10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2022 (Portable Picks)

Ice is the unsung hero of modern happiness. It keeps iced coffee from turning into lukewarm regret,
makes cocktails feel like vacations, and turns “I’m fine” into “I’m hosting!” with one glorious clink.
The problem? Freezer trays produce six cubes and a sense of betrayal. And many fridge ice makers are either
slow, noisy, or mysteriously “temporarily unavailable” the exact day your friends show up.

That’s why countertop ice makers had a moment in 2022and honestly, they never stopped. The best portable ice machines
crank out ice fast, don’t demand plumbing, and can live on a counter, a bar cart, or even an RV countertop that’s
seen things. This guide covers 10 models that were widely popular in the 2022 era (and still make excellent sense today),
with clear explanations of ice types, real-world tradeoffs, and a few “learn from my mistakes” tips so you don’t end up
descaling at midnight before a party. (Ask me how I know.)

What “Best” Means for a Countertop Ice Maker in 2022

Countertop ice makers are not freezers. They make ice, store it briefly in an insulated basket,
and then keep producing while meltwater cycles back into the reservoir. Translation: you’ll get a steady stream of ice,
but if you leave it overnight, it will melt and re-make itself like some sort of frosty Groundhog Day.

Key things that actually matter

Ice type: nugget (chewable), bullet (hollow “capsule” cubes), or clear (slow-melting cocktail cubes).
Speed: how quickly the first batch drops (often 6–15 minutes for bullet ice; nugget varies).
Daily capacity: many portable units claim roughly 25–45 pounds per day, but real output depends on room temp and refill habits.
Basket size: small baskets mean frequent dumping into a freezer bin if you’re entertaining.
Noise: fans, pumps, and the “ice drop” sound can be charming… until it’s not.
Cleaning/descaling: easy drainage + a self-clean mode is a huge quality-of-life upgrade.
Water strategy: top-fill reservoirs are convenient; side tanks reduce refill trips; filtered water usually improves taste and reduces scale.

Quick Comparison: The 10 Best Countertop Ice Makers of 2022

Pick	Best For	Ice Type	Why It Stands Out
GE Profile Opal 2.0	“Good ice” lovers, smart features	Nugget	Iconic chewable ice + polished design
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255	High-volume nugget ice on a budget (vs. Opal)	Nugget	Strong output, simple workflow
NewAir NIM044 (44-lb nugget)	Big ice households, frequent hosting	Nugget	High daily capacity for parties
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker	Value nugget ice with easy operation	Nugget	Good “bang for chew”
Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker	Cocktail people, slow-melt cubes	Clear cubes	Denser ice for less dilution
Chefman Iceman Dual-Size	Fast, practical everyday ice	Bullet	Quick batches + simple controls
Magic Chef MCIM22B	Best budget bullet ice	Bullet	Speed + reliability at a lower price
Igloo Automatic/Premium Countertop	Simple, classic portable ice	Bullet	Well-known category staple
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker	Small kitchens, quick ice, good value	Bullet	Compact footprint, fast cycles
Vremi Countertop Ice Maker	Quieter operation and efficiency	Bullet	Low-fuss daily use

The 10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2022: Full Reviews

1) GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (with optional side tank)

If you’ve ever gone out of your way for chewable nugget ice (Sonic fans, I see you),
the Opal 2.0 is the countertop ice maker that made “good ice” a household phrase. It produces soft, crunchy nuggets
that are extremely satisfying in sodas, iced coffee, and cocktailsand dangerously snackable.

Great for: nugget ice devotees, home bars, entertaining
Why it’s top-tier: signature nugget texture, refined design, and smart-ish convenience
Watch-outs: premium price; requires consistent cleaning habits

Real-life tip: if you buy a nugget machine for the texture, budget time for maintenance. It’s not hard,
but it’s also not optional unless you enjoy “mystery flavors” in your ice.

2) Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

Want nugget ice without going full “luxury appliance energy”? The Frigidaire EFIC255 is often praised for delivering
chewable ice with a more straightforward, no-frills approach. It’s a strong pick for families and iced-drink households
that want consistent output and a simple routine.

Great for: daily nugget ice, households that go through a lot of ice
Why it stands out: solid production and approachable operation
Watch-outs: countertop units can still be noisy; plan a spot where sound won’t annoy you

3) NewAir 44-Pound Nugget Ice Maker (NIM044 series)

If your lifestyle includes the words “cookout,” “game day,” “pool,” or “we have people coming over,”
the NewAir 44-pound nugget model is built for higher demand. It’s the kind of portable ice machine that lets you stop
performing the sacred ritual of “Who remembered to buy bagged ice?”

