Ice Maker Buying Guide

Buying Guide

Dedicated ice makers beat freezer trays when you entertain or chew ice daily — if you plan drainage, ventilation, and daily output honestly. Portable units flex; undercounter builds need cabinet cutouts.

Top questions

1. What makes a good ice maker?
2. Portable or built-in undercounter?
3. Bullet, nugget, or clear cube?
4. Drain pumps and descaling?
5. Models worth a closer look
6. How much should you spend?
7. What to read next

What makes a good ice maker?

Reliable ice makers hit rated daily pounds in normal room temps, recycle melt properly on drain models, and produce cube shapes you actually want.

Heat and airflow around the unit dictate output — cramped cabinets underperform.

Buyers prioritize automatic (57% of top products include it vs 39% overall).

Budget tier ($39.99-$80.08) averages 4.45★; buyers expect Smart, Automatic, Led.

Start with how you actually use the ice maker — daily rhythm matters more than the longest feature list on the spec sheet.

Portable or built-in undercounter?

Portables need manual water fill or line kits and vent space — great for renters. Undercounter units need drain plans and front ventilation gaps.

Outdoor installs need weather-rated electrical — most kitchen units are indoor rated only.

When you are ready to compare models, See all 14 ice makers in our lineup — filter by price and the specs that matter most to you.

Bullet, nugget, or clear cube?

Nugget ice is chewable and popular — louder mechanics. Clear cubes melt slower in drinks but cost more.

Match daily lb rating to party size — 26 lbs sounds big until a summer afternoon drains it.

When you are ready to compare models, See all 14 ice makers in our lineup — filter by price and the specs that matter most to you.

Drain pumps and descaling?

Units without drains recycle melt water — fine if you accept flavor carryover; commercial-style needs gravity or pump drains.

Plan regular descaling in hard water — scale kills output fast.

When you are ready to compare models, See all 14 ice makers in our lineup — filter by price and the specs that matter most to you.

Top-ranked models worth considering

These are some of the top-rated, well-reviewed ice maker in our catalog — strong examples while you learn what to shop for. This is not our full ranked list. See all 14 ice makers in our lineup or see our roundup when you are ready to buy.

WINNER

★★★★☆4.4

(16,731)

Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker 26-lb per Day

Compact countertop ice maker chills out a party with 26 pounds of ice daily.

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Frigidaire has been a reliable name in home cooling for decades. The EFIC189 compact ice maker applies that straightforward engineering to a single, simple task: producing a lot of ice, very quickly. It’s a focused appliance that excels at its core function.

You get your first batch of clear, square cubes in about six minutes. The 26-pound daily capacity means it can quietly replenish a party cooler or keep a home bar stocked without a second thought. The electronic controls are minimal—just a few buttons for power, size, and start. It holds about 2.2 pounds of ice in its basket at a time, which is enough for most daily needs without constant emptying.

At 200 watts, it’s efficient for its output. The trade-off for its compact size and speed is that it’s an ice maker only, with no built-in refrigeration to store cubes long-term. You’ll want to transfer them to a freezer if they’ll sit for more than a few hours. For consistent, on-demand production, it delivers exactly what Frigidaire promises.

HomeGear editors evaluate and recommend products independently. Purchases through affiliate links may earn us a commission, which helps support our editorial work.

Brand: Frigidaire

Where to find it: Amazon

Specifications

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Manufacturer:Frigidaire

Brand:Frigidaire

Model Name:EFIC189/EFIC206

Capacity:26 Pounds

Wattage:200 watts

Dimensions:15"D x 11"W x 14.5"H

Model Number:EFIC189-Silver

RUNNER UP

★★★★☆4.3

(14,086)

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker 26-lbs/24-Hour

Compact countertop ice maker churns out 26 pounds of bullet ice daily, perfect for parties.

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EUHOMY’s countertop ice maker solves a specific problem: the need for a lot of ice, fast. It’s built for when your freezer’s ice tray or a crowded fridge dispenser can’t keep up. This unit prioritizes speed and volume over fancy shapes, delivering its first batch in about six minutes.

You get nine bullet-shaped cubes at a time, with a daily yield of up to 26 pounds. The 1.2-liter water tank is easy to fill and means you’re not constantly refilling for a party. At 170 watts, it’s efficient for a compressor-based system, and it runs noticeably quieter than many vibrating-model machines. The included scoop and basket are simple, practical touches.

Keep in mind this is a dedicated ice producer, not a storage unit. You’ll want to transfer cubes to your freezer if you don’t plan to use them within a few hours, as they will begin to melt. For kitchens, garages, RVs, or patios, it’s a straightforward appliance that does one job very well.

Brand: ‎EUHOMY

Where to find it: Amazon

Specifications

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Brand:EUHOMY

Model Name:ice maker

Capacity:26 Pounds

Wattage:170 watts

Voltage:‎115 Volts

Refrigerant:‎R600a

Manufacturer:‎E EUHOMY

Material:‎Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Brand Name:‎EUHOMY

Model Info:‎IM-06D-HM

Installation Type:‎Countertop

Special Features:‎Portable

Color:‎Black

Material Type:‎Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Included Components:‎ice maker, ice basket, ice scoop

Batteries Included?:‎No

Batteries Required?:‎No

Dimensions:‎11.42"D x 8.74"W x 11.57"H

Weight:‎12.87 pounds

Model Number:‎IM-06D-HM

RECOMMENDED

★★★★☆4.1

(14,101)

Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker 26 Lb

Self-cleaning countertop ice maker that eliminates tedious maintenance.

3

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Igloo is known for reliable, straightforward appliances. This countertop ice maker stands out because it handles its own maintenance. The self-cleaning cycle is the main event, removing mineral buildup that eventually slows down or breaks lesser machines.

It produces its first batch of bullet-shaped ice in about seven minutes. The 26-pound daily output is enough for a full day of entertaining or a steady family supply. Operation is simple: add water, press a button, and the LED indicators tell you when the bin is full or the tank needs a refill. At 120 volts, it’s a standard plug-in appliance for kitchens, garages, or home bars.

The compact design saves counter space, but note the 1-pound storage capacity. You’ll need to empty the bin regularly if you’re making ice continuously. For consistent, hands-off ice production without the hassle of descaling, it’s a practical upgrade.

Brand: ‎Igloo

Where to find it: Amazon

Specifications

▼

Brand:Igloo

Model Name:Igloo Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker

Capacity:1 Pounds

Voltage:120.0

Refrigerant:‎R600a

Manufacturer:‎Nostalgia

Material:‎Plastic

Dimensions:‎10.79"D x 7.3"W x 11.89"H

Weight:‎13.7 pounds

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How much should you spend?

Our ice maker catalog centers around a ~$98 median, with useful options below and above that mark depending on features and finish.

What to read next

How we review ice makers

We compare the details that matter in a real kitchen — daily ice output in pounds, cube shape, drain type, and undercounter vs portable design. We read owner reviews and ratings, line up specs on comparable models, and editors turn that into plain advice you can use before you buy.

We do not measure daily ice yield per pound of water across every model in a controlled environment. When we link to specific models, those recommendations come from the same side-by-side comparison — not paid placement.

Disclaimer

HomeGear Insider publishes buying advice to help you shop smarter. We are not the manufacturer or seller of the products here. Prices, specs, and availability change — double-check the details on the retailer’s site before you order. Installation, warranty, and returns are between you and the seller.