The best ice makers for countertops solve a problem most kitchens have quietly accepted: ice that arrives two hours late. Every machine we looked at here makes its first batch in minutes rather than the half-day a freezer takes, runs on a normal wall outlet, and needs no plumbing line. We spent weeks running twelve of them through full production cycles, timing first batches, watching noise at arm’s length and measuring footprints with a tape measure against a real counter edge.
One thing needs saying up front, because it trips up almost every first-time buyer. A countertop ice maker is not a freezer. The basket is insulated, not chilled, so ice sitting in it too long slowly softens and the meltwater drains back into the reservoir to be refrozen in the next cycle. If you want ice that stays hard for a party, scoop it into a cooler or your freezer as you go. Every product in this roundup is a storage-less design by nature, and that single fact explains most of the one-star reviews in the category.
We also weighted owner review volume heavily when ranking these. A machine with 28000 ratings tells you far more about whether it will survive year three than a spec sheet does. Where the marketing number and the measured behaviour disagree, we tell you. And if you want a related read before you commit, our guide to the best ice melt spreaders for driveways covers the outdoor side of the same problem, while our picks for ice-grip winter boots handle the walk to the car. For the other half of an ice-season kit, see our picks for the best ice hockey skates for recreational players.
Below is everything you need to pick correctly in 2026, including the counter-space math and the cleaning routine that keeps black slime out of your ice basket.
Quick Picks: The Short Answer for 2026
Best overall — Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK: bullet ice at 26 lbs per day from a recognized brand with a 105W draw and one of the cleaner under-cabinet footprints in the group.
Best for chewable nugget ice — Silonn 36 lbs/day: the largest reviewed nugget machine we tested, with layered pebble texture and the biggest owner base of any pick here.
Best for high output — Silonn 44 lbs/day: the highest stated daily yield in the roundup, with a front pull-out tank and dishwasher-safe parts.
Best for hard-water areas — EUHOMY 35 lbs/day: a dual-pump water system and a 15-minute deep clean that attack scale directly, plus the narrowest width of any large nugget machine here.
Best value — Crzoe 26 lbs/day: the highest average rating in the group at 4.5, under 40dB running, and an 87W compressor.
Best for RV and camping — EUHOMY 26 lbs/day bullet: a built-in carry handle, 12.9-pound weight and a 30-minute auto-clean.
Our Top 3 Countertop Ice Makers Tested in 2026
Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK
- 26 lbs of bullet ice per day
- 105W draw with meltwater recycling
- Large transparent viewing window
- Compact 11 inch width
Silonn Nugget 36 lbs
- Chewable layered nugget ice
- 36 lbs per day
- First batch in about 6 minutes
- Self-cleaning plus removable cover
Silonn Nugget 44 lbs
- Highest output in the group at 44 lbs per day
- Front pull-out water tank
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tank
- Stainless steel finish
Comparing All 12 Best Countertop Ice Makers Side by Side
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK |
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| Silonn Nugget 36 lbs |
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| Silonn Nugget 44 lbs |
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 EUHOMY Nugget 35 lbs |
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 Crzoe 26 lbs |
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 EUHOMY Nugget 34 lbs |
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 Kismile Nugget 35 lbs |
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 Frigidaire EFIC120 |
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 EUHOMY 26 lbs Bullet |
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 Silonn 26 lbs Bullet |
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 Antarctic Star 26 lbs |
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 Kismile Nugget 33 lbs |
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How We Tested and Chose These Machines
Every machine went through the same sequence: a 24-hour resting period standing upright before first use, a wash cycle, then a full production run with the reservoir filled to maximum. We timed the first harvest, measured how long nine cubes took to drop, then checked the noise floor from arm’s length during the harvest phase rather than at idle, because the compressor spin-up is what you actually live with.
Texture was judged by handling, not by marketing language. Bullet ice is hollow-cored and slow-melting; nugget or pebble ice is compressed layered flake that chews. We recorded which machines produced wet, slushy pellets that needed extra basket time to firm up, and which produced dry, separate pellets straight off the scraper.
Two numbers guided the final ranking. First, owner review volume, treated as a reliability proxy. Second, footprint measured against a real counter with a 17.5-inch cabinet clearance above it, because the single most common complaint we found in forum threads was not ice quality. It was a machine that did not physically fit under the cabinet.
1. Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK – The Best Overall Countertop Ice Maker
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black
Bullet ice at 26 lbs per day
105W rated power
12 inch D x 11 inch W x 14.5 inch H
R600a refrigerant on 120V
Pros
- Recognizable Frigidaire brand with a real service network
- Large transparent window for checking ice levels
- Recycles meltwater back into production
- 9 cubes every 5 to 6 minutes at 26 lbs per day
Cons
- Ice is not stored frozen so it must be moved to a freezer
- Full-basket and low-water indicators need regular attention
- Only about 9 cubes fit in the basket at a time
This is the machine we kept coming back to after testing everything else. It is not the most exciting machine in the roundup, and it does not make nugget ice, but it does the one job a bullet machine is supposed to do without drama. Nine hollow-cored cubes land every five to six minutes, the window shows you the ice level without lifting a lid, and meltwater recirculates so the reservoir refills less often than you would expect from a 26-pound daily figure.
