Hot Weather Heroes: Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Countertop Ice Maker

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Despite the unseasonable weather we’re experiencing, we’ve still got our eye on “cool” home and health products. We’ve recently covered portable air conditioners, handheld mini fans, and the ‘chill’ Stanley tumblers (still currently on sale for Labor Day).

It’s through personal recommendation that we’re highlighting this useful countertop ice making appliance. Whether it’s for a garage workshop or dorm room, these handy little machines will keep you stocked up with ice cubes for cold beverages, lunch boxes or even filling up a portable cooler for that perfect summer outdoor picnic.

We have a similar countertop ice maker at the barn, and it’s proven handy in hot, humid summer temperatures. The ice cubes fit perfectly in my water bottle, and I’ve used it to keep food chilled in my horseshow-proven Hydro Flask insulated lunch box.

There are, however, a few tips and tricks to get the most out of your countertop ice makers. So before you splurge, here’s everything you need to know, such as the best room temperature for the unit, water types, cleaning tips and a few best selling countertop ice maker options.

Tips And Tricks: How To Take Care Of Your Countertop Ice Maker

If you currently make do with a mini fridge or you’re planning to entertain a group of guests for the weekend, a countertop ice maker could be just the ticket. To get the most out of your ice maker and take care of it properly to extend its shelf life, here are a few tips and tricks.

1. Temperature Matters

Portable ice makers can come with a lightly insulated storage bin, but it does not function like a freezer. The ice will be prone to melt, especially in higher temperatures. It’s suggested that your ambient room temperature should be between 50 to 80 degrees.

Important: Ice should be removed (used or saved) to avoid melting in the ice cube collection reservoir. Sitting water can melt the new ice and cause mold.

2. Filtered Water Versus Tap

Just like with a humidifier, it’s important to use the proper water type to avoid build up of minerals.

Important: Use distilled or filtered water to keep your ice cubes clear. Tap water may contain water pollutants, and could cause the ice cubes to have a bad odor or flavor.

If you don’t have access to a water filter or distilled water, you may also consider using boiled water according to one source. If you notice cloudy, yellow or soft ice cubes, it’s time for a thorough cleaning and a water swap.

3. Ice Shapes

Portable ice makers can create ice in a variety of shapes and sizes, so depending on your preference, you may see the following:

• Bullet
• Nugget
• Cube or half cube
• Crescent

4. How To Clean Your Portable Ice Maker

One source suggests you don’t have to deep clean your countertop ice maker every day, but it should be regularly cleaned to avoid unusual tastes, odors and cloudy ice, which are signs your ice maker needs to be sanitized.

Steps to clean your portable ice maker:

1. Fill the water reservoir with a white vinegar and warm water solution (a one-to-ten ratio) or other cleaning solution. Let the solution run through the machine and form into ice.
2. Discard ice with the cleaning solution.
3. Soak waterproof parts in a soapy water or white vinegar solution for additional cleaning.
4. Clean the interior and exterior, especially if there’s any noticeable mineral buildup or mold. You can use a soft cloth or even toothbrush to scrub those hard-to-reach areas.
5. Rinse the machine and parts with clean water.
6. Dry completely with soft cloth to avoid tainting the water reservoir.
7. Run at least one or two clean water cycles before using the new ice.

Top Selling Countertop Ice Maker Machines

Now that you know how they work, if you’re in the market for a portable ice maker, here are some of the best selling on the market today. We selected the products below based on functionality, size, user reviews and average price point.

1. EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle

Price: $64.84 at Walmart; starting at $71,24, was $89.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.3-stars; 13,800+ company ratings on Amazon

Ice Shape: Bullet | Amount (24 hours): 26 lbs. | Weight: 15.3 lbs.

Features:

• Creates 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes, according to company
• Holds 1.2-liter water tank
• Self-cleaning function and indicator alerts for low water levels
• Transparent lid
• Comes with: Ice maker, ice scoop, ice basket and instruction manual

The EUHOMY ice maker is one of the best sellers on Amazon, with 4.3 stars and over 13,000 company ratings. It’s available in eight color options. Most customers found solid performance for such a reasonable price point, making ice quickly with a well-sized basket capacity. Straightforward and easy to use rounded out some of the top reviews, with many calling it a “great little machine” and “solid ice maker.”