Great for: entertaining, big households, frequent iced beverage makers
Why it stands out: higher capacity class for countertop nugget ice
Watch-outs: nugget machines are larger/heavier than typical bullet-ice models

4) EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker

EUHOMY became a familiar name in the value-focused nugget ice space: you get that craveable chew,
usually without the “this costs as much as my first car payment” feeling. For many buyers, it hits a sweet spot:
nugget ice, compact-ish size, and simple daily use.

Great for: first-time nugget ice owners, budget-conscious “good ice” seekers
Why it stands out: practical nugget performance with user-friendly controls
Watch-outs: smaller hoppers can mean pre-batching ice for parties

5) Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker

Clear ice is the tuxedo of ice: dense, slow-melting, and instantly makes your drink look like it has opinions.
If you love cocktails (or just hate watery beverages), a clear ice maker can be a surprisingly satisfying upgrade.

Great for: whiskey, Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and people who talk about “dilution” on purpose
Why it stands out: denser cubes melt slower than typical bullet ice
Watch-outs: clear ice production is usually slower than bullet ice

6) Chefman Iceman Dual-Size Countertop Ice Maker

Sometimes you don’t need fancy. You need ice now. The Chefman Iceman has a reputation for fast production,
and the dual-size option is useful when you want smaller ice for rapid chilling or larger pieces for a slower melt.

Great for: everyday use, busy kitchens, quick refills during gatherings
Why it stands out: speed and simplicity
Watch-outs: like most bullet ice machines, ice melts faster than clear cubes

7) Magic Chef MCIM22B 27-Pound Portable Ice Maker

The Magic Chef MCIM22B is one of those “workhorse” picks: not glamorous, but it shows up, makes ice quickly,
and doesn’t ask you to download an app or read a 40-page manual. If you want an affordable portable ice maker that gets
the job done, this is a strong candidate.

Great for: budget shoppers, apartments, occasional hosting
Why it stands out: fast bullet ice with a practical footprint
Watch-outs: drainage and cleaning may be more manual than premium models

8) Igloo Automatic / Premium Countertop Ice Maker

Igloo has been a familiar name in portable cooling forever, and their countertop ice makers became a common “starter”
choice in 2022. These models are popular for straightforward bullet ice: fill the reservoir, press a button,
enjoy your cold drink like a functional adult.

Great for: simple home use, RVs, dorm-style setups, casual entertaining
Why it stands out: recognizable brand, easy learning curve
Watch-outs: bullet ice can be softer and melt faster in warm rooms

9) Silonn Countertop Ice Maker

Silonn became a go-to pick for shoppers who wanted a compact portable ice maker that produces quickly and doesn’t
take over the entire counter. It’s especially appealing for small kitchens where every inch mattersand where you’d like
your ice maker to stop auditioning for “Most Dramatic Appliance on the Counter.”

Great for: small spaces, fast ice needs, value-focused buyers
Why it stands out: compact and quick
Watch-outs: plan to transfer ice to the freezer if you need a larger stash

10) Vremi Countertop Ice Maker

If your top requirement is “please don’t sound like a tiny jet engine,” Vremi has been noted for relatively quiet,
efficient performance for a countertop unit. It’s an easy fit for daily useespecially if your ice maker lives near
the living room and you’d like to hear your own thoughts again.

Great for: quieter operation, everyday bullet ice
Why it stands out: efficient design that’s comfortable to live with
Watch-outs: don’t treat the basket like a freezeruse the ice, or move it to the freezer bin

How to Choose the Right Portable Ice Machine

Start with the ice you actually want

Nugget ice: soft, chewable, “restaurant style.” Melts faster, cools fast, wildly popular.
Bullet ice: quick and common. Great for everyday drinks, but melts faster than clear cubes.
Clear ice: slower to make, slower to melt. Best for cocktails and avoiding dilution.

Then pick based on your lifestyle

For hosting: prioritize higher capacity and a bigger basket, or plan to pre-batch ice in the freezer.
For small kitchens: measure your space and look for a compact footprint with front access.
For RV/camping: consider weight, stability, and where you’ll drain it.
For low-maintenance people: self-clean cycles and easy drainage are your best friends.

Cleaning, Descaling, and Not Ruining Your Ice

Here’s the truth: countertop ice makers are little water ecosystems. If you ignore cleaning, the ecosystem will develop
“character.” Not the cute kind. The “why does my ice taste like a basement dehumidifier?” kind.

