Buying guide · 6 researched picks

Best Countertop Ice Makers of 2026

Six distinct picks for real buying priorities: affordable and compact bullet ice, value and premium nugget ice, clearer cubes, and a smart high-output option.

The quick list

Our researched picks

The list covers six different jobs. Start with ice type, counter space, upkeep, output needs, and useful features—then choose the model that fits that job.

  1. Best budget bullet ice makerEuhomy Dart H1 (IM-06D)
  2. Best value nugget ice makerEuhomy Pearl H1 (IM-12S)
  3. Best premium nugget ice makerGE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra (XPIOX3SZSS)
  4. Best clear / high-output countertop optionFrigidaire EFIC452-SSBLACK
  5. Best compact portable alternativeSilonn SLIM21B
  6. Best smart / high-output bullet ice makerGoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker 2 Pro (H8121)

Compare the shortlist

The important differences

PickIceClaimed outputFootprintAmazon
Euhomy Dart H1 (IM-06D)bullet26 lb/day8.74 × 11.42 × 11.57 inCheck price ↗
Euhomy Pearl H1 (IM-12S)nugget34 lb/day9.45 × 11.61 × 12.99 inCheck price ↗
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra (XPIOX3SZSS)nugget38 lb/day13.43 × 17.5 × 16.5 inCheck price ↗
Frigidaire EFIC452-SSBLACKclear40 lb/day11.3 × 14.8 × 14.1 inCheck price ↗
Silonn SLIM21Bbullet26 lb/day8.7 × 11.4 × 11.6 inCheck price ↗
GoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker 2 Pro (H8121)bullet47 lb/day15.2 × 19 × 15.9 inCheck price ↗
01

Best budget bullet ice maker

Euhomy Dart H1 (IM-06D)

Black · IM001-BBL-USZX

Sources checked

A practical entry-level choice for shoppers who want fast bullet ice, a compact footprint, and a simple self-cleaning cycle without paying nugget-machine prices.

Ice type
bullet
Claimed output
26 lb/day
Claimed first ice
6 min
Size (W × D × H)
8.74 × 11.42 × 11.57 in

Best for: Everyday drinks, apartments, RVs, and buyers prioritizing price and portability.

Reasons to buy

  • Low-cost route into countertop ice making
  • Compact handle-equipped design
  • Manufacturer claims 26 lb/day and a six-minute first batch
  • Amazon-sold listing was available when checked

Reasons to pause

  • Bullet ice is hollow and melts faster than dense clear cubes
  • The basket is not frozen storage
  • Manufacturer and retailer dimension ordering should be checked before purchase
Check price on Amazon
ASIN B0BWHZJHPLAmazon US · Price and availability may change
02

Best value nugget ice maker

Euhomy Pearl H1 (IM-12S)

Black

Sources checked

The value pick for shoppers who specifically want chewable nugget ice and prefer a lower-cost, more compact alternative to GE's premium Opal line.

Ice type
nugget
Claimed output
34 lb/day
Claimed first ice
6–10 min
Size (W × D × H)
9.45 × 11.61 × 12.99 in

Best for: Nugget-ice fans balancing texture, counter space, and purchase cost.

Reasons to buy

  • Chewable nugget ice at a lower tier than premium category leaders
  • Manufacturer claims up to 34 lb/day
  • Self-cleaning program and removable basket
  • Amazon-sold listing was available when checked

Reasons to pause

  • Nugget machines generally need more frequent water-path cleaning
  • The current manufacturer page and Amazon listing show different dimensions
  • Basket storage is temporary and finished ice still melts
Check price on Amazon
ASIN B0C32SGKMJAmazon US · Price and availability may change
03

Best premium nugget ice maker

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra (XPIOX3SZSS)

Stainless · 1-gallon XL side tank · Amazon Exclusive

Sources checked

The premium feature pick for households that want the established Opal format, a large side tank, app connectivity, and higher stated daily output—and accept the price and upkeep.

Ice type
nugget
Claimed output
38 lb/day
Claimed first ice
10 min
Size (W × D × H)
13.43 × 17.5 × 16.5 in

Best for: Frequent nugget-ice users who value capacity, connected features, and the GE Profile ecosystem.

