Countertop ice makers solve one specific problem: your freezer’s ice production can’t keep up with daily demand, and bagged ice is a hassle. After comparing 15 of the most popular models, the EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (40 lb, Black) stands out as the best overall pick for its high daily output and chewable nugget ice that works for everything from cocktails to smoothies. If nugget ice isn’t a priority, the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Handle (26 lb/Day, Bullet Ice) delivers solid performance and auto-cleaning at a friendlier size and price point, while the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS remains the safest pick for buyers who want a known brand name in stainless steel. The main tradeoffs you’ll face are ice type versus speed (nugget machines are slower per batch), capacity versus counter space, and noise versus convenience, since every compressor-driven unit hums. Keep reading for the full breakdown of which model fits your kitchen, budget, and drinking habits.
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Key Takeaways
- EUHOMY dominates this lineup with seven of fifteen spots, and its nugget models (40 lb and 35 lb versions) consistently outproduce the bullet-ice machines — but nugget ice takes longer per batch and the machines run louder.
- The two Crzoe models (Black and Grey) are functionally identical aside from color, so the choice between them is purely aesthetic — a pattern worth knowing since several brands here sell near-duplicates under different finishes.
- Self-cleaning is now standard even on budget models like the Silonn and Aeitto units, so paying more is really about ice type (nugget vs. bullet), daily capacity, and build quality — not cleaning convenience.
- The Silonn with expandable ice basket is the smartest pick for intermittent entertainers, because its design solves the most common countertop complaint: a full basket that melts back into the reservoir before you use it.
- Bullet-ice models like the Frigidaire 26 lb and DUMOS with handle produce their first batch faster (often under 10 minutes), making them better for small households than high-capacity nugget machines that prioritize volume over speed.
| countertop ice maker | Water tank capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice M | 1.8 L | 13.8 × 9.8 × 14.9 inches |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Portable | 2.1 qt. | — |
| DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker wit | 1.5 L | — |
| Silonn Countertop Ice Maker wi | — | — |
| Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker | — | — |
| Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker | — | 8.66 × 10.39 × 11.22 in |
| EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker wi | — | — |
| EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker wi | 1.2 L | 9.25 × 11.54 × 11.61 in |
| EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker wi | 1.2 L | 11.57 × 11.42 × 8.74 in |
| Frigidaire Portable Countertop | 2.1 qt | — |
| Aeitto Countertop Ice Maker | — | 11.9 x 7.3 x 10.8 in |
| EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice M | 1.1 L | 11 x 9.1 x 12.6 in |
| Silonn Portable Countertop Ice | 1.2 L | 8.7 x 11.4 x 11.6 inches |
| EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice M | — | — |
| Silonn Countertop Ice Maker wi | 1.8L | 8.9 × 13.2 × 11.14 inches |
More Details on Our Top Picks
EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 40 lbs per Day, Black
This option stands out for producing nugget ice — the soft, chewable style that bullet-cube machines like the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS simply can’t replicate. With up to 40 lbs of daily output, it nearly doubles the capacity of every bullet-ice model in this lineup, and the first batch lands in 7–10 minutes, so nobody waits long for a drink. The removable 1.8 L tank and 20-minute self-cleaning cycle make maintenance less of a chore compared with drain-plug designs. The tradeoff is footprint and workflow: it takes up serious counter space, and the tank still needs frequent refills to sustain that 40 lb figure. For buyers who care about ice quality as much as quantity, this pick makes the most sense at the top of the list.
Pros:- Soft, chewable nugget ice rather than standard bullet cubes
- Up to 40 lbs daily output — roughly double the bullet-ice models here
- First batch ready in 7–10 minutes
- Removable tank plus a 20-minute self-cleaning cycle
Cons:- Occupies substantial countertop space
- Requires regular tank refills to sustain rated output
Best for: Nugget ice fans and households that go through large volumes of soft ice daily
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or renters with limited counter space — its 13.8-inch footprint dominates a compact counter
- Brand:EUHOMY
- Model:IM017-N1X2-US
- Ice production:Up to 40 lbs per 24 hours
- First batch time:7–10 minutes
- Water tank capacity:1.8 L
- Dimensions:13.8 × 9.8 × 14.9 inches
- Cleaning:20-minute self-cleaning cycle
- Customer support:1 year
Our verdict“Buy this if chewable nugget ice and high daily capacity matter more than saving counter space.”
