Basics and Buying Guides
Do Countertop Ice Makers Use a Lot of Water?
Do ice makers use a lot of water? Countertop models use about 2 to 3 quarts per pound of ice, and recirculating systems waste far less than you'd think.
Which countertop ice maker belongs on your counter?
We compare nugget, bullet and clear ice makers by daily output, noise and upkeep. Start with the kind of ice you want, a head-to-head matchup or a cleaning question.
Latest guides
Bullet, Mini and Clear Ice MakersHow Long Does a Countertop Ice Maker Take to Make Ice?
How long does an ice maker take to make ice? Most countertop models drop their first cubes in 6 to 15 minutes and make 26 to 33 lb per day.
Cleaning, Descaling and FixesHow Often Should You Clean a Countertop Ice Maker?
How often should ice makers be cleaned? Learn a practical routine for a countertop ice maker, from weekly rinses to monthly descaling and deep cleans.
Bullet, Mini and Clear Ice MakersBest Countertop Ice Makers for an Office
The best countertop ice maker for office use balances a small footprint with quiet running. Compare nine machines for break rooms and shared desks.
Nugget and Pebble Ice MakersBest Nugget Ice Maker That Keeps Ice Frozen
The best nugget ice maker that keeps ice frozen pairs fast production with real insulation. Compare nine models by bin size, storage and noise.
Bullet, Mini and Clear Ice MakersHow Does a Portable Ice Maker Work?
How does a portable ice maker work? It pulls water from a tank, freezes it on a cold plate, drops the cubes, and repeats. Here's the full cycle.
- Basics and Buying Guides
What Size Ice Maker Do I Need?
What size ice maker do I need? Match daily ice output to your household, then check basket size, water tank, counter space and power before you buy.
Bullet, Mini and Clear Ice MakersEcozy Ice Maker Review: Countertop Bullet Ice
Ecozy ice maker review: how the small bullet ice maker's 26 lb output, timer and cleaning cycle suit daily drinks, plus the nugget alternatives worth a look.
Head to HeadGravity Drain vs Pump Ice Makers: What Is the Difference?
Ice maker gravity drain vs pump: how each drains water, where you can install it and which under counter ice maker suits your space and drain setup.