Updated October 2026: this guide brings together the current picks from our category guides. We checked every model’s availability and price this month and left out anything that is no longer sold.
An ice maker is one of those appliances you don’t think about until the freezer tray runs dry in the middle of a party. The good news is that there’s now a machine for almost every need: a $100 countertop unit for a small kitchen, a nugget ice machine for people who chew their ice, a clear-ice maker for cocktails, a 15-inch built-in for a home bar, or a commercial machine that makes hundreds of pounds a day.
This guide brings every ice maker we currently recommend into one place, sorted by type. Each pick has a short summary, its daily output, a rough price, and a link to our detailed guide for that category. Prices move a lot, so treat them as ballparks and click through for today’s price.
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Our Quick Picks
| Category | Pick | Why | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | NewAir ClearIce40 | Clear cubes from a countertop machine with no plumbing, up to 40 lb a day, and a reasonable price. It’s one of the units we’ve used ourselves. | Around $280 |
| Best budget | Silonn SLIM01B | Small, light and simple bullet ice maker for everyday drinks. Up to 26 lb a day for about the price of a nice dinner out. | Around $100 or less |
| Best nugget | GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra | The best-known countertop nugget machine, now with Wi-Fi scheduling and a scale-inhibiting filter. GE rates it at up to 38 lb a day. | Around $450–$500 |
| Best clear (built-in) | Whynter UIM-502SS | A 15-inch built-in that makes clear cubes, up to 80 lb a day, with an inline water filter, for far less than commercial machines. | Around $850–$900 |
| Best undercounter | Scotsman CU50 | Commercial-grade gourmet cubes in a 15-inch cabinet, with gravity-drain and pump-drain versions. | Around $3,100–$3,500 |
| Best commercial | Manitowoc NEO UYP0140A | A proven undercounter workhorse for small businesses: up to 150 lb a day, a 90 lb bin and a built-in water filter. | Around $2,800 |
Want the detail behind a category? Jump to portable, nugget, clear ice, undercounter, commercial, or read how to choose.
Portable and Countertop Ice Makers
Portable ice makers sit on the counter, plug into a regular outlet and need no water line: you pour water into the reservoir and get the first batch of bullet-shaped cubes in minutes. The basket isn’t refrigerated, so ice slowly melts back into the reservoir and gets refrozen. Move what you want to keep to the freezer. Our full portable ice maker guide covers these in more depth, and what to know before buying a portable ice maker answers the common questions. If you’re setting up a bar cart, see the best ice makers for a home bar.
NewAir AI-215 (50 lb.) Countertop Ice Maker
A high-output portable that makes up to 50 lb of bullet ice a day in three cube sizes, which is more than most countertop units. It has a 1.5 lb basket, an 18-hour timer, and shuts off when the basket is full or the water runs low. It’s one of the machines we’ve used ourselves.
NewAir still sells it, at around $275–$340 depending on color, but the Amazon listing is often out of stock, so we link to NewAir directly.
Pros
- Very high output for a countertop unit
- Three cube sizes
- Timer lets you have ice ready when you get up
Cons
- Bulky and heavy for a portable
- Basket is small relative to output, so empty it often
Check price at NewAir (currently unavailable on Amazon)
Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker
A big, sturdy countertop machine rated at up to 48 lb of bullet ice a day, with three cube sizes and a large water tank. We used one for years, including on camping trips, but it weighs about 40 lb.
It has become hard to find new in 2026: the Amazon listing currently shows it as unavailable and Frigidaire no longer lists it. If you can’t find one, the NewAir AI-215 above is the closest alternative.
Pros
- High output
- Durable, long-lived in our experience
- Large water tank
Cons
- Hard to find new
- Heavy at about 40 lb
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker (SLIM01B)
Our budget pick: a compact bullet ice maker that makes 9 cubes in about 6 minutes and up to 26 lb a day in two sizes, with a 2 L water tank and a self-cleaning cycle. It usually sells for around $100 or less.
