The best ice makers turn out fresh ice faster and more conveniently than a freezer tray, whether you need a compact machine for occasional drinks or a nugget-ice model for daily use.
We compared 10 popular countertop ice makers across production speed, capacity, noise, portability, cleaning features, and ice style to help you choose the right fit.
Best 10 Ice Makers Picks for 2026
Compact Classic
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
- 26 lb daily production with five-to-six-minute cycles
- Transparent window and full/low-water indicators
- Compact design for convenient countertop use
Best For: Small kitchens, home bars, and everyday drinks
Smart High-Output
GoveeLife Nugget Ice Maker Pro
- Up to 60 lb daily output with six-minute ice
- App, voice control, scheduling, and cleaning reminders
- Dual tanks, two self-cleaning modes, and 40dB operation
Best For: High-volume households, parties, and smart-home users
Portable Value
EUHOMY Portable Countertop Ice Maker
- 26 lb daily output with six-minute production
- 12.9-pound design with carrying handle
- Auto-cleaning and alerts for water and basket status
Best For: Camping, RVs, dorms, and small kitchens
Nugget Ice Favorite
GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker
- Soft nugget ice ready in five minutes or less
- Up to 36 lb daily production with Wi-Fi control
- Top fill, front drain, and six descaling packets included
Best For: Nugget-ice fans wanting compact Wi-Fi control
Best Value
Crzoe 26-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
- Makes up to 26 lb of ice daily
- Two ice sizes and self-cleaning
- Quiet operation under 40dB
Best For: Home, office, and party use
Best Stainless-Steel Design
Frigidaire 26-Lb Portable Ice Maker
- Produces 26 lb of ice per day
- 2.1-quart water tank
- LED controls and drain plug
Best For: Kitchens, bars, dorms, and offices
Best for Energy Savings
Antarctic Star 26-Lb Fast Ice Maker
- Makes ice in about six minutes
- Stated 30% energy-consumption reduction
- Handle, self-cleaning, and under-40dB operation
Best For: RV travel, camping, tailgates, and energy-conscious use
Best Quiet Ice Maker
Silonn Countertop Bullet Ice Maker
- Makes eight cubes in about six minutes
- Two ice sizes and quiet 30–50 dB operation
- Self-cleaning, portable design with 26.5-lb daily output
Best For: Quiet everyday ice making in kitchens, offices, parties, or RVs
Best Nugget Ice Value
Kismile 35-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
- Produces up to 35 pounds of nugget ice daily
- First batch ready in about seven minutes
- Self-cleaning design with LED status indicators
Best For: Frequent home or office use by chewable nugget-ice fans
Best Portable Nugget Ice Maker
- Ready with nugget ice in as little as six minutes
- Produces up to 34 pounds per day
- Handle, alerts, removable basket, and self-cleaning
Best For: Portable nugget ice at home, parties, RVs, and campsites
Compact Classic – Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
The Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK is a practical choice for shoppers who want compact countertop ice makers for everyday drinks. It produces nine bullet-shaped cubes in roughly five to six minutes and can make up to 26 pounds in 24 hours. Its see-through window and indicator lights make operation easy, though freshly made ice should be moved to a freezer because this unit is designed to make, not store, ice.
Best For: Small kitchens, home bars, offices, and occasional entertaining where a compact footprint matters.
Pros:
- Produces nine ice cubes every five to six minutes.
- Offers up to 26 pounds of ice production per day.
- Compact design with a transparent viewing window.
- Indicators signal when the basket is full or water is low.
Cons:
- Ice is not kept frozen after production and should be transferred to a freezer.
- Buyers should verify the unit’s dimensions and weight for their available space.
This Frigidaire is a straightforward, space-conscious ice maker for routine use. It is best suited to buyers who value simple controls and dependable batch production over smart features or long-term ice storage.
Smart High-Output – GoveeLife Nugget Ice Maker Pro
The GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro is one of the more feature-rich ice makers for households that need a steady supply of chewable nugget ice. It can produce up to 60 pounds per day, begins making ice in about six minutes, and uses dual water tanks to reduce refills. App and voice control, automatic cleaning reminders, and AI-assisted noise reduction add convenience for frequent use.
Best For: Families, parties, and smart-home users who want high output, nugget ice, and remote control.
Pros:
- Produces up to 60 pounds of ice per day with six-minute initial production.
- Dual-tank design can yield over 15 pounds from one water fill.
- App and voice control support scheduling and maintenance reminders.
- Offers two self-cleaning modes and operation as quiet as 40dB.
Cons:
- At 42.4 pounds, it is substantially heavier than compact portable models.
- Its 21.22-inch width and 17.91-inch height require considerable counter space.
- Cleaning and descaling accessories may require separate purchases.
This GoveeLife model is a strong fit when output and automation are more important than portability. Its larger size and higher feature count make it better for a dedicated counter location than for frequent moving.
Portable Value – EUHOMY Portable Countertop Ice Maker
The EUHOMY countertop ice maker is a portable option for shoppers who need fresh bullet-shaped ice without a large appliance. It makes up to 26 pounds per day, produces a batch in about six minutes, and weighs 12.9 pounds with a built-in handle. Automatic cleaning, low-water and full-basket alerts, and a compact design make it useful at home or on the go.