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Portable Countertop Ice Maker, Stainless Steel
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS earns its value role by getting the fundamentals right: 9 cubes in about 7 minutes, 26 lbs of daily bullet ice, two size options, and the largest water tank in this batch at 2.1 quarts — noticeably more than the 1.5 L DUMOS or the sub-2 L Silonn, which means fewer refills during a gathering. The digital panel, viewing window, and drain plug add everyday convenience without inflating the feature list. Compared with the touchscreen Silonn, it skips scheduling and ambient lighting, but those are niceties, not necessities. The honest limitation is storage: the basket tops out at 1.5 lbs, so party hosts will be bagging ice in the freezer between cycles. This model is better suited to steady, moderate use than marathon entertaining.
Pros:- 2.1-quart tank — the largest in this batch, meaning fewer refills
- Two ice sizes with quick 7-minute cycles
- Digital controls, viewing window, and drain plug for easy cleaning
- Trusted brand with a 1-year warranty
Cons:- Basket holds only 1.5 lbs at a time
- Requires manual tank refills to sustain daily output
Best for: Budget-minded buyers who want dependable bullet ice with the fewest tank refills in this price tier
Not ideal for: Large-party hosts — the 1.5 lb basket fills fast and needs constant emptying
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Model:EFIC117-SS
- Ice production:Up to 26 lbs per day
- Ice cycle:9 cubes in about 7 minutes
- Ice shape:Bullet-shaped
- Ice size options:2
- Water tank capacity:2.1 qt.
- Basket capacity:1.5 lbs.
- Warranty:1 year
Our verdict“A sensible, no-frills choice for everyday ice needs where refill frequency matters more than flashy features.”
DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker with Handle, Green
What separates the DUMOS from otherwise similar bullet-ice machines is mobility: a built-in carry handle and a 15.2 lb weight make it genuinely practical for camping trips, offices, or RV use, where the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS feels more like a stay-put kitchen appliance. It delivers 9 cubes in 6 minutes — a hair faster than the Frigidaire — plus two sizes and one-touch self-cleaning. Operation stays under 50 dB, quiet enough for a workspace. The compromises are real: the 1.5 L tank is the smallest practical size in this group, so it needs frequent refills, and the 9-cube cycle output means it trickles rather than pours when serving a crowd. Indicator lights for low water and a full basket help offset the babysitting, but heavy entertainers should look at the EUHOMY nugget model instead.
Pros:- Carry handle and 15.2 lb weight make it genuinely portable
- Fast 6-minute cycles for 9 cubes
- Runs below 50 dB for quiet operation
- Indicator lights for low water and full basket
Cons:- Small 1.5 L tank demands frequent refills
- Only 9 cubes per cycle limits throughput
Best for: Campers, RV owners, and office users who need ice they can actually carry to where it’s needed
Not ideal for: Party hosts serving drinks for 10+ — the small tank and per-cycle output can’t keep pace
- Brand:DUMOS
- Model:ZBJ-PP10A
- Color:Green
- Ice production:Up to 26 lbs per 24 hours
- Ice-making capacity:9 cubes in 6 minutes
- Ice shape:Bullet
- Ice sizes:2
- Water tank capacity:1.5 L
- Noise level:Below 50 dB
Our verdict“Pick this if you need ice on the go; skip it if your ice stays in one kitchen.”
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker with Touchscreen, Ambient Lighting, and Timer
The Silonn is the feature-forward choice in this batch. Its touchscreen, 12-hour scheduling, and three-color ambient lighting give it a level of control the DUMOS and Crzoe don’t offer — you can set ice to be ready right before guests arrive rather than babysitting the machine. The meltwater recirculation is a genuinely useful touch, feeding melted ice back into production instead of wasting it. On paper, 26 lbs a day matches the rest, but the split tank design (0.8 L main plus 1 L auxiliary) means smaller fills, and the 1.1 lb basket is the tiniest here — Silonn itself suggests bagging extra ice for larger gatherings. This pick makes the most sense for design-conscious buyers in compact kitchens who value scheduling and aesthetics over raw storage volume.
Pros:- Touchscreen with up to 12-hour scheduling ahead of gatherings
- Meltwater recirculation reduces water waste
- Self-cleaning cycle simplifies maintenance
- Compact footprint fits tight counter spaces
Cons:- Smallest ice basket in the lineup at 1.1 lbs
- Split tank design means more frequent fills
- Manufacturer recommends freezer bags for storing surplus ice
Best for: Tech-leaning buyers in small kitchens who want scheduled ice and modern controls
Not ideal for: Bulk ice users — the 1.1 lb basket and modest tanks mean constant emptying and refilling
- Brand:Silonn
- Model:SLICM65ST-US
- Daily Ice Production:Up to 26 lb
- Ice-Making Time:8 cubes in as little as 6 minutes
- Main Tank Capacity:0.8 L
- Auxiliary Tank Capacity:1 L
- Ice Basket Capacity:1.1 lb
- Scheduling:Up to 12 hours
- Warranty:1 year
Our verdict“Choose this for its scheduling and recirculation smarts, provided small batch sizes won’t frustrate you.”
Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lbs/24 Hours, Two Ice Sizes, Self-Cleaning, Black
The Crzoe stakes its claim on noise: a stated below 40 dB, quieter than the DUMOS’s sub-50 dB rating and the loudest point of distinction in this batch. For open-plan apartments, dorms, or a bedroom-adjacent kitchen bar, that difference is the whole reason to buy. Feature-wise it covers the basics — two ice sizes, self-cleaning mode, indicator lights, and a transparent top so you can check progress without lifting anything, something the Silonn’s touchscreen aesthetic doesn’t replicate. But it’s the thinnest on details: the manufacturer doesn’t publish a basket capacity, and cycle times stretch to 6–12 minutes, so output can lag when you need ice fast. Buyers who want predictable performance data should lean toward the Frigidaire instead.
Pros:- Operates below 40 dB — the quietest rating in this batch
- Two ice sizes plus self-cleaning mode
- Water and full-basket indicator lights
- Transparent top for checking ice at a glance
Cons:- Basket capacity is not specified by the manufacturer
- Cycle times vary widely from 6 to 12 minutes
- Full basket requires active monitoring
Best for: Apartment dwellers and light sleepers who prioritize a near-silent ice maker over spec-sheet certainty
Not ideal for: Buyers who want clear capacity specs — the unspecified basket size makes planning for gatherings a guessing game
- Daily ice production:26 lbs
- Ice-making time:6–12 minutes
- Ice per cycle:8 bullet-shaped cubes
- Ice sizes:Small and large
- Noise level:Less than 40 dB
- Compressor refrigerant:R600a
- Color:Black
- Self-cleaning:Yes
Our verdict“A smart pick where silence is the priority, as long as vague capacity specs don’t bother you.”
Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb/24 h, Two Ice Sizes, Self-Cleaning, Grey
This Crzoe model stands out for one spec the EUHOMY units can’t match: noise. At under 40 dB, it runs quieter than the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Handle (45 dB), which matters if your ice maker lives near a bedroom, home office, or open-plan kitchen where compressor hum gets old fast. Daily output is the familiar 26 lb benchmark, with two bullet sizes and a self-cleaning cycle that keeps maintenance light.
The tradeoff is storage: like nearly everything in this category, the 1.3 lb basket fills quickly, so it’s a maker, not a freezer — plan to bag extra ice as it produces. Compared with the Frigidaire Black Stainless model, the smaller 1.2 L tank also means more frequent top-offs. Still, for buyers who value peace and quiet over capacity, this pick makes the most sense.
Pros:- Quieter than most rivals at under 40 dB
- Two ice sizes plus self-cleaning function
- Lightweight with a built-in carry handle and scoop holder
- 26 lb daily output matches larger-name competitors
Cons:- 1.3 lb ice basket fills fast and doesn’t keep ice frozen
- Small 1.2 L water tank needs frequent refills
Best for: Apartment dwellers and anyone placing an ice maker near a bedroom or workspace who prioritizes quiet operation
Not ideal for: Households throwing frequent parties — the small basket and tank require constant attention during high-demand use
- Ice production:Up to 26 lb per 24 hours
- Ice making time:8 cubes in 6–12 minutes
- Ice shape and sizes:Bullet-shaped, small and large
- Noise level:Less than 40 dB
- Water capacity:1.2 L
- Ice storage:1.3 lb
- Dimensions:8.66 × 10.39 × 11.22 in
- Weight:11.77 lb
Our verdict“Buy this if compressor noise is your dealbreaker; skip it if you need to serve a crowd.”
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning
First countertop ice maker? This EUHOMY model is the easiest entry point in the lineup. Nine cubes arrive in as little as six minutes, two size options cover drink-making basics, and the one-touch self-cleaning removes the intimidation factor that keeps some buyers away from the category. It also ships as a complete kit — carry handle, basket, and scoop included — so there’s nothing extra to buy or figure out.
Compared with the Crzoe grey model, it gives up a few decibels (45 dB versus under 40) but gains a slightly larger batch per cycle. Against the Frigidaire Black Stainless, its weaker point is the same one most EUHOMY units share: a modest water reservoir that demands regular manual refills. For casual, first-time users, that’s a fair exchange for simplicity.
Pros:- 9 cubes in as little as 6 minutes
- One-touch self-cleaning keeps upkeep simple
- Complete accessory kit with handle, basket, and scoop
- Two ice sizes for different drinks
Cons:- Requires manual water refills during sustained use
- Takes up meaningful countertop space for its capacity
Best for: First-time buyers who want a complete, low-fuss starter kit with fast ice and simple cleaning
Not ideal for: Set-and-forget users — the small tank and basket mean you’ll be refilling and emptying it all day
- Ice production per cycle:9 cubes in as little as 6 minutes
- Daily ice production:Up to 26 lbs
- Ice shape:Bullet
- Ice sizes:2
- Noise level:45 dB
- Cleaning:One-touch self-cleaning
- Included accessories:Carry handle, basket, and scoop
Our verdict“The most beginner-friendly package here — fast, simple, and complete out of the box.”
