Consumer Reports Countertop Ice Maker

If you're looking for a way to make ice without having to deal with a bulky freezer ice maker, a countertop ice maker is a great option. These countertop appliances are relatively small and easy to use, and they can produce a significant amount of ice in a short amount of time. But with so many different countertop ice makers on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's where Consumer Reports comes in. We've tested dozens of countertop ice makers, and we've found the best ones for every need and budget.

What to Look for in a Countertop Ice Maker

When choosing a countertop ice maker, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Capacity: Countertop ice makers come in a variety of capacities, from small models that can make a few cups of ice at a time to larger models that can produce up to 25 pounds of ice per day. Choose a capacity that's right for your needs.
Ice Size: Countertop ice makers can produce different sizes of ice, from small cubes to large nuggets. Choose the ice size that you prefer.
Speed: Countertop ice makers vary in how quickly they can produce ice. Some models can make a batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes, while others may take up to 24 hours. Choose a speed that meets your needs.
Convenience: Some countertop ice makers are more convenient to use than others. Look for models with features like automatic shutoff, a built-in water reservoir, and a removable ice bin.
Noise: Countertop ice makers can be noisy, especially when they're making ice. If noise is a concern, choose a model that's relatively quiet.
Price: Countertop ice makers range in price from around $100 to $500. Choose a price that fits your budget.

The Best Countertop Ice Makers of 2023

Based on our tests, the following are the best countertop ice makers of 2023.

GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker: This is the best overall countertop ice maker we tested. It produces delicious nugget ice, and it's relatively quiet and easy to use. It's also one of the most expensive models we tested, but it's worth the investment if you're looking for the best possible countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Countertop Ice Maker: This is the best budget countertop ice maker we tested. It produces small cubes of ice, and it's relatively quiet and easy to use. It's not as fast as some of the other models we tested, but it's a great value for the price.
Whynter ICM-201SB Countertop Ice Maker: This is the best countertop ice maker for large families. It produces large cubes of ice, and it's one of the fastest models we tested. It's also relatively quiet and easy to use.
NewAir AI-215SS Countertop Ice Maker: This is the best countertop ice maker for parties. It produces large cubes of ice, and it's one of the fastest models we tested. It's also relatively quiet and easy to use, and it has a large capacity.
Haier HCR10CESN Countertop Ice Maker: This is the best countertop ice maker for small spaces. It produces small cubes of ice, and it's one of the most compact models we tested. It's also relatively quiet and easy to use.

How to Use a Countertop Ice Maker

Using a countertop ice maker is easy. Simply fill the water reservoir with water, turn on the ice maker, and wait for the ice to be produced. Most countertop ice makers will automatically shut off when the ice bin is full. Here are a few tips for using a countertop ice maker:

Use filtered water to make ice. This will help to prevent the buildup of scale and other minerals on the ice maker.
Clean the ice maker regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to keep the ice maker in good working condition.
Store the ice in the freezer to keep it from melting.

Conclusion

Countertop ice makers are a great way to make ice without having to deal with a bulky freezer ice maker. These countertop appliances are relatively small and easy to use, and they can produce a significant amount of ice in a short amount of time. If you're looking for the best countertop ice maker for your needs, be sure to consider the factors discussed in this article. And be sure to check out our recommendations for the best countertop ice makers of 2023.