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10 Best Countertop Ice Machines 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,175
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Type and Size
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
17474 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Produces ice in about 20 minutes, enough for a cup, and fills up in an hour.
Ice Type and Size
Delicious nugget ice with no complaints on size or taste.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Packaged really well and easy to assemble, clean, and use.
Size and Portability
Compact, lightweight, and operates quietly.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker stands out in the countertop ice machine category, especially for those who enjoy nugget or pellet ice. With a quick ice-making time of just 6 to 8 minutes and a solid daily production capacity of 34 pounds, it's ideal for home use, parties, or even RV and camping trips. The soft and chewable texture of the ice makes it great for beverages and snacks alike, adding a fun twist to your drinks.

Portability is another strong feature; its compact design and sturdy handle make it easy to move around, whether you want to set it up in the kitchen or take it outdoors. The ease of use is enhanced by smart features like an auto-cleaning function and indicators for when the ice is full or when water needs to be added, which simplifies maintenance significantly.

While it operates quietly at under 50 dB, it's important to note that being a countertop unit, it still needs space on your kitchen counter. Some users may find the ice storage capacity of 1.8 pounds a bit limiting if hosting larger gatherings, as you might need to empty it frequently. Additionally, the reliance on a plastic build may raise concerns for some about long-term durability compared to metal models.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,175
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Type and Size
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
17474 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Produces ice in about 20 minutes, enough for a cup, and fills up in an hour.
Ice Type and Size
Delicious nugget ice with no complaints on size or taste.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Packaged really well and easy to assemble, clean, and use.
Size and Portability
Compact, lightweight, and operates quietly.
#2

inoviva Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 40lbs/24H Soft Chewable Pellet Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, Sonic Ice Maker for Home Kitchen,Office - Black Stainless

Rating
9.4
Ice Type and Size

Most important from
122 reviews

Ice Type and Size
The ice is just like the nugget ice you get from Sonic or Chick-Fil-A.

The INOVIVA Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is particularly strong in its ice production capacity, offering up to 40 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day. This makes it well-suited for households that frequently need large amounts of ice, whether for parties or daily use. Its quick production time, with the first batch of ice ready in just 10 minutes, ensures you won't be left waiting long. The self-cleaning feature is a standout, making maintenance straightforward and less time-consuming.

With a simple one-touch control panel and alerts for when the ice bin is full or water needs to be added, it's designed for ease of use. The compact dimensions mean it won't take up much counter space, making it a good fit for smaller kitchens or offices. However, its ice storage capacity is limited to 2.5 pounds, which might require frequent emptying during heavy use. The 1.8-liter water tank is adequate but not the largest available.

At 26.67 pounds, it's not the lightest option, potentially limiting portability. This model offers a good balance for those who prioritize high ice output and convenience in a compact form, though it may not be ideal for those needing larger storage or maximum portability.

Rating
9.4
Ice Type and Size

Most important from
122 reviews

Ice Type and Size
The ice is just like the nugget ice you get from Sonic or Chick-Fil-A.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Ice Machines

Choosing the right countertop ice machine can make a big difference in your kitchen or bar setup. These machines are designed to provide a convenient and efficient way to produce ice without taking up too much space. When selecting a countertop ice machine, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a machine that meets your requirements for ice production, storage, and overall performance.
Ice Production CapacityIce production capacity refers to the amount of ice a machine can produce in a 24-hour period. This spec is important because it determines how much ice you can have on hand for your needs. Ice production capacity is usually measured in pounds per day. For light use, such as occasional drinks at home, a machine with a lower capacity (around 20-30 pounds per day) may be sufficient. For more frequent use or larger gatherings, you might need a machine with a higher capacity (40-50 pounds per day or more). Consider your typical ice usage to choose the right capacity for you.
Ice Storage CapacityIce storage capacity indicates how much ice the machine can hold at one time. This is important because it affects how often you need to empty the ice bin or how long you can go without running out of ice. Storage capacity is usually measured in pounds. Smaller machines may hold around 1-2 pounds of ice, while larger models can store 3-5 pounds or more. If you entertain frequently or use a lot of ice, a larger storage capacity will be more convenient. For occasional use, a smaller storage capacity may be adequate.
Ice Type and SizeDifferent ice machines produce different types and sizes of ice, such as bullet, nugget, or cube ice. This spec is important because the type and size of ice can affect how well it suits your needs. Bullet ice is common in many countertop machines and is good for general use. Nugget ice is softer and chewable, making it popular for beverages. Cube ice is harder and melts more slowly, ideal for cocktails. Consider what you will primarily use the ice for and choose a machine that produces the type and size of ice that best fits your preferences.
Cycle TimeCycle time refers to how long it takes for the machine to produce a batch of ice. This is important because it affects how quickly you can get ice when you need it. Cycle times can vary, with some machines producing ice in as little as 6-10 minutes, while others may take 15-20 minutes or more. If you need ice quickly or frequently, a machine with a shorter cycle time will be more convenient. For less urgent needs, a longer cycle time may be acceptable.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance includes features like user-friendly controls, self-cleaning functions, and ease of refilling the water reservoir. This spec is important because it affects how convenient the machine is to operate and maintain. Look for machines with intuitive controls, clear indicators for water levels and ice readiness, and easy access for cleaning. A self-cleaning function can save time and effort. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in operating and maintaining the machine when making your choice.
Size and PortabilitySize and portability refer to the physical dimensions and weight of the ice machine. This is important because it determines how well the machine will fit on your countertop and how easy it is to move if needed. Measure the space where you plan to place the machine to ensure it will fit comfortably. Smaller, lighter machines are easier to move and store, while larger machines may offer more features but require more space. Consider your available space and how often you might need to move the machine when choosing the right size and portability for you.

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