Waiting for an ice tray to freeze is a relic of the past. For instant refreshment at parties, in your home office, or during a relaxing evening, a countertop ice maker is the ultimate modern convenience. These compact appliances deliver a steady supply of ice in minutes, not hours, ensuring your drinks are always perfectly chilled.
Whether you prefer classic bullet cubes for your iced coffee or crave the chewable, soft texture of nugget ice for sodas and cocktails, there is a model designed for your needs. We have compiled a list of the top-performing machines to help you find the ideal ice maker for your kitchen, bar, or next adventure.
Our Top Picks for Countertop Ice Makers
- Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Mins
- Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Portable with Crushed Ice
- EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins
- EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker Machine
- EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop, Portable with Carry Handle
- Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Makers Countertop with Self-Cleaning
- Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Portable with Carry Handle
- hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker – 9 Ice Cubes in Just 6 Minutes
- Magic Chef Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 27-Pound Capacity
- Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Mins
The Aeitto countertop ice maker is built for speed and versatility, producing nine ice cubes in just six minutes. With a daily output of 26 pounds, it can easily keep up with the demands of a family gathering or a busy home office. You can choose between two sizes of bullet-shaped ice, making it simple to select the right cube for your iced coffee or for chilling a seafood platter.
Convenience is a key feature of this model. It includes two viewing windows: one for watching the ice-making process and another for checking the ice storage level at a glance. The self-cleaning function adds to the ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for regular use.
Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop
If you are a fan of chewable, soft nugget ice, the Kismile countertop ice maker is an excellent option. It can produce its first batch of ice in about seven minutes and has a substantial output of 35 pounds per day. The unique texture of this crushed ice is perfect for slushies, cocktails, and sodas, as it cools drinks quickly and melts slowly.
Operation is remarkably simple with a one-click start function. Maintenance is also hassle-free thanks to a self-cleaning mode that activates with a quick press of a button. This feature ensures your ice always tastes fresh and is made in a clean environment.
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle
Designed for both performance and portability, this EUHOMY model delivers chewable nugget ice in just six to eight minutes. It can make up to 34 pounds of ice per day and stores 1.8 pounds in its removable basket. The sturdy handle and compact, lightweight design make it easy to move from the kitchen to the patio or even take on a camping trip.
Smart features include an “ICE FULL” indicator and an “ADD WATER” alert to take the guesswork out of operation. For cleaning, you can initiate a 15-minute self-cleaning cycle or easily lift off the top cover for a more thorough manual clean.
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker
This stainless steel EUHOMY ice maker focuses on providing a steady supply of joyful nugget ice. It produces soft, chewable pebble ice in 7 to 10 minutes, with a daily capacity of 35 pounds. The ice is known for its authentic flavor and slow melt, making it a great addition to any beverage.
The machine is designed for ultimate ease of use. With a simple push of the “ICE” button, it begins making ice immediately. Its user-friendly approach makes it a great fit for any household, office, or party setting.
EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop, Portable with Carry Handle
For those who prefer classic bullet ice, this EUHOMY portable ice maker is a strong contender. It creates nine bullet-shaped cubes in six minutes and can produce up to 26.5 pounds per day. A notable benefit is its quiet operation, with a noise level under 45 dB, allowing it to run without causing a disturbance.
The unit is highly portable, featuring a sturdy handle and a compact, lightweight build. It also includes smart sensor technology that alerts you when the ice basket is full or when the machine needs more water. The one-touch auto-cleaning function simplifies maintenance.
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Makers Countertop
The Antarctic Star ice maker is a powerful unit capable of producing 35 pounds of soft, chewable nugget ice every 24 hours. It can have your first batch ready in approximately six minutes, ensuring you are never without ice for long. These crunchy ice cubes are perfect for keeping sodas and cocktails cool and refreshing.
Operation is straightforward with a single mechanical button for control. Helpful LED indicators for “ADD WATER” and “ICE FULL” provide clear alerts, so you always know the status of the machine without any confusion.
Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Portable with Carry Handle
The Silonn countertop ice maker stands out for its exceptionally compact footprint, measuring only 8.7 x 11.4 x 11.6 inches. Despite its small size, it is a powerful performer, making bullet-shaped ice in six minutes with a daily output of 26 pounds.
Its portable design is a major advantage. The sturdy handle and light 13.7-pound weight make it easy to move from room to room or take to a party. The included scoop attaches to the basket for convenient storage, keeping everything organized.
