The Best Countertop Ice Machine in 2023
Looking for the best countertop ice machine to keep you cool and refreshed this summer? We have completely updated our list from 2019 of the best portable ice makers so it is fresh for the warm weather this year.
If you don’t have a built-in ice maker in your fridge, or if you need more than it can produce, a compact and efficient countertop ice maker might just be the solution you need.
After all, when it comes to beating the heat, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink with some ice cubes to cool you down.
If you just want the summary, check out the table. There are more details for each of the best countertop ice maker category selections further down the page.
Best Countertop Ice Machine Summary
| Best Countertop Ice Machine Category | Best Countertop Ice Maker | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker IM200SS | Check Price on Amazon |
| Portable | Newair Clear Ice 40 Countertop Ice Maker | Check Price on Amazon |
| Value | Magic Chef Portable Silver Countertop Ice Maker | Check Price on Amazon |
| Luxury | Gevi Counter Top Nugget Ice Maker With Thick Insulation | Check Price on Amazon |
| Self-Cleaning | Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker | Check Price on Amazon |
| Compact | AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine | Check Price on Amazon |
| Fast Ice | Arctic-Pro Portable Bullet Ice Maker | Check Price on Amazon |
| Portable | Whynter IMC-490SS Portable Ice Maker | Check Price on Amazon |
Ice makers have come a long way over the years and today, there are more options than before. In fact, countertop ice makers are one of the most popular appliances amongst homeowners and small business owners alike.
Whether you’re hosting a party, entertaining guests, or supplying the family, let’s talk about the best countertop ice makers that you can buy.
What is a Countertop Ice Maker?
A countertop ice maker is a small appliance that sits on your kitchen counter and makes ice cubes or crushed ice.
It can be a convenient way to have ice on demand without having to run to the store or struggle with ice trays in your freezer.
If you don’t have an ice maker built into your fridge or freezer, a countertop ice maker can be a game-changer.
These nifty little appliances can produce ice in just a few minutes, which is perfect for those hot summer days when you need a cool drink ASAP.
They’re super easy to use too. All you need to do is fill up the water reservoir, select the size of ice cubes you want, and let the machine do its thing.
Some models even have the option to make crushed ice or chewable ice, depending on your preferences.
Countertop ice makers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your space and décor.
And the best part? They’re typically more affordable than built-in ice makers, so you can enjoy the convenience of ice at home without breaking the bank.
What to look for in the Best Countertop Ice Machine?
Finding the best countertop ice machine for your needs comes down to weighing up various factors and personal preferences.
Before you buy a countertop ice machine, it’s important to narrow down these factors. Otherwise, you might be left feeling disappointed with your purchase.
Here is our guide on picking the right ice maker for a more in depth, but are some things to look for when searching for the best countertop ice machine for you.
Speed
The speed of making ice is an important factor to consider when looking for a countertop ice maker, especially if you plan to use the machine frequently or for large gatherings.
Some machines can produce ice in as little as 6 minutes, while others may take 15-20 minutes or more to produce a single batch of ice.
Size
Before anything else, consider the size of the ice maker you’re thinking to buy.
The size of the countertop ice machine you choose depends on the amount of counter space you have available.
Is it going to fit appropriately? Or will you need to make extra space or find another spot to place your ice maker?
Make sure to measure your countertop before buying an ice machine for yourself.
Some models are compact, taking up very little space, while others are much bigger and need more counter space.
Ice Type and Shape
Most countertop ice machines allow you to select the size of ice cubes you want.
But some of the fancier models also offer the option to make different types of ice like crushed or chewable ice.
Choose a machine that produces the type of ice you prefer.
Some machines also offer different shapes of ice cubes, such as bullet or square-shaped.
Noise Level
Some countertop ice machines can be quite loud when in operation, so consider the noise level if you plan to use the machine in a shared living space.
Look for machines with a low decibel rating to minimize noise disruption.
Water Capacity
The water reservoir is the container where the machine stores the water it uses to make ice.
The size of the water reservoir decides how often you’ll need to refill it.
If you plan to use the machine frequently, choose one with a bigger water reservoir so you don’t spend your time refilling it every other hour.