Practical maintenance habits

Use filtered water if possible. It often improves taste and reduces mineral buildup.
Empty and dry the reservoir if you won’t use the machine for a few days.
Run clean cycles on schedule (and wipe down the ice basket and lid area).
Descale regularlyfrequency depends on water hardness and usage.

If you live somewhere with hard water, descaling isn’t a suggestionit’s the membership fee for owning an ice maker.
Many brands recommend routine descaling on a cadence like “every few months,” and hard water may demand more frequent care.
Distilled water can help reduce buildup if your tap water is particularly mineral-heavy.

Safety Note: A 2022-Era Recall Worth Knowing

Before we wrap up, one important consumer safety detail: some Gevi Household countertop nugget ice makers (model GIMN-1102)
with date codes before June 1, 2022 were later recalled because metal pieces from an auger could break off and end up in the ice basket.
If you already own one (or see one secondhand), check the label and recall information before using it.

FAQ: Countertop Ice Makers in Real Life

Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?

Not really. They’re designed to make ice continuously and recycle meltwater. If you want a big stash for a party, run it ahead of time
and dump the finished ice into freezer bags or bins.

How much ice do you actually need?

For casual daily drinks, almost any machine works. For hosting, capacity matters more than you think.
A handful of guests can demolish a small basket in minutesespecially if you’re doing cocktails, iced coffee, and “just water with ice”
(which is secretly the most ice-hungry drink of all).

Why does my ice look cloudy?

Cloudiness is usually trapped air bubbles or minerals in the water. Filtered water helps. Clear-ice machines are built to reduce air
and improve density, which is why their cubes melt slower.

Extra : Real-World Countertop Ice Maker Experiences (a.k.a. Ice Lessons Learned)

Let’s talk about the part no one brags about in product listings: living with a countertop ice maker day-to-day.
Because yes, it’s delightful. And yes, it can also become the loudest member of your household if you place it in the wrong spot.

Experience #1: The “First Batch High.” The first time you realize a portable ice machine can drop fresh ice in under
10 minutes, you will feel powerful. You’ll stare at the basket like a proud parent. You’ll make iced coffee at 10 p.m.
for absolutely no reason. That’s normal. Enjoy it.

Experience #2: The “Basket Isn’t a Freezer” Reality Check. Countertop ice makers store ice in an insulated bin,
not a frozen compartment. So your beautiful little cubes will slowly melt, and the machine will reuse that water.
This is not a flawthis is how they work. The workaround is simple: if you need a stockpile, make ice ahead of time and
transfer it to the freezer in zip bags. Suddenly, you’re the person who has “backup ice,” and that’s a level of stability
most of us are still chasing.

Experience #3: Noise is personal. In a busy kitchen, the fan hum and occasional ice-drop sound is basically background music.
In a studio apartment at midnight? It becomes a percussion solo. If you’re sensitive to sound, place the machine farther from
where you relax or sleep. Also, a stable surface helps reduce rattlesbecause a slightly wobbly cart turns “quiet operation”
into “tap-dancing appliance.”

Experience #4: Nugget ice changes your drink habits. Nugget ice is soft, porous, and chills quicklywhich is great
but it can also melt faster than dense clear cubes. That’s perfect for sodas and iced coffee (hello, slushy vibes),
but for a spirit-forward cocktail you might prefer clear ice. Many people end up owning one machine and adjusting expectations:
nugget for daily joy, clear cubes for “serious beverage time,” bullet ice for quick practicality.

Experience #5: Cleaning is the difference between “luxury” and “why does my ice taste weird?” The easiest routine I’ve seen work is:
use filtered water, wipe the bin and lid area weekly, and run the clean cycle when your machine prompts you. If you have hard water,
descaling becomes the grown-up version of changing your car’s oilboring, essential, and wildly satisfying once done because everything
runs better. You’ll notice improved ice taste and more consistent output, and you won’t have to panic-clean right before guests arrive.

The bottom line? A countertop ice maker can be one of the most satisfying “small luxuries” you buybecause it upgrades daily life
in tiny ways that add up fast. Choose the ice type you love, pick a size you can live with, commit to basic maintenance,
and you’ll never go back to tray life. Tray life is fine. But fresh ice on demand? That’s living.

Conclusion

The best countertop ice makers of 2022 weren’t just gadgetsthey were practical little machines that solved a real problem:
we want lots of ice, quickly, without plumbing, drama, or a freezer full of trays that never quite stack right.
Whether you’re chasing chewable nugget ice, cocktail-ready clear cubes, or fast bullet ice for everyday drinks,
there’s a portable ice machine here that fits your space, your budget, and your beverage personality.