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The best cheap ice maker gives you a steady supply of ice for everyday drinks without the price of a nugget or built-in machine. Budget countertop units make bullet ice in minutes, and the differences come down to speed, weight, cleaning and brand support.
We compared countertop ice makers sold on Amazon by listed output, cycle time, ice shape, size and cleaning features, using maker information. Output figures are maker claims.
Quick Answer: The Best Cheap Ice Maker
- Best Overall ValueSweetcrispy 26 lb
- Simplest to UseZAFRO 26 lb
- Fastest CycleAntarctic Star 26.5 lb
- Best Known BrandIgloo ICEBNH26 26 lb
- Best LightweightSilonn 26 lb Stainless
- Best Compact Brand PickFrigidaire Compact 26 lb
Sweetcrispy is the best cheap ice maker for most budgets, listing nine cubes in about 6 minutes and 26 lbs a day. ZAFRO keeps it simple, Antarctic Star is quick, Igloo is the trusted name, Silonn is light and stainless, and Frigidaire’s compact unit is the brand pick.
Best Cheap Ice Maker Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetcrispy 26 lb | Best Overall Value | Countertop bullet ice maker | 9 cubes in ~6 min | Check Price |
| ZAFRO 26 lb | Simplest to Use | Countertop bullet ice maker | One-click, 26 lbs/day | Check Price |
| Antarctic Star 26.5 lb | Fastest Cycle | Countertop bullet ice maker | 8 cubes in ~6 min | Check Price |
| Igloo ICEBNH26 26 lb | Best Known Brand | Countertop bullet ice maker | 26 lbs/day | Check Price |
| Silonn 26 lb Stainless | Best Lightweight | Countertop bullet ice maker | 13.7 lbs | Check Price |
| Frigidaire Compact 26 lb | Best Compact Brand Pick | Countertop bullet ice maker | 26 lbs/day | Check Price |
The 6 Countertop Ice Makers We Recommend
Check daily output, ice shape, weight, counter space and cleaning before you order. Specs below come from each listing and the maker.
1. Sweetcrispy Countertop Ice Maker, 9 Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 lbs, Self-Cleaning
1. Fast and cheap.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Budget price
- Fast cycle
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Newer model
- Bullet ice
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26 lbs per day (listed)
- Speed: 9 cubes in about 6 minutes (listed)
- Weight: About 14.7 lbs (6.67 kg, listed)
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning
Sweetcrispy’s countertop unit lists nine cubes in about 6 minutes and 26 lbs a day.
Self-cleaning.
2. ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning, 26 lbs/24H, 9 Cubes in 8 Mins
2. One button.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- One-button use
- Self-cleaning
- Low cost
Cons
- Heavier than rivals
- Bullet ice
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26 lbs per 24 hours (listed)
- Speed: 9 cubes in about 8 minutes (listed)
- Size: 13.8 x 9.8 x 15.0 in (listed)
- Weight: 22 lbs (listed)
ZAFRO lists 26 lbs a day, nine cubes in about 8 minutes and one-click operation.
Self-cleaning.
3. Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker, Portable, Self-Cleaning, 26.5 lbs/24H
3. Quick ice.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast cycle
- Low cost
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Lesser-known brand
- Bullet ice
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26.5 lbs per 24 hours (listed)
- Speed: 8 cubes in about 6 minutes (listed)
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning
- Brand: Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star lists 26.5 lbs a day and eight cubes in about 6 minutes.
Low cost.
4. Igloo ICEBNH26WH Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lbs
4. Igloo.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Simple controls
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Small reservoir needs refills
- Bullet ice
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26 lbs per day (listed)
- First ice: As little as 7 minutes (maker)
- Cleaning: Automatic self-cleaning
- Model: ICEBNH26WH
Igloo’s ICEBNH26WH lists 26 lbs of ice a day, first cubes in about 7 minutes and an automatic cleaning cycle.
Self-cleaning.
5. Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Stainless Steel Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, Self-Cleaning
5. Easy to carry.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light enough to carry
- Stainless housing
- Fast first batch
Cons
- Bullet ice melts faster than solid cubes
- Bin is not a freezer
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26 lbs per day (Silonn)
- First ice: About 6 minutes (maker)
- Weight: 13.7 lbs (listed)
- Cleaning: One-touch self-cleaning
Silonn’s stainless countertop machine lists 26 lbs of bullet ice a day, first ice in about 6 minutes and a 13.7 lb weight.
Stainless.
6. Frigidaire 26 lbs per Day Portable Compact Ice Maker
6. Frigidaire.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact
- Long-selling model
- Known brand
Cons
- Manual cleaning
- Bullet ice
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26 lbs per day (listed)
- Size: Compact, portable
- Ice: Bullet-shaped cubes
- Brand: Frigidaire
Frigidaire’s compact portable ice maker lists 26 lbs a day in a small, easy-to-move body.
Small.
How We Chose the Best Cheap Ice Maker
To choose the best cheap ice maker, we compared countertop ice makers sold on Amazon in the U.S. on listed daily output, cycle time, ice shape (bullet, square or nugget), reservoir and bin size, weight, footprint and self-cleaning, using each listing and the maker’s information. We read owner feedback for recurring problems such as leaks, noise, scale buildup and bins that melt quickly. We did not run our own lab tests, so output and timing figures are maker claims.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Ice Maker
What cheap ice makers have in common
Most budget countertop machines share the same design: a small reservoir, metal freezing prongs and a basket that holds a pound or two of bullet ice. Output of about 26 lbs a day is typical.
Where cheap models cut corners
Lower-cost machines may skip stainless housings, have thinner baskets or louder fans. Self-cleaning and a clear window are worth having even on a budget.
How bullet ice makers work
Most budget countertop machines dip metal prongs into a tray of water and freeze ice around them. The prongs warm briefly to drop hollow, bullet-shaped cubes into the basket, which is why first ice comes in minutes.
Bullet versus square versus nugget
Bullet ice comes fast but is hollow and melts quicker. Square cube machines make solid ice that lasts longer in a drink. Nugget machines make soft, chewable pellets and usually cost more.
Daily output is a maximum
Listed pounds per day assume ideal room and water temperatures. Warm kitchens and warm water slow production, so treat the number as a best case.
The basket is not a freezer
Countertop ice makers do not keep ice frozen. Ice slowly melts back into the reservoir and gets refrozen, so move ice you want to keep into a freezer bag.
Reservoir size and refills
Most 26 lb machines hold about 1.5 to 2 quarts of water. A party or a long day of use means topping up the tank several times.
Use filtered water
Filtered or softened water reduces scale, keeps ice tasting clean and makes cleaning easier.
Self-cleaning still needs cleaning
Self-cleaning cycles circulate water, but you should still drain, wipe and descale on the maker’s schedule, often every few weeks to months.
Noise
Countertop machines run a compressor and a small pump, and ice drops into the basket with a clatter. Place them away from bedrooms and home offices if noise bothers you.
Tips for Getting the Most From a Countertop Ice Maker
- Use filtered water Less scale, cleaner taste.
- Bag ice in the freezer The basket is not a freezer.
- Descale on schedule Keeps output steady.
- Leave space around vents Better performance.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best cheap ice maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap ice maker?
Sweetcrispy for value, ZAFRO for simplicity and Igloo for a trusted brand.
How long do countertop ice makers take to make ice?
Many list first ice in about 6 to 15 minutes.
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
No, the basket is not a freezer; move ice to a freezer bag.
How often should I clean one?
Follow the maker; many suggest cleaning every few weeks.
Do they need a water line?
Most use a refillable reservoir.
Do countertop ice makers need a water line?
Most use a refillable reservoir; a few can connect to a water line.
How often should I clean a countertop ice maker?
Follow the maker; many suggest cleaning every few weeks.
Is bullet ice good for drinks?
Yes for everyday drinks, though it melts faster than solid cubes.
Final Verdict
Sweetcrispy is the best cheap ice maker for most budgets, with ZAFRO for simple use and Igloo for brand trust. Use filtered water in the best cheap ice maker.
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