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Best Ice Makers In 2021

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This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Published August 7, 2020
Support us! GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

If you are entertaining in hot weather, you will need fresh, glacial ice cubes by the pound. With regular ice trays, it is just impossible to stay on top of your ice making!

So how about getting yourself a practical and highly functional countertop ice-making machine? These amazing, miniature appliances will make your life so much easier by constantly producing enough ice to fill your glass, and those of your friends, to the brim!

Take a look at this selection of best ice makers on the market and find your perfect match!

The Best Ice Maker

1
Firstbbuild Countertop Size Opal Nugget Ice Maker

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Our best choice product is a countertop-size ice maker that makes the most sought after kind of cubes: the nuggets. Also called pellet ice or Sonic ice, these particular type of ice cubes have a small, nugget-like shape and are extremely porous and chewable. They are made through a combination of frozen water and air that gives them the perfect consistency to complement any drink, be it alcoholic or soft.

The Opal Nugget Ice Maker brings you this signature drive-in type ice straight to your home, with a design so compact and elegant, it can be placed on your countertop and shown off with pride! This little gem measures 17.2 inches in height, 15.5 inches in width and 10.5 inches in depth, making it perfect to fit almost any kitchen. Also, it requires no water hookup as it comes equipped with a water tank that you can fill with up to 2.5 quarts of water, so all you need to get started is an electrical outlet. There is no spillage or ice wasting because as the nuggets melt, the water will be returned to the tank and remade into new cubes.

This lovely ice maker machine is a very powerful kitchen gadget that will supply you with up to 24 pounds of ice per day with its bin holding up to three pounds at a time. And it fills in only 20 minutes! But the most amazing feature of this countertop ice maker is that it has a Bluetooth connection, which makes it easy for you to plan when and how much ice you want through the FirstBuild app.

Bear in mind that you will need three inches of clearance on the sides and at the back for safe use.

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Key Features:

Nugget ice, crunchy and airy

Portable, no water hookup required

Up to 24 lbs of ice in one day.

Three pounds of ice at a time, ready in 20 minutes

Remote control through FirstBuild App

Specification:
  • BrandFirstBuild
  • ModelOpal01
  • Weight44 pounds
Pros

Fast and easy ice-making in 20 minutes

Remotely connected through easy to use App

Best ice quality – chewy and highly porous, perfect to retain drink taste

Cons

Quite bulky to be a countertop ice making machine

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Hamilton Beach Portable Ice Maker Machine

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The second product we have selected is a black, portable Hamilton Beach Ice Maker. This sleek and dainty machine makes nine ice cubes every seven minutes and lets you choose between two cube sizes. With a daily production capacity of 26 pounds of ice, the Portable Ice Maker Machine has a storage capacity of two pounds and a water tank that can take up to 0.7 gallons of water. It measures 12.5 inches in height and 14.0 inches in length, making it nice and easy to place on even the smallest kitchen top.

This stylish countertop ice maker is built to a high standard with an efficient compressor that allows it to work without any noise. It also comes with three LED indicators to signal a full ice basket, low water levels, and when the ice making is in process. It also includes push-button functionality. For more must-have kitchen appliances like this, check out our reviews of the best electric water coolers on the market right now.

Key Features:

Small, compact size to fit most counters

nine ice cubes every seven minutes

The storage capacity of two pounds

Specification:
  • BrandHamilton Beach
  • ModelPIM-1-3A
  • Weight19 pounds
Pros

Comes with handy LED indicators

Cons

The ice melts quite quickly, and it might build up in front of the sensor. Requires removal. 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
Merax Crystal Clear Countertop Ice Maker

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This beautiful and stylish countertop ice maker in durable stainless steel will make your drinks perfect with its crystal clear ice cubes! This kind of cubes has a slower melting point because it is denser harder than standard ice cubes.

With a whopping 24 cubes per 15 minutes, the Crystal Clear Countertop Ice-Maker gives you the option to choose your ice cube sizes. This wondrous machine can store up to 2.4 pounds of ice at one time due to its larger-than-average storage container and offers a 2.2-liter water tank to keep a continuous production of ice going. Its quiet compressor allows for noiseless production, and its digital control panel ensures quick and easy operation with minimum effort. No installation is required, and the machine is ETL certified, and FDA approved. If you need a more lightweight option that is perfect for camping, here are some quality portable freezers that might come in handy.

