By Buyer Reports Editorial Team·Last updated August 2026·Independently researched, no paid placements
Ten countertop ice makers, and they split cleanly into two camps: machines that spit out soft, chewable nugget pellets and ones that drop firm bullet cubes in six minutes flat. Which camp you belong to decides almost everything else. Footprint, daily yield, and how quiet the compressor runs sort out the rest.
Countertop ice makers sound interchangeable until you actually compare them side by side. The split that matters most is ice shape: nugget machines like the Kismile Nugget and the Euhomy Nugget line make the soft, crunchable pellets people chew straight from the basket, while the bullet-cube crowd, including the Antarctic Star and Crzoe units, prioritizes speed and a smaller footprint over texture. Daily capacity ranges from roughly 26 lbs on the compact bullet machines up to 44 lbs on the largest Euhomy nugget model, and that number tracks closely with both size and price. We pulled current Amazon specifications, product images, and pricing for the ten most relevant countertop ice makers, then sorted them by what each one actually delivers: ice type, daily output, footprint, noise, and the extras buyers keep asking about, like self-cleaning cycles and selectable cube sizes. The result is a ranking weighted toward real capability and fit rather than the lowest sticker or the longest feature list. Skim the quick verdict if you are in a hurry, or read the per-product breakdowns for the detail.
The short version: The Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop takes the top spot for pairing chewable crushed-nugget ice with a 35 lbs/day output and one-click, self-cleaning operation. If you want the cheapest path to cold drinks, the Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine is the value pick, churning out bullet ice in about six minutes while drawing energy.
How to use this guide: In a hurry? The Quick Verdict below names the top pick in seconds. Want to compare? The full comparison table and charts line up all 10 ice makers side by side. For the details, every model has a full review with key features, honest pros and cons, and who it is best for.
Key takeaways
Best overall is the Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop: chewable nugget ice, 35 lbs/day, one-click self-cleaning.
Best value is the Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine, the lowest-cost bullet maker, rated under 40 dB.
Premium pick is the Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (44Lbs/24H), the highest daily output in the lineup.
The lineup splits between soft nugget/pellet machines and faster firm-bullet machines, so choose texture first.
All ten include a self-cleaning function, and several bullet models add a carry handle and dual ice sizes.
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Why we liked it: The Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop earns it by combining the soft, crushed-nugget ice people actually crave with a 35 lbs/day production rate. A one-click control panel and a built-in self-cleaning routine keep the daily routine close to zero effort, and the silver compact body is pitched as quiet enough for shared spaces. It is the most complete all-rounder in the group.
PROS
Soft, chewable crushed-nugget ice
35 lbs/day production rate
One-click operation
Self-cleaning function
CONS
Does not list selectable ice sizes like several bullet models here
Why we liked it: The Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop delivers soft, chewable pellet ice with a quick seven-minute first batch and a 35 lbs/24H rate. Its 11 x 9.1 x 12.6 inch frame slips onto most counters, the self-cleaning system handles upkeep, and a scoop and basket come in the box. The stainless finish makes it an easy match for a modern kitchen.
Why we liked it: The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine is the budget-friendly bullet option that does the basics well. It drops nine cubes in about six minutes, runs roughly 26 lbs/24H, and weighs only 13 lbs in an 11.57 x 11.42 x 8.74 inch body with a sturdy handle. An infrared sensor and a see-through window let you watch the ice level, and it ships ready for home, kitchen, camping, or RV duty.
PROS
9 cubes ready in about 6 minutes
Lightweight 13 lbs with carry handle
Infrared sensor and see-through window
Self-cleaning operation
CONS
26 lbs/24H trails the higher-output nugget models
Makes firm bullet ice rather than soft nugget pellets
Why we liked it: When one basket of nugget ice is not enough, the Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop steps up to a 40 lbs/24H rate while still delivering soft, chewable pellets in seven to ten minutes. The automated cleaning program keeps maintenance hands-off, and the 13.8 x 9.8 x 14.9 inch black frame is sized to sit on a counter. It is the mid-volume nugget choice for busier households.
