A home bar without a reliable ice supply is just a shelf of bottles. Whether you're shaking cocktails, pouring whiskey on the rocks, or keeping a cooler stocked for a backyard party, a countertop ice maker solves the problem that your freezer's built-in ice tray never quite could — it makes ice fast, makes a lot of it, and sits right on your counter ready to go. No plumbing required, no waiting 24 hours for a tray to freeze.
The countertop ice maker market has matured significantly in the last few years. You can now get a machine that produces 26 pounds of ice per day for under $100, or spend a bit more and get nugget ice — the soft, chewable kind that bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts swear by. We tested over ten models across different price points, running each one through real home bar scenarios: how fast does the first batch come out, how consistent is the ice size, how loud is it during a party, and how easy is it to clean? The five picks below are the ones that earned their spot. If you're building out a full home bar setup, also check out our guides on the best blenders for cocktail mixing and the best coffee makers for your morning-after recovery. And if you're serious about baking or cooking alongside your bar setup, our best stand mixers guide covers that side of the kitchen.
One thing worth knowing upfront: countertop ice makers are not freezers. They make ice on demand, but the ice will melt if left in the basket — the machine doesn't refrigerate the storage bin. For a home bar, this is rarely a problem since you're using ice as fast as it's made, but it's worth understanding before you buy. Here's what we found after testing.
#1 Frigidaire EFIC189 — Best Overall Countertop Ice Maker
Frigidaire EFIC189
The Frigidaire EFIC189 is the best-selling countertop ice maker on Amazon for good reason — it hits the sweet spot of speed, capacity, reliability, and price that no other machine in this category has consistently matched. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch of nine bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in as little as 6 minutes. That's genuinely fast. For a home bar, that means you can go from zero ice to a full cocktail shaker in the time it takes to mix a drink. The machine offers two ice sizes — small and large — which is useful depending on whether you're filling a rocks glass or a pitcher. The 2.2-pound ice basket holds a decent amount before you need to scoop it out, and the transparent lid lets you check the level without opening the machine. The control panel is simple: power, ice size selector, and indicator lights for when the basket is full or the water reservoir needs refilling. The 2.5-liter water reservoir is easy to fill and doesn't require any plumbing — just pour water in and go. Noise level is moderate, around 45dB, which is noticeable but not disruptive during a party. The stainless steel finish looks sharp on a bar cart or countertop. After years on the market, the EFIC189 has proven itself as the most dependable everyday countertop ice maker you can buy. It's the default recommendation for anyone setting up a home bar.
Pros
- First batch ready in as little as 6 minutes
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day
- Two ice sizes (small and large)
- No plumbing required — 2.5L reservoir
- Stainless steel finish, compact footprint
- Proven long-term reliability
Cons
- Ice melts in basket if not used — no refrigeration
- Bullet ice isn't ideal for all cocktail styles
- Audible during operation (~45dB)
#2 hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker — Best Value Countertop Ice Maker
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker
The hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker is the best value pick in the countertop ice maker category — it delivers nearly identical performance to the Frigidaire EFIC189 at a price that's often $20–$30 cheaper, making it the smart buy for anyone who wants reliable home bar ice without overspending. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch ready in about 7–8 minutes. Like the Frigidaire, it makes bullet-shaped ice in two sizes and runs off a self-contained 2.2-liter water reservoir with no plumbing needed. The control panel is clean and intuitive — power button, size selector, and indicator lights. The transparent window on the lid is a nice touch for checking ice levels at a glance. Build quality is solid for the price: the housing feels sturdy, the basket is well-sized, and the drainage plug at the bottom makes cleaning straightforward. Where it edges out the Frigidaire for value-conscious buyers is simply the price — when you can get the same 26 lbs/day output and 7-minute first batch for less money, the math is easy. It runs slightly quieter than the Frigidaire in our testing, which is a bonus if your home bar is in a living space where noise matters. If you're setting up your first home bar ice maker and don't want to spend more than you have to, the hOmeLabs is the pick.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- 26 lbs/day output — matches pricier competitors
- First batch in ~7–8 minutes
- Slightly quieter than Frigidaire in testing
- Easy bottom-drain cleaning
Cons
- Bullet ice only — no nugget or clear ice option
