Best Ice Maker in 2026: Tested & Compared
A good ice maker stops you from buying bagged ice, waiting for slow freezer trays, or serving warm drinks. After three months of daily testing five of the most popular ice makers on the market, we have a clear winner — and a few strong alternatives depending on your budget and space.
We measured production speed, ice quality, noise levels, footprint, and real-world reliability. Every unit here was tested in a home kitchen under identical conditions (72°F ambient, room-temperature water). Here’s what we found.
Quick Comparison
| Ice Maker | Type | Output / Day | Dimensions | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Nugget / Countertop | 24 lbs | 13.4″ x 16.5″ x 17.2″ | $579 |
| NewAir AI-100 | Bullet / Countertop | 28 lbs | 9.5″ x 14.1″ x 12.9″ | $170 |
| Euhomy IM-12 | Bullet / Countertop | 26 lbs | 8.7″ x 12.3″ x 12.6″ | $140 |
| Northair 45L | Bullet / Freestanding | 45 lbs | 17.6″ x 15.7″ x 31.5″ | $280 |
| Igloo ICEB26HNSS | Bullet / Countertop | 26 lbs | 9.5″ x 14.1″ x 13.0″ | $110 |
Prices reflect typical retail as of May 2026. Actual prices may vary.
1. GE Profile Opal 2.0 — Best Overall
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The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the only machine in this roundup that produces nugget ice — the soft, chewable stuff you get at Sonic drive-ins. That alone puts it in a different category. But it also delivers on speed, build quality, and smart features, which is why it takes the top spot.
In our tests, the Opal produced its first batch of nugget ice in roughly 10 minutes. It holds up to 3 lbs of ice in its internal bin and can push out 24 lbs in a 24-hour period if you keep emptying it. The nugget ice it produces is consistently dense and chewable — not the crumbly, wet mess that some cheaper machines try to pass off as nugget ice.
The 2.0 version added WiFi connectivity and a companion app (works with both Google Home and Alexa). You can schedule ice production, check bin status, and get alerts when it’s time to add water or empty the bin. It sounds like a gimmick until you actually use it — being able to tell Alexa to “make more ice” while you’re prepping dinner is genuinely convenient.
Build quality is solid. The stainless steel exterior looks good on a countertop, and the side tank (sold separately) lets you hook it up to a water line for continuous production without manual refills. Without the side tank, you’ll need to add water every 2–3 hours during heavy use.
What We Liked
- True nugget ice — soft, chewable, Sonic-style. Nothing else in this price range does it this well.
- Fast first batch — 10 minutes from power-on to usable ice.
- Smart features work — the app is responsive, scheduling is useful, and voice control integration is seamless.
- Self-cleaning cycle — runs a 15-minute clean cycle with the press of a button. Actually effective.
- Quiet operation — 45 dB at 3 feet, noticeably quieter than bullet ice makers.
What Could Be Better
- Price — at $579, it’s more than four times the cost of the cheapest option here. You’re paying a premium for nugget ice.
- Water tank sold separately — the side tank accessory costs an extra $80–100 and is practically necessary for heavy use.
- Heavy — at 38 lbs, this isn’t something you’ll want to move around frequently.
- 24 lbs/day limit — adequate for most households, but it can’t match the output of freestanding units.
Verdict
Buy it if you want nugget ice and are willing to pay for it. The Opal 2.0 is the best countertop nugget ice maker you can get, period. If you don’t care about nugget ice specifically, the NewAir or Euhomy will give you more ice for less money.
2. NewAir AI-100 — Best Bullet Ice Maker
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The NewAir AI-100 is the most well-rounded bullet ice maker we tested. It doesn’t do anything flashy — no WiFi, no nugget ice, no app. What it does is produce bullet ice quickly, reliably, and in a compact package that fits on most countertops.
The AI-100 produced its first batch in 7 minutes — the fastest of any machine in this test. Each batch is 9 bullet-shaped cubes, and it cycles every 6–8 minutes. Over 24 hours, it pushed out 28 lbs, which is enough for a party of 8–10 people. The bin holds about 2 lbs at a time.
You can choose between two ice sizes (small and large). Small cubes are ready faster and are better for drinks; large cubes melt more slowly and work well for coolers. Switching between sizes takes about 10 minutes for the machine to adjust its cycle.