We haven’t tested the Silonn ourselves. It’s here because it fills the small, cheap, easy-to-move role well and has a large base of owner reviews.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Small footprint and light
- Self-cleaning cycle
Cons
- Small basket and tank
- Cubes can stick together if left in the basket
Frigidaire EFIC103 Countertop Ice Maker
A retro-styled stainless countertop unit that makes up to 26 lb of bullet ice a day in two cube sizes, with first ice in under 6 minutes, a 2.2 lb bucket and a self-clean function. It’s a good fit for a bar cart or small kitchen.
Expect to pay around $100–$170 depending on the seller. Frigidaire lists it at $149.99.
Pros
- Attractive retro design
- Fast first batch
- Self-clean function
Cons
- Only 26 lb a day
- Small bucket for parties
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
A simple, compact bullet ice maker that makes 9 cubes in about 6 minutes and up to 26 lb a day, with two cube sizes and a self-cleaning cycle. The current version is black.
It usually sells for under $100, which makes it a good no-fuss option for a small household or an office.
Pros
- Affordable
- Quick batches
- Easy to move around
Cons
- Basic build
- Small basket
Nugget, Pellet and “Sonic” Ice Makers
Nugget ice (also called pellet, pebble or “Sonic” ice) is soft, chewable and soaks up the flavor of your drink. Machines that make it scrape thin layers of ice from a chilled cylinder and compress them, which is why nugget makers cost more than bullet ice makers. You’ll find countertop models for home and undercounter or dispenser models for offices, clinics and restaurants. For more detail, see our guide to the best nugget, sonic and pellet ice makers.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker
The latest Opal is GE’s countertop nugget ice maker with a scale-inhibiting filter. GE rates it at up to 38 lb of nugget ice a day, and you can schedule it over Wi-Fi in the SmartHQ app.
It usually sells for around $450–$500. We used the original Opal for a long time; we haven’t tested this newer Ultra version.
Pros
- Real soft, chewable nugget ice
- Wi-Fi scheduling
- Scale-inhibiting filter helps with hard water
Cons
- Expensive for a countertop unit
- Needs regular descaling
GE Profile Opal 2.0 with 0.75-Gallon Side Tank
The Opal 2.0 with an attached 0.75-gallon side tank, so you refill less often. GE rates it at up to 38 lb a day (about 1 lb an hour), the bin holds about 3 lb (48 oz), and it also has Wi-Fi.
List price is around $600, but it’s often on sale for about $400. GE has said some Opal 2.0 versions are no longer being manufactured, so stock varies by finish. If it’s gone, the Opal 2.0 Ultra above is the current model.
Pros
- Side tank means fewer refills
- Frequently discounted
- Same nugget ice as the Ultra
Cons
- Takes more counter space
- Availability varies by finish
NewAir 44 lb. Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (NIM044BSN2)
NewAir’s current countertop nugget machine makes up to 44 lb of nugget ice a day. It weighs about 24 lb, has a 1.8 L tank, a 2.7 lb basket and a self-clean cycle.
It costs around $370, which makes it the value alternative to the Opal. We tested NewAir’s earlier 40 lb model; this newer one we know from NewAir’s specs.
Pros
- Less expensive than the Opal
- High output for a countertop nugget maker
- Self-clean cycle
Cons
- Smaller basket than the output suggests
- Newer model, fewer long-term reports
Scotsman Brilliance SRNP110A-1SS (Undercounter Nugget)
A residential undercounter nugget ice machine for a kitchen or home bar, with a pump drain and stainless door. It’s sold as a 110 lb/day machine. Scotsman’s own page also quotes up to 80 lb in places, so expect real-world output somewhere in that range.
It’s a premium appliance at around $5,500–$6,000 and needs a water line and professional installation.
Pros
- True built-in nugget ice at home
- Pump drain means flexible installation
- Scotsman’s nugget heritage
Cons
- Very expensive
- Needs plumbing and installation
Scotsman UN324 Undercounter Nugget Ice Machine
A commercial undercounter nugget machine rated at up to 340 lb a day at 70°F air and 50°F water (about 266 lb under the tougher 90/70 AHRI rating), with an 80 lb bin. It’s a good fit for cafés, offices and healthcare settings.
