When it comes to countertop ice makers, the market is flooded with options. To help you find the best one, I purchased ten of the most popular models and put them through a rigorous battery of tests. I compiled all the data into a spreadsheet to determine the best performing models. Here’s everything you need to know about how these machines work, how they compare to each other, and which ones performed the best.
How Do Countertop Ice Makers Work?
Countertop ice makers work by adding water to a basin, which is usually located below the ice tray. Once turned on, the machine begins making ice, filling the freezer in an average of one to two hours. Unlike full-size freezers, these machines don’t refrigerate, which means the ice will eventually melt. However, most models are insulated and include a recirculation system that uses melted ice water to make new ice. This allows you to leave the machine running overnight and wake up to a fresh batch of ice.
Type of Ice Produced
Most countertop ice machines produce bullet ice, which is soft, chewy and versatile. However, the two high-end models we tested produced different types of ice:
Yuhomi: Produces square (diamond) ice, which is harder and lasts longer.
GE: Produces granulated (sonic) ice, which is softer and ideal for quickly chilling beverages.
Each type has its own advantages, and the choice comes down to your personal preference.
Testing Ice Makers
To determine the best ice maker, I ran several tests, including:
- Ice-making speed
Rather than relying on the manufacturer’s “pounds of ice produced per day” claim, I measured how long it took each machine to produce a full box of ice. The fastest machines were:
Overall speed for the Dream Miracle and Yuhomi IMF.
The AG Lucky and King’s Wire (essentially the same product) are affordable models.
- Ice Cycle Time
Each machine produces about nine cubes per cycle, with cycle times ranging from six to 12 minutes. This determines how quickly the machine starts to refill.
- Ice Bucket Capacity
A larger bucket is helpful if you need to make more ice at once, such as multiple smoothies in the morning. The Dream Miracle has the largest bucket, while smaller models can only handle one or two servings at a time.
- Insulation and Melt Rate
Since these machines don’t have a refrigeration feature, I tested their insulation by measuring how much ice melted in an hour after unplugging the power cord. The best insulated were:
Dream Miracle (slowest melt time)
Igloo (best insulation among budget models)
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is critical for ice machines, as neglecting it can lead to unsafe conditions. Some models include a self-cleaning cycle, which I give points for. Machines without this feature require more frequent manual cleaning.
- Customer Reviews and Pricing
I considered customer reviews, prioritizing models with high ratings and a large number of reviews. Price was also a consideration—cheaper models get more points if performance is comparable to higher-end models.
- Ice Quality
Most machines produce cloudy bullet ice with bubbles in it. However, the ice produced by the Yuhomi IMF and GE is clear and produces fewer bubbles in carbonated drinks. This makes them ideal for bartenders and cocktail lovers.
Final Ranking: Best Ice Makers
- Best Overall: Dream Miracle
✅ Pros: Fastest ice making, largest storage bin, slowest melt time, reasonable price. ❌ Cons: Tall design (16.5 inches), can only produce bullet ice.
- Best for Sonic Ice: GE
✅ Pros: Produces popular sonic ice, great for soft drinks. ❌ Cons: Expensive, higher maintenance, generates more heat, mixed customer reviews.
- Best for Clear Ice: Yuhomi IMF
✅ Pros: Can make square, clear ice, perfect for cocktails. ❌ Cons: Need to manually break ice, not very convenient for daily use.
- Best Budget Pick: AG Lucky / Antarctic Star
✅ Pros: Affordable price, large ice production, high customer reviews. ❌ Cons: Smaller freezer, not as well insulated as premium models.
Conclusion: Which ice maker should you buy?
If you need to make a lot of ice quickly, go with the Dream Miracle.
If you like sonic ice making, the GE is your best choice—but be prepared for higher prices and maintenance.
If you’re a bartender or cocktail lover, the Yuhomi IMF is great for making pure, clear ice.
If you’re on a budget, the AG Lucky or Antarctic Star will get the job done without breaking the bank.
Hopefully, this guide will help you choose the best countertop ice maker for your needs! Be sure to check out the links in the description for more details and subscribe for more product test reviews. Thanks for reading!