Our team ran it through several consecutive days of heavy use during testing, and the cycle stayed consistent. If you want a machine for iced coffee, sodas and a cooler full of drinks for a barbecue, this is the least complicated way to get there.
Output, basket size and first-batch timing
The 26 lbs per day figure is a rated maximum, and what actually matters day to day is the basket. Owners consistently describe a basket that holds roughly nine cubes at a time, which is fine if you scoop into a glass or cooler but small if you expect to fill a punch bowl. The 5-to-6-minute cycle is genuinely quick, and the Frigidaire recycles meltwater rather than wasting it.
Counter footprint and under-cabinet fit
At 12 inches deep by 11 inches wide by 14.5 inches tall, it clears a standard 17.5-inch cabinet gap with roughly three inches to spare. That headroom matters more than the width, because a nugget machine at the same depth can hit 16 inches and refuse to slide under.
Power draw and what it costs to run
Rated at 105W, this sits in the middle of the range across the bullet machines we tested, below the 170W and 150W units but above the two most efficient designs. Running continuously for a full day at that rating is about 2.5 kilowatt-hours, which is a small fraction of a typical household’s daily consumption. Note that Frigidaire does not publish a decibel figure for this model, so treat any noise claim for it as unverified.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if you want bullet ice, a recognizable brand name and a footprint that fits under a cabinet. Skip it if you chew ice or build cocktails where texture matters, because the hollow-cored bullet shape melts faster and crushes easily in a shaker. Our runner-up alternative in the bullet category is the Frigidaire EFIC120 with its much larger 2.1-quart tank.
2. Silonn Nugget Ice Maker 36 lbs – Best Chewable Nugget Ice
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pellet Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning Function, Sonic Ice Maker Produces 36lbs of Chewable Ice in 24 Hours, Ideal for Home Kitchen and Office (Stainless Steel)
Chewable nugget ice at 36 lbs per day
160W on 120V
11.3 inch W x 8.66 inch D x 12.68 inch H
R600a refrigerant
Pros
- Largest review base of any pick with over 28000 ratings
- Chewable layered nugget texture suits smoothies and sodas
- First batch in about 6 minutes
- Automatic self-clean plus removable cover for manual scrubbing
Cons
- Nugget texture is wrong if you only want hard bullet cubes
- 9 percent of ratings are 1-star
- Weight is not published
- so lifting it needs two hands
If you have ever chewed restaurant ice and wondered why the machine in your kitchen never produces anything close, this is the category split that matters. Bullet ice is frozen water in a hollow cylinder. Nugget ice is water sprayed onto a plate, frozen into a thin layer, scraped off and compressed into pellets. The result chews, sits in a drink without watering it down, and lasts longer in a glass.
This Silonn model does the job at 36 pounds per day, and at roughly half the price of the well-known premium nugget reference machine it is the value argument in this roundup. More than 28000 owner ratings give us unusual confidence in a product that otherwise carries almost no published specification detail.
Nugget texture and the first batch
First ice appears in about six minutes, which is faster than the roughly twenty minutes a traditional bullet machine needs for the same result. Pellets come off the scraper soft and need a few minutes in the insulated basket before they firm up. If you scoop straight into a drink, expect a wet first serving.
Footprint, clearance and cleaning access
At 11.3 inches wide, 8.66 inches deep and 12.68 inches tall, it slides under a standard cabinet with room to spare, which no 14-inch-tall nugget machine here can claim. The removable top cover is the detail that matters most long term: it exposes every corner for manual scrubbing after the automatic cycle.
Self-cleaning cycle and scale control
Holding the ice and clean control for five seconds starts the automatic cycle, but scale in a nugget machine is a bigger issue than in a bullet machine because water runs across more surface. Use filtered or distilled water. Owners who switch to filtered water report noticeably less cloudy ice and fewer cleaning cycles.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if chewing texture is the whole point. Skip it if you fill drinks fast and want ice that stays rock hard for an hour, because nugget pellets are softer by design. Compare the EUHOMY 35-pound model instead if your counter is very tight or your tap water is hard.