Expect around $5,700. Newer units are sold as the UN324AX-1 (R290 refrigerant); the Amazon listing is for the UN324A-1.
Pros
- Huge output from a 24-inch footprint
- 80 lb bin
- Proven commercial design
Cons
- Commercial price
- Needs a drain and water line
Scotsman HID312 Meridian Nugget Ice and Water Dispenser
A countertop dispenser that makes nugget ice and dispenses ice and water touch-free. It holds 12 lb of ice, and depending on the version and rating conditions it’s rated at roughly 260–320 lb a day. Break rooms, clinics and offices use it so nobody scoops ice by hand.
Prices run around $5,500–$6,000. Current production is sold as the HID312AX-1.
Pros
- Hygienic touch-free dispensing
- Ice and water in one unit
- Small footprint
Cons
- Small 12 lb storage
- Commercial price and installation
Follett Champion 7 Countertop Ice and Water Dispenser
Follett’s newest countertop nugget dispenser builds on its long-running 7 Series. Follett rates it at 125 lb of nugget ice a day with 7 lb of storage, and you can put it on an optional base stand.
Follett sells through dealers and doesn’t publish a price. Expect several thousand dollars. It isn’t sold on Amazon.
Pros
- Follett’s chewable Chewblet nugget ice
- Compact countertop dispenser
- Optional base stand
Cons
- Dealer pricing only
- Small storage
Clear Ice Makers
Clear ice looks great in a cocktail and melts slowly. Machines make it by freezing water in layers while it moves, so trapped air and minerals don’t cloud the cube. Countertop clear-ice makers are the easy entry point, and built-in models make more and keep it cold. If you only want a few big cubes or spheres for whiskey, a directional-freezing tray in your freezer does the job for about $40. Our clear ice maker guide goes deeper.
NewAir ClearIce40 Countertop Clear Ice Maker
Our best overall pick: a countertop machine that makes up to 40 lb of clear, square cubes a day, with no plumbing and an insulated storage area. NewAir sent us one to use. Our main gripe is that cubes come out as a sheet you break apart with the scoop.
It sells for around $280 and is in stock at NewAir.
Pros
- Clear cubes without a water line
- 40 lb a day
- Fair price for clear ice
Cons
- Ice drops in sheets you have to break apart
- Bigger than basic bullet ice makers
Luma Comfort IM200SS Clear Ice Maker
A stainless countertop clear-ice maker from NewAir’s Luma brand, rated at up to 40 lb a day, with first cubes in about 15 minutes and extra-thick insulation. It’s about 11 × 14 × 14 inches and weighs about 25 lb.
List price is about $250, but stock comes and goes. It’s sold out on NewAir’s site as we update this. If you can’t get one, the ClearIce40 is the closest match.
Pros
- Clear cubes from a countertop unit
- Compact for its output
- Usually a little cheaper than the ClearIce40
Cons
- Stock is unreliable
- Small storage area
Whynter UIM-502SS Built-In Clear Ice Maker
A 15-inch built-in (or freestanding) unit that makes clear cubes, rated at up to 80 lb a day, with a 25 lb bin, an NSF inline water filter and water recirculation. It’s about 33 inches tall, so it fits under most counters.
At around $850–$900 it’s our pick for clear ice from a built-in on a home budget.
Pros
- Lots of clear ice for the price
- Inline water filter included
- Fits a standard 15-inch opening
Cons
- Needs a water line and drain
- Not commercial-grade like Scotsman or Manitowoc
EdgeStar IB450SS / IB450SSP Undercounter Clear Ice Maker
A 15-inch undercounter machine that makes up to 50 lb of ice a day (sold as clear ice) with a 25 lb bin. The IB450SS is gravity-drain, and the IB450SSP adds a built-in drain pump for spots without a floor drain. It weighs roughly 77–87 lb depending on version.
It costs around $1,340.
