Best Countertop Ice Makers: A Nugget and Bullet Guide

On this page (11 sections)

1. Which is the best countertop ice maker for your routine?
2. Who should choose each countertop ice maker?
3. What is the difference between nugget and bullet ice?
4. How much ice will you actually have ready?
5. How should you measure the counter space?
6. What should you check about the water reservoir?
7. How do you set up a countertop ice maker correctly?
8. How do cleaning and drainage affect daily use?
9. Which features matter most for a portable ice maker?
10. What mistakes should you avoid before and after buying?
11. Which best countertop ice maker should you choose?

The best countertop ice maker for frequent nugget ice use is the Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker. Its removable lid and dual-pump cleaning make it a strong choice for a permanent drink station, while the Euhomy with Handle suits a machine that moves between locations.

Choose the Frigidaire if you prefer bullet ice and a larger refill tank. The Antarctic Star is another bullet option for buyers who want a handle and a self-cleaning cycle.

Start with the ice you enjoy, then choose a machine you can comfortably refill, empty and clean. A high daily output means little if the machine crowds your counter or its care routine becomes a chore.

For more choices focused on soft pellet ice, see our best nugget ice makers for home guide.

Which is the best countertop ice maker for your routine?

Choose the Euhomy 35 lb for a fixed nugget ice station, the Euhomy with Handle for moving between locations, or Frigidaire for everyday bullet ice. Antarctic Star suits buyers who want bullet ice with self-cleaning and carrying features.

TheUsefulOne compared ice style, output, storage, refill access and care features. The order below reflects those features and each machine's fit for home use.

Best countertop ice maker options by score

The Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker leads at 9.2, followed by the Euhomy 34 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Handle at 8.6. The Frigidaire 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker scores 8.4, and the Antarctic Star 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker scores 7.6.

These scores help order the choices, but your preferred ice shape should decide which pair you compare. A nugget machine is the wrong buy if you want larger, hollow pieces in your glass.

Who should choose each countertop ice maker?

Choose the model whose daily routine matches yours, rather than choosing by the largest production number. The useful differences here are cleaning access, carrying features, water capacity and ice style.

Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker: for a permanent drink station

The Euhomy 35 lb is the strongest fit for someone who wants nugget ice most days and has a regular place for the machine. Its detachable top lid gives you access for care, and the side-mounted scoop holder helps keep the serving tool off the counter.

Euhomy gives a first-batch time of about 5–7 minutes. That suits starting a batch before making iced coffee, but it does not mean a full basket will be ready that quickly.

The dual-pump system runs a 15-minute cleaning cycle, and 4 packs of citric acid cleaner come with the machine. Those features make it worth considering if cleaning access matters as much as ice production.

Its double-layer lid and insulated basket help slow melting, according to Euhomy. You should still plan separate freezer storage for ice you want to save.

Choose it for frequent nugget ice drinks and a fixed kitchen or home bar setup. Skip it if bullet ice is your preference or a built-in carrying handle is central to how you'll use the machine.

Euhomy 34 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Handle: for moving between locations

The Euhomy with Handle is the better nugget choice if you expect to move the machine between a kitchen, office or RV. The handle gives you a clear carrying point, though you should drain the machine before moving it.

It makes its first nugget ice in as little as 6 minutes and has a removable basket that holds up to 1.8 lb. Its viewing window lets you check progress without lifting the lid.

ADD WATER and ICE FULL alerts help when the machine sits away from your main work area. You can respond to the alert instead of opening it repeatedly to check the water or basket.

One-touch self-cleaning and a lift-up top support routine care. Its main advantage over the first Euhomy is the carrying design, so make that the deciding factor rather than the small difference in daily output.

Choose it for nugget ice in several locations. Skip it if the machine will stay in one spot and you prefer the first Euhomy's detachable lid and dual-pump cleaning features.

Frigidaire 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker: for everyday drinks and a larger tank

The Frigidaire suits someone who wants bullet ice for water, soda and other everyday drinks. Its 2 size options let you choose the pieces that fit your usual glasses.

Its 2.1 qt water tank holds more water than either Euhomy tank here. That is useful if you dislike frequent top-ups, though refill frequency still depends on how much ice you make.

A transparent window shows the basket, while digital LED controls handle settings and ice size. The drain plug helps when you need to empty the tank for cleaning or storage.

