10 Best Countertop Ice Makers for Perfect Ice

Whether it is juice, cocktail or just plain water, who would say no to a few extra ice cubes? Indeed these small cubes of refreshment called ice are a definite necessity especially in summers at home and outdoor parties.

However, you may find it a real disappointment if you’re in the middle of fun and relaxation and you suddenly have to run to the store to buy a pack of ice. Of course, you can always use the typical way of making ice cubes – with the freezer and ice tray; but that doesn’t seem very convenient or classy, does it?

Good news is that there are ice makers now so that we will no longer have to endure this. You can just buy a quality, dependable unit, put water in and plug it in. Just a few minutes after and you have fresh ice ready to be scooped out for your enjoyment!

Best Countertop ICE Maker Reviews (2019)

However, with all the varying brands and models out there how will you know which is the right one for you? Well, you won’t have to worry. Below are some of the units that I personally tested to help you gauge which countertop ice maker would be the best fit for your needs.

Before I begin with the list, I’d like to also mention that in addition to the top-rated models, I’ve also shared ways to clean your Ice maker at the end of the article. I’m also working on a detailed guide which will allow you to choose the perfect countertop ice maker for all your needs, but that might take some time to be published. Meanwhile, you shall consider the below ones as they are the best!

1. Igloo ICEB26RR Automatic Ice Maker

The Igloo ice maker measures 9.6 x 14.7 x 12.4 inches. It’s a freestanding unit that weighs 20 pounds. One thing to love about this home ice maker is its availability in various colors. If you prefer a modern, sophisticated and classy touch, you can choose from their elegant colors which are black, stainless and white. If you want something a little out of the box, you can go for red. If you like pastel colors, they also have the Igloo countertop ice maker in aqua. This Igloo cooler is also a portable unit so you can basically bring it wherever the party is.

From the outside, this icemaker looks classic. It has the color scheme all-over and bears the big Igloo logo displayed at the front. The lid is pure plastic so you can definitely see the ice-making magic that happens inside without too much effort. On the opposite side of the lid are buttons that control the ice maker’s operations. The unit is compact and looks good almost everywhere you place it. It also has a large tank so you won’t have to worry about refilling the 3 quarts water tank every now and then.

When used, the Igloo ice maker can make up to 26 pounds of ice when turned on for 24 hours. It takes about 7 minutes before the unit creates a single batch of 9 cylinder-shaped ice bullets. You can also choose whether you like your ice bullets in small or large size.

The control panel is also pretty to understand. Here, you can control whether you want the ice cubes to be big or small. The lights will automatically alarm you when the ice basket is full or when the water tank needs a refill.

2. Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

This compact ice maker from Vremi measures at 9.5 x 12 x 13.5 inches. It is one of the most dependable ice makers in the market that are designed to be relatively small for its category. The Vremi Countertop Ice Maker is available in two colors – namely black and silver.

It weighs only 23 pounds which makes it a good choice for parties and celebrations. The unit’s tested capacity is at 2.2 liters which is reasonable due to its size. You’ll also be glad to know that each purchase comes with a 1.5 lbs.-capacity removable basket and a handy ice scoop.

At first glance, you can immediately tell that this countertop ice maker is going to last. The body is made of stainless steel for both the black and silver varieties. If you take a closer look at its exterior, you’ll notice that there’s no need for a water hookup. This makes the Vremi countertop ice maker one of the best portable ice makers to bring to outdoor events, camping, barbeque parties and so on.

Despite its small dimensions, this countertop icemaker actually makes ice quickly. This means that you won’t have to keep your guests waiting for an ice-cold drink in case they drop by without notice. It can make 9 cute-sized ice cubes in 8 to 10 minutes and can make up to 26 lbs. of ice cubes in a span of 24 hours.

Each ice cube made from this ice wonder weighs about 8 grams. It makes it the perfect addition to a variety of drinks without making it bland or too watery. The size of each ice cube can also fit into the opening of a small drinking bottle. This way, you won’t have to chill your bottled drinks in the fridge and have frozen parts ounce you take it out.

The Vremi countertop icemaker also has other features that you’ll find convenient. It has warning lights as well as an automatic feature that shuts off the ice maker’s operation when the ice basket is already full. It’s also easy to use and doesn’t require any sort of complex installation.

3. NewAir ClearIce40 Countertop Clear Ice Maker Machine

This dashing countertop ice-making machine from NewAir weighs 28.6 pounds. The overall unit measures 18.7 x 18.4 x 14.9 inches. It requires a 110v power outlet to run and 1.6 amps whenever it makes ice. This medium-sized countertop ice maker has the power and efficiency to produce up to 40 lbs. or almost 20 kilos of ice in just one day.