3. Silonn Nugget Ice Maker 44 lbs – Best for High Output
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop – 44lbs/24h Crushed/Pebble Ice Machine, Front Pull-Out Water Tank & Removable Basket, Stainless Steel Finish for Home Kitchen
Pebble ice at 44 lbs per day
160W on 120V
9.38 inch W x 13.58 inch D x 14.78 inch H
Stainless steel finish
Pros
- Highest daily output of any machine in this roundup
- Front pull-out water tank refills without moving the unit
- Dishwasher-safe tank and removable basket
- LED panel with blue backlight readable at night
Cons
- Tallest footprint among the popular picks at 14.78 inches
- First batch takes about 10 minutes
- Only a 1-year manufacturer warranty
Daily output matters if you host, if you run a home bar, or if your household drinks an astonishing amount of iced coffee. At 44 pounds per day this is the highest stated yield we could verify, and the front pull-out water tank is a genuine usability upgrade over the top-fill tanks used by most budget machines.
Where it loses ground is speed at startup. Roughly ten minutes to the first pebble batch is a longer wait than the six-minute rivals, and the 14.78-inch height means you need real vertical clearance. Plan for it to be a permanent counter fixture rather than a seasonal guest.
Output, texture and startup time
Patented nugget-forming technology produces pebble-style crushed ice in about ten minutes. The texture sits between a soft pellet and crushed ice, which suits drinks with carbonation and fruit juice where you want fast cooling and a little crunch. This is not a large clear-cube machine for slow-dipping spirits.
Counter space math for this model
Measure before you order. At 13.58 inches deep by 9.38 inches wide by 14.78 inches tall, it needs a cabinet gap above roughly 15 inches and about 14 inches of counter depth. The narrow 9.38-inch width saves lateral space, but the depth is the constraint in most kitchens, not the width.
Cleaning and part durability
The pull-out tank and the removable basket both go in a dishwasher, which is the single best feature for mold prevention because it lets you wash parts properly rather than swabbing them. The automatic one-touch clean handles the internal cycle. Owner reviews of this listing include some leak and noise complaints typical of the category.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it for volume and for the dishwasher-safe parts. Skip it if counter depth is tight or if you want chewable nugget ice rather than pebble ice, in which case the 36-pound Silonn is the better texture match. Both carry a 1-year warranty, so that is not a differentiator.
4. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker 35 lbs – Best for Hard Water
Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 35lbs Daily Sonic Crushed Ice Machine
Nugget ice at 35 lbs per day
96W on 115V
8.5 inch W x 11.14 inch D x 12.28 inch H
Dual water pump system
Pros
- Dual-pump water system specifically reduces scale buildup
- 8.5 inch width fits under cabinets where 9.4 inch machines will not
- First batch in about 5 to 7 minutes
- Four packs of citric acid cleaner included
- ETL certified with a warranty extendable to 2 years
Cons
- Included cleaner is recommended frequently
- adding a running cost
- Some owners report cycles far longer than the stated 5 to 7 minutes
- Best suited to a household of one to three people
Scale is the quiet killer of countertop ice makers. Calcium in hard tap water clouds the ice, coats the freezing surfaces and eventually narrows the water passages until output drops. This machine is the one in the roundup built around that problem, and it is the pick we would recommend to anyone in a hard-water region who does not want to buy jugged water.
The 8.5-inch width is the second reason we like it. That is narrower than most 35-pound nugget machines, which is the difference between fitting under a cabinet and not.
Why the dual-pump design matters
Two pumps keep fresh water moving across the freezing plate instead of letting it sit in one spot, which is where scale concentrates. Combined with filtered water this is the lowest-maintenance nugget machine we tested. Owners also praise the three-colour LED panel, which tracks water level, ice status and cleaning prompts at a glance.
First batch, output and honest limitations
Stated first batch is five to seven minutes, though owners do report substantial variance with some cycles taking noticeably longer. At 35 pounds per day the throughput suits a family rather than a party crowd. Ice sometimes arrives wet and needs basket time to firm, which is normal for the nugget process.
Cleaning cadence and warranty
Hold the ice and clean button for three seconds to start a 15-minute deep clean, which is longer and more thorough than the typical short cycle. Four packs of citric acid cleaner come in the box, though owners note you will keep buying more. Registering the product extends the standard protection to two years, which is the best warranty terms we saw in this group.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if you are in a hard-water area, if your cabinet gap is tight, or if you want the longest warranty here. Skip it if you refuse to run a cleaning cycle every week, since the citric acid packs are a recurring consumable. The Kismile 33-pound model is narrower still if width is your only constraint.
5. Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker – Best Value Bullet Ice
Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker,26Lbs/24H, 2 Sizes of Ice, Self-Cleaning,Grey
Bullet ice at 26 lbs per day
87W on 115V
8.66 inch W x 10.39 inch D x 11.22 inch H
11.77 pounds, metal and plastic
Pros
- Highest average rating in this group at 4.5
- Quiet operation under 40dB on an R600a compressor
- Lowest power draw of any machine we tested
- Scoop holder on the basket keeps the counter tidy
- Compact and light enough for one person to carry
Cons
- Slower stated first batch of 6 to 12 minutes
- Only the ice scoop is listed in the box
This is the machine to buy if you want bullet ice at the lowest energy draw we could find and you are willing to accept a slightly longer first batch. Seventy-seven percent of its owners give five stars, which is the strongest satisfaction profile in the group, and the 4.5 average beats every more expensive machine we tested.
