Best Ice Makers For Convenient Usage

Gary Johnson
Written by
Last update:

The commercial-grade Whynter ICM-15LS Ice Maker is capable of producing up to 15 pounds of ice per day. This little maker works on 115 volts or 230 volts with a NEMA 5-15P plug for your convenience (pick up an adapter if not in the US).

The water inlet valve is built in for ease of use and it comes with an on/off switch. Safety features prevent it from overheating or overloading.

Overall the Whynter ICM-15LS is a convenient ice maker that will provide you with the ice you need for those warm summer drinks, and it looks nice on the counter as well. The design is quite nice and it is lightweight and compact.

If you want to take a minute to read through the customer reviews you will find that most people are highly satisfied with their purchase.

If you need a way to turn ice cubes into crushed ice or smooth looking ice spheres the Luma Comfort IM200LS Ice Maker is the perfect choice.

It can crank out crushed ice in a matter of seconds which is really nice if you like to make your own ice for drinks rather than use / store cubes.

The cube size can also be adjusted from small (1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4) to large (2 x 2 x 2) depending upon your needs.

This machine also makes nice looking spherical ice for ice water.

NameCategoryProduct
Little Snowie Max Snow Cone MachineBest OverallLittle Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker MachineBudget PickhOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15" Brilliance Outdoor Ice MachineUpgrade PickScotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15" Brilliance Outdoor Ice Machine

1. Little Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine

Our rating: 9 / 10

Little Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Versatile machine
  • Easy assembly
  • Good ice quality
  • Wide ice-scape from top to bottom
  • Very compact when not in use
  • Easy to clean
  • Like other Little Snowie products, this one is also very durable, strong, and sturdy
  • Comes with the accessories needed for shaved ice production
  • Suitable for a small family or even an office
  • Very Nice Design

Cons:

  • No built-in water reservoir (beware of any other product that has this particularly deceptive feature)
  • Not designed for continuous use
  • Not suited for heavy commercial use

Er, BPA Free, Electric Shaved Ice Unit, 120V.

The Little Snowie is an overall great quality product. It’s very easy to clean, fun to use and very quick to manufacture quality snow cones. A great product for on the go, parties, events, home and/or the office.

2. Manitowoc UYF0190A-161B UYF0190A NEO U-190 Undercounter Ice Cube Machine

Our rating: 8 / 10

Manitowoc UYF0190A-161B UYF0190A NEO U-190 Undercounter Ice Cube Machine

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Energy efficient
  • In-line air filter
  • Ice-size selector

Cons:

  • Louder than other models
  • Tempered glass panel
  • No in-line water filter

If you’re looking for the best ice maker for your home, we recommend going with a model that’s well-reviewed. Like the Manitowoc UYF0190A NEO U-190 undercounter ice-cube machine.

This ice-cube machine runs quietly, produces high-quality ice cubes in a variety of sizes, and it’s very easy to clean thanks to its drain and pop-up lid. Plus, it’s energy efficient, so you can use it throughout the day, every day, without stressing your wallet.

Plus, it’s really easy to install. All you need to do is remove the hoses (and attach them back to the faucet), attach the drain hose, and secure the assembly with the provided screws. This ice-cube machine is commercial-grade, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking down when you need it most.

3. Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

Our rating: 8 / 10

Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Compact and portable
  • Makes a good amount of ice
  • Easy to use
  • Fast ice production
  • Fits well in small spaces
  • No plumbing necessary
  • No special installation required
  • Easy to clean
  • Reasonable price
  • Compact design

Cons:

  • Not suitable for commercial use
  • Takes about 8 minutes per batch of ice

With its size, the ice maker is ideal for apartment or dorms with little space. It is also perfect for smaller events or gatherings where you want to make ice quickly.

What’s great about this model is that it allows you to freely choose your water and that you don’t need to be dependent on a water line. The quality of the ice is also amazing, making smooth tasting and clear ice blocks without any impurities. According to feedback from customers, it’s easy to use and comes with a measuring cup that allows for efficient water usage. The machine also has an adjustable lever that allows you to control the size of the nuggets.

4. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine

Our rating: 8 / 10

hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • 26 lbs of ice per day
  • One of the quietest ice makers
  • Proprietary "Cyclone" Ice-Making Technology
  • Fast ice production time
  • Energy Star, CSA, ETL, and FCC Certified
  • Works great in all climates
  • 112dB AC-powered ice-maker with 15 amp electrical plug
  • Meant to be used on countertops
  • 50 lbs. of ice capacity
  • Warranty period of one year

Cons:

  • Disassembles too easily
  • Not enough tutorials available
  • Expensive

HOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop – Makes 26 lbs of Ice per 24 hours – Ice Cubes ready in 8 Minutes – Electric Ice Making Machine with Ice Scoop and 1.5 lb Ice Storage – Silver is a best seller in the ice makers and for good reason.

5. hOmeLabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker Machine

Our rating: 8 / 10

hOmeLabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker Machine

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Makes ice really fast
  • Super convenient
  • Easy to setup and use
  • Very durable
  • Great customer service
  • Optional drain to a sink and fill with tap water

Cons:

  • Produces some noise while in use
  • Working/ice storage compartment is top heavy

26L X 21.5W X 14.8H

The hOmeLabs ice maker is our top choice for the best ice maker because it produces ice at record speeds with an excellent design that makes the unit easy to set up, use and clean.

The hOmeLabs ice maker system comes with a 26 pound water storage capacity and doubles in size during operation and fits without a problem in a cabinet or in your kitchen. The unit has a scoop that comes in handy when you need to serve drinks and you need ice in a jiffy.

