We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We tested more than a dozen models from top brands including GE, Igloo, and Luma. Self Serve Ice Cream Machine
We've all been there: You're getting ready to enjoy a cold beverage only to find that someone forgot to refill those pesky ice cube molds yet again. These trays usually only have enough ice for about two drinks, and unless you've got stacks of them taking up valuable freezer space, you'll find you're perpetually refilling them. For frequent party hosts, this won't cut it.
If you're done dealing with ice cube trays or storing massive bags of ice in your already-crowded chest freezer, then we recommend upgrading to a countertop ice maker. We tested more than a dozen popular ice makers to find the best options for making restaurant-quality ice at home. Whether you're firing up the grill for a family barbecue or hosting a game night, here are the best ice makers to ensure you never run out of ice again.
A practically silent motor and sizeable water capacity make this ice maker a standout choice.
Big and bulky, the Luma isn't the most attractive countertop kitchen tool and doesn't include a clear window to view the ice.
Overall, the Luma made the most ice in an hour during our tests. 10 cups of water resulted in 24 perfectly shaped cubes or just about 1 pound and 4.5 ounces of ice in just under 24 minutes. Given the product's high water capacity, we estimate that this ice maker can produce at least two dozen pounds of ice daily. That's the kind of speed and efficiency we're looking for when we're hosting a crowd.
This ice maker is also practically silent while running. You won't find yourself whipping your head around every time it turns over a fresh batch of ice. It also keeps ice insulated for long periods, so it won't overwork itself trying to re-freeze ice in the process. The only critique we have is that the Luma isn't particularly stylish to store on your kitchen counter, which is sometimes part of the fun of owning a fancy ice maker. But in terms of quality and speed, we'd recommend having this machine around to anyone who hosts often or whose family loves a constant flow of icy cold drinks.
Ice shape: Cube | Height: 14.1 inches | Weight: 24.2 pounds | Yield: 28 pounds of ice per 24 hours
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
One of the only ice makers with a convenient handle for easy carrying, and super fast ice production.
The machine's fan is noticeable when making ice, and it has a smaller water reservoir.
There are many reasons to love the Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker. For starters, it includes a handle for seamless transport. That may not sound like a big deal, but after we tried more than a dozen portable ice makers, it made a huge difference in a machine's overall convenience. You're more likely to use a countertop ice maker when you can bring it all over the house, from the kitchen to the backyard.
Then there's the sophisticated self-cleaning factor. A removable drain plug makes draining water a mess-free process, while a five-cycle automatic cleaning function effortlessly keeps the inside fresh for new, clear ice. The ice cubes from this machine can be made in small or large sizes. However, this ice maker can't handle as much water as some of the others, so we did need to refill often to compensate for maximum output. However, if you need ice fast, you can make up to nine cubes on demand in as little as seven minutes.
Ice shape: Bullet | Height: 15.28 inches | Weight: 19.16 pounds | Yield: 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This tiny-but-mighty machine is an attractive option for a countertop.
The capacity is not as sizable compared to large ice makers.
If you find yourself fresh out of ice, this compact automatic ice machine can give you nine cubes in six to eight minutes. It produces small or large cubes relatively quickly, and although we wished each batch dropped a few more, compromising on capacity may be worth it if you're looking for a tiny, efficient option. It's also light enough to move around depending on where you need ice and fits on any countertop. We were impressed with the machine's performance, capacity, and portability, given its small footprint.
Ice shape: Cube | Height: 12.59 inches | Weight: 16.81 pounds | Yield: 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This machine has the largest reservoir thanks to the side tank, and it is also the nicest-looking ice maker we tested.
This machine requires semi-frequent cleaning and filtered water to run smoothly. It's also the most expensive option on our list.
Some might feel the cost-to-use ratio here is a little off balance, but hear us out: The quality of this tiny, crunchy nugget ice is unmatched for a home ice maker. The addition of the side tank makes this the largest total reservoir of any machine we tried. The smart functions make it possible to schedule ice production, so it's not working all day and night, and it's fast, so if you decide you want nugget ice on a whim, it's available by the scoopful within 30 minutes.
If you're on the hunt for a high-tech kitchen gift for a home cook, this was one of the best ice makers we tested. This machine has three UV light settings so you can dim or brighten the viewing window and protect against bacteria growth throughout use. The cleaning setting is super easy to use, and the machine is quiet while running, save for the pitter-patter of those nuggets being made. Nothing about this machine looks utilitarian. It's sleek and comes in both stainless and black stainless finishes.
There are a few things to note with this investment machine. You'll want to keep it close to a sink or on a wet bar so it's easy to drain after the cleaning process. The unit is big and heavy, so it's not a particularly portable tool. We also wish the ice container would slide out instead of tilt since it feels like the ice could take a spill if you're not careful about opening it.
Ice shape: Nugget | Height: 16.5 inches | Weight: 38 pounds | Yield: 27 pounds of ice per 24 hours
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
This ice maker specializes in small and large bullet-shaped cubes, which don't stick together or melt as quickly as other ice shapes.
The capacity isn't as large as other ice makers, so you may have to refill the water tank and empty the ice basket more often.
One of the fastest ice makers we tested, the Silonn Countertop Ice Maker is one of the sleekest. It's the sort of machine you'd proudly display in your kitchen or bar cart, which is a rarity among traditional ice makers. Another notable feature is Silonn's bullet-shaped ice cubes, which don't stick together or melt as easily as other ice shapes.
