6 Best Countertop Ice Makers in 2026 for Home and Parties

A countertop ice maker helps when a refrigerator cannot keep up, but daily output is not freezer storage. The Euhomy Tile Plus leads this six-model shortlist with a published maximum of 45 pounds of cubes per day, thickness controls, and a 14.6-inch-tall body. Choose between firm cubes, bullet ice, or soft nuggets. These machines recirculate melted ice, making batch transfers essential.

Quick Verdict: The Euhomy Tile Plus is our Best Overall choice for households that regularly fill coolers or several drink pitchers because its 45-pound daily rating and adjustable cube thickness give it the broadest capacity headroom here. Its deeper 14.2-inch body demands more counter space. For soft, chewable ice, choose the Euhomy Pearl L1 instead. These are editorial conclusions drawn from published specifications as of October 2026, not in-house testing. Check current prices and counter clearance.

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By DIY Ideas 4 Home Editorial Team

The 6 Best Countertop Ice Makers Reviewed

We selected identifiable US-market models from the companies’ product pages and manuals, comparing stated output, ice shape, published dimensions, upkeep, and October 2026 list prices rather than unverified claims from marketplace sellers. Entry-level bullet machines in this set list around $69.99 to $89.99, while the nugget specialist reaches $189.99. Daily production figures assume favorable conditions and do not represent the amount of ice a removable basket can keep frozen. Where a brand has inconsistent measurements on its own page, buyers should confirm the actual listing before paying.

Euhomy Tile Plus: Best Overall

Best For: Households that serve many guests and prefer customizable square cubes over pellet or bullet ice.

Its appeal is capacity flexibility rather than a flashy app: this model is the only selection here with a manufacturer-listed 45-pound daily ceiling, and the cube-thickness control changes what goes into a drink. Compared with the Magic Chef MCIM30FST, it supplies a higher rated output but gives up the latter’s onboard filter countdown. Buyers should also weigh whether they actually need extra ice between party arrivals; more theoretical output does not enlarge the space in an already-full serving bucket.

Euhomy’s product page for Tile Plus specifies 45 pounds of ice in 24 hours, 110 watts, selectable ice thickness, a reservation timer, and an automatic cleaning program. It lists the device for $159.99 in October 2026, placing it above entry-level bullet machines but below the Pearl L1’s nugget-ice price. The maker depicts a 24-cube batch in approximately 13 minutes under its promotional description; that is a maker claim, not a controlled household performance measurement. Those who buy bottled water for it should count the extra water cost as part of their routine.

At a reported 14.2 inches deep, 9.9 inches wide, and 14.6 inches tall, this machine needs a more deliberate countertop location than the Euhomy Dart H1. Its two-way filling design is attractive when an accessible countertop faucet is not nearby, although the bottled-water fitting and reservoir must still be kept clean. Euhomy also advises standing the unit upright for at least 24 hours before powering it on after delivery. Remove finished cubes for freezer storage rather than letting them cycle indefinitely in the non-refrigerated basket.

Pros:

• Maker lists the highest daily output in this group at 45 pounds.
• Selectable cube thickness supports different drink and serving preferences.
• Timed startup helps prepare a supply before guests arrive.

Cons:

• Deeper housing competes with other appliances on narrow counters.
• Multiple controls add setup decisions for occasional users.

Who Should Buy It: Choose Tile Plus for repeated large serving sessions; choose the Silonn SLICM62B instead when your space and purchase budget are tight.

Magic Chef MCIM30FST: Best for Filtered Square Ice

Best For: Buyers who want square cubes, filter-change reminders, and uncomplicated scheduled production in one machine.

Built-in filtration makes this Magic Chef distinctive. It does not promise that any source water becomes safe to drink, but the replaceable pod and countdown prompt a maintenance routine that is easier to forget on a bare-bones bullet maker. Compared with the Euhomy Tile Plus, it has lower published daily production, yet the filtering and scheduled run control may serve a smaller home bar more effectively. Clearer cube appearance still depends on water quality and the machine’s cleaning condition.

