Kitchen June 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Best Countertop Ice Makers (2026)

We tested countertop ice makers for speed, capacity, and ice quality. These 3 keep the drinks cold.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank

$579.00 ★★★★☆ 4.5
Pros
  • + Produces chewable nugget ice like Sonic drive-ins
  • + WiFi-enabled scheduling through the SmartHQ app
  • + Side tank extends ice production between refills
Cons
  • Premium price for a countertop appliance
  • Requires regular cleaning to prevent buildup
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Best Mid-Range
Frigidaire EFIC189 26-Pound Countertop Ice Maker

Frigidaire EFIC189 26-Pound Countertop Ice Maker

$119.99 ★★★★☆ 4.4
Pros
  • + Makes up to 26 pounds of bullet ice per day
  • + First batch ready in about 7 minutes
  • + Two ice size options for different drink needs
Cons
  • Bullet-style ice melts faster than nugget ice
  • No built-in drain means manual water disposal
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Best Budget
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker SLIM01

Silonn Countertop Ice Maker SLIM01

$89.99 ★★★★☆ 4.3
Pros
  • + Compact design fits easily on any countertop
  • + Produces ice in as little as 6 minutes
  • + Self-cleaning function simplifies maintenance
Cons
  • Smaller daily output than larger models
  • Ice storage bin is not insulated so ice melts
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What We Tested

We ran five countertop ice makers continuously for a month, measuring ice production speed, daily output, ice quality, noise levels, and ease of cleaning. We also tested how long ice held up in drinks before melting.

Countertop ice makers have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. If your freezer ice tastes stale or your fridge cannot keep up with demand during parties, a dedicated ice maker solves the problem.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0

The GE Profile Opal makes the kind of nugget ice that people obsess over. It is the soft, chewable, Sonic-style ice that turns an ordinary glass of water into something you actually look forward to drinking. The WiFi scheduling lets you have ice ready when you get home, and the side tank extends production time so you are not constantly refilling the reservoir.

Best Mid-Range: Frigidaire EFIC189

The Frigidaire produces classic bullet-shaped ice at an impressive pace, cranking out up to 26 pounds per day. The first batch is ready in about seven minutes, which is fast enough for last-minute entertaining. It lacks the nugget ice appeal of the Opal, but it produces more ice for less money.

Best Budget: Silonn SLIM01

The Silonn is the entry point for countertop ice makers, and it performs remarkably well for under $90. It produces ice in about six minutes and the self-cleaning function means maintenance is just a button press. The trade-off is a smaller daily output and an uninsulated storage bin, so plan to transfer ice to your freezer if you are making it in advance.

The Bottom Line

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the ice maker to get if nugget ice is the goal. The Frigidaire EFIC189 is the workhorse that produces the most ice per dollar. And the Silonn SLIM01 proves you can get reliable ice production without spending more than $100.

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