Pros
- Pump-drain option
- 15-inch width fits most bars
- Good bin size for a home
Cons
- Pricier than the Whynter
- EdgeStar’s spec sheet calls the ice “cube”, while retailers call it clear
Check price on Amazon (IB450SS) | with drain pump (IB450SSP)
Clear Ice Trays and Molds
These aren’t machines, but they make the clearest cubes of all for the money. Each uses directional freezing in an insulated box in your freezer, which takes about 18–24 hours.
Glacio Clear Sphere Ice Duo
Makes two clear ice spheres about 2.5 inches across, sized for a rocks glass. It costs around $46.
Pros
- Clear spheres for whiskey
- Simple to use
Cons
- Only two spheres per batch
True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray
Makes four large 2-inch clear cubes per batch in about 18–22 hours. It costs around $40.
Pros
- Big, very clear cubes
- Fits most freezers
Cons
- Four cubes at a time
ClearlyFrozen Clear Ice Tray
Makes ten 2-inch clear cubes per batch, so it’s the best of the three for a group. It costs around $40–$44.
Pros
- Ten cubes per batch
- Good for entertaining
Cons
- Takes up more freezer space
Undercounter and Built-In Ice Makers
Undercounter ice makers connect to a water line and keep a bin full automatically, so you never refill a reservoir. Most are 15 inches wide to fit a standard cabinet opening. Check the drain before you buy: gravity-drain models need a floor drain below the machine, while pump-drain models can push water up and over to a sink drain. Commercial-grade units (Scotsman, Manitowoc) cost more but last longer and make better cubes. See our undercounter ice maker guide for more. The Whynter and EdgeStar clear-ice built-ins above belong here too.
Scotsman CU50 Undercounter Gourmet Cube Ice Machine
Scotsman’s 15-inch undercounter machine makes slow-melting gourmet (top-hat) cubes: up to 65 lb a day at 70/50 (49 lb at 90/70) with a 26 lb bin. It comes as a gravity-drain CU50GA or pump-drain CU50PA, now sold with R290 refrigerant as the CU50GAX-1 and CU50PAX-1.
Expect around $3,100 for gravity drain and around $3,500 with a pump.
Pros
- Restaurant-style gourmet cubes
- Gravity or pump drain
- Commercial build quality
Cons
- Expensive for home use
- Modest bin size
Check price on Amazon (gravity, CU50GA) | pump drain (CU50PA)
Scotsman CU0515GA-1 Undercounter Gourmet Cube Ice Machine
Another 15-inch Scotsman with gourmet cubes, rated at up to 84 lb a day at 70/50 (58 lb AHRI) with a 24 lb bin and a gravity drain. Dealers sell it as the CU0515GA-1.
It costs around $3,300–$3,700 at dealers. It no longer appears in Scotsman’s current online catalog, so check stock before you plan around it.
Pros
- Gourmet cubes
- Higher output than the CU50
- 15-inch width
Cons
- Gravity drain only
- May be winding down
Manitowoc NEO UDP0140A Undercounter Dice Ice Machine
A 26-inch NEO undercounter cuber that makes dice cubes: up to 140 lb a day at 70/50 (110 lb AHRI), a 90 lb bin and a built-in water filter. It replaces the UDF0140A and uses R290 refrigerant.
Expect around $2,800. It’s a lot of machine for a home bar but a great fit for a small restaurant or office.
Pros
- Big 90 lb bin
- Built-in filtration
- Reliable commercial design
Cons
- 26 inches wide, not 15
- Needs a drain
Maxx Ice MIM50P-O Indoor/Outdoor Undercounter Ice Maker
A 15-inch all-stainless machine rated for indoor or outdoor kitchens. It makes up to 65 lb of dice cubes a day with a 25 lb bin, has a drain pump and is Energy Star listed.
It costs around $1,600–$1,700. The photo shows the indoor MIM50P; the “-O” version has an all-stainless outdoor cabinet.
Pros
- Rated for outdoor kitchens
- Drain pump included
- Energy Star
Cons
- Pricier than indoor-only models
- 25 lb bin
SPT IM-60YUS Under-Counter Ice Maker
SPT’s 15-inch stainless undercounter unit makes up to 50 lb of clear “gourmet” cubes a day with a 25 lb bin. It replaced the IM-600US.
