The best ice makers make fresh ice faster and more conveniently than a freezer tray, whether you need a compact countertop unit for everyday drinks or a high-output machine for parties and busy spaces.
This roundup compares 10 standout ice makers across portable, nugget, under-counter, and commercial categories, with attention to speed, daily output, storage, maintenance, and ease of use.
Best 10 Ice Makers Picks for 2026
Best Compact Pick
Silonn Portable Countertop Ice Maker
- Makes ice in about 6 minutes
- Produces up to 26 pounds per day
- Handle and self-cleaning function
Best For: Small kitchens, offices, RVs, and camping
Best High-Output Option
Mojgar 120-Lb Commercial Ice Maker
- Produces up to 120 pounds daily
- Stores 33 pounds in an insulated bin
- Supports tap or bottled water
Best For: Bars, cafés, restaurants, and large gatherings
Best Nugget Ice Pick
EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Makes chewable nugget ice in about 6 minutes
- Produces up to 34 pounds per day
- Quiet, portable, and self-cleaning
Best For: Iced coffee, smoothies, parties, and home drink stations
Best Commercial Counter
EUHOMY 100-Lb Under-Counter Ice Maker
- Produces up to 100 pounds per day
- Stores 33 pounds of ice
- LCD controls and self-cleaning function
Best For: Bars, restaurants, large households, and frequent entertaining
High-Capacity Nugget Pick
60-Lb Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Makes up to 60 lb of nugget ice daily
- Dual tanks and 4.84-lb storage basket
- Pre-filter, self-cleaning, and 40 dB operation
Best For: Parties and high-demand households
Compact Classic
Frigidaire 26-Lb Portable Ice Maker
- Produces nine cubes every 7 minutes
- Offers two bullet-ice sizes
- Compact stainless design with drain plug
Best For: Small spaces and everyday personal use
Easy-Care Nugget Value
EUHOMY 35-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
- Ready with nugget ice in about 7 minutes
- Produces up to 35 lb daily
- Compact body with automatic deep cleaning
Best For: Compact nugget-ice use at home, work, or in an RV
Eco-Friendly Speed Pick
Antarctic Star 6-Minute Ice Maker
- Makes ice in 6 minutes, up to 26 lb per day
- Energy-saving design and operation below 40dB
- Portable, self-cleaning, and offers two ice sizes
Best For: RV use, entertaining, and energy-conscious households
High-Capacity Convenience Pick
Sencre 26.5-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
- Produces 9 cubes in 6 minutes and 26.5 lb per day
- 1.5L water tank reduces refill frequency
- Two ice sizes and one-touch self-cleaning
Best For: Families, offices, and parties needing fewer refills
Simple Portable Pick
EUHOMY 6-Minute Countertop Ice Maker
- Makes 9 cubes in 6 minutes and 26 lb per day
- Compact design with carry handle for mobile use
- Simple controls, two ice sizes, and self-cleaning
Best For: Home, office, RV, dorm, and camping use
Best Compact Pick – Silonn Portable Countertop Ice Maker
If you need ice makers for everyday drinks without giving up much counter space, this Silonn countertop model is a practical choice. It makes bullet-shaped cubes in about 6 minutes, produces up to 26 pounds per day, and includes a carry handle for easy relocation.
Best For: Small kitchens, offices, RVs, camping, and households that want a portable ice maker.
Pros:
- Compact 8.7 x 11.4 x 11.6-inch design with a sturdy carry handle
- Produces 9 cubes in approximately 6 minutes and up to 26 pounds daily
- Simple controls, automatic alerts, and a self-cleaning function
Cons:
- Stores only 1.3 pounds of ice at a time
- Offers small and large cube options rather than nugget ice
This ice maker prioritizes portability and straightforward operation. Its limited storage means it is better for serving batches as needed than for holding a large reserve.
