10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you're looking for a compact, countertop ice machine that produces chewable nugget ice, which is great for drinks like cocktails, sodas, and slushies. It can make up to 35 pounds of ice in 24 hours, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for fresh ice. The 1.1-liter water tank and clear container let you easily see how much ice you have at any time. One standout feature is its self-cleaning mode, activated by a quick button press, which makes maintenance simple and keeps your ice fresh without much hassle.

The machine operates quietly at 43 decibels, making it suitable for home use without loud interruptions. Its size (about 12 inches tall and 11 inches deep) means it won’t take up too much counter space and is fairly portable if you want to move it around. On the downside, the ice storage capacity is somewhat limited, so if you need large amounts of ice at once, you might find yourself waiting for cycles to complete. Also, the water refill could be frequent if you use it heavily since the tank holds just over 1 liter.

This ice maker balances performance and convenience, making it ideal for daily household use or small gatherings where nugget-style ice is preferred.

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want a countertop machine that produces a good amount of chewable nugget ice—up to 44 pounds daily—with a fast cycle time of just 10-15 minutes. This makes it suitable for small gatherings, home use, or office setups where quick ice supply matters. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to fit in kitchens, RVs, or bars without taking much space. The ice cube shape is popular for drinks because it’s soft and chewable, which many people enjoy.

One of its strengths is the intelligent alerts for when the ice basket is full or water runs low, helping avoid interruptions. The self-cleaning feature is handy, cleaning the machine in about 20 minutes without needing harsh chemicals or manual scrubbing, which keeps things hygienic with minimal effort. The LED touch controls are straightforward, making it easy to adjust settings or start cleaning.

The ice storage capacity is somewhat limited due to the machine’s compact size, so if you need large amounts of ice stored at once, you might need to remove and use ice frequently. The water tank capacity (1.8 liters) means you need to refill occasionally, which is typical for machine size but worth noting. Some users mention noise levels can be noticeable during ice production, so it might not be perfect for very quiet environments. The machine is moderately priced for its features, reflecting good reliability. If you want a portable, quick, and easy-to-use nugget ice maker that’s easy to clean and fits neatly on the counter, this model fits the bill well. Just keep in mind its smaller storage and occasional noise when planning where to use it.

The Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop model is a solid choice if you want quick and easy access to chewable nugget-style ice at home. It produces up to 35 pounds of ice per day, which is a good amount for household use or small gatherings. You’ll get your first batch ready in just 7 minutes, so it’s quite efficient. The ice is soft and chewy, great for drinks like cocktails or sodas because it melts slowly and keeps flavors pure. The machine has a moderate ice storage capacity visible through a clear top, making it easy to see when you need more ice. Refilling water is simple with a 1.1-liter tank, though this size means you might refill it a few times during heavy use.

Cleaning is hassle-free thanks to a one-touch self-cleaning function that takes about 15 minutes, which is helpful for keeping the machine fresh without much effort. Size-wise, it’s compact and stylish enough for most countertops and weighs about 22 pounds, so it’s portable but not super lightweight. Noise levels are low at about 43 decibels, letting you run it without much disturbance. On the downside, the ice storage isn’t very large, so it’s less suited for big parties, and the water tank capacity limits continuous ice production before refilling. Also, while nugget ice is great for texture, it may not suit everyone’s preferences if you want traditional cube shapes.

This model is ideal for users looking for a fast, easy-to-use countertop ice maker that produces soft nugget ice quietly and with minimal maintenance.