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6 Best Small Ice Makers of 2024

By Jane OrtaLast update: 2023-04-25

A small ice maker is pretty convenient when you held a party or go camping

Here are the best small ice makers you can buy in 2024:

  • Energy-saving (Small Ice Maker): Euhomy Countertop
  • Fast Ice Making (Small Ice Maker): Ikich Countertop
  • Most Durable (Small Ice Maker): Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK
  • Reliable And Consistent Performance (Small Ice Maker): ULIT Countertop
  • Self-Cleaning Function (Small Ice Maker): Kismile Countertop
  • Larger Capacity (Small Ice Maker): Magic Chef Countertop
6 Best Small Ice Makers
Energy-saving
Euhomy Countertop
  • Small Ice Maker
Fast Ice Making
Ikich Countertop
  • Small Ice Maker
Most Durable
Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK
  • Small Ice Maker
Reliable And Consistent Performance
ULIT Countertop
  • Small Ice Maker
Self-Cleaning Function
Kismile Countertop
  • Small Ice Maker
Larger Capacity
Magic Chef Countertop
  • Small Ice Maker

Energy-saving (Small Ice Maker): Euhomy Countertop

Euhomy Countertop
Euhomy Countertop
Pros
  • Modern design & Transparent window
  • Intuitive control panel
  • Energy Efficient & Water Efficient
  • Infrared sensor & Removable ice basket
  • Large/Small Bullet-shaped ice cubes
Cons
  • Doesn't keep the made ice frozen

Euhomy Countertop is the choice for high energy efficiency and water efficiency. It looks great in the silver finish with scratch patterns; this with the transparent window suits a modern kitchen well. The thing that I really like about this ice maker is that the control panel is pretty intuitive and easy to use. On the panel, there is an indicator that tells you when it needs more water, an indicator that tells you when the ice cubes are ready, two buttons to choose between large and small ice sizes, and an on/off button.

Euhomy Countertop can make up to 26 lbs of ice per day with 2.2 liters of water. Each ice making cycle is about 8 to 13 minutes. In each cycle, 9 pcs of ice cubes are made. The operation is not so quiet, however, acceptable.

However, Euhomy Countertop does not keep the made ice frozen, so you have to put the made ice cubes in the refrigerator to keep it frozen.

Euhomy Countertop Specifications

Ice Capacity

26 lbs/day with 2.2 liters of water

Ice making cycle

8-13 mins

Ice Making Capacity Per cycle

9 pcs

Ice Shape

Large/Small bullet-shaped ice-cubes

Highlight Features

Infrared sensor; Removable ice basket; Large/Small size

Verdict

Euhomy Countertop is the choice for high energy efficiency and water efficiency.

Fast Ice Making (Small Ice Maker): Ikich Countertop

Ikich Countertop
Ikich Countertop
Pros
  • Fast ice making cycle
  • Modern design & Transparent window
  • Easy to use and Easy to clean
  • Add water/Ice full indicators
  • 2-year warranty and 45-day return policy
Cons
  • Doesn't keep the made ice frozen

Ikich Countertop is another small ice maker with a silver finish. This ice maker has a solid construction with Nickel-plated pure copper, PP, and ABS shell. It looks good in a modern kitchen. Like Euhomy Countertop, this Ikich Countertop features an add water indicator and an ice full indicator. Also, it lets you choose between large and small cube sizes.

When you want to make fast ice, this Ikich Countertop would be the choice since its fastest ice making cycle is about only 6 minutes. Moreover, it comes with a 2-year warranty and a 45-day return policy, so you can buy it with 100% confidence.

Ikich Countertop is easy to use and easy to clean. It is fairly quiet while operating but not so impressive. However, this ice maker also does not keep the made ice frozen, which is a bit inconvenient.

Ikich Countertop Specifications

Ice Capacity

26 lbs/day with 2 liters of water

Ice making cycle

6-13 minutes

Ice Making Capacity Per cycle

9 pcs

Ice Shape

Large/Small bullet-shaped ice-cubes

Highlight Features

Add water/Ice full indicators; Large/Small size

Verdict

Ikich Countertop with the fastest ice making cycle of 6 minutes is ideal for fast ice making.

