Best countertop ice makers of 2025 – chill your drinks with the best of the year!
Few things compare to a cold drink on a hot day, especially when using fresh ice from your countertop ice maker. A good ice maker fits any scenario – from throwing a party to going camping. It’s easy to use, time-efficient, and compact, saving space both on your countertop and in the freezer.
But which ice maker is the best? Together with the Cybernews team, I conducted a thorough research and selected the top 6 options. In this article, I’ll compare them against each other to help you make a choice.
Best countertop ice makers – shortlist
- HOMEZAY – best ice maker overall
- Silonn SLIM32T – best ice quality
- EUHOMY – best ice-making speed
- FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver – best value for money
- Silonn SLIM17B – best space efficiency
- Frigidaire EFIC117-SS – best interface
Best countertop ice makers compared
Here is a side-by-side comparison of each model’s key features.
| Ice shapes available | Daily output | Ice-making time | Depth, width, height | Best for | |
| HOMEZAY | Cubes, nuggets, bullets | 33 lbs | 10 minutes | 11.3 x 8.5 x 12.6 | Home, office |
| Silonn SLIM32T | Bullets, nuggets, cubes | 44 lbs | 10 minutes | 13.58 x 9.38 x 14.78 | Kitchen spaces |
| EUHOMY | Nuggets | 34 lbs | 6 minutes | 9.45 x 11.6 x 12.99 | Parties and camping |
| FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver | Bullets | 26 lbs | 6 minutes | 15 x 11 x 14.5 | Spacious home and office spaces |
| Silonn SLIM17B | Nuggets | 33 lbs | 6 minutes | 8.66 x 11.3 x 12.68 | Travel, parties |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-SS | Bullets | 26 lbs | 6 minutes | 9 x 13 x 13 | Medium to large-sized kitchens |
6 best countertop ice makers – my detailed list
Below is a closer look at the top 6 countertop ice makers, based on their key features.
1. HOMEZAY – best for versatile ice making
| Price: | Medium |
| Ice shape: | Ice cubes, bullet ice, nugget ice |
| Ice making time: | 10 minutes |
HOMEZAY ice maker is a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate option thanks to its one-button controls that let you activate the machine, make the ice, and clean the appliance easily. The ice maker also has a self-cleaning feature, which means you just need to add a descaling solution to the water and let the machine do the job.
Most importantly, HOMEZAY supports all three popular ice shapes, unlike other models that usually focus on a single type, offering more flexibility.
2. Silonn SLIM32T – reliable quality
| Price: | Medium |
| Ice shape: | Ice cubes, bullet ice, nugget ice |
| Ice making time: | 10 minutes |
Silonn is another option that prioritizes easy maintenance, with an intuitive interface and a simple cleaning process that includes a self-cleaning feature and removable parts for better care. It also lets you track the state of the machine through a light indicator, which shows when the basket is full, the water tank needs refilling, or the cleaning is ongoing.
This is also one of the two only options on the list that makes ice of three shapes instead of just one, allowing for better usage flexibility. Additionally, the user reviews praise the ice quality, highlighting perfect ice shapes and quick ice making.
3. EUHOMY – the fastest ice making
| Price: | Medium |
| Ice shape: | Nugget ice |
| Ice making time: | 6 minutes |
EUHOMY promises one of the fastest ice-making cycles on the list, claiming it only takes 6 to 8 minutes to produce ice. It also presents itself as a quieter and more energy-saving option, with less than 50 dB noise and a low energy consumption of about 3 kWh daily.
EUHOMY has a fully open design for better maintenance, with automatic self-cleaning, one-button controls, and an indicator that updates you on water levels and the ice bin capacity. The ice maker will enter an energy-saving mode once the bin is full, which is a plus for users looking to save on energy bills.
4. FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver – a wallet-friendly option
| Price: | Affordable |
| Ice shape: | Bullet ice |
| Ice making time: | Less than 6 minutes |
FRIGIDAIRE comes with a promise of extremely fast ice making, with less than 6 minutes needed to produce bullet ice in two possible sizes. User reviews mostly seem to confirm this, as most customers praise the speed.
The ice maker also has an impressive 1.2 qt. water tank capacity, which minimizes the need for refills and can produce up to 26 lbs of ice a day. Additionally, it uses a compressor cooling system with no harsh chemical refrigerants, which makes the machine not just safer but also more energy-efficient.
5. Silonn SLIM17B – best design
| Price: | On the lower side |
| Ice shape: | Nugget ice |
| Ice making time: | Within 6 minutes |
With just a 6-minute ice-making cycle, Silonn can produce up to 33 pounds of ice per day, which is over 60 drinks, making it a decent choice for intense use. It also has an energy-saving mode, so using the ice maker actively shouldn’t be too hard on your electricity bill.
Its design and size make it a worthy fit for both various kitchen spaces and traveling. However, some reviewers noted that the model goes out of service quickly, so if you’re looking for a lasting appliance, consider pricier picks.
