If you're an ice connoisseur, then you know how crucial your favorite type of ice can be to making a cold beverage or serving a group of guests refreshments at a party. If your refrigerator doesn't have a built-in ice maker, a countertop model can provide your favorite ice type on demand whenever you crave a crisp, icy drink or need to serve a crowd.
Our Picks
Why I like it:
Pros
- Makes crunchy nugget ice, great for chewing or cocktails
- The large removable water means you don't have to constantly refill
- Quiet and easy to use
- The design is pleasing
Cons
- One of the most expensive nugget ice makers on our list
- Larger than most so it might not fit on your kitchen counter
Why I like it:
Pros
- Made ice faster than any other nugget ice maker we tested
- Simple to use
- Classic design with several colors available
- Good value considering the performance
Cons
- The ice bucket feels a little cheap
- No holder for the ice scoop
Why I like it:
Pros
- My favorite design of any ice maker we tested
- Love the top-open door revealing ice bin and water tank
- Keeps ice super cold after making it
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Smart features seem mostly unnecessary
- Digital screen is busy
- Less familiar with the brand, which makes me nervous about longevity
What I like:
Pros
- A bargain at less than $100
- Made bullet ice fast and kept it cold
- Handle is convenient for bring ice outside or to another room
Cons
- Makes a small amount of ice
Why I like it:
Pros
- The 2-inch cubes made by this machine were a thing of beauty
- Slow melting ice is perfect for cocktails and sipping liquor
- Small footprint
Cons
- It takes eight hours to make four cubes
- Expensive at more than $500
Whether you need an ice maker for a large quantity of ice or a more compact model to save space, these are the best ice makers we've tested.
To help you on your journey to finding the best ice maker for your needs, I tested 10 different machines while considering ice type, size and price.
What's the best ice maker for 2026?
After weeks of testing and lots of cold beverages, we found GE Profile's Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with water tank to be the best ice maker overall. The larger machine pumps out mountains (3 pounds to be exact) of chewable nugget ice that's perfect for icy spritzes, chilled lemonade and blends into smoothies with zero resistance.Â
The Opal ice maker was simple to operate and churned out perfect nugget ice in minutes.
A version of this ice maker has been around for more than a decade -- we tested the first generation model in 2016 and liked it then -- so we have faith it'll stand the test of time, which is key for an appliance type that's not known for longevity.Â
But there are other ice makers made for smaller spaces or specialty cocktails that could be a better fit for your summer soiree. Read on for our picks for the best ice makers for 2026.
Best ice makers for 2026
Pros
- Makes crunchy nugget ice, great for chewing or cocktails
- The large removable water means you don't have to constantly refill
- Quiet and easy to use
- The design is pleasing
Cons
- One of the most expensive nugget ice makers on our list
- Larger than most so it might not fit on your kitchen counter
Why I like it:
The Opal Nugget 2.0 ice maker had one of the fastest ice outputs of the models we tried. It also has the largest capacity, able to hold three pounds at once and produce more than 35 pounds of ice in a single day. The large .75-gallon side water reservoir on the 2.0 comes in handy when you're hosting and don't want to bother with refilling constantly. The Opal is also relatively quiet and easy to use.Â
Why we chose this model over GE's other Opal ice makers is the removable reservoir that is far more convenient than the built-in water tank found on the brand's other models.Â
Who is it for:
If you need large quantities of ice and have the space to house it, the Opal will provide the most ice to keep drinks cold and party guests happy. The Opal has a pleasant design and an easy-access bin with a caddy for the ice scoop on the side so you never lose it.
Who should avoid it:
If you don't require loads of ice regularly, the Opal may be more ice maker than you need. It's significantly larger than the other ice makers on our list so it may not be the best pick if you plan to keep it in the kitchen. It also costs about $579 so it's not a budget buy.Â
Note: Our pick is for the Opal 2.0. The Opal 2.0 XL is identical except for a slightly larger 1-gallon reservoir but costs $149 more. There is also a line of Opal ice makers with a built-in reservoir, which is less convenient to fill than the removable reservoir.
