The 13 Best Ice Makers Of 2024

The sweltering hot summer days need a constant supply of ice. And nothing can be frustrating like running out of ice when you need them the most. The thought of walking in the sun to your local store to refresh your supply is not appealing at all.

That is why you need the best ice maker to help you enjoy your summer days. The portable ice maker comes with advanced technological features such as the fast-freeze technology that produces ice cubes within minutes. However, the market is full of rising numbers of brands that can get you confused.

It can, therefore, prove a challenge settling on the right brand that meets your needs. We understand that faulty equipment can ruin your ice, and we took the time to research and review the best devices in the market that guarantee exceptional performance. Our list contains only the best ice makers you could ever dream of owning.

Best Overall: Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

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Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker promises revolutionary ice making experience. It comes with a user control panel that enables you to select your preferred ice cubes. You can choose to make small, medium, or large cubes with this device. The electronic controls are also designed to be comfortable and user-friendly.

Additionally, this exceptional device comes in an elegant design that will truly impress your guests. Better still, you will not wait for long to get the ice ready; the device works within 20 minutes to produce the most delicious, fresh ice for your drinks. Besides, this device comes with Bluetooth functionality that enables you to schedule your ice making process. The FirstBuild app on your phone will give you the convenience of assuming full controls wherever you are located in your home. The device also senses whenever the bin is full of ice and automatically stops to prevent spilling.

With this device, carrying is never a challenge as it doesn’t need water hook up. You can carry the maker along to your office each morning. All you need to do is plug it into an available standard electric outlet and fill up the water reservoir and wait for your ice.

Best Value: GE Profile Opal/ Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

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Your summertime will never be the same thanks to this exceptional ice maker. The device is powerful and fast enough to deliver delicious ice cubes in only seven minutes. The maker allows you to customize your ice cube sizes too small, medium, or large sizes. If you produce more ice than you can use, you don’t have to worry. The device is capable of recycling back the melted ice to the water reservoir.

It also comes in a sleek modern design that will definitely accent your home decor. If you are hosting a party and are shopping for equipment that will wow your guests, this device should make it to your shopping list. It is also Bluetooth equipped and allows you to assume controls using the device’s app one you have installed in your phone

The fact that this device doesn’t need water hookup makes it one of the most portable units under our review. It is made of a combination of sturdy stainless steel and plastic that makes it highly durable, and you will not have to worry about damage in case it falls.

Best Pick: Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine

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In case you are looking for the best commercial ice maker, then settle for this device. It is one of the greatest choices for any of your outdoor events, such as parties, camping, or conferences owing to its powerful functionality features. The device features a fast freeze technology that delivers the freshest ice in a few minutes.

It also allows customization, and you can make ice cubes that fit your most preferred sizes. And with a sleek design, you can be sure the device will bring an elegant look into your home or office. It is arguably one of the most reliable and versatile ice makers in our list, producing up to 100 lbs. of ice per day

You will also love the automatic overflow prevention system and the ice sensor capabilities that will stop the machine once the ice is full. It also comes with an LCD control panel for easy operation. You can use the power, delay, and cleaning functions to make ice cubes conveniently at your own pace. The device is also made to be durable owing to the stainless steel material that makes it very sturdy.

hOmelabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker

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If you are in the market for a powerful ice maker that meets your commercial needs, then settle for this unit. It comes with great ice making power that is capable of producing 99 lbs. of ice in just less than 24 hours. With this machine, you can make 45 pieces of delicious ice in an impressive 11 minute time. It also comes with enough storage capabilities that hold up to 29 lbs. of ice to be enjoyed by all your guests.

Besides, it features a freestanding design with full essential accessories. The design will enable you to carry out the installation process in any location of your choice, be it inside your home, restaurant, or office. It is also made to take less space, and you will not worry about displacing furniture when you are installing the device in your home. Besides, the sleek modern interior has a full set of accessories, which include a water supply connector, a water supply hose, and an ice scoop.

Undercounter Ice Maker

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Undercounter Ice Maker ensures you have the freshest ice in less than 20 minutes. It comes with a powerful, fast freeze technology that produces fresh crispy ice anytime and anywhere. You will use the device’s digital control display to customize your ice cubes to fit your preferred sizes.

Another key feature that makes this machine truly exceptional is the timer that allows you to make your ice at your own specific time. You can conveniently preset the timer, and the device will get your ice ready just before your drink time. It also comes with a unique feature that ensures that the ice doesn’t melt.

The start and stop feature that comes with this device conveniently stops the ice making process once the cubes are ready. Therefore, unlike other devices in the market, you will not wait by the machine for ice to get ready. The device also comes with an inbuilt alarm that will alert you when the ice is ready. The unit is also suitable for freestanding applications owing to its design and functionality features.

