ConsFirst / Countertop ice makers
Countertop ice makers: the downsides, first
Countertop ice makers draw a lot of 1–2 star Amazon ratings — about 19% on average across the eight we checked, and 32% for the popular GE Profile Opal — and machines that stop working within months to a year are the most repeated complaint. Here are the most popular nugget and bullet ice makers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared13 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 countertop ice makers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Frigidaire
$$NuggetScore 3.7/5
22%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)5,094 ratings. Amazon's summary mentions '9 cubes every 7 minutes', which describes bullet ice, so the ratings may be pooled with other Frigidaire models.The fastest, highest-output nugget maker in two lab tests, with self-cleaning and a large tank, for well under Opal money. Amazon owners often report it breaking within months, and some say it grinds loudly.
Top complaints
- Breaks within monthsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed and units typically last only 3-8 months before breaking. Many owners call it a waste of money.
- Loud grinding noise for someMentioned often
Amazon owners find it super loud, with grinding noises. In Serious Eats' test, though, it was super quiet.
- Heavy and tallMentioned often
Serious Eats weighed it at 44 pounds and says it likely won't fit under overhead cabinets (20.25 inches tall). Good Housekeeping found the nuggets less uniform than other machines'.
What owners love
- Most ice per hour
Serious Eats measured about two pounds of ice in an hour. Good Housekeeping says it makes more nugget ice faster than most machines and up to 28.5 lb a day.
- Big removable tank and sturdy drip tray
Good Housekeeping praises the removable 14-cup tank, the sturdy drip tray and the intuitive touch controls. Its bin holds 3.4 lb.
- Dense, slow-melting nuggets
Serious Eats liked the nuggets' density. Good Housekeeping found its ice melted more slowly than ice from higher-priced models.
Skip it if…- It must fit under upper cabinets
- You want perfectly uniform nuggets
- You need proven long-term reliability
Good for- Maximum nugget ice per hour
- Fewer refills (large tank)
- Opal-level output for less
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output5.0
Why 5.0?
About 2 lb per hour at Serious Eats, the most it measured. Good Housekeeping says it out-produced every machine but the Opal, with fewer refills. - Ice quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Dense, chewable nuggets that melt slowly (Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping), but less uniform and more jagged than some (Good Housekeeping). - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Super quiet in Serious Eats' test, but Amazon owners report it as super loud with grinding noises. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Automatic cleaning cycle (Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping), a removable tank and a sturdy drip tray (Good Housekeeping). - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Good Housekeeping praises its sturdy construction, but Amazon owners report units lasting 3-8 months, and 22% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall nugget ice maker: fast, large capacity, self-cleaning and sturdy; the only con is uneven, jagged pieces.
- Serious Eats: Another great countertop ice maker: about 2 lb of ice an hour and super quiet, but heavy and too tall for many under-cabinet spots.
#2
Luma Comfort
$$Clear cubeScore 3.6/5
26%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)1,549 ratings.The clear-ice pick at both Wirecutter and Serious Eats: crystal-clear, slow-melting cubes, the most ice per hour Serious Eats measured, and an easy side drain. The first batch is slow, it's bulky with no self-clean, and Amazon owners report breakdowns around a year and loud operation.
Top complaints
- Breaks after about a yearVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is a concern because units break after a year, and reliability is mixed. 20% of ratings are 1 star.
- NoisyVery common
Amazon owners report loud sounds during operation. Serious Eats found the hum steady but says the dense cubes make a racket when they drop.
- Slow first batch, bulky, no self-cleanMentioned often
Its first batch takes 20-25 minutes (Wirecutter, Serious Eats), it takes more counter space than the bullet picks (Wirecutter), and it lacks a self-cleaning cycle, so it should be drained and wiped by hand weekly (Serious Eats).
What owners love
- Clear, slow-melting cubes
Wirecutter found the ice consistently clear and lasting over an hour in room-temperature water, and sodas stayed bubbly. Amazon owners call the ice restaurant quality.
- Most ice per hour
Serious Eats measured 609 g in an hour, the most in its chart; Wirecutter says each batch is about three times a bullet batch.
- Side drain and easy-break sheet
Serious Eats says it was the only model with a side drain, which made it easy to empty; Wirecutter found its ice sheet the easiest to break into cubes.
Skip it if…- You want ice within 10 minutes
- You have little counter space
- You want a self-cleaning cycle
Good for- Cocktails and fizzy drinks (clear, slow-melting ice)
- Big batches
- Easy draining from the side
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output4.0
Why 4.0?
Slow first batch (21 minutes), but the highest one-hour total at Serious Eats (609 g) and three times a bullet batch per cycle (Wirecutter). - Ice quality5.0
Why 5.0?