Ice Production Capacity
The ice production capacity is the amount of ice your countertop ice maker can produce in a day.
This is an important factor to consider if you plan to use the machine frequently or for large gatherings.
Some machines can make up to 26 pounds of ice every day. On the other hand, some will only produce a few pounds.
Choose a machine with an appropriate production capacity for your needs.
7 Best Countertop Ice Machines
Now that you’re familiar with what to look for, it’s time to get down to the models out there.
There are many ice makers out there that can easily qualify as the best countertop ice machine for various categories, but we have narrowed the list down to the top seven.
When it came to judging these best countertop ice machine for each category, we focused on most of the qualities mentioned above.
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Overall:
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker IM200SS
The Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker IM200SS is a popular choice for those looking for a high-quality countertop ice machine.
This ice cube maker comes with quite a lot of features for the price and compared to all the other countertop ice makers, it really delivers.
One of the key features of the IM200SS is its ability to produce clear ice cubes, which are known for being harder and longer-lasting than other types of ice.
It can easily produce up to 28 pounds of clear ice per day, which is pretty impressive considering its compact size. And it’s quick too, producing a batch of ice in just 15-20 minutes.
Another great thing about this ice machine is how quiet it is. No one likes noisy appliances. With the Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker, you barely notice it’s there. Plus, with a water capacity of 1.25 gallons, you don’t have to refill it too often.
But like any other product, it has its downsides. If you’re conscious about the prices of these things like we are, you might be put off by the tag on this bad boy.
A few users have reported issues with its durability over time but it’s not enough to convince us there’ll be a problem.
Interested to know more? Read our full-length review of Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker IM200SS.
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Portable:
Newair Clear Ice 40 Countertop Ice Maker
Much like the Luma Comfort Clear, Newair Clear Ice 40 Countertop Ice Maker is one of the best portable ice makers out there.
If you want to be able to carry your countertop ice maker from one place to the other, this is going to be a game changer.
With a sleek and modern design, it can produce up to 40 pounds of ice per day, making it perfect for those who need ice quickly.
One of the standout features of this machine is its ability to produce ice in as little as 6 minutes, making it one of the fastest countertop ice makers available.
The machine is also incredibly user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and a clear LCD display. It also features a removable ice bin and a self-cleaning function, making it easy to maintain.
The noise level is relatively low, and the machine is equipped with a thick insulation layer to keep the ice frozen for longer.
The water tank has a capacity of 2.2 liters, which is more than enough to keep up with your ice needs.
Read more about the product in our detailed review (coming soon).
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Value:
Magic Chef Portable Silver Countertop Ice Maker
If you’re looking for the best countertop ice machine that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, you can’t go wrong with Magic Chef Portable Silver Countertop Ice Maker. We love this ice maker for a few reasons.
The machine itself is incredibly fast and efficient, freezing up to 27 pounds of ice per day and making a batch of ice in just 7 minutes.
With two different ice sizes to choose from, it’s perfect for all of my drink needs. From hosting parties to cooling cocktails, it really acts as a lifesaver at times.
The Magic Chef ice maker is user-friendly with a simple control panel and indicator lights to let you know when your ice is ready. Plus, it’s super quiet, so it won’t disrupt your conversations or movie nights.
Another great thing about this ice maker is its versatility. It can produce two different sizes of bullet-shaped ice, which is great for people who prefer different ice shapes for different drinks.
But there are a couple of cons to be aware of. The Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker has a smaller water capacity than other machines so you’ll need to refill it more often. And secondly, the ice can sometimes melt quickly, so it’s best to transfer it to a cooler or freezer as soon as possible.
Curious about the pros and cons of Magic Chef Ice Maker? Check out my detailed review!
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Luxury:
Gevi Counter Top Nugget Ice Maker With Thick Insulation
We all love to enjoy the finer things in life. And for you, it may extend to having a luxurious countertop ice maker that produces gourmet ice for your drinks.
The Gevi Counter Top Nugget Ice Maker with Thick Insulation is a luxury countertop ice machine that has a lot of great features to offer.
One of the standout features of the Gevi ice maker is its speed. It can produce up to 24 pounds of ice per day, making it perfect for large gatherings or entertaining guests.
