Best Home Ice Makers for Countertops, Bars, and Parties

Tired of buying bags of ice or dealing with freezer cubes that taste like leftovers? This guide compares the top countertop ice makers for kitchens, home bars, and gatherings so you can pick the right machine for the way you drink and entertain.

If you reach for a cold drink more than once a day, a dedicated ice maker is one of those small appliances that instantly makes life easier. The right machine keeps up during weeknight dinners, backyard parties, and game-day spreads without the taste, odor, or slow refill time that plague many fridge freezers. This guide focuses on reliable countertop models across three useful ice styles: chewy nugget ice for sodas and everyday sipping, perfectly clear cubes for cocktail enthusiasts, and fast bullet ice for budget-friendly speed.

Below you will find quick recommendations if you need a fast answer, followed by detailed reviews that explain who each pick is for, how it performs, and what to watch out for. We also include setup and cleaning tips to keep your ice tasting pure for years.

Quick picks

• GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with WiFi and Side Tank: Best nugget ice overall for families and daily sippers
• Frigidaire EFIC235 Nugget Ice Maker: Best value nugget ice maker for parties
• NewAir ClearIce40 Clear Ice Maker: Best clear ice for cocktails and slow sippers
• Euhomy IM-01 Countertop Ice Maker: Best budget bullet ice for small kitchens

In-depth reviews

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with WiFi and Side Tank review

Who it is for: Anyone who wants restaurant-style nugget ice at home and plans to use it every day. If you love chewing ice, make lots of iced coffee, or your family powers through a pitcher of lemonade, the Opal 2.0 is the most polished countertop nugget machine you can buy.

How it performs: The Opal 2.0 consistently produces soft, chewable nugget ice that packs densely in a glass and chills drinks quickly without turning them watery. Expect first nuggets in roughly 10 to 20 minutes and a steady stream after that. Daily ice output is generous for a countertop unit, and the included side tank meaningfully extends runtime between refills. The bin keeps a few pounds ready to scoop. The WiFi app lets you set schedules, start cleaning cycles, and monitor ice levels, which sounds like fluff until you use it to have ice ready when you get home.

What stands out: Build quality feels premium, with a bright interior light, a clear viewing window, and a removable bin that makes serving easy. Self-cleaning and sanitize modes simplify maintenance, and the water filter options help with taste if you have hard or funky tap water.

Drawbacks: Nugget machines use a different refrigeration method than bullet makers, so they tend to be louder and cost more upfront. The Opal 2.0 hums like a quiet dishwasher and occasionally crunches during ice formation. It also needs regular cleaning to prevent mineral buildup. You will want counter space with good ventilation around the sides and back.

Compare to our value pick, the Frigidaire EFIC235: both make true nugget ice, but the GE feels sturdier, has smarter scheduling, and runs a touch quieter in typical kitchens. If you want the nicest experience and can spend more, choose the Opal 2.0. If you just need plenty of chewable ice for parties at a lower price, the Frigidaire gets it done.

Frigidaire EFIC235 Nugget Ice Maker review

Who it is for: Hosts and families who want lots of chewy nugget ice without the premium price of the GE. It is a strong fit for weekend entertaining, office break rooms, and rental units where you want simple controls and solid output.

How it performs: The EFIC235 turns out airy, chewable nuggets that are a hair softer than the GE’s, which many people actually prefer in sodas and iced coffee. First ice appears in minutes and then production ramps up. Output is ample for most households and small gatherings. The reservoir-fed design means no plumbing, and the bin stores several pounds before the unit cycles off. The control panel is simple with a visible indicator for cleaning, and the stainless look blends into most kitchens.

What stands out: Price to performance is excellent for true nugget ice. The machine is straightforward to refill and easy to lift off the counter for deep cleaning. A self-clean function helps reduce limescale, and parts like the bin and scoop are easy to rinse.

Drawbacks: It is a bit louder during the freeze-compress cycle than the GE and lacks app scheduling, so you may hear it at night if you run it in an open-plan space. The interior light is dimmer, and the fit and finish feel less premium. As with any nugget model, plan on routine cleaning, especially if you have hard water.

Compare to the GE Profile Opal 2.0: the Frigidaire sacrifices smart features and some refinement but saves money. Compared with our bullet-ice budget pick from Euhomy, the EFIC235 produces a better chewing texture and more party-friendly ice, though the Euhomy is quieter and cheaper to buy.