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Handle
This is the most complete all-around package among the standard bullet-ice makers. It hits every mark: six-minute cycles, a class-leading 26.5 lb daily output, basket-full and low-water indicator lights that tell you exactly when to intervene, and a 30-minute automatic cleaning cycle you can run between uses. The 12-month after-sales backing adds confidence the budget Crzoe option doesn’t offer.
Its real advantage over the EUHOMY IM001-B and the beginner EUHOMY model is feedback — the indicator lights mean fewer surprise interruptions when the tank runs dry or the basket overflows. Against the Frigidaire Black Stainless, it loses on water tank size but wins on cycle speed and stated energy data (4 kWh/day). The residual tradeoff is universal to the category: the 1.3 lb basket doesn’t refrigerate, so ice melts if you don’t transfer it. Still, for most kitchens, this model balances speed, capacity, and convenience best.
Pros:- Highest daily output of this batch at 26.5 lbs
- Basket-full and low-water indicator lights
- One-touch 30-minute automatic cleaning cycle
- Portable handle and 12-month after-sales service
Cons:- 1.3 lb basket requires constant emptying to sustain output
- 1.2 L tank needs frequent refilling
Best for: Most households wanting fast, dependable bullet ice with clear status indicators and minimal babysitting
Not ideal for: Buyers who want ice stored ready-to-use for hours — the basket melts ice back into the tank
- Ice-making time:6 minutes per 9 cubes
- Daily ice capacity:26.5 lbs
- Ice shape:Bullet-shaped
- Water tank capacity:1.2 L
- Ice basket capacity:1.3 lbs
- Noise level:Under 45 dB
- Power / energy:170 W, 4 kWh per day
- Dimensions:9.25 × 11.54 × 11.61 in
- Warranty:12 months
Our verdict“The safest default choice — fastest cycle, biggest daily yield, and the clearest status feedback in this group.”
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Handle, 26 lb/Day, Bullet Ice, Auto-Cleaning (Black)
The IM001-B is essentially the same machine as our Best Overall pick — six-minute cycles, 26 lb daily output, 1.2 L tank, self-cleaning — which makes it the smart value play if you don’t need the indicator lights of the EUHOMY with Handle model. You still get the removable basket, ice-full and low-water alerts, and a 12-month warranty, so nothing essential is missing.
Where it slips is refinement: output is a hair lower (26 lb versus 26.5 lb), and the interface feels more basic next to the Frigidaire’s digital LED panel and viewing window. Like the Crzoe grey model, the 1.3 lb basket and small tank mean this is a produce-and-transfer machine, not a storage solution. For buyers who want EUHOMY reliability without paying for extras they won’t use, this pick makes the most sense.
Pros:- Matches pricier rivals at 26 lb per day with ~6-minute cycles
- One-touch self-cleaning and removable basket
- Ice-full and low-water indicators
- 12-month warranty included
Cons:- Basket holds only 1.3 lb at a time
- Needs frequent refilling for sustained production
- Plain controls compared with digital-panel rivals
Best for: Value-focused buyers who want proven EUHOMY performance and warranty coverage at the lowest commitment
Not ideal for: Tech-inclined buyers who want a digital panel and viewing window — the Frigidaire delivers those for a bit more
- Daily ice capacity:Up to 26 lb
- Ice-making time:About 6 minutes per batch
- Water tank capacity:1.2 L
- Ice basket capacity:1.3 lb
- Power:170 W
- Noise level:Less than 45 dB
- Dimensions:11.57 × 11.42 × 8.74 in
- Warranty:12 months
Our verdict“Core EUHOMY performance with the frills trimmed — ideal if price-per-pound of ice is your metric.”
Frigidaire Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black Stainless Steel
Frigidaire brings two things this batch’s EUHOMY and Crzoe models lack: a 2.1-quart water tank — nearly double their 1.2 L reservoirs — and a genuine digital LED control panel with a viewing window. The bigger tank translates directly into fewer refills, which is the single biggest annoyance of countertop ice makers, and the 1.5 lb basket edges out the 1.3 lb capacity of every EUHOMY here. The black stainless finish also reads more appliance-grade on a counter.
The cost is speed: nine cubes every seven minutes versus six for the EUHOMY with Handle, so it trails slightly in a sprint. The drain plug eases cleaning, though it lacks the automated self-clean cycles rivals offer. This option is better suited to buyers who want a polished, name-brand machine they interact with less often, rather than the fastest cycle time.