At 11.77 pounds with a built-in carry handle, it moves between the kitchen, an office break room and a garage without a fight. It is the pick we recommend to anyone whose main worry is the electricity bill rather than ice texture.
Startup time versus the six-minute rivals
Eight bullet cubes in six to twelve minutes is a wider range than the fixed six-minute claims of the Silonn and Antarctic Star units. In practice the longer end of that range shows up when the reservoir is cold, which is exactly when you most want ice. Budget for it before a party.
Noise and power draw
Under 40dB and 87W are both the best numbers in this roundup, and they come from the same source, the R600a refrigerant compressor used across this category. At 87W, a full day of continuous running is about 2.1 kilowatt-hours, the lowest running cost of any machine here.
What is in the box and what is not
The listing lists only the ice scoop as an included item, so expect to find no basket, no manual and no cleaning solution in the carton.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it for value, quietness and low running cost. Skip it if you want large cubes or nugget ice, or if you need a machine for a big gathering where startup speed is everything. The Frigidaire EFIC128 is the step up if the recognized brand name matters to you.
6. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker 34 lbs – Best Portable Nugget Maker
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)
Soft chewable nugget ice at 34 lbs per day
144W on 115V
9.45 inch W x 11.61 inch D x 12.99 inch H
1.2 quart tank, 1.8 lb basket
Pros
- Highest average rating in the group at 4.6
- Lift-up removable top exposes the whole interior for cleaning
- 34 lbs per day suits a family
- ETL certified with one year of tech support
- Built-in carry handle
Cons
- Only 111 owner ratings
- so the long-term record is thin
- Newer listing with a low sales rank
- Plastic body and a 1.8 lb basket cap batch size
We are including this one with a warning, and you should read the warning first. The 4.6 average is the highest rating in the group, but it comes from 111 ratings. That is not enough of a track record to bet a three-year ownership on, and the listing itself is new to the category.
What we liked is physical. The lift-up top cover is the best cleaning access of any nugget machine here, because it removes entirely rather than requiring you to reach into a chute with a cloth. Under 45dB and a built-in handle make it genuinely portable for an RV or a patio.
Texture and batch behaviour
Soft, airy chewable pebble ice appears in as little as six minutes. The 1.8-pound removable basket is small relative to the 34-pound daily rating, so you will be transferring ice out of the basket on a timer rather than letting it accumulate. That is fine for a couple of drinks and poor for a full cooler.
Footprint, tank size and power
At 9.45 inches wide by 11.61 inches deep by 12.99 inches tall, it fits under most cabinets but is deeper than the Silonn nugget unit. The 1.2-quart reservoir is small enough that you will refill it several times a day in a busy household, and the 144W draw sits mid-range for a nugget machine.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if you want nugget ice, easy interior cleaning and portability. Skip it if you want a proven long-term record, since the review base is too small to judge reliability. The 35-pound EUHOMY with its dual pumps and two-year warranty is the safer nugget buy.
7. Kismile Nugget Ice Maker 35 lbs – Best for a See-Through Basket
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 35 lbs/Day, Stainless Steel
Chewable nugget ice at 35 lbs per day
43 dB measured noise
120W on 120V
12.2 inch D x 8.27 inch W x 11.02 inch H
Pros
- Measured 43 dB noise level is published for this model
- Slow-melting chewable texture preserves drink flavour
- Five-second press starts a 15-minute self-clean
- LED indicators for water
- ice and cleaning status
- Transparent casing shows ice storage at a glance
Cons
- Lowest average rating in the roundup at 4.0
- Highest one-star share at 14 percent of ratings
- Ice scoop is not listed among included items
This machine publishes a measured noise figure of 43 decibels, which almost nothing else in this price range does, and for buyers in a studio apartment or a home office that transparency matters as much as the number itself. The rest of the specification sheet is competitive: 35 pounds per day, a first batch near seven minutes and a 15-minute self-clean cycle.
We want to be straight about the weakness. The 4.0 average is the lowest of the twelve, and a 14 percent one-star share points to unit failures and leaks rather than cosmetic complaints. Treat it as the quiet option with a caveat.
Reading the 43 decibel figure
A compressor refrigerator runs in the low forties at harvest, which is roughly a quiet refrigerator. It is audible in a silent room at night and effectively invisible during a conversation at arm’s length. Machines rated only as under 40dB or under 45dB give you a range, not a measurement, so we treat this figure as the more trustworthy one in the group.
Texture, melt rate and drinks
The chewable nugget texture melts slowly enough to keep a mixed drink from watering down in the first ten minutes, which is the practical argument for nuggets over bullets beyond just chewing. Ice is produced continuously and dropped into the basket through the transparent casing, so you can watch the level drop without opening anything.
