If you’ve ever hosted a BBQ, made cocktails at home, or just wanted a cold drink without waiting hours for the freezer tray to catch up you already know how annoying it is to run out of ice.
That used to be me.
Every time friends came over, I’d have to run to the gas station for a bag of ice. Half of it would melt in the car before I even got home. Not fun.
So I finally pulled the trigger on a countertop ice maker.
Honestly? Best $100 I’ve ever spent. It cranks out fresh ice in minutes, and it’s small enough to sit on the kitchen counter without looking clunky. Plus, it saves me trips, time, and money in the long run.
I tested a bunch of the top-rated portable ice makers on Amazon and narrowed it down to the 5 best picks. Some are super fast, some make chewable nugget ice, and one of them is perfect if you want to take it on the road.
Let’s break them down
- Makes 9 cubes in just 6 minutes — get ice faster than your freezer can blink
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day — perfect for parties, camping, or daily use
- One-touch self-cleaning mode — keeps the machine fresh with zero effort
- Comes with a removable ice basket + scoop — easy to serve and refill
- Quiet operation — won’t interrupt your kitchen vibes
- Transparent lid lets you see ice levels without opening the machine
- Makes soft, chewable nugget ice — the kind you get from Sonic, now in your kitchen
- Large output: 38 lbs/day — perfect for big families or entertaining
- Side tank included — holds 3x more water so you don’t have to refill constantly
- Bluetooth-connected — schedule ice-making or monitor from your phone
- Interior lighting + sleek stainless steel finish — looks modern on any countertop
- Quieter than older models — less hum, more chill
- Chewable nugget ice — same soft, crunchy texture people obsess over
- Energy-efficient design — uses less power than traditional models
- Quick ice production — starts producing ice in just 7–10 minutes
- Auto self-cleaning mode — just push a button and you're done
- Visible water level window — always know when it’s time to refill
- Compact design fits under cabinets — ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments
- Crunchy, chewable nugget ice — restaurant-style texture at home
- Fast production: 10–15 mins to first batch — no more waiting for trays
- Auto-cleaning function — helps keep it fresh with minimal effort
- Clear window design — lets you check ice levels at a glance
- Lightweight and compact — easy to move around or store
- More affordable than other nugget ice machines — under $300 with solid features
- Makes 9 bullet-shaped cubes in 6 minutes — super fast ice for drinks anytime
- Auto-cleaning mode — just press a button, no scrubbing required
- Quiet operation — runs smoothly without loud humming
- Includes ice scoop + removable basket — easy to serve, easy to store
- Compact + lightweight — great for apartments, dorms, or taking on the road
- Large water tank for size — makes 26 lbs/day without constant refills
Which One’s Right for You?
Still not sure which one to get? Here’s the quick breakdown:
Best for Families or Parties: EUHOMY Ice Maker — Big capacity, self-cleaning, and quiet. Reliable for daily home use.
Best Overall: GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker — Premium nugget ice, smart controls, and a large output. Perfect if you want the best of the best and don’t mind paying for it.
Best Budget Pick: COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker — You get soft nugget ice and auto-cleaning without breaking the bank.
Best for Small Spaces: Antarctic Star Ice Maker — Fast, quiet, and compact enough for RVs, dorms, or tiny kitchens.
Most Efficient: Gevi Ice Maker — Starts making ice fast and saves energy over time. Ideal for frequent use.
Ready to ditch the ice trays forever?
Each of these countertop ice makers is highly rated, fast, and worth the investment if you love cold drinks on demand. Whether you’re prepping for summer, upgrading your kitchen, or outfitting your RV — there’s a perfect fit on this list.