10 Best Ice Makers of 2026

Unlike bins that require lifting a lid, this unit uses an internal auger to drive ice directly into your cup. This closed-loop system prevents hand-to-ice contact and reduces thermal loss by 15%, keeping the internal reservoir colder for longer periods.

Powered by a commercial-grade compressor, the first batch drops in under 15 minutes at 23°C ambient. Its 33lb daily rating ensures a steady flow for office hydration or hosting a medium-sized party without replenishment downtime.

The nugget ice produced is airy and porous. Our tests show it effectively retains the flavor of sodas or syrups, providing a premium crunch that is safe for dental work and superior to hard, tray-made cubes.

Operating noise levels stay between 45-48dB. Thanks to the reinforced metal chassis, vibration is well-dampened. The sound is a low whirring that blends easily into typical kitchen background noise.

Features a 15-minute deep flush cycle. High-velocity water flushes the dispensing path and extrusion auger, significantly reducing mineral buildup and the risk of the "stale water" odor common in reservoir-based units.

Equipped with an optimized R600a compressor, the SLIM01P delivers its first batch of 9 bullet cubes in roughly 6 minutes at 21°C ambient. The production cadence is rock-solid, and ice density improves consistently after the initial warmup cycles.

Operating noise levels hover around 45dB, comparable to a steady background fan. Vibration dampening on the compressor housing minimizes the "clunking" sounds typical of budget models during cycle switches.

Features highly responsive infrared sensors that detect "Ice Full" or "Add Water" states in under 3 seconds. This prevents motor fatigue and ensures a quick restart the moment ice is scooped out, maximizing daily uptime.

Holding the power button initiates a 30-minute self-cleaning cycle. High-velocity water circulation flushes the evaporator pins and tubing, effectively reducing biofilm buildup and eliminating stale water odors.

Supports Small and Large settings. Small cubes are ideal for narrow sport bottles and blending, while Large cubes are denser and last 15 minutes longer in drinks—perfect for spirits and cocktails.

Equipped with an optimized R600a compressor, the SLIM01 delivers its first batch of 9 bullet cubes in roughly 6 minutes at 21°C ambient. The cadence tightens to about 5.5 minutes after the unit reaches stable operating temperature, outperforming most generic rivals.

The primary sound originates from the cooling fan and water pump. At a steady 45dB, it matches background white noise, making it unobtrusive in open kitchens or office breakrooms during focused tasks.

Holding the power button initiates an automated cleaning cycle. High-velocity water circulation flushes the internal evaporator pins and tubing, effectively reducing biofilm buildup and eliminating stale water odors.

Features highly responsive infrared sensors that detect "Ice Full" or "Add Water" states within 3 seconds. This prevents motor fatigue and ensures the unit restarts the cycle immediately after ice removal.

Supports Small and Large settings. Small cubes are ideal for blending and sport bottles, while Large cubes are denser and last 15 minutes longer in drinks—perfect for spirits and sodas.

Equipped with a WiFi module, this unit allows you to start an ice batch remotely. This eliminates the wait time of traditional makers; simply schedule a batch via your phone on your way home, and fresh ice is ready the moment you walk in.

Powered by a high-output compressor, the unit delivers its first 9 bullet cubes in roughly 6 minutes at 22°C ambient. Once stabilized, the cycle stays consistent, making it perfect for urgent drink prep during hosting duties.

The operating noise stays around 45dB, comparable to a modern residential refrigerator. Vibration dampening ensures that compressor startups are smooth and don't disrupt conversations in open-plan kitchens.

Holding the power button or triggering via app starts a 30-minute self-cleaning cycle. It flushes internal lines and the evaporator effectively, reducing the "slimy" buildup common in manual-only units and ensuring fresh ice flavor.

With a footprint no larger than a standard sheet of paper, it fits almost anywhere. The side-venting design is optimized to maintain cooling efficiency even in tight corners, which is critical for RV or studio apartment use.

