The Best Countertop Ice Maker

The Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27, like other countertop ice makers, produces nine bullet-shaped ice cubes every eight minutes, providing enough ice to chill a few drinks in just half an hour. While the cloudy ice isn’t gourmet, it effectively cools beverages, which is sufficient for most users. The water reservoir supports continuous ice production for several hours, minimizing the need for frequent refills. However, keep in mind that the ice will melt if left in the unrefrigerated storage basket. This model tends to show streaks more than others on its stainless-steel finish.

For those who enjoy sodas or seltzers, the Luma Comfort IM200 clear-cube ice maker is a great option. Clear ice enhances the fizz of carbonated drinks and looks more appealing. While it takes 20 to 24 minutes to produce a batch—three times longer than bullet ice makers—it makes three times as much ice per batch. The clear ice lasts over an hour in room-temperature water and can be adjusted for thickness. However, it occupies more countertop space than our bullet-style options.

Most countertop ice makers share a similar size and shape, producing ice in comparable time frames. Research indicates that many are manufactured in the same factories, with the primary difference being the type of ice they produce. We tested three main categories:

Bullet-ice makers: These machines are compact, occupying about half the space of a small microwave. At room temperature (70°F), they generate nine bullet-shaped ice cubes every seven to nine minutes, enough to fill nearly half a pint glass. Since they don’t maintain the ice’s temperature, it’s essential to use the ice quickly or transfer it to a freezer for later storage. The speed of production depends on factors such as cube size (most models offer two size options), daily capacity (usually 26 or 28 pounds), and duration of operation, as machines tend to slow down after extended use.

Clear-ice makers: Clear ice not only looks more appealing but also retains carbonation in beverages longer. According to refrigeration expert Dan Conrad, producing clear ice requires purified water and a freezing process that minimizes air introduction. These machines typically create ice cubes slowly through running water, preventing air pockets. Making a batch takes around 25 minutes, and while some models offer adjustable ice thickness, they can be finicky. Clear-ice machines produce solid blocks of ice that often need to be broken apart, and they tend to be larger and pricier than bullet-ice makers.

Nugget-ice makers: Nugget ice, known for its soft, chewy texture, is created from flaked ice packed together. This ice type absorbs flavors, making it excellent for slushies and cocktails but can cause carbonated drinks to go flat quickly. Due to the complexity of its production, nugget-ice machines take longer—sometimes up to 30 minutes—for a reasonable batch and are generally more expensive than their bullet or clear-ice counterparts.

In our latest testing, we evaluated 12 machines: five bullet-ice makers, four clear-ice makers, and three nugget-ice makers. Testing them sequentially over several weeks in a home setting allowed us to assess their daily convenience while focusing on several key factors:

Ice quality: We observed ice size and uniformity across all models, noting the clarity of clear-ice cubes and how easily they could be separated. We also timed how long it took for the ice to melt, which was often quite rapid, especially in warmer temperatures.

Ease of cleaning: Regular maintenance is crucial for avoiding mildew and rust. We considered the location of drain plugs, the availability of self-cleaning features, and how manageable the machines were for transport to the sink.

Reliability: Unlike larger appliances, countertop ice makers tend to be less durable. We reviewed user feedback on popular models, discovering a significant number of complaints about machines malfunctioning within months. While most countertop ice makers come with a one-year warranty, customer service experiences vary widely among brands.

The Igloo IGLICEBSC26 offers a compact design and a user-friendly self-cleaning cycle. At under a foot tall and 8.5 inches deep, it saves counter space and is lightweight for seasonal storage. It produces ice reliably, matching the output of our other pick, though its smaller reservoir requires slightly more frequent refills.

The Igloo IGLICEBSC26 features clear and intuitive controls, including buttons for selecting two ice sizes. Additionally, it comes with a self-cleaning mode, which, while not essential, is a convenient bonus compared to our Magic Chef pick.

The ice produced is cloudy, a common trait among bullet-ice makers due to trapped air during freezing. While this doesn’t impact the flavor, it can cause carbonated drinks to lose their fizz more quickly than clear ice. Additionally, these machines tend to lack durability; user reviews indicate that they often don’t hold up well over time, despite all models offering standard one-year warranties.

However, it does take longer than bullet-ice makers. The Luma Comfort typically takes 20 to 25 minutes to produce a batch of ice at room temperature, and around 30 minutes in warmer conditions. In contrast, our bullet-ice maker picks generate nine pieces of ice in about eight minutes. Still, since the Luma Comfort produces approximately three times as much ice per batch, the overall output is comparable over time.

The Opal 2.0 features a sleek, modern design with a transparent, illuminated ice reservoir resembling an aquarium. It includes a magnetic side water tank for extended ice production between refills, though it’s optional. A more affordable version of the Opal 2.0 is available without the side tank.