Your kitchen freezer may not always produce the right kind of ice you want, or worse, it doesn’t make ice fast enough.
Ice trays are not always reliable, and buying bags of ice from a grocery or convenience store is not ideal.
We found and tested the top portable ice makers because these space-saving countertop appliances will solve all your ice problems!
Most portable ice makers on the market are similar in functionality, but there are variations in output, capacity, efficiency, and extras. Read on to see our favorites and why they stand above the rest.
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker | The thing we love about this ice maker is the nugget ice it produces. | Check Price |
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Best for Budget: HomeLabs Countertop Ice Maker | If the chew factor in ice is important to you, the pill-shaped ice will fit the bill. | Check Price |
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Best Quiet Ice Maker: Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker | Not only can it make 26 pounds of ice daily, but it stays really quiet while it does just that. | Check Price |
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Best Quantity Output: NewAir Portable Ice Maker | Makes 50 pounds of ice daily and has one of the fastest production times of any on this list. | Check Price |
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Best Durable Ice Maker: Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker | We love that this affordable ice maker is durable for long-term use. | Check Price |
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Best Portable: Costway Countertop Ice Maker | Weighing 5 pounds and making a batch of ice in 6 minutes, this is perfect for camping or traveling. | Check Price |
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Best Compact: NewAir Portable Ice Maker | It may be compact, but producing 28 pounds of ice is a breeze for this ice maker. | Check Price |
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Best High Capacity: Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker | Producing 40 pounds of ice in 24 hours makes this perfect for a commercial setting. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Portable Ice Makers
When we compiled this list, we considered some of the most well-known brands and their reputation in ice and refrigeration appliances.
Brands like Frigidaire and GE have been around for decades, and as soon as you hear their names, you immediately associate them with refrigeration and kitchen appliances.
That doesn’t mean we didn’t consider the smaller, lesser-known names like NewAir and Magic Chef.
We included a few on this list from newer or smaller companies whose products stood above the rest in one way or another.
We used consumer reviews and our own testing to compile a list of the top 8 to share with you.
Speaking of ice, read our related article on How to Serve Ice Wine. Enjoy this rare wine with our top tips!
Best Portable Ice Maker Reviews
1. Best Overall: GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 2/5 |
| Speed | 3/5 |
| Capacity | 5/5 |
| Features | 5/5 |
Capacity: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 15.5” x 10.5” x 16.5” | Brand: GE | Type of Ice: Nugget | Features: Bluetooth controls | Pounds of Ice Daily: 24 lbs
What We Liked
- Chewable nugget ice
- Bluetooth capability to control via a smartphone
- Automatic refill on the water tank
- No water hook-up required
What We Didn’t Like
- Not portable, weighs 47 pounds
This GE model is our favorite by far for several reasons.
This is an updated version of the original GE Opal. With this new and improved model, there is an additional water reservoir to keep the ice production high.
We love the nugget ice that it produces. If you’re a fan of the popular fast-food chain, Sonic, you know its appeal.
Instead of hard ice cubes, nugget ice is made of ice flakes scraped off the stainless steel cylinder inside. This process makes that perfect chewable ice that’s good enough to eat.
Getting this unit set up couldn’t be easier. No water hook-up is required, making it perfect for an outdoor cookout.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a batch of ice. Over the day, this unit can make 24 pounds of nugget ice for your cocktails, juices, smoothies, or any other beverage you want to keep frosty.
The automatic refill on the water tank is a great feature. The water should still be replaced daily despite the convenient feature to prevent the ice from clumping up.
The SmartHQ app from GE allows you to schedule automatic ice making, check the filter status and adjust the lights.
If it’s chewable ice you’re looking for, and a small footprint is important, this GE Opal checks all the boxes.
2. Best for Budget: homeLabs Portable Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Speed | 5/5 |
| Capacity | 4/5 |
| Features | 3/5 |
Capacity: 1 gallon | Dimensions: 9.5” x 12.9” x 14” | Brand: hOmeLabs | Type of Ice: Bullet | Features: Auto-shutoff, Auto-Defrost | Pounds of Ice Daily: 35 lbs
What We Liked
- Pill-shaped ice
- Decent output for the size
- Lightweight and portable
What We Didn’t Like
- Hard to clean
This hOmeLabs ice maker is a lightweight, portable ice maker that allows you to make batches of chewable ice all day long.