6. Koval Inc. Heavy Duty

Our rating: 6 / 10

Koval Inc. Heavy Duty

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Makes ice fast
  • Can make snow cones
  • Hygienic
  • Convenient use
  • Great brand
  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Can make large amounts of ice at once
  • Easy to clean
  • Makes no noise while operating

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Cleaning can be difficult
  • Can freeze the ice in a solid block if it’s not used soon after ice is made

The Koval Inc. Heavy Duty, Stainless Steel Ice Shaver is the perfect ice maker for entertaining. It takes away the chore of having to clear a large space in your freezer for ice or look for a bag of ice and then spend a long time shaving off the ice. Plus it makes snow cones! Koval has been making ice shavers since 1947, and that experience has gone into making this machine.

7. Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15" Brilliance Outdoor Ice Machine

Our rating: 5 / 10

Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15" Brilliance Outdoor Ice Machine

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Produces up to 160 lbs of ice in 24 hours – ideal for regular and commercial use
  • Automatic water level adjustment
  • Regulates water purity for good-tasting ice
  • Not expensive

The Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS Ice Machine produces up to 160 pounds of high-quality ice per day and is one of the best ice makers for home. This commercial-grade ice maker uses new and advanced technology in ice cube production that leads to fluffy, tasty, evenly sized icesto suit all your ice-making needs.

The Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS Ice Machine works by freezing water in a stainless steel bin and filling it with a propeller blade to form the nugget ice. This ice maker is ideal for home use – from entertaining to daily use – and for commercial use, and it also suits small bars and restaurants. The SCN60GA-1SS is compatible with cupholders and can fit in most under-counter models.

Finally, the ice maker can produce high-quality ice at a speed of up to 8 pounds of ice every hour without sacrificing the taste of your drinks.

8. Kealive Ice Maker Machine

Our rating: 4 / 10

Kealive Ice Maker Machine

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Works off any AC plug
  • Clear LED display
  • Accommodates up to 2 quarts of water at a time
  • Quickly makes ice in under 13 minutes

Cons:

  • Large, takes up counter space
  • Ice maker doesn’t make enough ice to keep up with demand

The Kealive ice maker is our top pick in the best countertop ice maker segment because of its many features at an affordable price. The ice maker works off any AC plug, which makes it quite convenient, and it features a clear LED display and beep alerts. The ice maker accommodates up to 2 quarts of water at a time and produces 28-30 ice cubes in under 13 minutes.

It has a flip-open front door which gives you access to the water compartment and ice bin. The ice maker also alerts you if there’s insufficient water and too much ice. However, the ice maker doesn’t make enough ice to keep up with demand, so you’ll have to keep checking the water levels.

With that caveat, the Kealive ice maker produces fairly large ice cubes and is an excellent addition to any household. Our Top ranking product for home and kitchen is PowerLix Ice Molds. They create crystal clear ice from a normal water pitcher and are stackable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best ice maker for home use?

The best home ice maker will, of course, vary for each user. There are many different sizes of ice makers and many different users will have different needs. Different ice makers also vary in affordability, durability, and how easy they are to use.

Because so many factors go into the decision of choosing a particular ice maker, we will not try to have a one-size-fits-all recommendation here. Instead, we will try to get you started in your search for the best ice maker for your needs.

What is the best ice making machine?

The best ice maker is the one that meets your needs; this is a very subjective judgment. When selecting a machine, make a list of the features you need and prioritize them accordingly. The best way to get started on this is to review customer reviews to see what is important to other consumers. While it is hard to generalize for all ice maker products, there should be a few common factors:

  • Easy to install
  • Easy to use
  • Long lasting
  • Quick ice production

In general, entry-level models are smaller, less expensive, easier to install, and work with a smaller reservoir but are harder to use and produce ice slowly. The more expensive models are larger, more efficient, easier to use, and more convenient but cost more and often must be installed by a professional.

What is the best countertop ice maker?

It is very easy to get a decent countertop ice maker. Features and specifications just depend on your taste. Some of the ice makers you can purchase include dual tray beverage center or units that have the capability to be mounted under a cabinet.

The convenience of having your very own ice maker in the home is unparalleled. However, there is no sense of having a machine if it does not fit right. Make sure to do your research and then buy the suitable ice maker for your home.

We have already done the research and compiled the best ice makers for convenient usage for you. If you are in the search of the best countertop ice maker, then you are at the right place.

Do ice makers use a lot of electricity?

Ice makers are actually very efficient pieces of equipment and use very little electricity. The bulk of the power that they require is to produce the freezing mechanism within the appliance. However, this is comparable to any freezer or fridge the home. Keep in mind that a stand-alone ice maker will only make ice. You still need an existing refrigerator to store all that ice in your freezer.

Conclusion

I’m convinced it’s possible to get bored of ice. In fact, I’m sure it happens more often than we think. Many people notice the ice maker’s importance only after they switch to a different machine. The only drawback to many ice makers is that they are typically not very eye-catching and tend to be massive and unattractive appliances that take up valuable counter space. Well, we went ahead and found some ice makers that aren’t just easy to use but are also pretty. Now we are helping you find the best ice maker that is not only appealing but also delivers great results and convenience.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
Little Snowie Max Snow Cone MachineBest OverallLittle Snowie Max Snow Cone Machine
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker MachineBudget PickhOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine
Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15" Brilliance Outdoor Ice MachineUpgrade PickScotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15" Brilliance Outdoor Ice Machine