How do ice makers work?

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.

Do I need to clean my countertop ice maker?

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 well 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.

Will ice makers keep ice frozen?

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 in the freezer until use.

Are countertop ice makers noisy?

Some can be noisy. If you're keeping the ice maker somewhere quiet, like an office setting, check manufacturer specifications about the sound.

Do all ice makers have filters?

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.

What makes nugget ice makers so expensive?

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.

The 5 Best Countertop Ice Makers for Your Home, Tested and Approved

Best Ice Makers — Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

We've all been there: getting ready to enjoy an ice-cold beverage only to find that someone (likely you) forgot to refill those ice cube molds again. In addition to being fiddly, each tray only has enough ice for about one drink, and unless you've got stacks of them taking up valuable freezer space, you'll find you're perpetually refilling them. If you're a frequent party host, those pesky extra ice bags always cause a last-minute run to the store.

If you dislike constantly dealing with ice cube trays or storing massive bags of ice, a good ice maker is the solution. That's why we researched and tested 15 popular ice makers to find the best ones that make restaurant-quality ice at the press of a button. From barbecues to game nights to even road trips, read on for more of our favorite ice makers to use at home or on the go.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall Runner-Up:

Igloo Portable Ice Maker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Silonn Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Compact:

Aglucky Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Rcwilley.com

Pros

A practically silent motor and sizeable water capacity make this ice maker a standout choice.

Cons

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 machine made the most ice in an hour during out 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, whether it's a Fourth of July cookout or a New Year's Eve party.

Another reason this ice maker is a shoo-in for the top spot? It is practically silent while running. You won't find yourself whipping your head around every time it turns over a fresh batch of ice (other ice makers we tested generated an excessive amount of noise with half the speed of ice production). 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.

Price at time of publish: $340

Ice shape: Cube
Height: At just over 13 inches, this machine fits under standard cabinets with plenty of room to spare
Machine weight: 24.2 pounds
Production: 28 pounds of ice per 24 hours

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

Pros

One of the only ice makers with a convenient handle for easy carrying, and super fast ice production.

Cons

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, or even on a trip.

Then there's the self-cleaning factor, in which the Igloo offers one of the more sophisticated functionalities we saw in ice makers. 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.

Price at time of publish: $153

Ice shape: Bullet
Height: At just over 15 inches, this machine will fit under standard kitchen cabinets
Machine weight: 19.16 pounds
Production: 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Williams-Sonoma

Pros

The largest reservoir thanks to the side tank, and the nicest looking machine with ice worthy of classic cocktails.

Cons

It's an up-front investment, and it's too heavy to move around often.

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 incredibly fast, so if you decide you want nugget ice on a whim, it's available by the scoopful within 30 minutes. The 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 satisfying pitter-patter of those nuggets coming to fruition. On top of it all, 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
Dimensions: 17.5 x 10.5 x 16.5 inches
Machine weight: 38 pounds
Production: 27 pounds of ice per 24 hours

Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
Food & Wine / Joy Kim

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

This ice maker specializes in small and large bullet-shaped cubes, which don't stick together or melt as quickly as other ice shapes.

Cons

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 also one of the sleekest. It's the sort of machine you'd proudly display in your kitchen or home bar, 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 or bar display) 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.

Price at time of publish: $110

Ice shape: Bullet
Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.5 inches
Machine weight: 15 pounds
Production: 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

This tiny-but-mighty machine is an attractive option for a countertop.

Cons

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.

Price at time of publish: $110

Ice shape: Cube
Dimensions: 12.32 x 8.74 x 12.59 inches
Machine weight: 16.81 pounds
Production: 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Our Favorite Ice Makers

During our testing, we found that what one ice maker offers with capacity and speed, it lacks in style and size. Our best overall ice maker—the Luma Comfort Clear Ice Maker—offers a practically silent motor and exceptional water capacity (which means more ice for your home bar or outdoor barbecue). 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.

Factors to Consider

Speed

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.

Size

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.

Ice Type

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.

Our Ice Maker Tests

We put these machines through their paces with two tests: ice production and noise level. For ice production, we noted how long each machine took to make one batch of ice and how big the ice was and continued to run it to see consistency and pace. We rated the noise levels during the process, from the motor whirring to the sound of the ice dropping. We took note of extra features, self-cleaning options, and the water tank capacity. Using ratings for portability, performance, and capacity, they 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 does over time.

Other Ice Makers We Tested

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 Lb. 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 resulted in more water refills and less ice production over time.

Costway Portable Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker ($120 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.

NewAir Compact Bullet Ice Maker ($160 at Amazon)

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.

LifePlus Portable Countertop Ice Maker ($130 at Walmart)

This machine massively underperformed compared to other ice makers of similar size. Though the cubes were clear and evenly shaped, we wished the machine formed and dropped ice faster.

Costway 2-in-1 Ice Maker Water Dispenser ($210 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.

NewAir Portable Ice Maker ($277 at Amazon)

This was the biggest, bulkiest ice maker we tried, and it's not worth the headache compared to other comparable machines. Though it produced the most ice in one hour (1 pound) and offered a reliable performance during testing, draining the water was messy as it dribbled under the machine and onto the counter. Plus, depending on how your cabinets are laid out, it may be difficult to fully open the top of the machine on your countertop (as was the case for our tests).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do ice makers work?

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.
Do I need to clean my countertop ice maker?

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 well 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.
Will ice makers keep ice frozen?

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 in the freezer until use.
Are countertop ice makers noisy?

Some can be noisy. If you're keeping the ice maker somewhere quiet, like an office setting, check manufacturer specifications about the sound.
Do all ice makers have filters?

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.
What makes nugget ice makers so expensive?

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.

Our Expertise

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is an acclaimed food writer with nearly a decade of experience. She has written for Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, and more. For this piece, we tested 15 different ice makers to find the best one. Using our culinary and product testing expertise, we assessed different kinds of ice makers—big and small, super-fast and sluggish, splurge-worthy and budget-friendly—over the course of several days to determine the best options for restaurant-quality ice at home.