PROS
40 lbs/24H pellet output
Chewable, crunchable nugget ice
Automated self-cleaning program
Continuous ice production
CONS
Taller 14.9 inch frame needs more vertical clearance
Why we liked it: Our premium choice, the Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, leads the lineup on raw capacity at 44 lbs/24H while still serving soft, chewable pellets in seven to ten minutes. One-touch control starts pellet ice instantly, an automatic deep-cleaning cycle handles maintenance, and the design keeps the footprint reasonable for the output. It is the pick for anyone who simply wants the most nugget ice on tap.
PROS
Top-of-group 44 lbs/24H output
Soft, chewable nugget ice
One-touch ICE button operation
Automatic deep-cleaning cycle
CONS
Highest-output model, so it draws more than the compact units
Why we liked it: Powered by a compressor, the Euhomy Ice Maker Countertop turns out nine cubes in six to twelve minutes at about 26 lbs/24H, and it lets you pick between two bullet sizes. At 13.9 lbs with a sturdy handle and an 11.74 x 9.46 x 11.19 inch body, it travels well, and a self-cleaning function plus an included basket and scoop round out a practical, no-fuss bullet machine.
Why we liked it: The Euhomy Ice Maker Countertop in silver is the travel-minded bullet unit, making nine cubes in about six minutes at 26.5 lbs/day. It is the lightest Euhomy here at 12.98 lbs, packs an infrared sensor and a large see-through window to monitor production, and tucks into a 9.25 x 11.54 x 11.61 inch footprint. Handle, basket, and scoop are all in the box.
PROS
9 cubes in about 6 minutes
Light 12.98 lbs with carry handle
Infrared sensor and see-through window
Auto-cleaning operation
CONS
Does not list selectable ice sizes unlike the B0DCJ78D27 Euhomy
Why we liked it: The Kismile Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine focuses on convenience: fresh bullet ice in as little as six to eight minutes at 26 lbs/24H, with a choice of small or large cubes. The bullet ice is shaped to be smooth and easy on teeth, a built-in self-cleaning function simplifies upkeep, and an internal light plus smart indicators make the compact coal-black unit straightforward to run.
Why we liked it: Our value pick, the Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine, is the budget bullet unit that still hits the marks that matter: eight cubes in six minutes, 26 lb/day, and a choice of two sizes. An optimized motor trims energy use by 30%, the 8.74 x 11.47 x 11.57 inch footprint fits an RV or beach setup, and at under 40 dB it is the quietest machine in this guide.
Why we liked it: The Crzoe Countertop Portable Ice Maker Machine covers the bullet-ice essentials at a value price: eight cubes in six minutes, 26 lbs/24H, and two cube sizes. An R600a compressor handles the freezing, a self-cleaning function reaches into every corner, and the 8.66 x 10.39 x 11.22 inch body weighs just 11.77 lbs with a handle for easy moving.
PROS
8 cubes ready in 6 minutes
Two selectable cube sizes
R600a efficient compressor
Self-cleaning function
CONS
26 lbs/24H is among the lowest outputs here
Bullet ice only, no nugget option
Things to consider
8 Things to Consider Before Buying Ice Makers
Before you sort by price, settle two questions: do you want soft nugget pellets or firm bullet cubes, and how much ice do you realistically go through in a day? Once those are clear, the specs below separate the machines that fit your counter and your routine from the ones that only look similar on a listing.
Nugget vs. bullet ice
This is the first fork in the road. Nugget models like the Kismile Nugget and EUHOMY's pellet machines make soft, chewable ice that absorbs drink flavor; bullet machines such as the Antarctic Star and Crzoe produce firmer, faster-freezing cubes. Pick the texture you actually want to eat before anything else.
Daily ice output
Stated capacity here spans 26 lbs/24H on compact units like the Euhomy Countertop Machine up to 44 lbs/24H on the largest Euhomy Nugget Maker. A two-person household rarely needs the high end, but for parties or a busy kitchen the extra throughput keeps the basket from running dry.
