Quick Answer: For most homes the Frigidaire EFIC452 is the best countertop ice maker in 2026 — up to 40 lbs of bullet ice a day for around $130, with a small footprint and no plumbing. If you specifically want soft, chewable nugget ice, step up to the GE Profile Opal 2.0; if you want the cheapest fast option, grab the Silonn portable.
A countertop ice maker gives you a steady supply of ice in minutes without a water line, a freezer tray, or a trip to the store. We tested and researched the leading 2026 models across three ice styles — bullet, cube, and nugget — and ranked them on speed, daily output, and value. Here are our picks.
Our top countertop ice maker picks at a glance
| Ice Maker | Best for | Ice type | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire EFIC452 | Best overall value | Bullet | ~$130 | ★★★★★ |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Best nugget ice | Nugget | ~$449 | ★★★★★ |
| Silonn Portable | Best budget / fastest | Bullet | ~$80 | ★★★★☆ |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-SS | Best compact | Bullet | ~$110 | ★★★★☆ |
| Euhomy Countertop | Best for entertaining | Bullet | ~$140 | ★★★★☆ |
1. Frigidaire EFIC452 — Best Overall Value
Frigidaire EFIC452 Countertop Ice Maker
- The most ice per day at the lowest cost — up to 40 lbs of bullet ice for around $130.
- Two cube sizes, fast first batch, and a simple see-through lid.
- A proven category workhorse from a trusted appliance brand.
- Bin isn't refrigerated, so use the ice or it slowly melts back into the reservoir.
The Frigidaire EFIC452 is the value champion of countertop ice makers. It makes more ice per day than most rivals, costs about $130, and comes from a brand with a long track record. For everyday drinks, coolers, and casual entertaining, it’s all the ice maker most households need. Bullet ice is hollow and chills fast — perfect for cold drinks.
2. GE Profile Opal 2.0 — Best Nugget Ice
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
- The gold standard for soft, chewable "Sonic-style" nugget ice.
- Wi-Fi app scheduling and an optional side tank for days between refills.
- Costs far more than bullet units — you're paying for texture, not quantity.
If what you actually want is chewable ice, no bullet machine will satisfy you — you need a nugget maker, and the Opal 2.0 is the best of them. It sits on the counter like any portable unit but produces soft, craveable nuggets instead of hard cubes. It’s our overall favorite in the best nugget ice maker guide, too.
3. Silonn Portable — Best Budget & Fastest
Silonn Portable Ice Maker
- The fastest first-ice unit we tested and the simplest to operate.
- Carry handle and self-cleaning mode make it great for RVs and patios.
- Smaller reservoir and output, but unbeatable at around $80.
The Silonn is the pick when price and speed matter most. It delivers its first cubes faster than nearly anything else, weighs little, and has a handle so you can move it to the patio or pack it for a trip. Add water and vinegar and its self-clean mode flushes itself out. For a first ice maker or a second unit, it’s a bargain.
4. Frigidaire EFIC117-SS — Best Compact
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Compact Ice Maker
- Small, reliable, and affordable — a category staple for years.
- Makes 9 bullet cubes every ~7 minutes in two sizes.
- Ideal for tight counters, offices, and small kitchens.
The EFIC117-SS is the compact classic. It won’t out-produce the EFIC452, but it fits where bigger units won’t and just works. If your counter space is limited and you want a no-drama bullet ice maker, this is the safe buy.
5. Euhomy Countertop — Best for Entertaining
Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker
- High daily output and a roomy bin for parties and gatherings.
- Fast cycle times and easy-fill reservoir.
- Great value from a brand that also makes strong nugget units.
When you’re hosting, output is king. The Euhomy countertop keeps up with a crowd thanks to fast cycles and high daily production, and it typically costs less than $150. Pair it with a cooler to bank ice ahead of guests arriving.
How to choose a countertop ice maker
- Ice type: Bullet/cube for fast, cheap chilling; nugget for soft, chewable texture. Decide this first — it splits the entire category.
- Daily output: 26-40 lbs/day is typical. Higher output matters if you entertain or fill coolers.
- First-batch speed: Most units deliver ice in 6-10 minutes. Great for on-demand use.
- Footprint & portability: Measure your counter. A handle and self-clean mode help if you’ll move the unit.
- No plumbing needed: Every model here is reservoir-fed — pour water in, no water line. That’s the whole appeal of countertop over undercounter.
Remember: countertop ice makers make ice on demand but don’t keep it frozen indefinitely. The bin isn’t a freezer, so ice slowly melts back into the reservoir to be remade. Use it, cooler it, or move it to your freezer.
The bottom line
The Frigidaire EFIC452 is the best countertop ice maker for most people — maximum ice, minimum price, trusted brand. Choose the GE Profile Opal 2.0 if you want chewable nugget ice, or the Silonn portable if you want the cheapest, fastest, most packable option.