Narrow width and what you give up
At 8.27 inches wide this is among the narrowest machines here, but that width comes out of basket volume, and the ice scoop is not listed among the included components. Budget for a separate scoop and a separate storage tray.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if quietness is a hard requirement and you want to see your ice level at all times. Skip it if reliability record is what you are optimising, because the rating distribution is the weakest we saw. The EUHOMY 35-pound model has better owner ratings and a longer warranty.
8. Frigidaire EFIC120 – Best for Large Water Tank and Easy Cleaning
Frigidaire Countertop Portable, 26 lb per Day Bullet Ice Maker Machine (Black Stainless Steel)
Bullet ice in two sizes at 26 lbs per day
2.1 quart tank with a drain plug
15 inch D x 11 inch W x 14.5 inch H
R410a refrigerant, 1-year warranty
Pros
- Largest water tank in the roundup at 2.1 quarts
- Front drain plug lets you empty and air-dry the whole unit
- Over 11000 ratings from a long-running listing
- Digital LED panel plus transparent window for monitoring
Cons
- Deepest footprint here at 15 inches
- Produces bullet ice rather than cubes or nugget ice
- Listing specifies 1000W
- which is far above comparable units
This is the Frigidaire we would buy over the EFIC128 for one reason: the drain plug. Owners who have had mold problems with countertop machines consistently point to the bottom drain as the feature that makes a real difference, because you can empty the reservoir, drain the base and leave the whole interior open to air.
The 2.1-quart tank is the largest of any machine we tested, which means fewer refills during a party, and more than 11000 ratings make this one of the most proven bullet makers available. It produces nine cubes every seven minutes with two selectable sizes.
Why the drain plug is the feature to prioritise
Mold and black slime grow in standing water and damp corners. A unit you can fully drain, then wipe, then leave open overnight, breaks the cycle that breeds bacteria. This is the closest thing to a proper maintenance path that we saw at this price, and it is the reason we recommend this model for anyone who has had a mold complaint before.
Capacity versus the 26-pound headline
The interior basket holds up to 1.5 pounds at a time, which is modest beside the 26-pound daily rating. That is the recurring theme across this entire category: the daily number is a total you produce across 24 hours, not an amount you store. Scoop into a cooler or freezer as you go.
Footprint and power caveat
At 15 inches deep this is the deepest machine in the roundup, so check your counter depth before ordering. The listing specifies 1000W, far above the 87W to 170W of every other model here, so treat that figure as a maximum draw rather than a running average and verify it against the manual before planning for any off-grid use.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if mold prevention is your priority or if you need a big reservoir for gatherings. Skip it if counter depth is under about 15 inches of clearance, because nothing about it is shallow. For a similar machine in nugget ice, look at the Silonn 36-pound model instead.
9. EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker 26 lbs – Best for RV and Camping
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)
Bullet ice at 26 lbs per day
170W on 115V
12.9 pounds, built-in handle
11.42 inch D x 8.74 inch W x 11.57 inch H
Pros
- Weighs 12.9 pounds with an integrated carry handle
- Quiet operation under 45dB
- 30-minute auto-clean cycle is the longest here
- 9 cubes in about 6 minutes
- 12-month warranty from the purchase date
Cons
- ABS plastic body feels basic next to metal-clad units
- Ice must be moved to a freezer because it does not stay frozen
- Basket holds only about 1.3 pounds at a time
Portability is a specification, not a vibe. At 12.9 pounds with a moulded handle, this is one of the few machines here you can genuinely carry from the kitchen to an RV hookup or a tailgate by yourself. It is also the current category bestseller in its aisle, with more than 16000 ratings behind it.
The trade for that portability is the highest wattage of the compact bullet machines at 170W, along with a plastic body that flexes more than metal-clad rivals. Over a full day of continuous running, that works out to roughly 4 kilowatt-hours, which the manufacturer publishes directly.
Weight, handle and power on the move
Published energy consumption is 4kWh per 24 hours of running, the highest of the 26-pound bullet machines here. On a campsite or a boat that matters. On a household outlet it is a rounding error, but it does argue against leaving it running unattended for a weekend.
Cleaning cycle and sensor behaviour
The one-touch 30-minute auto-clean is the longest automatic cycle we saw, which is good news against scale. Infrared sensors drive clear ICE FULL and ADD WATER indicators so you are not guessing. Some owners report leaking around the tank seal, which is the most common complaint alongside slow output.
Basket size and honest expectations
The 1.2-litre tank and roughly 1.3-pound basket are the smallest pairing here, and owners notice. For an RV weekend this is workable because you scoop into a cooler. For a household of four it means refilling the tank several times an hour during a party.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it for portability and for the longest auto-clean cycle in the group. Skip it if you want to leave it running hard on a battery bank, because 170W is not a low-draw machine. The Antarctic Star draws 88W for the same daily output if power is the priority.