Pros:- 2.1-quart tank roughly doubles the capacity of EUHOMY rivals
- Digital LED panel and viewing window
- 1.5 lb basket is the largest in this batch
- Drain plug simplifies emptying and cleaning
Cons:- 7-minute cycle is slower than EUHOMY’s 6-minute batches
- No automated self-cleaning cycle — cleaning is manual
Best for: Buyers who want fewer refills, appliance-grade looks, and intuitive digital controls from a trusted kitchen brand
Not ideal for: Speed-obsessed users — the 7-minute cycle trails EUHOMY’s 6-minute batches, and cleaning is manual via drain plug
- Ice production:Up to 26 lb per day
- Ice production cycle:9 cubes every 7 minutes
- Ice shape and sizes:Bullet-shaped, 2 size options
- Water tank capacity:2.1 qt
- Ice basket capacity:1.5 lb
- Controls:Digital LED control panel
- Cleaning:Drain plug
- Finish:Black stainless steel
Our verdict“The most refined, lowest-maintenance daily experience here, as long as a one-minute slower cycle doesn’t bother you.”
Aeitto Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb Daily Capacity
This option stands out for its 6-minute first batch, which puts it among the quickest bullet-ice machines in this lineup. Compared with the Silonn Portable model, it matches the daily output at 26 lbs but adds a second ice size, giving buyers more flexibility for drinks that suit smaller or larger cubes. The automatic self-cleaning cycle translates to less hands-on scrubbing than basic models that require manual descaling alone. The tradeoff is the small basket: during heavy use, it fills quickly and needs frequent emptying, so it works best when someone is around to transfer ice to a freezer. This pick makes the most sense for buyers who want speed and simplicity without paying for nugget-ice technology or premium build materials.
Pros:- First batch of bullet ice in about 6 minutes
- Two ice sizes for different drink types
- Automatic self-cleaning cycle reduces maintenance effort
- Portable 13 lb design with basket and scoop included
Cons:- Compact basket needs frequent emptying during heavy use
- Still requires regular cleaning and maintenance despite the self-clean cycle
Best for: Casual drinkers and small households who want fast bullet ice with minimal setup
Not ideal for: Party hosts or high-volume users — the compact basket demands constant emptying
- Brand:Aeitto
- Model:ICM15
- Ice type:Bullet
- Ice sizes:2
- Daily ice production:26 lbs
- Time to first batch:About 6 minutes
- Dimensions:11.9 x 7.3 x 10.8 in
- Cleaning:Automatic self-cleaning
Our verdict“A solid choice for buyers who prioritize quick, no-frills bullet ice over capacity or chewable ice.”
EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 35 lb/24 hr, Stainless Steel
For buyers who care about ice quality as much as quantity, this model delivers soft, chewable nugget ice — the Sonic-style texture that bullet machines like the Aeitto ICM15 simply cannot replicate. With a 35 lb daily capacity, it outproduces every 26 lb bullet model in this roundup, and its stainless steel construction reads as more durable and kitchen-ready than the plastic housings on cheaper units. The one-button control keeps operation nearly foolproof. The meaningful tradeoff is that tiny 1.1-liter tank: nugget ice is consumed fast, and refilling becomes a routine chore during gatherings. Compared with the EUHOMY IM039, this version trades the quieter operation and dual-pump cleaning for a cleaner stainless aesthetic — a style-versus-function choice buyers should weigh honestly.
Pros:- Chewable nugget ice ready in about 7 minutes
- High 35 lb daily output beats standard 26 lb bullet models
- Stainless steel build for durability and style
- One-button operation with self-cleaning cycle
Cons:- 1.1 L water tank requires frequent refilling
- Nugget ice melts faster in storage than bullet ice
Best for: Ice enthusiasts who want chewable nugget ice and a stainless finish that fits a modern kitchen
Not ideal for: Set-and-forget users — the small 1.1 L tank demands frequent refills
- Brand:EUHOMY
- Model:IM013-NSI-USEH
- Ice type:Nugget
- Daily ice production:Up to 35 lb per 24 hours
- Ice ready time:About 7 minutes
- Water tank capacity:1.1 L
- Dimensions:11 x 9.1 x 12.6 in
- Material:Stainless steel
Our verdict“The pick for buyers willing to babysit the water tank in exchange for genuinely better ice texture.”