The body of this unit is made of stainless steel. The bottom part is a reflective silver surface while the lid is glossy black designed in a retrospective shape. The lid shows off the operational buttons at the tilted side for easy access; while the loading reservoir is on the even part of the lid. To maximize the convenience provided by the unit, the exhaust fan is placed on the side of the ice maker. That means you can just rest this unit right against the wall without worrying about the exhaust and ventilation.

In terms of chilling power, this NewAir ClearIce40 prides its self with the ability to create perfect, restaurant-grade ice. The secret to getting crystal-clear ice is by making sure that there’s no air that gets mixed up in the ice-making process. Inside this countertop ice maker are chilled rods where the water passes through. These rods keep the air out to produce aesthetically pleasing cubes of ice – great for beverage enthusiasts and home bartenders.

Another thing you’ll love about this countertop ice maker is that it is literally very easy to use. All you need to do is take the unit out of the packaging and plug it in. Then, add some water and wait for 15 minutes before your fresh batch of crystal-clear ice is ready.

4. MRP US Portable Ice Maker IC703

This portable ice maker from MRP weighs 21 pounds. It measures 14 x 9.5 x 13 inches. Unlike most of the other countertop ice makers in this list, this one has a plastic body instead of stainless steel. The model is available in one color only – white.

Looking at the exterior, you’ll notice that its shape resembles that of an office clear copy machine. It has a sturdy, white body and a black lid that seems tough even though it’s made of thick plastic. The logo is stuck to the bottom front of the ice maker and just above that is the large digital LCD indicator display.

This portable ice maker also has a large storage tank as well as a large ice basket. You can even keep your kids busy while they watch the ice-making process through the unit’s transparent window. After testing the unit, it has proven itself capable of producing 27 lbs. of transparent cubes of ice in just a span of 24 hours. In one ice-making cycle, it can make 9 pieces of ice in just 9-10 minutes.

As for its special features, you’ll be glad to know that it can make 3 different sizes of ice. So it’s basically one of the best countertop ice makers if you’re trying to get a versatile one that can make ice for different uses. It also has a smart system that displays reminders on the LCD screen when there is low water supply.

When the ice canisters are full, the machine goes back to standby mode.  It even has a standby mode and an auto shut-off mode as well as a self-cleaning feature. It also has no CFC pollution so that’s a plus if you want an ice maker that cares for the environment.

5. Frigidaire Portable Compact Ice Maker

This modern-inspired compact ice maker from Frigidaire weighs 19.4 pounds and bears the following measurements: 17.4 x 14.7 x 11.3 inches.  It is available in a unique but extremely attractive metallic blue color among others. It also has a full stainless body which gives the promise of durability and product quality. Overall, the exterior design will definitely catch the eye of guests and visitors.

Upon checking the performance features, it seems the unit utilizes a compressor cooling system. Ice makers that use this type of technology are usually those that provide satisfactory results.

If you’re concerned about the type of refrigerant that your cooling appliances use, you don’t have to worry because this ice maker from Frigidaire is free from chemical-based refrigerants. Asides from actual ice, this portable and compact maker can also stash small-sized food items like chocolates and small deserts so you can save some space from your freezer.

After testing, this portable ice maker can make up to 26 pounds of ice in a day. You can also choose from the 2 sizes of ice cubes available and store up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. The water reservoir can store up to 2.3 quarts so you won’t have to worry about preparing a batch of ice every now and then. The lid has a transparent window so you can watch the ice-making process as it happens.

You’ll also appreciate its “no installation” feature. Once you take it out of the box just set it up on the preferred space on your counter. You won’t even need to worry about rear clearance because the ventilation is on the side. Just plug it in, add about 2 quarts of water and just wait for about 7 minutes and your first batch of ice should be ready!

6. COSTWAY Portable Clear Ice Maker

COSTWAY’s version of a countertop ice maker stands with the dimensions 11 x 14 x 14 inches. It’s available in gray only and requires a 150V power outlet.  The overall design of the unit is versatile which makes it look great for schools, small restaurants, coffee shops, and cozy kitchens.

This portable ice maker bears the looks of an “easy-to-use” appliance that even kids will know how to make ice with it. It is a freestanding unit with a simple but elegant crystal-clear, glass lid where you can completely see the ice-making operation. The water basket is just below that space to catch dripping and prevent spills and under that is the COSTWAY logo. You can find the operational buttons located at the top of the ice maker for easy access.

