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10 Best Countertop Ice Makers For Small Cubes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

GE Profile Opal Ultra, Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 1 Gal XL Side Tank, *Amazon Exclusive*, 38 lbs/Day, Pebble Pellet Crushed Ice Machine, WiFi Moonstone Blue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,394
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Storage Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
138 reviews

Ice Cube Size and Shape
The ice maker produces soft, chewable nugget ice that’s addictive and perfect for cocktails and iced coffee.
Storage Capacity
The 1-gallon side water tank allows for continuous ice production without frequent refills or a water line, adding great convenience.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Maintenance is essential for longevity, with a dedicated descaling function and filter reminders that help keep the machine running smoothly.
Speed of Ice Production
It starts making ice within minutes, and the bin fills faster than expected, delivering a steady supply for daily use.
Noise Level
Although it makes some noise, it’s typical for kitchen appliances and not disruptive during normal operation.
Size and Portability
The stainless steel design is sleek and fits well under most kitchen cabinets, though the unit is somewhat bulky and requires sufficient counter space.

The GE Profile Opal Ultra is a countertop nugget ice maker designed to deliver soft, chewable ice that’s great for drinks like cocktails and iced coffee. It produces up to 38 pounds of ice per day, which is quite high for a home machine, though it makes about 1.6 pounds per hour, so it’s best if you don’t need ice instantly in very large amounts. The ice it makes is in the popular nugget shape, which many find more enjoyable to chew compared to regular cubes. The machine includes a 3-pound removable storage bin, so you can keep some ice ready to go, but it’s not a huge amount, so you may need to restock often if you use a lot.

A standout feature is the 1-gallon side water tank, which reduces the need for frequent refills and allows continuous ice production without a water line. This is convenient if you want to place it away from a sink. It also has smart controls via WiFi and voice commands, letting you start ice making remotely or set schedules, which adds a modern touch and some ease of use. The stainless steel design looks sleek and can fit under most kitchen cabinets, but the unit is somewhat bulky (about 17.5" deep), so check available counter space.

Maintenance is user-friendly with included water filters and descaling supplies to keep the ice tasting fresh, though replacements are extra. The machine uses energy-efficient refrigerant and has a decent 1-year warranty. This ice maker is ideal for families or small gatherings that value soft nugget ice and want a reliable supply with smart features. If you want fast production of large ice cubes or a very compact model, you might find other options better, but for nugget ice lovers, it’s a solid choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,394
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Storage Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
138 reviews

Ice Cube Size and Shape
The ice maker produces soft, chewable nugget ice that’s addictive and perfect for cocktails and iced coffee.
Storage Capacity
The 1-gallon side water tank allows for continuous ice production without frequent refills or a water line, adding great convenience.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Maintenance is essential for longevity, with a dedicated descaling function and filter reminders that help keep the machine running smoothly.
Speed of Ice Production
It starts making ice within minutes, and the bin fills faster than expected, delivering a steady supply for daily use.
Noise Level
Although it makes some noise, it’s typical for kitchen appliances and not disruptive during normal operation.
Size and Portability
The stainless steel design is sleek and fits well under most kitchen cabinets, though the unit is somewhat bulky and requires sufficient counter space.
#2

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)

Rating
9.7
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Speed of Ice Production

Most important from
12943 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
If you need large quantities of ice, this might not be sufficient, but it's perfect for home use.
Ice Cube Size and Shape
The first ice drop of each batch is thinner, and if not transferred immediately, the ice starts to melt and clump together.
Speed of Ice Production
This ice maker is almost silent and incredibly fast, making larger cubes quickly.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The instructions are very clear about cleaning, which is a rare but appreciated detail.
Noise Level
This ice maker works exactly as advertised, is quiet, and takes up little counter space.
Size and Portability
This ice maker works exactly as advertised, is quiet, and takes up little counter space.

The Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine is a compact and portable solution perfect for home, kitchen, camping, or RV use. It boasts an impressive ice production capacity of 26 pounds per day, with the first batch of bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in just 6 minutes. This speed is beneficial for quickly enjoying cold drinks. Its 1.2L water tank and efficient compressor ensure a consistent ice supply, up to 1.3 pounds stored at a time, while operating quietly at less than 45dB, which is comparable to a regular freezer's noise level.

The machine's smart features include infrared sensors to alert you when the ice basket is full or when water needs to be added, and a one-touch auto-cleaning function that simplifies maintenance. In terms of usability, the ice maker is straightforward to operate with a simple control panel and a large see-through window for monitoring the ice-making process. Its lightweight design, complete with a handle, makes it easy to transport.

However, some users might find the storage capacity of 1.3 pounds limited if they need large quantities of ice at once. Additionally, while the ice cubes are bullet-shaped and less likely to stick together, they may not be suitable for all types of drinks or ice-related needs. The machine also includes an ice basket and scoop for convenience and comes with a 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support for added peace of mind.

