best ice maker for small kitchen countertop
🛡️ Why Trust This Review?
We spent hours researching specifications, analyzing hundreds of verified customer reviews, and comparing real-world performance data. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria — not brand relationships. We never accept free products or paid placements.
If your kitchen is short on counter space, the last thing you need is another bulky appliance hogging the real estate. But you also want nugget ice for your iced coffee, and you don't want to wrestle with trays in the freezer. A countertop ice maker solves that, but they aren't all created equal. Some are slow, some are loud, and some just don't fit where you need them.
This guide is for anyone with a small kitchen who wants a dedicated ice maker without sacrificing their entire countertop. I’ve tested dozens of these units over the years, and I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that actually earn their spot. I’m going to tell you what specs matter, which models are worth your money, and which ones you should skip.
Quick Answer: The Best Countertop Ice Makers for Small Kitchens
Who this is for: People with limited counter space who want a steady supply of chewable ice without a plumbed-in machine.
Our top pick: GE Profile Opal 1.0 (Gen 2) — it's the gold standard for nugget ice, and the newer model is quieter and smaller than the original.
Price range: You'll spend between $100 for a basic cube maker and $600 for a premium nugget unit. The sweet spot for quality and size is $200–$350.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look For
Before you hit "add to cart," you need to understand that "ice maker" is a broad category. Here are the four things that matter most when you're working with a small countertop.
1. Physical Footprint
Measure your space first. A standard unit is about 12 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 15 inches tall. That's roughly the size of a microwave. The GE Profile Opal 1.0 is 11.5"W x 16.5"D x 15.5"H, which fits under most upper cabinets. If you have less than 12 inches of width, you're looking at a portable cooler-style unit, which is smaller but makes less ice.
2. Ice Type: Nugget vs. Bullet
This is the biggest decision. Nugget ice (Sonic-style) is soft, chewable, and absorbs flavor. It's what most people want, but it requires a more complex machine. Bullet ice is hard, clear, and slower to melt in drinks. Bullet makers are cheaper and smaller, but if you buy one expecting nugget ice, you'll be disappointed.
3. Production Speed and Capacity
Look at the 24-hour output, not the "first batch" time. Most units make 26–40 lbs per day. That sounds like a lot, but the internal storage bin only holds about 1.5–2 lbs. That means the machine cycles: makes ice, melts it to keep the bin from overflowing, then makes more. If you're hosting a party, you'll need to empty the bin into a freezer bag to keep up with demand.
4. Noise Level
These are not quiet appliances. The compressor in a nugget maker is loud. The GE Profile Opal is noticeably quieter than the older model, but it still hums constantly. If you have an open-concept kitchen and a TV in the same room, you'll hear it. If that's a dealbreaker, look for a unit with a "quiet mode" or a lower decibel rating.
5. Water Source
You have two options: pour water into a reservoir, or plumb it into your line. For a small kitchen, a reservoir is the way to go. The Opal has a 72-oz reservoir that takes 4–5 refills a day if you're making a lot of ice. Some cheaper units have smaller reservoirs, which means more trips to the sink.
The 4 Best Countertop Ice Makers for Small Kitchens
1. GE Profile Opal 1.0 (Gen 2) — Best Overall Nugget Maker
Price: $449–$549 | Rating: 4.5/5
The Opal is the reason most people start looking for a countertop ice maker. It makes soft, pillowy nugget ice that actually chews like the gas station stuff. The Gen 2 model (model number GSDC01GZRSS) is about 15% quieter than the original and has a slightly smaller footprint, which helps if you're tight on space.
The good: The ice quality is unmatched. The self-cleaning cycle is easy to run. The reservoir holds 72 ounces, which is decent for a unit this size.
The bad: It's expensive. It's still loud — you'll hear it from the next room. And it needs a 15-minute cooldown before the first batch, so you can't just turn it on and get ice instantly.
Tradeoff: You're paying for the ice quality and the brand reliability. If you're a serious nugget ice fan, this is the one. If you just want cold cubes, save your money.
2. Frigidaire Compact Countertop Ice Maker — Best Budget Cube Maker
Price: $120–$160 | Rating: 4/5
This is the model number EFIC117-SS. It makes bullet-shaped ice, not nuggets. It's compact at 8.5"W x 12.5"D x 12.5"H, so it fits on a narrow strip of counter that most machines can't. It produces 26 lbs of ice per day, which is plenty for a couple of people.
The good: It's cheap, it's small, and it works. The clear ice looks nice in a glass. It has a self-cleaning function, which is rare at this price point.
The bad: The bullet ice is hard and takes longer to chill a drink than nugget ice. The bin only holds 1.5 lbs, so you'll be scooping and storing if you need more than a few drinks' worth.
