Best of
The Best Ice Makers (2026)
The best ice makers of 2026: nugget, bullet, and clear-cube picks for homes, bars, and entertaining. Research-based rankings with no fake testing claims.
Our top picks at a glance
Best nugget ice
GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice MakerNugget ice devotees who want a full bin waiting when they get home.
Best countertop value
Euhomy Countertop Ice MakerHouseholds that burn through ice for sodas, coolers, and entertaining.
Best for entertaining
NewAir 50 lb. Freestanding Ice MakerHome bars, frequent entertainers, and anyone replacing bagged ice permanently.
The GE Opal 2.0 is the best ice maker for nugget ice lovers: chewable ice, 38 lbs a day, and scheduling via app. Most households should buy the Euhomy countertop instead: 26 lbs of bullet ice a day for far less money. Entertainers need the NewAir 50 lb freestanding unit, and the Frigidaire countertop is the compact budget pick.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Ice type | Daily production | Bin capacity | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best nugget iceGE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker | Nugget | 38 lbs per day (per GE) | 3 lbs | Check price |
| Best countertop valueEuhomy Countertop Ice Maker | Bullet | 26 lbs per day | — | Check price |
| Best for entertainingNewAir 50 lb. Freestanding Ice Maker | Clear cube | Up to 50 lbs per day | — | Check price |
 Best compact budgetFrigidaire Countertop Ice Maker | Bullet | 26 lbs per day | — | Check price |
 Best portable valueIgloo ICEB26 Countertop Ice Maker | — | — | — | Check price |
 Best no-frillsVremi Countertop Ice Maker (26 lb/day) | — | — | — | Check price |
 Best for small kitchenshOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker (26 lb/day) | — | — | — | Check price |
 Best 28-lb portableNewAir AI-100 Countertop Ice Maker | — | — | — | Check price |
 Best stainless lookSPT (Sunpentown) IM-150US Stainless Steel Ice Maker | — | — | — | Check price |
 Best budget extraVIVOHOME Countertop Ice Maker (26 lb/day) | — | — | — | Check price |
Best nugget ice
GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
Chewable nugget ice on demand with app scheduling.
Strengths
- Produces the chewable nugget ice people drive to Sonic for.
- WiFi scheduling starts production before you get home.
- Refillable tank plus optional side tank extends unattended runtime.
Limitations
- Premium price, several times a basic bullet ice maker.
- Nugget ice melts faster than solid cubes, so it is not the cocktail pick.
- Larger footprint than basic countertop units.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners love the chewable nugget ice
- Makes ice quickly with app control
- Compact for its output
Common complaints
- Louder than expected in quiet kitchens
- Some report leaks or reliability issues within a year or two
- Regular descaling and cleaning are a chore
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Ice type | Nugget |
|---|---|
| Daily production | 38 lbs per day (per GE) |
| Bin capacity | 3 lbs |
| Connectivity | WiFi with scheduling via app |
| Water | Refillable tank; side tank optional |
Best for: Nugget ice devotees who want a full bin waiting when they get home.
Skip if: You want clear cocktail cubes or the lowest price per pound of ice.
Best countertop value
Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker
Fast bullet ice for parties, coolers, and everyday drinks.
Strengths
- First 9 cubes in about 6 minutes; 26 lbs per day keeps up with parties.
- Compact footprint fits apartments and RVs.
- Two bullet sizes: small for drinks, large for coolers.
Limitations
- Bullet ice melts faster than solid cubes.
- Not a freezer: ice in the bin slowly melts and gets recycled.
- Loudest category here during the harvest cycle.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- First ice in minutes
- Simple and affordable
- Compact enough for small spaces
Common complaints
- Ice melts in the basket, as it is not a freezer
- Ice can clump together
- Some units fail after a few months
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Ice type | Bullet |
|---|---|
| Daily production | 26 lbs per day |
| Cycle speed | 9 cubes per 6 to 8 minutes |
| Sizes | Small and large bullet |
| Bin | See-through with scoop included |
Best for: Households that burn through ice for sodas, coolers, and entertaining.
Skip if: You want nugget ice or slow-melting cocktail cubes.
Best for entertaining
NewAir 50 lb. Freestanding Ice Maker
Built-in grade output for serious entertainers.
Strengths
- Up to 50 lbs per day with 25 lbs of storage: true party capacity.
- Front-venting design installs built-in under a counter or stands free.
- Insulated storage bin holds ice far longer than countertop units.
Limitations
- Requires a water line or frequent manual filling at this output.
- Semi-permanent: heavy and needs a dedicated spot.
- Overkill for light use; the cost only makes sense at volume.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Ends trips to buy bagged ice
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Three ice sizes
Common complaints
- A small share report lower output or leaks
- Ice tray mechanism issues reported by some
- Warranty claims can be slow
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Daily production | Up to 50 lbs per day |
|---|---|
| Storage | 25 lb insulated bin |
| Installation | Built-in or freestanding, front venting |
| Ice type | Clear cube |
| Drain | Gravity drain required |
Best for: Home bars, frequent entertainers, and anyone replacing bagged ice permanently.