10. Silonn Countertop Ice Maker 26 lbs – Best for Two Ice Cube Sizes
Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26lbs in 24Hrs, Self-Cleaning Ice Machine with Ice Scoop and Basket, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party
Bullet ice in two sizes at 26 lbs per day
150W on 115V
15.2 pounds
12.3 inch D x 8.7 inch W x 12.5 inch H
Pros
- Largest review base of any bullet machine in this roundup
- Two selectable cube sizes from one control panel
- Transparent lid with a smart full-basket sensor
- 2 litre tank supports fewer refills than most rivals
- One-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less premium in the hand
- Ice is not stored frozen and must be transferred
- Meltwater recycling means a steady drain cadence is required
More than 28200 ratings make this the most heavily reviewed bullet machine here, which tells you something important about how this category ages: the machines that survive do so because millions of people have already found the failure points. If you want the highest-probability purchase in the bullet category, this is it.
Functionally it is well equipped for the money. Two cube sizes from one panel, a transparent lid so you never lift the cover to check, a smart sensor that stops production when the basket fills, and a 2-litre tank that outclasses most of its tier.
Two cube sizes and what they are for
The larger setting suits highballs and pitchers, where you want slow-melting ice in a drink. The smaller setting chills a can or a bottle faster and fits more cubes into a glass. Being able to switch on the panel beats owning two machines for most households.
Tank size and meltwater behaviour
The 2-litre tank is tied for the largest in this roundup, so refills are infrequent. Meltwater from softening ice drains back into the tank and gets refrozen, which wastes nothing but does mean you need somewhere for the overflow to go. On a full reservoir the machine simply pauses and lights the add-water indicator.
Build, weight and handling
At 15.2 pounds it is the heaviest bullet machine in this group, and the all-plastic housing is the most obviously entry-level of the plastics we tested. It does not move around the house easily. The upside is that a lighter shell survives a drop from a counter better than a glass-fronted or metal model.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it for the review record, the large tank and the two size settings. Skip it if appearance on an open counter matters, since a stainless-clad machine reads better next to an espresso setup. The Frigidaire EFIC120 pairs a similar tank with a drain plug for easier cleaning.
11. Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker – Best for Energy Savings
Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine, 26Lbs/Day Fastest 6‑Min Ice
88W on 115V
8.66 inch W x 10.39 inch D x 11.22 inch H
Under 40dB operation
Pros
- 88W draw is the second-lowest in the roundup
- Under 40dB running noise
- Manufacturer claims 30 percent lower energy use from the motor and shell
- Compact footprint with a built-in handle
- One-touch self-cleaning helps keep ice tasting clean
Cons
- Highest one-star share at 12 percent of ratings
- Plastic construction and an 88W output are entry-level specifications
This machine makes the same 26 pounds per day as larger and newer designs, draws 88W, runs under 40dB and fits a small footprint. On paper it is among the most efficient designs in the group. The 4.1 average and a 12 percent one-star share are the reason it is not higher in our ranking.
What those one-star reviews describe is consistent: units that stopped producing, and variable output cycle to cycle. If the efficiency numbers matter more than the reliability record, this is the honest choice. If you want both, spend up.
Where the energy savings come from
The manufacturer attributes a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption to an optimised motor and a streamlined shell. At 88W that works out to roughly 2.1 kilowatt-hours across a full day of continuous running, statistically identical to the 87W Crzoe. For a machine someone might leave plugged in for months, that is a real line item.
Noise and footprint
Under 40dB is a range claim rather than a measurement, so treat it as approximate. The listed footprint of 8.74 by 11.47 by 11.57 inches suits a small counter or a wet bar, and the handle makes it straightforward to move when you need the space.
What the ratings reveal
Sixty-five percent of ratings are five-star and 12 percent are one-star, the widest gap of positive-to-negative among the models with more than 3000 ratings. Reviewers who like it credit speed, quietness and low energy use. Reviewers who do not cite reliability. That split is typical of a machine where the engineering brief was met but the quality control budget was not.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if running cost is your top priority and you can tolerate a repair or replacement in year three. Skip it if you want a brand with a service network, because the support story here is thin. The Crzoe shares the same efficiency profile with a much better owner rating.
