When the sun is blazing or the party is in full swing, waiting for an ice tray to freeze is a test of patience nobody needs. A countertop ice maker is the modern solution, delivering a steady supply of ice in minutes, not hours. These compact appliances are perfect for kitchens, home bars, offices, and even RVs, ensuring your drinks are always perfectly chilled and your guests are always happy.
With so many models available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Do you prefer clear, solid cubes or soft, chewable nuggets? How much ice do you actually need per day? This roundup simplifies your decision by highlighting the ten best countertop ice makers for fast ice, comparing their unique features, capacities, and special functions to help you find your ideal match.
The Best Countertop Ice Makers for Your Home
- EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker Machine Countertop, 2 Ways to Add Water
- EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker with External Water Tank, 34Lbs
- Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Makers Countertop with Self-Cleaning
- EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 40Lbs/24H Pebble Ice Maker
- hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker – 9 Ice Cubes in Just 6 Minutes
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL with 1 Gallon Tank, Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
- FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day
- Magic Chef Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 27-Pound Capacity
- VIVOHOME Electric Portable Compact Countertop Automatic Ice Cube Maker
- Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker Machine Countertop
This EUHOMY model is a powerhouse, producing up to 44 pounds of ice per day. It creates 24 crystal clear ice cubes in just 13 minutes, and you can even adjust their thickness to suit your preference. The machine offers excellent convenience with two ways to add water, including a large 3.2-liter internal reservoir.
Operation is straightforward thanks to the user-friendly LCD display. Helpful indicators alert you when to add water or remove ice. For planning ahead, the timer function allows you to set a delay for ice production of up to 8 hours. The built-in self-cleaning function also makes maintenance simple, ensuring your ice is always fresh.
EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker with External Water Tank
If a quieter operation is a priority, this EUHOMY ice maker is an excellent choice, running at less than 42dB. It features a convenient 1.5L external water tank and can produce up to 34 pounds of ice daily. You get 16 fresh cubes every 13 minutes, and the unit can hold 1.8 pounds of ice at a time.
This model also provides two methods for adding water to keep the ice flowing. The smart LCD display gives clear status updates, flashing to remind you to add water or remove a full basket of ice. A one-touch self-cleaning function runs for 20 minutes, making upkeep effortless and hands-free.
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Makers Countertop
For those who love soft, chewable ice, the Antarctic Star produces crunchy nugget ice in around 6 minutes. It can make up to 35 pounds of this popular pellet ice every day, perfect for sodas, cocktails, and smoothies. Its compact design with a handle makes it portable for various settings, from your kitchen to a camping trip.
Operation is refreshingly simple with a single mechanical button to start and stop the ice-making process. Dual LED lights provide instant alerts, telling you when to “ADD WATER” to the 1.1L tank or when the “ICE FULL” basket needs to be emptied. This straightforward design removes all guesswork.
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
This EUHOMY nugget ice maker delivers your first batch of soft, chewable pebble ice in just 7-10 minutes. With a daily output of 40 pounds, it’s ready for parties and daily use. The 1.8L water tank capacity means fewer refills, providing a near-endless supply of fresh ice so you can skip the store runs.
The ice it produces is perfectly textured—soft yet satisfyingly crunchy, making it ideal for chewing or keeping drinks cold without diluting them quickly. Effortless operation is guaranteed with a simple one-touch “ICE” button. A built-in light illuminates the chamber, allowing you to easily monitor the ice-making process even in a dimly lit room.
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
The hOmeLabs ice maker is all about speed and style, producing 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in as little as 6 minutes. It can make up to 26 pounds of ice per day, making it great for cocktails, BBQs, and everyday use. Its sleek, compact design in a modern black finish fits neatly on any countertop in a kitchen, dorm, or RV.
You have the flexibility to choose between two ice sizes. Select small cubes for quick-chilling drinks or larger ones for slower melting. The ice has a soft texture that is easy to chew. This model also includes a self-cleaning function and comes with an ice scoop and storage bags for added convenience.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Nugget Ice Maker
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is the premium choice for nugget ice lovers, producing up to 38 pounds of the “good ice” every 24 hours. Its standout feature is the large 1-gallon tank, which eliminates the need for constant refills and allows it to produce three times more ice than many other models. The tank is also easily detachable for filling and cleaning.
This ice maker brings smart technology to your countertop. With built-in WiFi, you can pair it with the SmartHQ app to monitor its status, schedule fresh ice, and receive automatic software updates. It also offers voice control capabilities through Alexa and Google Assistant for the ultimate in hands-free convenience.
FRIGIDAIRE Compact Ice Maker
A trusted name in refrigeration, Frigidaire offers this efficient and compact ice maker. It can produce up to 26 pounds of clear, perfectly squared ice cubes per day. You’ll have your first batch ready in less than 6 minutes, and the unit can store up to 2.2 pounds of ice at a time.
User-friendly electronic controls make operating this machine incredibly simple. It provides the versatility to make ice cubes in two different sizes, so you can choose what works best for your drink. Its straightforward design and reliable performance make it a solid, no-fuss choice for any household.
Magic Chef Portable Countertop Ice Maker
Magic Chef provides a handy and portable solution with a 27-pound daily ice capacity. This small ice maker machine will become a staple in your kitchen or home bar, ensuring you never run out of ice for your drinks. It creates ice in as little as 7 minutes, producing approximately 9 cubes per cycle.