6. Frigidaire EFIC117-SS – best user experience
| Price: | Affordable |
| Ice shape: | Nugget ice |
| Ice making time: | Within 6 minutes |
Frigidaire stands out for its space-efficient design and ease of use, with smooth navigation, intuitive maintenance, and a light indicator to keep track of the machine’s work. Additionally, users compliment the low noise levels, noting that although you can hear the noise, it’s not too bothersome or distracting.
While the machine will only make nugget ice, it compensates for the limited choice with a speedy ice-making cycle, large reservoir capacity, and the opportunity to select from two different ice sizes.
How did I select the best countertop ice makers?
When selecting the best countertop ice makers, I looked at several key aspects:
- Features and performance. I analyzed product specifications, focusing on essential factors. This included the ice maker’s capacity, ice production speed, available ice shapes, overall ease of use, durability, and design.
- User feedback. I paid attention to user reviews and expert commentary to better understand their experience with the product and see an unbiased look at different models’ pros and cons.
- Value for money. The price-to-quality balance mattered as well. When comparing ice makers, I looked for both the best affordable and the best premium models. My goal was to offer versatile options for users with different budgets.
What is a countertop ice maker, and how does it work?
A countertop ice maker is a small portable appliance that can quickly make a large amount of ice without the need for a water line or a complex installation.
It operates by pumping the water into a freezing chamber, where metal prongs or trays freeze the water into ice. Depending on the model and settings, the ice comes out as bullet-shaped, nugget-shaped, or cubed. It then drops into a storage bin, ready for use.
Unlike with other appliances or making ice in a freezer, a countertop ice maker allows you to save time and energy by automating the process and producing ice in 10 minutes or less, depending on the model. The machine also produces ice in big amounts – sometimes, for up to 150 drinks a day. It can be a good fit for various scenarios, from home use to camping.
Care and maintenance of the countertop ice maker
The best way to prolong your countertop ice maker’s lifespan is proper care. Here are some tips:
- Clean often: Wipe the exterior regularly and clean the ice bin and water reservoir according to the manual to prevent the formation of bacteria and mold.
- Change water: Empty and refill the water reservoir regularly, especially if you’re not using the machine often. This helps avoid contamination and ensures the water doesn’t get stale.
- Descale: With mineral deposits building up inside the ice maker, you’ll need to descale at least once a month, depending on the model and frequency of use.
- Store carefully: Clean your ice maker and drain the remaining water before putting it away. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from high temperatures.
For more detailed maintenance recommendations, check with your ice maker’s manual and manufacturer’s recommendations.
How to choose the best countertop ice maker?
To find a model that fits your needs, consider the following factors:
- Ice production rate: All models have different capabilities, with some producing up to 40 lbs of ice per day. Consider how much ice you need before purchase.
- Type of ice: There are three types of ice – bullet ice for everyday use, nugget ice that’s great for cocktails, and ice cubes that melt more slowly.
- Size and portability: Measure your countertop space before purchase for the best fit. And if you’re planning to travel, a lightweight model will be more portable.
- Water refill method: Some models require manual refills, while others can be hooked to a water line. Decide based on your kitchen setup.
- Energy efficiency: To reduce your electricity bill, look for a model with an energy-saving mode, especially if you’re planning for active use.
- Ease of use: Prioritize simple controls. Ice makers that can be set up and activated within a few clicks are the best option.
- Noise level: An ice maker can be loud, so try looking for a low-noise model or one with a ‘quiet mode’.
Other reviews you might be interested in:
Final word on the best countertop ice makers
Countertop ice makers can be a great addition to your household thanks to their ease of use, space efficiency, and quick ice production. However, it’s important to find the best model for your needs, based on your countertop capacity, overall goals, and budget.
When looking for an ice maker, focus on factors like ice production speed, noise levels, and supported ice shapes. For example, HOMEZAY is a great pick if you’re looking for a machine that will support all ice shapes. Meanwhile, EUHOMY is a reliable choice when your priority is the ice-making speed.
Remember to compare different options and pay attention to user reviews before purchase. This way, you’ll be able to make an informed choice.
FAQ
How long does it take for a countertop ice maker to make ice?
Most countertop ice makers can produce ice in 6 to 10 minutes. The exact production time usually depends on several factors, including the ice maker model, the ice size and shape, and even water temperature, as warmer water may slow down the cycle.
Do I need to connect a countertop ice maker to a water line?
No, the vast majority of countertop models are designed with a focus on portability, which means they don’t require a water line or any additional appliances. However, some premium models offer optional water line connections. Check your ice maker’s specifications for additional information.
What type of ice does a countertop ice maker produce?
While it varies by model, most ice makers will be producing one of the following ice types: nugget ice, bullet ice, or ice cubes. Some, like HOMEZAY, can make all three types depending on the current settings, but many options are more limited and only produce bullet or nugget ice.
Are countertop ice makers energy-efficient?
Yes, in many cases. Plenty of models use relatively little power, especially during short cycles, and have features like auto turn-off and energy-saving mode. However, keep in mind that if you’re planning to use the ice maker regularly, the energy consumption will also go up.
