The best countertop ice makers for the holidays (and beyond)
If you're seeking restaurant-style nugget ice, or just a way to make ice quickly for holiday parties and Thanksgiving and Christmas guests, a countertop ice maker may be right for you and your kitchen. They're a great option if your refrigerator doesn't currently have its own ice maker.
The splurge-worthy GE Profile Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker, now on sale for $450 ahead of Black Friday, has gone viral on social media. But you don't need to spend a fortune on an ice maker to enjoy an icy drink. We've found the best countertop ice makers for all budgets below.
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The best countertop ice makers
When shopping for a countertop ice maker, consider how much ice it can make per day, plus what types of ice it makes. When it comes to technology, some ice makers keep it simple, while others can even be controlled through your smartphone. Also consider how you would like to refill your ice maker. Some ice makers must be manually refilled while others come with an inlet hose.
Ahead, the best countertop ice makers from GE, Frigidaire, Igloo and more brands. Many countertop ice makers have poor reviews, but these all have a four-star rating or higher. Say goodbye to smelly, freezer-burned ice from your ice cube tray with one of the appliances ahead. They make fresh ice much faster than your standard ice tray in the freezer.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker with Wi-Fi
This splurge-worthy ice maker went viral over the summer, but you can still crunch on its customer-loved nugget ice all year long. It's available in two colors, with the more budget-friendly option being stainless steel.
With this countertop ice maker, you can request fresh ice from your smartphone, Alexa or Google Assistant and have it ready in 20 minutes. It makes up to 24 pounds of ice a day and comes with a scoop. It's rated 4.2 stars.
What we like about this ice maker:
This high-end option works with your smartphone.
Silonn countertop ice maker
This Amazon No. 1 bestseller takes just 6 minutes to make 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes, and can make 26 pounds of fresh ice in just 24 hours. The Silonn countertop ice maker has more than 23,000 reviews and has a 4.4 star rating.
This countertop ice maker is self cleaning and comes with an ice scoop. It can make two sizes of bullet ice. Find the Silonn countertop ice maker in eight colors at varying prices.
This 4.4-star-rated ice maker is currently on sale at Amazon for $90 as a Black Friday deal.
What we like about this ice maker:
This ice maker is an Amazon bestseller. It can make 26 pounds of fresh ice in 24 hours. It comes in a variety of fun colors.
Frigidaire ice maker
This more affordable Frigidaire ice maker makes two sizes of ice. It can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, and ice in general in as little as 6 minutes.
"It's cool because if you just need some ice for a small party, you can make enough within about 20 minutes," an Amazon reviewer says. "[This machine is] also very beautiful."
Find this ice maker in four colors. It comes with a scoop and is rated 4.5 stars.
What we like about this ice maker:
This ice maker makes two sizes of ice for those seeking variety.
Igloo automatic ice maker
This Igloo ice maker comes in fun colors, as well as classic colors like white and stainless steel. It makes up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours or 9 ice cubes in as little as 7 minutes.
This ice maker produces two ice cube sizes and is equipped with a self-cleaning feature. It also includes a convenient ice scoop and has received a 4.3-star rating.
What we like about this ice maker:
This ice maker is ideal for those seeking fun colors for a retro look. Some colors come in a larger size that can make 33 pounds of ice.
Newair nugget countertop ice maker
This nugget ice maker looks cool with its blue LED light. It makes up to 44 pounds of ice, is self-cleaning and comes with a scoop.
"If you love Sonic ice, this is the perfect ice maker," an Amazon reviewer says.
This ice maker is currently $365, reduced from $450. You can find it in four colors.
What we like about this ice maker:
This ice maker has a cool blue LED light and reviewers promise Sonic-style ice.
Countertop ice maker
This ice maker with a handle is your most affordable option and still makes up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. It can make nine ice cubes in as little as six minutes.
This portable ice maker makes bullet ice and is self-cleaning. Find it in five colors.
It's currently $45, reduced from $110.
What we like about this ice maker:
This budget-friendly ice maker has won the hearts of many reviewers. It includes an ice scoop and boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating.
Countertop nugget ice maker
This self-cleaning nugget ice maker makes up to 30 pounds of ice in 24 hours.
Unlike the other ice makers here, you can refill its water manually or automatically with its included inlet hose. This ice machine is also self-cleaning.
This stainless-steel ice maker is rated 4.5 stars.
What we like about this ice maker:
If you want an ice maker that can refill automatically, this is your best option.
Kissair countertop ice maker
This affordable ice maker with a handle makes up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice. It can have nine bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in as little as six minutes.
This portable ice maker is self-cleaning and comes with an ice scoop. Its handle makes it easy to transport.
Find it in five colors. It's rated 4.3 stars.
This portable ice maker is currently $66 at Walmart ahead of Black Friday, reduced from $130.
What we like about this ice maker:
This ice maker is easy to transport thanks to a handle. It comes in a variety of colors.
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