Silonn Portable Countertop Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning Function
What separates this model from the pack is its built-in carry handle — a detail most competitors, including the Aeitto ICM15 at a similar 26 lb output, leave out. That makes it the natural choice for anyone moving an ice maker between the kitchen, an RV, a camper, or a backyard bar setup. At 13.7 lbs with a slim footprint, it fits counters where bulkier nugget machines like the EUHOMY stainless model would not. The honest tradeoff is capacity: the basket holds just 1.3 lbs of ice, the smallest storage in this batch, and the 1.2 L tank empties quickly. This model is better suited to mobility and occasional use than to keeping a household continuously supplied. For buyers who need ice where they are, not ice by the pound, it earns its slot.
Pros:- Carry handle makes it genuinely portable
- Bullet ice in about 6 minutes
- Compact 8.7-inch-wide footprint fits tight spaces
- Self-cleaning function and two ice sizes
Cons:- Stores only 1.3 lbs of ice at a time
- 1.2 L tank needs frequent refilling under regular use
Best for: RV owners, campers, and anyone who needs to move an ice maker between locations
Not ideal for: Daily high-volume households — tiny 1.3 lb storage and frequent refills get tedious
- Dimensions:8.7 x 11.4 x 11.6 inches
- Weight:13.7 lbs
- Ice shape:Bullet-shaped
- Ice production time:About 6 minutes
- Daily ice production:Up to 26 lbs
- Ice storage capacity:1.3 lbs
- Water tank capacity:1.2 L
- Ice cube sizes:Small and large
Our verdict“The most travel-friendly option here, as long as your ice needs are modest and intermittent.”
EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 35 lb Daily Capacity
Compared with the EUHOMY stainless nugget maker, this model is the more livable roommate: it runs under 45 dB, quiet enough for an open-plan kitchen or an office without becoming background noise. Its 15-minute dual-pump self-cleaning cycle goes beyond the standard single-pump rinse found on the Silonn models, and the included cleaner packs mean maintenance is handled out of the box rather than purchased separately. A 1.8 lb basket edges out most bullet competitors’ storage too. The drawbacks are real, though: after descaling, the instructions require running cleaning cycles and discarding the first ice batches, which is a chore casual users may skip. This pick makes the most sense for buyers who want nugget ice comfort with apartment-friendly noise levels and easier long-term upkeep.
Pros:- Quiet operation under 45 dB suits shared spaces
- Dual-pump 15-minute self-cleaning with cleaner packs included
- Nugget ice in 5–7 minutes at up to 35 lbs per day
- Detachable lid and removable basket simplify maintenance
Cons:- 1.8 lb basket still needs frequent emptying at high usage
- Descaling requires extra cleaning cycles and discarding first ice batches
Best for: Apartment dwellers and office users who want nugget ice without compressor noise complaints
Not ideal for: Impatient users — the descaling routine with discarded ice batches is fussy
- Brand:EUHOMY
- Model:IM039
- Ice type:Nugget
- Daily ice capacity:Up to 35 lb
- First batch time:About 5–7 minutes
- Noise level:Under 45 dB
- Ice basket capacity:1.8 lb
- Cleaning:15-minute dual-pump self-cleaning cycle
- Certification:ETL
Our verdict“The most refined nugget option for noise-sensitive spaces, provided you tolerate a more involved cleaning routine.”
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker with Expandable Ice Basket and Two Ice Sizes
This model solves the single most common complaint about countertop ice makers: tiny storage. Its expandable 2.5L basket holds up to 9 cups of ice — far more than the Silonn Portable’s 1.3 lbs — which means fewer interruptions to empty ice into a freezer. The 1.8L water tank is also the largest in this batch, cutting refill frequency roughly in half compared with the 1.1L tanks on both EUHOMY nugget models. Daily output stays at the standard 26 lbs, so it does not out-produce the 35 lb nugget machines — but for bullet-ice households, the reduced babysitting is worth more than raw daily specs. The tradeoff: it is wider than the portable Silonn at 13.2 inches deep, so it gives up some counter compactness for that capacity. LED touch controls and one-touch self-cleaning round out a sensible, pragmatic package.
Pros:- Expandable 2.5L basket holds up to 9 cups of ice
- Largest water tank in this batch at 1.8L reduces refills
- Two ice sizes with LED touch controls
- One-touch self-cleaning keeps upkeep simple
Cons:- Still requires manual refills and basket emptying
- Wider footprint takes up more counter space than slimmer portable models
Best for: Families who want to stockpile ice without constantly emptying a small basket
Not ideal for: Buyers with very limited counter space — the larger basket and tank widen the footprint
- Ice production:Up to 26 lbs per 24 hours
- Ice-making time:9 bullet cubes in about 6 minutes
- Ice sizes:2
- Ice basket capacity:2.5L expandable
- Water tank capacity:1.8L
- Dimensions:8.9 × 13.2 × 11.14 inches
- Controls:LED touch panel
- Cleaning:One-touch self-cleaning
Our verdict“The best low-maintenance bullet-ice choice for households that hate constantly tending their ice maker.”