Edgestar IB120SS Built-In Ice Maker

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Edgestar IB120SS Built-In Ice Maker is designed to deliver top-notch performance that makes your summer days enjoyable. The device comes with a refrigerated bin that extends the lifespan of the ice produced. It also ensures that the device operates perfectly well without the need to use a permanent drain line. It comes in a compact size, and you will not have any trouble installing this device in your kitchen, boat, wet bar, or office.

It comes in stainless steel material, it will fit in well into your existing home decor to make your space attractive. It is also powerful enough to produce up to 12 pounds of delicious ice each day. This makes it suitable for parties as you are guaranteed that you never run out of supply with it.

If you are looking for an affordable device that will not take much of your space, this device is your most solid bet. It is simple, inexpensive, and compact, and it will fit well under most standard kitchen counters. You will also love the refrigerated freezer compartment that makes sure your ice never melts. This implies that you will not need to do any draining.

hOmelabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop

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In case you are shopping for an efficient, reliable portable ice maker for your countertop, go for this fantastic unit. The device is powerful and efficient enough to make 26lbs of ice per day. You will not also have to wait for long for the ice to be ready. It takes only 8 minutes for the whole process to be complete. It is, therefore, one of the top choices if you plan on hosting a party as it ensures that the good times are kept flowing.

It is also very portable and operates with minimal noise. This makes the device an ideal unit for an office environment as well. Additionally, the unit comes with high speed and efficiency that makes cylinder based cubes that are always ready whenever you need them.

And cleaning this unit is never a challenge. You simply unplug the ice maker, empty the contents, and rinse it down carefully using a soft towel. You will then use your favorite dishwasher soap and cotton swabs to clean spots and hard to reach areas before rinsing and drying it.

Edgestar IP210RED Red portable countertop ice maker

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Edgestar IP210RED portable ice maker definitely takes the crown as the most beautiful unit in our review list. It comes in a sleek, modern design and an attractive red or shiny grey color that will make you instantly fall in love with the device.

If you thought it is all about beauty, then you are wrong. The ice maker is also designed to be powerful and deliver exceptional results. The maker produces ice fast, and you will get your delicious ice cubes in just under 10 minutes. It is also very compact and portable, and you can place it in any area of your choice.

Due to its compact design and fast operation, the device is suitable for several outdoor activities. It will fit well in your RV or boat to give you a memorable fishing experience. You will also make up to 28lbs of small to large ice cubes each day. It also comes with an insulated storage bin, and thus you will avoid the frustration that comes with dealing with less durable units.

Vermi Countertop Ice Maker

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If you are looking for a fast ice maker for mixed drinks, then the Vermi countertop ice maker will deliver exceptional results. It is also very portable and operates with minimal noise to make it a perfect choice for home or office use. The efficient 120 watts that powers this device ensures that you get your ice ready in just less than 8 minutes.

Additionally, it comes with a 2.2-liter water reservoir sitting below the ice basket and which will ensure that the water is recycled whenever the ice melts. This ensures that you get not only the most delicious ice cubes but also the freshest.

Besides, the unit delivers unique cylinder-shaped ice cubes that are produced faster, quieter, and efficiently. The ice cubes are small, too, and will fit perfectly into smaller water bottles. Also, the automatic shut off and warning lights that come with this ice maker prevent and underfills that can damage the machine. It will also automatically stop the production of ice once the drawer is full. This will guarantee that your energy is saved, and no overflowing occurs.

VIVOHOME Electric portable compact countertop automatic ice cube maker machine

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VIVOHOME Electric ice maker comes with a portable and compact design making the device suitable for multi occasions including parties, gatherings, holidays, bars, and kitchen. It also features a very easy to use process, all you need to get your ice cubes ready is plug-in power, add enough water, and wait for 6 minutes for your ice cubes to be ready. The machine will give you up to 26lbs bullet ice cubes in 24 hours.

Therefore, you will not worry about running out of supply when you are hosting a party or any other social gathering. Installing this device is very easy and convenient. You simply turn on or off the machine using the function buttons on its sides. Then you select your most preferred ice cube size using the control panel that comes with this unit.

You will also monitor the ice making process using the window at the top of the device that allows monitoring and ice level checking. What is more, the device comes with a powerful compressor cooling system that operates with minimal noise levels to allow you to enjoy your leisure time in peace.

IKICH portable ice making machine for countertop

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If you are shopping for an efficient, fast, and portable ice making machine that comes at a great price, look no further than this unit. This ice maker comes with a sizable translucent viewing window that allows you to monitor and check the amount of ice in the basket without the need to open its lid.

Besides, the translucent design is also easy to clean because it is resistant to dirt. You will also fill up water quickly and remove ice conveniently owing to the large flip-top lid that comes with the unit. The machine is designed to make ice with hollowed-out bullet shapes, and you can expect to get nine pcs in 6 minutes.

