Fast, portable ice |
| Silonn Chewable Pellet Ice Machine | Nugget / Pellet | Up to 33 lbs | ~6 min | — | Yes | Home and office use |
| Kismile Nugget Ice Maker | Nugget | 35 lbs | ~7 min | 43 dB | Yes | Quiet nugget ice making |
Our Favorite Countertop Ice Makers
1. Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
The Silonn Nugget Ice Maker is an excellent option for anyone who loves soft, chewable Nugget ice.
It makes up to 33 pounds of ice a day, and the first batch is ready in around six minutes.
Key Features
- Up to 33 lbs of ice per day
- First batch in about 6 minutes
- Chewable nugget ice
- Automatic self-cleaning function
- Compact and portable design
- One-touch controls
Performance
The Silonn performs well when you need ice quickly. Its nugget-style ice is soft and crunchy, making it suitable for soda, smoothies, iced coffee, and cocktails.
The self-cleaning function also makes regular maintenance easier.
Pros
- Fast ice production
- Soft, chewable nugget ice
- Self-cleaning function
- Compact footprint
- Easy controls
Cons
- Ice basket capacity is limited
- Nugget ice melts faster than dense clear ice
2. Frigidaire 26 Lbs Per Day Portable Compact Ice Maker
If you’re in the market for bullet-shaped ice not nugget ice, however, the Frigidaire is a more affordable option.
It has a daily ice production rate of up to 26 pounds, and it can create nine cubes in around seven minutes.
Key Features
- Up to 26 lbs of ice per day
- Nine ice cubes in about 7 minutes
- Two ice-size options
- 2.1-quart water reservoir
- Transparent viewing window
- Digital LED control panel
- Includes ice scoop
Performance
The Frigidaire delivers fast, consistent ice production for everyday drinks.
Its larger water reservoir reduces the need for frequent refilling, while the two ice-size options provide more flexibility.
Pros
- Fast ice production
- Two ice sizes
- Large water reservoir
- Easy-to-use controls
- Stainless design
Cons
- Produces bullet ice rather than nugget ice
- Storage basket holds a limited amount at once
3. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is the brand’s most compact machine for fresh, chewable pellet ice lovers.
It pumps out as much as 34 pounds of ice every day, and the first batch is ready in about six minutes.
Key Features
- Up to 34 lbs of ice per day
- First batch in about 6 minutes
- Soft, chewable nugget ice
- 1.2-quart water tank
- Removable ice basket
- Built-in carrying handle
- One-touch self-cleaning
- Under 45 dB operation
Performance
The EUHOMY combines quick production with relatively quiet operation.
Its compact design makes it suitable for the Kitchen, office, RV, or parties. The nugget ice is especially useful for iced coffee, soda, smoothies, and mocktails.
Pros
- Fast nugget ice production
- Portable design
- Quiet operation
- Self-cleaning function
- Easy status indicators
Cons
- Smaller water reservoir
- Nugget ice melts relatively quickly
4. Silonn Chewable Pellet Ice Machine
This is another convenient option for those who only loves chewable pellet-style ice, the Silonn model.
It is, however small enough to fit comfortably on most counters and offers ice on demand.
Key Features
- Chewable pellet ice
- Fast ice production
- Automatic self-cleaning
- Compact countertop design
- One-touch operation
- Portable construction
- Suitable for home and office use
Performance
The machine focuses on convenience and fast access to soft, crunchy ice.
Its pellet-style ice works well with cold beverages, while the self-cleaning feature simplifies routine maintenance.
Pros
- Chewable ice texture
- Quick production
- Compact design
- Self-cleaning function
- Simple controls
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning
- Pellet ice melts faster than clear ice
- Limited storage capacity
5. Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker, > 26 lb daily; easy clean.
Able to create as much as 35 pounds of ice each day, the first batch is ready in about seven minutes.
Key Features
- Up to 35 lbs of ice per day
- First batch in about 7 minutes
- Chewable nugget ice
- 1.1-liter water tank
- Automatic self-cleaning
- Approximately 43 dB operation
- Transparent casing
- Includes ice scoop
Performance
The Kismile delivers strong daily production while keeping operation relatively quiet.
Its nugget ice has a soft, crunchy texture that works well for drinks and snacks. The automatic cleaning cycle is another useful feature for frequent users.
Pros
- High daily ice production
- Fast first batch
- Chewable nugget ice
- Quiet operation
- Self-cleaning function
- Compact design
Cons
- Smaller water tank
- Nugget ice melts faster than clear ice
- Requires regular maintenance
How Does a Countertop Ice Maker Work?
Countertop ice makers use a built-in water reservoir instead of a permanent water connection.
After adding water and turning the machine on, the cooling system freezes water into ice. The finished ice then moves into a removable basket.
Most machines continue making ice until the basket is full or the water reservoir needs a refill.
What Are the Different Types of Ice That Ice Makers Produce?
Different machines create different shapes and textures of ice.
Nugget ice is soft, crunchy, and chewable. It is especially popular for soda, iced coffee, smoothies, and cocktails.