The machine produces two ice cube sizes: small (perfect for keeping beer or other drinks chilled in a cooler) and large (best suited for cocktails and other beverages). It's easy to use — just press the "on" button, select the ice size, and ensure the water level is sufficient. An indicator light will appear when you're running low or when your favorite ice bucket is full, and it also includes a self-cleaning function. It's also one of our more petite top picks, at about one cubic foot and just 15 pounds in weight, so perfectly portable with a minimal footprint.
Ice shape: Bullet | Height: 12.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Yield: 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
During our testing, we found that what one ice maker offers with capacity and speed, it lacks in style and size. Our pick for the best ice maker overall — the Luma Comfort Clear Ice Maker — offers a practically silent motor and exceptional water capacity. The downside? The machine's less-than-stylish profile means you'll need to find space for it in a cabinet. On the flip side, the Silonn Countertop Ice Maker was one we would happily display in our kitchens, but the machine's small size meant less ice over time.
We put these machines through their paces with two tests: ice production and noise level.
We also took note of extra features, self-cleaning options, and the water tank capacity. Using ratings for portability, performance, and capacity, we determined which machines were the best in our top categories. We've also kept our winners at home for long-term testing, to find out how each machine performs over time with continued use.
With any ice maker, you're looking for a machine that drops ice at the fastest possible speed. On average, these countertop machines we tested made approximately nine cubes in under 10 minutes, which means you'll be left with a decent chunk of ice in an hour. Most of these machines will do the trick if you're looking for a few cubes to throw into some drinks. But if speed is a deciding factor for you, you may want to consider a commercial-use machine, which produces higher volumes of ice in a significantly shorter amount of time.
No one wants a portable home ice maker to take up their entire countertop. Ultimately, choose a machine that will seamlessly fit within the space between your counter and top cabinets. If you opt for one of the more clunky ice makers, you may want to confirm you have a spot inside a pantry or cabinet to store the maker when not in use. Pro tip: Make sure the dimensions of your chosen ice maker allow you to fully open the top of the machine without hitting your cabinets.
Of the machines we tested, ice ranged from small to large, clear to cloudy, and in shapes like cube, bullet, or pellet. Of course, one shape or size is no better than the other, so this comes down to preference on behalf of the user. In terms of clear or cloudy, so long as you are using filtered water, your ice should taste fresh and not affect the flavor of your drink.
On a basic level, ice makers, whether they are one of these countertop space savers or an undercounter ice maker, pump the water from the reservoir into a container. Then, freezing-cold metal prongs — filled with refrigerant (the same substance refrigerators and air conditioners use to cool air) — are dipped into the container, creating ice in minutes. After the ice is made, a heat exchanger transitions the prongs from ice cold to warm, helping the cubes drop into the bucket.
Yes, keeping your ice maker clean is a crucial step. Some ice makers have self-cleaning functions to make it easy on users. However, you want to clean those without wells, making sure you eliminate any standing water. Standing water can be a prime atmosphere for mold and bacteria growth. A deep cleaning once a week should suffice.
Not really. Ice makers are not freezers. While the chamber is cold, it will not keep ice frozen for an extended period of time. If you need to keep the ice frozen, put it in a separate container and hold it in the freezer until use.
Some can be noisy. If you're keeping the ice maker somewhere quiet, like an office setting, check manufacturer specifications about the sound.
A filtering system will result in the best possible ice. Since not all ice makers include filters, we recommend using filtered or bottled water for better taste and better drinks. It'll also keep the machine clean and free of limescale.
Though you may be under the impression that turning a few cups of water into clear, perfectly shaped cubes is a simple process, nugget ice makers require a significant amount of engineering — which explains why most portable ice makers are well above the $100 price point. Add in functionalities like self-cleaning, auto shut-off, water filtering, and more, and the price quickly creeps up.
As we've said before, use filtered water. Your ice will taste fresh, and the flavor of the drink will not be affected.
Note: A previous version of this list included the Gevi Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, which has now been recalled. Please reference the recall information for more details.
Insignia 26-Pound Portable Ice Maker with Auto Shut-Off ($100 at Best Buy)
For the size of the machine, this Insignia ice maker produces a decent amount of evenly sized bullet cubes. However, water and storage capacity are smaller, which results in more water refills and less ice production over time.
Costway Portable Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker ($100 at Walmart)
This is a great option if you're looking for a funky, fun ice maker for pool parties or casual hangouts. But when it comes to producing actual ice, this machine had one of the smallest water capacities in our test group. It barely held any water and had next to the lowest output in one hour compared to the other picks.
Costway 2-in-1 Ice Maker Water Dispenser ($280 at Walmart) One of the larger machines we tested, the Costway 2-in-1 Ice Maker Water Dispenser is a solid choice for anyone who doesn't have a fridge with built-in water/ice functionality. Though it's bulky, you'll want to make room on your counter to get the full benefit of it. However, the machine only held eight cups of water, which made it tough to handle everyday use.
Ice Maker Machine 100kg While some of the countertop ice makers impressed us enough to offer recommendations for purchase, a few disappointed us, including the NewAir Portable Ice Maker, which was the biggest, bulkiest ice maker we tried, and it's not worth the headache compared to other comparable machines. We also tested the NewAir Compact Bullet Ice Maker. Though this is a large machine, it made the least amount of ice among all the makers we tested. The fan was loud, and due to the overall size of the machine, it's clear there are more efficient options as alternatives. Finally, we tested the LifePlus Portable Countertop Ice Maker. It massively underperformed compared to other ice makers of similar size. It's also currently out of stock.