The advantage of these round and smooth ice is that it will not hurt your mouth, unlike the other ice cubes. Besides, the hollow design conveniently enables the ice to float freely in your drinks without compromising on its taste. The device also features fast refrigeration and better insulation thanks to the high-density polyurethane foam layer that delivers better heat insulation. This results in a slow melting process of the ice.

Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK portable ice maker

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Weighing only 26 pounds, Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK ice maker is one of the most compact and portable units in our list. Besides, the unit’s freestanding design makes it an instant hit in the market currently. The machine also comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes that will definitely fit well into your home existing decor.

The ice maker features durable exteriors and see-through windows that will allow you to monitor the ice level and the whole ice-making process. You will also not wait for ages to get your fresh ice with this device as it features a fast ice-making process that produces up to 9 cubes in less than 7 minutes.

Additionally, this device comes with a convenient drain plug that enables you to drain and clean the machine quickly, conveniently, and safely. It features an ice shovel that will come in handy when cleaning the maker. If you are in the market for an efficient noiseless device, then go no further. The maker works extremely noiselessly at 38 decibels that will not interfere with the background music you are playing during party time.

Igloo ICEB26BK portable ice maker

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If you need the best portable ice maker that will meet your camping needs, then Igloo portable maker will deliver beyond your expectations. The stainless icemaker from a reputable manufacturer comes with a sleek, compact design that will fit well on a countertop and will not take much space in your boat.

It also features a fast freeze technology that guarantees fast delivery of your ice cubes. It takes only 7 minutes to get your deliciously fresh ice cubes out of the machine. You will also love the electronically controlled buttons that give you full and convenient controls over the machine. You will, therefore, customize the size of your ice cubes to give your either small, medium, or large servings.

The LED light that comes with the machine does not only illuminate your choices but also alert you whenever the ice basket is getting full. You will also get alerts when the water is running low. It delivers nine cylinders shaped ice in a few minutes and up to 26 pounds of ice in a day to make it one of the most reliable units in our list.

The Best Ice Making Buying Guide

There are a number of factors that you should consider when buying the best ice makers. Such factors as the product’s price, design, and ice shape should inform your shopping decisions. You also need to compare the different types of ice makers for their size and capacity. A suitable brand should fit well into your available space and efficiently deliver the most delicious ice. It should also be reliable, durable, and quiet. Let’s look at the two types of ice makers in the market.

Countertop ice makers

The countertop ice makers are quite famous for consumers who are looking for a light use device. If you are living in a small space, then these units are the most convenient and suitable. They are also very portable and user-friendly, and thus they are suitable for outdoor activities as well. However, the fact that they are smaller and compact means that they will hold less ice.

And because of their compact design, the machines are made to freeze water directly, and you will not need to connect them to a water drain or line. However, you will need to manually fill up their water reservoir to ensure the production is kept running.

Most of these units also come with no cold storage bin and will make delicious ice but cannot store them. If you don’t immediately use the ice, it will melt.

You will, therefore, have to make use of your ice as soon as they are produced and before they melt. However, the melted ice will be recycled to make a new batch of ice.

Under the counter ice makers

If you are looking for a unit that will keep your ice longer in its frozen state, then go for an Under the counter ice maker. Ensure the unit you are buying comes with an integrated freezer. The freezer will prevent the ice from melting to give it a longer lifespan. These units are designed to be automatic and will produce the ice until the bin is full. They are also pricier than their counterpart, but you will expect better performance. Besides, they come with bigger storage capacities that will take in more ice cubes. They can hold between 30 and 500 pounds at a time, depending on your choice of brand.

But because of their large size, these units are less portable. They also require more time to make a batch of ice cubes when compared to their smaller counterparts. If you are going for a built-in ice maker, then you need to make arrangements for a dedicated water line supply that ensures their production capacity is maintained. You may, therefore, be forced to incur extra installation costs as you will need a professional plumber for the waterline.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Ice Maker

Size

Ice makers come in varied sizes. For example, the under-counter units take up the size of a mini-fridge. They also feature big oversized baskets. The countertop counterparts are half the size of the under-counter units. You should ensure you measure your space well before embarking on your shopping. Go for a unit that will not give you space challenges when you are installing. If you live in a small space, then it is advisable to buy the compact countertop ice makers.

Additionally, your intended use will also influence the size of the machine you purchase. If you move around often or are looking for a perfect camping machine, then it is wise to go for a compact, portable unit. A suitable portable ice maker should be powerful enough to produce about 9 to 12 cubes in under ten minutes. Typically, smaller units work faster than the bigger ones. However, they produce smaller ice and cannot keep the ice in their frozen state for long.