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
The hOmeLabs ice maker combines a sleek, modern design with fast performance. It produces nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in as little as six minutes, with a capacity of 26 pounds per day. You can choose between two cube sizes, making it adaptable for different types of drinks and uses.
Its compact size and stylish black finish allow it to fit seamlessly into any kitchen, dorm, or bar setup. The package even includes five ice bags for easy storage and transport, adding to its overall convenience.
Magic Chef Portable Countertop Ice Maker
As a well-known brand in compact appliances, Magic Chef offers a reliable and efficient countertop ice maker. This model can produce ice in as little as seven minutes and has a 27-pound daily capacity. It gives you the flexibility to choose between small and large cube sizes.
The intuitive digital control panel and clear indicator lights make operation simple. A viewing window lets you monitor ice production and levels easily, providing a user-friendly experience from start to finish.
Euhomy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
Euhomy offers a range of countertop ice makers known for their reliability and user-friendly features. While specific model details may vary, Euhomy machines generally provide fast ice production, smart alert systems, and simple cleaning functions.
To explore the current models, features, and capacities available from this brand, you can view the full selection on Amazon. This allows you to compare and find the specific Euhomy ice maker that best fits your requirements.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Countertop Ice Maker
When my old ice maker finally gave out, I realized how much I took it for granted. I started looking for a new one and was immediately overwhelmed by the options. After a ton of research and a couple of test runs with different models, I figured out what really matters. If you’re in the market for one of the 10 best countertop ice makers for fast ice, here’s what you should keep an eye on.
First, think about speed. This is usually the main selling point. You’ll see numbers like “makes ice in under 10 minutes!” and while that’s often true for the first batch, you need to check the full cycle. Look at how much ice it can produce in a 24-hour period. This “daily production” number is a much better indicator of its real-world speed, especially when you have guests over and the demand is high.
Next, consider the type of ice. This was a game-changer for me. Do you want small, chewable nuggets for sodas? Or clear, hard bullet-shaped ice for whiskey? Maybe you prefer larger, crescent-shaped ice that melts slower. Not every machine makes every type, so this will quickly narrow down your choices. Also, check the ice basket capacity. A fast machine is useless if it can only hold a handful of ice before you have to empty it.
Size and portability are huge for a countertop appliance. Measure your space twice. Remember, you need room for the machine itself, plus some clearance at the back and sides for ventilation. If you plan to move it between the kitchen, patio, or home bar, look for built-in handles and a manageable weight. A self-cleaning function is another feature I now consider essential. It saves you a lot of time and hassle on maintenance.
Finally, don’t ignore the noise level. These machines aren’t silent. If your kitchen is open to your living area, a quieter model might be worth the extra investment. By focusing on these factors—production speed, ice type, capacity, size, and noise—you can cut through the marketing hype and find the perfect machine to keep your drinks cold.
FAQ
How long does it take for a countertop ice maker to make the first batch?
Most machines are pretty quick with that initial batch, usually between 6 to 15 minutes. This is the number you’ll see advertised most often. However, it’s important to know that this is just for the first cycle. After that, it works in a continuous cycle of freezing and harvesting, so you’ll get a steady supply as long as there’s water in the tank.
Do I need to hook it up to a water line?
Generally, no, and that’s the whole point of a countertop model! The vast majority have a self-contained water reservoir that you fill manually. This makes them incredibly portable and easy to set up anywhere with an electrical outlet. There are a few higher-end models that offer an optional water line hookup for continuous operation, but it’s not the standard.
Why is the ice sometimes cloudy or soft?
Cloudy ice is usually caused by minerals and air bubbles trapped in the water during the fast-freezing process. While it’s perfectly safe, clear ice is often seen as more premium. Some machines have features to produce clearer ice. Soft or “wet” ice happens when the ice doesn’t get fully frozen before it’s harvested, which can be more common in machines that prioritize speed above all else.
How do I clean my countertop ice maker?
Cleaning is crucial for taste and performance. Always unplug the machine first. You’ll typically wipe down the exterior and then clean the interior water tank and ice-making components with a soft cloth and a mix of mild soap and warm water. Many of the 10 best countertop ice makers for fast ice now include a self-cleaning cycle that circulates a cleaning solution, which makes the job much easier. Always check your user manual for specific instructions.
Can I use filtered or bottled water in my ice maker?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it. Using filtered or bottled water can significantly improve the taste of your ice and reduce mineral buildup inside the machine, which can extend its lifespan. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference, especially if your tap water has a strong taste or is particularly hard.