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10 Best Portable Countertop Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL with 1 Gallon Tank, Chewable Crunchable Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, Scoop included, 38 lbs in 24 hours, Pellet Ice Machine with WiFi & Smart Connected, Stainless Steel

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Storage Capacity
Ice Shape and Size

Most important from
1890 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
The Opal ice maker produces a significant amount of ice and feels like a real appliance, not a plasticky gimmick.
Ice Storage Capacity
Pellet ice is excellent, and the water tank requires refilling only about once a week.
Ice Shape and Size
Despite producing nugget ice as advertised, the machine can be extremely noisy and maintenance-intensive.
Ease of Use
The reservoir is easy to fill, and the drainage system simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Noise Level
The machine operates reasonably quietly, with the dropping of ice being louder than the compressor.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL portable countertop ice maker is a versatile and high-capacity machine ideal for those who enjoy chewable, nugget ice. It produces up to 38 pounds of ice per day, ensuring you never run out, and stores up to 3 pounds of ice at a time, making it suitable for small gatherings or daily use.

The ice maker generates ice quickly, with the first batch ready in about 10 minutes, which is a significant advantage for immediate refreshment needs. The attached 1-gallon water tank helps increase ice production and is convenient for refilling and cleaning. Additionally, the built-in WiFi and voice control features through the SmartHQ app allow for remote monitoring and operation, enhancing ease of use.

The machine's stainless steel construction provides durability and a sleek, modern look that fits well in various kitchen settings. The size and weight (38 pounds) make it less portable than some may prefer for a countertop unit. This ice maker is best suited for users seeking high ice production capacity with modern connectivity features, despite its bulkier size.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Storage Capacity
Ice Shape and Size

Most important from
1890 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
The Opal ice maker produces a significant amount of ice and feels like a real appliance, not a plasticky gimmick.
Ice Storage Capacity
Pellet ice is excellent, and the water tank requires refilling only about once a week.
Ice Shape and Size
Despite producing nugget ice as advertised, the machine can be extremely noisy and maintenance-intensive.
Ease of Use
The reservoir is easy to fill, and the drainage system simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Noise Level
The machine operates reasonably quietly, with the dropping of ice being louder than the compressor.
#2

Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Black)

Rating
9.7
Ice Shape and Size
Ice Production Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
1160 reviews

Ice Shape and Size
Produces perfect soft, chewable nugget ice quickly, ideal for iced coffee, smoothies, and everyday use.
Ice Production Capacity
Delivers a generous amount of ice throughout the day, ensuring you rarely run out.
Ease of Use
One-click operation and a self-cleaning feature make maintenance effortless and keep the machine fresh.
Size and Portability
Compact and stylish design fits well on countertops without taking up much space.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, comparable to a refrigerator, making it unobtrusive in home environments.
Production Speed
Starts producing ice in about 7 to 15 minutes, with enough ice for multiple drinks within an hour.
Ice Production Capacity
Not designed for high-volume party use but excels for daily household needs.

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you're looking for a portable countertop machine that produces chewable nugget ice, known for its pleasant texture and slower melting. It can make up to 35 pounds of ice in 24 hours, which is quite generous for home use, and starts making ice in just 7 minutes, so you won't be waiting long for fresh ice. The compact size (about 13" x 9" x 11") makes it easy to fit on most countertops without taking up too much space, and the transparent top lets you see the ice supply at a glance.

One of the standout features is the self-cleaning function, which helps keep the machine fresh with minimal effort—just a quick button press activates a 15-minute cleaning cycle. Noise level is impressively low at 43 decibels, which means it won’t disturb conversations or quiet environments. The LED indicators for water level and ice status simplify operation, making it user-friendly even for beginners.

If you want a stylish, easy-to-use nugget ice maker that quickly delivers tasty ice for drinks and parties, the Kismile offers a good balance of speed, quiet operation, and maintenance ease.

Rating
9.7
Ice Shape and Size
Ice Production Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
1160 reviews

Ice Shape and Size
Produces perfect soft, chewable nugget ice quickly, ideal for iced coffee, smoothies, and everyday use.
Ice Production Capacity
Delivers a generous amount of ice throughout the day, ensuring you rarely run out.
Ease of Use
One-click operation and a self-cleaning feature make maintenance effortless and keep the machine fresh.
Size and Portability
Compact and stylish design fits well on countertops without taking up much space.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, comparable to a refrigerator, making it unobtrusive in home environments.
Production Speed
Starts producing ice in about 7 to 15 minutes, with enough ice for multiple drinks within an hour.
Ice Production Capacity
Not designed for high-volume party use but excels for daily household needs.
#3

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Silver)

Rating
9.4
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Storage Capacity
Ice Shape and Size

Most important from
16168 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Produces ice steadily and quickly, filling the basket in about two hours, providing enough nugget ice to last for days when run for a few hours.
Ice Storage Capacity
Limited ice storage capacity means frequent removal of ice is necessary during extended use or larger gatherings.
Ice Shape and Size
Delivers the soft, chewy nugget ice that rivals Sonic’s iconic style, which is the main reason for choosing this machine.
Production Speed
Produces ice steadily and quickly, filling the basket in about two hours, providing enough nugget ice to last for days when run for a few hours.
Ease of Use
Initial setup requires patience due to a mandatory 24-hour upright waiting period and discarding the first few batches for optimal ice quality.
Size and Portability
Compact and stylish design fits well on countertops with a manageable footprint, making it convenient for home use.
Noise Level
Runs quietly enough not to be disruptive, though the operational sound is noticeable and may discourage continuous nonstop use.
Energy Efficiency
Offers energy-efficient operation and easy cleaning cycles that maintain hygiene without much user effort.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a compact, portable machine ideal for anyone needing fresh, chewable nugget ice at home, parties, or even while camping. It quickly produces sonic-style nugget ice in about 6 to 8 minutes, making up to 34 pounds of ice in a day, which is plenty for families or small gatherings. The 1.8-pound removable ice basket is convenient for easy access and storage, though it’s not designed for large-scale use. Its relatively small size and built-in handle make it easy to move and fit on most countertops, perfect for spaces like RVs or offices.