Reasons to buy

  • Manufacturer claims up to 38 lb/day
  • Large one-gallon side tank configuration
  • Three-pound storage bin
  • Wi-Fi features and established Opal product family

Reasons to pause

  • Premium purchase price
  • Large footprint plus four-inch side and rear clearance
  • Cleaning and descaling demand more attention than a simple bullet machine
  • The large side-tank setup is less portable than compact countertop machines
Check price on Amazon
ASIN B0GSB7YQRCAmazon US · Price and availability may change
04

Best clear / high-output countertop option

Frigidaire EFIC452-SSBLACK

Black stainless steel

Sources checked

The specialist choice when clearer square cubes and a strong 40 lb/day manufacturer claim matter more than portability or a tiny footprint.

Ice type
clear
Claimed output
40 lb/day
Claimed first ice
15 min
Size (W × D × H)
11.3 × 14.8 × 14.1 in

Best for: Home bars, entertaining, and buyers who prefer square clear-style cubes over bullet or nugget ice.

Reasons to buy

  • Manufacturer claims up to 40 lb/day
  • Produces 24 square cubes per cycle
  • Larger 2.4-pound basket and 2.3-quart reservoir
  • Clear-ice format better suited to drink presentation

Reasons to pause

  • Requires six inches of clearance at the sides and rear
  • Larger and less portable than budget bullet machines
  • Low current inventory makes short-term availability more volatile
Check price on Amazon
ASIN B07YN8QFDGAmazon US · Price and availability may change
05

Best compact portable alternative

Silonn SLIM21B

Black · carry-handle model

Sources checked

A credible compact alternative to our budget pick for shoppers who want a carry handle, two bullet-ice sizes, and an exact model with unusually complete manual documentation.

Ice type
bullet
Claimed output
26 lb/day
Claimed first ice
6 min
Size (W × D × H)
8.7 × 11.4 × 11.6 in

Best for: Small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and shoppers comparing compact bullet machines across more than one brand.

Reasons to buy

  • Compact 8.7-inch-wide cabinet with an integrated carry handle
  • Manual lists two bullet-ice sizes, a 1.2-liter reservoir, and a 1.32-pound basket
  • Manufacturer claims a six-minute first batch and up to 26 lb/day
  • Amazon-sold listing was available when checked

Reasons to pause

  • Performance and capacity are similar to many entry-level bullet machines
  • The manual calls for six inches of ventilation clearance on all sides
  • The small reservoir and basket favor regular household use over large events
  • The basket is not refrigerated storage
Check price on Amazon
ASIN B0BXXKFJK2Amazon US · Price and availability may change
06

Best smart / high-output bullet ice maker

GoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker 2 Pro (H8121)

Dual-tank · app and voice control

Sources checked

The feature-heavy pick for shoppers who want much higher stated bullet-ice output, large combined water capacity, app scheduling, and voice control—and have the space and budget for a substantially larger machine.

Ice type
bullet
Claimed output
47 lb/day
Claimed first ice
3 min
Size (W × D × H)
15.2 × 19 × 15.9 in

Best for: Busy households, offices, entertaining, and buyers who will genuinely use remote controls and scheduling.

Reasons to buy

  • Manufacturer claims up to 47 lb/day and ice in as little as three minutes
  • Manual documents a 1.14-gallon side tank plus a 0.42-gallon internal tank
  • Three-pound ice bucket reduces how often ice needs to be transferred
  • App and voice control plus a three-year limited warranty
  • Amazon-fulfilled listing was available when checked

Reasons to pause

  • The 15.2 × 19 × 15.9-inch cabinet is much larger than compact bullet machines
  • Premium price tier for features that some households will not use
  • Smart controls introduce app, account, network, and compatibility dependencies
  • It makes bullet ice, not nugget or clear ice, and its bucket is not a freezer
Check price on Amazon
ASIN B0DW8X69Z7Amazon US · Price and availability may change

How we chose

Research aimed at the buying decision.

We started with distinct buyer needs instead of filling a list with look-alike models. For each recommendation we matched an exact US ASIN to the manufacturer page and owner manual, checked important specifications and warranty language, reviewed current listing status, and recorded conflicts or uncertainties.

Recommendations consider ice type, stated output, counter fit, reservoir and basket capacity, required clearance, cleaning burden, ownership trade-offs, and price tier. We do not reproduce Amazon star ratings or publish stale prices.

See every product research record