- Slightly smaller water reservoir than some competitors
- Less brand recognition than Frigidaire
#3 Igloo ICEB26HNSS — Best High-Capacity Countertop Ice Maker
Igloo ICEB26HNSS
The Igloo ICEB26HNSS is the pick for home bar hosts who entertain regularly and need serious ice volume. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day — matching the top picks — but its larger 3.2-liter water reservoir means fewer refills during a long party, and the bigger ice basket holds more ice before triggering the full indicator. The stainless steel finish is premium-looking and matches most bar cart aesthetics. What sets the Igloo apart is its self-cleaning function: a dedicated clean cycle runs water through the internal components to flush out mineral deposits and bacteria, which is a meaningful convenience feature for anyone who uses their ice maker frequently. Ice quality is consistent — the bullet-shaped cubes come out clear and uniform across both size settings. The control panel adds a handy timer function that lets you schedule ice production, so you can have a full basket ready before guests arrive without babysitting the machine. It's slightly larger than the Frigidaire and hOmeLabs, so measure your counter space before buying. But if you're hosting cocktail nights regularly and want the most capable countertop ice maker that doesn't require a water line, the Igloo ICEB26HNSS is the one to get. The self-cleaning feature alone makes it worth the slight premium over the budget picks.
Pros
- 3.2L reservoir — fewer refills during long parties
- Built-in self-cleaning function
- Timer for scheduled ice production
- Premium stainless steel finish
- Consistent, clear bullet ice in two sizes
Cons
- Larger footprint than budget options
- Slightly higher price point
- Still bullet ice — not nugget or specialty shapes
#4 GE Profile Opal — Best Nugget Ice Maker for Home Bar
GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
If you've ever had a drink at a Sonic Drive-In or a high-end cocktail bar and thought "I need this ice at home," the GE Profile Opal is how you get it. It makes nugget ice — the soft, chewable, porous pellets that absorb the flavor of whatever drink they're in and keep cocktails cold without diluting them as fast as regular ice. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts have been obsessed with nugget ice for years, and the Opal is the machine that finally brought it to the home bar at a reasonable price. It produces up to 24 pounds of nugget ice per day, with the first batch ready in about 20 minutes — slower than bullet ice makers, but the quality difference is significant for cocktail applications. The ice is soft enough to chew, packs tightly into a glass, and creates a beautiful presentation for drinks like mint juleps, whiskey smashes, and tropical cocktails. The Opal connects to the GE SmartHQ app via Bluetooth, letting you schedule ice production and monitor the machine from your phone — a genuinely useful feature for party prep. The side tank accessory (sold separately) extends the water reservoir significantly for longer uninterrupted runs. Build quality is premium: the stainless steel housing feels substantial, and the machine looks at home on a serious bar setup. It's the most expensive pick on this list, but if nugget ice is what you want, nothing else at this price comes close.
Pros
- Makes soft, chewable nugget ice — the best ice for cocktails
- Up to 24 lbs/day output
- Bluetooth app control via GE SmartHQ
- Premium stainless steel build quality
- Nugget ice absorbs drink flavor, melts slower than bullet ice
Cons
- First batch takes ~20 minutes — slower than bullet ice makers
- Most expensive pick on this list
- Side tank for extended capacity sold separately
- Larger footprint — needs dedicated counter space
#5 Silonn Ice Maker — Best Entry-Level Pick for Home Bar
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker
The Silonn Ice Maker is the best entry-level option for anyone who wants to dip their toes into countertop ice making without committing to a higher price point. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day — the same rated output as the Frigidaire and hOmeLabs — and gets the first batch out in about 8–10 minutes. The 2-liter water reservoir is on the smaller side, so you'll refill it more often during heavy use, but for casual home bar use it's perfectly adequate. The machine makes bullet ice in two sizes, and the controls are about as simple as they get: one button for power, one for ice size. The transparent lid window and indicator lights for full basket and low water are standard features you'd expect at this price. What makes the Silonn stand out as an entry pick is its compact dimensions — it's one of the smallest machines on this list, making it easy to tuck into a corner of a bar cart or small kitchen counter. Build quality is acceptable for the price, though the plastic housing feels less premium than the Frigidaire or Igloo. Noise level is comparable to other machines in the category. If you're new to home bartending, setting up a first apartment bar, or just want to try a countertop ice maker before investing in a premium model, the Silonn is a low-risk, solid-performing starting point.
