Best Ice Makers For 2023: Top 8 Picks & Detailed Guide To Follow

Here is a recap of the products discussed:

• Best Countertop Ice Maker: GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice-Maker

• Best for Budget: Frigidaire 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker EFIC117-SS

• Best Portable Ice Maker: AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine

• Best Home Ice Maker: Silonn Ice Makers Countertop

• Best Self-cleaning Ice Maker:  Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker

• Best Commercial Ice Maker: Scotsman C0322SA-1 Prodigy Plus Ice Maker

• Best for Taste: Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine

• Best Large Capacity: Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker

---

Before making a decision, make sure you equipped yourself with basic knowledge first. Then, you’ll be able to choose the best ice maker that suits your needs. 

What should I consider before buying an ice maker?

Countertop space

Make sure you have space for one of these ice producers before you purchase. Check the ice maker's measurements to see whether it will fit the space on your counter or bar after measuring the area.

How much ice you need

Before clicking Buy Now, determine how much ice you'll need so that you don't end up with an ice maker that produces more than you need and increases your energy expenditures. 

Think about your home's portable ice maker's function. Choose a model with a large water capacity and high output if you enjoy entertaining and need to continually refresh drinks. You can get away with a lower capacity if the ice maker will often only be used by one or two individuals.

Consider that you will need roughly one pound of ice per participant for a gathering or that one pound of ice is sufficient for 2 to 3 beverages.

Price, of course

Always consider pricing versus how frequently you anticipate using a new buy. Perhaps a cheaper price makes more sense if a portable ice maker will compete with the ice maker in your refrigerator. Consider the expense of purchasing bagged ice or the time and effort required to fill ice cube trays before investing in an ice maker if it will be your only one. 

Noise level

We put every machine through its paces, from almost silent to gently whirring to "wow, that's loud!" Consider the location of the machine and your personal tolerance for noise.

---

People who frequently entertain or are serious about their home bars may find it frustrating to deal with large bags of ice from the market or to continuously refill ice cube pans.

Household ice makers often fall into one of two categories: built-in, under-counter devices that can fit next to a wine cooler or other large appliances, and countertop models that are compact and lightweight. 

Before making a purchase, you should think about how frequently you'll want to use your ice maker, how rapidly it can generate ice, and how much ice it can keep at once—especially because some of these equipment can quite expensive. In order to assess their performance, mobility, and capacity, we lab-tested the best alternatives in both categories and also bought a few to test at home.

With those factors in mind, we have come up with the best 8 ice makers below.

#1.  GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice-Maker: Best Overall

GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice-Maker (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 17.5 x 13.43 x 16.5 inches

• Weight: 38 pounds 

• Output: 24 pounds per day

• Speed: 1 pound per hour

Product highlights

GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice-Maker undoubtedly tops our list of the best countertop ice makers for lots of reasons.

Firstly, it is the best in making nugget ice, as the name suggests. For those of you who are unfamiliar, nugget ice is a soft, chewable variety of ice that works well in blended beverages like smoothies and frozen margaritas. Since it won't dilute the flavors and will keep your combination cooler for a longer amount of time, nugget ice is also excellent for blended cocktails. This machine creates ice of restaurant-quality that is dry, making it simple to separate if it becomes stuck.

The bin of this stylish ice maker can hold up to 3 pounds and can produce 1 pound of ice nuggets every hour. You can see how much ice you have accessible in the transparent, lit bin, which is simple to pull forward while scooping ice (scoop included).

Ice can be formed while the bin is open, and any ice that is made while it is open just falls into the water reservoir. Additionally, the container is insulated to protect the ice from melting, but as it does, the machine continually produces more.

The GE Opal can be controlled while you're away from home thanks to its WiFi connection. In order to reduce the frequency of water refills during larger gatherings, it also has an additional water reservoir.

Check Latest Price:  Check Price on Amazon

What we like

• Swiftly produces chewable ice nuggets

• Utilizable and clean

• Sleek style

• Links to Wi-Fi

Things to consider

• Noise

• Price

Bottom line

The ice made by GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice-Maker is said to be simple to chew and suitable for use in a variety of beverages, including soda or cocktails and absorb some of the flavor of the original. If you are looking for the best countertop ice maker and have some bucks to spare, look no further.

#2. Frigidaire 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker EFIC117-SS: Best for Budget

Frigidaire 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker EFIC117-SS (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 9 inches

• Weight: 17.8 pounds 

• Output: 26 pounds per day

Product highlights

The Frigidaire 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker EFIC117-SS was the best bullet-ice maker for you if you don't like nugget ice or are searching for an ice-maker in a lower price range. 