Magic Chef’s product page for the MCIM30FST calls for up to 33 pounds of square ice per day, approximately nine cubes per cycle, and a 60-day filter-change countdown. Its published cycle descriptions differ between the short summary and details, so allow roughly 10 to 25 minutes rather than treating an isolated seven-minute claim as a guarantee. At $109.00 on the US brand site as of October 2026, it costs less than either Euhomy specialty model. The 1.5-liter removable tank and 20-minute self-cleaning program are concrete advantages for households that use ice several times per week.

Magic Chef states a body measuring roughly 8.7 inches wide, 11.8 inches deep, and 13 inches tall, with a 17.4-pound weight; its page inconsistently labels the width and depth in one sentence, so check the product drawing before planning a close fit. The company describes one-year parts-and-labor coverage and a five-year compressor warranty, subject to the written terms. Replacement filter cost and availability are the long-term variables: check both before assuming this is the least expensive ice maker to own.

Pros:

• Integrated filter pod includes a 60-day replacement reminder.
• The company specifies a 20-minute automatic cleaning cycle.
• A scheduling control allows operation up to 24 hours ahead.

Cons:

• Proprietary filtration introduces a recurring consumable purchase.
• Production-cycle wording differs across the manufacturer’s own description.

Who Should Buy It: Buy MCIM30FST for a filter-managed home bar; select the Euhomy Tile Plus when higher output matters more than the filtering feature.

Euhomy Pearl L1: Best for Chewable Nugget Ice

Best For: Soda and iced-coffee drinkers who prize soft, chewable nuggets rather than conventional firm cubes.

The Pearl L1 changes the texture of the ice, not merely its shape. Nugget pieces are compacted flakes that some drinkers prefer to chew, making them a different purchase from the square-ice Tile Plus even though both are countertop appliances. The trade-off is operational: smaller nugget batches may disappear fast when drinks are refilled, and a compact collection basket means someone still has to serve or transfer ice. A bullet machine is more sensible when texture makes little difference.

Euhomy’s product page for Pearl L1 reports fresh nugget ice in about seven minutes and a maximum output of 35 pounds per day. It lists a 1.1-liter water tank, 0.7-liter collection basket, and one-button self-cleaning function, with the unit priced at $189.99 as of October 2026. That price reflects the nugget-making mechanism rather than a larger basket or refrigeration capability. Euhomy’s operating guidance also recommends drinking-quality water and periodic cleaning to reduce scale accumulation, so households with mineral-rich water should budget for descaling supplies.

The manufacturer’s specifications show a 9.1-inch by 11.4-inch by 12.6-inch exterior and a weight of 20.1 pounds. That makes it appreciably heavier than the Dart H1 even though both can sit on a compact counter. The integrated pull-out water tank eliminates a permanent supply line; refill and drain access remain necessary. Put its scoop somewhere clean and dry between servings, and move unused ice into a freezer-safe container if it needs to remain solid overnight.

Pros:

• Produces soft nugget ice rather than hard bullet-shaped pieces.
• Listed 35-pound daily output supports frequent beverage refills.
• The 1.1-liter removable reservoir needs no plumbing hookup.

Cons:

• A 0.7-liter basket demands frequent serving during gatherings.
• Higher purchase price is hard to justify without a nugget preference.

Who Should Buy It: Pick Pearl L1 for an intentional nugget-ice upgrade; buy the Magic Chef MCIM27B if two conventional ice sizes are enough.

Magic Chef MCIM27B: Best for Two Bullet Sizes

Best For: Casual hosts who want a straightforward bullet-ice maker with two selectable sizes and a visible bin indicator.

There is a case for buying the familiar machine rather than paying for more modes. Magic Chef’s MCIM27B keeps the decision to small or large bullet-shaped ice and uses its panel to signal a full bin. That suits a small gathering with iced tea, soda, and water, without making the user learn thickness settings or filter replacement schedules. It is also a reasonable alternative for someone who dislikes the soft texture of the Pearl L1. The limitation is that its maximum daily production is an estimate over repeated cycles, not a promise of 27 pounds waiting in the basket.

