Updated on Oct. 15, 2024
Chill out: If your freezer keeps leaving you on thin ice, a countertop ice maker may be just what you need to ensure you always have icy cold drinks.
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Refrigerator ice makers come with a lot more options than they used to: slimmer in-door options that don’t gobble up shelf space, dual ice makers you can access from the door or from a freezer bin and versions that will turn out craft ice “spheres” for cocktails. But sometimes even those may not be enough to churn out all the ice you need—especially if you throw a lot of parties, shake up a lot of cocktails or your refrigerator’s unit simply doesn’t work well enough or fit your needs.
That’s when countertop ice makers, also called portable ice makers, come in handy. They come in a range of prices, from $100 to $600. Plus, they produce several styles of ice, from chewy ice pellets to “bullet” cubes with holes in the center and clear ice that stays hard longer so it doesn’t dilute your drink.
Instead of rushing out for another bag of ice from your nearest convenience store, take a look to see if one of the best countertop ice makers will help you keep your cool.
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This ice maker from Frigidaire hits the sweet spot between price and features. It has a self-cleaning program and a convenient drain on the side instead of underneath. Plus, it makes two sizes of clear bullet ice. It also has a high output, so you’re not waiting around for ice to get the party started. The Frigidaire can churn out a batch of ice in just six minutes, and it can make up to 26 pounds of ice per day!
This model has modern, easy-to-use functionality, yet its blue and red colors give off a classic vibe that will match the rest of your retro-looking Frigidaire appliances. Don’t fret, the stainless steel and black options will seamlessly blend in with any contemporary kitchen appliances.
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At a wallet-friendly price, this portable ice maker has many features of more expensive ice makers, including two sizes of bullet ice and a self-cleaning function. This ice maker is less than 1 foot tall and less than 9 inches wide, so it’s more compact than many countertop ice makers. It also has a handle so you can carry ice wherever you need it—to the backyard, over by the pool, downstairs to a basement bar. It’s very quiet at less than 35 decibels (dB), and can make 9 cubes in six minutes and up to 26 pounds in 24 hours. It automatically senses when the ice bin is full, so it stops making ice on its own. It even comes with an ice scoop.
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The GE Profile is an investment, but you get a lot for your money. With built-in Wi-Fi and voice-activated commands, you can monitor the machine and even schedule when you want it to make ice. It also has an LED touchscreen that allows you to control the ice maker’s settings with the most precision.
It makes the popular nugget, or pellet, ice, the compacted “chewy” ice that’s common in restaurants and cocktail bars in less than 10 minutes. The bin can hold up to 3 pounds a time, so you’ll always have plenty for your water, iced coffee and cocktail.
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Ice connoisseurs know that not all ice is the same. While most home ice makers make cloudier “bullet” ice with a hole in the center, some machines make a superior “clear” ice that’s harder and melts more slowly. That superior ice doesn’t dilute your drink or create more foam when you top it with a carbonated beverage.
The Luma Comfort clear ice maker works more slowly, taking 15 minutes to create a batch, but it will make 28 pounds in 24 hours. It has a side-mounted drain so it’s easier to empty excess water without making a mess.
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If you throw big parties or need to fill coolers and bins with lots of ice, this Silonn ice maker can make up to 45 pounds of ice in one day. Plus, you have your choice of three sizes, including thin (for smoothies), medium (for keeping foods cool) and thick (for cooling drinks). It also has two ways to add water: You can either pour it in from the top or attach up to a 2-gallon water bottle to keep it going.
This large-capacity ice maker has a self-cleaning function and an easy-to-use LCD screen to display whatever ice-making mode it’s in. When the machine runs out of water, it will automatically alarm for refilling.
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