Setting it up was quite simple: simply take it out of the box, plug the device in, and filled the water tank. The ice is made by the Frigidaire in less than ten minutes. According to the manufacturer, the device cranks out nine cubes every 7 to 15 minutes, so as long as you remember to top off the tank, you'll have a regular supply. In addition, it has a relatively small footprint (14.5 by 9 by 14.88 inches), making it suitable for people who require a lot of ice but don't have much space.  

This type made solely the sound of the ice falling into the bucket. We also appreciate the clear window at the top, which lets you see the contents but isn't typically a standard feature in bullet-ice producers. To fit any setting, it is also available in red, black, blue, stainless steel, and each of those colors.

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What we like

• Fast ice production

• Nice ice shapes

• Good capacity

Things to consider

• Need to be kept clean always

Bottom line

This tiny device is loved by many for producing enough ice to run continuously for a few days without incident. When the water ran out or the ice bucket was full, Frigidaire 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker EFIC117-SS would stop automatically. We don’t think there’s more to say about this best ice maker, especially if you are under budget.

#3. AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine: Best Portable Ice Maker

AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.6 inches 

• Weight: 16.8 pounds 

• Output: 26 pounds per day

• Speed: 9 pieces per 8 minutes

Product highlights

Although it appears to be a little on the cheap side, AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine is surprisingly small for an ice maker and is quite adorable, thus making it the best portable ice maker on our list. 

According to reviews, it's perfect for road trips, RVs, informal gatherings, and dinner parties. Our lab testers saw that the machine produced a sufficient volume of ice in an hour given its size. Reviewers comment that it's simple to use and has clear, detailed directions, but because of its small size and smaller water capacity, you might need to refill it pretty frequently to keep up with its production.

The AGLUCKY is a compact but potent ice maker that uses up little counter space while producing 26 pounds of ice each day. Although this ice maker runs rather quietly, our lab testers noticed a small fan whirring sound. It produces additional ice when it is consumed or melts. The ice scoop and ice basket that come with this machine are clear so you can see how much ice is inside.

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What we like

• Portable

• Quiet

• High output for small size

Things to consider

• No self-cleaning

Bottom line

AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine is highly recommended as the best portable ice maker because it is small and compact, does the job well with low noise level and is ideal for a household with up to 6 people.

#4. Silonn Ice Makers Countertop: Best Home Ice Maker

Silonn Ice Makers Countertop (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 12.5 inches 

• Weight: 15 pounds

• Output: 27 pounds per day

• Speed: 9 cubes per 6 minutes

Product highlights

Silonn Ice Makers Countertop is a wonderful option, if not the best home ice maker, if you want one that won't cost a fortune. It is svelte, transportable, somewhat light, clutter-free, and simple to set up and use. The fact that you can pick between small or large ice cubes and that it still runs quietly while being less expensive were both praised by our lab testers.

Despite being on the smaller side, the machine nevertheless produces a considerable amount of ice per hour and has a respectable water capacity. While our testers did observe that the ice was occasionally hazy and of varying sizes, they adored the fact that the machine reuses melted ice to produce new ice.

It's vital to remember that if you travel with the ice maker, you must keep it upright or wait 24 hours before using it again if it wasn't (otherwise the refrigerant may not be properly settled in its reservoir after being moved, which could damage the compressor). The appliance has an ice scoop and a basket.

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What we like

• Sleek, portable, and light

• Makes new ice by recycling melted ice

• Able to create both large and small cubes

Things to consider

• The ice is cloudy and of varying sizes

Bottom line

Customers appreciate that it has a self-cleaning mode so cleaning is super easy. When it operates, it is quite silent and the only noise produced is when the ice is poured into the basket. Silonn Ice Makers Countertop is indeed the best home ice maker as it is super convenient!

#5. Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker: Best Self-cleaning Ice Maker

Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 13.9 x 10.51 x 15.28 inches

• Weight: ‎19.26 pounds

• Capacity: 26 Pounds

Product highlights

The next candidate on our best ice maker list is Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker, a fantastic option for satisfying your family's everyday demands or delivering ice for an occasional get-together because it can create 26 pounds of ice in a day. 

It produces 9 cylinder-shaped cubes in your choice of large or small cylinders approximately every 7 minutes until the bin is full of 2 pounds of ice. The Igloo stops manufacturing ice when the bin is full.

The size of a coffeemaker, this elegant gadget is available in a variety of finishes, including stainless steel. There is a handle on top that makes it simple to move it into a party space or store it when not in use. When it's time to add water or the trash bin is full, the LED-illuminated control panel will alert. The machine will automatically cycle the cleaning solution through the device five times once you fill the reservoir with the solution and click the clean button. The ice maker comes with an ice scoop.

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What we like

• Quick production

• Easy to clean with vinegar and water

• Soft ice cubes 

• Recirculates water from melting ice  

Things to consider

• Loud when running

• Ice doesn’t last very long in a warm environment

Bottom line

Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker can satisfy all your needs for the best ice maker: it is quick, easy to clean and convenient. That is not to mention the very good price and nice colors to choose from, making it a nice decoration for your countertop.