SPT’s own sale price has been around $830 (list about $1,460), which makes it one of the more affordable built-ins.
Pros
- Affordable built-in
- Clear cubes
- Standard 15-inch width
Cons
- Price swings a lot
- Smaller brand support network
SPT IM-150US Compact Undercounter Ice Maker
A compact undercounter unit (about 15 W × 18 D × 25 H inches) that makes crescent ice and needs no drain. It’s handy where you can’t run plumbing for a drain.
It costs around $530 on SPT’s site (list about $640).
Pros
- Fits small spaces
- No drain needed
- Low price for a built-in
Cons
- Small output and storage
- Not commercial-grade
U-Line UACR014 14-Inch Crescent Ice Maker
A premium 14-inch ADA-height ice maker with a field-reversible door. It makes up to 23 lb of crescent ice a day and stores 12 lb, in black, white or stainless.
MSRP is about $1,909 (black/white) and $2,559 (stainless), and retailers often sell it for around $1,730. It isn’t on Amazon.
Pros
- Fits a 14-inch space and ADA heights
- Premium fit and finish
- Reversible door
Cons
- Low output for the price
- Not on Amazon
Commercial Ice Machines
Commercial machines are built for restaurants, bars, offices and events. Most of the big brands have moved to R290 refrigerant, so model numbers changed in the last couple of years. Watch for the new numbers when you shop. Ratings are usually quoted two ways: a higher number at 70°F air and 50°F water, and a lower AHRI-certified number at 90/70 that’s closer to a hot kitchen. Our commercial ice machine guide has a sizing table and more models.
EUHOMY IM-02 100 lb. Commercial Ice Maker
A freestanding, budget commercial-style machine that makes up to 100 lb of cubes a day and uses a gravity drain. Amazon lists a 33 lb bin, while Euhomy’s own site (where it’s now called the Lucid M1, model IM-02) lists 28.6 lb.
It costs around $310–$400 (Euhomy lists it at $309.99), which is a fraction of the big brands. It’s great for a garage, small office or home bar that needs a lot of ice.
Pros
- Very low price for 100 lb a day
- Freestanding or under-counter
- Compact, about 18 × 16 × 31 inches
Cons
- Not built like a Manitowoc or Scotsman
- Needs a drain
Manitowoc NEO UYP0140A Undercounter Half Dice
Our best commercial pick for most small businesses. It makes half-dice cubes (good for blended and soft drinks): up to 150 lb a day at 70/50 (114 lb AHRI), with a 90 lb bin and built-in filtration. It’s the R290 successor to the UYF0140A.
Expect around $2,800.
Pros
- Half-dice cubes fill glasses well
- 90 lb bin
- Built-in filter
Cons
- 26-inch footprint
- Needs a drain
Ice-O-Matic CIMU220HA90 Undercounter Cube Ice Machine
A 24.5-inch undercounter cuber that makes about 223 lb of half cubes a day with a 70–74 lb bin. It’s the R290 successor to the ICEU220HA, with a front-breathing design for tight installs.
It costs around $3,350.
Pros
- High output for an undercounter unit
- Front-breathing for enclosed spaces
- Strong warranty
Cons
- Pricier than the Manitowoc
- Needs a drain
Manitowoc IDP0450A Modular Ice Machine + D570 Bin
A modular ice machine head (Indigo NXT, R290) on a D570 storage bin: up to 483 lb of dice cubes a day at 70/50 (393 lb AHRI), and the bin holds 532 lb. It’s for restaurants and bars that go through ice fast.
Expect around $5,700 with the bin.
Pros
- Hundreds of pounds a day
- Huge storage
- Smart Indigo NXT controls
Cons
- Needs floor space and professional installation
- Overkill for a home
Maxx Ice MIM452 Modular Ice Machine (with storage bin)
A 30-inch modular head that makes up to 460 lb of full dice cubes a day. The Amazon listing is titled with a 580 lb bin (MIM452-B580SS), but its bullet points say the bin isn’t included, so confirm what you’re getting.
Maxx Ice sells the head alone for around $3,350, and bundles with a bin cost more.
