There are several things to consider when buying an ice maker because most have different features. You should look for a countertop ice maker that makes your preferred shape of ice, particularly if you’re a fan of nugget/pellet ice. Speed is another factor to look into, especially if you like to entertain larger groups and don’t want to run out of ice mid-party. Lastly, if you’re concerned about maintenance, it’s best to choose a self-cleaning model. Thanks to its compact footprint and ability to produce ice in three different sizes, the NewAir Countertop 28-Pound Ice Maker fits the bill, making it our top choice. We researched the best ice makers with various features in a range of prices so you can find the perfect one to meet your needs. The NewAir Countertop 28-Pound Ice Maker is our best overall pick for several reasons. Mainly, it’s well-priced, has lots of useful features, and its compact footprint won’t take up too much space on your countertop. Still, it’s a powerful appliance that can make ice in three different sizes, taking about 15 minutes to make nine pieces. The removable bucket holds a little over 2 pounds of ice at one time and it even comes with a scoop for easy dispensing. There’s an indicator for when the 26-pound machine needs more water, so you never avoid running out at a moment of need. When you’re all done, just position the easy-to-use drain above the sink. Another thing that sets this model apart from the rest is that the components are BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about any leaching chemicals.Price at time of publish: $260 If you’ve been searching for the right ice maker but don’t want to invest too much cash, the Finvie Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine is an excellent choice. It has many of the features that you’ll find with more expensive models including the capacity to produce a generous amount of ice, up to 26 pounds in 24 hours. The 2-quart water tank is also particularly large. And while it’s certainly not the fastest machine on this list, it’s not prohibitively slow either, producing nine pieces of bullet-shaped ice in a choice of two sizes in less than 13 minutes. It also has an advanced compressor, so it runs quietly without consuming excess energy. Since it only weighs a little over 17 pounds, this can definitely be brought along to a weekend cabin or vacation house. Ready to splurge on a high-quality ice maker for delicious pellet ice? Opt for the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker. It’s made in two colors, classic stainless steel and modern black stainless steel. Note that the black stainless steel model is marginally more expensive, but if you already have that color scheme in your kitchen, it’s worth the extra cost so everything matches. Either way, both colors have a sleek aesthetic. Dennis Capone, the kitchen product expert behind My Kitchen Toolkit, considers the GE Opal the best countertop ice maker on the market. “This makes ice with maximum efficiency and with nearly no downsides,” he says. “It doesn’t really leak, and the Opal barely even makes noise.” The extras don’t stop there. “It comes with an optional side tank for water [which can hold up to 3 quarts of water], and it requires no water hookup,” Capone says. “That means that ‘installing’ the unit is simply a matter of unboxing the GE Opal, popping it on the counter, and plugging it in.” This machine can produce up to a pound of ice per hour, and make a batch in about 20 minutes. And perhaps one of the most unique features is that it can connect to GE’s SmartHQ app through Wi-Fi. This means you can schedule fresh ice as well as check the current status of the machine from your smartphone. Keep in mind that this machine weighs nearly 40 pounds, so you’ll need dedicated counter space for it. If you’re looking for a portable ice maker tailor-made for your RV, dorm room, or another small space, the NewAir 33-Pound Portable Ice Maker is certainly worth considering. It’s also an ideal choice for studio apartments where the freezer may not have a built-in ice maker or there’s simply a lack of counter space to accommodate a larger model. Having a few friends over and need ice fast? The AGLucky Countertop Ice Maker Machine has you covered. This appliance produces nine ice cubes in six minutes. So, your ice will be ready almost as fast as you can mix a batch of cocktails. This model can produce up to 26.5 pounds of ice per day. In addition to that, this ice maker is energy-efficient and engineered to run quietly, which makes it an ideal choice for offices and intimate dinner parties. This is due to the compressor being improved upon from previous generations. Do you find ice makers a bit on the loud side? Then the Frigidaire 26-Pound Countertop Ice Maker is the right choice for you. Not only is it one of the fastest ice makers, but it also has other useful features, like running at less than 38 decibels. Weighing 20.6 pounds, it’s compact enough not to take up too much space on your countertop and easy to store away. Still, it makes a nice addition to any kitchen. Its generously sized reservoir holds 2.3 quarts of water and can produce 9 pieces in 7 or 15 minutes. It’s available in five colors: black, stainless steel, black stainless steel, copper stainless steel, and red. Price at time of publish: $199 Cleaning your ice maker can be such a chore, but that doesn’t mean it has to be, at least not with the Igloo 26-Pound Portable Ice Maker. The automatic five-cycle self-cleaning is a unique feature of this affordable model. It provides an easy way to eliminate part of the maintenance process and assures your ice will be clean every single time you make it.
What to Look for in an Ice Maker
Features
When shopping for a countertop ice maker, water supply is the most important factor to consider, according to Capone. “While some ice makers do well as standalone units with their own water reservoir, others require a direct water line connection, as you’d need with a refrigerator ice maker,” he says. For maximum convenience, Capone favors the models with water reservoirs. “It’s easier, and it keeps your ice maker portable,” he adds. Some high-end ice makers include digital compatibility. The GE Opal, for example, connects to an app that allows users to prompt (and pre-schedule) ice production. Another especially desirable feature for ice makers is self-cleaning cycles, like the one in the Igloo model. This removes all the guesswork from ice maker maintenance and keeps your machine ready to use at any time.
Maintenance
If your countertop ice maker isn’t self-cleaning, you’ll need to use a water-based cleaning solution to manually clean the interior, exterior, and basket. A soft dishcloth works well as a vessel for the cleaning solution, but if you need to get into nooks and crannies (like the spaces in the ice maker basket), a clean toothbrush is an effective option.
Should you leave your ice maker on all the time?
Countertop ice makers can be left on all the time and can operate continuously, but since most people don’t need constant batches of fresh ice, leaving it plugged in might be a waste of energy. Also, most countertop ice makers aren’t designed to keep ice cold indefinitely, so once your machine fills with ice, you’ll want to transfer the ice to the freezer.
Do ice makers stop making ice when they’re full?
Countertop ice makers generally contain a sensor that prompts them to stop producing ice once their baskets are full. Some will also automatically power down at this point, but many will remain on (and will keep using energy) even if they’re no longer actively making ice.
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Amanda Lauren is a freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles about home and lifestyle. If given the choice, she will choose large ice cubes every time. Read Next: The Best Refrigerators