The basket holds up to 1.5 lb, so it collects only part of the machine's daily output. Emptying that basket into freezer storage matters more for party preparation than choosing a machine by output alone.

Choose it for bullet ice and a larger refill tank. Skip it if nugget texture is the reason you're buying, or if you specifically want one of the self-cleaning models described here.

Antarctic Star 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker: for portable bullet ice use

The Antarctic Star suits someone who wants bullet ice, a carrying handle and a one-touch care cycle in the same machine. Its size choices also give you some control over the pieces you serve.

Antarctic Star gives a first-ice time of about 6 minutes. Start it before you need to fill several glasses, since the first pieces are only the beginning of the supply.

The included basket and scoop cover basic serving needs. The handle is useful for a temporary drink station, provided you have a stable surface and suitable power where you plan to use it.

This is the bullet option to consider when self-cleaning and moving the machine matter more than Frigidaire's larger documented tank. Follow the operating instructions at each location, especially for airflow and placement.

Choose it for bullet ice at changing drink stations. Skip it if you want nugget ice or need to fit a machine into a tightly measured gap without resolving its dimension details first.

What is the difference between nugget and bullet ice?

Nugget ice consists of small, soft pellets, while bullet ice forms larger pieces with hollow centers. Choose the texture you like before comparing production numbers or controls.

Nugget ice spreads through a glass and is easy to scoop into an iced coffee or a drink packed with ice. It suits people who enjoy small pieces remaining throughout the drink.

Bullet ice works well for straightforward cold drinks when you prefer distinct pieces. Its hollow shape differs from the solid cubes you might make in a freezer tray.

Neither style prevents a drink from becoming diluted. Ice melts as it absorbs heat, so the drink's temperature, serving time and amount of ice all affect the result.

For blended drinks, follow your blender's directions for using ice. An ice maker's output does not establish what your blender can safely crush.

A collection basket also does not establish frozen storage. If keeping ice frozen is your main concern, read our guide to countertop ice makers that keep ice frozen.

If you're still deciding on texture, our nugget ice maker vs bullet ice maker comparison explains which style fits different drink habits.

How much ice will you actually have ready?

Daily output is production over time, not ice waiting in the basket. Treat first-batch time, daily output and basket capacity as 3 separate measurements.

First-batch time tells you when the earliest pieces can arrive after starting the machine. It does not tell you when you'll have enough ice for a round of large drinks.

Daily output describes how much a machine can produce over a full day under the conditions used for that figure. It is not a promise that the same amount will appear during a short gathering.

Basket capacity tells you how much ice the machine can collect at once. When that space fills, you need to use or remove ice before expecting continued production.

Plan for the busiest serving period

For a household drink station, count the drinks you make close together rather than across the whole day. Several morning iced coffees create a different demand from 1 cold drink every few hours.

You can estimate your own need with a kitchen scale and a freezer bag. Weigh the ice you normally put in a glass, then multiply that amount by the number of drinks you expect to serve together.

For example, 8 drinks using 4 oz of ice each need 2 lb before any extra serving ice. That simple calculation is more useful than assuming a daily output figure covers every party.

Build a reserve before guests arrive

For a gathering, make ice ahead and transfer it to the freezer in batches. Leave room in the basket so the machine can continue collecting fresh ice.

Freeze batches in manageable amounts rather than pressing soft pieces into one large block. They may stick together, so leave time to loosen them before serving.

If you regularly fill a cooler as well as drink glasses, count those as separate jobs. A countertop machine should not be your only last-minute plan for a large event.

For a drinks-focused setup, our best ice makers for a home bar guide can help you plan around serving needs.

How should you measure the counter space?

Measure width, depth, height and working clearance, not just the footprint. The machine must fit while you open the lid, refill the tank and remove the basket.

Use these dimensions as a starting point:

Antarctic Star gives conflicting measurements, so confirm the exact dimensions before ordering if your space is tight. Follow each model's manual for ventilation clearance beyond its outer dimensions.

Use painter's tape or a paper template to mark the footprint on your counter. Then check whether a scoop, water jug and open lid will interfere with nearby cabinets or appliances.

The Frigidaire is wider but shallower than the Euhomy models here. That can suit a shallow counter, while the narrower Euhomy 35 lb may fit better beside another appliance.

Also check the route to the sink or wherever you'll drain the machine. A snug corner is a poor choice if every cleaning session requires lifting it over other items.