Skip if: You rent, move often, or only need ice for a couple of drinks a day.
Best compact budget
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
The simple, compact bullet ice maker that just works.
Strengths
- Compact 2.3-quart tank design fits where bigger units cannot.
- 26 lbs per day matches the best budget output.
- Simple controls with no app or learning curve.
Limitations
- Bullet ice only, and it melts at the usual bullet pace.
- Small tank needs refilling during heavy use.
- No connectivity or scheduling features.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Makes ice quickly without plumbing
- Compact and works well for parties
- Easy to use
Common complaints
- The water level indicator is unreliable
- Ice can come out soft or clump together
- Some units rust inside after a few years
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Ice type | Bullet |
|---|---|
| Daily production | 26 lbs per day |
| Water tank | 2.3 quarts |
| Cycle speed | Cubes in about 6 minutes |
| Controls | Simple push-button panel |
Best for: Small kitchens and first-time ice maker buyers.
Skip if: You need nugget ice or very high daily output.
Best portable value
Igloo ICEB26 Countertop Ice Maker
26 pounds a day in a countertop box: the portable classic.
The Igloo ICEB26 is the countertop ice maker everyone knows: 26 pounds a day, first cubes in about 7 minutes, no water line needed. Bullet cubes melt fast and the basket cannot hold a day's output, but for parties and RVs it is the value standard.
Strengths
- Makes 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours
- First batch ready in as little as 7 minutes
- Compact countertop footprint with a manual-fill reservoir
- Simple electronic controls with cube-size selection
Limitations
- Bullet cubes melt faster than clear or nugget ice
- Storage basket holds far less than daily output; ice must be moved to a freezer
- Fan noise is noticeable in quiet kitchens
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Makes the first batch of ice in minutes
- Portable and easy to set up
- Affordable
Common complaints
- Some owners report units stopping after months of use
- The basket fills quickly and needs emptying
- Needs regular descaling, and ice can clump if left
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Output | 26 lbs per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| First batch | As little as 7 minutes |
| Form factor | Countertop, manual fill |
| Ice shape | Bullet cubes |
| Cube size | Selectable |
Best for: Parties, RVs, and offices that need ice without a water line.
Skip if: You want nugget or clear ice; this makes standard bullet cubes.
Best no-frills
Vremi Countertop Ice Maker (26 lb/day)
26 pounds a day with none of the fuss.
The Vremi Countertop does the standard job, 26 pounds of bullet ice a day, with one-touch controls and a removable basket, at the lowest price in the class. Brand support is thinner than Igloo's, but the ice is the same.
Strengths
- 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours like the category leaders
- Compact footprint fits crowded counters
- Simple one-touch controls with indicator lights
- Removable basket for transferring ice to the freezer
Limitations
- Bullet ice only, melts relatively fast
- Thinner brand support than Igloo or Frigidaire
- Needs regular descaling in hard-water areas
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Quick first batch of ice
- Compact and easy to use
- Helpful customer service with replacements
Common complaints
- Some owners report leaks or units that never worked
- Ice melts if not moved to a freezer
- Cubes are on the small side
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Output | 26 lbs per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Countertop, manual fill |
| Ice shape | Bullet cubes |
| Controls | One-touch with indicators |
| Basket | Removable |
Best for: Buyers who want the standard 26-lb portable at the lowest price.
Skip if: You need a brand with deep US support.
Best for small kitchens
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker (26 lb/day)
26 pounds a day with a 1.5-pound basket for small kitchens.
The hOmeLabs Countertop squeezes 26 pounds a day and a 1.5-pound basket into a genuinely compact box. It is still a bullet-ice portable with manual fill, but for small kitchens short on counter it is the tidiest option.
Strengths
- 26 pounds per 24 hours from a compact box
- 1.5-pound storage basket, generous for the footprint
- Compact modern look that suits small kitchens
- Simple controls with indicator lights
Limitations
- Bullet cubes only
- Basket still far below daily output
- Manual fill means refilling the reservoir through the day at parties
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Fast ice production with a self-cleaning mode
- Melted ice recycles back into the reservoir
- Easy controls
Common complaints
- Error codes can stop it mid-cycle
- Ice is not kept frozen, so it slowly melts
- Noise from the compressor and fan
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Output | 26 lbs per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Storage | 1.5 lb basket |
| Form factor | Countertop, manual fill |
| Ice shape | Bullet cubes |
| Design | Compact |
Best for: Small kitchens where counter space is precious.
Skip if: You want premium ice shapes; bullets are all it makes.
Best 28-lb portable
NewAir AI-100 Countertop Ice Maker
28 pounds a day: the step-up portable from the 50-lb brand.