The size makes it a perfect addition to any space. It is also reasonably light so you can either put it at home or take it with you to a party. You also won’t need to worry about water spills and getting melted ice all over the counter or table. This unit is equipped with a Full-Basket Indicator as well as an Add Water Indicator and an Automatic Overflow Protection to help you out with this.

Inside you will see that there are two choices for the ice cube’s size. When tested, the COSTWAY portable ice maker can make a batch of ready-to-use ice cubes in 17-21 minutes. Compared to most of the other units in this list, this ice maker from COSTWAY takes a little longer before it can make a batch of ice cubes. However, it can make 24 pieces of ice at each cycle and can produce up to 33 lbs. of crystal-clear ice cubes in 24 hours.

7. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop

One of the most trusted names when it comes to home chilling appliances is hOmeLabs. Their version of a countertop ice maker measures 12.9 x 9.5 x 14 inches and weighs 19.4 pounds. This stand-alone ice-making machine is only available in gray but looks great regardless of where you put it.

Upon purchase, you will also find a small ice scoop as well as an ice basket included in the package. If you decide to purchase this online you’ll find that this is one of the brands with tons of countertops ice maker reviews from actual customers. Looking at the unit, it has a flip-top lid with a small but transparent window so you can see inside. On the opposite side of the transparent window are the operational buttons set against a black panel for easy recognition.

To make a batch of ice with this unit, you just need to pour in a maximum of 2.2 liters of water into the water reservoir and plug the unit in. A batch of bullet-shaped ice chips should be ready to use in just 6 to 8 minutes. You can also switch from one size of ice chips to another with just a push of a button. There are small and medium-sized ice bullets depending on what you need them for. The small-sized ice bullets are fit for bottle openings while the medium ones are great for glasses and cups.

As for its other features, you’ll be glad to know that it has a smart water-saving design. The reservoir under the ice basket recycles water from the melted ice and uses it to make a fresh batch. There are also warning lights as well as an automatic shut off reaction once the system detects that the ice basket is full. The same reaction happens when there is no more water to make into ice.

8. Prime Home Portable Ice Maker

This portable countertop ice maker from Prime Home has a plain, simplistic design but it’s easy to use. It measures 9.5 x 12.9 x 14 inches and weighs 26 pounds. It’s a freestanding unit that can sit snuggle on any countertop in the kitchen or on a table in any room you prefer. The item is available in one color only which is silver, and it’s made from 100 percent stainless steel.  It includes a scooper as well as a water bucket for all your ice and beverage needs.

Upon removing the unit from the package, you’ll see that the ice maker is bulbous in shape and has no sharp edges. It has a flip-top lid with a transparent glass that lets you see what’s happening inside. On the opposite of the flip top lid are the buttons for making ice along with other operations. It doesn’t require any type of water hookups which makes it one of the best countertop icemakers for any purpose. This ice maker is so easy to use that almost anyone can figure out how to make ice with it. There’s no installation or complicated assembly required. You just need to put water in the reservoir and then plug it in. After 8 minutes your ice cubes are ready for consumption.

When it comes to the actual ice-making action, this Prime Home Portable Ice Maker can make chewable and fancy-looking ice cubes in just 8 minutes. In a span of 24 hours, this ice-making machine can whip up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice. It can only make ice bullets in one size, but it fits perfectly through openings of regular water bottles and also looks good with glasses and other beverages.

Other assistive features include warning lights as well as an automatic shut-off feature when the ice bucket is full. It can also reuse the water that’s melted off the ice from inside the unit. This ice maker also has minimal noise during operation.

9. COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker Mini Cubes

COSTWAY is one of the most dependable brands in the appliance business out there. So it’s no wonder we’re seeing another one of its products in this meticulous list. This countertop ice maker from COSTWAY is available in four elegant and attention-grabbing colors – Mint Green, Black, White, Red, and Silver. The unit is made from stainless steel and has the following dimensions 9.5 x 14 x 13 inches. It weighs 17.5 pounds but doesn’t include a free scooper.

Looking at its exterior, it bears elegance and would seem perfect against any kitchen theme. The flip-top lid contains the operational buttons as well as the indicator lights. There is also no need for rear clearance for this unit because the ventilation fan is on the side. You can see the COSTWAY logo right at the front of the unit.