Magic Chef’s MCIM27B product page states 27 pounds per day, nine cubes per cycle, and first ice in as little as seven minutes. The removable basket holds up to 1.5 pounds at a time, a more immediately useful serving number than the full-day claim for a household making a few cold drinks. The official page shows a sale listing of $89.00 as of October 2026, although the regular displayed figure is $149.00 and promotions may change. The manufacturer’s manual and warranty link should be consulted for its required cleaning routine and initial startup procedure.

This black model is listed at 8.7 inches wide, 11.8 inches deep, and 13 inches tall, with a drain cap for emptying the water system. Unlike a freezer’s ice compartment, its collection area is not designed to preserve cubes for hours; Magic Chef states this distinction on its own page. Place the appliance where the drain can be reached without dragging a wet unit across electrical outlets. For seasonal use, let the interior dry completely before putting it away to avoid stale odors.

Pros:

• Nine cubes can be produced in a maker-listed seven-minute cycle.
• Two selectable bullet sizes provide modest drink flexibility.
• A 1.5-pound basket lets users see practical batch capacity.

Cons:

• No onboard water filter or separate ice-thickness adjustment is listed.
• A short ice-making cycle cannot prevent a full basket from halting production.

Who Should Buy It: Choose MCIM27B for uncomplicated bullet ice at home; switch to Magic Chef MCIM30FST if a filter countdown and square cubes are priorities.

Euhomy Dart H1: Best for Carrying Between Rooms

Best For: Apartment dwellers who occasionally carry their ice machine from the kitchen to a nearby serving station.

A carry handle and a smaller water system are more valuable than connected features for people who reposition an appliance. Euhomy’s Dart H1 is geared to that routine, supplying quick bullet-shaped ice while leaving out the extra thickness control of the Tile Plus. It fits an occasional drink station better than a sprawling cooler-filling operation. The company markets several colors of this family; purchase the chosen color and configuration rather than assuming that every retailer’s Dart listing contains identical accessories.

Euhomy’s product page for Dart H1 lists up to 26 pounds in 24 hours, a 170-watt specification, self-cleaning operation, and first bullet ice in about six minutes in its maker imagery. It advertises a $89.99 price as of October 2026 and offers a one-year warranty through its official channel. This is a water-fill countertop machine rather than a built-in or plumbed ice dispenser, so output still depends on refilling the reservoir and emptying its basket. The rated wattage is a nameplate specification, not a measured household energy bill.

Euhomy’s product gallery states a weight of about 13.67 pounds for the portable Dart H1. The product-detail text lists an 11.57-inch depth and 11.42-inch width, but its 8.74-inch height conflicts with the taller silhouette elsewhere on the brand’s page; confirm the dimension diagram of the exact variant before sliding it under a shelf. Keep the maker upright while moving it, disconnect the power before draining, and wait until the transport requirements in its user manual have been satisfied before restarting the compressor.

Pros:

• The brand depicts a roughly 13.67-pound portable body with handle.
• Bullet ice is advertised as ready in about six minutes.
• Removable components and self-cleaning support occasional seasonal use.

Cons:

• Dimension descriptions need confirmation for the exact color variant.
• A 26-pound daily ceiling trails both square-cube specialists.

Who Should Buy It: Select Dart H1 for portability between counters; purchase the Euhomy Pearl L1 instead if soft nugget ice is the main attraction.

Silonn SLICM62B: Best Value for Small Kitchens

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers seeking a compact machine for modest daily drinks, with uncomplicated cleaning controls.

The Silonn SLICM62B gives up specialized ice texture and high-capacity controls in exchange for a lower manufacturer-listed purchase price. Its distinct advantage is a clear bargain for someone who wants a few batches of bullet ice without scheduling or an app. The make-or-break question is physical placement: the product page uses different dimension orders in the descriptive copy and the specifications table. Avoid ordering it solely from an abbreviated size shown in search results, especially for an under-cabinet corner.