Pros
- High output for the price
- Energy Star listed
- Stainless cabinet
Cons
- Check whether the bin is included
- Needs installation
Hoshizaki F-330BAK Flaker with Built-In Bin
A self-contained flake ice machine that makes up to 331 lb a day with an 80 lb built-in bin, in a 24 × 26 × 39-inch cabinet. Flake ice is ideal for food displays, seafood, smoothies and therapy packs.
It costs around $6,300. It isn’t on Amazon (Amazon only lists the cubelet version), so we link to Hoshizaki.
Pros
- Flake ice for displays and blending
- Big built-in bin
- Current R290 model
Cons
- Expensive
- Not on Amazon
How to Choose an Ice Maker
Ice type
- Bullet ice (most portables) is fast and cheap, but it’s hollow and melts quickly.
- Nugget/pellet ice is soft and chewable. It costs more and the machines need regular descaling.
- Clear ice is dense and slow-melting, best for cocktails and spirits.
- Dice, half-dice and gourmet cubes are what commercial machines make. Half-dice fills glasses efficiently, and gourmet (top-hat) cubes look upscale.
- Flake ice is for food displays, blending and therapy.
Capacity
Daily output tells you how fast ice is made, and the bin size tells you how much is waiting when you need it. A family using ice for drinks is fine with 25–40 lb a day. A home bar or frequent entertaining calls for 50–80 lb with a larger bin. Businesses should size to peak demand, using the AHRI 90/70 rating rather than the bigger 70/50 number if the machine will sit in a warm kitchen.
Drain and water line
Portables need neither, since you pour water in. Built-in and commercial machines need a water supply line, and almost all need a drain. Gravity drains need a floor drain lower than the machine, and pump-drain models can lift water to a sink or standpipe. A few compact built-ins, like the SPT IM-150US, don’t need a drain at all.
Noise and placement
Every ice maker has a compressor and a fan, and you’ll hear ice drop into the bin. Countertop units are noticeable in a quiet room. Built-ins need airflow: check whether the model breathes from the front (needed in a fully enclosed cabinet) and whether it’s rated for outdoor use before you put it in an outdoor kitchen.
Cleaning
Minerals build up in every ice maker. Look for a self-clean or descale cycle on countertop models, and plan to clean or descale every few months (more often with hard water). Commercial machines last longer and make better ice with a water filter. Several of the picks above, like the Manitowoc NEO and Whynter, include one.
Ice Maker FAQ
What type of ice maker is best for home use?
For most homes, a countertop ice maker is the easiest choice: no installation, and around $100–$300. If you want nugget ice, budget around $350–$500 for a countertop nugget machine. If you entertain a lot or want ice always ready, a 15-inch built-in with a water line is worth the extra cost.
Do portable ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. The basket is insulated but not refrigerated, so ice slowly melts and the water is recycled into new ice. Move ice you want to keep to the freezer. Built-in and commercial machines also melt stored ice slowly, but they keep refilling the bin automatically.
How much ice do I need per day?
A common rule of thumb is about 1–2 lb of ice per guest at a party. For everyday drinks at home, a 25–40 lb/day countertop unit covers most families. Businesses should size by peak hour and check the AHRI rating. Our commercial guide has a sizing table.
Do undercounter ice makers need a drain?
Most do. Gravity-drain models need a floor drain below the unit, and pump-drain models (like the Maxx Ice MIM50P-O or EdgeStar IB450SSP) can pump water up to a sink drain. A few compact models, such as the SPT IM-150US, don’t need one.
Why is my ice cloudy, and how do I get clear ice?
Cloudy ice comes from trapped air and minerals that freeze in the center of the cube. Clear-ice machines freeze water in layers while it moves, and clear-ice trays freeze from the top down so impurities collect at the bottom. A countertop clear-ice maker like the NewAir ClearIce40, or a tray like ClearlyFrozen, is the simplest way to get there.
Whatever you’re making ice for, one of these machines should fit. For more detail on any type, see our guides to portable ice makers, nugget ice makers, clear ice makers, undercounter ice makers, commercial ice machines, and ice makers for a home bar.
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