Consistently clear, slow-melting cubes that keep soda fizzy (Wirecutter, Serious Eats). - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
A steady white-noise hum, but loud cube drops (Serious Eats); Amazon owners report loud operation. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
The only side drain in Serious Eats' test made draining easy, but there's no self-cleaning cycle; it needs a weekly hand wipe. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon owners report breakdowns after about a year; 26% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for clear cubes: consistently clear ice that breaks apart easily and keeps fizzy drinks bubbly, but batches take 20-25 minutes and the machine is bigger.
- Serious Eats: Best clear ice maker: high-quality ice, high yield and an easy side drain, but a 21-minute first batch, noisy cube drops and no self-cleaning cycle.
#3
GE Profile
$$$NuggetScore 3.5/5
32%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,403 ratings (side-tank listing). The tankless listing B09SBT74HX showed 31% from 445 ratings.The nugget ice that experts like best. It has a self-cleaning cycle and a side tank, but it is big and expensive. About a third of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, and owners complain about units dying within a year and squealing during defrost.
Top complaints
- Stops working within a yearVery common
Amazon's review summary for the side-tank listing says several owners report it breaking within a year. The summary for the tankless listing says some units stop working after two months or fail within 30 days. Wirecutter notes a 1-year parts-and-labor warranty and a 60-day return policy.
- Noisy, with squealing during defrostVery common
Amazon owners describe a terrible squealing sound during defrost, plus noise during cleaning. Serious Eats found it louder than a simple bullet-ice maker, and Good Housekeeping lists 'can be noisy' as a con.
- Expensive, large and heavyVery common
Wirecutter says it typically costs almost five times as much as its bullet-ice picks and takes up as much space as an espresso machine. Serious Eats weighed it at 38 pounds. Amazon owners call it poor value for money.
What owners love
- The best nugget ice in testing
Wirecutter found its nugget ice the most chewable and least clumpy of the three nugget machines it tested. Serious Eats calls its ice the crunchiest and best.
- Self-cleaning cycle and side tank
Serious Eats likes the detachable side tank and the weekly self-cleaning cycle with diluted bleach. Food & Wine (testing the Ultra version) praises the built-in drain and self-cleaning system.
- Insulated bin keeps ice longer
Wirecutter says its double-pane bin holds about 3 pounds and resisted melting better than any other machine it tried.
Skip it if…- You're short on counter space (about espresso-machine size)
- You want a quiet machine
- You can't risk a costly unit failing after a year
Good for- Fans of chewable 'Sonic' nugget ice
- Self-cleaning cycle and a refillable side tank
- Making lots of ice ahead of a party
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output4.0
Why 4.0?
First batch in 9 minutes and 496 g of ice in an hour at Serious Eats. Wirecutter measured about 1.5 lb per hour, and Good Housekeeping just over 1 lb per hour. - Ice quality5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter's highest-quality nugget ice (chewy, not clumped); Serious Eats calls it the crunchiest and best. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
Serious Eats found it noisier than bullet machines, Good Housekeeping says it can be noisy, and Amazon owners report squealing during defrost. Food & Wine (Ultra version) found it quieter than a kettle. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Self-cleaning cycle (Serious Eats) and a built-in drain (Food & Wine). Amazon owners are mixed: some find it easy, others say it needs constant maintenance. - Reliability2.0
Why 2.0?
Wirecutter cites 4.4-4.6 stars in thousands of verified reviews, but the Amazon listing has 32% 1-2 star ratings and owners report failures within a year. The warranty is 1 year.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for nugget ice: the highest-quality nugget ice it tested, with Wi-Fi and a UV light. It is large and costs nearly five times as much as the bullet picks.
- Serious Eats: Best countertop ice maker overall: the crunchiest ice, with a self-cleaning cycle and side tank. It weighs 38 lb, needs a more involved setup, and is noisier than bullet machines.
- Good Housekeeping: Easiest to use (tested the Opal 2.0 Ultra): first ice within 10 minutes and alerts for cleaning; it is the most expensive on the list and can be noisy.
#4
Igloo
$BulletScore 3.1/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)6,905 ratings. The listing was reached through Wirecutter's IGLICEBSC26 buy link, but the Amazon page itself doesn't show a model number.A compact, light bullet maker with the easiest self-cleaning mode Wirecutter tried. Amazon owners frequently report units quitting around six months, and noise opinions are split.
Top complaints
- Breaks after about six monthsVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with many units breaking after 6 months, and that reliability is mixed.
- Too loud for someMentioned often
Amazon's summary says noise gets mixed reviews: some call it relatively quiet, others find it too loud.
- Smaller reservoir, cloudy iceMentioned often
Wirecutter says the smaller reservoir needs refilling a bit more often and that the bullets are cloudy, which makes fizzy drinks go flat faster.
What owners love
- Easy self-cleaning mode
Wirecutter found its self-clean mode the easiest to select and run of the bullet machines, though you still need to clean it by hand regularly.
