The Best Ice Makers

For those who organize parties regularly, managing with enormous bags of ice from the grocery store or having to keep refilling ice trays may be bothersome. It is time for you to consider purchasing one ice maker for your home.

In case you are about to invest in an ice maker, consider these questions: how often you'll use it, how quickly it produces ice, and how much ice it can store at once—especially because some of this equipment may be pricey.

We research the best models of each type to compile a list of the best ice makers. Have a look at the sections below to get some ideas before making a purchase.

Our Top Choices:

• Best Overall: Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine

• Best Budget: FRIGIDAIRE EFIC117-SS Compact Ice Maker

• Best Value: NewAir Portable Ice Maker

• Best Nugget Ice Maker: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

• Best Portable: AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine

1. Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine - Best Overall

Product’s Specifications

• Capacity: 74 Pounds

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 11.3 x 14.1 inch

• Speed: 20 cubes per 20 minutes

• Output: 28 pounds a day

Product’s Highlights

This countertop ice maker gets great reviews for producing incredibly clear, restaurant-quality ice. In our test, this 10-cup-water machine can make the most ice per hour compared to all of the ice makers we reviewed. It also works silently as branded. 

This ice maker features a push button and an LED display for easy operation. You might find it a bit big and heavy, but that doesn't mean a fridge could be a better alternative. This Luma Comfort ice maker also comes with a scoop, a handbook, and a one-year guarantee and requires no assembly.

The Luma can produce up to 28 pounds of ice daily. To make thicker ice cubes, switch off the appliance and press down the power button for 5 seconds, which causes it to begin in a different setting.

Pros

• Almost completely silent

• High batch output

• Produces ice fast

Cons

• Big and bulky 

2. FRIGIDAIRE EFIC117-SS Compact Ice Maker - Best Budget

Product’s Specifications

• Capacity: 26 Pounds

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 9 inches

• Weight: 17.8 pounds

• Speed: 9 cubes per 7 -15 minutes

• Output: 26 pounds a day

Product’s Highlights

If you only need ice and you need it quickly, this inexpensive tabletop, FRIGIDAIRE EFIC117-SS compact ice maker, is a fantastic option. It couldn't be simpler to assemble: simply take it out of the box, plug it in, and fill the water tank. The Frigidaire can create ice in less than 10 minutes. 

The model generates 9 cubes each 7 -15 minutes, ensuring a consistent supply by refilling the tank. It also has a compact footprint, making it ideal for individuals with large ice demands but limited space.

Pros

• Compact

• Easy to use

• Make ice fast

Cons

• Small basket

3. NewAir Portable Ice Maker - Best Value

Product’s Specifications

• Capacity: 0.8 Cubic Feet

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Dimensions: 16.88 x 14 x 16.75 inches

• Weight: ‎37.6 pounds

• Speed: 12 cubes  per 7 minutes

• Output: 50 pounds per day

Product’s Highlights

This massive and hefty ice machine can create about 50 pounds each day and 12 pieces in 7 minutes. With a timer, you can set time to make ice. You can also select the size of ices, this machine offers three different ice sizes. 

When you need to fill water or an ice bin is full, indicator lights will alert you. An ice scoop is supplied for convenient serving.

This machine requires a little maintenance since it has a self-cleaning option. During our test, we found that this ice maker makes loud noise while making ice, but that its performance compensated.  

Pros

• Huge capacity

• Quick ice making

• Self-cleaning feature and timer

Cons

• Noisy

• Large and bulky

4. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker - Best Nugget Ice Maker

Product’s Specifications

• Capacity: 3 Pounds

• Installation Type: Built-In , Countertop

• Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 13.43 x 16.5 inches 

• Weight: 38.0 pound

• Speed: 1 pound per hour 

• Output: 24 pounds per day

Product’s Highlights

If you have no idea what nugget ice is, it's a soft and chewy kind of ice that can absorb the flavor of beverages. So it is often used to make  smoothies and frozen drinks. And this GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the top choice for those who are craving for nugget ice cubes. This can make great-quality ice that isn't moist and easier to separate if it becomes trapped.

The nugget ice maker needs some setup though, you must attach many tubes and fill a water tank. But after that, it needs very little maintenance.

This ice maker can make 1 pound of ice nuggets every hour and has a storage bin that can contain about 3 pounds. The transparent bin shows us how much ice is available and it can be opened while ice is still made. The bin is insulated to keep the ice frozen so no worry about it melts.

Pros

• Making chewable nugget ice fast

• Simple to use and clean

• Nice design

• Wi-Fi compatibility

Cons

• Noisy operation

• Pricey

5. AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker Machine - Best Portable

Product’s Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5 Pounds

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Speed: 9 pieces per 8 minutes 

• Dimensions: 12.32 x 8.74 x 12.59 inches

• Weight: ‎16.52 pounds

• Output: 26 pounds per day

Product’s Highlights

If you are looking for a super small and portable ice maker, this model from AGLUCKY will catch your attention. It's ideal for dinner parties, RV travels, and road trips. Because it is tiny and has a limited water capacity, you may need to refill it frequently to keep up with its production.

The AGLUCKY ice maker machine can produce 26 pounds of ice each day while occupying little counter space. While this ice maker functions silently, our testers noticed some whirring noises from the fan. This machine features a glass window that allows you to see how much ice is inside as well.

Pros

• Portable

• Quiet operation

• Has indicator light

Cons

• Not easy to clean

• Ice must be taken out promptly to avoid melting

1. Can you let the ice machine operate all the time?

If you want ice all along the day, you can have it plugged in and run continuously. Once the unit is turned off, the ice melts and the water returns to the reservoir. 

2. Can ice be stored in an ice maker?

No, the majority of portable ice makers are not made to keep ice freeze and solid. They lack the insulation required to prevent the ice from melting. Any leftover ice cubes will gradually melt and refill to the water reservoir.

3. How to choose the right ice makers?

5 things to consider when picking the best ice makers 

• Consider the size

• Choose the right ice cube forms for your needs

• Have the proper electrical configuration

• Choosing the best condenser

• Consider your budget

Ice is an essential component for entertaining, whether at a dinner party or while picnicking at a park. If your refrigerator lacks an ice maker and or you cannot stop the ice melting while taking it out for camping, thinking about buying one is not a bad idea. If you have no idea, consider the ice makers listed above. They are thoroughly evaluated and picked to fulfill any requirements.