The capacity is around 26 pounds of ice daily. A larger unit may be a better option if you need more than that.
You won’t need a lot of countertop real estate for this machine. It will produce two different sizes of ice in around 6 to 8 minutes, which makes it perfect for entertaining.
Despite the small footprint, there is a decent-sized 2.2-liter water reservoir capable of creating 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. And a bright warning light will let you know when the ice bucket is full.
The only complaint that kept showing up in the reviews was that the unit was hard to clean.
If you’re looking for chewable ice quickly, this is one of the best portable ice makers on the market.
3. Best Quiet Ice Maker: Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Speed | 5/5 |
| Capacity | 3/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
Capacity: 1-gallon | Dimensions: 14.1” x 9.5” x 12.9” | Brand: Frigidaire | Type of Ice: Bullet | Features: Auto-shutoff, Auto-Defrost | Pounds of Ice Daily: 35 lbs
What We Liked
- Plug-and-play functionality
- Large reservoir
- Digital controls
What We Didn’t Like
- Ice is fairly wet
The black model looks great in traditional or modern rooms. It would be a great addition to an RV or dorm room because it is so small and quiet.
This is also one of the most affordable on this list, but the features and performance are on par with many more expensive models. It can produce about 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours.
As far as batch speed goes, you can expect 9 individual cubes in around 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the selected size.
Being user-friendly is another one of the great things that attracted us to this one. It’s plug-and-play. Simply add water, and in a few short minutes, you’ll have some perfect bullet-shaped ice.
With an ice scoop included at an extremely palatable price point, you have no excuse why you haven’t added this to your Amazon cart!
4. Best Quantity Output: NewAir Portable Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 2/5 |
| Speed | 3/5 |
| Capacity | 5/5 |
| Features | 5/5 |
Capacity: 1 pound | Dimensions: 25” x 16.9” 16.75” | Brand: NewAir | Type of Ice: Bullet | Features: Self-cleaning | Pounds of Ice Daily: 50 lbs
What We Liked
- Fast ice production
- Compact
- Auto shut-off
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users have trouble with the control panel
This may be one of the bulkier machines on our shortlist, but if you need quantity, this one delivers.
The output is the biggest selling point here. It can produce up to 50 pounds of ice in 24 hours. Batches of ice come in about 13 minutes.
The ice tastes crisp and clean as it cools your cocktail or smoothies.
There is no need for permanent installation or connection to a water supply. This makes it ideal for your next camping or RV trip as well. Flexibility was definitely on NewAir’s mind when they made this one.
Most users had nothing but great things to say about this unit, but we did find a few that had less than glowing reviews mentioning the control panel. If that is the biggest complaint, what more could you ask for?
5. Best Durable Ice Maker: Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Speed | 4/5 |
| Capacity | 3/5 |
| Features | 3/5 |
Capacity: 1.5 lbs | Dimensions: 14.1” x 9.5” x 12.9” | Brand: Magic Chef | Type of Ice: Bullet | Pounds of Ice Daily: 27 lbs
What We Liked
- Transparent viewing window
- Ice scoop included
What We Didn’t Like
- Output could be better
Are you looking for something that doesn’t look like just a big block taking up space on your kitchen counter? This Magic Chef machine comes in several eye-catching finishes and colors.
In 24 hours, it can easily produce 27 pounds of ice. The tank holds 1.5 pounds of ice, and a batch is ready in just about 7 minutes.
As with most of the other machines on our list, it can produce two different sizes of ice.
If you were expecting a machine that continuously spits out ice, a portable machine is probably not for you. If more of a steady supply is your jam, this ice maker is perfect for a BBQ or dinner party.
It does take about 30 minutes for this one to be ready to produce ice. It is also not one of the most affordable on our list, but this is certainly one to consider in your search for a portable ice machine.
6. Best Portable: Costway Countertop Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Speed | 5/5 |
| Capacity | 3/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
Dimensions: 9.5” x 14” x 13”| Brand: Costway | Features: Smart functionality | Type of Ice: Bullet | Pounds of Ice Daily: 26.5 lbs | Weight: 5 lbs
What We Liked
- Highly portable at just 5 pounds dry weight
- Ice in just 6 minutes
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the quietest compared to others we tested
If you’re on a tight budget, this small and powerful offering from Costway might just fit the bill.
