Ice Maker Black Friday: What to Check Before You Buy

On this page (7 sections)

1. What should you compare in an ice maker Black Friday deal?
2. Which ice type should you choose?
3. How much ice do you need each day?
4. What should you know about refills and cleaning?
5. How can you tell whether an ice maker fits your counter?
6. Is the Black Friday discount worth it?
7. Which ice maker should you shortlist?

On Black Friday, compare the ice type, daily output, basket capacity, water supply, cleaning needs and countertop fit before choosing an ice maker. A discount matters only if the machine suits your drinks and the space where it will sit.

Start with the ice you want: nugget ice is pellet-shaped, while bullet ice is hollow and shaped like a small cylinder. Then check the machine's capacity and care routine, so a sale label does not distract you from the details that affect everyday use.

If you're still deciding on a style, our countertop ice maker guide compares nugget and bullet options.

What should you compare in an ice maker Black Friday deal?

Compare the full setup and return terms, including ice shape, production capacity, basket size, water tank and dimensions. These checks help you see whether two offers are comparable.

Daily output and basket size are different measures. A model may make more ice across a day than its basket can hold at one time, so consider how you plan to move or use each batch.

Which ice type should you choose?

Choose nugget ice for a pellet texture or bullet ice for hollow pieces with a familiar shape. The right type depends on how you like ice in drinks.

Euhomy and Kismile describe their nugget ice as soft or chewable, but that doesn't make chewing ice safe for your teeth. For drinks, nugget machines offer small pellets, while bullet machines can offer different piece sizes, depending on the model.

The Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker has a removable 1.8 lb basket and a 1.1 L reservoir.{{product B0GX9G2Q1N | A nugget machine with a removable 1.8 lb basket and a 1.1 L reservoir for home drinks.}}

The Frigidaire 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker offers 2 ice sizes, and Frigidaire states it makes 9 bullet-shaped pieces every 7 minutes.{{product B07JBJWP2W | A bullet ice maker with 2 ice sizes and a 2.1 qt water tank for varied drinks.}}

If you're comparing the ice textures in more detail, read our nugget ice vs bullet ice guide.

How much ice do you need each day?

Use daily output as a starting point, then check the basket and water capacity. A larger daily figure alone does not show how often you'll need to empty the basket or refill the reservoir.

Euhomy and Kismile each claim output of up to 35 lb per day for these nugget machines. Frigidaire and Antarctic Star each claim up to 26 lb per day for these bullet machines.

The basket capacity can be more useful than the daily maximum when you want ice ready at a particular time. Frigidaire's basket holds up to 1.5 lb, while Euhomy's removable basket holds 1.8 lb.

Check the basket capacity of the specific model you're considering before buying.

The Antarctic Star 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker offers 2 ice sizes and a self-cleaning cycle.{{product B0F42MT8JX | A bullet-style option with self-cleaning and a claimed output of up to 26 lb per day.}}

Our best portable ice makers guide covers more countertop choices.

What should you know about refills and cleaning?

Choose a water setup and care routine you can keep up with. Tank size, drain access and cleaning instructions affect how the ice maker fits into your regular kitchen routine.

The Euhomy and Kismile nugget machines each have a 1.1 L water tank. Frigidaire has a 2.1 qt tank and a drain plug for emptying and cleaning.

Compare those features with how often you want to refill and where you'll drain the machine.

The Kismile 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker has a 15-minute self-cleaning cycle, activated by holding the ON/OFF button for 5 seconds.{{product B0GS552T5S | A nugget model with a 1.1 L tank and a 15-minute self-cleaning cycle.}}

Self-cleaning does not replace the manual's full care routine. Follow the cleaning schedule, cleaner instructions and rinsing steps for your exact model.

Euhomy recommends 2 to 3 fresh-water self-cleaning cycles after deep cleaning with descaler. It also advises discarding the first 1 to 2 batches of ice afterward.

For setup advice, see our guide on whether countertop ice makers need a water line. For maintenance steps, read how to clean a countertop ice maker.

How can you tell whether an ice maker fits your counter?

Measure the counter depth and width, then check the machine's full dimensions and cabinet clearance. A model that fits the worktop may still be too tall to slide beneath a low cabinet.

The Euhomy measures 12.28 in high, 11.14 in deep and 8.5 in wide. Frigidaire measures 9 in deep, 13 in wide and 13 in high.

Compare those dimensions with the space around your outlets, sink and other appliances.

Include room to open the lid, lift out ice and reach the controls. Follow the manual's ventilation clearances and leave a convenient spot for filling and draining water.

If you plan to use an ice maker away from a sink or in an RV, check the model's instructions and power needs for that setup. Our countertop vs fridge ice maker guide can help you decide whether a separate machine fits your routine.

Is the Black Friday discount worth it?

A Black Friday discount is useful when the machine fits your needs at a final delivered cost and with return terms you understand. Compare the same model and included accessories across sellers, then check shipping, taxes, delivery timing and the return window.

Confirm the model number and ice type before comparing offers. Similar product names can refer to different machines, so make sure you're comparing the same configuration.

Treat a countdown or percentage-off badge as a prompt to check the details. If the water tank is too small, the machine is too tall, or you prefer a different ice shape, the discount won't solve that mismatch.

Which ice maker should you shortlist?

For an ice maker Black Friday shortlist, choose Euhomy or Kismile for nugget ice, and Frigidaire or Antarctic Star for bullet ice. Match the dimensions, tank, basket and cleaning features to your space and routine before buying.

Choose Euhomy if you want a removable 1.8 lb basket and a 1.1 L reservoir. Kismile also has a 1.1 L tank and a 15-minute cleaning cycle, and both brands claim output of up to 35 lb per day.

Choose Frigidaire if its 2 bullet sizes, 2.1 qt tank and 1.5 lb basket suit your routine. Consider Antarctic Star if you want bullet ice with a self-cleaning cycle.

For more options by ice type, compare our best nugget ice makers for home and best portable ice makers guides.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before buying an ice maker on Black Friday?

Check the ice shape, stated daily output, basket capacity, water tank or refill needs, cleaning steps, dimensions and warranty. Match those details to your ice use and available space, then compare the final delivered cost and return terms before deciding whether a deal suits you.

Are nugget and bullet ice makers the same?

No, nugget machines make pellet-style ice, while bullet machines make hollow bullet-shaped pieces. Choose the texture you prefer before comparing sales, since ice shape affects how you use it in drinks; our nugget ice vs bullet ice guide explains the differences in more detail.

Does a countertop ice maker keep ice frozen?

Don't assume a countertop ice maker's basket provides freezer storage, even if it has insulation. Check the machine's storage instructions and transfer extra ice to a freezer when needed; our countertop ice makers that keep ice frozen guide explains what to expect before you choose.

How much ice should a countertop ice maker make?

Choose daily output based on how much ice you use and how often you can refill the machine. A daily production figure doesn't show how much ice the basket holds at once, so compare the reservoir and basket too when judging how often you'll need to manage it.