10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2025 in the United States

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.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a solid choice if you're after nugget-style ice that’s soft and chewable, ideal for drinks that benefit from ice that cools without watering down quickly. It can produce up to 38 pounds of ice in 24 hours, which means it’s capable of serving a party or regular household use comfortably. The 3-pound storage drawer holds a decent amount of ice ready to use, which is good for convenience but may require frequent emptying during heavy use.

One standout feature is its 1-gallon water tank that removes the need for hooking up to a water line, making it pretty portable for a countertop appliance of this size — though at about 17.5 by 13.4 by 16.5 inches and 38 pounds, it’s not something you’d want to move daily. It’s fairly fast, delivering the first batch in about 10 minutes, so you won’t be waiting long for ice. The built-in WiFi and smart app integration allow you to monitor and control the ice maker remotely, which adds a modern convenience, especially if you enjoy tech features and voice commands via Alexa or Google.

Maintenance is straightforward thanks to a cleaning system designed to keep the ice fresh; water filters and cleaning supplies are available separately, which is typical for appliances of this type. Noise levels during ice production are moderate, similar to comparable machines. If you want a stylish, black stainless steel machine that combines good ice quality, decent production speed, and smart controls, this model meets those needs while offering moderate storage capacity and manageable cleaning requirements.

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want soft, chewable nugget ice similar to what you find at Sonic, which is great for cocktails, sodas, or people who prefer ice that's easy on sensitive teeth. It produces ice quickly, delivering the first batch in about 10 minutes and up to 34 pounds per day with a storage capacity of around 12 to 15 pounds—enough for parties or larger families. Its compact size and built-in handle make it easy to move around, fitting nicely on countertops or in small spaces like RVs or dorm rooms. The included ice scoop and basket add convenience.

The machine is user-friendly with clear indicators for water levels and ice fullness, reducing any guesswork. Maintenance is simplified by a one-touch auto-cleaning feature that helps prevent mineral buildup without scrubbing. Its weight is about 22 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for frequent transport despite being portable.

This ice maker is ideal for those looking for soft nugget ice with fast production and easy care, especially useful for home entertaining, travel, or small gatherings.