Discover the best countertop nugget ice makers for soft, chewable ice at home or in the office. Compact, efficient, and perfect for your favorite drinks
A countertop ice maker is a versatile appliance that provides a quick and efficient solution for producing ice at home or in an office setting. Unlike traditional ice trays that can take hours to freeze, countertop ice makers can generate ice in as little as 6 to 15 minutes, ensuring you always have a fresh supply on hand. These machines are compact and portable, making them easy to fit into any kitchen, bar, or even outdoor space. With various models available, many countertop ice makers also offer options for different types of ice, such as nugget or bullet ice, allowing you to customize your ice experience based on your preferences and the drinks you enjoy.
In addition to their speed and variety, countertop ice makers are designed with user-friendly controls, making them accessible for everyone, from casual users to home entertainers. Many models feature energy-efficient designs, consuming less power than traditional freezers, which helps save on energy costs. Their convenience eliminates the need to buy bags of ice or refill trays, making them an essential tool for gatherings, parties, and everyday beverage enjoyment. With a countertop ice maker, you can elevate your entertaining game and enjoy perfectly chilled drinks whenever you want.
Best Value
The Compact Ice Maker quickly produces ice in just 7 minutes, with a 27-pound capacity. Its user-friendly controls, portability, and removable basket make it ideal for any kitchen, home bar, or gathering. Trust Magic Chef’s 90 years of quality.
Best Budget
The Frigidaire EFIC189 countertop ice maker produces up to 26 lbs of bullet-shaped ice per day, ready in 6 minutes. Compact and portable, it features a 2.3-quart water tank and easy-to-use controls.
Best Overall
GE Profile Opal 2.0 with 0.75 Gallon Tank, Chewable Crunchable Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The Good Ice: Enjoy chewable, crunchable nugget ice made from compacted ice flakes that retains its flavor longer than traditional cubes, perfect for all beverages.
Fast Ice Production: Produces 1.6 lbs of fresh ice per hour, with the first batch ready in 10 minutes. The removable drawer holds up to 3 lbs of ice at a time, producing up to 38 lbs of ice daily.
Smart Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and voice control allow integration with the SmartHQ app for monitoring, scheduling, and updates. Control it hands-free with Alexa and Google.
Water Tank Convenience: Features a detachable water tank, eliminating the need for an external water source. It triples the ice output, simplifying refills and cleaning.
Easy Maintenance: Equipped with an advanced cleaning system to sanitize and descale the machine, ensuring fresh-tasting ice. Water filters and cleaning kits are available separately for optimal performance.
Best Value
Magic Chef Portable Countertop Ice Maker
Compact Design: This small, portable ice maker is perfect for kitchens, home bars, and dining areas, offering a 27-pound daily ice-making capacity to keep your drinks chilled.
Fast Ice Production: Ice is ready in just 7 minutes, producing 9 cubes per cycle with the option to choose between small or large cubes for versatility in your beverages.
User-Friendly Control: The digital control panel is easy to operate, with indicator lights and a viewing window to monitor ice levels and production progress.
Portable Convenience: Its compact size makes it easy to move and place anywhere, while the removable ice basket and scoop simplify serving and cleanup.
Trusted Brand: Backed by over 90 years of experience, Magic Chef delivers reliable, affordable products with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Best Budget
Frigidaire Ice Maker EFIC189, Countertop Ice Maker
Fast Ice Production: Never run out of ice with the ability to produce up to 26 lbs of bullet-shaped ice per day, with fresh ice ready every 6 minutes.
Sleek Stainless Steel Design: Its modern stainless steel countertop design adds style to any kitchen, bar, office, or dorm.
Great for Entertaining: Two ice size options provide flexibility, perfect for any beverage or occasion, making hosting easier.
Intuitive Control: The transparent window lets you monitor ice levels, and the digital LED control panel offers easy, full control over the machine.
Large Water Capacity: With a 1.2-quart water tank, enjoy continuous ice making without frequent refills.
Easy Cleaning: The built-in drain plug makes it easy to empty and clean, streamlining maintenance.
Bonus Accessory: Includes an ice scoop for easy ice retrieval, with a basket that holds up to 1.3 lbs of ice at a time.
