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Learn & WatchOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Ice Makers of 2024
Last updated: 30 Aug 2024By: Zahra DugasHave you gone camping, hosted a party, or don't have an ice machine in your fridge? Instead of running to the local store for bags of ice or using ice trays, there is an easier way -- invest in an ice maker! In this guide, we have selected the best ice makers based on key features such as speed of ice production, machine capacity, energy efficiency, and noise level, among others. The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker has emerged as a top choice due to its compact design and fast ice-making. So, let's chill out and explore these options further.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker Shop Now ➔
- Most Stylish Design: Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker Shop Now ➔
- Worth Mentioning: HiCOZY Countertop Ice Maker Shop Now ➔
- Most Lightweight and Portable: VIVOHOME Ice Cube Maker Shop Now ➔
- Best for Ease of Use: Upstreman Y90 Countertop Ice Maker Shop Now ➔
- Most Convenient: Silonn Ice Maker Shop Now ➔
View all Contents-
Ice Maker FAQs
- How do I use an ice maker?
- What type of water should I use in my ice maker?
- How do I clean my ice maker?
- How often should I clean my ice maker?
- Why is my ice maker not making ice?
- Why does the ice from my ice maker taste bad?
- What should I do if my ice maker is making too much ice?
- Is it possible to purchase additional parts for my ice maker?
- Why is my ice maker making a noise?
- Related Reviews
The Best Ice Makers
Best Overall
Looking for an efficient ice maker that meets all your ice-making needs? The GE Profile Opal One-Gallon Ice Maker is the one for you. It’s a compact countertop ice maker that can produce up to one gallon of ice per day. That way, you can trust that you’ll never run out of ice. Its sleek design means you can leave it out instead of hiding it, and it’s sure to blend seamlessly with your kitchen no matter your design style.
Equipped with an intuitive control panel and smart features, you can even connect this ice maker to your Wi-Fi network. From there, you can monitor and manage the production of ice from your smartphone. In addition to its high capacity and user-friendly operation, this ice maker is also engineered for convenience. Its self-cleaning function ensures that the ice remains fresh and the machine operates efficiently. Due to its reliable performance and high-quality ice, this ice maker is our #1 recommendation.
What we liked
- Quickly produces a lot of ice quickly
- Convenient size and compact design
- Smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity
What we didn’t like
- Requires maintenance every so often
Most Stylish Design
Introducing the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker – your ultimate solution to deliver ice, ice, baby! You can forget about last-minute ice runs thanks to its impressive 26 lbs. of daily ice production. With its sleek stainless-steel exterior and see-through window, this chic model effortlessly blends into any room’s décor. But that’s not all – its compact design makes it perfect for small kitchens, RVs, dorm rooms, boats, and more!
No need for complicated installations with this ice maker – just plug it in, add water, and in less than seven minutes, you’ll have fresh ice ready to chill your drinks. Customize your chilling experience with two ice size settings, while the included ice scoop and easy-to-program LED controls add a touch of convenience to your ice-making adventures. After evaluating cool reviews from users, our team concludes that this ice maker is not only stylish but offers high performance at top speed.
Pros
- Sleek design and compact
- Easy to use with LED controls
- Produces ice quickly
Cons
- Ice does not stay frozen for long
Worth Mentioning
The HiCOZY Countertop Ice Maker, also known as the HiCOZY Bullet Ice Maker, dominates our list as the best overall ice maker, making a cool splash with its fast and efficient ice production and compact size. If you have limited counter space as I do, you’ll appreciate its innovative pull-out basket design. It ensures a perfect fit anywhere, even under cabinets, for easy access to ice whenever you need it.
With lightning-fast ice production in just six minutes, this little powerhouse churns out up to 24 lbs of ice per day, offering two sizes of ice to suit your chilling needs. Plus, its easy controls and clear indicators make operation a breeze – from choosing ice sizes to activating the ambient light or self-cleaning mode with a simple press. Speaking of cleaning, forget the hassle! This ice maker features a one-button self-cleaning feature that ensures a lean, clean machine with minimal effort. Stylish, practical, and perfect for gifting, this product is a must-have for your icy needs!