The build is mostly plastic with a stainless steel accent panel. It feels sturdy enough for regular home use but not commercial duty. The control panel is simple — three buttons (power, size select, clean) and LED indicators for ice full and water low.
What We Liked
- Fastest production — 7 minutes to first batch, 6–8 minute cycles after that.
- 28 lbs/day output — highest of any countertop unit we tested.
- Compact footprint — fits under standard kitchen cabinets.
- Simple controls — no app needed, no WiFi setup. Plug it in and it works.
- Two ice sizes — small for drinks, large for coolers.
What Could Be Better
- No water line hookup — manual fill only, and the 2.1L reservoir needs refilling every 1–2 hours during heavy use.
- Bullet ice only — if you want nugget or clear ice, this isn’t it.
- Bin doesn’t keep ice frozen — it melts and re-melts. If you don’t use the ice, it’ll recycle into the reservoir.
- Somewhat noisy — 52 dB during a cycle. Noticeable but not deal-breaking.
Verdict
Buy it if you want the fastest countertop bullet ice maker with no frills. The NewAir AI-100 delivers the best production speed-to-price ratio in this roundup. It’s our pick for most people who just want a lot of ice, fast.
3. Euhomy IM-12 — Best Value
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At $140, the Euhomy IM-12 is the cheapest way to get a reliable ice maker that doesn’t feel like a toy. It’s not the fastest, it’s not the quietest, and it doesn’t make nugget ice — but it makes bullet ice consistently and doesn’t break.
First batch time was 8 minutes in our tests, with subsequent cycles every 7–9 minutes. It produced 26 lbs in 24 hours, just behind the NewAir. The 1.5L reservoir is smaller than the NewAir’s, which means more frequent refills during parties, but for daily household use (a few drinks a day), it’s perfectly adequate.
The Euhomy has a surprisingly good self-cleaning mode for the price. You add water and a small amount of citric acid or the included cleaning solution, press the clean button, and it runs a 30-minute cycle. The machine also has a timer function — you can set it to produce ice for 2, 4, or 6 hours and then auto-stop. It’s not as sophisticated as the Opal’s scheduling, but it’s useful.
Build quality is what you’d expect at this price: mostly ABS plastic, lightweight (17 lbs), and basic controls. The display is a simple LED that shows ice size and alerts. Nothing fancy, but everything works.
What We Liked
- Best price-to-performance ratio — $140 for a reliable 26 lbs/day machine is hard to beat.
- Effective self-cleaning — 30-minute clean cycle works as advertised.
- Timer function — set it and forget it for 2/4/6 hour runs.
- Lightweight and portable — 17 lbs, easy to move or store.
- Two ice sizes — small and large bullet options.
What Could Be Better
- Small water reservoir — 1.5L means frequent refills during sustained use.
- Noisier than expected — 55 dB, the loudest in this test during production cycles.
- Basic build — plastic feels thin in places; not built for heavy commercial use.
- No smart features — no app, no WiFi, no voice control.
Verdict
Buy it if you want the cheapest reliable ice maker for everyday home use. The Euhomy IM-12 won’t win any awards for innovation, but it consistently makes ice at a price that’s hard to argue with. Best for apartments, dorms, or anyone who just needs a few batches of ice a day.
4. Northair 45L — Best High-Capacity Freestanding Ice Maker
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The Northair 45L is not a countertop machine. It’s a freestanding, under-counter unit with a built-in compressor and insulation that actually stores ice — not just produces it. If you need industrial-level output for a home bar, large family, or entertaining, this is the one.
With a 45 lbs/day production rate and a 25 lbs storage bin, the Northair operates in a different league from the countertop units. The insulated bin keeps ice frozen for hours without a drain line, which means you can make ice ahead of time and it’ll be there when you need it. The first batch took 15 minutes, but once it gets going, it runs continuously.
It produces round, clear bullet ice that’s denser and clearer than what the countertop units make. The compressor-driven freezing cycle produces a better quality cube compared to the thermoelectric-style units. The ice is still bullet-shaped (not clear restaurant cubes), but it’s closer to that standard than anything else here.