Key Features:

Elegant, clear, slow-melting ice

24 cubes every 15 minutes

2.4 pounds of ice storage at a time

ETL and FDA approved

Specification:
  • BrandMerax
Pros

Makes aesthetically pleasing, clear, slow-melting ice cubes

Easy-to-use digital control panel

Cons

The ice comes out in bricks because it is denser and needs to be separated

The ice tends to be quite wet and sticks together in the unit

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
Frigidaire Red Compact Ice Maker Machine

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This modern-looking countertop ice maker is full of character and will take up minimum space in your kitchen thanks to its compact design. Boasting a trendy design, the Red Compact Ice Maker Machine is your choice if you are looking for fast ice making in a small space. Fun, casual, and slightly retro, this countertop ice maker can make up to 26 pounds of ice per day in only six minutes, and you can choose between two ice cube sizes. Its tank can hold up to 2.3 liters of water, and it measures only 15.3 x 15.3 x 11.7 inches.

Its digital control panel makes it easy and quick to use, and its see-through design allows you to observe the fascinating ice-making process should you desire. This lovely ice maker comes equipped with an ice shovel to collect your cubes once complete. If you are a wine lover, make sure to also browse our list of the top wine coolers for your kitchen.

Key Features:

Various trendy colors and compact design

26 pounds of ice per day

2.3-liter water tank

Comes with an ice shovel

Specification:
  • BrandFrigidaire
  • ModelEFIC102-RED
  • Weight18.8 pounds
Pros

Stylish retro style that will complement most kitchen designs

Fast ice-making

Cons

Slightly noisy

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
Vremi Portable Bullet-Shaped Ice Maker

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Our Premium pick in this selection of best ice makers is the Portable Bullet-Shaped Ice Maker by Vremi. This portable ice machine is quick and easy to use, making nine ice cubes every eight-to-ten minutes! It produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day and takes up minimal space with its 9.5 x 12 x 13.5-inch measurement.

This lovely ice maker is sleek and stylish in stainless steel. It comes in two colors: silver and black. It also comes equipped with a 1.5-pound removable ice bucket and a scoop. Perfect for outdoor events, it needs no water hookup thanks to its 2.2-liter water tank, which is placed right under the ice bucked so that any melted leftover ice can be recycled into new ice cubes directly. This portable ice maker is also high-tech, with an automatic shut-off feature when the ice has reached to top. Quick and quiet, with a 120 watts running power and a silent cooling function, it is efficient and energy-saving. Moreover, it comes with a free 30-day exchange/return policy and a one-year warranty. If you are an avid golf player, don’t miss to check out these handy golf coolers everyone is buying at the moment.

Key Features:

Portable and compact

nine cubes every eight-to-ten minutes

Bullet-shaped chewable ice cubes

one-year warranty, 30 day exchange/return policy

Specification:
  • BrandVremi
  • ModelVRM010636N
  • Weight20.9 pounds
Pros

Very slim and compact for outdoor usage

Quiet and quick

Cons

Due to the small dimensions, you must always make sure the ice does not get stuck in the tray in order to maintain functionality

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Ikich Easy And Fast Ice-Maker

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The Ikich Easy and Fast Ice Maker is the fastest machine on our selection list! It makes nine pieces of ice in only six minutes and can produce up to 26 lbs per day of ice. It is a quiet and efficient machine that measures only 8.7 x 12.3 x 12.6 inches. It will easily fit on your countertop and can be used to make lovely bullet-shaped, chewy ice cubes.

This ice making machine is made out of food-grade material and has a high standard copper aluminum condenser, which is the reason it runs smoothly and silently. It comes with easy to use control buttons, an indicator light to signal a full ice tray and no water-hookup required thanks to its refillable water tank. You can choose between two ice sizes, large or small, and you’ll find it amazingly easy to operate with a removable ice basket and a handy scoop. You will also get a two-year warranty and a 45-day return policy. For more handy products for the summer, here are some practical ice packs for coolers.