Click Here to Read Full HiCOZY Countertop Ice Maker ReviewPros
- Fast ice production in minutes
- Compact and saves space
- Self-cleaning and easy controls
Cons
- Ice bin may be difficult to close and open
Most Lightweight and Portable
The VIVOHOME Ice Cube Maker takes the difficulty out of producing ice. This compact ice maker impresses with its ability to churn out ice quickly and conveniently in 6-10 minutes, making it ideal for small parties or gatherings. Its sleek silver design fits elegantly on any countertop, and the ice it produces – 26 lbs per day to be exact – keeps your beverages cool and your guests satisfied. Durability is not an issue, as this ice maker is built with premium ABS material.
Further amplifying its convenience, this ice maker comes with a hand scoop and a self-cleaning function, taking the hassle out of keeping it clean. It runs quietly and operation couldn’t be simpler — just add water, plug it in, and let it work its magic. In no time, you’ll be scooping out perfectly formed ice cubes, either small or large, based on your preferences. Moreover, it is lightweight and portable, weighing only 16.9 pounds, making it easy to bring the chill anywhere you go. After researching customer reviews, our team concludes that this ice maker is the ideal size and user-friendly product for your ice-making needs.
Pros
- Lightweight and can be used anywhere
- Easy to use and makes ice quickly
- Built from durable material
Cons
- Ice bucket is not refrigerated, causing slight melting
Best for Ease of Use
Meet your new party essential: the Upstreman Y90 Countertop Ice Maker! Compact yet powerful, this little gem takes up just a fraction of your counter space, perfect for the kitchen, bar, RV, or even your next road trip adventure. At only 13.7 lbs, it’s light and portable, ready to churn out icy delights wherever the fun takes you. With lightning-fast bullet ice production in just 6 to 9 minutes, you’ll never be left waiting for that refreshing chill. And with its intuitive two-button panel, selecting your preferred ice size is as easy as pie.
But wait, there’s more! Say goodbye to tedious cleaning with the Y90’s advanced self-cleaning function – just press and let it do the work. Plus, with smart indicator lights and infrared sensor technology, you’ll always know when it’s time to refill the machine with water or empty the ice basket, all while enjoying a quiet, peaceful ice-making experience. For a not-technically-savvy person like me, I appreciate the smart features of this ice maker, yet it is easy to operate.
Pros
- User-friendly and easy-to-clean
- Quick ice production
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- The lid doesn’t always stay open
Most Convenient
The Silonn Ice Maker is your ultimate companion for instant chilling! Picture this: It only takes six minutes to whip up nine perfectly bullet-shaped ice cubes, thanks to its lightning-fast ice-making prowess. With a 2L water tank capacity and a whopping 26-pound ice output in just 24 hours, you’ll never run out of ice for your gatherings.
Another standout feature of this ice maker is that you can customize your chilling experience with two sizes of ice cubes – small for ensuring seafood and beer stays cold, and large for cooling beverages. Enjoy a serene ice-making session with noise levels lower than 35dB, akin to a purring refrigerator. Simple operation? Check. Just fill, press, select, and voila! And with smart features like transparent lids for easy monitoring and automatic sensor detection to prevent overflowing, you can chillax while Silonn does the work. Did we mention it’s portable and self-cleaning? Yep, press a button and forget about clean-up. Our team appreciates all of the convenient features this ice maker provides, and we hope you will, too!
Pros
- Convenient and easy to use
- Offers two ice cube sizes
- Self-cleaning and quiet
Cons
- No audio alert when bin is full
The Best Ice Makers: A Buying Guide
When it comes to hosting parties or simply enjoying a chilled drink on a hot day, an efficient ice maker becomes an essential home appliance. Shopping for the best ice maker requires comprehensive knowledge of various aspects, such as size, production capacity, installation type, and energy efficiency. With multiple options on the market, it can be challenging to make the right choice. Therefore, this buying guide has been created to help you navigate this process smoothly and confidently.