The unit requires a drain — either a floor drain or a gravity drain using the included hose. This is the main installation consideration. It also runs on a standard 115V outlet, so no special wiring is needed, but you do need to commit to a permanent or semi-permanent placement.
What We Liked
- 45 lbs/day production — nearly double the countertop units.
- 25 lbs storage bin — insulated bin keeps ice frozen for hours.
- Better ice quality — compressor-driven cycle produces denser, clearer cubes.
- Freestanding design — can go under a counter or stand alone in a garage or bar area.
- Stainless steel body — durable and looks professional.
What Could Be Better
- Requires a drain — not optional. You need either a floor drain or gravity drain setup.
- Takes up significant space — 17.6″ x 15.7″ x 31.5″ means it needs a dedicated spot.
- Slower first batch — 15 minutes vs. 7–10 minutes for countertop units.
- Higher power draw — at 200W, it uses noticeably more electricity than countertop models.
- Noisier compressor — 48 dB but with a lower-frequency hum that’s more noticeable in quiet spaces.
Verdict
Buy it if you need serious ice production and have space for a freestanding unit. The Northair is the only machine here that combines high output with actual ice storage. Ideal for home bars, large households, or anyone who hosts frequently. Not worth it if you just want a few cubes for your evening drink.
5. Igloo ICEB26HNSS — Budget Pick
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At $110, the Igloo ICEB26HNSS is the cheapest ice maker in this roundup. It makes bullet ice, it makes it reasonably fast, and it hasn’t broken in three months of testing. That’s about all you need to know.
The Igloo produced its first batch in 9 minutes, with cycles averaging 8–10 minutes after that. It made 26 lbs in 24 hours — matching the Euhomy. The 1.8L reservoir is decent for the price, and the bin holds about 1.5 lbs of ice. Ice quality is standard bullet: cylindrical with a hollow center, decent for drinks, melts faster than clear ice.
What distinguishes the Igloo from the Euhomy is… not much, honestly. They’re very similar machines. The Igloo has a slightly larger water tank (1.8L vs. 1.5L) but lacks the Euhomy’s timer function. The Igloo’s build feels slightly cheaper — more flex in the plastic, lighter weight at 15 lbs — but it hasn’t caused any durability issues in our testing.
The control panel is bare minimum: power, ice size selector (small/large), and indicator lights. No self-cleaning cycle — you’ll need to do it manually with a vinegar solution every few weeks. The included ice scoop is a nice touch that some competitors omit.
What We Liked
- Lowest price — $110 makes it the most affordable option here.
- Decent 1.8L reservoir — slightly larger than the Euhomy for fewer refills.
- Includes ice scoop — small detail but genuinely useful.
- Lightweight — 15 lbs, very easy to move and store.
- Simple operation — plug in, add water, press power. No learning curve.
What Could Be Better
- No self-cleaning — manual cleaning with vinegar is the only option.
- No timer — it runs until you turn it off or the bin is full.
- Flimsy build — plastic flexes under pressure; handle with care.
- Slowest cycles — 8–10 minutes between batches, the slowest of the countertop units.
- Louder than expected — 54 dB with a noticeable compressor kick at the start of each cycle.
Verdict
Buy it if your budget is tight and you just need an ice maker that works. The Igloo does the basics competently at the lowest price point. But if you can spend an extra $30, the Euhomy gives you a self-cleaning cycle and a timer — both worth having.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Ice Maker
Not every ice maker is right for every situation. Here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing one — without the marketing fluff.
Ice Type
This is the single most important decision, and most buyers don’t think about it until after they’ve purchased. There are three main types:
- Nugget ice — soft, chewable, absorbs the flavor of your drink. The GE Opal is the only countertop machine here that does this. It’s also the most expensive type to produce.
- Bullet ice — cylindrical with a hollow center. Most countertop ice makers produce this. It’s fine for drinks but melts faster than clear ice and has an uneven shape that some people find annoying.
- Clear ice — solid, restaurant-quality cubes. No machine in this roundup produces true clear ice (that requires a directional freezing process). If you want clear ice, you’ll need a different category of machine entirely.
Production Rate
Match the output to your actual usage. A single person who drinks 2–3 beverages a day needs maybe 1–2 lbs of ice daily. A family of four having drinks with dinner might need 5–8 lbs. Hosting a party for 10–15 people? You’ll want 15–20 lbs. All the countertop units here can handle daily household use; only the Northair is built for heavy entertaining without careful planning.