Most Durable (Small Ice Maker): Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK

Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK
Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK
Pros
  • Solid stainless steel construction
  • All Black appearance
  • Easy to use & Easy to clean
  • Indicators and ice size options
  • Good flavor with no smell
Cons
  • Small size ice comes out wet

If you are not a fan of silver, this all-black Frigidaire EFIC101 would be a good choice. Moreover, it is pretty solid with stainless steel sides and ABS top and bottom. You can rely on its durability. This is also an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean small ice maker.

The indicators and ice size options are pretty the same as the two ice makers above. Moreover, the made ice cubes taste good without any added flavor. However, the small size ice comes out wet, which is considered a big drawback.

Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK Specifications

Ice Capacity

26 lbs/day

Ice making cycle

7-15 minutes

Ice Making Capacity Per cycle

9 pcs

Ice Shape

Large/Small bullet-shaped ice-cubes

Highlight Features

Add water/Ice full indicators; Large/Small size

Verdict

Frigidaire EFIC101 is pretty solid with stainless steel sides and ABS top and bottom.

Reliable And Consistent Performance (Small Ice Maker): ULIT Countertop

ULIT Countertop
ULIT Countertop
Pros
  • ETL certified ice maker
  • Reliable and Consistent output
  • Water drain plug for easy water emptying
  • Infrared Sensors & Simple Control
  • 1-year warranty and 45-day return policy
Cons
  • Small water tank

ULIT Countertop is an ETL certified ice maker, which is a safety standard for electronics. I highly recommend this ice maker due to its reliable and consistent output. You are assured of 9 pcs of bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7-8 minutes; moreover, these cubes are well-shaped and not melting after being made.

ULIT Countertop features a water drain plug for easy water emptying and cleaning. The infrared sensors tell you when more water is needed or when the ice basket is full. The simple control lets you choose small cubes or larger cubes. Besides, you’ll be backed with a 1-year warranty and 45-day return policy.

If there is something I don’t like about this ice maker, it would be the water tank, which is pretty small - only 1.5 liters.

ULIT Countertop Specifications

Ice Capacity

26 lbs/day

Ice making cycle

8 minutes

Ice Making Capacity Per cycle

9 pcs

Ice Shape

Large/Small bullet-shaped ice-cubes

Highlight Features

Add water/Ice full indicators; Large/Small size

Verdict

ULIT Countertop is an ETL certified ice maker with reliable and consistent outputs.

Self-Cleaning Function (Small Ice Maker): Kismile Countertop

Kismile Countertop
Kismile Countertop
Pros
  • ETL certified ice maker
  • Self-cleaning function
  • Efficient and Quiet Ice Making
  • Indicators and Size selections
  • Fully open design
Cons
  • The construction is not so solid

Kismile Countertop is another ETL certified ice maker, which is suitable for commercial purposes like in restaurants, bars, coffee shops, or just for home uses. It has a fully open construction with an evaporator, an ice full sensor, an air exhausting, an easy-to-operate control panel, and a water drain cap, which is easy to use and easy to clean.

The most special function of Kismile Countertop is the self-cleaning program. Just press the on/off button for 5 seconds, the ice maker will automatically remove the minerals which occur during the ice making process, ensuring pure ice cubes. Besides, the operation is pretty quiet and efficient. However, the construction is not so solid, which is a significant drawback if you need a durable ice maker that will last for years.

Kismile Countertop Specifications

Ice Capacity

26 lbs/day

Ice making cycle

6-8 minutes

Ice Making Capacity Per cycle

9 pcs

Ice Shape

Large/Small bullet-shaped ice-cubes

Highlight Features

Self-cleaning function; Add water/Ice full indicators; Large/Small size

Verdict

Kismile Countertop with self-cleaning automatically removes the minerals for pure ice cubes.

