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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Ice Makers (Countertop)

Never run out of ice again. We compared countertop ice makers from basic bullet ice to the cult-favorite GE Opal nugget ice—finding what's worth counter space and what's just a louder freezer tray.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Igloo

Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

Igloo's countertop maker produces ice fast—first batch in 7 minutes. Two sizes, bullet-shaped ice. Reliable workhorse.

Daily Output

26 lbs

Speed

7 minutes first batch

Sizes

2 (small/large)

Tank

3 quarts

Pros

✓ 26 lbs ice per day
✓ Ice in 7 minutes
✓ Two cube sizes

Cons

✗ Ice melts in basket
✗ No freezer storage
✗ Noisy operation

$130

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker Best Igloo	4.4	$130	View
Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker GE Profile	4.6	$580	View
Countertop Ice Maker Machine Value EUHOMY	4.3	$100	View
Countertop Nugget Ice Maker NewAir	4.4	$450	View
Compact Countertop Ice Maker Frigidaire	4.2	$90	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Igloo

Automatic Portable Countertop Ice Maker

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

Igloo's countertop maker produces ice fast—first batch in 7 minutes. Two sizes, bullet-shaped ice. Reliable workhorse.

Daily Output

26 lbs

Speed

7 minutes first batch

Sizes

2 (small/large)

Tank

3 quarts

Pros

✓ 26 lbs ice per day
✓ Ice in 7 minutes
✓ Two cube sizes

Cons

✗ Ice melts in basket
✗ No freezer storage
✗ Noisy operation

$130

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Premium Pick

GE Profile

Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker

4.6 (8,765 reviews)

The Opal makes THE ice—chewable nugget ice like Sonic. People are obsessed for good reason. Expensive, but nothing else makes nugget ice at home.

Ice Type

Nugget/pebble

Daily Output

38 lbs

Side Tank

3 lbs reserve

WiFi

Yes

Pros

✓ Chewable nugget ice (like Sonic)
✓ Side tank for continuous ice
✓ WiFi connectivity

Cons

✗ Very expensive
✗ Large footprint
✗ Nugget ice melts faster

$580

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Best Value

EUHOMY

Countertop Ice Maker Machine

4.3 (34,567 reviews)

EUHOMY dominates Amazon with aggressive pricing and decent performance. Self-cleaning is convenient. Budget choice that usually delivers.

Daily Output

26 lbs

Speed

8 minutes

Sizes

Feature

Self-cleaning

Pros

✓ Amazon bestseller
✓ 26 lbs per day
✓ Self-cleaning function

Cons

✗ Generic bullet ice
✗ Melts if not used quickly
✗ Quality varies

$100

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NewAir

Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

4.4 (5,678 reviews)

NewAir undercuts Opal by $130 while producing more ice. Comparable nugget quality. If you want nugget ice for less, NewAir delivers.

Ice Type

Nugget

Daily Output

40 lbs

Feature

Self-cleaning

Material

Stainless steel

Pros

✓ Nugget ice at lower price than Opal
✓ 40 lbs per day
✓ Self-cleaning

Cons

✗ Newer brand
✗ Still expensive
✗ Large machine

$450

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Budget Pick

Frigidaire

Compact Countertop Ice Maker

4.2 (15,678 reviews)

Frigidaire brings appliance credibility to countertop ice. Basic bullet ice, no fancy features. Reliable budget choice.

Brand

Frigidaire

Daily Output

26 lbs

Speed

6 minutes

Window

Large

Pros

✓ Trusted appliance brand
✓ 26 lbs per day
✓ Large viewing window

Cons

✗ Basic bullet ice
✗ No self-cleaning
✗ Ice basket small

$90

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Ice Makers (Countertop)

Countertop Ice Makers: Never Run Out

Why Countertop Ice?
Fridge ice too slow, hosting parties, nugget ice obsession, RV/camping.

### Ice Types
Bullet Ice: Hollow cylinders, most common, melt slower
Nugget/Pebble Ice: Soft, chewable, the Sonic ice. Premium machines only.

### Key Specs
Daily Output: 26 lbs standard, nugget makers 38-40 lbs
First Batch: 6-10 minutes typical
Note: Countertop makers don't freeze ice—it sits in insulated basket and slowly melts

### The Nugget Ice Premium
Nugget makers cost 4-6x more ($400-600 vs $100-150). Worth it if you love chewable ice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Makers (Countertop)

Why is my ice cloudy?

Minerals and air in water. Filtered/distilled water makes clearer ice. Cloudiness is aesthetic only.

Can I leave it running?

Yes. Designed for continuous operation. Ice that melts recycles back.

Why does my ice taste bad?

Old water in tank, dirty machine, or absorbing odors. Clean weekly, use ice quickly.

Is the Opal worth $580?

If you love nugget ice, probably. Nothing else makes nugget ice at home. Daily Sonic runs cost more annually.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

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