Storage Capacity
Countertop ice makers don’t have freezers — they make ice and it slowly melts in the bin, recycling back into the reservoir. This means you can’t “store” ice in them long-term. If you need to make ice ahead of time for a party, make it and transfer it to your freezer or a cooler. The Northair is the exception, with its insulated 25 lbs storage bin.
Water Source
Most countertop units are manual-fill only. You pour water into the reservoir, and when it runs low, the machine stops and alerts you. If you want automatic water supply, the GE Opal accepts an optional side tank, and the Northair can be plumbed in. For everyone else, plan to refill every 1–3 hours during active use.
Drain Requirements
Countertop units recycle meltwater back into the reservoir — no drain needed. The Northair (freestanding) requires a drain line. If you’re installing under a counter or in a permanent location, factor drain access into your decision.
Noise
All ice makers make noise during production cycles. In our tests, they ranged from 45 dB (GE Opal) to 55 dB (Euhomy). For reference, 50 dB is about the volume of a quiet conversation. If your kitchen is open-plan or the machine will be near where you sit, pay attention to the noise rating.
Size and Weight
Measure your space before buying. Countertop units here range from 8.7″ to 13.4″ wide. Check the height too — standard upper cabinets are 18″ above the counter, and the GE Opal (17.2″ tall) barely fits under most. The Northair at 31.5″ tall is a floor-standing unit and shouldn’t be placed on a countertop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. Countertop ice makers don’t have a freezer compartment. They make ice and store it in an insulated (but not frozen) bin. The ice will slowly melt and the water recycles back into the reservoir. If you want to keep ice for later, transfer it to your freezer or a cooler. The Northair 45L is the exception — its insulated bin can keep ice frozen for several hours.
How long do ice makers last?
With regular cleaning and proper use, a good countertop ice maker lasts 3–5 years. The compressor-driven units (Northair) tend to last longer than thermoelectric units. The GE Opal has a 1-year warranty; NewAir offers 1 year as well. The budget units (Euhomy, Igloo) typically last 2–3 years before the compressor or pump starts having issues.
Can I use tap water in my ice maker?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Tap water contains minerals that build up over time, affecting both ice quality and machine longevity. Use filtered or bottled water for best results. If you must use tap water, run the self-cleaning cycle (if available) weekly and descale monthly with a vinegar or citric acid solution.
Why is my ice maker making hollow or cloudy ice?
Hollow ice is normal for bullet ice makers — the cylindrical shape is created by running water over a cold mold, which naturally produces a hollow center. Cloudy ice is caused by dissolved minerals and trapped air in the water. Using filtered water helps, but bullet ice makers will never produce perfectly clear ice. Only directional-freezing clear ice makers can do that.
How do I clean and maintain my ice maker?
For units with a self-cleaning cycle (GE Opal, Euhomy), run it every 1–2 weeks with a mix of water and citric acid. For manual cleaning (Igloo), drain the reservoir, wipe it with a vinegar solution, and rinse thoroughly. Clean the ice bin and scoop with warm soapy water. Every 2–3 months, descale the internal components with a dedicated ice maker cleaner or a 50/50 vinegar-water mix run through 2–3 cycles.
Final Thoughts
After three months of daily use, here’s the bottom line:
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the best overall if you want nugget ice and have the budget. Nothing else comes close for ice quality, and the smart features are genuinely useful.
- NewAir AI-100 is the best bullet ice maker — fastest production, highest output, and a reasonable $170 price tag. The pick for most people.
- Euhomy IM-12 is the best value at $140. It’s not the fastest or quietest, but it does the job reliably with a self-cleaning cycle that machines twice its price don’t always offer.
- Northair 45L is the high-capacity choice. If you entertain frequently or need ice for a home bar, this is the only freestanding unit here that combines production volume with actual ice storage.
- Igloo ICEB26HNSS is the budget pick. It works, it’s cheap, and it makes ice. Not exciting, but functional. Spend the extra $30 on the Euhomy if you can.
The right ice maker depends on what you value most: ice quality, production speed, price, or capacity. Pick your priority from that list, and the recommendation above will point you to the right machine.