Best Countertop Ice Makers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: August 1st, 2024

🧊Whether you're throwing a big party, running a small cafĂ©, or just want ice-cold drinks at home, a countertop ice maker can really come in handy. We've gone through lots of reviews and testing data to bring you the best countertop ice makers for 2024. Here's a rundown of our top picks that deliver reliable ice production, are easy to use, and perform great overall.

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Overall Best: Newair Countertop Ice Maker

Newair 26 lbs. Countertop Ice Maker, Portable and Lightweight, Intuitive Control, Large or Small Ice Size, Easy to Clean BPA-Free Parts, Perfect for Cocktails, Scotch, Soda and More Silver

The Newair Countertop Ice Maker stands out as our top choice due to its impressive ice production capabilities and versatile features. This powerhouse produces 12 large bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 to 9 minutes, nearly 2 pounds per hour—ideal for frequent gatherings. It offers three different ice sizes, an excellent self-cleaning function, and a convenient timer for scheduling ice-making in advance. While it might be more machine than some folks need for everyday use, it's perfect for those who love to entertain guests or require consistent ice production. The Newair combines efficiency with ease, making it the overall best for both home and party use.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$104.99 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Frigidaire Compact 26-Pound Countertop Ice Maker

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker, Compact Machine, 26 lbs per day, Stainless

The Frigidaire Compact 26-Pound Countertop Ice Maker earns the runner-up spot for its fantastic balance of cost and functionality. This compact unit is not only easy on the wallet but also excels in rapid ice production. It can churn out up to 26 pounds of ice per day and features a straightforward user interface that makes everyday operation a breeze. The self-cleaning function further adds to its convenience. This model is particularly great for smaller gatherings or casual use, though it does require more frequent water refills than higher-capacity machines. All in all, it's a reliable performer that offers exceptional value for its price.

Lowest at Amazon
$170.79 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$88.00 at Walmart

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Budget Pick: Silonn Countertop Ice Maker

Silonn Countertop Ice Maker Machine - Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party, Black

For those looking for cost-effective yet reliable ice production, the Silonn Countertop Ice Maker is our top budget pick. Despite its affordable price, this unit can produce up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice in just 24 hours, with the first batch ready in as little as 6 minutes. It's lauded for its sleek design, efficient self-cleaning feature, and compact size, making it perfect for small kitchens or limited spaces. Even at a lower price point, it handles daily ice needs for most households efficiently, offering great value without compromising on essential features.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$79.99 at Amazon

Best for Quick Ice Production: Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

If rapid ice production is your priority, the Vremi Countertop Ice Maker is an excellent choice. Praised for its ability to create an ice batch in just 8 minutes and produce up to 26 pounds per day, this machine is ideal for events where prompt ice replenishment is crucial. Its modern design and user-friendly interface make it both a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen or party setup. The Vremi is well-regarded for delivering quick, efficient performance, ensuring you never run out of ice during your gatherings.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best for Nugget Ice: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank

GE Profile Opal 2.0 with 0.75 Gallon Tank, Chewable Crunchable Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, Scoop included, 38 lbs in 24 hours, Pellet Ice Machine with WiFi & Smart Connected, Stainless Steel

For true ice enthusiasts who prefer the unique texture of nugget ice, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank is the premium choice. This high-output machine can produce up to 24 pounds of nugget ice a day, starting to churn out ice in just 20 minutes. It boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the ice maker via your smartphone, Alexa, or Google Assistant. While it's on the higher end of the price spectrum and larger than other models, its superior performance and added convenience make it a standout for those serious about their nugget ice.

Lowest at Amazon
$419.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$399.00 at Abt Electronics & Appliances

More Answers

Still curious about the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ice Maker? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Does the GE Profile Opal 2.0 require distilled water?
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ice Maker is designed to make that nugget-style ice, which is great for chilling drinks or even for a quick ice snack. It can produce quite a bit of ice—up to 38 pounds a day, roughly 1.6 pounds every hour—so it's a good fit whether you're just using it at home or having some friends over. About the water, the manufacturer's description doesn't specifically say you need to use distilled water. However, using distilled water can be a smart move, particularly if you live in an area with hard water. Our research suggests that it might help reduce maintenance, make the machine run smoother, and extend its life by cutting down on scale buildup. The ice maker gets going really quickly—about 10 minutes after you turn it on. Although at first, it might make smaller amounts of ice until it really gets going. It's nice that it's quieter compared to some older models, which is a nice bonus. There's also this handy Wi-Fi feature, where you can connect it to the [SmartHQ app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSmartHQ%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). This lets you monitor and schedule things remotely, which some folks really appreciate. But heads up, if you’re not super tech-savvy, you might find the app setup a bit tricky, as noted in our research. Keeping the ice maker clean is key, especially if you have hard water. Regular cleaning prevents scale buildup and keeps everything working smoothly. Also, some people have mentioned an “Add Water” alert that can be a bit overly sensitive, even when there seems to be enough water in the reservoir. Staying on top of it with regular checks usually helps keep it running well. So, if you're okay with doing some regular cleaning and like the idea of always having fresh ice on hand, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 might just be a great pick for you.
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How loud is the GE Profile Opal 2.0 ice maker?
So, you're wondering how loud the GE Profile Opal 2.0 ice maker is, huh? Based on what we've found, the noise it makes is similar to what you might hear from your fridge or dishwasher. People who've used it often mention it sounds like a low hum or a soft mechanical noise, especially while it's making ice. The manufacturer doesn't give a specific decibel number, but it's generally seen as quieter than a lot of traditional ice makers. If you're comparing, imagine it being much quieter than something like a [blender](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dblender%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or a [hairdryer](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dhairdryer%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). Some folks do notice the noise more in quieter settings—like at night or in a really peaceful room—but for most, it’s just kind of background noise during the day. If you're worried about it being too loud, where you put it might make a difference. Keeping it on a flat, stable surface can help cut down on vibrations and noise. A concrete countertop might do a better job at minimizing sound than a wooden one. Also, keeping up with regular cleaning, as the manufacturer suggests, can help it run smoothly and possibly quieter. If noise is a big deal in your space, maybe try placing it in a pantry or a part of the kitchen that's a bit off the main area. Just a few things to think about when deciding where to set it up!
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How much ice can the GE Profile Opal 2.0 produce in 24 hours?
If you're checking out the GE Profile Opal 2.0 and want to know how much ice it can make, it can produce up to 38 pounds of nugget ice in a day, according to the manufacturer. It starts making ice pretty quickly too, usually within about ten minutes. As for maintenance, there are a few things to keep in mind. Our research shows that while many folks are really happy with how it performs, they’ve noticed it can be a bit noisy and might need a good amount of upkeep. Some have mentioned hearing occasional squeaky noises and suggest regular cleaning to avoid scaling and any mold issues. Using distilled water seems to help cut down on scale buildup, which can make cleaning simpler. The cleaning process itself involves running several cycles with specific cleaning solutions, which might feel a bit tedious, but it's worth it to keep things running smoothly. Noise levels are kind of subjective, but generally, it's thought to be quieter than older versions. You might still hear a light hum or some noise during ice production, so that's something to consider if you're especially sensitive to sound. So if you're a big fan of nugget ice, the Opal 2.0's consistent production might just make those small nuisances feel minor. Plus, it connects with the [SmartHQ app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsmarthq%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for some added convenience. If having readily available soft, chewable ice sounds appealing, this model could be a nice fit for your home.
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