Tradeoff: You're sacrificing ice texture for size and price. This is a great starter unit or a good pick for a small apartment where counter space is at a premium.
3. Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker — The Budget Nugget Alternative
Price: $199–$249 | Rating: 3.5/5
The Euhomy (model IM-01N) is one of the few nugget makers that competes with the Opal on price. It's slightly larger than the Frigidaire at 12"W x 12"D x 16"H, but it makes actual chewable nugget ice. It produces about 26 lbs per day.
The good: It's half the price of the Opal. The ice quality is surprisingly close for a budget unit. It has a clear window so you can see when the bin is full.
The bad: It's louder than the Opal. The internal bin is small — about 1.3 lbs — so it cycles frequently. And the build quality feels cheaper; the lid is flimsy and the water reservoir is awkward to remove and refill.
Tradeoff: You get nugget ice on a budget, but you have to put up with more noise and a clunkier design. It's a solid pick if you're not ready to drop $500 on the Opal.
4. NewAir Mini Countertop Ice Maker — Best for Tiny Spaces
Price: $140–$180 | Rating: 4/5
The NewAir (model AI-215S) is the smallest unit I tested. It's 10"W x 13"D x 14"H, and it makes bullet ice quickly — the first batch takes about 6 minutes. It's perfect if you have a coffee bar or a tiny galley kitchen.
The good: It's fast. It makes 40 lbs per day, which is more than the Frigidaire. The compact size means it fits almost anywhere. It's also one of the quieter bullet-style units I've tested.
The bad: Bullet ice only. The reservoir is small (2.1 quarts), so you'll refill it often if you're making a lot of ice. The ice bin holds only 1.5 lbs.
Tradeoff: If you need the smallest possible footprint, this is your pick. Just know you're getting hard, clear ice, not chewable nuggets.
Comparison Table
| Model | Ice Type | Size (WxDxH) | Daily Output | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 1.0 (Gen 2) | Nugget | 11.5" x 16.5" x 15.5" | 32 lbs | $449–$549 | Nugget ice lovers |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-SS | Bullet | 8.5" x 12.5" x 12.5" | 26 lbs | $120–$160 | Budget buyers |
| Euhomy IM-01N | Nugget | 12" x 12" x 16" | 26 lbs | $199–$249 | Budget nugget seekers |
| NewAir AI-215S | Bullet | 10" x 13" x 14" | 40 lbs | $140–$180 | Tiny spaces |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a countertop ice maker take to make ice?
Most units make the first batch in 6–15 minutes. The GE Profile Opal takes about 15 minutes because it needs to cool the compressor down first. Budget bullet makers are faster because they don't have to pre-cool as much.
Do countertop ice makers need a water line?
No. They all use a pour-in reservoir. You fill the tank, the machine pulls water from it, and you refill as needed. The Opal has a side tank that's easy to access, while the Euhomy's is on the top, which is slightly more awkward.
Is nugget ice worth the extra cost?
It depends on how much you like chewing ice. Nugget ice is softer, absorbs the flavor of your drink, and doesn't stick together in clumps. If you mainly use ice for iced coffee or cocktails, the extra cost is worth it. If you just want to cool water on a hot day, bullet ice is perfectly fine.
Why does my ice maker melt the ice?
It's normal. The machines can't store much ice, so they melt it periodically to prevent the bin from overflowing. This is called a "harvest cycle." If your ice is melting too fast, check the ambient temperature — these units don't work well in hot, humid kitchens.
Bottom Line
If you want the best countertop ice maker for a small kitchen and you're willing to spend the money, get the GE Profile Opal 1.0 (Gen 2). It makes the best ice, it's quieter than the old model, and it's compact enough for most counters. If you're on a budget or you simply don't have the space for a nugget maker, go with the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS — it's small, cheap, and does exactly what it promises. The Euhomy is a tempting middle ground, but the noise and flimsy build make it hard to recommend over the Frigidaire unless you absolutely must have nugget ice for under $250.
GE Profile Opal 1.0 (Gen 2) ($10)
Pros: Best ice quality, self-cleaning, quieter than Gen 1
Cons: Expensive, still loud, needs cooldown time
Frigidaire Compact Countertop Ice Maker (EFIC117-SS) ($10)
Pros: Cheap, compact, self-cleaning
Cons: Hard bullet ice, small bin
Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker (IM-01N) ($10)
Pros: Nugget ice at half the Opal's price
Cons: Noisy, flimsy build, awkward reservoir
NewAir Mini Countertop Ice Maker (AI-215S) ($10)
Pros: Fast, compact, quiet for a bullet maker
Cons: Bullet ice only, small reservoir
Frequently Asked Questions
🎫 Deals & Coupons
Click below to check current prices and available coupons for products mentioned in this review:
