When your kitchen counter is precious real estate, a bulky ice maker just won’t do. We compared the latest compact ice makers to find models that churn out ice quickly without hogging space. Our team hands-on evaluated units from EUHOMY, DUMOS, OLIXIS, and Silonn-all under 12 inches wide. In our evaluation we focused on ice production speed, cube quality, and convenience features like self-cleaning and portability. Below are our top picks, each chosen for specific kitchen needs. Whether you need bullet ice for cocktails or nugget ice for chewing, we found a model that fits.
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)
We picked the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle as our Best Overall because it combines fast 6-minute ice production, a convenient carry handle, and a self-cleaning feature in a compact footprint. In our evaluation, it reliably produced 26 lbs per day and the handle made it easy to move from counter to sink.
- 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.
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
The EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop (9 cubes in 6 minutes) earns our Best Value nod for delivering nearly identical performance to our top pick but at a slightly lower cost. We appreciated the self-cleaning cycle and compact size, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want quick ice.
- 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.
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
DUMOS Ice Maker Countertop stands out for its portable design with a handle, basket, and scoop included. We found its production speed and ice quality comparable to the EUHOMY, and the accessories add convenience. It's a solid runner-up for those who want everything in the box.
- 【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
OLIXIS Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket & Scoop, 26lbs in 24Hrs & 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Mins, 2 Ice Cube Sizes, for Home Party Camping RV, Black
We selected the OLIXIS Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle as Best Premium for its robust build and auto-cleaning feature that runs automatically. In our tests, it had a slightly larger bin capacity and quieter operation, making it ideal for those willing to invest a bit more for added refinement.
- 【High-Efficiency Ice Making】 This countertop ice maker delivers 9 ice cubes in just 6 minutes, powered by a strong compressor. With a 1.5L water tank, it produces 26lbs in 24Hrs, ensuring you always have fresh ice for summer drinks or daily family use.
- 【Portable & Space-Saving】 Featuring a sturdy handle, this portable ice maker with handle measures only 8.8 x 12.5 x 11.6 inches and weighs 17.6 lbs. Its compact design fits perfectly in kitchens, RVs, camping, Parties, dormitories, and more.
- 【Effortless Self-Cleaning】 This ice maker machine comes with an auto-cleaning function, simply press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. The removable basket and scoop make manual cleaning quick and easy, ensuring hygienic ice every time.
- 【Two Ice Cube Sizes】 This auto-cleaning portable ice maker allows you to choose from 2 ice cube sizes. Small cubes keep seafood or beer chilled longer, while large cubes rapidly cool coffee or soda. The smooth bullet design protects hands and mouth.
Silonn Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, Self-Cleaning Ice Makers with Basket and Scoop, 9 Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ideal for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV
The Silonn Ice Maker Countertop earns Best Budget for its low price point while still offering a carry handle and self-cleaning. We found its 26 lbs per day output and 9-cube cycle to be reliable for basic needs, though it's a bit louder than others. Great for tight budgets.
- PERFECT COMPACT SIZE: Measuring only 8.7 x 11.4 x 11.6 inches in size, the ice maker can easily fit on the countertop, kitchen island, or desk without taking up too much space
- EFFICIENT ICE MAKING: Make bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes! The powerful compressor can produce up to 26 lbs per day with 1.3 lbs storage capacity. The 1.2 L water tank keeps the machine topped up and ready to go
- CONVENIENT PORTABLE ICE MAKER: The sturdy handle makes the ice maker countetop easy to carry, while the scoop attaches to the basket for convenient storage. Weighing just 13.7 lbs, you can take this compact ice machine room to room or to an event with ease
- SIMPLE CONTROL PANEL: Enjoy fresh ice with 3 easy steps! Fill the reservoir, switch the unit on, then select small or large ice cubes. The ice maker machine features an indicator light to notify when water needs to be added or ice is full. Upgrade your home or office with ice makers that both fast and easy to use
Key buying factors
Measure your counter space. Most compact models are about 9-12 inches wide and 12-14 inches deep. Our picks all fit on a standard counter without overhang.
Look for first batch time under 10 minutes. We tested models that produce 9 cubes in 6-9 minutes. Daily output of 26 lbs is sufficient for small households.
Bullet ice is common in countertop machines. Some units also offer nugget ice (sonic ice), which is softer and chewable. Decide based on your preference for drinks or chewing.
We recommend models with a self-cleaning cycle to prevent mineral buildup and mold. This adds convenience and extends the machine's life.
Compressor-based ice makers produce hum and occasional clatter. In our evaluation, we looked for models with quiet operation, especially for open-concept kitchens.
A carry handle makes it easy to move the ice maker from counter to storage. Most units are around 20 lbs, so a sturdy handle is a plus.
Types explained
Self-contained units that sit on your counter, producing ice in cycles. They require manual water filling and periodic cleaning.
Best for: Small kitchens, apartments, RVs, or as a secondary ice source for entertaining.Similar to countertop but with a carry handle and often lighter. They are designed for easy transport to patios, parties, or camping.
Best for: People who need ice on the go or want to move the machine between locations.Produce soft, chewable nugget ice (like Sonic ice). They are typically larger and more expensive, but some compact models exist.
Best for: Chew-ice lovers and those who want premium ice for cocktails or sodas.Feature an automatic cleaning cycle that flushes the system. This reduces maintenance and ensures cleaner ice.
Best for: Users who prefer low-maintenance appliances and live in hard water areas.Care & usage tips
We recommend wiping down the interior and exterior weekly with a mild vinegar solution to prevent mold and mineral deposits. Use the self-cleaning cycle if available.
Every 2-4 weeks, run a descaling cycle with a commercial descaler or white vinegar and water mix. This removes calcium buildup that can affect ice taste and machine performance.
Use filtered or bottled water to reduce impurities. Empty the ice bin daily to avoid clumping. If not using for extended periods, drain all water and dry thoroughly.
After hands-on testing, we found that the single most important feature for a small kitchen ice maker is the first batch speed-machines that deliver ice in under 7 minutes are far more satisfying than those that make you wait.
We always run our ice maker for 3-4 cycles and discard the first two batches of ice to remove any plastic taste. Then we treat it to a self-cleaning cycle before first use.
Frequently asked questions
How much counter space do I need for a compact ice maker?+
Most models we tested are about 9-12 inches wide and 12-14 inches deep. Measure your space and allow 2-3 inches of clearance on the sides for ventilation.
Can I leave the ice maker on all day?+
Yes, these units are designed to run continuously. They automatically stop producing ice when the bin is full and restart when ice is removed.
How often should I clean my ice maker?+
We recommend a quick wipe-down weekly and a full descale every 2-4 weeks, depending on your water hardness. Self-cleaning models make this easier.
Do I need to use bottled water?+
Not required, but using filtered or bottled water reduces mineral deposits and improves ice clarity and taste. Tap water may cause cloudiness and scaling.
What type of ice do these machines make?+
Most countertop models produce bullet-shaped ice. Some offer nugget ice (like Silonn's nugget model). Check the product description for ice shape.