The Best Countertop Ice Makers of 2026
A good countertop ice maker means never running out of ice again. No plumbing, no freezer trays, and no last-minute trips to the store. However, there are dozens of models on Amazon. So which one is actually worth buying? To find out, we compared the most popular countertop ice makers of 2026. We looked at ice type, speed, capacity, noise, and price.
Our top pick
Antarctic Star Portable Countertop Ice Maker
★★★★☆ 4.4 (3,216 Amazon ratings)
~$59 typical price on Amazon
Read the full review →Our top picks cover the three things people want most. First, fast bullet ice for everyday drinks. Second, soft chewable nugget ice for that “good ice” experience. Finally, a portable model for RV and camping trips.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Ice Type | Output/Day | First Batch | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Star | Bullet | 26 lbs | 6 min | ~$59 | Budget & portability |
| Silonn Nugget | Nugget (chewable) | 40 lbs | Fast | ~$260 | Sonic-style chewable ice |
| EUHOMY Portable | Bullet | 26 lbs | 6 min | ~$90 | RV, camping & travel |
Best Budget & Portable: Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker
Want fast ice without spending much? Then the Antarctic Star is the standout value pick. It makes 8 bullet ice cubes in about 6 minutes. Moreover, it produces up to 26 pounds per day. The compact, carry-handle design fits on any counter. It also travels easily to an RV or a party. At around $59, it is one of the most affordable reliable ice makers on Amazon. In addition, it holds a 4.4-star rating across thousands of reviews.
Read our full Antarctic Star review →
Best Nugget Ice: Silonn Nugget Ice Maker
Love soft, chewable “Sonic-style” nugget ice? In that case, the Silonn Nugget Ice Maker is our top pick. It produces up to 40 pounds of pebble ice per day. Furthermore, it has a large 3L detachable tank and a handy 24-hour timer. It also runs quietly at around 40 dB. Nugget ice is softer on your teeth and soaks up flavor. As a result, it is perfect for sodas, cocktails, and iced coffee. It does cost more than a bullet machine. However, it delivers the chewable ice experience at a fraction of premium-brand prices.
Shopping for a sonic ice maker or a pebble ice maker instead? Those are simply other names for the same soft, chewable nugget ice. Therefore, the Silonn is our recommended pick in that category for 2026 as well.
Read our full Silonn Nugget review →
Best for RV & Camping: EUHOMY Portable Ice Maker
Do you travel, camp, or live the RV life? Then the EUHOMY portable ice maker is built for you. A sturdy carry handle and a lightweight 13 lb body make it easy to move from cabinet to campsite. In addition, it makes 9 bullet cubes in just 6 minutes (up to 26 lbs/day). At under 45 dB, it is quiet enough to run overnight in a camper. Likewise, the compact footprint fits where a full-size machine never could. At around $90, it is an affordable and reliable choice for ice on the road.
Read our full EUHOMY RV ice maker review →
Need More Ice? Under-Counter & Built-In Options
Countertop machines are perfect for most homes. However, some people entertain often or want a permanent, plumbed-in look. In that case, a built-in ice maker is the step up. These connect to a water line. Consequently, they make far more ice than any portable unit. Here are our two picks:
- Built-in look, no floor drain: the COTLIN drainless under counter ice maker needs only a water line, so there is no drain to plumb. It makes dense crescent cubes. Therefore, it is ideal for a home bar or kitchen island.
- Maximum capacity: the EUHOMY 100 lb/day commercial built-in ice maker makes up to 100 lbs of clear cube ice a day with a 33 lb bin. As a result, it is best for heavy entertaining, offices, or small businesses. Note that it needs both a water line and a drain.
Bullet Ice vs Nugget Ice: Which Should You Choose?
The biggest decision when buying a countertop ice maker is the ice type. Bullet ice is hard, hollow, and made fast. Therefore, it is ideal for chilling drinks quickly and for everyday use. Nugget ice (also called pebble ice or Sonic ice) is soft and chewable. Moreover, it absorbs the flavor of your drink. Because of that, it is the favorite for smoothies, cocktails, and anyone who loves to crunch their ice. Searching for a sonic ice maker or pebble ice maker specifically? Then a quality nugget machine like the Silonn is exactly what you are after. In short: bullet machines are cheaper and more portable, while nugget machines deliver that signature chewable texture.
What to Look for in a Countertop Ice Maker
- Ice type — bullet for speed and budget, nugget for chewable texture.
- Daily output — 26 lbs is plenty for most households; 40 lbs suits frequent entertaining.
- Speed — the best models make a first batch in around 6 minutes.
- Portability — a carry handle and light weight matter for RV, camping, or parties.
- Tank size — a larger detachable tank means fewer refills and easier cleaning.
- Noise — look for around 40–45 dB if it’ll sit in a kitchen or open-plan space.
- Self-cleaning — a one-touch cycle keeps ice fresh and odor-free.
One more tip, because many buyers overlook it: clean your machine regularly. Ice is regulated as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So treat your ice maker like any other food-contact appliance. Run the self-cleaning cycle weekly and use fresh water. As a result, your ice will always taste its best.
Our Verdict
For most buyers on a budget, the Antarctic Star is the winner. It delivers fast bullet ice and great portability at an unbeatable price. However, if you are after soft, chewable nugget ice — the kind sold as sonic or pebble ice — the Silonn Nugget is the one to get. Meanwhile, road travelers should pick the EUHOMY portable ice maker. It is purpose-built for RV and camping life. Need more than a countertop unit? Then step up to the COTLIN drainless under counter ice maker for a built-in look without plumbing a drain. Alternatively, choose the EUHOMY 100 lb/day commercial built-in for serious capacity. Either way, you will never run out of ice again.
Helpful ice maker guides
- Ice maker buying guide: size, output & ice type
- Nugget vs bullet vs cubed ice: which is best?
- Are countertop ice makers worth it?
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