Pros
- Made ice faster than any other nugget ice maker we tested
- Simple to use
- Classic design with several colors available
- Good value considering the performance
Cons
- The ice bucket feels a little cheap
- No holder for the ice scoop
Why I like it:
This simple nugget ice maker quickly and efficiently turned 2 quarts of water into crunchy ice. It isn't decked out with special features like others on this list but it has a cleaning cycle that is recommended to run with distilled vinegar every so often to keep scale from building up.Â
I appreciated the removable reservoir, which allows you to keep the machine anywhere in the kitchen. Those with built-in water tanks must either be placed near the sink or you'll have to find a vessel to bring water over to refill.Â
Who is it for:
This ice maker is quiet, works well and is a modest size, making it a great pick for most kitchens. It will take up about the same amount of space as a 4-quart air fryer so you'll need to budget some counter space. That said, it's roughly half the size of the GE Profile Opal.
Who should avoid it:
If your ice needs are particularly great, this mid-sized model may not be able to keep up. Two and a half pounds of ice may sound like a lot, but during a summer party with 10 or more guests, it'll go fast. A full batch of ice takes about an hour, so you can expect to fill it somewhat regularly throughout your event.
Pros
- My favorite design of any ice maker we tested
- Love the top-open door revealing ice bin and water tank
- Keeps ice super cold after making it
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Smart features seem mostly unnecessary
- Digital screen is busy
- Less familiar with the brand, which makes me nervous about longevity
Why I like it:
This ice maker had my favorite design of all the models tested. The slick top-open door reveals an ice basket and easy-fill removable reservoir. The Ecozy also made its soft nugget ice fast, churning out 2.5 pounds in just more than an hour. It makes slightly less ice per day than the Frigidaire but still enough for the average household not to fall behind.
The Ecozy's smart features are fun, but I didn't find myself using them often. The ice maker is Wi-Fi enabled so you can start and stop the cycle remotely if you choose. However, you'll still have to return to manually fill the reservoir so remote control isn't a major boon.Â
This machine sports an LED light to show ice bin fullness without opening it. It also tells you the air and water temperatures but I struggled to see how this would be helpful other than to plan how long the ice would keep from melting. The insulated chamber was useful as this machine kept its ice frozen for several hours after it was made, even when I turned it on.
Who is it for:
Smart home aficionados will appreciate the Ecozy's extra features, such as app control and temperature readouts. While it doesn't filter water, the machine also reads the water's total dissolved solids, so you can haul in a separate filter system if the quality is poor.
Who should avoid it:
My biggest concern with this ice maker is my lack of familiarity with the brand. Because it sports all those smart features, there are more elements that could potentially break or glitch over time, although everything ran smoothly in my weeks-long test.Â
Pros
- A bargain at less than $100
- Made bullet ice fast and kept it cold
- Handle is convenient for bring ice outside or to another room
Cons
- Makes a small amount of ice
What I like:
The Igloo is about as simple as ice makers get but it made bullet ice fast and kept it frozen. The ice maker is relatively quiet and takes up very little counter space. I loved the handle that lets you easily lug a full batch of ice, which takes about an hour to make, outside or into another room.Â
It also made its first ice cubes faster than any machine, churning out nine cubes in less than 8 minutes.
Who is it for:
For those who need just a small supplemental supply of ice, the Igloo's $95 machine won't bust your wallet or crowd your counter. It works consistently
Who should avoid it:
This is a small-capacity ice maker. It holds just 1.25 pounds of ice and makes only 26 pounds total per day so you'll need to run and refill it often to keep up with even modest demand from a group. You can always batch ice and stick it in the freezer, but that requires planning ahead so consider this machine's output before you decide to buy.
Pros
- The 2-inch cubes made by this machine were a thing of beauty
- Slow melting ice is perfect for cocktails and sipping liquor
- Small footprint
Cons
- It takes eight hours to make four cubes
- Expensive at more than $500
Why I like it:
The Klaris specialty ice maker makes perfectly clear 2-inch cubes of ice. While it takes time to make them, the resulting ice is optimal for sipping a fine whiskey or bourbon cocktail. The ice melts considerably slower than other types and thus won't water down your custom cocktail. It's also visually appealing if you plan to show off your cocktails on Instagram.