How We Picked
I evaluated these 15 countertop ice makers against the factors that actually determine daily satisfaction: daily ice capacity, ice type and quality, cycle speed, ease of cleaning, noise level, and footprint. Capacity figures were compared against realistic household and entertaining needs, since a 26 lb/day rating matters far less than whether the machine can keep a drink station stocked during a four-hour party. Ice type carried real weight in the ranking — nugget (chewable, fast-melting, cocktail-friendly) and bullet (denser, slower-melting, better for coolers) serve different buyers, and I ordered picks accordingly.
Models ranked higher when they combined useful features without gimmicks: self-cleaning cycles, handles for portability, touchscreens with timers, and basket designs that slow melt-back. I also penalized redundancy lightly — where two models differed only in color or finish, like the Crzoe pair, I treated them as one decision and focused on what separates them from rivals. The final ordering reflects a simple hierarchy: nugget machines with the highest output lead for serious ice users, well-rounded bullet-ice machines fill the value tier, and compact or feature-light models round out the list for occasional users.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Countertop Ice Makers
Before settling on a specific model, it helps to understand what actually separates a satisfying countertop ice maker from one that ends up unplugged in a cabinet. These are the factors that shaped this ranking, plus the mistakes I see buyers make most often.Nugget Ice vs. Bullet Ice: The Decision That Drives Everything Else
This is the single biggest fork in the road, and many buyers don’t realize it until after purchasing. Nugget ice (what Sonic serves) is soft, chewable, and absorbs drink flavor — ideal for cocktails, iced coffee, and anyone who eats their ice. Bullet ice is hollow-cylinder ice that’s denser, melts slower, and works better for coolers, water bottles, and general use. Nugget machines like the EUHOMY 40 lb and 35 lb models typically cost more, weigh more, and work harder per batch. Bullet machines like the Frigidaire and DUMOS units are faster to first ice and simpler mechanically, which usually means fewer things can break. The mistake to avoid: buying nugget for the trend when your actual use case is filling a lunch cooler, where bullet ice outperforms it.
Daily Capacity Ratings Are Misleading — Read Them Correctly
A “26 lb per day” rating assumes the machine runs continuously for 24 hours with an empty basket, which almost nobody does. In practice, what matters is the reservoir and basket size: once the basket fills, production stops, and unused ice slowly melts back into the tank to be re-frozen (which degrades ice quality). This is why the Silonn with an expandable basket earned its spot — it directly addresses the most common failure mode of the category. For a party of six, calculate roughly 1–2 lb of ice per hour of consumption and match that against the machine’s sustained output, not its headline number. A 40 lb/day nugget machine sounds like overkill for two people, but for a three-hour gathering it’s the difference between abundance and rationing.
Counter Space, Weight, and Portability
These machines are bigger than their product photos suggest, and several of the nugget models in this lineup occupy a serious chunk of counter real estate. Measure your space first — including clearance for the lid and ventilation, since compressors need airflow and will fail early if boxed in against a wall or under cabinets. Weight matters if you plan to move the unit between a kitchen, bar area, or RV; models with built-in handles, like the DUMOS and the EUHOMY with-handle variants, are genuinely easier to relocate than handle-free units of the same weight. A common mistake is buying a high-capacity machine for a small apartment kitchen, then resenting the lost prep space. If counter space is tight, a compact 26 lb bullet model beats a 35–40 lb nugget tower you’ll constantly be shuffling around.
Noise: The Dealbreaker Nobody Researches
Every countertop ice maker has a compressor, a fan, and sometimes a pump, and they run in short bursts all day. Nugget machines are generally the loudest because they scrape and extrude ice, while bullet machines mostly just drop cubes into a basket with an audible clunk. If the machine will live in an open-plan kitchen, a home office, or near a bedroom, prioritize quieter operation over raw capacity — the smaller Silonn and Aeitto units are better neighbors than the big nugget producers. Some buyers solve this by running the machine on a schedule (the Silonn touchscreen model’s timer exists for exactly this reason), producing ice during the day and shutting down overnight. Read the noise story of any model you’re considering, not just the decibel claim, because intermittent clunking often bothers people more than steady hum.
Water Source, Drainage, and Cleaning Realities
All fifteen models here are pour-and-go: you fill a reservoir manually rather than plumbing them in. That means water quality directly affects ice taste — use filtered water if your tap water tastes of chlorine, and empty the reservoir when the machine will sit idle, since stagnant water grows film quickly. Self-cleaning cycles, now standard across this lineup, flush the internal lines but don’t replace periodic descaling in hard-water areas; scale buildup is the number-one killer of these machines. Models with a drain plug at the bottom make emptying far less messy than those requiring you to tip the whole unit over a sink. Before buying, check where the drain plug sits relative to your counter edge — a small detail that determines whether cleaning is a two-minute task or a countertop flood risk.