Best High-Output Option – Mojgar 120-Lb Commercial Ice Maker
For demanding kitchens, bars, and gatherings, this commercial ice maker offers substantially more output than typical countertop ice makers. It can produce up to 120 pounds of square ice per day and stores 33 pounds in its insulated bin.
Best For: Home bars, parties, cafés, restaurants, food preparation, and other settings with high ice demand.
Pros:
- Produces up to 120 pounds of ice daily, with 36 cubes per 10–18-minute cycle
- Supports tap-water or compatible bottled-water connections
- Stainless steel exterior, operation under 50 dB, and one-touch self-cleaning
- Includes ice-full, low-water, and fault alerts plus a 24-month warranty
Cons:
- Requires a suitable gravity drain; a drain pump is not included
- At 43.7 pounds, it is considerably less portable than countertop models
- Requires 24 hours upright before first use
This is a capacity-focused ice maker with flexible water-supply options and commercial-style construction. Plan the installation carefully, especially the floor-drain setup and undercounter clearance.
Best Nugget Ice Pick – EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Among ice makers designed for drink texture, this EUHOMY model stands out for its soft, chewable nugget ice. It starts producing pellet-style ice in about 6 minutes, reaches up to 34 pounds per day, and fits easily on a countertop.
Best For: Iced coffee, smoothies, sodas, cocktails, mocktails, and anyone who prefers chewable nugget ice.
Pros:
- Produces soft, airy nugget ice in approximately 6 minutes
- Up to 34 pounds of daily production with a removable 1.8-pound basket
- Built-in handle, viewing window, and compact countertop footprint
- Under-45 dB operation and one-touch self-cleaning
Cons:
- Its basket holds only 1.8 pounds, so frequent serving may require transfers
- Plastic construction may be less suited to heavy-duty commercial use
This model is a strong fit when the style of ice matters as much as production speed. Its portable design works well for home use, parties, RVs, and weekend trips.
Best Commercial Counter – EUHOMY 100-Lb Under-Counter Ice Maker
This EUHOMY commercial ice maker is built for steady, high-volume production while retaining a freestanding under-counter format. It makes up to 100 pounds of ice per 24 hours and stores 33 pounds, making it a substantial step up from residential countertop ice makers.
Best For: Large households, entertaining, indoor or outdoor kitchens, cafés, bars, restaurants, and other high-use spaces.
Pros:
- Produces up to 100 pounds per day and 45 cubes per 11–15-minute cycle
- Large 33-pound storage bin with automatic overflow prevention
- LCD controls allow ice-making time adjustments and monitor ambient temperature
- Stainless steel construction, self-cleaning, and ETL certification for home and commercial use
Cons:
- Requires gravity drainage and does not include a pump
- Large 66.6-pound unit is not designed for frequent moving
- Needs to remain upright for at least 24 hours before use
This ice maker combines commercial capacity with adjustable controls and a durable stainless steel body. It is best suited to a planned installation where a lower drain outlet is available.
High-Capacity Nugget Pick – 60-Lb Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
For households or hosts that need a steady supply of soft, chewable ice, this countertop ice maker combines 60-pound daily production with dual water tanks and a large storage basket. It also adds a pre-filter, self-cleaning operation, slower-melt insulation, and a 40 dB noise level for more convenient everyday use.
Best For: Parties, family gatherings, and high-demand kitchens that prefer nugget ice.
Pros:
- Produces up to 60 pounds of nugget ice per day and starts making ice in as little as 5 minutes.
- Dual-tank design and 4.84-pound basket reduce refill interruptions.
- Includes a pre-filter, self-cleaning function, insulated storage, and low-noise operation.
Cons:
- Its larger 13.66-by-16.66-by-13.65-inch footprint may need more counter space.
- The listed ice capacity and features may be more than occasional users need.
This is the strongest option here for high-volume nugget ice and extended entertaining. Choose it when output, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance matter more than compactness.
