We carry nugget ice makers, crushed ice makers, bullet ice makers and more. We carry ice makers from trusted brands like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, GE, NewAir, Frigidaire and more. Some brands have several models you can choose from, like a Frigidaire ice maker or Frigidaire countertop ice maker. No matter what type of ice machine you’re looking for — whether you’ve had your eye on a built-in ice maker or a countertop crushed ice maker — we’re here to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle. Designed to meet strict operational standards, including ETL electrical current requirements, this commercial unit is perfect for home, bar, restaurant, and event use.
A detachable side water tank attaches to the machine with magnets. The side tank allows for more ice to be made between refills; you can also opt for a cheaper version without the side tank. Also known as pellet ice (or even Sonic ice), the superiority of nugget ice comes from its diminutive size and irresistible texture.
The machine runs constantly, but you can set a timer if you only want it to be on and produce new ice for a certain period. During our testing, we found that what one ice maker offers with capacity and speed, it lacks in style and size. Our pick for the best ice maker overall — the Luma Comfort Clear Ice Maker — offers a practically silent motor and exceptional water capacity.
We also survey our members about their firsthand experiences with refrigerators to gauge a brand’s performance over time. In our most recent surveys, CR members told us about more than 80,000 new refrigerators (all with icemakers) that they purchased between 2013 and 2023. The refrigerator brands in the survey include Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool. All new refrigerators are much more efficient than models from a decade ago, but they’re not all created equal. The information on a refrigerator’s EnergyGuide label will help you find a model that will keep your utility bills in check.
Similar to other standard countertop ice makers, the Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27 makes nine bullet-shaped cubes every eight minutes. Within a half hour, you’ll have enough ice to chill a few drinks. Short of having an in-door ice dispenser in your refrigerator, the KBice self-dispensing nugget ice maker does an excellent job of filling the void.
It also has wifi and voice control capabilities, which don’t necessarily seem like things you’d need in an ice maker — but as the old saying goes, go big or go home. Finally, there’s a professional-grade ice maker that looks sharp enough for home kitchens. Versatile controls put you in charge of everything about your ice, including cycle timing and ice thickness. The stainless steel door is fingerprint-resistant, so this clear ice maker is ready for duty in your home bar.
“Best value” is a tough category here since nugget ice makers are not, as a general rule, a budget appliance. That said, this one from AGLucky — which is both self-cleaning and capable of producing a whopping 44 pounds of ice every 24 hours — is priced at less than $300. It comes with an ice basket and ice scoop for easy ice storage. The viewing window is also helpful for keep track of ice production and refilling the machine as needed.
All five of these nugget ice makers just require an electrical outlet. They’re meant to sit on the countertop and get to work straight away. The exterior not only gives the ice maker a sleek and modern appearance, with its stainless steel accent, but also provides frigidaire freezer durability and resistance to stains and fingerprints. This Frigidaire ice maker is designed to be portable, allowing you to move it around easily. It does not require a water hookup, as it has a built-in water reservoir that you can fill manually.
You’re more likely to use a countertop ice maker when you can bring it all over the house, from the kitchen to the backyard. Like the other clear-ice machines we tested, the Luma Comfort ice maker has an option to increase the thickness of the ice, though it isn’t obvious (you need to hold down the power button for 5 seconds). The manual recommends using this mode if you’ll be using the ice maker in warmer temperatures (above 70 °F, basically) to ensure that the ice forms completely. This model also has a self-cleaning mode, which was the easiest to select and operate of the bullet-ice machines we tested. You still need to clean your ice maker regularly the old fashioned way.
Storage capacity underneath which allows you to retain more ice depending on volume of visitors, or day-to-day needs. This ice machine also has long, Adjustable Legs for Added Stability – Easier to store in tight areas or in spaces with uneven surfaces. Each ice machine unit has four 6” legs that can be adjusted to provide better stability and balance.