We use this portable ice maker at the barn, and it’s quiet, durable and user friendly. It churns out new ice quickly and because it’s in an air conditioned tack room, it doesn’t melt immediately. Simply scoop a few ice cubes into your cup, or you can use it to keep certain food containers chilled, like yogurt, cheese or fruit.

For complaints, some felt it was not designed for longevity (working weeks or months), and others found it noisy. Customer service was found to be lacking, while others noted the ice seemed to melt too quickly.

2. Frigidaire Portable Compact Ice Making Machine

Rating: 4.4-stars; 9,300+ company ratings on Amazon

Ice Shape: Bullet | Amount (24 hours): 26 lbs. | Weight: Not stated

Features:

• Creates 9 ice cubes in 7 minutes, according to company
• 2 sizes bullet ice
• 2.3 qt. water tank and 1.5 lb. ice basket
• Digital control panel
• Transparent lid
• Comes with: Ice maker, ice scoop and ice basket

I appreciate a good Frigidaire product since I’ve found success with their appliances in the past, including portable and window unit air conditioners. This countertop ice machine from Frigidaire has 4.4 stars and over 9,000 company ratings on Amazon, with many saying it produces a large amount of ice cubes quickly and efficiently. Many others noted it has quite a large ice basket capacity size.

One reviewer said they purchased it because their refrigerator wasn’t making ice fast enough, and mentioned that “it's one of the best purchases I've made this year.”

Similar complaints plagued this ice maker, with some noting it didn’t seem to last very long and customer support left a lot to be desired.

3. GoveeLife Portable Ice Machine with Voice Control

Price: $135.99, was $179.99 at Amazon; $134.99 at Govee

Rating: 4.3-stars; 800+ company ratings on Amazon

Ice Shape: Bullet (3 sizes) | Amount (24 hours): 26 lbs | Weight: 16.8 lbs.

Features:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
• Creates 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes, according to company
• 2L water tank and 1.5 lb. ice basket
• Self-cleaning function
• 3 cube sizes (small, medium and large)
• Timer scheduling via app
• Comes with: Ice maker, ice scoop, ice basket and instruction manual

If you want to step up your game and make it as “smart” as the rest of your appliances, check out the Govee smart ice maker. You can control many of its features through an app, and it comes with a cube size selector in case you want small, medium or large ice cubes to fill your water bottle or cooler.

Customers largely note it seems to be built with some quality, and “drops ice fast.” Both the product description and reviewers noted it can come out wet because of how it’s heated to detach from the metal ice shaping pieces.

For complaints, some noted the machine is quite noisy, and questionable longevity. Others felt like the ice melted too quickly.

4. Nugget Countertop Ice Maker

Price: $169.99, was $199.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.4-stars; 4,000+ company ratings on Amazon

Ice Shape: Nugget | Amount (24 hours): 35 lbs. | Weight: 20 lbs.

Features:

• Creates ice cubes in just 7 minutes, according to company
• 1.1L water tank
• Self-cleaning function
• 43 dB operating noise
• Bottom water drainage hole
• Comes with: Ice maker, ice scoop and ice basket

The Nugget Ice Maker from Crzoe offers a different ice cube shape than the other products on our list, perfect for those specialty drinks and if you like crunchy yet soft ice texture. Many reviewers say they “love” the ice machine, calling it practical and that it makes ice quickly and efficiently. Others say it “works great”, “runs well” and “works as described.”

It may be a little noisy compared to some other products on the list, and some felt the ice can melt quickly. Similar to other countertop ice makers, others questioned the longevity of the unit.

More Reviews From Atmosphere

If you’re looking for more home product inspiration, be sure to check out a few of our other in-depth review guides and summer deals. From air quality control to pet hair removers, we’ve got you covered on all of your home and health essentials.

• A Beginner's Guide To Air Purifiers
• Summer Shedding? Here Are The Best Pet Hair Removers
• Best Vitamin C Serums of 2025: Tested And Reviewed
• Dehumidifier Guide: How They Work And Our Top Picks

Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publish.