The Best Countertop Ice Makers Reviewed (Suitable for all budgets)

To choose the right ice maker for home, you must consider

Type of Ice Maker

Usually, ice makers are classified into seven kinds, which include

• Built-in ice makers: Built-in ice makers are specifically designed to be in refrigerators and freezers, usually found in high-end fridges.
• Freestanding ice maker: This unit is standalone, and you can use it separately and place it anywhere. They are easy to install and portable.
• Undercounter: The under-counter ice makers are space-saving. These units are designed to fit under the countertop and are usually used in kitchens or bars.
• Countertop: The countertop ice makers, as you can get the hint by name, are efficient for ice cube production that can free a large space in your freezer.
• Commercial: These ice makers are used on a larger scale, like for restaurants, bars, or hotels.
• Nugget: The nugget ice maker makes soft nugget ice, which is chewable. These are common for home use.
• Portable: These ice makers are the most popular ones as they are lightweight and travel-friendly. You can take them for camping, parties, or other uses as their production capacity is comparatively smaller than the other models.

The size of the ice maker

The size of your ice maker matters as it determines your requirements and whether or not it can meet your needs. Secondly, the space it occupies in your kitchen because they are different for home and commercial use (read under types to know the difference). You can also find them on countertops, wall mounts, or stand on the floor.

An ice maker 15 inches to 18 inches in size offers excellent flexibility.

Ice producing capacity

It refers to the number of cubes an ice maker produces daily. Usually, a standard ice maker has a water reservoir of 2 liters minimum and makes cubes the whole day. If you need ice frequently, you should get an ice maker with a minimum of 25 pounds of ice cube production, which is fine for a tailgate.

Placement of ice maker

It is an essential factor for the ice maker as, for some units, you need to have a dedicated drain system for the melted ice or ventilation for proper working.

Other than that, some of the ice makers require a water inlet supply for cold water inlets; hence, you need to be very careful about it.

Water filters

For clean ice, it is recommended to install the water filters in the in-line for clear ice. This way, the sediments and other contaminants will be filtered and made into fresh ice with a better taste.

Energy Efficiency

Some of the ice makers consume a lot of energy that can cost you more for electricity. However, the best way is to consider a unit with Energy Star certification because such ice makers are energy-efficient and use less power compared to non-certified ones. This is not only an energy-efficient method but also a cost-effective one.

Style, Design, and Aesthetics

With all the specifications, the next thing is to see how your unit looks. Usually, the home ice makers have the typical look of your regular kitchen appliances, available in black, white, and stainless steel. In case you want to have something different, you can go for custom front panels that can match the ambiance.

Weather Protection

The ice makers for outdoors that you want to place on the patio or deck must be CSA certified to ensure that your ice maker is tough to bear harsh weather conditions.

Summing it Up | The Best Ice Maker

Getting the best ice maker is a challenging task, especially if you are not sure about their specifications and availability. 

Well, you don’t have to worry about it, just narrow it down to small chunks, like what type of ice cubes you need, their design, technology, capacity, and most importantly, your spacing.

Altogether, it seems a lot, but this guide will take you through and help you make an informed decision as I have researched them thoroughly, so you don’t have to.

In the end, it is all up to you and your preference as per your requirements. I hope you find it helpful. Happy Shopping.