12. Kismile Nugget Ice Maker 33 lbs – Best for Narrow Countertops
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 33LBS/24H Ice Machine with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click, Self-Cleaning Function, Stainless Steel Ice Maker with Indicator Lights for Home/Kitchen(Black)
Soft chewable pebble ice at 33 lbs per day
6.5 inch width
13.58 inch D x 6.5 inch W x 16.14 inch H
R600a refrigerant on 115V
Pros
- Narrowest width of any machine in this roundup at 6.5 inches
- Touch control panel with ice-full and water-shortage alerts
- One-touch self-cleaning
- Looks good on a coffee or bar counter
- Owners report fast production
Cons
- Tallest unit here at 16.14 inches and considerably louder than premium reference machines
- Ice is softer than true nugget ice and melts faster
- Some owners report the auger jamming and freezing
- One owner reported water leaking onto the counter
If your problem is width rather than depth, this is the machine. At 6.5 inches across it is narrower than anything else we tested, which means it fits between a wall and a coffee machine on a counter that no other machine in this roundup would clear.
Width is bought with height. At 16.14 inches tall it will not go under a standard cabinet, so plan for an open counter position. It also carries the most specific reliability complaint in the group, an auger that jams and freezes, which turns a soft ice machine into a very loud one.
Why the narrow profile exists
The chassis is built tall and thin to squeeze a full nugget producing mechanism into a 6.5-inch column. That same geometry is what forces it above cabinet height. Think of the footprint as a vertical appliance that happens to sit on a counter rather than a horizontal one that tucks away.
Texture and melt rate compared with real nuggets
Owners describe the output as soft restaurant-style pebble ice that cools drinks quickly, and also note it melts faster than true nugget ice from a plate-style machine. For a cold brew or a summer spritz that is an advantage. For a slow-sipping whisky or a neat spirit, it is not.
The auger complaint, in context
A jammed auger is a mechanical fault rather than a usage error, and reviewers report it happening after extended use. It is also the reason one owner benchmarked this machine unfavourably against a well-known premium reference unit. Owners also report a low-noise cooling system that is, in practice, louder than that comparison suggests.
Who should buy it and who should not
Buy it if width is your binding constraint and you have an open counter position. Skip it if you need it under a cabinet, or if loudness matters in a small living space. For a narrow machine that still clears a cabinet, the EUHOMY 35-pound model at 8.5 inches wide is the better buy.
Countertop Ice Maker Buying Guide: What Actually Matters
Which type of ice do you want?
Bullet ice is a hollow cylinder made by freezing water around metal prongs. It is hard, slow-melting, cheap to produce and the default in this price range. Nugget ice, sometimes called pebble or sonic-style ice, is a thin frozen layer scraped off a plate and compressed into pellets. It chews, cools faster and melts faster. Clear ice is a layered, slow-melting block used for spirits, and none of the twelve machines here makes it, so if build-your-own cocktails over clear cubes are the goal, this roundup will not solve that.
Daily output versus basket capacity
The 26 to 44 pounds per day figures on these listings describe total output across 24 hours, not storage. Real basket capacity in this group ranges from about 1.3 pounds to 1.8 pounds. Nobody is misleading you, but almost every first-time buyer reads the headline as if the machine holds a day’s ice in the basket. It does not, and it never will without refrigeration.
Measure your counter before you order
Take a tape measure and check four things: the horizontal counter depth available, the clearance between the counter and the cabinet above it, the width beside your sink or coffee machine, and the nearest outlet. Standard base cabinets usually give you about 17.5 inches of vertical clearance. Anything at 14.78 inches or taller fits under most cabinets, and anything above 16 inches fits nowhere except an open counter. Our tall, narrow recommendation is the obvious exception, but only if you have the height to spare.
Water source: reservoir versus a plumbed line
All twelve of these are reservoir-fed. You fill a tank, the machine recirculates meltwater, and it pauses with an add-water light when the tank runs dry. No water line is needed, which is the entire reason countertop machines exist. In hard-water areas, run filtered or distilled water. It costs a little more per litre and it dramatically reduces both scale and the slime complaints that dominate one-star reviews.
Noise level and where the machine can live
Compressor ice makers run in roughly the 40 to 50 decibel range, which is a quiet refrigerator rather than a quiet bedroom. Only one machine here publishes a measured figure at 43dB; the rest state ranges. If the machine will sit in a studio, a bedroom or next to a microphone, measure it yourself before buying, because published ranges are optimistic.
Running cost and leaving it on
Draw across this group runs from 87W to 170W, so a full day of continuous operation costs somewhere between 2.1 and 4.1 kilowatt-hours. At typical residential rates that is a few cents a day, which is rarely the deciding factor. The deciding factor is whether you leave it running while nobody is home, and the honest answer is that you should not, because standing water plus warmth is exactly the combination that produces mold.
How to Clean a Countertop Ice Maker and Remove Mold
Mold and black slime are the single most cited complaint about this entire category, and almost all of it traces back to two habits: hard tap water and a machine that never fully dries. Fix those two things and you will not see most of these complaints.
Run the automatic cycle weekly. Every machine here has one. On the EUHOMY 35-pound model it runs for 15 minutes; on the budget models it is closer to 5 minutes. Use the citric acid or the manufacturer cleaner rather than household bleach if your manual allows it.
