8 Best Countertop Ice Makers in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra	Makes premium chewable nugget ice with smart features
Best value	Igloo Portable Self-Cleaning Ice Maker	Two bullet-ice sizes, self-cleaning and up to 26 pounds of ice daily
Best for small spaces	Cuisinart Compact Bullet Ice Cube Maker	Fits tight counters with quick cycles
Best for parties	Frigidaire XL	Produces clear ice sheets for large gatherings
Best smart option	GoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker	App-controlled with voice commands
Also recommended	Magic Chef MCIM22ST	Reliable bullet ice maker with straightforward controls and good availability
Also recommended	Costway Nugget Countertop Ice Maker	Mid-range nugget ice option with thoughtful design and responsive controls
Also recommended	Vivohome Countertop Ice Maker	Includes ice bags for storage and produces up to 33 pounds of nugget ice daily with quiet operation

How we chose and tested

We evaluated countertop ice makers based on performance data, user feedback, and feature comparisons. Our assessment considers ice production speed, daily capacity, noise levels, and ease of cleaning. We prioritize products that deliver consistent results across different use cases, from daily household needs to occasional entertaining.

The best countertop ice makers right now

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra - Best overall

This premium nugget ice maker produces the chewable, pebble-style ice that has developed a cult following. It's an investment that delivers restaurant-quality ice with smart home integration.

Check Price at Amazon

Key highlights

Makes up to 38 pounds of chewable nugget ice daily
Includes a scale-inhibiting water filter and an ice scoop
Wi-Fi enabled with app control and voice command compatibility
Features a detachable side water tank for extended operation
Self-cleaning system with maintenance reminders

Pros

Produces high-quality, consistent nugget ice
Smart features allow remote control and scheduling
Effective cleaning system reduces maintenance hassle
Side tank minimizes frequent refills

Cons

Significantly more expensive than basic models
Larger footprint requires substantial counter space
Can be noisy during operation

Who it is for: Serious ice enthusiasts who want premium nugget ice and don't mind the investment.

Skip if

You need basic ice for occasional use or have limited counter space.

Igloo Portable Self-Cleaning Ice Maker - Best value

This stainless steel Igloo makes small or large bullet ice and includes a self-cleaning cycle. Its LED panel signals when to add water or empty the basket, keeping everyday operation straightforward.

Check Price at Amazon

Key highlights

Produces up to 26 pounds of bullet ice daily
Makes nine small or large cubes in as little as seven minutes
Includes a 1.5-quart water tank and 1.5-pound ice basket
Self-cleaning cycle simplifies maintenance
LED indicators signal low water and a full basket

Pros

Two ice sizes suit different drinks
Automatic shutoff when the basket is full
Ice scoop included for serving
Simple controls and self-cleaning function

Cons

The 1.5-pound basket needs emptying during longer runs
The 1.5-quart tank needs refilling as water runs low
No nugget-ice option

Who it is for: Buyers who want everyday bullet ice with simple controls and self-cleaning.

Skip if

You want chewable nugget ice or a large ice-storage basket.

Cuisinart Compact Bullet Ice Cube Maker - Best for small spaces

This space-saving ice maker fits where others won't, making it ideal for apartments, RVs, or crowded kitchens. Despite its small size, it produces ice quickly with a self-cleaning cycle.

Check Price at Amazon

Key highlights

Ultra-compact design at just under 9 inches wide
Makes eight small cubes in 7-9 minutes or eight large cubes in 8-10 minutes
Self-cleaning function for easy maintenance
Clear lid provides full view of ice production
Produces both small and large cube options

Pros

Perfect for tight counter spaces
Fast ice production despite small size
Sleek, modern appearance
Self-cleaning reduces maintenance

Cons

Louder operation than larger models
Learning curve for control operation
Smaller capacity requires more frequent emptying

Who it is for: Apartment dwellers and those with minimal counter space.

Skip if

You need large quantities of ice or have plenty of counter space to spare.

Frigidaire XL - Best for parties

This high-capacity ice maker produces clear ice sheets that keep carbonated drinks fizzy longer. It's designed for gatherings where you need substantial ice quantities without constant refilling.

Check Price at Amazon

Key highlights

Produces up to 40 pounds of clear ice daily
Makes clear ice sheets that don't cloud drinks
Large water tank reduces refill frequency
Quiet operation compared to smaller models
Temperature display for monitoring

Pros

Excellent for entertaining and large households
Clear ice maintains carbonation in drinks
Substantial daily production capacity
Relatively quiet during operation

Cons

Ice comes in sheets that need breaking apart
Larger footprint requires more counter space
Plastic scoop included isn't ideal for ice removal

Who it is for: Frequent entertainers and large families who need lots of ice.

Skip if

You have limited counter space or only need ice for personal use.

GoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker - Best smart option

This app-connected ice maker lets you control ice production remotely and integrate with smart home systems. You can schedule ice making or start it with voice commands.

Check Price at Amazon

Key highlights

Wi-Fi connectivity with smartphone app control
Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
Self-cleaning mode with maintenance reminders
Produces multiple ice size options
Makes nine cubes per cycle

Pros

Remote control allows ice preparation before arriving home
Smart home integration adds convenience
Cleaning reminders help maintain ice quality
Multiple ice sizes suit different drinks

Cons

App connectivity can be finicky
Plastic components show wear over time
Beeping alerts sound during cycles unless turned off in the app

Who it is for: Tech enthusiasts who want smart home integration.

Skip if

You prefer simple, manual operation or don't use smart home devices.

Also Good

Magic Chef MCIM22ST - reliable bullet ice maker with straightforward controls and good availability.
Costway Nugget Countertop Ice Maker - mid-range nugget ice option with thoughtful design and responsive controls.
Vivohome Countertop Ice Maker - includes ice bags for storage and produces up to 33 pounds of nugget ice daily with quiet operation.

How to Choose

Consider ice type first. Nugget ice is chewable and popular but melts faster, while bullet ice cools drinks effectively and lasts longer. Clear ice keeps carbonated drinks fizzy but takes longer to produce.

Evaluate your space constraints. Compact models under 10 inches wide fit small kitchens, while larger units need more counter real estate but hold more ice.

Check production capacity. Most models make 26 pounds daily, enough for 4-6 people. Larger households or entertainers should look for 30+ pound capacity.

Look for cleaning features. Self-cleaning modes simplify maintenance, while machines without them require manual cleaning every 1-2 weeks.

Consider noise level if the machine will run frequently. Larger models tend to be quieter than compact ones, with some operating at 40 decibels or less.

FAQ

How often should I clean my countertop ice maker?

Clean it every 1-2 weeks with regular use, or before and after extended periods of non-use. Use filtered water to reduce mineral buildup.

Can I store ice from a countertop ice maker in my freezer?

Yes, but transfer it to airtight bags or containers first. Ice left in the machine's basket will melt since these aren't freezers.

What's the difference between nugget and bullet ice?

Nugget ice is soft, chewable, and melts quickly, perfect for chewing. Bullet ice has hollow centers, cools drinks effectively, and lasts longer in beverages.

Do I need to use filtered water?

Using filtered water is recommended to prevent mineral deposits and improve ice clarity. Hard water areas require more frequent cleaning.

How long does it take to make the first batch of ice?

It varies by model. The Cuisinart makes eight small bullet cubes in 7-9 minutes, and the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra produces its first nugget ice in 10 minutes or less.

Published March 8, 2026 Last updated September 5, 2026