Keep ventilation openings clear of walls, towels and stored objects. A machine that physically fits can still be badly placed if hot air has nowhere to go.

What should you check about the water reservoir?

Choose a reservoir you can reach and refill without moving the machine. Tank size matters, but easy access often makes a bigger difference to daily use.

The Euhomy 35 lb has a 1.1 L reservoir, while the Euhomy with Handle has a 1.2 qt tank. Those figures use different units, so don't mistake the larger-looking number for a major capacity advantage.

A larger tank reduces how often you need to add water for a given amount of production. It does not enlarge the basket or remove the need to empty collected ice.

Check the maximum fill mark before adding water. Pour slowly with a jug rather than lifting or tilting a connected machine toward a faucet.

Use drinking water that meets the machine's instructions. For its 35 lb model, Euhomy recommends filtered, purified or distilled water and advises avoiding tap water and hard water.

Do not apply that water guidance automatically to every model. Keep juice, soda, milk and other drink ingredients out of the tank; add them to your glass instead.

Read our guide to whether countertop ice makers need a water line if you're planning a permanent drink station.

How do you set up a countertop ice maker correctly?

Set up the machine upright on a level, stable counter, then follow its first-use cleaning and rest instructions. Allow enough time before you expect to serve the first drinks.

Let the machine settle as directed

Read the unpacking instructions before plugging it in, especially after delivery or transport. Euhomy directs you to leave its 35 lb model upright and unplugged for 24 hours before first use.

Use the waiting period to choose its position and check the lid clearance. Don't assume the first-use waiting period is identical across all models.

Clean and assemble the removable parts

Remove packaging from the basket and other accessible areas. Clean the food-contact parts as directed, and make sure any drain plug is properly seated before filling the tank.

Use the manual's first-use procedure rather than adding a cleaner by guesswork. A routine rinse, a cleaning cycle and descaling are different tasks.

Fill, start and watch the first cycle

Fill only to the allowed level, replace the basket correctly and start the machine. Keep the area around the power connection dry.

Stay nearby for the first cycle so you can notice a loose drain plug, spill or incorrectly placed basket. Follow any instructions to discard initial ice before making drinks.

Make refilling part of the setup

Keep a clean water jug and freezer-safe container within easy reach. A usable station needs a place for water going in and extra ice coming out.

Store the scoop where it can stay clean between uses. Avoid leaving its handle buried in the ice or resting it on a wet counter.

How do cleaning and drainage affect daily use?

Choose a machine whose cleaning routine you can keep up with. A self-cleaning cycle helps with care, but it does not replace draining, rinsing and cleaning removable parts.

Mineral scale and dirt need different attention. Descaling addresses mineral deposits, while cleaning removes residue from accessible surfaces and parts.

Use the cleaner and concentration allowed in the manual. Never mix cleaning chemicals, and keep cleaning solution separate from water intended for making ice.

Match the schedule to your model

For the Euhomy 35 lb, hold the Ice/Clean button for 3 seconds to start its cleaning cycle. Euhomy recommends the cycle every 30 days or 150 hours of use, whichever comes first.

After deep cleaning with descaler, Euhomy directs you to run 2–3 fresh-water cleaning cycles. Discard the first 1–2 batches of ice afterward.

Antarctic Star recommends its care cycle weekly or after 2 weeks of inactivity. Follow the instructions for your exact machine rather than borrowing another model's schedule.

Make drainage easy before you buy

Think about where the used water will go when you empty the machine. Leave enough working room to drain it as directed without splashing the controls or power connection.

Clean the basket, scoop and accessible surfaces according to the manual. A cycle that moves water through internal parts does not wash a scoop sitting beside the machine.

If you're putting the machine away, drain and dry it as directed before storage. Leaving water inside turns the next use into a cleaning job rather than a quick refill.

For practical steps, see how to clean a countertop ice maker. If you're choosing between vinegar and a purpose-made descaler, read can you clean a countertop ice maker with vinegar?.

Which features matter most for a portable ice maker?

For a portable machine, prioritize carrying, drainage, placement and power access. A handle helps you lift the unit, but it does not make every location suitable for operating it.

Drain the tank and empty the basket before moving the machine. Carry it upright and follow its instructions about resting after transport.

For an RV or temporary drink station, measure the operating space separately from the storage space. You need access to the lid and vents while making ice, even if the machine fits inside a cabinet for travel.