Compact Classic – Frigidaire 26-Lb Portable Ice Maker
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium
Check Price On AmazonThis Frigidaire countertop ice maker is a practical choice for smaller spaces, producing up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice per day. Its compact stainless design, two ice sizes, transparent window, and straightforward LED controls suit kitchens, offices, dorms, and home bars.
Best For: Small households, dorms, offices, and occasional entertaining.
Pros:
- Produces nine bullet-shaped cubes every 7 minutes with two size options.
- Compact 9-by-13-by-13-inch design fits more easily on crowded counters.
- Includes a 2.1-quart water tank, drain plug, transparent window, and ice scoop.
Cons:
- The basket holds 1.5 pounds, so stored ice may need frequent transfers or use.
- Its 26-pound daily output is lower than the nugget-focused alternatives.
For shoppers who want a simple, compact ice maker rather than high-volume nugget ice, this Frigidaire offers useful controls and manageable maintenance. Its bullet cubes and modest basket are best matched to everyday personal use.
Easy-Care Nugget Value – EUHOMY 35-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
The EUHOMY countertop ice maker delivers soft, chewable nugget ice in about 7 minutes while maintaining up to 35 pounds of production per day. Its compact footprint, one-button operation, automatic cleaning cycle, and included scoop make it a convenient option for home, office, RV, and entertaining use.
Best For: Nugget-ice fans who want a compact, low-maintenance machine.
Pros:
- Makes chewable nugget ice in about 7 minutes and produces up to 35 pounds daily.
- Compact 11-by-9.1-by-12.6-inch size suits smaller counters and mobile settings.
- Built-in self-cleaning cycle activates by holding the CLEAN button for about 5 seconds.
Cons:
- The 1.1-liter water tank is smaller than the dual-tank setup on the higher-capacity model.
- It produces less ice per day than the 60-pound alternative.
This EUHOMY model balances nugget-ice texture, portability, and easy upkeep. It is a sensible middle ground for users who want chewable ice without committing as much counter space or capacity as a larger machine.
Eco-Friendly Speed Pick – Antarctic Star 6-Minute Ice Maker
For shoppers comparing ice makers, the Antarctic Star stands out with fast six-minute ice production, a compact footprint, and energy-saving operation. It makes up to 26 pounds per day, offers two bullet-ice sizes, and includes a handle for easier portability.
Best For: RV trips, tailgates, pool parties, and households that want quieter, more energy-conscious ice making.
Pros:
- Produces ice in as little as six minutes and up to 26 pounds per day.
- Uses an optimized motor and streamlined construction designed to reduce energy consumption by 30%.
- Self-cleaning cycle, two ice sizes, and operation below 40dB.
- Compact design includes a handle, basket, and scoop for portable use.
Cons:
- The compact ice maker has a relatively small footprint and is not intended for large-scale ice storage.
- Ice may need to be transferred to a freezer or cooler for longer-term storage.
With fast output, low-noise operation, and a stated energy-saving design, this is a practical countertop ice maker for everyday drinks and portable setups.
High-Capacity Convenience Pick – Sencre 26.5-Lb Countertop Ice Maker
This countertop ice maker is designed for people who want quick, repeatable ice production with fewer refills. It releases nine bullet-shaped cubes in about six minutes, produces up to 26.5 pounds per day, and includes a 1.5-liter water tank plus a 1.32-pound basket.
Best For: Families, offices, parties, and drink stations that benefit from a larger water tank and flexible ice-size selection.
Pros:
- Produces nine cubes in six minutes and up to 26.5 pounds of ice per day.
- Larger 1.5-liter water tank helps reduce frequent refilling.
- Offers small and large bullet ice for drinks, coolers, and frozen beverages.
- One-touch self-cleaning cycle simplifies weekly maintenance.
Cons:
- It has no refrigeration function, so ice should be stored in a refrigerator to limit melting.
- The listed 1.32-pound basket may require regular emptying during heavy use.