Upon testing, the COSTWAY ice maker can make a fresh batch of ice in just 8 minutes. If you’re thinking of buying an ice maker for a business, you may want to consider this portable unit. It is capable of creating ice for 24 hours straight. In that span of time, the COSTWAY icemaker can make a total of 26 lbs. of ice. It also has an easy operation so you won’t need rocket science to make ice with it. Simply fill the water reservoir with a maximum of 1.5 liters of water, then plug it in and wait for 8 minutes for your fresh batch of ice.

It also comes with helpful features that you’ll find useful. There are warning lights that turn on to alert the user if there’s a need to refill the water reservoir.  You will also be alerted if the water bucket is full so the machine can continue making ice.

10. Aicok Portable Ice Maker Stainless Steel

As one of the brands with leading countertop ice maker reviews, it’s only fair that we also get to review this portable ice maker from Aicok. Their version of a countertop ice-making machine weighs 23.5 pounds and measures 16 x 15.3 x 12 inches. The unit is supposed to be portable so you can take it wherever you go. Its weight is actually pretty reasonable and compared to the other units in this list, it’s actually lighter. It’s only available in color which is stainless steel, but it looks regardless.

Once you take it out of the box, you’ll immediately see that the controls are at the front. It’s right below the digital LED screen for easy visibility. Just above that is the Aicok logo written in bright blue letters. The lid is a flip-top type and unlike the stainless steel body, it’s colored black. The ventilation is on the side and it also includes a free ice scooper.

In terms of ice-making performance, the Aicok was able to make a batch of ice in a maximum of 10 minutes. You can also make refreshing, chewable ice in just 6 minutes if that’s what you like. When used for an hour, the AicokPor table Ice Maker can make 1.1 pounds of ice or approximately 500 grams. The water tank can hold a good amount of water. Its maximum capacity is at 2.3 quarts while the ice basket can collect up to 1.8 pounds of freshly-made ice. You can choose from the 3 sizes of bullet-shaped ice with just a click of a button.

Other than that, it also has other features like the self-cleaning option. With this setting, you will no longer have to wash the inside of the ice maker with soap and water. Just add a mixture of vinegar and water and select the self-cleaning option. After that, you’re ready to make fresh-tasting ice again. It also has insulation foam so heat doesn’t easily enter the area where ice is stored after they are made.

Verdict

If you prefer a countertop ice maker that can make ice the quickest, Aicok portable ice maker has a snappy record of 6 minutes. This is ideally great for parties where guests may require ice every now and then. If you want a unit that can make a lot in every cycle, then go for COSTWAY’s Portable Ice Maker, it can make 24 pieces of ice but takes over 15 minutes to make it. I’d highly recommend this unit if you need it mainly for home and personal use. If you’re living solo or you just want a self-cleaning feature with your unit, then you can go for hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop. It can make a batch of bullet-shaped ice in just 8 minutes and can hold up to 2.2 liters of water so you won’t have to refill every now and then.

If you are keen about owning a portable countertop ice maker, you can go for Frigidaire Portable Compact Maker or COSTWAY Ice Maker. These two units are lighter than the rest. I highly recommend them if you plan to bring your countertop ice maker to events every now and then. Another good thing about Frigidaire Portable Compact Maker is that it can also store food items. Just make sure that you still leave space for the ice that the machine makes.

How to Clean Countertop Ice Maker

Your trusty ice maker will require a full cleaning every now and then to keep it in working condition. Continue reading below to find out how to give your chosen ice maker a thorough wash.

1. Remove the ice basket.
2. Dilute your choice of dishwashing solution to a bit of warm water (be careful not to use harsh or abrasive solutions that may damage your ice maker).
3. Pour the mixture into the water reservoir.
4. Run your ice maker to make 2 batches of ice.
5. Drain your cleaning solution out of the water reservoir.
6. Take out the water line from above the unit’s water reservoir.
7. Clean it then rinse it with tap water.
8. Pour in some fresh water to the reservoir up until the indicated water level mark.
9. Turn the ice maker on to make 2 more batches of ice.
10. Discard the ice.
11. Wipe your unit with a soft, clean and absorbent cloth.
12. Wash the scoop with regular dishwashing liquid and dry.

A few of the models we mentioned above won’t keep the ICE chilled after making it and some of them won’t be able to store much ice. In a case like this, you shall consider buying a mini fridge with a freezer or mini freezer to store and keep the ice cubes chilled. Although, it’s not mandatory, but if you are having a party in your room and don’t want to run to the ice maker, having a mini fridge or a refrigerator with freezing feature would be helpful.

Which countertop ice maker did you get for yourself? Do let me know in the comments along with how did you like it. Do you think you got yourself the best ice maker from the list?