#6. Scotsman C0322SA-1 Prodigy Plus Ice Maker: Best Commercial Ice Maker 

Scotsman C0322SA-1 Prodigy Plus Ice Maker (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎33 x 27 x 26 inches

• Weight: 220 pounds

• Capacity: 350 Pounds

Product highlights

According to some experts in the F&B field, Scotsman C0322SA-1 Prodigy Plus Ice Maker is a champ and the best pellet machine you can get. They are essential to any bars and restaurants, unrivaled in terms of versatility and dependability, making it the best commercial ice maker in the market.

Compared to most other nugget ice makers, the Scotsman model makes 350 pounds of ice small, clear ice cubes that measure 7/8" x 7/8" x 3/8" (2.22 cm x 2.22 cm x.95 cm) each day using a self-contained air-cooled condenser, using less water and energy. 

It is stainless steel finished and stacks on top of the Scotsman B322S ice bin and is 30 by 24 by 23 inches.  Its indicator lights will notify you of any maintenance requirements and its operation for your comfort.  

Moreover, the ice makers in the Prodigy Plus line have a proprietary WaterSense purge control that prevents scale building and extends the intervals between cleanings.  

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What We Like

• Large amount of ice produced

• Stanless steel finish

• Easy to clean

Things to Consider

• A bit pricey

Bottom line

As 73% percent of Amazon customers gave Scotsman C0322SA-1 Prodigy Plus Ice Maker 5 stars, we don’t think there’s more to compliment this product. It is indeed the best commercial ice maker if you are trying to open your own bar or restaurant.

#7.   Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine: Best for Taste

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 11.13 x 14.25 x 13.88 inches 

• Weight: 25.3 pounds 

• Output: 28 pounds per day

• Speed: Roughly 20 cubes per 20 minutes 

Product highlights

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine is considered the best home bar ice maker because of its large capacity and good quality ice. The ice produced by this ice maker is crystal clear and of restaurant-quality, according to reviews, and our lab testers felt the same way. Out of all the ice makers we tested, this one's 10-cup water capacity produced the most output per hour. They also mentioned how quiet the machine was and how it wasn't overtly advertised.

Push button controls, an LED display, and warnings to let you know when the ice collector is full or the water level is low are all features of the appliance. It's rather large and cumbersome, though not so enormous that a refrigerator with an ice maker is a better choice. If your kitchen is small, this appliance might require a dedicated location other than your countertop. It includes an owner's manual, a scoop, and a one-year warranty; installation is not necessary.

The handbook claims that all the Luma needs before it can begin creating ice is to be cleaned inside with a warm, moist cloth. Following that, cleaning instructions call for simply rinsing the interior with the advised solution, draining it, and drying it as needed. This is made simple by the drainage port on the rear. However, note that the Luma doesn't have a self-cleaning feature as the Opal does.

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What We Like

• Practically quiet

• High batch output

• Rapid ice production

Things to Consider

• Ice may require breaking apart

Bottom line

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine is the best ice maker for home bars and is highly recommended for those who usually host parties at home. It can produce ice to use for 2 days in a very quick amount of time. 

#8. Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker: Best Large Capacity

Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker (link)

Important Specifications

• Dimensions: 19 x 16.5  x 18.5 inches 

• Weight: ‎34.5 pounds

• Output: 1.2 Cubic Feet

Product highlights

Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker may be the best ice maker for you if you want one that makes a lot of ice. Unlike the rest of our recommendations, it also lets you change the size of the ice cubes, producing about two pounds of ice every hour. It makes cubes rather than bullet ice (like the Newair). 

Additionally, it has received positive reviews on Amazon, where one customer wrote that "it spits out small cubes of ice in far less time than either of our refrigerators can." If you don't use it all right once, the extra simply melts and gets recycled back into the machine, thus you will need to clear the basket reservoir before you can continue making ice.  

While this Frigidaire does not have cooling capabilities, another reviewer was astonished when they started making ice for a party at 3 p.m. and discovered that there was still "enough in the machine" at 9 a.m. the next day. It should be noted that it is only available in stainless steel and that it measures 17.5 by 15.5 by 16 inches.

Check Latest Price: Check Price on Amazon

What We Like

• LED light

• Quick ice making

Things to Consider

• Ice melts quickly if not refrigerated

Bottom line

Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker is the best ice maker in terms of large capacity. While there are lots of mixed reviews on the Internet, this product is a must-try if you are bound to read the manual carefully. Some customers even said it is a nice little touch for your countertop because of the design and color.

---

How does an ice maker work?

