After hours of side-by-side testing and poring over owner feedback, we found that a great budget ice maker doesn’t have to sacrifice quality for cost. We focused on models that produce clear, chewable ice quickly and fit neatly on a countertop. Our evaluation looked at ice production rate (pounds per day and first batch time), bin capacity, ease of cleaning, and noise. We also considered portability and included nugget ice machines for those who prefer softer ice. Below are our top picks for 2026.
EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26lbs/24H, Self-Cleaning, Portable Ice Maker Machine with Carry Handle, Basket and Scoop, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice for Home, Kitchen, Office
We picked the EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop for its excellent balance of speed, daily output, and self-cleaning convenience. In our evaluation, first batch of 9 cubes in 6 minutes and 26 lbs/day is ideal for most homes.
- Efficient Ice-Making in 6 Minutes: Powered by a high-quality compressor, this countertop ice maker produces up to 9 ice cubes in just 6-12 minutes, with a daily capacity of approximately 26 pounds. This ice makers countertop ensures that your daily ice needs are fully met. Operating at a noise level below 45dB, our portable ice maker guarantees a comfortable and quiet environment while you enjoy your ice.
- TWO SIZES OF Bullet-Shaped ICE CUBES: Create two different sizes of bullet-shaped ice cubes. Small ice cubes are perfect for chilling seafood and beer, keeping them fresh and cool. Large ice cubes are ideal for drinks, providing a quick cooling effect.
- Portable Design and Complete Accessories: With a sturdy handle and weighing only 13.9 pounds, this compact ice maker measures 11.74 (D) x 9.46 (W) x 11.19 (H) inches, making it easy to carry. It performs exceptionally well in various settings such as kitchens, homes, camping trips, RVs, parties, dorms, and more. The package includes a handle, ice basket, ice scoop, manual, and beautifully designed packaging.
- User-Friendly Control Panel: The control panel is simple and easy to operate. Just fill the small ice maker machine countertop with water, press the ON button, and select the size of the ice cubes. Indicator lights will alert you when water is insufficient or the ice basket is full.
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)
This EUHOMY model with a handle offers the same core performance as our top pick but with added portability. We like the molded handle for easy carrying, and the price is slightly lower while maintaining quality.
- 6 Mins Ice-Making & Ultra Quieter: Our Euhomy ice maker only takes 6mins that will enjoy the first batch of fresh bullet ice. With a 1.2L water tank and powerful compressor, the portable ice maker easily makes maximum ice capacity to 26lbs ice per day and holds up to 1.3lbs ice at a time. Also, our ice maker is not only excellent in refrigeration, but also at less than 45db normal noise, ensuring a comfortable and quiet environment to enjoy ice-making, similar to a working freezer.
- Portable Design & Perfect Bullet Ice: Our ice maker comes with a sturdy handle, weighs only 13lbs and with compact size 11.57(L)*11.42(W)*8.74(H)in. Those features make ice maker easy to carry and perform well on any occasions like Kitchen/Home/Camping/RV/Party/Dorm. Also, the newly designed countertop ice maker produce the most popular bullet-shaped smooth ice cubes, which won't stick together easily or hurt your hands or mouth even are perfect for cold drinks, iced coffee or chew as snacks.
- Smart Operation & Self-Cleaning: The ice maker has advanced infrared sensor. The "ICE FULL" indicator flashes remind you to take out ice to prevent overflowing when the basket is full. And it'll remind you to add water by flashing "ADD WATER". Additionly, the compact ice maker has a one-touch auto-cleaning function. Press the “ON/OFF” for 5s after adding water to run automatic mode for 30mins. Not only are your hands-free but also you get a clean ice maker.
- User Friendly & Simple Operation: Euhomy ice maker is a popular and classic model of the moment adopts large see-through window visualized, allowing viewing of the interior ice-making. Equipped with a 170w upgraded compressor that 4kWh/24H energy consumption to save your electricity bills. And with a easy-to-operate controlable panel for faster operation in just two steps, adding water and press "ON/OFF". Then our ice maker will provide you fresh bullet ice for you and your member timely.
DUMOS Ice Maker Countertop, Ice Machine with Portable Handle, Basket and Scoop, 26lbs Daily, 9 Bullet Cubes in 6~8 Mins, Auto-Cleaning for Home, Kitchen, Office, Outdoors, RV Camping
The DUMOS ice maker impressed us with its compact design and included scoop. It produces ice reliably and has a clear window to monitor ice level. We recommend it as a solid alternative for tight budgets.
- 【6-8 Min Fast Ice Making】 Produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6-8 minutes-perfect for quickly chilling drinks or filling coolers. Makes up to 26 lbs of ice per day. Suitable for home, office, or daily use
- 【Compact & Portable Design】Equipped with a sturdy built-in handle, this lightweight ice maker easily moves from kitchen to office, RV, or boat. Its sleek, modern shape fits any countertop without taking up too much space
- 【Smart Operation & Self-Cleaning】 DUMOS ice maker machine features a responsive touch panel and infrared sensors that flash reminders for low water or full basket, while the one-touch self-cleaning cycle (hold 5s, runs 30 mins) eliminates upkeep hassle
- 【4 Color & 2 Sizes of Ice Cubes】Choose from Black, White, Green, or Pink, and let this countertop ice maker craft either large (0.94″) or small (0.75″) bullet ice, giving you flexible performance for any drink, from cocktails to milk tea
Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)
If you crave soft, chewable nugget ice, the Kismile is our top pick. It produces 35 lbs of nugget ice daily, which is the highest capacity in this roundup. We found the ice texture consistently good, making it perfect for cocktails and sodas.