Ice shape

Ice makers are designed to produce several shapes of ice. Therefore, it is prudent that you know the shape of the ice that a brand you are interested in will produce. The following are some of the common ice shapes options you can get:

• Dice ice: the dice ice is suitable for soft drinks as well as the mixed drinks. The ice melts thanks to its minimal surface area slowly. You will not, therefore, have to worry about any changes in the flavor of your drink whenever you are using this kind of ice.
• Crescent ice: this ice is the most suitable for soft drinks, blended drinks, and mixed drinks. The crescent ice is smaller than the dice ice. It will, therefore, melts faster to cool your drinks quickly. It is, therefore, not a great choice for sipping drinks such as whiskey or cocktails.
• Nugget ice: it is small in size to make it an excellent choice for blended cocktails, fountain drinks, and soft drinks as well. The fact that it breaks down easily when chewed makes this ice a good option if you love chewing ice and sip your favorite drink. And it comes in a soft consistency that melts easily to cool down your drinks fast. However, it doesn’t last for long and will need constant replenishing.
• Bullet-shaped ice: the bullet-shaped ice is also known as pearl ice. It is one of the most popular ices with avid drinkers. The ice is suitable for many drinks, including soft drinks, blended beverages, iced teas, and margaritas. It comes with a hollow shape that will melt into your drink faster than the other counterparts in this list.
• Gourmet ice: the Gourmet ice, is also known as top hat ice. It is one of the most popular ices served in top high-end liquors and other upscale drinks. The ice features a crystal clear and elegant design that makes it look sophisticated and expensive. It is slow-melting ice that effectively cools down your drinks in no time.

How to Clean an Ice Maker

You should constantly clean your ice maker to maintain its efficient operation and make it more durable. Ensure that you use the right ice machine cleaner that is nickel safe, clean, and reliable. The cleaner that you use should efficiently improve any lime build-up at the bottom of the ice maker. It should also prevent any future build-up of algae, hard water, and lime that could compromise on the workings of the machine.

Ensure you thoroughly clean your ice maker after every 3 to 6 months to make your ice to it taste clean, fresh, and delicious. The following are helpful steps you can follow during the cleanup:

• Ensure to turn off and unplug the device from the power source
• Turn off any water supply that comes to the unit
• Any ice and water in the reservoir should be removed and thrown away
• Then ensure you remove any parts that are in contact with ice form the maker
• Use 1 part ice cleaner in 3 parts water to thoroughly wash and sanitize the machine
• Afterward, use clean water to rinse the machine
• Then reassemble the parts and wipe them dry with a clean cloth before living it to dry
• Once it is completely dry, restart it throw away the first batch of ice it produces

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Long Will My Machine Last
A: The durability of your machine depends on several factors. One key factor is your maintenance practice. If you are using a well-maintained machine on a daily basis, then it may last for up to ten years. However, a safe estimate will be a lifespan of about five years.

Q: Are portable ice makers that important?
A: Depending on your specific needs, portable ice makers are important. If you are looking for a light, compact ice maker, then a portable unit is ideal.

Q: Do ice makers require a drain?
A: Typically, under counter ice makers don’t need a drain line. However, the market features exceptional devices that require a drain line. Such models act as freezers to keep your ice in a molten state for long.

Q: Should I turn off the ice maker when I am not in my home?
A: You may turn off the machine if you are away from your home for more than a week. After all, it doesn’t make sense to keep making ice that you don’t need. You will also save energy when you turn off the machine.

Q: How will it take for my unit to make ice?
A: The duration takes to get your ice ready depends on the type of unit you are using. An excellent refrigerator will give you 8 to 10 large ice cubes in under 90 minutes. You will, therefore, get about 130 cubes in a day.

Q: What is the optimum power Capacity of my ice maker?
A: The energy requirements of your machine will depend on several factors. First, the brand you choose, and the model greatly influences the energy needs of your device. The energy consumption will go up depending on the rate of usage.

Q: What can damage my ice maker?
A: Your device can be damaged when ice and other debris build-ups to cause clogging. To ensure the unit operates optimally, you will need to carry out routine maintenance. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s manual when carrying out any service.

Q: Are ice machines noisy?
A: Not all ice makers feature a noisy operation. Some are designed to work quietly and efficiently. You should ensure the unit you are buying comes with this salient feature, especially if you intend it for home or office setting.

Conclusion

Ice makers come in handy to make the hot summer days bearable. But we understand choosing the best machine that works to meet your needs is not a walk in the park. The best unit should come with useful design and functionality features that ensure that you get ice that will cool down your drinks in no time. It should also be energy-efficient, reliable, and easy to clean and maintain.

For this reason, our buying guide and review will prove useful when making appropriate shopping decisions. We have featured only the best top-notch products that give value for your money. Pick one of the products on our list today. We guarantee you will never regret your decision.