Best For: Camping, RV trips, dorms, small kitchens, and buyers who prioritize portability.
Pros:
- Produces nine cubes in about six minutes and up to 26 pounds per day.
- Lightweight 12.9-pound body with a sturdy carrying handle.
- One-touch automatic cleaning cycle helps simplify maintenance.
- Operates below 45dB and includes a basket and scoop.
Cons:
- The basket holds up to 1.3 pounds of ice at a time.
- It uses 170 watts, so buyers should consider available power when traveling.
- The included warranty is 12 months.
EUHOMY keeps the feature set practical and the size manageable. It is a sensible pick for flexible, occasional ice production, especially when a handle and low weight are more useful than smart connectivity.
Nugget Ice Favorite – GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker
The GE Profile Opal Mini is designed for shoppers who specifically want soft, chewable nugget ice in a smaller footprint. It makes the first batch in five minutes or less and produces up to 36 pounds per day, while Wi-Fi compatibility supports scheduling and maintenance alerts. Its top-fill reservoir, front drain tube, included descaling packets, and drain-and-dry system also make routine upkeep more convenient.
Best For: Nugget-ice fans who want Wi-Fi control in a compact countertop appliance.
Pros:
- Makes chewable nugget ice in five minutes or less.
- Produces up to 36 pounds per day with a removable 2-pound bin.
- Wi-Fi supports scheduling, maintenance alerts, and app control.
- Includes six descaling packets, a scoop, and front-access draining.
Cons:
- The optional Opal Mini filter is sold separately.
- The ice bin capacity is 2 pounds, so frequent use may require regular serving or transfer.
- Its 240-watt rating is higher than some smaller bullet-ice models.
The Opal Mini combines a relatively small footprint with the nugget texture many users seek. It is a particularly appealing choice when chewable ice and connected scheduling matter more than the lowest power rating or maximum bin capacity.
Best Value – Crzoe 26-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
For shoppers comparing ice makers for home, office, or entertaining, the Crzoe offers quick countertop production in a compact black design. It makes bullet-shaped ice in 6–12 minutes, produces up to 26 pounds per day, and includes two ice sizes for different drinks.
Best For: Everyday home use, parties, offices, and buyers who want self-cleaning convenience.
Pros:
- Produces up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours, with the first cubes ready in 6–12 minutes.
- Offers small and large ice sizes for beverages, whiskey, coffee, tea, and food preservation.
- Runs at less than 40dB and includes automatic self-cleaning, water, and full-basket indicators.
Cons:
- The ice basket capacity is not specified in the supplied details.
- The bullet-shaped ice may not suit shoppers seeking traditional solid cubes.
The Crzoe is a practical all-around pick when fast production, quiet operation, and low-effort maintenance matter more than premium materials or advanced controls.
Best Stainless-Steel Design – Frigidaire 26-Lb Portable Ice Maker
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium
Check Price On AmazonThe Frigidaire is a polished option among ice makers, combining a stainless countertop exterior with fast production and straightforward digital controls. It makes nine bullet-shaped cubes about every seven minutes and stores up to 1.5 pounds in its interior basket.
Best For: Kitchens, bars, dorms, offices, and shoppers who prioritize a recognizable stainless-steel countertop design.
Pros:
- Produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day with two selectable ice sizes.
- Its 2.1-quart water tank supports longer runs between refills.
- Includes a transparent window, LED control panel, drain plug, and ice scoop.
Cons:
- The 1.5-pound ice basket is relatively small for extended entertaining.
- It does not list a self-cleaning function in the supplied details.
Choose this Frigidaire when appearance and easy manual maintenance are priorities. Its larger water tank is useful, though frequent hosts may need to empty or transfer ice as the compact basket fills.
Best for Energy Savings – Antarctic Star 26-Lb Fast Ice Maker
Among compact ice makers, the Antarctic Star stands out for its stated energy-saving design and portable footprint. It makes bullet ice in about six minutes, produces up to 26 pounds per day, and operates below 40dB for use at home or on the road.
Best For: RV trips, camping, tailgates, pool parties, and energy-conscious buyers seeking a portable unit.
Pros:
- Uses an optimized motor and construction intended to reduce energy consumption by 30%.
- Produces eight bullet-shaped cubes in about six minutes and offers two sizes.
- Includes self-cleaning, a portable handle, basket, and scoop in a compact design.
- Rated below 40dB for quieter use during conversation, work, or entertainment.
Cons:
- The supplied details do not specify the ice basket capacity.
- Its plastic construction may feel less substantial than a metal-bodied model.
The Antarctic Star is a strong fit for mobile setups and frequent summer entertaining. Its compact dimensions, handle, quiet operation, and stated energy reduction make portability and efficiency its main advantages.
Best Quiet Ice Maker – Silonn Countertop Bullet Ice Maker
If you want a straightforward ice maker for everyday drinks, the Silonn countertop model produces eight bullet ice cubes in about six minutes and up to 26.5 pounds per day. Its compact design, two ice sizes, viewing window, and self-cleaning cycle make it practical for kitchens, offices, parties, and RVs.