The 6 colors available are sure to brighten up your kitchen or party area while quickly providing the ice you want.
This machine is small enough to fit just about anywhere, and the design makes it a perfect addition to any kitchen.
The bullet-shaped ice is available in 2 sizes. Only 9 cubes are generated per batch, but at just 6 to 13 minutes per batch (depending on the size of the cubes), what more could you ask for?
Thanks to the efficient drain plug, cleaning is as simple as wiping it down and emptying the unused water.
This is a user-friendly ice maker, even if you’re not the most tech-savvy.
The only downfall of this machine is that it’s a bit loud, so if that is problematic, we would suggest looking into one of the quieter units on our list.
7. Best Compact: NewAir Portable Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Speed | 4/5 |
| Capacity | 4/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
Dimensions: 5” x 11.75” x 15” | Brand: NewAir | Features: Three ice cube sizes, auto shut-off | Type of Ice: Bullet | Pounds of Ice Daily: 28 lbs | Batch Speed: 15 minutes
What We Liked
- Choice of 3 sizes of cubes
- Compact size is easy to use and store
- Easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like
- Some complaints about the lifespan
This is one of the smallest machines on our list, but it doesn’t skimp in production. It can produce 28 pounds of ice in 24 hours.
This machine is not made for commercial use, but a small coffee shop or restaurant might get some decent use out of it.
The bullet-shaped ice cubes come in 3 different sizes, so you can play bartender at your next dinner party.
Because of its compactness, if you have an RV, boat, or dorm room and countertop space at a premium, this one’s for you.
The machine can alert you of a full ice bucket and an empty reservoir.
Automatic overflow protection removes the risk of blockage or overloading and lets you mix your cocktails while doing its job in the background.
8. Best High Capacity: Euhomy Ice Maker
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Speed | 3/5 |
| Capacity | 5/5 |
| Features | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 14.1” x 11” x 13.7” | Brand: Euhomy | Features: Auto-cleaning, water recycling system | Type of Ice: Cube | Pounds of Ice Daily: 40 lbs | Batch Speed: 15 minutes
What We Liked
- Produces 24 cubes per cycle
- Water recycling system
What We Didn’t Like
- Difficult to clean
- A bit on the pricier side
While this model is a little larger than some of the others on our list, this one is a force to be reckoned with.
It can produce as much as 40 pounds of ice in 24 hours and holds up to 2.2 liters of water. The large capacity guarantees that you won’t always be topping off the reservoir throughout the day.
It holds enough water in the reservoir to make 120 cubes. With 24 ice cubes per cycle, this one outperforms many competitors.
No ice makers are completely silent, but this one won’t wake the neighbors.
The manufacturer recommends leaving the machine unused in an upright position for 24 hours before making the first batch.
Aside from some cleaning snags we found, this is an extremely powerful and efficient ice maker that you can depend on.
Comparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Budget | Best Quiet | Best Output | Best Durable | Best Portable | Best Compact | Best High Capacity |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 2/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Capacity | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Production | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Features | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
Overall, we loved the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker and it was our top pick. It was the nugget ice that stole the show for us. The dispenser style is convenient and unique compared to the rest on this list.
We also loved the Bluetooth, and the controls on the SmartHQ app are features that set this one head and shoulders above the rest.
How We Chose the Best Portable Ice Makers
A portable ice maker makes ice using a water reservoir, and it produces it more quickly than most refrigerators.
There are some differences in the various models on the market today, so here are some of the most important things to consider before buying.
Speed, Size, and Production
A decent portable ice maker will generate between 9 and 12 ice cubes per batch. Each cycle should take anywhere from 6 to 13 minutes, depending on the size of each cube, which is enough for 2-3 drinks.
Most models are around the size of a toaster oven so they don’t eat up too much counter space, and you can store them in small spaces, too.
A small ice maker will produce smaller ice cubes, but will also tend to keep the ice colder.
Storage Capacity
Although countertop ice makers are perfect for ice on demand, the ice is still prone to melting if not used.
This means the storage capacity is not something you should be overly concerned with, but it’s something worth considering.
Ice Shape
The majority of portable ice makers produce bullet-shaped ice. This type of ice is sometimes called pearl ice, and it’s usually white or cloudy throughout.