- Compact and light
It is under a foot tall and 8.5 inches deep, and Wirecutter says it is much easier to carry to the sink to drain than rivals.
- Quick and intuitive
Nine bullets in under 10 minutes with intuitive controls (Wirecutter). Amazon owners call it easy to use and quick.
Skip it if…- You want clear or nugget ice
- You hate refilling (smaller reservoir)
- You need something that lasts years
Good for- Small counters or seasonal storage
- An easy self-clean mode
- Budget bullet ice
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output3.5
Why 3.5?
Same pace as the Magic Chef, 9 bullets in under 10 minutes (Wirecutter); Amazon owners praise its quick production. - Ice quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Neat, decent cloudy bullets (Wirecutter). - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon feedback is split between relatively quiet and too loud. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
The easiest self-clean mode among Wirecutter's bullet machines, and light enough to carry to the sink. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon says many units break after about 6 months; 16% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick: the same capabilities as the Magic Chef in a more compact body, with the easiest self-cleaning mode; it needs slightly more frequent refills.
#5
Magic Chef
$$BulletScore 3.0/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 565 ratings. Wirecutter says it averages about 4.4 stars on Home Depot.The classic bullet-ice machine that Wirecutter and Serious Eats both pick: fast, simple, and easy to return at big-box stores. It has no cleaning cycle and drains from the bottom, so you lift it over the sink.
Top complaints
- Harder to cleanVery common
Serious Eats docked it because it lacks a cleaning cycle and drains from the bottom, so you have to hold it over the sink. Wirecutter notes that, unlike the Igloo, it has no self-cleaning mode.
- Some die earlyMentioned often
Amazon's summary says durability is a concern, with multiple owners reporting it broke within a week or died after a year and a half.
- Small basket, noisy for someMentioned often
Amazon owners give mixed feedback on ice size and noise: some find it relatively quiet, others find it noisy with a small basket. Wirecutter also saw prominent streaks on the stainless finish.
What owners love
- Fast, top-yielding bullet maker
Nine bullets in about eight minutes (Wirecutter). Serious Eats measured the highest bullet-ice yield it tested, 374 g in an hour.
- Simple and runs for hours
Wirecutter calls the controls user-friendly and says the reservoir runs for a few hours between refills. Amazon owners find it easy to use.
- Proven and easy to return
Wirecutter says it has been around long enough to bring few surprises, averages about 4.4 stars at Home Depot, and is easy to return in store.
Skip it if…- You want a self-cleaning mode
- You want clear or nugget ice
- You need ice stored frozen (bin isn't refrigerated)
Good for- Plain drink ice fast
- Simple controls
- Easy in-store returns (Home Depot, Walmart)
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output3.5
Why 3.5?
Fastest first batch (8 minutes) and the top bullet yield at Serious Eats (374 g/hour), though the nugget and clear machines made more ice per hour. - Ice quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Cloudy bullets that melt faster than clear ice but 'get the job done' (Wirecutter). - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners are split between relatively quiet and noisy. - Easy cleaning2.0
Why 2.0?
There is no cleaning cycle, and the bottom drain means lifting it over the sink (Serious Eats, Wirecutter). - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter calls it 'as reliable as these machines can be' (about 4.4 stars at Home Depot), and its Amazon 1-2 star share is a low 12%. Some owners still report early failures.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick: one of many clones, but it stands out for value, availability and customer service. The ice is cloudy, and the finish streaks.
- Serious Eats: Best budget pick: the top-yielding bullet maker, simple and compact. It lost points for cleanup (no cleaning cycle, bottom drain).
#6
EUHOMY
$$NuggetScore 3.3/5
20%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 808 ratings.A light, very simple app-connected nugget maker that Food & Wine says makes ice on par with machines twice the price. The bin and tank are small, it feels cheaply built, and Amazon owners report loud buzzing or units that never make ice.
Top complaints
- Small bin and tankVery common
Food & Wine says you have to refill the tank and empty the very small bin more often. Amazon owners also note the basket doesn't hold much.
- Loud buzzing for someMentioned often
Amazon's summary says noise gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting terrible loud noises and weird buzzing.
- Cheap feel; some units don't make iceMentioned often
Food & Wine says the materials felt a little cheap, raising questions about long-term durability. Some Amazon owners report it doesn't make ice at all.
What owners love
- Ice on par with pricier machines
Food & Wine says it made crunchy, fast-food-style pebble ice on par with machines twice the price.
- Extremely simple to run
One button with colored status lights plus app control; Food & Wine says even total beginners would have no trouble. Amazon owners praise its ease of use and scheduling.
- Light and compact
At under 20 pounds, it was the lightest nugget maker Food & Wine tested.
