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The best countertop ice maker keeps ice coming without a trip to the store or a full freezer. The right one depends on the ice you like, how much you use and how much counter space you can spare.
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 Countertop Ice Maker
- Best OverallSilonn 26 lb Stainless
- Best Brand PickFrigidaire 26 lb Stainless
- Easiest to UseIgloo ICEBNH26 26 lb
- Best Solid CubesWATOOR 45 lb Square
- Best Nugget IceGE Profile Opal 2.0
- Best BudgetAntarctic Star 26.5 lb
Silonn’s 26 lb stainless machine is the best countertop ice maker for most kitchens: fast first ice, light weight and self-cleaning. Frigidaire is the brand pick, Igloo is simple, WATOOR makes 45 lbs of solid cubes, GE Profile Opal 2.0 makes nugget ice and Antarctic Star is quick.
Best Countertop Ice Maker Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silonn 26 lb Stainless | Best Overall | Countertop bullet ice maker | 26 lbs/day, ~6 min first ice | Check Price |
| Frigidaire 26 lb Stainless | Best Brand Pick | Countertop bullet ice maker | 26 lbs/day, self-cleaning | Check Price |
| Igloo ICEBNH26 26 lb | Easiest to Use | Countertop bullet ice maker | 26 lbs/day | Check Price |
| WATOOR 45 lb Square | Best Solid Cubes | Countertop square-cube ice maker | 45 lbs/day | Check Price |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Best Nugget Ice | Countertop nugget ice maker | Chewable nugget | Check Price |
| Antarctic Star 26.5 lb | Best Budget | Countertop bullet ice maker | 26.5 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. Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Stainless Steel Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, Self-Cleaning
1. Light and fast.
👍 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.
2. Frigidaire Portable Countertop Ice Maker, Stainless Steel, 26 lbs per Day, Self-Cleaning
2. Frigidaire.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big-name appliance brand
- Self-cleaning
- Stainless look
Cons
- Newer listing
- Bullet ice
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 26 lbs per day (listed)
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning
- Brand: Frigidaire
Frigidaire’s newer stainless countertop model lists 26 lbs a day and a self-cleaning cycle.
Stainless.
3. Igloo ICEBNH26WH Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lbs
3. Simple.
👍 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.
4. WATOOR Countertop Ice Cube Maker, 45 lbs/24H, 24 Square Clear Cubes in 15 Mins, Self-Cleaning
4. Square cubes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- High output
- Solid cubes melt slower than bullets
- Big batches
Cons
- Larger footprint
- Heavier than bullet units
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 45 lbs per 24 hours (listed)
- Batch: 24 square cubes in about 13–15 minutes (listed)
- Ice: Solid square cubes
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning
WATOOR’s countertop machine lists 45 lbs a day and 24 solid square cubes per batch.
High output.
5. GE Profile.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- The best-known nugget machine
- Optional side tank
- App-connected (maker)
Cons
- Pricey
- Needs regular descaling
📄 Detailed Review
- Ice type: Nugget
- Bin: About 3 lb (maker)
- Water: Reservoir; optional side tank
- Brand: GE Profile
GE Profile’s Opal 2.0 is the best-known countertop nugget ice maker, with an optional side tank for longer runs.
Side tank option.
6. Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker, Portable, Self-Cleaning, 26.5 lbs/24H
6. Fast cycle.
👍 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.
How We Chose the Best Countertop Ice Maker
To choose the best countertop 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 Countertop Ice Maker
Pick the ice shape first
Bullet ice is quick and cheap; square cubes last longer in drinks; nugget ice is soft and chewable but costs more. Decide which you want before comparing output.
Size up your space
Bullet machines are about the size of a bread maker. Square-cube and nugget machines are taller and deeper, so measure under your cabinets.
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 countertop ice maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best countertop ice maker?
Silonn’s 26 lb stainless model for most kitchens, WATOOR for solid cubes and GE Profile Opal 2.0 for nugget ice.
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
Silonn’s 26 lb stainless model is the best countertop ice maker for most kitchens, with WATOOR for solid cubes and GE Profile Opal 2.0 for nugget ice. Descale the best countertop ice maker on schedule.
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