Rating
9.7
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Speed of Ice Production

Most important from
12943 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
If you need large quantities of ice, this might not be sufficient, but it's perfect for home use.
Ice Cube Size and Shape
The first ice drop of each batch is thinner, and if not transferred immediately, the ice starts to melt and clump together.
Speed of Ice Production
This ice maker is almost silent and incredibly fast, making larger cubes quickly.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The instructions are very clear about cleaning, which is a rare but appreciated detail.
Noise Level
This ice maker works exactly as advertised, is quiet, and takes up little counter space.
Size and Portability
This ice maker works exactly as advertised, is quiet, and takes up little counter space.
#3

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 44Lbs/24H Sonic Ice Maker Machine, Self-Cleaning Pellet Ice Makers with Ice Scoop&Basket, Countertop Pebble Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office

Rating
9.7
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Speed of Ice Production

Most important from
2226 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
The water reservoir capacity is sufficient for regular household use, though periodic refills keep the ice flowing steadily.
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Produces soft, chewable nugget ice quickly, filling the tray in no time and supporting increased daily water intake effortlessly.
Speed of Ice Production
Produces soft, chewable nugget ice quickly, filling the tray in no time and supporting increased daily water intake effortlessly.
Storage Capacity
The water reservoir capacity is sufficient for regular household use, though periodic refills keep the ice flowing steadily.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup is straightforward and well-supported by clear instructions and helpful videos, making the initial experience hassle-free.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but not disruptive, providing audible assurance that the machine is running without being overly loud.
Size and Portability
The sleek, compact design fits beautifully on any kitchen countertop and complements the overall kitchen aesthetic.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want soft, chewable pebble ice quickly and in good quantity. It produces up to 44 pounds of ice every day, which should be plenty for home use or small gatherings. The ice cubes it makes are small, crunchy nuggets—the kind that work great in drinks like sodas and cocktails. One of its strong points is speed: you get fresh ice in about 7-10 minutes, so you rarely run out. It has a decent storage capacity with a 1.8L water tank, meaning fewer refills during use.

The compact size makes it easy to fit on most countertops without taking up too much space, and it's light enough to move around when needed. Operating the machine is straightforward with simple one-touch buttons, including a light to see inside and a handy self-cleaning mode that saves you the hassle of manual cleaning. While countertop ice makers can produce some noise during operation, this model balances performance with convenience effectively.

With a production capacity well-suited for household use, it may be less ideal for very large parties or commercial purposes. Additionally, the water reservoir size means it may require refilling during extended use. For those seeking an easy-to-use, compact ice maker that reliably produces chewable nugget ice with minimal maintenance, this model fits well.

Rating
9.7
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Speed of Ice Production

Most important from
2226 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
The water reservoir capacity is sufficient for regular household use, though periodic refills keep the ice flowing steadily.
Ice Cube Size and Shape
Produces soft, chewable nugget ice quickly, filling the tray in no time and supporting increased daily water intake effortlessly.
Speed of Ice Production
Produces soft, chewable nugget ice quickly, filling the tray in no time and supporting increased daily water intake effortlessly.
Storage Capacity
The water reservoir capacity is sufficient for regular household use, though periodic refills keep the ice flowing steadily.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup is straightforward and well-supported by clear instructions and helpful videos, making the initial experience hassle-free.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but not disruptive, providing audible assurance that the machine is running without being overly loud.
Size and Portability
The sleek, compact design fits beautifully on any kitchen countertop and complements the overall kitchen aesthetic.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Ice Makers For Small Cubes

Choosing the right countertop ice maker for small cubes can greatly enhance your kitchen experience, especially if you enjoy cold beverages or entertain guests frequently. When selecting an ice maker, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Ice Production CapacityIce production capacity refers to the amount of ice the machine can produce in a 24-hour period. This is important because it determines how much ice you can have on hand for your needs. Ice makers typically range from producing 20 pounds to over 50 pounds of ice per day. If you entertain often or have a large family, a higher capacity machine would be beneficial. For smaller households or occasional use, a lower capacity machine should suffice.
Ice Cube Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the ice cubes are crucial for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Small, uniform cubes are ideal for fitting into narrow-necked bottles and chilling drinks quickly. Some machines offer adjustable settings for different cube sizes. If you prefer a specific type of ice, such as nugget or bullet-shaped, make sure the machine you choose can produce it. Consider your typical use cases, like cocktails, water bottles, or smoothies, to determine the best ice shape for you.
Speed of Ice ProductionThis spec indicates how quickly the machine can produce its first batch of ice. It’s important because it affects how soon you can start using the ice after turning the machine on. Most countertop ice makers can produce ice within 6 to 15 minutes. If you need ice quickly, look for a machine with a faster production time. For less urgent needs, a slightly slower machine may be acceptable.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of ice the machine can hold at one time. This is important for ensuring you have enough ice available when you need it. Storage capacities typically range from 1 to 3 pounds. If you frequently use large amounts of ice, a machine with a larger storage capacity will be more convenient. For occasional use, a smaller storage capacity should be adequate.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance includes features like intuitive controls, self-cleaning functions, and ease of refilling the water reservoir. These factors are important because they affect how user-friendly the machine is and how much effort is required to keep it running smoothly. Look for machines with clear instructions, simple controls, and easy access for cleaning. If you prefer minimal maintenance, consider a model with a self-cleaning function.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the machine is during operation. This is important if you plan to use the ice maker in a quiet environment, such as an office or a small apartment. Ice makers can vary significantly in noise output. If noise is a concern, look for models that are specifically designed to operate quietly. For less noise-sensitive environments, this may be a less critical factor.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the ice maker are important if you have limited counter space or plan to move the machine frequently. Compact and lightweight models are easier to fit into small kitchens and transport if needed. Measure your available space and consider how often you might need to move the machine. Choose a model that fits comfortably in your designated area and is easy to handle.

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