BuyerGuide HQ · Ice Makers
Best Countertop Ice Makers (Nugget and Bullet)
Countertop ice makers compared on ice type, daily yield and tank size — picks re-checked monthly.
2 picks, 2 competing makers.
The ranked lineup
| # | Product | Key spec | Amazon rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop | 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins | 4.2★ (2,511) | $79.99 | Check price |
 | Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop | 35 lbs/Day | 4.0★ (5,049) | $199.89 | Check price |
Every price checked October 2026; the button shows the live price.
The full lineup, in photos
What actually matters in a ice maker
| Spec that matters | Why it decides the purchase |
|---|---|
| Ice type | nugget/chewable ice is the cult favorite (soft, absorbs drinks); bullet ice is faster and cheaper |
| Daily yield | rated in pounds per 24h — real output tracks how often you refill the reservoir |
| Reservoir vs water line | portable reservoirs refill by hand; plumbed units never do |
| Noise | compressor + ice dropping into the bin is periodic, not constant — bedrooms care |
The ice maker types
Nugget machines
Soft, chewable ice that soaks up flavor — the cult pick.
Bullet machines
Fast, cheap first batches for drinks and coolers.
How to choose in 4 steps
- 1Choose the ice
Nugget for chewers; bullet for speed and price. - 2Size the yield
Pounds per 24h vs your actual party math. - 3Check the reservoir
Hand-refill vs plumbed — the daily difference. - 4Mind the noise spot
Compressor + ice drop is periodic, not constant.
Each pick, and who it is for
#1 · EUHOMY Ice Maker Countertop
9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins · 26lbs/24H.
Best for: Ice Maker pick: 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins.
Check price at Amazon →#2 · Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
35 lbs/Day · Stainless Steel.
Best for: Ice Maker pick: 35 lbs/Day.
Check price at Amazon →What buyers report
★★★★★ 5/51st Ice Maker"I must of read tons of reviews on all these different ice makers. Every brand had their share of bad reviews, but this model seemed to have fewer. This is our first Ice Maker so I spent a few days rea…"
Public Amazon review · EUHOMY pick · May 17, 2026
★★★★★ 5/5Great for that tropical mixer!!"This thing rocks!! Literally. They’re small rocks, but they are rocks. I’ve enjoyed this piece of machinery for two days now. I like a nice rum punch, and this machine produces small manageable chunks…"
Public Amazon review · Kismile pick · August 20, 2026
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting freezer-grade storage: the bin keeps ice cold, not frozen — it slowly melts and recirculates
- Ignoring first-batch time (6-15 minutes depending on model)
Care and upkeep
Drain and dry the reservoir weekly; run a citric-acid cycle monthly in hard-water areas.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is the first batch?
Most countertop units drop usable ice in 6-15 minutes after fill; nugget machines run a bit longer than bullet ones.
Do I need a water line?
Only for built-in/under-counter models — countertop machines like our picks refill from a pitcher.
Why 2 picks here?
We carry the strongest current listings in this category and add more only when a listing genuinely earns the slot. Every price was verified October 2026.