10 Best Ice Makers 2025 in the United States

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice for anyone wanting quick and convenient ice at home. It produces up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice daily, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes—great for gatherings or daily use. Its 2.3-liter water tank and transparent ice storage let you keep an eye on ice levels easily. The nugget ice, known for its soft, crunchy texture, is perfect for drinks like cocktails, sodas, or slushies and melts slower than regular ice cubes, helping preserve flavors.

This model is compact and stylish, fitting comfortably on most countertops without taking up too much space, and weighs about 22 pounds, making it portable. It’s designed to be user-friendly, featuring one-click operation and LED indicators for water levels and ice status. Maintenance is simplified with a quick self-cleaning function activated by a single button press, which completes in 15 minutes. Noise levels are low at 43 dB, so it operates quietly in the background.

Although specific energy efficiency ratings are not detailed, the use of R600a refrigerant suggests a more eco-friendly design. For those seeking fast, tasty nugget ice without complex setup or loud machines, this Kismile model is a fitting option, while users needing larger ice storage or commercial-level output may find it less suitable.

This Antarctic Star countertop ice maker is a solid choice for anyone needing quick and convenient ice production at home or on the go. It can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, which is quite ample for small parties, family gatherings, or camping trips. One notable advantage is its fast ice-making cycle—ice cubes are ready in about 6 minutes, helping you keep drinks chilled without long waits. The machine makes 8 ice cubes per cycle with two size options, giving some flexibility. Its compact size (roughly 10 x 9 x 11 inches) and light weight (12.4 pounds) make it highly portable and suitable for countertop use, travel, or outdoor events.

The low noise level (<40dB) is a plus, allowing use without disturbing conversations or work. Another user-friendly feature is the one-touch self-cleaning function, which helps maintain fresh-tasting ice and reduces maintenance hassle. The ice maker uses a water reservoir, so you need to fill it manually rather than hooking it up to a water line. This is typical for portable models but means you must monitor water levels for uninterrupted ice production. The included basket and scoop help manage ice once made. Energy efficiency is improved by about 30% thanks to its optimized motor, which is a nice environmental and cost-saving benefit.

The relatively small size limits total ice storage, so it’s not ideal for very large groups or commercial use where continuous bulk ice is needed. Additionally, because it relies on a reservoir, you’ll need to refill water periodically during heavy use. This ice maker is best suited for personal or small group use, offering fast, quiet, and energy-conscious ice making in a portable design that fits well in kitchens, RVs, or outdoor setups.

The Scotsman Brilliance Nugget SCN60PA1SU is a solid choice if you need a reliable undercounter ice maker for commercial or home use. It can produce up to 80 pounds of nugget-style ice, which is soft and chewable—great for drinks and healthcare settings. The built-in storage bin with a self-closing door helps keep the ice clean and insulated, though you won’t find a large ice storage capacity compared to some standalone machines.

The machine runs on standard 115 volts with moderate energy use at 120 watts. Its pump drain design simplifies installation but requires access to plumbing. At about 23 by 15 by 34 inches and weighing 129 pounds, it’s designed more for a fixed spot rather than portability. While it doesn’t highlight specific features for easy cleaning, Scotsman is known for durable, easy-to-maintain equipment. The reversible door adds flexibility for tight spaces.

If you want fast, chewable nugget ice from a compact undercounter unit and have plumbing nearby, this machine fits well. For those needing a portable model or a very large ice storage solution, other options might be more suitable.