Silonn’s SLICM62B product page claims 26.5 pounds of ice in 24 hours and eight bullet pieces in approximately six minutes. It offers large and small bullet settings, a five-minute one-touch cleaning routine, and a listed price of $69.99 as of October 2026. The maker publishes 160 watts and 120 volts, which help buyers confirm a compatible US power supply. This unit can be attractive relative to the higher-priced Magic Chef MCIM27B, but only if its light-duty batch capacity meets the household’s expectations. The difference in daily ratings is not large enough by itself to predict noticeable performance at home.

Silonn lists the appliance at 16.2 pounds. Its narrative describes approximately 8.4 inches of width, 11.47 inches of depth, and 11.61 inches of height, while a separate specification row assigns those same numbers to different axes. Request the latest product drawing if height clearance matters, and leave room for the lid to open. A one-year warranty is advertised, but a cleaning cycle is not a substitute for removing mineral deposits from the water path when the manufacturer’s instructions call for manual maintenance.

Pros:

• The published $69.99 price is the lowest among these six picks.
• Two bullet sizes and eight-piece cycles cover ordinary drinks.
• One-touch cleaning sequence is listed at five minutes.

Cons:

• Conflicting dimensions make advance cabinet-fit checks unusually important.
• Its smaller daily output suits personal use better than long events.

Who Should Buy It: Buy SLICM62B when price leads your decision; pick Euhomy Tile Plus when frequent large-volume cube production is worth the extra cost.

How to Choose a Countertop Ice Maker

Start with what goes into the glass, then decide how often the machine can be attended. A claimed 45-pound daily output is useful only if someone refills the reservoir and moves the finished ice out of its nonfreezing basket. For a home that uses ice mainly on weekends, practical reach to the water fill, drain plug, and power outlet may save more frustration than a marginal difference between 26 and 27 pounds per day. Also consider the running costs of filters, cleaning products, and drinking-quality water.

Choose the Ice Texture Before the Machine

Bullet ice forms as hollow-ended pieces around cooling fingers and is common in simpler portable makers. The Magic Chef MCIM27B, Euhomy Dart H1, and Silonn SLICM62B serve this category. Square cubes make a more conventional presentation for drinks, with size or thickness adjustment featured on the Euhomy Tile Plus and Magic Chef MCIM30FST. Nugget ice instead has a softer, chewable texture; the Pearl L1 is the only dedicated nugget option in this group. These are different serving experiences, and marketing about one style being universally better misses the point.

Cold-drink quality depends on drink temperature, amount of ice, and how long the glass sits after serving. Small pieces may chill a drink quickly but also expose more surface to the liquid; large square cubes can be preferable for slower dilution. Do not mistake a manufacturer’s day-long production estimate for proof of longer ice retention in a particular cocktail. If ice texture is irrelevant, save money with a conventional bullet model rather than paying extra for a nugget mechanism.

Compare Daily Output With Actual Basket Storage

Published daily production usually describes how much the machine could make while continuously operating under specified or favorable ambient and water temperatures. Euhomy claims up to 45 pounds for the Tile Plus and 35 pounds for the Pearl L1. Yet the Pearl L1’s 0.7-liter basket holds only a small fraction of that daily figure, while Magic Chef explicitly lists a 1.5-pound basket for its MCIM27B. A full basket stops new cycles on many countertop machines, so a larger quoted number cannot overcome an unattended machine.

If you serve a dozen drinks within a short time, organize an insulated serving container and transfer the ice promptly. For guests arriving throughout an evening, somebody may need to refill water and empty the ice basket periodically. These six countertop products are not substitutes for a commercial undercounter machine with a dedicated refrigerated storage system. Choose by the peak rush you actually need to serve, then give extra value to a design you can open and drain without rearranging the whole counter.