NewAir ClearIce40 Clear Ice Maker review

Who it is for: Cocktail fans and anyone who wants crystal-clear, slow-melting cubes that do not dilute a Negroni, an Old Fashioned, or a pour of whiskey. If clarity and shape are your priorities over sheer volume, this is your pick.

How it performs: The ClearIce40 freezes water in layers from the inside out, which pushes out air and minerals to produce transparent, restaurant-style cubes. These cubes are larger and denser than bullet or nugget ice, so they cool drinks while keeping flavors intact. Output is steady across the day with the first clear cubes appearing after an initial run, and the 40-pound daily rating is more than most home bars will ever need. The stainless exterior wipes clean, and the scoop and removable bin make service easy.

What stands out: The ice is genuinely clear and looks great in a glass. If you often mix spirit-forward drinks, you will taste the difference. The machine runs with a consistent compressor hum and avoids the crunching noises that nugget makers often produce. Cleaning is straightforward and less frequent than with nugget machines, provided you use filtered water.

Drawbacks: It is larger than a bullet-ice unit, and the cycle takes longer to produce each batch. If your goal is to churn out gallon after gallon of ice for coolers, this is not the most efficient choice. Clear cubes are also harder to chew, which may be a negative if your household loves crunchy ice for sodas.

Compare to the GE Profile Opal 2.0: the NewAir makes showpiece cubes that melt slowly, while the GE makes soft pellets for everyday sipping. If you host cocktail nights, choose the NewAir. If you go through pitchers of tea and want chewable texture, choose the Opal. Compared with our Euhomy bullet pick, the NewAir’s ice looks and tastes cleaner, though the Euhomy is faster to first ice and easier on the wallet.

Euhomy IM-01 Countertop Ice Maker review

Who it is for: Buyers who want a compact, affordable, and fast ice maker for daily use in small kitchens, dorms, RVs, or offices. It is also a smart backup for parties when your freezer dispenser cannot keep up.

How it performs: The IM-01 makes rounded bullet ice in small and large sizes, with the first batch often done in about six to eight minutes. It is quieter than most nugget machines and sips power between cycles. For quick cool-downs in water bottles, smoothies, or iced coffee, bullet ice is effective and plentiful. Daily output is rated around 26 pounds and is realistic if you keep refilling the reservoir. The form factor is compact, and the flip-top lid makes scooping fast.

What stands out: Excellent speed, simple one-button operation, and a price that makes it easy to recommend. The drain plug on the bottom simplifies water changes, and the stainless accents look tidy on a counter. It is light enough to stash when not in use.

Drawbacks: Bullet ice is cloudy and melts faster than clear cubes, so it is not ideal for slow sipping. The small bin acts more like a holding tray. Because it is not refrigerated, cubes gradually soften and re-melt, then get recycled. Plan to transfer finished ice to your freezer if you want to stock up.

Compare to the Frigidaire EFIC235 nugget: the Euhomy is cheaper, smaller, and quieter, and it delivers fast batches for everyday chilling. It does not deliver the chewable restaurant-style texture that nugget fans love. Against the NewAir ClearIce40, the Euhomy wins on speed and footprint while the NewAir wins on clarity and slow melt.

How to choose the right home ice maker

Start with ice style. Nugget, clear, and bullet each suit different drinkers.

• Nugget ice: Soft, chewable pellets that pack densely and chill fast. Great for sodas, lemonade, iced coffee, and blended drinks. Machines cost more and need diligent cleaning.
• Clear ice: Large, transparent cubes that melt slowly and keep cocktails balanced. Ideal for whiskey, spirit-forward drinks, and guests who appreciate presentation. Machines are a bit larger and cycle slower per batch.
• Bullet ice: Fast, rounded cubes with a hollow center. Affordable machines, quick first batches, and a compact footprint. Best for everyday water bottles and quick chilling, not slow sipping.

Match output to your crowd. Manufacturers list daily output in pounds, but what matters is bin size and cycle speed. For a family or small gatherings, 20 to 30 pounds per day is plenty. If you host frequently, plan for 30 to 40 pounds, or make ice in advance and stash it in your freezer. Remember that many bins are not refrigerated, so transfer finished ice to a bag or container if you want to stockpile.

Mind the footprint and ventilation. Ice makers need airflow around the sides and back. Measure your counter depth, cabinet clearance, and outlet access. Many units are 12 to 17 inches deep and tall enough that they may not fit under low cabinets.

Consider noise. Nugget machines have a notable crunch during ice formation and a compressor hum. Clear-ice units hum steadily. Bullet models are usually the quietest. If your kitchen is open to a nursery or home office, this can matter.