Best For: Households and small spaces that want quiet, fast bullet ice with size options.
Pros:
- Produces ice in about six minutes and up to 26.5 pounds daily
- Offers small and large bullet ice settings
- Runs at approximately 30–50 dB
- Includes one-touch self-cleaning and low-water/full-basket indicators
Cons:
- Produces bullet ice rather than chewable nugget ice
- Plastic construction may feel less premium than stainless-steel alternatives
The Silonn is a well-rounded choice when quiet operation, portability, and flexible ice sizing matter more than maximum daily output or nugget-style ice.
Best Nugget Ice Value – Kismile 35-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
The Kismile is a countertop ice maker built around chewable nugget ice, producing its first batch in about seven minutes and up to 35 pounds in 24 hours. Its self-cleaning function, transparent casing, LED indicators, and compact footprint suit frequent home or office use.
Best For: Nugget-ice fans who want a high daily output and simple countertop controls.
Pros:
- Produces up to 35 pounds of nugget ice per day
- Delivers the first batch in approximately seven minutes
- Creates chewable, slow-melting pebble-style ice
- Includes one-touch self-cleaning and LED status indicators
Cons:
- Its 1.1-liter water tank may require frequent refilling during heavy use
- At 43 dB, it is quiet but not completely silent
Choose the Kismile if texture is the priority. It offers the distinctive chewable nugget format and the highest stated daily production of these three options, while remaining compact enough for a countertop.
Best Portable Nugget Ice Maker – EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker
The EUHOMY countertop ice maker combines fast nugget ice production with portability. It can produce ice in as little as six minutes and up to 34 pounds per day, while its built-in handle, removable basket, viewing window, and alerts make it convenient for kitchens, parties, RVs, and camping.
Best For: People who want portable, chewable nugget ice for drinks, gatherings, and travel.
Pros:
- Makes nugget ice in as little as six minutes
- Produces up to 34 pounds of ice per day
- Built-in handle makes it easier to move
- Offers under-45 dB operation and one-touch self-cleaning
Cons:
- Its 1.2-quart water tank and 1.8-pound basket may need regular attention during extended use
- Plastic construction may be less substantial than metal-bodied models
The EUHOMY stands out for flexible placement. Its handle and compact footprint make it a strong match for users who want nugget ice at home but also plan to move the machine between rooms, parties, an RV, or a campsite.
How We Picked the Best Ice Makers
We focused on countertop models that are practical for home kitchens, offices, RVs, apartments, and entertaining. The lineup includes compact bullet-ice machines and nugget-Ice Makers, with attention to advertised daily output, first-batch speed, ice-basket capacity, controls, portability, and maintenance features.
Because real-world output varies with room temperature, water temperature, ventilation, and usage, advertised production numbers are best treated as a comparison point rather than a guarantee. We also considered useful extras such as self-cleaning cycles, removable parts, handles, transparent covers, smart controls, and noise-conscious operation.
Quick Comparison of These Ice Makers
- Compact bullet-ice machines: The Frigidaire, EUHOMY, Crzoe, Antarctic Star, and Silonn models generally prioritize quick batches, portability, and simple controls.
- Nugget-ice machines: The GoveeLife, GE Profile Opal Mini, Kismile, and EUHOMY Nugget models make softer, chewable ice and are better suited to people who specifically prefer that texture.
- Higher-output options: The GoveeLife model is rated for up to 60 pounds per day, while several nugget models offer more capacity than basic 26-pound countertop machines.
- Portable choices: Models with handles and removable baskets are easier to move, store, or bring to a gathering.
Key Buying Factors for Ice Makers
Ice Type and Texture
Choose bullet ice for fast chilling and broad everyday use. Nugget ice is softer and chewable, but machines that produce it can cost more, take up more space, and require closer attention to cleaning.
Production Rate and Storage
Daily output matters if you host often or have a large household. For occasional drinks, a 26-pound-per-day model may be sufficient. Check the basket size as well: a high production rating does not mean the machine stores that much ice at once.
Speed, Noise, and Footprint
Many countertop machines advertise a first batch in about five to nine minutes, though subsequent batches and environmental conditions vary. Measure your counter before buying, and consider noise ratings or customer feedback if the machine will run near a living area.
Cleaning and Water Management
Self-cleaning cycles simplify routine maintenance but do not replace manual cleaning. Look for accessible water reservoirs, removable baskets, drain plugs, and clear instructions. Use clean drinking water and empty melted water regularly.
Who Should Buy Which Ice Makers?
Choose a compact bullet-ice maker if you want an affordable, portable appliance for everyday beverages, parties, an office, or an RV. These models are typically straightforward and space-efficient.
Choose a nugget-ice maker if soft, chewable ice is your priority and you are willing to dedicate more counter space and maintenance time. Higher-output options make more sense for frequent entertaining or larger households.
Choose a smart or quieter model if you want app controls, scheduling, status alerts, or reduced disruption in an open-plan kitchen. Finally, prioritize a handle and removable components if storage and portability matter most.