An intuitive digital control panel makes it easy to start the ice-making process. You can choose to create small or large cubes depending on your needs. Helpful indicator lights and a viewing window allow you to easily monitor ice levels and production at a glance.
VIVOHOME Electric Portable Ice Cube Maker
The VIVOHOME ice maker is designed for efficiency, producing a batch of ice in about 6-10 minutes and up to 26 pounds per day. Its 2.2L water tank and 1.5lb ice bucket reduce the frequency of refills. Made from high-quality ABS material, it has a sturdy, glossy finish that adds a stylish touch to your kitchen.
You can select between two ice cube sizes (small or large) from the intelligent LCD panel. A see-through window lets you monitor the ice-making process, while indicators alarm you when the water is low or the ice bucket is full. It operates at a super-quiet 40 dB, so it won’t disturb your daily life.
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
Euhomy offers a range of reliable countertop ice makers known for their performance and user-friendly features. These models typically include convenient functions like self-cleaning, multiple ways to add water, and adjustable ice thickness. They are designed to fit seamlessly into your home, kitchen, or office, providing a steady supply of ice whenever you need it.
To explore the full selection of Euhomy ice makers and find the specific model that matches your capacity and feature requirements, you can view their collection on Amazon. This allows you to compare different Euhomy units and select the perfect one for your needs.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Countertop Ice Maker
I know how frustrating it can be to run out of ice, especially when you have guests over or just want a cold drink at the end of a long day. A countertop ice maker is a fantastic solution, but with so many options, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. I have used a few different models, and based on my experience, here is what I think you should consider before buying one.
First, think about ice production speed. This is usually the main reason people get these machines. You will see numbers like “produces 9 cubes in 6-7 minutes.” That is the initial batch. After that, most machines make ice continuously until the basket is full. If you host parties often, a faster production rate is a top priority. Next, consider the daily output. This is different from the speed; it is the total amount of ice the machine can make in a 24-hour period, assuming you empty the basket. This number can range from 20 to over 35 pounds. For a family, a lower output might be fine, but for a home bar or office, you will want a higher capacity.
The type and shape of ice matters more than you might think. Most portable units make bullet-shaped or cylindrical ice. This ice is great for drinks because it cools quickly, but it also melts faster than the large cubes from a traditional freezer. Some premium models offer different ice shapes, like crescent or cube. Think about what you will use it for most often.
Size and water reservoir capacity are crucial for your counter space and convenience. These machines need to sit on your counter and will need a few inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation. The water tank can be a removable reservoir you fill by hand or a built-in one. A larger tank means less frequent refills, which is a nice convenience. Some models even offer a drain plug for easy cleaning.
Finally, pay attention to the noise level. These are not silent appliances. They make a humming sound when running and a louder “clunk” when they dump a new batch of ice into the basket. If your kitchen is open to your living area, or you plan to use it in an office, you might want to look for a model known for being quieter. By focusing on these key areas—speed, capacity, ice type, size, and noise—you can find the perfect machine for your needs. This buying guide should help you narrow down your search for the 10 best countertop ice makers for fast ice.
FAQ
How long does it take for a countertop ice maker to make the first batch?
Most machines are pretty quick out of the gate. You can typically expect your first batch of ice in 6 to 15 minutes after you turn the machine on. The initial cycle is often the longest, with subsequent batches coming faster as the machine reaches its optimal operating temperature. So, if you are in a hurry, you will have ice for your first round of drinks almost immediately.
Do I need to hook it up to a water line?
No, and that is one of the best parts! Almost all portable countertop ice makers are designed for manual filling. They have a built-in or removable water reservoir that you fill with a pitcher or under the tap. This makes them incredibly flexible—you can use them anywhere you have an electrical outlet, like on a patio, in an RV, or in a dorm room.
Is the ice it makes different from my freezer’s ice?
Yes, it usually is. The ice from these machines is often a soft, chewable, bullet-shaped or cylindrical nugget. It is fantastic for chilling drinks quickly because it has more surface area. However, this also means it melts faster than the hard, dense cubes from your freezer’s ice maker. Some people prefer this softer ice, while others might miss the slow-melting quality of traditional cubes.
How do I clean and maintain my ice maker?
Cleaning is essential for keeping your ice tasting fresh and your machine running smoothly. I recommend doing a quick wipe-down of the ice basket and exterior every week. For a deep clean, you should descale the machine every few months, or more often if you have hard water. This usually involves running a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial descaling solution through a cleaning cycle. Always check your user manual for the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Why does my ice maker sometimes make cloudy ice?
Cloudy ice is usually caused by minerals and air bubbles trapped in the water. The faster freezing process in a countertop unit doesn’t give impurities time to settle out, which can result in less-clear ice. Using filtered or purified water can often help produce clearer, better-tasting ice. It is a common issue and does not affect the ice’s ability to cool your drink.
Can I store the ice it makes in my freezer?
You can, but there is a catch. The ice from these machines is designed to be used soon after it is made. Because it is less dense and melts faster, if you put it in a freezer, the cubes will often fuse together into a solid clump. If you want to store it, I suggest using it within a few hours or transferring it to a sealed bag and breaking it apart before use. For anyone looking at the 10 best countertop ice makers for fast ice, it is best to think of them as producers for immediate use rather than long-term storage.