10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you're looking for a compact, countertop ice machine that produces chewable nugget ice, which is great for drinks like cocktails, sodas, and slushies. It can make up to 35 pounds of ice in 24 hours, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for fresh ice. The 1.1-liter water tank and clear container let you easily see how much ice you have at any time. One standout feature is its self-cleaning mode, activated by a quick button press, which makes maintenance simple and keeps your ice fresh without much hassle.

The machine operates quietly at 43 decibels, making it suitable for home use without loud interruptions. Its size (about 12 inches tall and 11 inches deep) means it won’t take up too much counter space and is fairly portable if you want to move it around. On the downside, the ice storage capacity is somewhat limited, so if you need large amounts of ice at once, you might find yourself waiting for cycles to complete. Also, the water refill could be frequent if you use it heavily since the tank holds just over 1 liter.

This ice maker balances performance and convenience, making it ideal for daily household use or small gatherings where nugget-style ice is preferred.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want quick, chewable nugget ice at home or on the go. It produces up to 34 pounds of ice daily, with fresh batches ready in just 6 to 8 minutes, making it great for parties, camping, or just everyday use. The ice it makes is soft and crunchy, ideal for cooling drinks without dulling their flavor or hurting your teeth. Its 1.8-pound removable basket offers a reasonable amount of ice storage, though it may require frequent emptying during heavy use.

This ice maker is compact and portable, weighing just under 20 pounds and featuring a sturdy handle, so it’s easy to move around or fit on a countertop without taking too much space. The built-in scoop holder and large viewing window add convenience. It runs quietly at under 50 decibels, so it won’t disturb conversations or sleep, and it’s energy-efficient, using about 1 kWh over 8 hours. Cleaning is straightforward with a top cover that lifts easily and an automatic 15-minute self-cleaning mode, which helps maintain hygiene without much hassle. The machine also signals when ice is full or water needs refilling, which makes it user-friendly.

On the downside, the water tank is relatively small at 1.2 quarts, so you’ll need to refill it regularly if you plan to make a lot of ice. Also, while the ice storage basket is removable, it’s not very large for longer storage. Some users might find the 19.8-pound weight a bit heavy for frequent travel despite the handle. This model is well suited for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use nugget ice maker for home, RV, or small gatherings, especially if you value ice quality and quiet operation.

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want a countertop machine that produces a good amount of chewable nugget ice—up to 44 pounds daily—with a fast cycle time of just 10-15 minutes. This makes it suitable for small gatherings, home use, or office setups where quick ice supply matters. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to fit in kitchens, RVs, or bars without taking much space. The ice cube shape is popular for drinks because it’s soft and chewable, which many people enjoy.

One of its strengths is the intelligent alerts for when the ice basket is full or water runs low, helping avoid interruptions. The self-cleaning feature is handy, cleaning the machine in about 20 minutes without needing harsh chemicals or manual scrubbing, which keeps things hygienic with minimal effort. The LED touch controls are straightforward, making it easy to adjust settings or start cleaning.

The ice storage capacity is somewhat limited due to the machine’s compact size, so if you need large amounts of ice stored at once, you might need to remove and use ice frequently. The water tank capacity (1.8 liters) means you need to refill occasionally, which is typical for machine size but worth noting. Some users mention noise levels can be noticeable during ice production, so it might not be perfect for very quiet environments. The machine is moderately priced for its features, reflecting good reliability. If you want a portable, quick, and easy-to-use nugget ice maker that’s easy to clean and fits neatly on the counter, this model fits the bill well. Just keep in mind its smaller storage and occasional noise when planning where to use it.