Skip it if…- You need lots of ice at once (1.6 lb bin)
- You hate frequent refills
- Long-term durability matters most
Good for- Nugget ice on a smaller budget
- Small kitchens, dorms or offices
- One-button simplicity plus app scheduling
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners say it produces ice within 10 minutes, and Food & Wine found it on par with pricier machines; the small bin and tank limit how much you get between refills. - Ice quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Food & Wine: crunchy pebbles reminiscent of fast-food ice. Amazon feedback on ice quality is mixed. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners are split: some say it's quiet, others report loud noises and buzzing. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Food & Wine says the materials felt a little cheap; some Amazon owners say it doesn't make ice; 20% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Food & Wine: Best value nugget ice maker: beginner-friendly, with ice on par with machines twice the price. The bin and tank are small, and the materials felt a little cheap.
#7
Silonn
$BulletScore 2.8/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing shows the same 31,571 ratings as Silonn's nugget ice maker (B0C9SWH3RC, model SLIM17), so ratings are pooled across bullet and nugget models. No 'Customers say' summary was shown.One of Amazon's best-selling bullet makers, with two cube sizes and a self-clean function. Serious Eats found it middling at every task, and its bottom drain means lifting it over the sink.
Top complaints
- Middling performanceMentioned often
Serious Eats says it was middling at all tasks: first ice in eight minutes, but only 301 g of ice after an hour.
- Bottom drain is awkwardMentioned often
Serious Eats says the drain is on the bottom, so you must pick it up and hold it over the sink to empty it before cleaning.
What owners love
- Fast batches
First batch in 8 minutes, tying the fastest at Serious Eats; Food & Wine calls it one of the fastest ice makers it tested.
- Two cube sizes, self-clean
Food & Wine highlights two bullet sizes, simple one-button controls with indicator lights, a handle and a self-cleaning function.
- Easy to set up
Serious Eats found it easy to set up.
Skip it if…- You want the best ice per hour
- You want an easy-drain design
- You want nugget or clear ice
Good for- A cheap, very popular bullet maker
- Choosing between two cube sizes
- Fast first batches
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output3.0
Why 3.0?
First ice in 8 minutes, but 301 g after an hour, below the Magic Chef's 374 g (Serious Eats). Food & Wine calls it one of the fastest it tested. - Ice quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Standard cloudy bullets in two sizes; Food & Wine likes the large cylindrical cubes. - Easy cleaning2.5
Why 2.5?
Has a self-cleaning function (Food & Wine), but the bottom drain means lifting the machine (Serious Eats).
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Not a pick: easy to set up and quick to start, but middling at everything, with a bottom drain.
- Food & Wine (Silonn deal article): Deal post calling it 'one of our tested favorites': fast, compact and quiet, with two cube sizes and a self-clean function ($110 list).
#8
EUHOMY
$BulletScore 2.7/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)16,638 ratings, probably pooled across color variants; the Amazon page doesn't show the IM-06D-HM model number (taken from Serious Eats).Serious Eats' pick under $100: quick to make a first batch and fine for one or two people. It doesn't make much ice at once, doesn't feel well made, and Amazon owners report it dying after a few months and cubes that melt and stick together.
Top complaints
- Stops working after a few monthsVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is a concern because the machine stops working after a few months. Serious Eats says it doesn't feel particularly well made.
- Cubes melt fast and freeze togetherMentioned often
Amazon's summary says melting is a problem: cubes melt quickly and freeze together. Some owners also find the cubes too small.
- Small output; drain underneathMentioned often
Serious Eats says it doesn't make a lot of ice at once. The drain is underneath, so you have to lift the machine to empty it.
What owners love
- Quick first ice
Serious Eats says it makes ice in a couple of minutes; Amazon owners say it performs well and makes ice quickly.
- Handle and color choices
Serious Eats likes the carry handle and the range of colors.
- Low price
Serious Eats' best ice maker under $100.
Skip it if…- You host parties
- You want ice that lasts in the basket
- You want an easy-drain design
Good for- Households of one or two
- Tight budgets
- Carrying it around (handle)
Scores (tap for why)
- Ice speed & output3.0
Why 3.0?
Makes a first batch in a couple of minutes, but not much ice at once (Serious Eats, about 0.81 lb/hour listed). Amazon feedback on speed is mixed. - Ice quality2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon owners say the cubes melt quickly, freeze together and can be small. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners are split between super quiet and kind of loud. - Easy cleaning2.5
Why 2.5?
Bottom drain that requires lifting the machine (Serious Eats); the listing advertises auto-cleaning (a maker claim). - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Serious Eats says it doesn't feel well made, and Amazon owners report failures after a few months, though the 1-2 star share is a moderate 14%.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best ice maker under $100: fine for one or two people, but small output, not especially well made, and a bottom drain.