After evaluating dozens of small ice makers against industry standards and aggregating owner feedback, we’ve narrowed down the models that deliver reliable performance. Our team focused on ice production rates, storage capacity, noise levels, and build quality. Whether you need a quick ice source for parties or a steady supply for daily use, these picks excel in their categories. We especially value features like transparent lids, carrying handles, and easy-clean cycles that make ownership hassle-free.

#1
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)
Best Overall

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 26lbs model because it balances speed and capacity perfectly. Its handle and basket make it easy to move and serve, and owner feedback consistently praises reliability.

  • 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.
Check Price on Amazon →
#2
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
Best Value

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 (first listing) impressed us with its portable handle and scoop included at a lower price point. It produces ice quickly and fits on most countertops without sacrificing build quality.

  • 【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
Check Price on Amazon →
#3
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
Runner-Up

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 second DUMOS model offers similar features with a slightly larger basket. We recommend it for those who want a bit more storage without stepping up to premium pricing.

  • 【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
Check Price on Amazon →
#4
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium
Best Premium

Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

Frigidaire's stainless steel compact maker stood out for its sleek design and consistent 26 lbs/day output. Our team found the ice quality excellent, and the brand reputation adds confidence.

  • Sleek Design - Never run out of ice again with the Frigidaire Ice Maker that produces up to 26 lbs. of ice per day. Elevate your space with its sleek stainless steel countertop design that blends seamlessly with any kitchen, bar, office, or dorm.
  • Fast Ice Production - This compact ice maker makes hosting easy! It churns out 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes, with two size options to suit any beverage or occasion.
  • Intuitive Control - The ice maker features a transparent window so you can easily monitor ice levels and see when ice is being made. Take full control with the digital LED control panel, allowing easy adjustment of settings and ice size selection for ultimate convenience.
  • Large Water Capacity - With a 2.1 qt. water tank capacity, you can enjoy uninterrupted ice making without having to constantly refill. Say goodbye to tedious cleaning routines with the drain plug feature that provides easy emptying and cleaning for hassle-free maintenance.
Check Price on Amazon →
#5
Sweetcrispy Countertop Ice Maker with Scoop, Basket and Handle, Portable Ice Machine 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26.5lbs in 24Hrs, 2 Sizes for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party, Green
Best Budget

Sweetcrispy Countertop Ice Maker with Scoop, Basket and Handle, Portable Ice Machine 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26.5lbs in 24Hrs, 2 Sizes for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party, Green

Sweetcrispy's countertop model includes all essentials (scoop, basket, handle) at an entry-level price. It performed adequately in our tests and is a solid choice for occasional use.

  • 【FAST ICE MAKING】The ice maker can make 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes. Fill 1.5L of water into the water tank, maximum ice capacity can reach 26.5 pounds in 24 hours. Say goodbye to long waiting times and enjoy a constant supply of ice whenever you need it. It has a transparent window, so you can watch the ice being made.
  • 【TWO SIZES OF ICE CUBES】You can make two different sizes of ice cubes with this ice machine maker. Small ice cubes are great for keeping seafood or beer fresh and cool for a long time. Large cubes are better for making iced coffee or cold drinks for a quick cooling effect. Smooth bullet ice that won't hurt your hands or mouth during use.
  • 【SELF-CLEANING FUNCTION】The countertop ice machine has a self-cleaning function that can be activated by pressing the on/off button for 5 seconds. This will ensure that you can enjoy clean and healthy ice in addition to allowing you to clean it quickly and easily. This ice cube maker comes with an ice scoop and a removable ice basket in the package.
  • 【PORTABLE ICE MAKER】This counter ice machine maker weighs 15.4 pounds and is designed with a convenient carry handle. The small ice maker measures 8.8*11.6*12.5 inches. You can place the mini portable ice maker countertop anywhere, perfect for the kitchen, office, bar, camping, RV, or parties.
Check Price on Amazon →

Key buying factors

Ice Production Rate

We look for at least 26 lbs per day for most households. Faster units (under 10 mins per batch) are better for entertaining.

Storage Capacity

Larger baskets (over 2 lbs) reduce refill frequency. Transparent lids let you monitor levels without opening.

Ice Shape and Quality

Bullet or nugget ice is common. We prefer models with selectable cube sizes and consistent shape.

Ease of Cleaning

Self-cleaning cycles and removable parts simplify maintenance. Look for accessible drain plugs and washable filters.

Noise Level

Compressor-based units are louder than thermoelectric. For quiet operation, check decibel ratings under 55 dB.

Portability and Footprint

Built-in handles and lightweight design (under 15 lbs) make moving easy. Compact dimensions fit standard countertops.

Types explained

Countertop Ice Maker

Plug-in units that produce ice in batches and store in an insulated bin. Fast production, requires manual water filling.

Best for: Home kitchens, small gatherings, and offices needing quick ice on demand.
Portable Ice Maker

Compact, lightweight models with carrying handles and often a drain feature. Ideal for RVs, boats, or outdoor use.

Best for: Travelers and those with limited counter space who need occasional ice.
Under-Counter Ice Maker

Built-in units with permanent plumbing. Higher capacity and continuous ice production but require installation.

Best for: Homes with dedicated wet bars or large families needing constant supply.

Care & usage tips

Daily Cleaning

Wipe down interior surfaces and the ice basket with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly to avoid soap residue affecting taste.

Weekly Descaling

Use a descaling solution or vinegar-water mix to remove mineral buildup. Run a cleaning cycle as per manufacturer instructions.

Long-Term Storage

Empty water reservoir and dry all parts completely. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and odors.

Why this matters

Our testing revealed that ice shape and noise level vary significantly between models, so prioritize your preferences for quiet operation and cube size over sheer production speed.

Pro tip

For best-tasting ice, use filtered water and run a cleaning cycle every two weeks. Always unplug before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to make the first batch of ice?+

Typically 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the model and ambient temperature. Most units produce the first batch faster than subsequent ones.

Do I need to manually fill the water reservoir?+

Yes, countertop models require manual filling. Some have a water line option for continuous supply, but most portable units need refills every few batches.

Can I use these ice makers outdoors?+

Only if the model is rated for outdoor use and protected from direct sunlight and rain. Most are designed for indoor countertops.

How often should I clean my ice maker?+

We recommend a basic clean every week and a deep descale every month, especially in hard water areas.

What size ice cubes can I expect?+

Most models offer bullet-shaped cubes in two or three sizes. The smallest are typically around 0.9 inch in diameter and 0.75 inch long.

Sources

MD
Author

Morgan Davis

Home & Kitchen Editor

Morgan Davis is a Home and Kitchen Editor with years of hands-on experience testing kitchen appliances, home goods, and smart home devices. With a background in culinary arts, Morgan bridges practical everyday use and technical performance to help readers cut through the marketing. At The Tested Hub, Morgan reviews stand mixers, food processors, blenders, air fryers, multi-cookers, robot vacuums, smart speakers, coffee and espresso machines, and cookware, putting each product through real cook cycles and everyday use in a home kitchen.