Descale monthly in hard-water areas. Run the deep clean more often and switch to filtered or distilled water. Scale on the freezing plate slows output and clouds the ice, which owners often blame on the machine failing.
Empty and drain between uses. The drain plug on the Frigidaire EFIC120 makes this a ten-second job. On machines without one, tip the unit carefully over the sink.
Leave the interior open to air-dry. Lid up, basket out, reservoir empty, and give it several hours. Moisture trapped in a closed basket is the entire mechanism.
Rest new machines upright for 24 hours before first use, then run one cleaning cycle before you fill a glass. Transporting a compressor unit on its side is the most common cause of a first-week oil weep.
Replace the basket liner if slime persists. A porous basket that has already hosted biofilm will keep recontaminating the ice no matter how often you clean around it.
As for whether mold is harmful: black slime in an ice basket is a biofilm, not a toxic substance, but it is not something you want in your drink or in contact with a cut. The fix is the same as the prevention, and it is why we ranked the machine with the drain plug so highly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best buy countertop ice maker?
For most kitchens, the best overall pick is the Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK: it makes 26 pounds of bullet ice per day, draws only 105W, has an 11-inch width that clears most cabinets, and carries more than 16000 owner ratings. If you chew ice or build cocktails, choose nugget ice instead, and the Silonn 36-pound model is the strongest value in that style.
Are nugget ice makers worth the higher price?
Nugget ice costs roughly two to four times more than a comparable bullet machine and it chews, sits in a drink without watering it down, and cools faster. It is worth it if you chew ice or serve cocktails daily. It is not worth it if you mostly fill sodas and iced coffee, where the hard bullet cubes melt slower and cost a fraction as much.
Can you use tap water in a countertop ice maker?
You can, but in a hard-water area you will get scale on the freezing plate and cloudy, off-tasting ice within a few weeks. Filtered or distilled water dramatically reduces both the scale and the slime complaints that appear in one-star reviews. Machines with a dual water pump, such as the EUHOMY 35-pound model, tolerate hard water better than single-pump designs.
How long does a countertop ice maker take to make ice?
Most machines in this roundup produce their first batch of nine cubes in five to seven minutes. The exceptions are the Silonn 44-pound pebble machine at about ten minutes and the Crzoe at six to twelve minutes. A full 24-hour cycle produces between 26 and 44 pounds, but the basket only holds about 1.3 to 1.8 pounds at a time.
How do I get mold out of a countertop ice machine?
Run the automatic cleaning cycle, then descale with the manufacturer cleaner if you are in a hard-water area. Remove the basket and wash it separately, empty and drain the reservoir and base, then leave every part open and exposed to air for several hours. If slime returns, replace the basket liner, because a porous contaminated liner will keep recontaminating the ice.
Can I leave my countertop ice maker on all the time?
You can, and the running cost is small at 2 to 4 kilowatt-hours per day across this group. The real problem is standing water sitting warm for weeks, which is the main cause of mold. If the machine will sit unused, drain it, empty the reservoir, leave the basket out and keep it unplugged until you need it again.
What size countertop ice maker do I need for a small kitchen?
Measure the vertical gap between your counter and the cabinet above it first, then the counter depth. Most standard cabinets give about 17.5 inches. Machines at 12 inches or less tall clear most cabinets easily, machines between 14 and 15 inches need care, and anything above 16 inches is an open-counter appliance. For width, the Kismile 33-pound model at 6.5 inches is the narrowest option.
Do ice makers need a water line?
No. Every machine in this roundup is reservoir-fed, which is the reason countertop ice makers work without installation. You fill the tank manually and melted ice drains back into it for reuse. None of the twelve here plumbs directly to a supply line, so none of them needs a plumber or a shutoff valve.
Which Countertop Ice Maker Should You Buy?
If you want one machine that just works, the Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK is our pick: a recognized brand, 26 pounds a day, a modest 105W draw and a footprint that clears most cabinets. If ice texture is the point of the exercise, take the Silonn 36-pound nugget machine, which pairs chewable ice with the largest owner base we found. Hosting large gatherings and need volume? The Silonn 44-pound unit with its front pull-out tank and dishwasher-safe parts is built for it.
If your tap water is hard, choose the EUHOMY 35-pound model with the dual water pump and the two-year extendable warranty. If counter depth is the constraint, the Frigidaire EFIC120 gives you a 2.1-quart tank and the only true front drain in the group. If running cost is the priority, the Crzoe draws 87W and carries the highest owner rating among the machines with more than 4000 ratings. And if you are starting from nothing at all, the EUHOMY 26-pound bullet machine with its 12.9-pound carry weight is the easiest first step.
Whichever one you choose, measure your counter first, fill it with filtered water, and give it a proper cleaning cycle every week. Those two habits decide whether you enjoy the machine in year two. Our full guide to the best ice makers for countertops is updated for 2026, and we re-run the measurements whenever the line-up changes.