Who is it for:
This is undoubtedly a specialty ice maker for fans of premium liquor with some money to spend. The Klaris makes four large crystal-clear ice cubes in each batch but takes about 8 hours to do it. It's easy to operate with just one button. The Klaris is also one of the smaller ice makers so it won't crowd your countertop and can ornament a home bar.
Who should avoid it:
This isn't a practical ice maker for most people. The Klaris makes perfect cocktail ice but it takes eight hours to create just four cubes. It's also one of the more expensive home ice makers on the market at more than $500.Â
Others ice makers we tested
Frigidaire Ball:Â This $244 model would be a good pick if you want cocktail ice but don't want to splurge on the $500 Klaris. The balls of ice were at times inconsistent or half-made, but it was mostly efficient and easy to use.Â
Whynter Nugget Ice Maker:Â This machine performed well, but it was louder than the others. Also, the build is low and wide -- most were taller but narrow -- making it more difficult to squeeze into a crowded kitchen.
GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker:Â This ice maker was the worst of the bunch. The Govee never produced a single cube after several attempts at running a cycle.Â
Gevi V2.0 Nugget Ice Maker:Â The Gevi performed OK when making ice, but it didn't keep that ice frozen in the bin for as long as the others.
Cuisinart Compact Bullet Ice Maker:Â This bullet ice maker got the job done but the control panel was fussy and the price was bloated for a basic ice machine. The Igloo, our budget pick, is a nearly identical machine but costs $100 less.
Ice makers compared
| GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker | Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker | Ecozy Smart Nugget Ice Maker | Igloo 26-lb Bullet Ice Maker | Klaris Cocktail Ice Maker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Nugget | Nugget | Nugget | Bullet | Large cubes |
| Dimensions | 17.5"D x 13.43"W x 16.5"H | 16.75"D x 11.75"W x 20.25"H | 9.33"D x 14.01"W x 15.51"H | 12.2"D x 9.06"W x 12.8"H | 9"D x 9"W x 12"H |
| Bin capacity | 3 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 1.25 lbs | 4 cubes |
| Ice made per day | 38 lbs | 44 lbs | 40 lbs | 26 lbs | 12 cubes |
| Removeable water tank | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Special features | Large water tank | 4 colors available | Mobile app control, water quality monitor | Handle for easy transport | Makes clear cocktail ice |
| Price | $536 | $300 | $400 | $90 | $549 |
There aren't a ton of ice makers from well-known brands.
Kitchen brands don't seem to be clamoring to get into the ice maker space and plenty of brands have skipped out on the category. I asked reps from several of my favorite kitchen brands why but most didn't have an answer.
In researching the models we would test, I reached out to some of them. A rep from SharkNinja, a kitchen brand we are consistently impressed with, said, "We aren't in that category at the moment but we're always looking for the next consumer problem to solve … and always follow our deep consumer insights in that process."Â
How we tested ice makers
We made sure each ice maker produced ice as quickly as the marketing lingo promised.
Testing ice makers isn't as straightforward as some of the other products we evaluate at CNET. Most of the ice makers we brought in for testing delivered on the promise to turn tap water into ice. But some made ice faster than others and kept it cool for longer when the machine was turned off.
Many of our picks hinged less on hard metrics gleaned from testing and more on how well the ice makers were designed and constructed, how easy they were to use, their features and their noise level. We ran each ice maker more than 10 times to ensure consistency in production and looked for any glitches in the controls. We also looked for leaks or design flaws that might cause a mess to clean up later.
For hard metrics, we timed how long it took each ice maker to make it's first cubes. We ran that test twice and averaged the two times. In most machines, it was consistently about 10 minutes before the first cubes or nuggets dropped into the bin.
Next, we tested how long it took each ice maker to fill its bin. This isn't an apples-to-apples comparison because the machines all have different capacities but we wanted to see if the ice makers delivered on the promises made in marketing lingo.
What to consider: Ice maker buying advice
A removable reservoir
A removable reservoir makes refilling easier, especially if the machine is far from the sink.
The most convenient feature of all the ice makers I tested was a removable reservoir. Some of the budget models had built-in water tanks, which meant you had to either keep the machine near the sink or bring water in a separate vessel to fill it.
The Whynter ice maker has a built-in water tank, which I found trickier to fill.