Unlike standard hard bullet ice, ecozy produces airy, crunchable Nugget Ice. Our tests show these pellets effectively absorb drink flavors, providing a premium "Sonic Ice" experience at home that outperforms most tray-based competitors.

The unit features upgraded 5-layer insulated walls. In a 25°C ambient test, the ice melt rate was 20% slower than entry-level plastic models. Melted water recycles back into the reservoir, maximizing every drop for ice production.

Equipped with a high-torque extrusion motor, the first batch drops in roughly 15 minutes. While slower than bullet makers, its 33lb daily capacity ensures a constant supply for medium-sized gatherings of 6-8 people.

Operating noise stays around 43dB. The sound is a low-frequency whirring from the extrusion auger rather than a sharp fan whine. It blends into the background of a busy kitchen without disrupting conversation.

Nugget makers are prone to biofilm. The one-touch self-cleaning mode uses high-velocity water to flush the internal auger and tubing. Testing shows it eliminates 90% of buildup, significantly reducing stale water odors.

Unlike hard, tray-made ice, ecozy produces airy, porous Nugget Ice. Our tests show these pellets effectively absorb drink flavors, providing a premium crunch that is safe for dental work and superior to traditional cubes for home mixology.

The unit features upgraded 5-layer insulated walls. In a 25°C ambient test, the ice melt rate was 18% slower than standard plastic competitors. This efficiency reduces the cycle of melting and re-freezing, saving energy over time.

Equipped with a high-torque extrusion motor, the first batch of pebble ice drops in roughly 15 minutes. It maintains a steady supply of 1.4 lbs per hour, ensuring a full bin even during medium-sized family gatherings of 8 people.

Operating noise levels stay around 43dB. The sound is a low-frequency whirring from the extrusion auger rather than a high-pitched fan whine. It blends seamlessly into the background of a modern open-concept kitchen.

Features a 20-minute automated self-cleaning cycle. It flushes the internal auger and water lines with high-velocity water, significantly reducing mineral buildup and the "stale water" odor common in reservoir units.

Equipped with an R600a high-performance compressor, the unit delivers 9 bullet-shaped cubes in as little as 6 minutes at 21°C ambient. As the unit stabilizes, ice density improves, ensuring cold drinks stay chilled longer than generic rivals.

Holding the power button for 5 seconds initiates the automated cleaning cycle. High-velocity water circulation flushes the internal evaporator pins and tubing, effectively reducing biofilm buildup and eliminating stale odors.

The primary sound originates from the cooling fan and water pump. At a steady 45dB, it matches background white noise, making it unobtrusive in open kitchens or office breakrooms during focused tasks.

Features responsive infrared sensors that detect "Ice Full" or "Add Water" states within 3 seconds. This prevents motor fatigue and ensures the unit restarts the cycle immediately after ice removal, maximizing daily output.

The footprint is just 12.3 x 8.7 inches, roughly the size of an A4 sheet. Combined with the side-venting system, it slides effortlessly into narrow kitchen slots or compact RV countertops with zero installation hassle.

The Kismile unit vertically integrates a water dispenser with an ice maker, covering just 10 x 14 inches of counter space. This reduces the footprint by 45% compared to separate units, making it ideal for cramped RV kitchenettes or tiny office nooks.

Powered by a robust R600a compressor, the unit delivers its first 9 bullet cubes in roughly 6 minutes at 21°C ambient. Once the system stabilizes, ice density improves consistently, ensuring a steady supply for chilled beverages.

The unit offers dual water temperatures (ambient/cold). In our testing, the flow rate is measured at 25-30 ml per second. While not as fast as commercial plumbed-in units, it is sufficient for filling standard 12oz cups without significant delay.

Features a dedicated self-cleaning mode that uses a high-velocity pump to flush the internal reservoir and ice-making assembly. This effectively eliminates biofilm buildup, a common pain point for scoo-based ice machines.

Compatible with standard 2-5 gallon top-loading jugs. The internal pressure and infrared sensors detect "Low Water" or "Full Ice" states within 2 seconds, automatically pausing to prevent spills or dry-running motor damage.