When to Pay More — and When Not To
The price ladder in this category mostly tracks ice type and capacity, not reliability — a budget bullet machine with self-cleaning will serve a small household just as long as a premium nugget producer. Pay more when you specifically want nugget ice, host regularly, or drink things (espresso tonics, mint juleps, iced lattes) where ice texture is part of the experience. Don’t pay more for capacity you won’t use: a couple producing ice for two glasses a night will never exhaust even the smallest machine here. The feature worth a modest premium is a timer or scheduling function, which lets you time production around your day rather than leaving the machine running constantly. Skip paying extra for color variants and aesthetic finishes — as the Crzoe Black vs. Grey comparison shows, that’s the same machine twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen, or will it melt?
Most countertop models, including all fifteen here, are ice makers, not freezers — the basket is chilled but not below freezing, so ice slowly melts and drains back into the reservoir to be re-frozen. This recycle loop is normal and doesn’t waste water, but it does mean ice quality degrades the longer it sits. The practical fix is to harvest ice on a schedule: transfer batches to your freezer in a bag or bin once the basket fills. Freezing countertop ice is perfectly safe and it rehardens well, though bullet ice can clump slightly. If you hate the transfer routine, the Silonn with the expandable basket buys you more buffer time before melt-back becomes a problem.
Is nugget ice really worth the extra cost over bullet ice?
It depends entirely on how you use ice. Nugget ice is softer, absorbs flavors, and is the preference for cocktails, iced coffee, and people who chew ice — if that describes you, a machine like the EUHOMY 40 lb nugget model will get used daily and justify itself. If your ice mostly goes into water bottles, coolers, or casual drinks, bullet ice from the Frigidaire or DUMOS models performs the same job at a lower cost and with faster first batches. Nugget machines also tend to be heavier, louder, and slower per batch. My honest read: nugget ice is a lifestyle purchase, and buyers who regret it are usually the ones who bought the trend rather than their actual drinking habits.
How long do these machines take to produce the first batch of ice?
Bullet-ice machines are typically the fastest, with first batches appearing in roughly 6–10 minutes and each subsequent batch every 7–15 minutes depending on size selection. Nugget machines take longer to prime — often 15–25 minutes for the first usable ice — because the extrusion process needs a running start, though they sustain high volume once going. Ambient temperature and water temperature both affect these numbers, so a machine in a hot kitchen in July will lag behind its cold-weather performance. For entertaining, the smart move is starting any of these machines 45–60 minutes before guests arrive so the basket is already partially stocked when the first drink is poured.
Are the self-cleaning functions actually enough, or do I need to descale manually?
The self-clean cycles on these machines flush the water lines and ice-making surfaces with water (or a diluted cleaning solution you add), and they handle day-to-day hygiene well. What they don’t fully address is limescale from hard water, which builds up on the heating element and internal surfaces over months. If you live in a hard-water area, run a descaling solution — citric acid or a manufacturer-approved cleaner — through the machine every one to three months, following the self-clean cycle as the delivery method. Also empty and dry the reservoir if the machine will sit unused for more than a few days. Buyers who skip descaling are the ones writing off these machines after a year, so treat it like caring for a coffee maker.
Several of these models look nearly identical — do I need to compare specs closely, or just pick on price and color?
The category genuinely has near-duplicates: the two Crzoe models here differ only in color, and the three EUHOMY with-handle units vary in small ways like capacity claims and finish. When two models share the same brand, capacity, and ice type, choosing on color or small price differences is completely reasonable. Where specs do matter is across ice type and capacity class — a 26 lb bullet machine and a 35–40 lb nugget machine are different tools despite similar footprints. Check three things before assuming two models are the same: ice type, rated daily output, and whether self-cleaning and a timer are included. Everything else is styling, and styling is a legitimate way to choose between true twins.
Conclusion
Mapping these fifteen models to real buyers: for the best overall, the EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (40 lb, Black) leads on output and ice quality, with the 35 lb stainless version as the near-equal alternative if style matters. For best value, the Crzoe 26 lb self-cleaning models or the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS deliver dependable bullet ice without the nugget premium — the Frigidaire especially for buyers who prioritize a trusted brand. For best for beginners, the Silonn with self-cleaning or the Aeitto keeps things simple: fill, press, harvest. For entertainers, the Silonn with the expandable basket solves melt-back during long gatherings, and the Silonn touchscreen model with timer suits anyone who wants to schedule production around their day. If you’re still torn, work backwards from one question: do you want chewable nugget ice or fast, dense bullet ice? Everything else in this lineup falls into place from there.
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