In 2025, Costway was ranked No. 1 on CNN’s list of the Best Countertop Ice Makers.
The best countertop ice makers in 2025, tried and tested (Editer:Michelle Rae Uy/CNN Underscored).
This Costway Nugget Countertop Ice Maker was a last-minute entry into my testing pool. Still, it quickly edged out the others due to its performance, the quality of ice it produces and its relatively affordable price tag.
Costway Best Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet
Although there may be cheaper models in my product pool, this midrange ice maker is a superior option and is worth spending a little more money on. To start, it features a thoughtful design, with its water tank located just above the ice bucket, meaning you don’t have to remove the bucket to fill it. In addition, the touch control panel is very responsive and straightforward to use, with clear function and mode indicators, making it accessible for almost anyone, including children.
The Costway’s water tank takes in about 8 cups of water, which produces just over 1,200 grams of ice, which is more than enough to keep your dinner party’s first round of drinks nice and chill. And while it does take about 12 minutes to produce solid, non-crushed ice, it managed to deliver a bucketful (about 915 grams) of ice in just under two hours, thanks to its continuous ice production. Some cheaper ice makers make ice in batches of nine at a time, somewhat slowing ice production, but that isn’t the case here.
Costway 8 Best Countertop Ice Makers
Quick Primer: Bullet vs. Square vs. Nugget Ice
Bullet ice (most portable models): great for everyday drinks, smoothies, and rapid chilling with minimal clumping.
Square ice (high-clarity cubes): slower-melting cubes ideal for cocktails, iced coffee, and entertaining.
Nugget / pellet ice: soft, chewable, and ultra-absorbent—fan-favorite for iced sodas, lemonades, and mocktails.
1.Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Soft Chewable Pellet
Why you’ll love it: Nugget ice at home with efficient production.
Highlights: 6–15 minutes to first ice; up to 44 lbs/day; pull-out water tank; 20-minute self-clean; germicidal light in the bin; front-opening door saves space. ETL-certified.
Best for: Families and nugget-ice fans who want quieter operation and easy cleaning.
2.48 lbs Stainless Self-Clean Ice Maker with LCD Display
Why you’ll love it: A reliable, high-capacity cube maker with timing control.
Highlights: Makes 24 square cubes per cycle, 48 lbs/day; R600a refrigerant for strong cooling; auto run via intelligent LCD; stainless body; transparent viewing window; removable basket & scoop.
Best for: Home bars, KTVs, cafés, and party hosts who want clear, consistent cubes with a set-and-forget schedule.
3.26lbs/24h Portable Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Scoop
Why you’ll love it: Compact, quiet, and travel-friendly.
Highlights: 9 bullet cubes in ~8 min, 26 lbs/day; 1.6 L water tank; simple control panel with self-clean; ~45 dB low noise; ETL & UL listed; transparent lid; basket & scoop included.
Best for: Dorms, offices, RVs, small kitchens—anywhere you want quick ice without taking up space.
4.Portable Countertop Ice Maker with Ice Scoop and Basket
Why you’ll love it: Premium square ice with timers and bottle compatibility.
Highlights: Connect 2–5 L bottled water or fill directly; 40 lbs/day; 24 pcs/15 min; 2.4 lbs storage; LCD control with 1–24 h timer; 20-minute self-clean; adjustable freeze time (±6 minutes) for thicker cubes; ~≤42 dB; rubber feet for stability.
Best for: Cocktail lovers and anyone who wants cleaner, denser cubes and timer-based convenience.
5.2-in-1 Stainless Steel Countertop Ice Maker with Water Dispenser
Why you’ll love it: Cold drinking water and ice from one appliance.
Highlights: Accepts 2–5 gal bottled water (or manual fill); extendable spout for chilled water; 48 lbs/day ice; large 5 lbs storage basket with handle; 6–12 minute first ice; stainless cover; intuitive indicators.
Best for: Shared spaces—pantries, break rooms, studios—where both ice and cold water are in demand.
6.Ice Maker Countertop with Self-Cleaning for Home Kitchen Office Party
Why you’ll love it: A quiet bullet-ice workhorse.
Highlights: 9 bullets in 6–13 min, 26.5 lbs/day; 1.3 lbs bin; 4–6 h ice retention; ≤35 dB low noise; two ice sizes; one-button use; full-ice and add-water indicators; self-clean; grab-and-go portability.
Best for: Open-plan homes or offices where noise matters and you need reliable, easy ice.
7.Self Dispensing Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice Cubes
Why you’ll love it: Hands-free dispensing plus big-league nugget output.
Highlights: 15-minute fast start; 56 lbs/day; 3.3 lbs storage; 1-minute dispense at full ice; 2.4 L removable tank with two fill methods; one-button operation; full-ice & water-shortage indicators; self-clean; ~36 dB; removable drip tray; ETL-certified.
Best for: Households or offices that go through lots of nugget ice and prefer lever-dispense convenience (no scooping!).
8.Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice
Why you’ll love it: Fast nugget ice in a compact, portable form.
Highlights: ~6 minutes to ice; up to 34 lbs/day; 0.3 gal tank; 15-minute self-clean; removable top cover for deep cleaning; one-button control with full-ice & add-water reminders; carry handle; 1.8 lbs basket with scoop holder.
Best for: Small kitchens, home offices, or road-trip rentals where you want true nugget ice without a big footprint.
Care & Maintenance Tips
Run self-clean weekly (more often for heavy use). Follow each unit’s drain instructions (e.g., remove drain plug/cap after cleaning).
Use filtered water to reduce mineral buildup and improve clarity/taste.
Airflow matters: Leave clearance around vents and keep the drip tray (where applicable) in place to protect your countertop.
Deep clean monthly: On models with removable tanks or top covers, take them off to scrub and rinse thoroughly.
Mind the bin size: If you entertain often, aim for larger storage (e.g., 3+ lbs) or higher daily output (40–56 lbs/day).
Best Countertop Ice Maker FAQs
1. How long does it take for a countertop ice maker to make ice?
Most countertop ice makers can produce the first batch of ice within 6–10 minutes after starting, depending on the water temperature and room environment.
2. Do countertop ice makers need a water line?
No. Most models have a built-in water reservoir that you fill manually, so no plumbing connection is required.
3. Can I leave water in my ice maker overnight?
It’s better to empty the water and ice basket after each use to prevent odor or bacterial buildup, especially if you don’t use it daily.
4. How do I clean a countertop ice maker?
Use the self-cleaning function if available, or run a cycle with a mixture of water and vinegar, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. What type of water should I use in my ice maker?
Use filtered or distilled water for best results. Tap water can also be used, but hard water may cause mineral buildup over time.
6. Why is my ice maker not making ice?
Common reasons include low water level, sensor blockage, or high room temperature. Make sure the machine is level and filled with water.
7. How often should I clean my ice maker?
Clean your ice maker every 1–2 weeks, or more frequently if used daily, to maintain ice quality and extend machine lifespan.
8. Can countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
Most portable ice makers are not freezers. They store ice temporarily; if unused, the ice will slowly melt and recycle into the water reservoir.
9. Are countertop ice makers noisy?
They produce a low hum during operation and slight clicks when releasing ice, but overall noise levels are minimal and suitable for home use.
10. How much ice can a countertop ice maker produce in a day?
Production varies by model, typically ranging from 26 to 48 pounds of ice per 24 hours.