Check the power requirements against the supply at your destination. A countertop model should not be assumed to run from a vehicle outlet or battery merely because it has a handle.

Keep the machine on a stable, dry surface in conditions allowed by its manual. A picnic table in direct sun or an exposed spot near a pool can create placement problems.

For a permanent kitchen station, controls and noise may matter more than carrying features. Euhomy describes both nugget models as operating below 45 dB, while Antarctic Star gives a figure below 40 dB.

Those sound figures do not describe every moment of operation. Pumps, fans and ice dropping into a basket can be more noticeable beside a desk or television.

If moving the machine is a regular need, browse our best portable ice makers for home guide.

What mistakes should you avoid before and after buying?

Avoid buying by daily output alone or treating the collection basket as a freezer. Most disappointing matches start with the wrong expectation about ice style, storage or upkeep.

Choosing a shape you don't enjoy

Don't choose nugget ice only because it is popular. If you want larger pieces for ordinary drinks, start with the bullet options.

The reverse also applies. A bullet machine will not satisfy a specific preference for small pellet ice, even if its other features suit your kitchen.

Starting too late for a gathering

A short first-batch time can sound like instant party readiness. It means the earliest ice is arriving, so allow time to build the amount you actually need.

Keep a frozen reserve for the busiest serving period. Use the machine to replenish that supply rather than relying on it to fill every glass at once.

Packing ice against the full sensor

If ice piles up near the sensor, gently redistribute it or remove some as directed. Don't pack the basket down to force more ice into the same space.

Use a clean scoop rather than reaching into the basket by hand. Transfer excess ice to a freezer-safe container instead of leaving it to soften.

Treating self-cleaning as complete maintenance

A cleaning button does not remove the need to wash removable parts or follow descaling directions. Keep the manual's care schedule somewhere you'll see it.

Choose the machine with the access you prefer before buying. Cleaning features only help if the machine is positioned where you can use them.

Giving up counter space for occasional use

If you need extra ice only a few times a year, compare the appliance's storage and care demands with your actual use. A machine earns its counter space through a routine you value.

Our guide to whether a countertop ice maker is worth it can help you decide before committing space to one.

Which best countertop ice maker should you choose?

Choose your best countertop ice maker by ice style, location and care routine. Settle those 3 points before using daily production as a deciding factor.

• Choose the Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker for frequent nugget ice at a fixed drink station, especially if removable-lid access and dual-pump cleaning appeal to you.
• Choose the Euhomy 34 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Handle if you want nugget ice and regularly move the machine between locations.
• Choose the Frigidaire 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker for bullet ice, selectable sizes and a larger refill tank.
• Choose the Antarctic Star 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker if a handle and self-cleaning cycle are your priorities in a bullet machine.

Before ordering, measure the operating space and decide where extra ice will go. Before a gathering, build a reserve rather than planning around the first-batch time.

If ice texture is still the unresolved choice, read our nugget ice vs bullet ice guide before choosing the machine.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best countertop ice maker for home use?

The Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker is the best fit here for frequent nugget ice use, with a removable lid and dual-pump cleaning. Choose the Euhomy with Handle if you move it often, or Frigidaire if you prefer bullet ice and a larger refill tank.

Is nugget ice better than bullet ice?

Nugget ice is better if you prefer small, soft pieces throughout your drink, while bullet ice suits people who want larger, hollow pieces. Choose the texture you enjoy before comparing machine features.

Neither shape prevents dilution, so add ice near serving time rather than leaving drinks standing.

Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?

Do not assume a countertop ice maker keeps its basket frozen. Daily production and basket capacity describe different things, and neither confirms freezer storage.

Transfer ice you want to save to a freezer-safe container, and keep freezer space available if you plan to build a supply before guests arrive.

Do countertop ice makers need a water line?

These picks use water tanks that you refill by hand, so you do not need to plan a permanent water connection for them. Place the machine where you can reach the refill opening and empty it for cleaning.

Follow its instructions for water type, fill level and drainage.

How often should you clean a countertop ice maker?

Follow your model's cleaning schedule. Euhomy recommends a self-cleaning cycle for its 35 lb model every 30 days or after 150 hours of use, whichever comes first.

After deep cleaning with descaler, run 2 to 3 fresh-water cleaning cycles and discard the first 1 to 2 ice batches.