The bullet-shaped ice melts quicker than other shapes, but it also cools your drinks down quicker. Bullet-shaped ice is not ideal if you’re partial to drinking cocktails or whiskey.
Nugget ice, made famous by the Sonic fast-food chain, is chewable and easy to break down, but also melts fast.
Aesthetics
Since the machine will more than likely reside on your kitchen counter permanently, it should complement the decor and style of the kitchen. Many of the models on our list come in a variety of colors and styles.
Extras
Self-cleaning, auto shut-off, or smart features are worth considering when it comes to finding the perfect portable ice maker.
Models that checked more of these boxes landed higher on our list than those that didn’t.
The biggest factors we considered were speed, production, and capacity. The faster a batch is ready, the more cubes made per batch, and the larger the capacity, the higher we rated it.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a quick look at the portable ice makers that didn’t make our list of favorites.
1. Igloo Ice Maker – Considered for Travel
This is a very compact machine and has a decent-sized reservoir. The cylindrical ice is nice, and it’s equipped with an ergonomic carrying handle.
There was some negative feedback about the ice melting fairly quickly and the wetness of the ice produced. Instead, consider the Costway Countertop Ice Maker as it is a better option for portability.
2. Aglucky Countertop Ice Maker – Considered for Quick Ice
This Aglucky model is a great option with great output and speed, but nothing really stands out about it. Some complaints about accessibility to the ice and cleaning being difficult kept it off of our list.
If you’re really in a hurry for ice, consider hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker for ice in under 10 minutes.
3. Crownful Countertop Ice Maker – Considered for User-Friendliness
This ice maker has an attractive design and it’s lightweight and can generate 26 pounds of ice daily. A handful of reviewers complained about the reliability, and we have to agree.
For a more reliable option, consider the Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker which gave us great ice with high reliability at a very nice price.
4. Northair Countertop Ice Maker – Considered for Reliability
Reviewers are in LOVE with how great this machine works. We love the one-year warranty and 30-day return policy. However, we aren’t sure the build quality will last far beyond one year.
If you want the best of the best, try the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker. This ice maker is our favorite because it’s reliable and delivers high-quality ice.
5. Luma Comfort Ice Maker – Considered for Clear Cubes
While all but a couple on our list made bullet-shaped ice, this one broke out of that mold and went for something different. It makes clear cubes that are ideal for cocktails.
Customer service is less than desirable for Luma, so we think it’s wiser to try the Euhomy Ice Maker instead so you’re less likely to ever need customer service.
6. Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker – Considered for Small Spaces
We have already mentioned a couple of other Frigidaire models thus far, but they know what they’re doing so we couldn’t resist another.
Installation is great and it’s very portable at only 26 pounds. It didn’t make our main list due to the fact that it is not self-cleaning and is a bit noisy. For a quieter machine, try the Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker.
7. Hamilton Beach Countertop Ice Maker – Considered for Easy Setup
Hamilton Beach is known for their great quality appliances and this one is no different. It is easily transportable and has a small footprint.
The ice melts quickly according to reviewers, so this may not be a great option for some consumers. Instead, try the NewAir Portable Ice Maker for good quality ice that’s ready fast.
8. KUPPET Portable Ice Maker – Considered for Energy-Efficiency
If you’re looking for something bright and portable without having to get a loan, this is a great option. It comes in a fire engine red and pastel green. It’s also quiet and the most energy-efficient model on our list.
We didn’t like the way the consistency of the ice is less hard, so for ice that doesn’t melt as quickly, try the Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker.
9. Sentern Ice Maker – Considered for Home Bar
If you enjoy the occasional scotch or whiskey, this ice melts slowly so your drink doesn’t get diluted too quickly. We found that the ice did not always break apart as it should, making it hard to scoop out properly.
For the perfect ice every time, no matter your drink, try the NewAir Portable Ice Maker.
10. Bossin Countertop Ice Maker – Considered for Variety of Cube Sizes
In 6 minutes flat you can have perfectly frozen ice. Bossin offers responsive customer care as well if your unit doesn’t perform as well as it should.
Why didn’t it end up higher on our list? We found it isn’t as reliable as it should be. The NewAir Portable Ice Maker offers three sizes of ice and is more reliable.