This Life-Changing Nugget Ice Maker Is Worth Every Penny

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TK

Picture this: You reach into the freezer for some ice, only to find that you’re fresh out. To avoid this heartbreaking situation from ever happening, consider buying a countertop ice maker. These small appliances can churn out cubes in mere minutes, meaning you can wave goodbye to bags of freezer-burned ice and flimsy ice cube trays that can take hours to freeze water.

“A countertop ice maker is great, especially if your refrigerator doesn't have an ice maker or you cannot drink your tap water,” says Eva Bleyer, who has years of experience testing kitchen gadgets as the Home & Kitchen Appliances Reviews Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She notes that you can choose between standard or nugget countertop ice machines. The former typically make bullet-shaped ice, which doesn’t stick together or melt easily. Meanwhile, nugget ice makers produce softer, chewier cubes and “more ice faster,” says Bleyer.

Ahead, shop the five best countertop makers for crafting every type of chilled drink you desire.

How We Picked These Products

To determine which countertop ice makers you can trust, we got insight from Delish Food Director Robert Seixas, YUZUCO Co-Founder Griffin Owens, and our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Bleyer and the team of Institute experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—conducted a rigorous side-by-side test of five nugget ice makers in their New York City-based labs. They also asked a group of 10 consumer testers to see how they performed in their home, based on factors like ease of use, how quickly ice melted, and how much ice each nugget ice machine produced.

Each of these countertop ice makers also has high ratings and great reviews. We looked for units that shoppers note are efficient, reliable, and produce high-quality ice.

After assessing the team's findings, pouring over customer reviews, and discussing all things countertop ice makers with our experts, we’ve determined that these are the best countertop ice machines you can buy in 2023.

Silonn Countertop Ice Maker

The Silonn Countertop Ice Maker is prized for making two sizes of bullet-shaped ice cubes. The small cubes are great for keeping food fresh and chilled, while the larger ones are ideal for keeping drinks cold.

This machine is also designed to operate easily and quietly. With a 35dB noise level, it should sound like a working refrigerator when making ice. And if the water is low, an indicator light will come on to notify you. Once the maker is full of ice, a sensor automatically goes off that keeps it from making more. For maintenance, simply press the on/off button for five seconds to allow the ice maker to self-clean.

"After adding water, it takes roughly seven minutes for the ice cubes to be complete," one reviewer writes. "I love how you have the option to select small or large size ice cubes. [The] product is quiet and after running, gives you an indication that the ice is full or water needs to be added."

• Ice shape: Bullet

• Daily production (per the manufacturer): 26 pounds

• Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.5 inches

• Weight: 15.2 pounds

• Voltage: 115

• Cleaning function: Yes

GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank

While it may be pricey, the GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker makes some great ice, according to all three of our experts. Bleyer says that this ice maker made the "largest" and "most uniformly-shaped nugget ice" during Institue testing. She notes that it was "harder to crunch" than in other models, "but still easier than a full-sized ice cube." Per Seixas, the ice from this machine also helps cool drinks down quickly.

Plus, the smart machine makes more ice with water from the side tank when it detects that it's low.

While the ice maker's manual notes that ice can be made in 20 minutes, the team noticed during testing that the maker only made few ice cubes at that point. Overall, they say that it takes about four hours to fill with ice.

Still, Bleyer says this stainless steel machine is a "great pick for parties" or people who don't want to refill their machine often. It has a huge ice bin (3.75 pounds) and water tank capacity (23 cups).

Maintain this unit by vacuuming the vent on the left side of the machine. This helps remove dust or debris.

• Ice shape: Nugget

• Daily production (per the manufacturer): 24 pounds

• Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.25 x 17.25 inches (plus side tank)

• Weight: ‎47 pounds

• Voltage: 120

• Cleaning function: No

AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine

Don’t let its size fool you. In just six to eight minutes, you'll get nine bullet-shaped ice cubes with the small-scale AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker. Even more, it's equipped with a reportedly quick and quiet cooling system, too. This will allow you to save energy, as well as keep your environment peaceful with its 40dB noise level.

"This unit is awesome, works great," says one reviewer. "Makes plenty of ice, runs very quiet and takes up minimal counter space."

When setting it up, make sure to clean the ice maker machine and keep it in an upright position for 24 hours. Use the self-cleaning function once a week for routine maintenance.

Like most other countertop ice makers, this one will not keep ice frozen, so the manufacturer recommends packing fresh cubes in an ice bag and moving them to your freezer.