Key Features:

Fast ice-making 

Food grade material

Completely portable and compact

two-year warranty and 45-day return policy

Specification:
  • BrandIKICH
  • Weight17.35 pounds
Pros

Fast and efficient

Bullet-shaped, chewable ice, perfect for any drink

Cons

Needs time to preheat which will affect the production upon first use

For optimal use, the machine must stand upright for hours beforehand

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

7
E Euhomy Automatic Commercial Ice Making Machine

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This under-counter, commercial level ice maker is an automatic machine that produces 100 lbs of ice per day. It has a 33-pound storage capacity ice bucket and can stand totally on its own, which makes it easier to place it anywhere you like. It makes 45 cubes every 13-20 minutes. The Automatic Commercial Ice Making Machine does require a water supply hookup and comes with a water supply drain and pipe to connect to your water line. It also includes an ice shovel to collect your ice easily from the bucket.

This elegant, ice maker is made of stainless steel and has a beautiful slide up and down door that makes it easy to handle and nice to look at. It is perfect to be placed underneath counters or to stand-alone in-home or commercial kitchens. Moreover, it has an intuitive digital control panel that helps you operate the machine effortlessly and tells you when the bucket is full, as well as when to clean the machine. There is a dedicated button labeled “Time Cleaner” you can press for five seconds, which initiates the cleaning cycle. It is advisable to go through this cycle twice before making the first batch of ice. If you want to equip your kitchen with more useful appliances for the summer, make sure to choose a quality ice cream maker, too.

Key Features:

Commercial level ice making machine

100 lbs of ice per day

33 lbs ice bucket capacity at one time

Includes pipe and supply drain to connect to your water line

Automatic machine cleaner

Specification:
  • BrandE EUHOMY
  • Weight67.2 pounds
Pros

High ice production suitable for big households or commercial use

Compact, sleek design that can fit under-counter or stand-alone

Cons

Longer ice making time

Requires a water drain and does not keep ice frozen for long

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

8
Scotsman Gourmet Cube Under-Counter Ice Maker

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This gem of an ice maker is a very slim and compact, stand-alone machine that’s only 15 inches high. Scotsman Gourmet Cube Under-Counter Ice Maker is a self-contained unit that comes in an industrial silver shade. The Gourmet Cube Under-counter Ice Maker produces up to 64 pounds of ice per day and can store up to 26 pounds of ice in its buckets. This high grade, professional ice-machine makes amazing quality ice, hard and crystal clear, uniquely shaped, and slow melting. This quality is possible thanks to a sensor that detects heavy minerals in the water and purifies it.

This machine is sensibly sized at 14.9 x 22 x 34.4 inches and comes with a gravity drain. It possesses an easy to use control panel which helps you stay on top of everything, letting you know it’s on, when water is running low, and when it needs cleaning. For outdoor activities when you don’t have your kitchen appliances at hand, make sure to bring a reliable cooler.

Key Features:

Industrial grade stainless steel

Large size with high ice production

Under-counter slim fit

Specification:
  • BrandScotsman
  • ModelCU50GA-1
  • Weight100 pounds
Pros

high-quality ice

Digitally smart, sensors detect what has to be done and when

Cons

Quite large in size

High noise level

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

9
hOmeLabs Electric Ice Maker Machine

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The Electric Ice Maker Machine by hOmeLabs is a powerful device that will allow you to make ice cubes in as little as six to eight minutes per batch in two different sizes: small and medium! This exceptionally efficient ice maker is equipped with a compressor that does not require high energy usage to cool down. It makes up to 1.5 lbs of ice in one batch and up to 26 lbs in 24 hours. All it needs is 2.2 liters of water in its water tank. The quality of ice that comes out of this amazingly compact ice machine is exceptionally high and comparable to what is considered “good ice” (chewable, and flavor-retaining).

The smart water-tank sits right beneath the ice bucket, making it easy to collect the melted water and to recycle it into new ice bullets. Moreover, the machine comes with an automatic shut off function when full or in need of a water refill. With an overall measurement of 9.5 x 12.9 x 14, you can easily fit this modern ice making machine on any kitchen countertop. The machine is ETL certified for your safety and comes with a bucket and ice scoop. For more similar products for your kitchen, check out our list of the best ice cube trays, too.