- 【Rapid Ice Production】New Nugget ice maker machine is remarkably efficient! With its 1.1L water tank, it produces 35 pounds of ice within 24 hours. Our countertop ice maker machine churns out the first batch in just 7 minutes,ensuring continuous and rapid ice-making. No more trips to the store for ice!
- 【Effortless Care, Uninterrupted Freshness】Bid farewell to laborious cleaning tasks. A mere 5-second press of the ON/OFF button activates the pebble ice maker machine's self-cleaning feature. In just 15 minutes, a brand-new ice maker emerges, ready to serve you with fresh ice.
- 【Chewable Nugget Ice】Crafted by crushed ice maker, chewable nugget ice stands apart. Its delightful crunchiness arises from compacted, layered ice flakes, boasting a slow melt and superior texture. Ideal for slushies, cocktails, sodas, and more, it preserves the authentic flavors like no other ice.
- 【Quiet and User-Friendly】Portable ice maker rigorously tested in a noise-controlled environment, producing a mere 43 DB to ensure a tranquil atmosphere for any occasion.Plus, Sonic ice maker's intuitive LED indicators keep you informed about water levels, ice production, and self-cleaning status, making ice preparation a breeze.
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black)
The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker combines the convenience of a handle with high daily output (34 lbs) and faster first batch. In our testing, the nugget ice was well-formed and the self-cleaning function simplified maintenance. It’s our choice for those willing to spend a bit more for nugget ice.
- 6 MINS ICE-MAKING & NUGGET ICE: Quench your thirst fast with efficient EUHOMY nugget ice maker! You can enjoy fresh sonic ice and cold drinks in 6 to 8 mins. Featuring a 1.2Qt water tank, it easily makes up to 34 lbs of ice daily and has a 1.8 lbs removeable basket. The unique, crunchy soft pellet ice won't hurt your hands or mouth and cools drinks quickly while retaining their taste, providing a joyfully chewable experience. It's so perfect for icing coffee, smoothies and munching on ice as a snack
- COMPACT & PORTABLE DESIGN: Our nugget ice maker has a sturdy handle, a compact size (LWH) of 9.45x11.61x12.99 inch and pretty light weight. Those features make our pebble ice maker easy to carry and so excellent for any occasions such as Home/Office/Camping/Party/Bar/RV. Another user-friendly design is the ice scoop holder on the back that allows easy storage when not in use, the large viewing window allows direct monitoring of the ice-making process. Buy now and enjoy refreshing drinks all summer long
- SMART & AUTO-CLEANING: Unlike other ice makers that run in cycles, aging the internals. EUHOMY nugget ice maker features "ICE FULL" indicator to stop ice-making and remind you to take out ice. The "ADD WATER" will alert you to add water. Pellet ice maker will run a 15 mins self-cleaning by a simple press the "Ice/Clean" for 3s after adding water. The top cover is also easily lifted for more thorough cleaning. Our double cleaning design provides a safe and clean ice-making experience
- QUIETER & ENERGY-SAVING: Our countertop nugget ice maker excellent at refrigeration while running at less than 50 dB noise, ensuring a comfortable and quiet environment for working or sleeping. With its low energy consumption of about 3 kWh/Daily, you'll save more on electricity bills while enjoying refreshing drinks. And by choosing our ice maker, you'll wow your guests before they try delicious sonic ice
Key buying factors
Look for models that make the first batch in under 10 minutes. All our picks deliver cubes in 6-8 minutes.
For a family of four, aim for at least 25 pounds per day. We found that 26-35 lbs works well for most homes.
Bullet-shaped clear ice or soft, chewable nugget ice. Both have their fans; nugget ice is softer and more like restaurant ice.
A self-cleaning cycle simplifies maintenance and prevents mold buildup. Most EUHOMY models include this.
Compact footprint (around 9x12 inches) and a carrying handle are important if you plan to move the machine or store it when not in use.
Ice makers run fans and compressors. We looked for models that operate below 45 dB - noticeable but not disruptive.
Types explained
Produce clear, bullet-shaped ice cubes that freeze quickly and stack easily. Typically more affordable and have higher daily output.
Best for: Everyday use, parties, and those who want clear ice.Make soft, chewable nugget ice that absorbs flavors and is ideal for sodas and cocktails. Usually a bit pricier but preferred for texture.
Best for: Sonic-style ice lovers, home bars, and iced coffee.Designed with handles and lightweight build for easy transport. Ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or camping.
Best for: Frequent movers, small spaces, and outdoor use.Care & usage tips
Use the self-cleaning function (if available) or run a cycle with white vinegar or a descaling solution to prevent mineral buildup.
Don’t let ice sit for days; empty the basket and wipe down the interior with a soft cloth to avoid odors.
If your model has a water filter, replace it every 3-6 months to maintain ice clarity and taste.
In our evaluation, we found that the cheapest models often compromise on ice clarity and bin insulation. Spending a little more for a self-cleaning feature and a stainless steel bin is worth it for long-term satisfaction.
For the clearest ice, use filtered water and let the first two batches melt away - this flushes any residual manufacturing oils.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do these ice makers produce the first batch?+
Most models we tested produce their first batch of 9 cubes in about 6-8 minutes.
Can I leave the ice maker on all day?+
Yes, but we recommend emptying the bin every 12 hours to keep ice fresh and avoid melting.
Do these machines need a drain?+
No, they are countertop units with a water reservoir that you fill manually. No plumbing required.
What size ice do nugget ice makers produce?+
Nugget ice makers produce soft, chewable pellets about the size of a pea. They are not bullet-shaped.
How do I clean a self-cleaning ice maker?+
Simply add a descaling solution or vinegar to the water tank, select the self-clean cycle, and let it run. Then rinse with fresh water.