The generous tank and fast cycle make this a convenient ice maker for gatherings, while the lack of refrigeration means it works best when ice is used promptly or transferred to a freezer.
Simple Portable Pick – EUHOMY 6-Minute Countertop Ice Maker
Among compact ice makers, the EUHOMY focuses on straightforward daily operation: add water, press the button, and make nine bullet-shaped cubes in as little as six minutes. It produces up to 26 pounds per day, includes two ice sizes, and fits countertops, RVs, dorm rooms, and camping tables.
Best For: Users who want an easy-to-operate, portable ice maker for home drinks, offices, RVs, and small entertaining spaces.
Pros:
- Produces nine cubes in about six minutes and up to 26 pounds per day.
- Compact dimensions and carry handle support use in RVs, dorms, offices, and kitchens.
- Simple control panel and three-step setup make everyday operation easy.
- Includes two ice sizes, self-cleaning, a basket, and a scoop.
Cons:
- Its 45dB operation is quiet but not the lowest noise level among the supplied options.
- The notes do not specify a larger water-tank capacity, so frequent users may need to refill more often.
This EUHOMY model is a sensible choice when ease of use and portability matter most. Its fast output and self-cleaning cycle cover everyday needs without adding complicated controls.
How We Picked the Best Ice Makers
We selected these Ice Makers to cover the main ways shoppers use a dedicated ice machine. The lineup includes compact bullet-Ice Makers for kitchens, dorms, RVs, and entertaining; nugget-ice models for chewable ice; and larger commercial machines for offices, events, restaurants, and high-volume drink service.
We compared stated production rates, first-batch speed, storage capacity, water-inlet options, portability, cleaning features, and overall form factor. Because advertised output can vary with room temperature, water temperature, and usage, treat daily capacity as a useful comparison point rather than a guarantee.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Best For | Typical Strength | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable bullet-ice maker | Homes, apartments, RVs | Fast batches and simple setup | Limited storage and output |
| Nugget-ice maker | Soft, chewable ice fans | Restaurant-style texture | Often costs more and needs regular cleaning |
| Commercial machine | Events, offices, food service | High daily production and storage | Larger footprint and installation needs |
| Under-counter machine | Dedicated home bars and kitchens | Integrated, higher-capacity setup | Less portable; check ventilation requirements |
Key Buying Factors for Ice Makers
Ice Type and First-Batch Speed
Bullet ice is typically fast and practical for cold drinks. Nugget ice is softer and easier to chew, but machines producing it may require more maintenance. A first batch in roughly five to seven minutes is useful when you need ice immediately, while overall output matters more for extended entertaining.
Daily Output and Storage
Check both pounds produced per day and the size of the internal basket. A machine can make ice quickly yet hold relatively little, requiring frequent transfers to a freezer or cooler. Commercial models with larger storage are better for continuous service.
Water Supply, Size, and Portability
Most countertop units use a refillable reservoir and need clearance around vents. Carry handles help with occasional relocation, but a full basket or water tank adds weight. Commercial models with dual water inlets may support more consistent operation but require a suitable installation location.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Self-cleaning cycles simplify routine care, but they do not eliminate the need to empty, rinse, and dry the machine. Nugget models and frequently used units deserve especially consistent cleaning to prevent buildup and unwanted odors.
Who Should Buy Which Ice Makers?
- For occasional home use: Choose a compact countertop bullet-ice maker with a simple refillable reservoir and self-cleaning cycle.
- For chewable ice: Pick a nugget model, especially if texture matters more than the lowest price or smallest footprint.
- For parties and busy households: Prioritize faster output, a larger basket, and easy water refilling.
- For offices or commercial service: Select a high-capacity machine with substantial storage and the plumbing or inlet configuration your location supports.
- For a built-in bar or kitchen: Consider an under-counter unit, but verify dimensions, ventilation, drainage, and electrical requirements before buying.