The machine runs quietly at less than 50 decibels, meaning it won’t disturb your activities or sleep. Energy-wise, it’s efficient, consuming about 1 kWh over 8 hours of use, which helps keep electricity costs low. The user-friendly features include a clear water tank, an “ice full” indicator to prevent overflow, and an automatic 15-minute cleaning cycle that keeps the ice fresh and the machine hygienic without much effort. The stainless steel design adds durability and a modern look.

On the downside, while the ice production speed is good for personal or small group use, larger parties might find the storage capacity limited, requiring frequent ice removal. Also, it uses R600a refrigerant, which is eco-friendlier but may require cautious handling if serviced. This ice maker is a solid choice for those wanting quick, soft nugget ice from a portable, easy-to-use countertop machine without much noise or complicated maintenance.

Rating
9.4
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Storage Capacity
Ice Shape and Size

Most important from
16168 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Produces ice steadily and quickly, filling the basket in about two hours, providing enough nugget ice to last for days when run for a few hours.
Ice Storage Capacity
Limited ice storage capacity means frequent removal of ice is necessary during extended use or larger gatherings.
Ice Shape and Size
Delivers the soft, chewy nugget ice that rivals Sonic’s iconic style, which is the main reason for choosing this machine.
Production Speed
Produces ice steadily and quickly, filling the basket in about two hours, providing enough nugget ice to last for days when run for a few hours.
Ease of Use
Initial setup requires patience due to a mandatory 24-hour upright waiting period and discarding the first few batches for optimal ice quality.
Size and Portability
Compact and stylish design fits well on countertops with a manageable footprint, making it convenient for home use.
Noise Level
Runs quietly enough not to be disruptive, though the operational sound is noticeable and may discourage continuous nonstop use.
Energy Efficiency
Offers energy-efficient operation and easy cleaning cycles that maintain hygiene without much user effort.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Countertop Ice Makers

Choosing the right portable countertop ice maker can make a big difference in your daily life, especially if you enjoy cold beverages or entertain guests frequently. When selecting an ice maker, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a model that fits your needs. Here are the main factors to keep in mind when shopping for a portable countertop ice maker.
Ice Production CapacityIce production capacity refers to the amount of ice the machine can produce in a 24-hour period. This is important because it determines how much ice you can have available for your needs. Ice makers typically range from producing 20 pounds to over 50 pounds of ice per day. If you entertain often or have a large family, you might want a higher capacity. For occasional use or smaller households, a lower capacity may suffice.
Ice Storage CapacityIce storage capacity is the amount of ice the machine can hold at one time. This is crucial for ensuring you have enough ice ready when you need it. Storage capacities can vary from a few pounds to over 10 pounds. If you need a constant supply of ice, look for a model with a larger storage capacity. For less frequent use, a smaller storage capacity might be adequate.
Ice Shape and SizeDifferent ice makers produce different shapes and sizes of ice, such as bullet, nugget, or cube. The shape and size can affect how quickly the ice melts and how it fits in your drinks. Bullet-shaped ice is common and melts slowly, while nugget ice is softer and chewable. Consider your preference for ice texture and how you plan to use the ice when choosing the right shape and size.
Production SpeedProduction speed indicates how quickly the ice maker can produce a batch of ice. This is important if you need ice quickly, such as for parties or gatherings. Production speeds can range from 6 minutes to over 20 minutes per batch. If you often need ice on short notice, opt for a model with a faster production speed. For less urgent needs, a slower speed may be acceptable.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses features like user-friendly controls, clear indicators, and simple maintenance. This is important for ensuring you can operate the ice maker without hassle. Look for models with intuitive controls, easy-to-read displays, and straightforward cleaning processes. If you prefer convenience, prioritize ease of use in your selection.
Size and PortabilitySize and portability refer to the dimensions and weight of the ice maker, which affect where you can place it and how easily you can move it. This is important for fitting the ice maker in your kitchen or taking it to different locations. Compact and lightweight models are ideal for small spaces and portability. If you have ample counter space and don't plan to move the ice maker often, size may be less of a concern.
Noise LevelNoise level is the amount of sound the ice maker produces while operating. This is important if you plan to use the ice maker in a quiet environment or during gatherings. Noise levels can vary significantly between models. If you prefer a quieter appliance, look for models specifically designed to operate with minimal noise. For less sensitive environments, noise level may be less critical.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much power the ice maker consumes while operating. This is important for minimizing your energy bills and environmental impact. Energy-efficient models use less electricity and can save you money over time. Look for models with energy-saving features or certifications. If you are conscious about energy consumption, prioritize energy efficiency in your choice.

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