If you enjoy cold drinks every day, having your own countertop ice maker at home can be a game changer. These machines are fast, portable, and easy to use. Whether you’re hosting a party, filling your cooler for a road trip, or just want fresh ice for your soda, a portable ice maker can save time and money. In this guide, I will share my personal experience with some of the best countertop ice makers for 2025. I have tested them at home, while camping, and even in my RV. Each ice maker is unique, and this post will help you pick the right one based on your needs.
List of Best Countertop Ice Maker 2025: Top Picks Tried and Reviewed
| Ice Maker Name | Ice Production Capacity | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker | 26 lbs/day | Amazon Price |
| Silonn Ice Maker Countertop | 26 lbs/day | Amazon Price |
| Frigidaire EFIC103 | 26 lbs/day | Amazon Price |
| COWSAR Ice Maker Countertop | 26.5 lbs/day | Amazon Price |
| ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker | 35.5 lbs/day | Amazon Price |
What to Look for in the Best Countertop Ice Maker in 2025
Before I share my top picks, I want to help you understand what really matters when choosing a countertop ice maker. Over the past few months, I’ve tested different models in my kitchen, during camping trips, and while traveling. Here are the main things I paid attention to:
- Ice production speed: Some machines make ice in just 6 to 7 minutes
- Daily capacity: I looked for machines that could make 25 lbs or more per day
- Portability and size: Compact size and handles are helpful if you move it often
- Noise level: A quieter machine is better, especially for small spaces
- Ease of use and cleaning: Clear controls and auto-cleaning features save time
- Ice type: I personally prefer nugget or bullet ice, as it’s softer and melts slower
Now that you know what to expect, let me walk you through the best countertop ice makers of 2025 that I personally used and tested.
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker
I’ve used the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker for a few months, and it’s been a reliable choice for everyday use. It makes 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes, which is perfect when you need ice quickly for a drink. With a 26 lbs/day capacity, it’s enough for small households or personal use.
One thing I love is how quiet it runs. Even when left on overnight, it doesn’t disturb sleep. The built-in handle and lightweight body make it super easy to carry, whether I’m using it in the kitchen or taking it to a camping site. The self-cleaning function is helpful too, just press a button and it cleans itself in 30 minutes.
The infrared sensor tells you when the ice basket is full or when you need to add water, so you never run out of ice unexpectedly. Though the ice starts melting slowly in the basket, it just gets reused to make fresh ice, so nothing is wasted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast 6-minute ice making | Ice may stick together if left in basket for too long |
| Compact and portable with handle | |
| Quiet operation | |
| Self-cleaning mode | |
| Smart water and ice alerts |
Silonn Ice Maker Countertop
The Silonn Countertop Ice Maker was one of the easiest machines I tested. It fits perfectly in small spaces like kitchen corners or on a camper shelf. What stood out the most is how fast it makes bullet-shaped ice cubes—you get 9 cubes in just 6 minutes.
The control panel is very simple. You fill the water tank, press a button, and choose from two ice sizes. The indicator lights will tell you when the water is low or when the ice basket is full. I liked how portable it is. It comes with a solid handle, and the ice scoop snaps onto the basket, so you don’t lose it.
This ice maker worked great with bottled water, which helped me avoid using tap water in areas with water issues. I even tried it with a portable power station, and it ran just fine, which is perfect for camping or emergencies.
One thing to keep in mind—since the ice tray is not refrigerated, the ice slowly melts if left inside. I usually run it while watching TV and move the ice into my freezer every few batches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight | Ice melts if not transferred quickly |
| Two ice size options | |
| Works with bottled water and portable power | |
| Easy to clean with self-cleaning feature |
Frigidaire EFIC103 Countertop Ice Maker
I used the Frigidaire EFIC103 mostly at home, especially when I needed a larger amount of ice. It’s a bit bigger than others on this list, but it makes square-shaped ice cubes, which some people prefer over bullet-style. It produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day and can store around 2.2 lbs at a time, which is higher than most small machines.
It takes around 6 minutes to make the first batch, and after that, the ice just keeps coming. I liked how the control panel showed when the bin was full or if the water was low. It also has a self-cleaning mode, which was simple to use.
The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s not completely silent. You’ll hear it working — especially when it drops the cubes. But if you like clear, well-shaped ice that’s great for drinks or filling coolers, this one is reliable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Larger storage and square ice cubes | Slightly noisy |
| Easy digital controls | Takes more counter space |
| Strong stainless-steel build | |
| Good for home use and entertaining |
COWSAR Ice Maker Countertop
The COWSAR ice maker is one of the simplest and quietest machines I tried. I used it in my kitchen and even during a weekend at a rental cabin. It’s compact, lightweight, and has a strong handle, so moving it was easy. It makes 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in about 6 minutes, and up to 26.5 lbs per day.
The control system is very basic — just one button to start and a light to tell you when to add water. It also has a self-cleaning function, which was helpful. I liked that the machine didn’t make much noise, which makes it good for use in bedrooms or quieter spaces.
This is a great option if you want something easy to use without too many extra features. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or even a small bar setup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very quiet and simple to use | Limited storage — best for small needs |
| Fast ice making (under 6 minutes) | |
| Compact and easy to carry | |
| Budget-friendly choice |
ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker
The ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker quickly became one of my favorites. If you love chewable, soft nugget ice, this is the one to look at. It makes ice in about 7 minutes and produces up to 35.5 lbs per day, which is more than any other machine I tested.
What really stood out was the ice quality. Unlike regular bullet ice, this ice is soft, crunchy, and easy to chew — perfect for cold drinks, smoothies, or just chewing plain. I didn’t need to melt or soften the cubes like I did with other machines. It was ready to enjoy straight out of the tray.
The machine is compact but powerful. It has a self-cleaning function, and I found it easy to keep clean using a simple water and vinegar solution. It also has a modern look and runs with a low noise level. I did notice it makes a bit more sound during the ice-making cycle, but nothing too distracting.
One thing that really impressed me was the customer service. When mine had a small issue after 6 months, the company replaced it without hassle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes soft, chewable nugget ice | Slightly noisier during cycles |
| Highest daily output (35.5 lbs/day) | A bit more expensive than others |
| Easy to clean and operate | |
| Responsive customer support |
Frequently Asked Questions – Countertop Ice Maker
A countertop ice maker pulls water from its tank, freezes it on metal prongs or plates, and drops the formed ice into a storage basket. It repeats this cycle until the bin is full or water runs out.
Most ice makers take about 6 to 15 minutes to make the first batch after a reset, depending on the model and room temperature.
A good portable ice maker can last 2 to 5 years with regular use and proper cleaning.
Check if the machine has water, if the sensors are blocked, or if the room is too hot. Cleaning the machine often helps fix this issue.
Leaks can happen if the machine is not level, if the drain plug is loose, or if the water tank is overfilled.
Final Verdict
After using and testing all five machines, I can say that each one has something special to offer. If you want fast ice with a simple design, the COWSAR or Silonn models are great. For larger storage and square ice cubes, the Frigidaire is a solid choice. If you prefer chewable nugget ice, then the ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker is hands down the best pick, especially for home bars or hot summer days. And the EUHOMY ice maker offers a great mix of speed, portability, and quiet operation.
Choosing the best countertop ice maker in 2025 depends on your needs. Whether it’s for daily use, travel, or entertaining guests, there’s a reliable portable ice maker on this list for everyone.