Last update on 2026-04-16 at 13:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you looking for a good ice maker for your home or parties? This list shows the best ice makers of 2026. You can see portable, countertop, and undercounter options all in one place.
We tested brands like Frigidaire, Euhomy, GE Profile Opal 2.0, Gevi, Igloo, and NewAir. We looked at important things like how much ice they make, how much they can hold, and how fast they work. We also checked for cool features like different ice sizes and self-cleaning.
Most countertop and portable ice makers make 24–38 pounds of ice a day. But, undercounter models like the Euhomy can make up to 90 pounds. The storage space also varies, with small bins holding 1.25–5 pounds and undercounter ones holding 20–24 pounds or more.
So, what should you choose? Think about how you use your ice maker. If you have lots of guests, go for a model with more storage and output. For chewable ice, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is great. For fast bullet ice, Frigidaire, NewAir, and Igloo are good and affordable.
Overview of Ice Makers and Their Importance
Ice makers make getting cold drinks easy. They fit in kitchens, garages, patios, and pool houses. Countertop models plug in and use a small water tank. Undercounter and freestanding units need a water line for lots of ice.
What Are Ice Makers?
Ice makers make ice when you need it. Countertop and portable machines freeze water from a tank. They make bullet, nugget, or clear cubes. Undercounter units use a water line and drain for more ice.
Benefits of Using an Ice Maker
Ice makers save time. Countertop units start making ice in 7–15 minutes. Nugget ice is soft and good for drinks. Clear-ice makers make clear cubes for cocktails.
Filtered water and self-clean cycles keep ice fresh. Recycled meltwater and direct-water-line options save work. Pool owners use ice makers to cool drinks fast.
Types of Ice Makers Available
Bullet machines make bullet-shaped cubes. Frigidaire bullet-style models make nine pieces in 8–10 minutes. Nugget units make small, chewable pellets, like the GE Profile Opal 2.0.
Clear-ice systems grow ice in layers. NewAir offers a clear-ice countertop model for cocktails. Undercounter and commercial machines, like Euhomy units, make lots of ice but need plumbing and space.
| Type | Typical Daily Yield | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop Bullet | 26–28 lb/day | Home entertaining, RVs, small kitchens | Frigidaire Compact, Igloo ICEB26HN, NewAir AI-100R |
| Nugget (Pebble) | 20–34 lb/day | Sodas, smoothies, medical cooling | GE Profile Opal 2.0, Gevi V2.0, Euhomy nugget |
| Clear-Ice | 8–30 lb/day | Cocktails, presentation, clear cubes | NewAir clear-ice countertop |
| Undercounter / Commercial | 40–90 lb/day | Large households, small businesses | Euhomy undercounter models |
Top Ice Makers of 2026
Looking for ice fast? These countertop machines are perfect for tailgates or home bars. They come in compact, portable, and budget-friendly options. For more info, check out this review at best ice makers.
1. Igloo ICEB26HN 26-Pound Automatic Portable Ice Maker
The Igloo ICEB26HN is great for quick ice. It makes about 26 pounds a day and first cubes in seven minutes.
It has a carry handle and a window to see ice levels. You can choose from two cube sizes. It also has a self-cleaning mode for easy upkeep.
Notes: It holds about 1.25 pounds of ice. Move ice to a cooler for big events. Use filtered water and clean it before storing to avoid scale.
2. Frigidaire EFIC117-AN62 26-Pound Ice Maker
Frigidaire’s model is fast and easy to use. It makes bullet ice in two sizes and up to 26 pounds a day.
Cycles take eight to thirteen minutes. It reuses meltwater to save water and energy. The control panel is easy to read, and it’s quiet.
Notes: It takes two hours to start after plugging in. Choose the thicker cube for drinks like iced coffee.
3. NewAir AI-100R 28-Pound Portable Ice Maker
NewAir’s AI-100R series is compact and quick. It makes about 28 pounds of ice daily, with some models making more.
It’s small and fast, and it’s priced well. It performs like Frigidaire and Igloo models in speed and size.
Notes: Its ice is not chewable like nugget ice. It also shows more clouding than clear-ice units.
4. hOmeLabs HME020031N 26-Pound Compact Portable Ice Maker
hOmeLabs is for those who want a lot of ice without taking up space. It makes about 26 pounds of bullet ice daily and is easy to use.
It’s small enough for most kitchen counters. It’s a simple choice for drinks and poolside fun.
Notes: It has a small bin, which is common. Use filtered water and clean it often to keep the ice taste neutral.
| Model | Ice Type | Daily Output | Storage | Top Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Igloo ICEB26HN | Bullet | ~26 lb/day | ~1.25 lb | Tailgates, poolside |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-AN62 | Bullet (2 sizes) | ~26 lb/day | ~1.5 lb | Home bar, small gatherings |
| NewAir AI-100R | Bullet | ~28 lb/day | ~1–2 lb | Compact everyday use |
| hOmeLabs HME020031N | Bullet | ~26 lb/day | ~1–2 lb | Kitchen counters, entertaining |
How to Choose the Right Ice Maker for Your Needs
Choosing the right ice maker depends on how you use ice. For small gatherings, a 26–38 lb/day countertop unit works well. Brands like Frigidaire, Igloo, NewAir, and hOmeLabs are good choices.
If you host big parties or run a home bar, an undercounter machine is better. Euhomy’s undercounter models have more output and storage. Make sure to measure space before buying.
Ice type and installation matter a lot. Nugget ice is good for drinks, while clear ice is perfect for cocktails. Bullet or crescent ice is versatile and affordable.
Countertop models are easy to use. Undercounters need a water line and a drain. They also need space for ventilation.
Keeping your ice maker clean is key. Use filtered water to prevent mineral buildup. Run cleaning cycles as recommended by the maker. In hard water areas, descale more often.
For portable machines, drain and rinse the reservoir monthly. When storing, drain, dry, and leave lids open to avoid odors. If your machine isn’t making enough ice, check the water level, filters, and ventilation.
Customer reviews help a lot. Frigidaire and Igloo are known for quiet, reliable bullet ice. GE Opal 2.0 is praised for nugget ice but can be louder and more expensive. Euhomy undercounters have strong capacity but need careful installation.
Look for reviews from people with similar needs. This will help you judge noise, cleaning, and batch sizes. For more details and comparisons, check out this guide on ice machines.