Size
The size of the ice maker plays a critical role in your purchase decision. It can determine where you can place the appliance and how portable it might be. If you’re looking for an ice maker for your countertop or a small kitchen, compact options will suit you best. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use it for business or large gatherings, you might need to consider larger, commercial-grade models. Make sure to measure the space where you want to install the ice maker to avoid buying a model that won’t fit.
Production Capacity
The production capacity refers to the amount of ice an ice maker can produce within 24 hours. If you frequently host large parties or have a big family, an ice maker with a high production capacity should be on your list. A model that churns out about 20-30 pounds of ice per day should suffice for an average family. However, if you run a business like a restaurant or a bar, you’ll need a machine that delivers at least 100 pounds of ice per day.
Installation Type
Ice makers come in different installation types: freestanding, built-in, or portable. Freestanding models offer versatility as they can be placed anywhere with a water source and an outlet. Built-in models seamlessly blend into your existing cabinetry, making them suitable for stylish and modern kitchens. Meanwhile, portable ice makers are compact and don’t require a water hook-up, making them perfect for camping trips or outdoor gatherings. Your lifestyle and usage will determine the ideal installation type for you.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient ice makers not only reduce your environmental footprint but also cut down your utility bills. Look for models with an Energy Star rating, as they use less energy without compromising performance. Also, consider the water usage. Efficient ice makers use less water to produce a batch of ice compared to others. Remember, saving energy and water doesn’t just save you money, but it also contributes to a more sustainable planet.
Type of Ice
Ice makers can produce different types of ice, including nuggets, cubes, and gourmet ice. Nugget ice is soft and chewable, perfect for cocktails and smoothies. Cube ice, the most common type, is ideal for a wide range of drinks, including water, iced coffee, and soft drinks. Gourmet ice, clear and tasteless, enhances the flavor of high-end spirits. The type of drinks you frequently serve will determine the kind of ice you need.
Ice Maker FAQs
How do I use an ice maker?
To use an ice maker, you need to fill the reservoir with water, select the size of the ice you want (if your machine has this option), and then turn it on. The machine will begin producing ice, which will be deposited into a bin or tray.
What type of water should I use in my ice maker?
It's recommended to use filtered or bottled water in your ice maker to reduce the risk of mineral buildup, which can affect the machine's performance. However, tap water can also be used if necessary.
How do I clean my ice maker?
To clean your ice maker, firstly, unplug it and remove any remaining ice. Then, clean the inside with a mixture of water and vinegar or water and lemon juice to remove any mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. For exterior parts, a damp cloth can be used.
How often should I clean my ice maker?
You should typically clean your ice maker every three to six months, depending on the frequency of use and the water quality.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
If your ice maker isn't making ice, it could be due to a few reasons, including not enough water pressure, a clogged filter, or a problem with the thermostat. You may need to contact a professional to resolve the issue.
Why does the ice from my ice maker taste bad?
If the ice from your ice maker tastes bad, it could be due to the water you're using. Try changing to a different source of water. If the problem persists, it could be because your ice maker needs cleaning.
What should I do if my ice maker is making too much ice?
If your ice maker is making too much ice, it could be that the ice bin is full or that the thermostat is not working correctly. Check the ice bin first, and if the problem persists, contact a professional.
Is it possible to purchase additional parts for my ice maker?
Yes, it's generally possible to purchase additional or replacement parts for your ice maker. You'll need to refer to your user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific details.
Why is my ice maker making a noise?
If your ice maker is making a noise, it could be due to the ice cubes being dropped into the bin. However, if the noise is constant or very loud, it could indicate a mechanical issue, and you should contact a professional.'
Article Contributors
Read More About Zahra Dugas HereHi, I’m Zahra and I’m passionate about good food and finding great deals. That’s why I’m applying my BA in English Literature and extensive writing experience to help home cooks discover the best household items for their budget and culinary needs. By navigating the wide array of kitchen gadgets on the market and uncovering their strengths and weaknesses, my goal is to empower readers to find reliable, long-lasting tools that elevate their cooking and dining experiences.