Measure Width, Depth, Height, and Lid Access

Depth often determines whether a countertop machine shares space comfortably with a coffee maker. The Tile Plus body extends about 14.2 inches deep and 14.6 inches tall, whereas the Pearl L1 stands about 12.6 inches high at the published dimensions. Width is only part of the fit: leave room for ventilation, fill ports, the removal of a basket, and any hinged top. Match clearances to the individual manual, not a general number borrowed from another ice maker with a different compressor arrangement.

Two of the product pages here contain conflicting dimension labels. Magic Chef’s MCIM30FST description reverses width and depth between passages; Silonn’s SLICM62B page assigns the same measurements to different directions. Treat those contradictions as purchasing checks, not as opportunities to invent a precise footprint. Ask for an updated product diagram or verify it through an official retail listing of the exact model before making a shelf opening permanent.

Account for Cleaning, Water, and Long-Term Expense

Ice is food-contact material. Fill these appliances with drinking-quality water; do not add sugary beverages, milk, or flavorings to a reservoir designed for water. The Euhomy manuals and product FAQ emphasize regular draining and cleaning, while Magic Chef adds a filter pod on its MCIM30FST. Automatic cleaning programs help circulate cleaning water but do not prove that hidden surfaces never need inspection or descaling. Follow the device-specific manual, rinse thoroughly as directed, and dry removable parts before seasonal storage.

Before purchasing, calculate whether a consumable changes the relative value. The Magic Chef MCIM30FST’s 60-day filter reminder creates a recurring replacement task, while the plain bullet machines mainly require cleaning supplies and attention to scale. Hard water may increase maintenance frequency, especially around the ice-forming components. Also consider the effort of moving melted ice into a freezer; repeatedly opening and transferring small baskets can erase the convenience of a low purchase price if the household needs a lot of ice at one time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common misunderstandings concern storage temperature, water connections, and how published production figures translate into actual drinks. These distinctions can prevent the purchase of an appliance that looks capable in a specification chart but performs the wrong job at home.

Do countertop ice makers keep the ice frozen?

No. The collection basket is generally not a freezer. Magic Chef explicitly notes that its MCIM27B does not preserve ice the way a freezer ice bin does, and Euhomy advises removing unused ice for separate storage. As stored cubes melt, many machines recirculate that water, so the basket might be empty after the appliance has been switched off even if it made plenty of ice earlier.

Does a countertop ice maker need plumbing?

No permanent water line is needed for any of these six selected models. Their onboard water reservoirs are filled manually. The Euhomy Tile Plus offers more than one filling method, including a bottled-water arrangement described by its maker; this is not equivalent to a permanently plumbed unit. Make sure a refill opening can be reached without pulling a heavy machine out from beneath kitchen cabinets.

Can I leave a countertop ice maker running overnight?

Only if the exact manufacturer’s instructions allow the planned unattended operating period. An ice-full sensor may pause ice production, but it does not turn the appliance into freezer storage or eliminate routine water hygiene. For a party the next day, making and freezing several batches ahead of time can be more predictable than assuming that a small collection bin will stay full until morning.

Is nugget ice the same as bullet ice?

No. Nugget ice is formed from compacted, chewable flakes, whereas bullet ice is typically a firmer, rounded piece with a cavity from the forming finger. The Pearl L1 represents the first category; Dart H1, MCIM27B, and SLICM62B represent the second. Choose the texture you prefer to drink, not a vague claim that one automatically makes every beverage taste better.

Final Thoughts

The Euhomy Tile Plus remains our Best Overall countertop ice maker for users who want the strongest manufacturer-listed 45-pound production headroom and adjustable square cubes, provided they can spare its deeper counter footprint. If ice texture matters more than quantity, the Euhomy Pearl L1 justifies consideration for chewable nuggets; if minimizing cost matters most, the Silonn SLICM62B is a more modest alternative. Before checkout, verify the exact listing’s measurements and water-access clearance, particularly where the manufacturer’s own dimensions disagree, then check the current price for the specific model and color.