It has the option to create soft, chewable nugget ice, which is perfect for cocktails and other drinks.
Along with its impressive ice production capacity, the Gevi ice maker also has a thick insulation layer that helps to keep the ice cold and fresh for longer periods of time.
You wouldn’t need to worry about transferring it immediately to a cooler or freezer.
When it comes to the noise level, Gevi is a quiet one at that.
The only thing we are not a fan of is the design of the ice maker. Given the price, it doesn’t provide a luxurious look or feel.
The design itself also makes it harder to clean the insides. In fact, it’s something that many users complain about.
If you’re considering buying Gevi Counter Top Nugget Ice Maker, our review will give you all the information you need.
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Self-Cleaning:
Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker
If the cleaning complaints of Gevi ice maker gave you the ick, you’re not alone. In fact, that’s what inspired us to search for the best self-cleaning countertop ice maker! After much research, we settled down for the Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker.
This machine produces up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice per day and has a water tank capacity of 1.25 gallons.
We love that it gives you the option to choose between two different ice cube sizes, making it versatile for different drinks.
The self-cleaning feature of this ice maker is the real standout. With an automatic cleaning cycle, it saves you time and effort that would otherwise be spent on manual cleaning. Plus, it ensures that your ice is always hygienic and safe to consume.
We really admire the affordable price point of this machine, making it a great option for those who don’t want to break the bank on an ice maker. But that comes with a price of its own.
This machine is loud, and we mean loud. If you’re put off by loud whirring and whizzing sounds, then it just might not be for you.
Before you make a decision on Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker, make sure to check out our full review for all the details.
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Compact:
AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine
Looking for a compact and user-friendly countertop ice machine? The AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine may be just what you need! This is the best compact countertop ice maker for small kitchens.
AGLUCKY is designed to produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, with a water tank capacity of 1.5 liters.
So if you’re looking to have a high-capacity countertop ice maker for commercial use, this can be your match! It has a compact and sleek design, making it a great space-saving option for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs.
One of the standout features of this ice maker is its user-friendly design. It has a digital control panel that allows you to easily select the ice cube size and start/stop the machine.
The machine will also automatically shut off when the ice basket is full or when the water tank is empty, making it a worry-free option.
The machine is only able to create bullet ice cubes but keep in mind that they’ll be smaller than average.
It can be a bit loud during operation so if you’re using it in confined spaces like a dorm, you may feel a little frustrated by it.
Don’t waste your time and money on AGLUCKY until you’ve read our honest review.
Best Countertop Ice Machine - Fast Ice:
Arctic-Pro Portable Bullet Ice Maker
Are you in the market for a fast and efficient countertop ice maker that can keep up with your daily needs? Look no further than the Arctic-Pro Portable Bullet Ice Maker.
The standout feature of this ice maker is its speed – it can produce a batch of ice in just six minutes, making it perfect for parties or events where you need a lot of ice in a short amount of time.
With a production capacity of up to 33 pounds of ice per day, Arctic-Pro is one of the best countertop ice makers for those who frequently host gatherings or simply enjoy a lot of ice in their drinks.
Not only is this ice maker speedy, but it also has a water tank capacity of 2.2 liters and produces bullet-shaped ice cubes in just six minutes.
The Arctic-Pro Portable Bullet Ice Maker operates quietly, so you won’t be disturbed while it’s running.
It also features low water and ice full indicators, so you can keep an eye on the machine’s status without worrying about any messes.
While some users have reported that the ice cubes are on the smaller side and that the machine can be tricky to clean, the Arctic-Pro Portable won’t take up too much space in your kitchen or on your countertop.
Don’t make a mistake with your purchase – read our detailed review of Arctic-Pro Portable Ice Maker!
Final Thoughts
With summer approaching fast, it’s time to invest in some things to keep you cool. From sunscreens to the best countertop ice machine, you’ve got decisions to make.
When it comes to the latter, we have created this simple guide to help you understand what each of the countertop ice makers has to offer you.
Some of these are easy-to-use countertop ice makers with simple controls while others make for the perfect portable ice maker for camping trips with the family.
Whatever you might need, we hope this list of the best countertop ice machine in 2023 gives you the insight you need for a smart purchase.