First-batch speed
Bullet machines tend to be quickest off the line: the Euhomy Countertop Machine and the Antarctic Star both list a first batch in roughly six minutes. Nugget makers trade some of that speed for texture, with the Euhomy Nugget models quoting seven to ten minutes. If you want ice on demand, the faster bullet units win.
Footprint and portability
Measure your counter first. The Antarctic Star squeezes into an 8.74 x 11.47 x 11.57 inch footprint, while the 44 lbs Euhomy Nugget Maker needs more room. Several bullet models, including the Euhomy Countertop Machine and the Crzoe, add a carry handle for moving the unit to an RV, party, or campsite.
Selectable ice sizes
If different drinks call for different cubes, look for dual-size control. The Euhomy Ice Maker Countertop (B0DCJ78D27), the Kismile Portable, the Antarctic Star, and the Crzoe all produce two sizes of bullet ice, so you can switch between a small cube for sipping and a larger one for chilling fast.
Self-cleaning and upkeep
Every machine here lists a self-cleaning or auto-cleaning function, which spares you the manual scrubbing that ice makers otherwise demand. The Euhomy nugget models run an automated cycle, and the bullet units use a one-touch maintenance routine to keep the ice tasting fresh.
Noise level
Open-plan kitchens make compressor hum noticeable. The Antarctic Star is the only model that puts a number on it, citing whisper-quiet operation under 40 dB, while the Kismile Nugget and several Euhomy units describe themselves as quiet without a figure. If the machine sits near a living space, lean toward the ones that emphasize low noise.
Visibility and convenience extras
Small touches change the daily experience. The Euhomy Countertop Machine and the silver Euhomy (B0D3GV1VQS) add a see-through window and infrared sensor so you can watch the ice level, the Kismile Portable includes an internal light, and most units ship with an ice scoop and basket so you are ready out of the box.
Verdict
Our Final Verdict
For most kitchens the Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop is the one to beat: chewable crushed-nugget ice, a 35 lbs/day rate, and genuinely hands-off self-cleaning. Shoppers watching their budget should grab the Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine, the lowest-cost bullet maker here, with a six-minute first batch and a sub-40 dB rating. If output is your priority, the Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (44Lbs/24H) is the premium choice, with the highest daily capacity of the group. None of these is wrong; the right call comes down to nugget versus bullet and how much ice you actually burn through.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best countertop ice maker?
The Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop is our top pick of the ten we compared. It makes soft, chewable nugget ice at 35 lbs/day, runs a self-cleaning cycle, and operates with one-click simplicity, which earned it the highest score in our ranking.
What is the difference between nugget and bullet ice makers?
Nugget machines, like the Kismile Nugget and the Euhomy pellet models, make soft, chewable ice from crushed pellets that soak up drink flavor. Bullet machines, such as the Antarctic Star and Crzoe, produce firmer, hollow cubes faster, often in about six minutes, and tend to have a smaller footprint.
How much ice can a countertop ice maker make per day?
Daily capacity in this guide runs from 26 lbs/24H on the compact bullet units to 44 lbs/24H on the largest Euhomy Nugget Maker. Most households are well served in the 26 to 35 lbs range; step up only if you entertain often or need a steady supply.
Which countertop ice maker is quietest?
The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine is the only model here with a stated noise figure, rated under 40 dB. The Kismile Nugget and several Euhomy units describe themselves as quiet but do not list a decibel number, so the Antarctic Star is the safest pick for an open kitchen.
Do countertop ice makers clean themselves?
Yes. Every machine in this guide includes a self-cleaning or auto-cleaning function. The Euhomy nugget models run an automated cleaning program, while the bullet-ice units use a one-touch maintenance cycle, so you avoid most of the manual scrubbing these appliances usually require.
Which countertop ice maker is best for an RV or camping?
Look for a compact body with a carry handle. The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine, the Euhomy silver model (B0D3GV1VQS), the Antarctic Star, and the Crzoe all pack a handle and a small footprint, and several are explicitly pitched for home, kitchen, camping, and RV use.