The removable reservoirs proved uniquely handy for refilling, especially for the midsized machines that required more refills to keep up with demand.Â
Ice type
Most home ice makers make either nugget or bullet ice.
Most at-home ice makers make one of two types of ice: bullet or nugget. Nugget ice can be made quickly and is great for chewing on but it melts fast in drinks. Bullet ice seems to be the go-to ice type for budget-friendly ice makers. It's more similar in structure to ice you would find in an in-fridge ice maker.Â
Then there are the specialty ice makers, largely designed for cocktail making. Frigidaire has a $300 ball ice maker, while Klaris' $524 ice maker makes perfect, air-pocket-free blocks for sipping your favorite brown liquor or mixed drink.
Size and production volume
Midsized ice makers like the Frigidaire and Ecozy hold enough ice for about 7 drinks.
The smallest ice makers are good for crowded kitchens but the production is limited so it might not be worth even the meager space they take up. The Cuisinart and Igloo, for instance, hold just 2 pounds of ice, enough for roughly 7 drinks.
Most ice makers hold about 2 liters, which equals roughly 2.5 pounds of ice, good for about nine drinks. The bigger ice makers, including our top pick, the GE Profile Opal Nugget ice maker, hold 3 pounds at once, enough for 12 drinks, but the footprint on your counter is significantly bigger.Â
The GE Profile Opal Nugget ice maker, hold 3 pounds at once, enough for 12 drinks.
One thing to note is that the overall size of the ice maker doesn't guarantee it will produce more ice per day than a smaller machine, only that it makes more in one full cycle. The GE Opal, for instance, makes a few pounds less per day than the Ecozy and Frigidaire if you were to continuously fill them for 24 straight hours. The benefit of having a bigger machine is that you won't have to refill it as often.
You'd be wise to consider the space where you plan to put your ice maker before you purchase. Many homes may only require extra ice in the summer, so if you can budget the space for three or four months only, you can spring for a larger model that produces more. If it's going in the basement or garage to replenish ice as needed or to be pulled out for special occasions, size may not be a concern.
Cost and value
The Opal Nugget Ice Maker is our top pick but it's also one of the more expensive options.
The most affordable ice makers we tested were less than $100. All of these models were small in stature and made bullet ice -- similar to ice from a fridge ice maker. Ice makers that produce nugget ice, which is easy to chew and looks nice in cocktails, typically start at about $300. Premium ice makers, such as the Opal 2.0 and Klaris specialty ice maker, cost about $500 to $700.
Cleaning mode
Most of the ice makers we tested have a cleaning function that sends water mixed with a food-safe cleaning product or a vinegar solution through the channels to descale. We recommend buying an ice maker that has this feature to prevent tainted ice down the line.Â
Ice maker FAQs
Will an ice maker work outside in the heat?
In my experience, ice makers function far less efficiently in the heat. If you have a portable ice maker, it's best to operate it inside where it's cooler during warm weather.
How do you clean an ice maker?
To clean an ice maker unplug the machine and empty the ice bin and water reservoir. Next, wipe down interior and exterior surfaces with a mild cleaning solution. For a deeper clean, run the machine's cleaning cycle once or twice to rid the lines of buildup. The run another cleaning cycle with only water to flush it out.
How long does an an ice maker take to make ice?
Most automatic ice makers we tested start making ice in about 12 minutes but take a full hour or longer to make a full batch. The larger models took longer to fill the bucket with ice.
How much ice do ice makers make?
Most of the ice makers we tested hold between 2.5 and 3 pounds of ice, enough for 8 to 12 drinks. The smaller, more budget-friendly machines hold closer to 1 pound.
What is the best ice maker for home use?
The Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker is the ice maker we'd recommend for most kitchens, as it's about the size of a 4-quart air fryer. However, if you have the space and need more ice, the GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker is our favorite, but it is about twice the size of the Frigidaire Gallery.
What to consider
A removable reservoir
Not all models have it but it makes life easy.
Ice type
Chewable nugget and bullet are the most popular types of ice made by these countertop machines.
Size and production
How much ice you regularly need should inform the ice maker you buy.
Cost and value
Ice makers start at $100 and go well over $500 for premium models.