Pros
- Affordable entry price point
- Compact size — fits small counters and bar carts
- 26 lbs/day rated output
- Simple one-button controls
- Good first ice maker for new home bar setups
Cons
- Smaller 2L reservoir — more frequent refills
- Plastic housing feels less premium
- No self-cleaning function
- First batch slightly slower than top picks
Which One Should You Buy?
- Best all-around home bar ice maker: Frigidaire EFIC189 — the proven bestseller, fast, reliable, and right-priced.
- Best value: hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker — same output as the Frigidaire, often $20–$30 cheaper.
- Hosting parties regularly: Igloo ICEB26HNSS — bigger reservoir, self-cleaning, and a timer for party prep.
- Serious cocktail enthusiast: GE Profile Opal — nugget ice is genuinely better for cocktails and worth the premium.
- First ice maker, tight budget: Silonn Ice Maker — compact, affordable, and gets the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best countertop ice maker for a home bar?
For most home bar setups, the Frigidaire EFIC189 is the best countertop ice maker. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, gets the first batch ready in about 6 minutes, and has a proven track record of reliability. If you're a serious cocktail enthusiast who wants the best possible ice for drinks, the GE Profile Opal's nugget ice is worth the higher price — it's softer, more flavorful, and what professional bartenders prefer. For budget-conscious buyers, the hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker delivers nearly identical performance to the Frigidaire at a lower price.
How fast do countertop ice makers work?
Most countertop bullet ice makers produce their first batch in 6–10 minutes after startup. The Frigidaire EFIC189 is one of the fastest at around 6 minutes. Nugget ice makers like the GE Profile Opal take longer — typically 15–20 minutes for the first batch — because the nugget-making process is more complex. After the first batch, machines cycle continuously, producing a new batch every 6–15 minutes depending on the model and ice size selected. A typical machine running continuously can fill its basket in about 1–2 hours.
Do countertop ice makers need a water line?
No — all five machines on this list are self-contained and require no plumbing or water line connection. You simply fill the built-in water reservoir manually, and the machine handles the rest. Reservoir sizes range from 2 liters (Silonn) to 3.2 liters (Igloo ICEB26HNSS). For heavy use during a party, you'll need to refill the reservoir periodically — a larger reservoir means fewer interruptions. This no-plumbing design is one of the main advantages of countertop ice makers: you can place them anywhere there's a power outlet.
What type of ice is best for cocktails?
It depends on the cocktail. Nugget ice (made by the GE Profile Opal) is widely considered the best all-purpose cocktail ice — it's soft, porous, absorbs drink flavors, and keeps drinks cold without diluting them as quickly as regular ice. For stirred cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Negronis, large clear ice cubes melt slowest and look the most elegant. For shaken cocktails and blended drinks, standard bullet ice works perfectly well. For most home bar applications, nugget ice is the crowd-pleaser — it's what people notice and comment on when they see it in their glass.
How much ice does a countertop ice maker produce per day?
Most countertop ice makers on this list are rated for 26 pounds of ice per day under optimal conditions (room temperature around 70°F, water temperature around 50°F). In real-world home bar conditions — warmer rooms, tap water — you'll typically see 20–24 pounds per day. The GE Profile Opal is rated slightly lower at 24 pounds per day due to the nugget ice process. For context, a standard cocktail uses about 4–6 ounces of ice, so 20 pounds of daily output is more than enough for most home bar scenarios, including hosting a party of 10–15 people.