• Ice shape: Bullet

• Daily production (per the manufacturer): 26 pounds

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 12.3 x 12.6 inches

• Weight: 17.1 pounds

• Voltage: 110

• Cleaning function: Yes

Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker

Looking for an affordable, yet efficient countertop ice maker? The Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker may just be your best bet. Priced at just under $100 and featuring over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's built to drop nine cubes of ice from its “Evaporator Fingers” in just seven to 15 minutes. Plus, you can choose between two ice sizes. The machine has a compressor cooling system in addition to indicators that will alert you when the machine is full and when it's low on water. You can also keep an eye on the amount of ice in the basket through its convenient overhead viewing window.

The air outlet allows the machine to run continuously. To clean the ice maker, remove the plug underneath the front of the machine to drain and rinse.

"This thing is small, pretty quiet, and makes ice quickly and regularly," one reviewer writes. "Now my whole family is grabbing this ice, putting it in a bowl, and snacking on it."

• Ice shape: Bullet

• Daily production (per the manufacturer): 26 pounds

• Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 14.5 inches

• Weight: 17.7 pounds

• Voltage: 120

• Cleaning function: No

Portable Countertop Clear Ice Maker

The NewAir Portable Ice Maker is a high-end option, due to its fancy features and ability to craft cocktail-worthy clear ice. It's designed to flash-freeze water in layers to create clear, slow-melting ice cubes. Plus, it can produce a whopping 45 pounds of ice per day thanks to its large one-gallon reservoir.

You can set the timer and desired thickness for your ice using the customizable settings. The LCD screen will display these details, as well as let you know when the machine is running out of water or at capacity with ice.

Not only do reviewers rave that it "makes a lot of ice in short time," but they say it's easy to use and clean via the automatic self-cleaning function. Plus, some note that it's "portable and not heavy to move."

• Ice shape: Clear ice

• Daily production (per the manufacturer): 45 pounds

• Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.9 x 14.6 inches

• Weight: 25.55 pounds

• Voltage: 115

• Cleaning function: Yes

Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine

The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine should churn out up to 40 pounds of ice per day in three different sizes. With an eight-hour delay timer, you can program when you want your machine to start production after adding water.

The removable ice basket holds up to 2.2 pounds of ice. If it melts before you remove it, the water recycling system will filter water back through the system to be made into ice again.

To maintain the machine, press the ice maker's "clean" button for more than three seconds to activate the "self-cleaning program." The team behind this maker also recommends using this feature before making the first ice.

"I’ve been looking at ice makers for a while, and I am so happy I bought this ice maker," one customer raves. "It is so quiet and makes tiny nugget ice."

• Ice shape: Nugget

• Daily production (per the manufacturer): 40 pounds

• Dimensions: 14.1 x 11 x 13.7 inches

• Weight: 40.3 pounds

• Voltage: 110

Is A Countertop Ice Maker Worth It?

In short, yes! "A countertop ice maker is not only a great way to have more ice on hand for your household and for entertaining, but it's also the easiest hack to make your drinks taste better," says Owens. "Standard ice in freezers can contain impurities that transfer to your drinks, as the filters might not be capable of removing contaminants that are found in tap water. My iced coffee in the morning tastes at least two times better using homemade ice that was made with properly filtered water. It's also very noticeable in cocktails and alcoholic drinks, where the dilution that occurs as the ice melts will not give the 'freezer burn' taste that you get from a standard ice machine," he adds.

How Do Standard Countertop Ice Makers Work?

Bleyer notes that these small appliances function like standard refrigerator ice makers. “Water gets filled into an internal chilled tray, thanks to a water pump in the system,” she explains. “The water runs over the tray multiple times, building layer after layer of ice until it's filled to the top of the tray.” After the tray is full, the ice is dumped in the ice bin.

To operate a standard countertop ice maker, plug it in, run a clean cycle through the tubing system, then add fresh water. From there, press start to begin the ice cycle, Bleyer says.

How Do Nugget Countertop Ice Makers Work?

Nugget ice makers and standard machines differ based on how water moves through the system and how ice is formed. “Water gets pumped from the nugget ice maker's water tank into a cold metal cylinder that's located in the machine's interior,” says Bleyer. “Ice then forms on the walls of the cylinder, and a spinning auger scrapes it off as ice chips.” She explains that these ice chips are compressed and pushed through small holes. From there, a metal cone breaks the ice, dumping nugget-shaped ice cubes into the attached bin.

Thanks to this built-in technology, the nugget ice maker “can start producing ice cubes in as little as 20 minutes,” says Bleyer.

How Do Clear Ice Makers Work?