Key Features:

Electric ice maker

six-to-eight minutes per batch

Up to 26 lbs of ice with a 2.2 water tank fill

Measures 9.5 x 12.9 x14

ETL certified

Specification:
  • BrandhOmeLabs
  • ModelHME010019N
  • Weight19.3 pounds
Pros

Quick ice making times

High quality, chewy ice pellets in two sizes

Cons

Ice will not stay frozen in the machine for long periods of time. 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

10
Vivohome Stainless Steel Automatic Ice Maker

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Our last pick is the Stainless Steel Automatic Ice Maker by Vivohome, a lightweight, portable, countertop ice maker that will allow you to create a batch of ice every six minutes. With a capacity of 26 lbs every 24 hours, thanks to its 2.3 liters water tank, this ice making machine gives you a choice of cube size and requires no installation. You’ll be able to turn the machine on from the control panel, which will also let you know if you are going into ice overflow or are low on water. When the ice tray is full, all you have to do is take it out, and the machine will keep on producing fresh, new ice.

You’ll find this ice maker easy to use and designed to be compact and handy as well as quiet and quick operating. You’ll be able to carry it around effortlessly and lug it anywhere for use thanks to its reduced size and weight of less than 8 kg. It’s made with high-grade stainless steel and equipped with a drainage system that keeps the working surfaces clean and tidy by collecting the residual water. If you need a smaller and more portable cooling device, here are some handy soft-sided coolers you might like.

Key Features:

Lightweight, only 7.7 kg

Quick ice making process in six minutes

26 lbs total ice production in 24 hours with 2.3 liters of water

Residual water drainage

Silent motor

Specification:
  • BrandVIVOHOME
  • Weight19.55 pounds
Pros

Quick and silent operating machine

Easy to carry around because lightweight

Cons

Ice will not keep frozen in the machine. Requires storage in the freezer if not used

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Ice Maker Buying Guide & FAQ

Features To Look For In Ice Makers

Here are a few features you want to keep in mind when selecting an ice maker.

Portability - Ask yourself what you really want to use your new ice machine for. Is it for outdoor barbecues at the park or in your backyard, boat trips, or indoor usage? This is a fundamental question that will help you choose between the different portabilities of each ice machine as they come in various weights and sizes. Some might need to be hooked up to your waterline in order to work properly.

Ice Shape - What is your favorite ice shape? This might sound like a trivial characteristic, but it actually is not! There are various ice makers available which allow you to make cubes of different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. Some machines are engineered to produce sonic ice, which is a specific mixture of air and frozen water that makes the ice chewy and absorbing, perfect for chunky slushes or fruit cocktails.

Ice Size - Remember, ice makers can make one-sized cubes but may also have a small-medium-large option which might come handy for water bottles, drinks that require larger ice such as whiskeys or bourbons, or other needs.

Storage Capacity - Make sure to check how much ice can be stored in the ice-bucket of the machine - and if it stays frozen while there. Also, check if the melted water will be automatically recycled into new ice-cubes.

ice maker

Types Of Ice Makers

There are two different types of household ice makers on the market:

Countertop ice makers - These ice makers are small and light enough to be placed on your kitchen counter. They are handy if you want small batches of ice available at all times and don't want to bend over or go to another room to fetch them.

Under-counter ice makers - These ice makers are usually slightly bigger and can stand alone and be placed in a separate area of the house. You might prefer these if you have huge parties regularly, as they are generally bigger and produce more ice by the batch.

Ice Maker FAQ

Q: What is an ice maker?

A: An ice maker is a machine that generates ice cubes from water. Ice makers can be either consumer machines, stand-alone machines, or industrial devices that produce ice on a larger scale. Different types of ice machines can produce different types of ice.

an ice maker

Q: Are countertop ice makers worth it?

A: Countertop ice makers are definitely worth it, especially for everyday, quick home use.

Q: What are the benefits of ice makers?

A: Ice makers give you the benefit of making large quantities of ice in the home. They make it easier and quicker to have ice cubes when you need them and cut the long wait you have to go through when using regular freezer ice trays.

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