Bullet ice is usually harder and has a hollow center. It is common in compact portable ice makers and is suitable for everyday drinks.
Some machines produce clear ice, which is denser and generally melts more slowly than ice containing more air bubbles.
Faster Ice Production Isn’t Always Better
A machine that produces its first batch in a few minutes sounds impressive, but daily production is also important.
A fast first batch is useful when you need ice immediately. However, the total amount produced over several hours matters more for parties or large families.
Water temperature, room temperature, and the machine’s cooling system can also affect production speed.
Easy Cleaning Makes a Difference
Cleaning is one of the most important features to consider.
Water remains inside the machine during operation, so regular maintenance helps keep the ice maker fresh.
Models with a self-cleaning function can make this job easier. Removable covers, accessible reservoirs, and convenient drainage also help.
The Silonn, EUHOMY, and Kismile models in this roundup offer self-cleaning functions, making them convenient for frequent use.
All Ice Makers Make Some Noise
No countertop ice maker is completely silent.
The cooling system, water pump, and ice-making process can create some operating noise. For a bedroom or quiet office, a lower-noise model may be preferable.
The EUHOMY operates below 45 dB, while Kismile is rated at approximately 43 dB.
The Criteria: What to Look for in a Countertop Ice Maker
Before choosing an ice maker, consider a few important features.
Ice type: Decide whether you want nugget, pellet, bullet, or another style.
Production: Check how much ice the machine can make in 24 hours.
Speed: A quick first batch is useful when you need ice immediately.
Water reservoir: A larger reservoir means fewer refills.
Cleaning: Self-cleaning functions can simplify maintenance.
Size: Make sure the machine fits comfortably on your countertop.
Portability: A handle can be useful for offices, RVs, camping, and parties.
Which Countertop Ice Maker Is Best?
For Nugget ice, the Silonn and EUHOMY models are excellent choices.
The Frigidaire is better if you prefer traditional bullet-shaped ice and want different cube sizes.
For high daily production, the Kismile stands out with its 35-pound daily capacity.
Overall, consider the ice type, production speed, water capacity, Cooling performance, cleaning features, and available countertop space before making your final choice.
How Much Ice Can a Countertop Ice Maker Make?
Production varies by model.
The five machines featured here can produce approximately 26 to 35 pounds of ice over 24 hours under suitable conditions.
Remember that daily production is different from storage capacity. A machine may make a large amount of ice throughout the day but hold only a smaller amount in its basket.
Are Countertop Ice Makers Worth It?
For frequent ice users, they can be worth the investment.
They produce ice much faster than traditional freezer trays and free up valuable freezer space.
They are especially useful for iced coffee, soda, smoothies, cocktails, parties, and everyday cold drinks.
However, they do require regular cleaning and take up some countertop space.
What Is the Best Countertop Ice Maker?
The best choice depends on what you want from your machine.
For chewable nugget ice, the Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is a strong overall choice.
For traditional bullet ice, the Frigidaire 26 Lbs Per Day Portable Compact Ice Maker is worth considering.
The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is appealing if portability and quiet operation are priorities.
The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is another good option for high daily production.
How Long Can Ice Sit in a Countertop Ice Maker?
Countertop ice makers generally do not work like freezers.
They are designed to make ice continuously rather than keep ice frozen for many hours.
As ice melts inside the basket, the water typically returns to the reservoir and can be frozen again.
For the freshest ice, remove unused ice when practical and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and drainage instructions.
Do Countertop Ice Makers Keep Ice Frozen?
Most countertop models do not have a dedicated freezer compartment.
Instead, they make fresh ice continuously. If the ice sits in the basket for too long, it will gradually melt.
This makes these machines different from refrigerator freezers with permanent ice storage.
Do You Need to Clean a Countertop Ice Maker?
Yes.
Regular cleaning is important because water can remain inside the reservoir and internal components.
A self-cleaning cycle makes maintenance easier, but it does not eliminate the need for regular care.
Empty old water, clean the basket, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling.
Does an Ice Maker Come With a Filter?
Not every countertop ice maker includes a water filter.
Using clean or filtered water can help reduce mineral buildup and improve the quality of the finished ice.
Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific machine you purchase.
Conclusion
If you constantly need more Ice than your icebox has room for, a countertop ice maker will be a valuable Kitchen appliance in your arsenal.
What is best will depend on your preference for the type of ice produced, the quantity you need to produce, available space and how easy you want it to be to clean.
Silonn and EUHOMY for a crunchy nugget ice or soft, chewable nugget. For traditional bullet ice, Frigidaire is arguably the better bet, while Kismile can work for high daily production and easy cleaning.
Keep in mind the dimensions of the machine, whether it is water-cooled or air cooled, how much space a tank offers and its productivity speed, noise level and upkeep requirements before purchasing.
If you use ice regularly, a countertop machine can easily repay the physical space with copious fresh ice on hand any time you want to make drinks.
Also Read: Bake, Air-Fry, Steam, Dehydrate, and Proof: My 5 Favorite Countertop Ovens Go Way Beyond Toast