Clear ice makers, like the Newair version, work by forming ice in layers, which prevents air bubbles that cause other types of ice to look foggy. To begin the process, fill the water reservoir to the fill line. From there, water is pumped from the bottom of the reservoir into a water filter and into an ice tray at the top of the machine. The heat exchanger’s prongs are then lowered into the water of the ice tray, which allows ice to form on the spikes starting in just minutes (small ice typically starting in about six). Countertop ice machines can vary in their ice making processes based on the brand, so be sure to read specific manufacturer instructions for even more information on your model.

The Difference Between Nugget, Bullet, And Clear Ice

Owens notes that nugget, bullet, and clear ice are different based on their size and shape, which ultimately dictates how fast they'll melt and how well they can mesh with your drink.

Nugget Ice: Nugget is the smallest form of ice (think: the ice in a fast-food soda machine!) and is usually “soft” and "crunchable,” he says.

Bullet Ice: “Bullet ice is the most common form of ice found in countertop makers,” Owens says. “It's in-between the size of nugget ice and traditional ice found in freezers, with a medium-sized surface area and typically hollow in the center.”

Clear Ice: Are you a self-proclaimed mixologist? Then clear ice is for you. While Owens says that clear ice makers are “often the most expensive and produce the least amount of ice,” they dish out “premium, transparent ice that melts slower than the other types.”

Can You Leave A Countertop Ice Maker On All The Time?

Yes, in fact, you should. You’ll need to leave your countertop ice maker on to prevent the ice from melting. “Just like your refrigerator needs to remain plugged in, so does your ice maker,” says Bleyer.

While she explains that some ice makers have eco-friendly modes that help reduce energy consumption, the machine will still temporarily shut off when not in use. The ice then melts and gets recycled to make new ice when the machine is on.

Are Countertop Ice Makers Noisy?

Countertop ice makers typically sound like a functioning refrigerator or a bit louder. “It's a noise that you might get used to, but since it's constantly on, it's best to store in a place that wouldn't interrupt you while sleeping,” says Bleyer. “You will hear the motor, pump, and the ice being made and dropped.”

Do Countertop Ice Makers Need Filters?

“While most countertop ice makers don't come with filters, they are recommended if you have hard water and your system is compatible with a filter system,” says Bleyer. “The GE Opal nugget ice maker has filters that you can purchase and use in the system. If your ice maker doesn't come with a filter or filter compatibility, we recommend filling your system with filtered water.”

You do not need to clean these filters. Simply replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.

How Do You Clean A Countertop Ice Maker

First off, check your countertop ice maker manual in case there are specific cleaning instructions. Otherwise, Bleyer recommends cleaning your ice maker before first use. She recommends using a “white vinegar and water solution to descale it like you would a coffee maker.”

Make sure to review the manual again to figure out cleaning cadence. “I've seen recommendations that say only twice a year, but definitely check with your machine,” says Bleyer. “And if you're using hard water or live in a humid climate, you may need to clean more regularly.”

What To Look For In The Best Countertop Ice Makers

If you're in the market for a countertop ice maker, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Keep in mind, most countertop ice makers aren't made with a freezer component to keep your ice frozen, so you'll have to transport it to your freezer for storage. Many of these models will cycle melted ice through the machine to be frozen again.

Machine Size: Each countertop ice maker should be small enough to fit on your countertop, but the dimensions vary. "The larger the ice machine, the less you'll have to refill it with water, and more ice you'll have, so the perfect size will really depend on what your anticipated needs are for the ice and how much space you have," says Owens.

Ice Cube Size & Shape: If you like to mix up the size ice cube you use depending on your drink, you'll want to look for a machine that has different size options. Most of these ice machines produce bullet- or nugget-shaped ice.

Speed: Owens says it's most ideal for a countertop ice maker to produce ice in less than an hour, and as quick as 15 to 30 minutes. Seixas adds that it should estimate about 1.5 pounds every hour.

Cleaning: Seixas recommends countertop ice makers with a self-cleaning function for easy maintenance. Simply "pour some bleach solution or vinegar" inside the machine and let it take care of the rest.

Extra Features: Do you want a no-frills ice maker, or something with all the bells and whistles? If you're making ice frequently, you may want to look for a machine with helpful features like an alert to add water or remove ice or a transparent window so you can peak inside and see the status of your ice.

Meet The Experts

Robert Seixas is the food director at Delish.

Griffin Owens is the co-founder of YUZUCO.

Eva Bleyer is the home and kitchen appliances reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Why Trust Delish

Allison Arnold is the associate SEO editor at Delish, where she writes about kitchen gadgets and food and culture.

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world. For this story, she interviewed Delish's food director, a beverage expert, and GHI experts to learn what to look for when shopping for the best countertop ice makers.

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