Scotsman HID312A-1 - Best Countertop Ice Maker That Keeps Ice Frozen
The Scotsman HID312A-1 is the most capable countertop unit with genuine refrigerated ice storage, combining a full ice-making mechanism with an insulated bin that actively maintains below-freezing temperatures. Output reaches 26 pounds per day with storage for 12 pounds of ice in a frozen state. The build quality is at the top of the consumer range, with stainless housing and a quiet dual-compressor system. It is notably larger than standard countertop units and is best suited to a dedicated bar or kitchen station rather than casual counter placement. For households that want ice available at any time without melt loss, it is the most reliable option available.
Check price on Amazon →Top countertop ice makers that actually store and keep ice frozen in 2026. These refrigerated units hold ice solid so you always have ready-to-use ice on hand.
Most countertop ice makers produce ice continuously but allow it to melt back into water when not used immediately. Refrigerated storage ice makers solve this by combining ice production with an active frozen storage bin, so ice stays solid between uses. The five picks below are selected for ice retention capability, daily production output, storage capacity, and counter footprint.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank | High output with reservoir management | 4.7/5 |
| Scotsman HID312A-1 | Semi-commercial refrigerated storage | 4.8/5 |
| Frigidaire EFIC452-SS | Mid-range refrigerated storage | 4.6/5 |
| Antarctic Star ASMIM40SW | Budget refrigerated bin option | 4.4/5 |
| NewAir AI-215SS | Compact refrigerated storage | 4.5/5 |
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotsman HID312A-1 - Best Countertop Ice Maker That Keeps Ice Frozen | Check price | ||
| Frigidaire EFIC452-SS - Best Mid-Range Pick with Refrigerated Storage | Check price | ||
| NewAir AI-215SS - Best Compact Refrigerated Ice Maker | Check price | ||
| Antarctic Star ASMIM40SW - Best Budget Refrigerated Ice Maker | Check price | ||
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank - Best for Nugget Ice with Extended Run Time | Check price |
The full reviews
Scotsman HID312A-1 - Best Countertop Ice Maker That Keeps Ice Frozen
The Scotsman HID312A-1 is the most capable countertop unit with genuine refrigerated ice storage, combining a full ice-making mechanism with an insulated bin that actively maintains below-freezing temperatures. Output reaches 26 pounds per day with storage for 12 pounds of ice in a frozen state. The build quality is at the top of the consumer range, with stainless housing and a quiet dual-compressor system. It is notably larger than standard countertop units and is best suited to a dedicated bar or kitchen station rather than casual counter placement. For households that want ice available at any time without melt loss, it is the most reliable option available.
Frigidaire EFIC452-SS - Best Mid-Range Pick with Refrigerated Storage
The Frigidaire EFIC452 combines ice production with an actively cooled storage bin at a more accessible price point than premium commercial-leaning units. It makes up to 48 pounds of ice per day and includes a refrigerated bin that slows melting significantly. The stainless exterior is easy to clean and fits a modern kitchen aesthetic. It uses a standard power outlet with no water line required. The bin holds several pounds of ice in a near-frozen state at any time, meaning you are not dependent on catching ice immediately after a production cycle. A practical and well-priced choice for households that want reduce-melt storage without a commercial unit price.
NewAir AI-215SS - Best Compact Refrigerated Ice Maker
The NewAir AI-215SS is one of the more compact units that offers active cooling in the ice storage area, making it appropriate for smaller countertops where a full-sized refrigerated maker would dominate the space. It produces up to 50 pounds of ice per day in bullet-style cubes with a footprint smaller than most comparable refrigerated models. The insulated bin significantly reduces melt rates between production cycles. Controls are simple with an LED display and clear indicator lights. A self-cleaning mode and stainless exterior round out the feature set. It strikes a good balance between counter space and refrigerated storage convenience.
Antarctic Star ASMIM40SW - Best Budget Refrigerated Ice Maker
The Antarctic Star refrigerated ice maker offers active ice storage cooling at a price point well below premium competitors. It produces bullet ice with a first-cycle time around 8 minutes and includes a storage bin with active chilling to reduce ice loss between uses. The daily output is approximately 40 pounds. Build quality is adequate for the price though not as refined as Frigidaire or Scotsman units. For budget-conscious buyers who need ice storage without melt but cannot justify spending or more, this is the most cost-effective way to get refrigerated storage capability.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank - Best for Nugget Ice with Extended Run Time
While the GE Profile Opal 2.0 does not have a refrigerated storage bin, its combination of high daily output, large side tank capacity, and scheduled production via the SmartHQ app means ice is continuously being produced on your schedule, functionally reducing the gap between production and use. For households who specifically want nugget ice and are willing to schedule production around their usage patterns rather than rely on a frozen storage bin, the Opal 2.0 is the best-performing nugget ice solution at the countertop level. Pair it with an insulated tumbler to minimize melt after dispensing.
What matters most
What to consider
The key distinction to verify is whether the unit has an active refrigeration circuit dedicated to the ice storage bin, not just an insulated bin that passively slows melting. Active refrigeration maintains near-freezing temperatures continuously. Storage capacity matters alongside production capacity; a machine that makes 40 pounds per day but only stores 6 pounds frozen at a time has limited value if you access ice infrequently. Consider footprint carefully as refrigerated storage units are measurably larger than standard countertop makers. Noise level is higher for dual-compressor units. Confirm self-cleaning capability and check the service and warranty terms for the additional compressor circuit.
What to consider
For related reading, see our guides on [best countertop ice machines](/articles/best-countertop-ice-machines) and [best countertop ice makers with freezer](/articles/best-countertop-ice-maker-with-freezer). Review our methodology at [/methodology](/methodology).
Frequently asked
Standard countertop ice makers are designed as ice production appliances, not storage appliances. Their compressors focus on the freezing plates that form new ice rather than maintaining freezer temperatures inside the bin. Ice that accumulates melts over time, and the meltwater is recirculated to make new ice. Units with a dedicated storage freezer compartment use a second cooling circuit to actively maintain below-freezing temperatures in the ice bin, which adds cost and size.
An ice maker with refrigerated storage actively keeps the ice bin below freezing so ice does not melt between production cycles, similar to a standalone freezer. A standard freezer ice maker, whether built-in or portable, produces ice that is immediately stored in a frozen environment. Countertop units that keep ice frozen essentially combine an ice production mechanism with a small frozen storage compartment in one appliance.
Countertop ice makers with active refrigerated ice storage typically cost to compared to to for standard non-refrigerated countertop ice makers. The price difference reflects the second cooling circuit and insulated storage bin required to maintain frozen temperatures. For households that use ice intermittently throughout the day rather than immediately after production, the convenience can justify the premium cost.
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