Larger Capacity (Small Ice Maker): Magic Chef Countertop

Magic Chef Countertop
Magic Chef Countertop
Pros
  • Larger ice capacity
  • Easy to use & Easy to clean
  • Indicators and Size selections
  • Solid construction
  • Consistent performance
Cons
  • Pretty loud

If you need more and faster ice, this Magic Chef Countertop would be a great choice. It has a higher ice capacity than other ice makers on this list. The ice-making cycle is shorter, about 7 minutes. Moreover, this ice maker delivers very consistent performance, so you are assured of a redundant amount of ice the whole day.

Other features on Magic Chef Countertop are pretty the same as other ice makers - indicators and size selections. Besides, the construction of this ice maker is pretty solid, so you can be confident about its durability.

However, the operation noise of Magic Chef Countertop is quite loud, which is a significant drawback.

Magic Chef Countertop Specifications

Ice Capacity

27 lbs/day

Ice making cycle

7 minutes

Ice Making Capacity Per cycle

9 pcs

Ice Shape

Large/Small bullet-shaped ice-cubes

Highlight Features

Add water/Ice full indicators; Large/Small size

Verdict

Magic Chef Countertop is a great choice when you need more and faster ice.

How To Choose The Best Small Ice Maker?

When choosing the best small ice maker, here are some priorities:

  • Fast ice making cycle: People prefer a small ice maker to a refrigerator due to its convenience and portability. You’ll want to carry it to a party or a camping trip for fast ice making. So a fast ice making cycle is crucial. You’ll want an ice maker that makes ice cubes in less than 10 minutes.
  • Easy-to-use control panel: The panel should have indicators that tell you when to fill in water and when the basket is full. Moreover, the setting process should be easy and quick.
  • High energy efficiency & water efficiency: This is very important. High energy efficiency and high water efficiency will save you a lot on the electric bill in the long run.
  • Durability and design: Last but not least, the ice maker should look good when you place it in your kitchen. And the ice maker should be durable so that it does not waste your money to replace it with a new one after just one or two years.

Which Brands Make The Best Small Ice Maker?

MC Appliance

MC Appliance is the corporation that owns the brand Magic Chef - a very well-known brand when it comes to kitchen appliances. MCA Corporation is also a leader in the housewares industry for over 20 years. Besides ice makers, they also provide from microwaves, freezers, refrigerators, other kitchen appliances to home comfort products like air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and laundry machines. All are of great quality and reasonable prices.

iKich

iKich is another considerable brand for shopping for an ice maker. In addition to ice makers, they also provide toasters, electric kettles, air fryers, coffee makers, and other kitchen appliances. Their products are famous for being simple and innovative. This is a brand when you want quality but not over-priced ice makers.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire is a huge international brand. They provide kitchen appliances, laundry tools, home comfort products, filters and accessories for refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry. Frigidaire's ice makers are well-known for their tough design that lasts for years. Moreover, their customer services are pretty good. You can trust the reputation of Frigidaire.

FAQs

Are portable ice makers worth it?

The two main advantages of an ice maker over a refrigerator are first, it makes ice cubes within 10 minutes and second, you can carry it to a party or a camping trip. So, if you consider these two advantages are worth about 100 bucks, then a portable ice maker is worth it.

Is there a portable ice maker that makes crushed ice?

Yes. But it is not so small. You can search for the word “Portable Crushed Ice Maker.”

How do portable ice makers work?

First, the water goes through a filter before getting into the reservoir, which helps to remove impurities, dirt, and bacteria. A pump will suck up the water to the ice trays. In these ice trays, water is frozen using a refrigeration system and a solvent. Each ice maker uses a different refrigeration technology. When the ice cubes reach up to a certain hardness, they will be emptied into a box.

Do portable ice makers use a lot of electricity?

Not so much. It costs less than 30 bucks a month even when you use it all day.

Can you leave a portable ice maker on all the time?

You can leave the ice maker on with a full reservoir to make more ice. If the reservoir is empty, you should turn the ice maker off.

Conclusion

Above is my review of six affordable and portable ice makers. I hope this review helps you choose a suitable ice maker that fits your needs.


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