The NewAir AI-100 pushes the portable class to 28 pounds a day with three cube sizes and a stainless look, backed by NewAir's real support. Two extra pounds over the 26-lb standard costs more, but for heavy entertaining the headroom matters.
Strengths
- 28 pounds per 24 hours, a notch above the standard portables
- Three cube sizes for different drinks
- Stainless-look finish suits modern kitchens
- NewAir's support network is stronger than budget brands
Limitations
- Costs more than 26-lb rivals for 2 extra pounds a day
- Bullet ice only
- Still needs manual fill and freezer transfers
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Fast ice in three sizes
- Quiet for a countertop unit
- Simple controls
Common complaints
- Ice can come out wet and melt back into the reservoir
- Some NewAir models draw complaints about early mechanical failure
- Only a one-year warranty
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Output | 28 lbs per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Countertop, manual fill |
| Ice shape | Bullet cubes |
| Cube size | 3 selectable sizes |
| Finish | Stainless look |
Best for: Heavy entertainers who want a bit more than the 26-lb standard.
Skip if: Budget is the priority; the 26-lb units cost less.
Best stainless look
SPT (Sunpentown) IM-150US Stainless Steel Ice Maker
Stainless portable with 26-lb output for style-conscious counters.
The SPT IM-150US wraps the standard 26-pounds-a-day portable in stainless steel that matches a modern kitchen. You pay extra over plastic rivals and still get bullet ice, but if the machine lives on the counter, looks count.
Strengths
- 26 pounds per 24 hours in a stainless steel housing
- Matches stainless kitchen suites visually
- Compact countertop footprint
- Simple controls with full-basket indicator
Limitations
- Stainless housing shows fingerprints
- Bullet ice only
- Priced above plastic-body 26-lb rivals
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Plumbed-in ice maker that never needs refilling
- Owners report units lasting many years
- Responsive customer service
Common complaints
- Needs professional plumbing installation to avoid leaks
- Output can fall short of the rated amount in warm kitchens
- Some units arrive with cosmetic flaws
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Output | 26 lbs per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Form factor | Countertop, manual fill |
| Ice shape | Bullet cubes |
| Indicator | Full-basket alert |
Best for: Buyers who want the portable to match stainless appliances.
Skip if: You want maximum ice per dollar; stainless costs extra.
Best budget extra
VIVOHOME Countertop Ice Maker (26 lb/day)
The budget spare: 26 pounds a day for the price of a dinner out.
The VIVOHOME Countertop is the cheapest way to get 26 pounds of ice a day: compact, simple, quick first batch. The brand is unknown and build quality is basic, but as a second unit or a category trial it is priced to say yes.
Strengths
- 26 pounds per 24 hours at the lowest price here
- Compact and light enough to move between rooms
- Quick first batch like other portables
- Simple controls anyone can run
Limitations
- Unknown brand with minimal support
- Build quality reflects the price
- Bullet ice only, melts fast
What owners report
Commonly praised
- High-quality bullet ice
- Makes ice quickly
- Affordable
Common complaints
- Some owners report units failing within months, with slow warranty replies
- The design is bulky
- The lid insulation and basket feel flimsy
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Output | 26 lbs per 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Countertop, manual fill |
| Ice shape | Bullet cubes |
| Weight class | Lightweight portable |
| Controls | Simple push-button |
Best for: Second units for bars, dorms, and anyone testing the category.
Skip if: You want a brand you have heard of with US support.
How we chose
Ice type first
Nugget, bullet, and clear cube are different products for different drinks. We ranked within ice types rather than pretending one type suits everyone, because the wrong ice type is the number one regret in this category.
Real daily output
Published pounds-per-day figures assume ideal conditions and continuous operation. We treated them as ceilings and weighted bin capacity and cycle speed alongside, since a big daily number with a tiny bin still leaves you waiting mid-party.
Storage reality
Countertop units are not freezers: bin ice slowly melts and recycles. We favored larger insulated bins and were explicit about which units hold ice versus merely make it.
Footprint and installation
A 50-lb unit that needs a water line and a drain is a different purchase than a plug-in countertop box. We matched each pick to the household that can actually install and feed it.
Questions, answered
How much ice does a family need per day?
A typical family of four uses 5 to 10 lbs a day in summer, mostly for drinks. Entertainers should plan 1 to 2 lbs per guest per event. The 26-lb countertop class covers families; parties need the 50-lb class or bagged backup.
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. They are not freezers, so bin ice slowly melts and the machine recycles the water into new cubes. For storage beyond a few hours, transfer ice to your freezer in bags.
What is nugget ice?
Compressed flaked ice with a soft, chewable texture, famous from Sonic drive-ins. It chills drinks fast and absorbs flavor, which is why people are obsessed with it. Only specialized machines like the GE Opal make it at home.
Are ice makers worth it versus buying bags?
If you buy more than a bag or two a month in summer, yes: a budget countertop unit pays for itself in one to two seasons. Heavy entertainers save more. Factor in counter space and the noise of the harvest cycle before deciding.