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GE has made an even better nugget ice machine. It makes crisp and clean-tasting ice, and lots of it, thanks to its 1-gallon side water tank. Read More
The Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 is a countertop nugget ice machine that produces crisp-tasting chewable ice. Read More
This stylish countertop ice maker puts out 40 lbs of ice per day, including clear ice that lasts longer than other types of ice. Read More
Producing 28 pounds of ice per day and every 15 minutes, you’ll always have ice handy for your drinks, cooler, smoothies, and more. Read More
This compact countertop ice maker is quick, quiet, and puts out about 20 lbs of ice per day, though it lacks the fancier ice of competitor machines. Read More
Whether you want fancy “nugget” ice, clear ice, or you need a lot of it each day, a standalone ice machine is an excellent investment compared to buying 10-pound bags of the cheap stuff. Though these ice machines aren’t proper commercial models, they can output a large batch of ice quickly, quietly, and offer fancier kinds of ice, such as chewable “nugget” ice like you get from Sonic, or clear ice cubes.
With all the ice makers we’ve tested, GE Opal 2.0 (available at GE Appliances) is hands down our favorite pick. The best ice makers tend to do the obvious things well: They make high-quality ice, they allow for fast ice production, and they don’t make a huge racket.
One thing we found consistently: Most ice makers that get used continuously—even “commercial” ones—need to be well-maintained or they will break down over time. Treat your ice maker right, or even browse for one with a decent cleaning cycle feature, and you’ll be living the good life with a glass of on-demand ice in no time.
Here are the top at-home ice makers available for purchase online right now.
The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 is the best ice maker we've tested.
Makes ice fast
Makes square, clear ice
Excellent design
Ice shutoff mechanism can be blocked
Ice is clear
Reliable
Easy to set up and use
Ice doesn’t stay frozen for long
Portable
Good customer service
Affordable
Manual refill
Low daily production
We evaluate the best ice machines to see how well they perform.
We evaluate the best ice machines using several different methods. When possible, we perform repeatable, scientific tests. We measure the time it takes to produce a pound of ice, look for consistent ice shapes, and monitor for any downsides, such as loud production or leaks.
To keep our guides up-to-date with the best ice machines on the market, we also make a few additional recommendations based on our research. We review user reviews from owners, examine product specifications, and compare price points to find the best options that suit every need and budget.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.
Lily Hartman
Staff Writer, Search
Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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