Plan for water and taste. A built-in reservoir keeps setup simple. If your water tastes off or you have hard water, use filtered water and run cleaning cycles on schedule. Some models support inline filters or have sanitize modes that keep flavors fresh.

Look for useful features, not gimmicks. A good viewing window, bin light, self-cleaning cycles, a removable bin, and a side tank to extend runtime are more valuable than novelty cube shapes. App control can be genuinely helpful to schedule ice before you get home.

Setup, maintenance, and cleaning tips

Ice only tastes as good as your water and your cleaning routine. A few small habits keep your machine fast, quiet, and fresh.

• Rinse before first use. Discard the first two batches of ice, then wash and dry the scoop and bin.
• Use filtered or low-mineral water. It reduces scale and off flavors and cuts cleaning time significantly.
• Run the self-clean cycle weekly if you use the machine daily. For hard water, add a monthly descale with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner or a diluted white vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly.
• Drain and dry for storage. If you will not use the machine for a few days, pull the drain plug, wipe the reservoir, and leave the lid open to air dry. This prevents biofilm and odors.
• Keep it cool and ventilated. High room temperatures slow production. Leave a few inches of space on all sides and avoid cramped corners under cabinets.
• Stockpile smartly. Because many bins are not refrigerated, transfer finished ice to a freezer bag or insulated bin if you are building a stash for a party.

If you notice a change in taste or slower production, a thorough clean almost always helps. Remove the bin, wipe the chute, sanitize the reservoir, and check the intake and exhaust for dust that might restrict airflow.

Final thoughts

If you want the absolute best everyday experience, start with the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with WiFi and Side Tank. It is reliable, easy to live with, and the nugget ice is a crowd pleaser. For a lower price without giving up chewy pellets, the Frigidaire EFIC235 Nugget Ice Maker is our value choice. Cocktail lovers should go straight to the NewAir ClearIce40 for pristine cubes that keep drinks balanced. If you want fast ice on a small budget, the Euhomy IM-01 Countertop Ice Maker is compact, quick, and simple. Choose based on the ice style you love most, then match output and size to your space and hosting style.

See also

Outfitting a small entertaining zone? A mini fridge cuts trips to the kitchen and keeps mixers handy, so consider our guide to the best bedroom mini fridges. For snacks that keep the crowd happy, crispy wings are easy with the picks in our best air fryer for chicken guide, and a compact screen can elevate game day in a den with the best bedroom TVs.

If you are refreshing your kitchen gear for hosting, you may also want pans that release cleanly and clean up fast, so check the best nonstick frying pans. And if extra guests and ice-making humidity push moisture levels up, a unit from our best dehumidifier for mold shortlist can keep the space comfortable.

FAQ

What ice type should I choose for cocktails, sodas, and daily use?

Choose clear ice for spirit-forward cocktails. Large, transparent cubes melt slowly and keep drinks balanced. Nugget ice is perfect for sodas, iced coffee, and water because it chills fast and is easy to chew. Bullet ice is the most affordable and versatile for everyday use, but it melts faster and is cloudier, so it is not ideal for slow sipping.

How much ice do I need for a party, and which machine can keep up?

Plan on about 1 to 1.5 pounds of ice per adult for a two to three hour gathering, more if it is hot or you are filling coolers. A machine rated around 30 to 40 pounds per day, like the NewAir ClearIce40 or a nugget model with a side tank, can support most small parties if you start a few hours early and transfer finished ice to your freezer. For larger crowds, make ice the day before and store it.

Are nugget ice makers loud, and can I run them overnight?

Nugget machines have a gentle compressor hum and periodic crunching as pellets form. In most kitchens they are similar to a quiet dishwasher. You can run them overnight, but if noise is a concern, place them farther from sleeping areas and use scheduling on models like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 so the machine is active when you need it and idle when you do not.

How often should I clean and descale a countertop ice maker?

If you use your ice maker daily, run a quick rinse or self-clean weekly and a deeper descale about once a month, especially with hard water. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaner or a diluted white vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly and discard the first batch of ice. Wipe the bin, scoop, and seals, and drain the reservoir if the machine will sit unused.

Why does my ice taste off or come out soft and wet?

Off flavors typically come from mineral buildup or water quality. Switch to filtered water and run a full clean and descale cycle. Soft or wet ice can happen if the room is hot, the bin is overfilled, or the machine lacks airflow. Give the unit a few inches of clearance, empty the bin periodically, and let the machine run a few cycles to stabilize after cleaning or moving.

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