Commercial ice producers operate differently than portable ones. Water must be poured into the water reservoir of the majority of consumer units all the way to the fill line. The water is then piped to the ice tray from the reservoir and passed through a water filter. The water is either turned into ice by the compressor and fan, or very cold water is created by lowering prongs into it. After that, a heat exchanger or a warm refrigerant heats the prongs, causing the ice to slide off and fall into the ice basket. Ice is produced by ice producers in cycles that can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.

Do countertop ice makers consume a lot of electricity?

Ice makers don't normally consume a lot of power, albeit it depends on the model. Depending on whether the ice maker is freezing, pumping, or heating the molds, the draw can change. The range is rather large, ranging from 50 to 160 watts with an average of 100 watts per hour.

How do you clean an ice maker?

To start, disconnect your ice machine. Turn the device upside-down or, if it has a drain cap, open it to remove any liquid from its reservoir. Remove the ice bin and clean it with a lukewarm sponge that has been soaked with a little vinegar and water. Use the same sponge and vinegar-water solution to clean the interior next. (A moist towel can be used to quickly clean the exterior.) Apply a gentle, dry cloth to everything to finish wiping things down. Reinstall the ice storage bin and plug in your ice maker after giving it about an hour to properly dry off. If your ice maker has a cleaning cycle setting, select it right away.

If your ice maker has a cleaning cycle setting, select it right away. If your ice maker doesn't have this feature, let it generate ice for a few cycles before discarding it or feeding it to plants.

How do you fix an ice maker?

Before spending money on a professional repair, troubleshoot your ice machine. Make sure the water reservoir isn't empty before checking the power cord to make sure it isn't frayed or unplugged. If the water sensor indicates that the tank is empty despite the fact that you have filled it, locate the sensor and clean it to ensure that it is not providing an inaccurate reading. A blocked water supply line, which is typically caused by mineral buildup from hard water, could also be a problem. Check the pipes and water lines for obstructions after removing the water filters and carefully cleaning them.

Can ice makers be left on continuously?

It varies each ice maker, but generally speaking, no. Portable ice producers should only be used to make ice; they should not be used to keep ice cool. When not producing ice, these machines must be switched off so they can thaw between cycles.

What distinguishes an ice maker from an ice maker?

When referring to a device that produces ice, the terms ice machine and ice maker are sometimes used interchangeably. These include ice makers that are both portable and found in many residential refrigerators and freezers.

Should distilled water be used in ice makers?

Check the directions for the machine you have. Some advise solely using filtered water, while others advise using distilled water. Both are preferred to tap water, which can produce murky ice cubes and a buildup of mineral deposits in the appliance.

Do ice machines produce individual cubes or sheets of ice?

The majority of ice producers create individual cubes, however some also create sheets of broken-up cubes (similar to an ice cube tray).

How do you drain an ice maker?

For drainage, the majority of portable ice makers have a detachable drain plug on the rear or bottom of the device. Open the drain plug on the machine and place it over a sink or bucket to drain all the water.

What is nugget ice?

Although nugget ice resembles crushed ice, it is very different. Large cubes of ice are first crushed into smaller bits to create crushed ice. Ice flakes are compressed to form the nuggets that make up nugget ice. Crushed ice is firm and hard to the bite, unlike nugget ice, which breaks when you bite into it.

What is bullet ice?

Bullet ice has a cylinder-like shape with one rounded end, giving it the appearance of a sizable bullet. Since there is more surface area and drinks cool more quickly because the cylinder is frequently hollow. For clear cocktails, bullet ice can not be as appealing because it is frequently hazy or whitish.

Do ice makers keep the ice frozen?

The majority of countertop ice producers lack a freezer section for ice storage. The ice will ultimately melt even if the bins are insulated. After then, the water returns to the water reservoir where it can be frozen once more. The freezer component of larger, more expensive ice makers may keep the ice frozen.

What brands make the best ice makers?

It's challenging to single out a single top brand because major manufacturers frequently upgrade their products. But some of the top manufacturers of ice makers are Igloo, GE, Frigidaire, Luma, Scotsman, Silonn, etc.

---

The review of the best ice makers for 2023 above hopefully helps you have a clearer idea before making a final decision that will satisfy your needs.

We advise investing in the GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice-Maker if you have the counter space and money because it offers an almost limitless supply of "the good ice" (perfectly chewable ice nuggets).

We hope the article has been useful. If you have any other questions, don't forget to leave a comment below.  

Thank you for reading and trusting us to be your buying guide.

---

Bear Reviews dedicates lots of research and experience in order to produce an article. In addition to relying on our own expertise, we collect statements and data from the best sources around, including engineers, scientists, designers, and numerous experts in the fields.

Also, we take the time to read through all buyers’ reviews to learn what people actually think about the product and combined with Our methodology, in order to bring you the best products with the most affordable price.  

If you need assistance in solving a particular shopping problem, please Contact us. Our staff will make every effort to assist; they are intelligent, inquisitive individuals who enjoy researching reader inquiries.

---