Best Countertop Ice Makers 2026
A countertop ice maker is one of those small appliances that quietly changes a routine: no more filling trays, no more last-minute runs for bagged ice, and cold drinks whenever you want them. In our comparison, we looked at five popular models, from a premium nugget-ice machine to simple bullet-ice makers that focus on speed and value. The key choice is ice type first, output second, and everything else after that.
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Top 3 Picks
- Best overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0. Soft, chewable nugget ice, a large daily output, Wi-Fi scheduling, and an optional side tank make it the most complete machine here.
- Best value bullet-ice maker: Euhomy 26 lb. Fast first batches, a carry handle, and self-cleaning cover everyday ice needs without fuss.
- Best simple everyday pick: Igloo ICEB26. A proven 26 lb per day design with two cube sizes, a viewing window, and a five-cycle self-cleaning function.
1. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
In our comparison, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the clear nugget-ice leader. It makes soft, chewable pellet ice that cools drinks quickly and is easy to eat, the kind of ice…
In our comparison, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the clear nugget-ice leader. It makes soft, chewable pellet ice that cools drinks quickly and is easy to eat, the kind of ice people go out of their way for. Output is up to 38 lbs per day, with a 3 lb storage bin, and the first batch arrives in about 10 minutes.
The side-tank version stretches time between refills, which matters because nugget machines use water steadily through the day. Wi-Fi and the SmartHQ app let you schedule production and get maintenance alerts, and the machine recirculates melted ice back into production rather than wasting it.
The trade-offs are size, upkeep, and the fact that it does not keep ice frozen indefinitely: like all countertop makers here, it makes ice rather than storing it cold, so move ice to a freezer if you are stocking up. It also needs regular cleaning and descaling, especially in hard-water areas, and the side tank adds width, so check your counter space.
- Pros: Soft chewable nugget ice; up to 38 lbs per day; Wi-Fi scheduling and alerts; side tank reduces refills; melted ice recirculates.
- Cons: Larger footprint, wider with side tank; needs regular descaling; ice melts if left in the bin.
2. Igloo ICEB26 Countertop Ice Maker
Igloo’s ICEB26 is the dependable workhorse of this list. It produces up to 26 lbs of bullet ice per day, makes 9 cubes in as little as 7 minutes, and stores about 1.25 lbs in the basket at a time. Two cube sizes let you match ice to glasses or bottles, and the LED panel shows when to add water or when the basket is full.
The carry handle makes it easy to move between kitchen, home bar, or outdoors, and the viewing window lets you check progress without opening the lid.
Bullet ice is the compromise: it melts faster than nugget ice and is less suited to chewing, and the 1.25 lb basket means you will be emptying it often on party days. It needs a power outlet and a level surface.
- Pros: Up to 26 lbs per day; first cubes in about 7 minutes; two sizes; carry handle; self-cleaning function.
- Cons: Bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice; small 1.25 lb basket; needs emptying often at gatherings.
3. Newair Nugget Ice Maker
Newair’s countertop nugget maker, model NIM026MBN0, brings chewable nugget ice to a smaller footprint than the Opal. It produces up to 26 lbs per day, makes its first nuggets in about 10 minutes, and includes a basket and scoop.
Operation is simple: fill the reservoir, press a button, and let it run, with indicator lights for add-water and ice-full states. A self-cleaning function helps with maintenance, and the compact size suits apartments, offices, and home coffee bars where counter space is limited.
The limits are output and storage. At 26 lbs per day it will not keep up with a large party on its own, and like every machine here it does not store ice frozen, so nuggets left in the basket will slowly melt. Check which finish and variant you are buying, since Newair sells several nugget models with different outputs.
- Pros: Chewable nugget ice; compact countertop size; up to 26 lbs per day; simple one-touch operation; self-cleaning.
- Cons: Lower output than the Opal; ice melts if left in the basket; model range needs careful checking.
4. Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
Frigidaire’s EFIC101 countertop maker is a straightforward bullet-ice machine: up to 26 lbs per day, two selectable cube sizes, a large viewing window, and a 2.3-quart water reservoir. It is designed to be plugged in, filled, and left to run, with LED controls and indicators for full basket and low water.
In our comparison, its strengths are simplicity and a familiar brand name. A drain plug makes emptying easy, and the included scoop and basket cover the basics.
It shares the usual bullet-ice limits: cubes melt faster than nugget ice, the basket holds a modest amount at a time, and the machine makes noise while the compressor runs, which is normal but noticeable in a quiet room. It is best for everyday drinks rather than heavy entertaining.
- Pros: Simple operation; up to 26 lbs per day; two cube sizes; viewing window; drain plug for easy emptying.
- Cons: Bullet ice melts faster; modest basket capacity; compressor noise in quiet rooms.
5. Euhomy 26 lb Countertop Ice Maker
Euhomy’s IM008-B is the fastest starter in this comparison, with 9 bullet cubes ready in about 6 minutes and up to 26 lbs per day. It holds about 1.3 lbs in the basket, offers two cube sizes, and includes a carry handle, basket, and scoop.
The one-touch self-cleaning cycle runs for about 30 minutes and is easy to start, and infrared sensors flag ice-full and add-water states so you are not guessing.
As with the other bullet-ice models, ice melts if left sitting, so it is a make-and-use machine rather than a storage freezer. The basket is small for parties, and the machine needs regular cleaning to keep ice tasting fresh, especially if it sits unused between weekends.
- Pros: First cubes in about 6 minutes; up to 26 lbs per day; carry handle; one-touch self-cleaning; compact size.
- Cons: Bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice; small 1.3 lb basket; needs regular cleaning.
Comparison Table
| Model | Ice type | Daily output | First batch | Basket capacity | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Nugget | Up to 38 lbs | About 10 minutes | 3 lbs | Wi-Fi scheduling, side tank |
| Igloo ICEB26 | Bullet | Up to 26 lbs | About 7 minutes | 1.25 lbs | Carry handle, five-cycle cleaning |
| Newair Nugget (NIM026MBN0) | Nugget | Up to 26 lbs | About 10 minutes | Small basket | Compact nugget design |
| Frigidaire EFIC101 | Bullet | Up to 26 lbs | Minutes | Modest | Simple controls, viewing window |
| Euhomy IM008-B | Bullet | Up to 26 lbs | About 6 minutes | 1.3 lbs | Fastest first batch, handle |
FAQs
What is nugget ice, and is it worth paying more for?
Nugget ice is soft, chewable pellet ice that cools drinks fast and is easy to eat. If you love that texture for sodas and iced coffee, it is worth it; if you just need cold drinks, bullet ice does the job.
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. They make ice but do not work like a freezer, so ice left in the basket will slowly melt and the water recirculates into new batches. Move ice to a freezer if you are stocking up.
How much ice do I need per day?
For one or two people drinking iced beverages daily, 26 lbs per day is plenty, since the basket holds only a small amount at a time and you will use ice as it is made. For parties, the Opal’s higher output and larger bin help, but a freezer stash is still the safest plan.
How often should I clean a countertop ice maker?
Run the self-cleaning cycle regularly and descale as the manual recommends, more often in hard-water areas. Clean machines make better-tasting ice and last longer.
Conclusion
Choose the GE Profile Opal 2.0 if nugget ice is the priority and you want the highest output here. Choose the Newair nugget maker if you want chewable ice in a smaller machine. Choose the Euhomy if you want the fastest first batch for everyday drinks, the Igloo if you want a proven all-rounder with a handle, and the Frigidaire if you want the simplest bullet-ice machine. Remember it makes ice rather than storing it, so keep freezer space handy for parties.
