Ever get tired of that weird freezer taste in your drinks? Or maybe you’ve just had enough of refilling clunky ice trays. That’s where a self cleaning countertop ice maker comes in as a total game-changer. It promises fresh, clear ice on demand without the usual maintence hassles. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?
Well, we put one of these popular machines through its paces. In this review, we’ll break down if it really lives up to the hype. We’ll cover everything from ice quality and speed to how that self-cleaning feature actually works in real life. Let’s see if it’s worth a spot on your kitchen counter.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Self Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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ICEMAN Dual-Size Ice Maker Countertop – Portable Ice Machine,…
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9.9 |
Read Review |
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Iceman Pebble Ice Machine, Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Produces…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL with 1 Gallon Tank,…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Typhur Fast Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Self-Cleaning Pump,…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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ecozy Ice Makers Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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WETIE Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Bullet Ice Cubes in…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Totnz Boost Ice Maker with 2.5L Expanding Ice Basket…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker | Portable Bullet…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Midea MERI26B1AGY Countertop Bullet-Ice Maker, 8 Ice Bullets Ready…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Self Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker
ICEMAN Dual-Size Ice Maker Countertop – Portable Ice Machine, Large and Small Ice Machine Maker with Self Cleaning, 9 Cubes in 7 Mins, 22lbs/24hrs, for Home, Kitchen, Office, Party, Ice Scoop Included
The Chefman ICEMAN Dual-Size Ice Maker Countertop is a portable appliance designed to solve a common household problem: running out of ice. It’s a dedicated machine that produces ice seperately from your freezer, offering speed, convenience, and flexibility for your daily drinks or social gatherings. Lets talk about speed first. This unit can produce up to 9 pieces of round, bullet-style ice in just 7 minutes, which is significantly faster than waiting for a traditional freezer tray to freeze.
It can make up to 22 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. This means you can quickly replenish your ice bucket during a party or simply ensure you have a fresh supply for your afternoon iced coffee without any advance planning. One of it’s standout features is the dual-size option. You can choose between large or small ice cubes, allowing you to match the ice to your drink.
A large cube might be perfect for keeping a whiskey on the rocks chilled without over-diluting, while the smaller size is ideal for quickly cooling down a tall glass of lemonade or soda. Operation is straightforward thanks to an intuitive LED display. This panel clearly shows your selected ice size, alerts you when the ice basket is full, warns you about low water levels, and indicates the status of the cleaning cycle. Maintenance is simplified with an effortless self-cleaning function.
This helps keep the internal components free from mineral build-up and ensures the ice you make is hygienic, all at the press of a button. The design is compact and countertop-friendly. It fits easily on a kitchen counter, bar cart, or in an office breakroom without taking up to much space. Despite its small footprint, it holds a respectable 0.88 pounds of ice in its storage basket.
Iceman Pebble Ice Machine, Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Produces Chewable Pellet Ice in 20 Minutes, Makes 33lbs/Day, with One-Touch Cleaning Function and Ice Scoop/Basket Included – Stainless Steel
The Iceman Pebble Ice Machine (RJ56-PB18-SS) is a countertop appliance designed to produce a specific and popular type of ice on demand. If you’re a fan of that soft, chewable, pebble ice often found in restaurants and hospitals, this machine is built to replicate that experience at home without requiring a large, built-in unit. It focuses on convenience, speed, and freeing up valuable freezer space, all within a compact stainless steel frame that fits in most kitchens.
Lets talk about the ice itself. This maker produces what’s known as nugget or pellet ice. These are small, porous pieces that cool drinks incredibly quickly because of their greater surface area. They’re also softer than traditional cubes, making them perfect for blended beverages, sodas, cocktails, and yes, for chewing. If you find yourself always fishing for the last bits of ice at the bottom of your cup, this feature alone might be the main appeal.
The machine can start producing its first batch of this ice in about 20 minutes and has a daily output of up to 33 pounds, with a storage basket that holds 2.4 pounds at a time. This makes it suitable for a family, a home office, or entertaining a few guests. Operation is straightforward. You fill the internal water reservoir, press a button, and the machine gets to work.
A clear control panel with LED indicator lights keeps you informed of the status—whether it’s in ice-making mode, if the basket is full, or if it needs a water refill. This removes the guesswork and lets you manage it with just a glance. One of the more significant convenience features is the built-in, one-touch cleaning function. Over time, mineral buildup can affect any ice maker’s performance and taste.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL with 1 Gallon Tank, Chewable Crunchable Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, Scoop included, 38 lbs in 24 hours, Pellet Ice Machine with WiFi & Smart Connected, Stainless Steel
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL with 1 Gallon Tank is a countertop nugget ice maker designed for those who prefer a specific, popular type of ice. It produces what many call “the good ice”—soft, chewable nuggets that are diffrent from hard, traditional cubes. This ice is made from compacted flakes, which gives it that unique, crunchable texture that absorbs flavor rather than diluting your drink.
If you’ve enjoyed this style of ice before, you’ll know its a game-changer for beverages from sodas and iced coffee to a simple glass of water. A key feature of this model is its integrated 1-gallon water tank. This eliminates the need for a direct plumbing connection, offering significant placement flexibility in your kitchen, home bar, or office. You can produce ice anywhere there’s an outlet.
The tank is easily removable for filling at the sink and for routine cleaning, which helps maintain ice quality. With this tank, the machine can produce up to three times more ice between refills compared to models with smaller reservoirs, supporting its high output. Speaking of output, the Opal 2.0 XL is built for constant supply. It can create your first batch in about 10 minutes and generates up to 38 pounds of nugget ice over 24 hours, or roughly 1.6 pounds per hour.
The unit includes a storage drawer that holds up to 3 pounds of ice at a time, keeping it ready for you to scoop. The included scoop makes serving easy, and the stainless steel finish offers a clean, modern look that fits with most appliances. This ice maker incorporates smart technology via built-in WiFi.
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click Operation Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, 33lbs/24H, Stainless Steel
The Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is designed for anyone who appreciates the specific texture and cooling power of soft, chewable ice. This isn’t your standard hard cube or flaky ice; it produces that classic nugget or pebble ice known for its enjoyable chew and rapid chilling capabilities. If your household goes through a lot of ice for daily drinks or you frequently host friends and family, this machine’s capacity is a key point to consider.
It can create up to 33 pounds of ice over a 24-hour period, which translates to roughly 48 standard cups. That means you can keep pitchers of iced tea, lemonade, or cold brew coffee well-stocked without constantly running to the store for bagged ice, and it’s also handy for keeping salad bars or serving dishes chilled during parties. One of the most appealing aspects of this model is it’s straightforward operation.
With clearly labeled buttons and status lights on the front panel, you can see what’s happening—whether it’s making ice, full, or needs water—from across the room. A single click starts the ice-making cycle, and in about six minutes, you’ll have your first batch of fresh pebble ice. This speed is perfect for when you suddenly realize your drink is missing that critical element or when guest arrive unexpectedly.
The ice itself is the star: its softer texture is gentler on your teeth, and its increased surface area compared to a solid cube means it cools your beverage down faster without instantly watering it down. Maintenance is often the hidden chore with any appliance, but Silonn has incorporated features to simplify this. The unit has a self-cleaning function that helps reduce mineral buildup and keeps the internals fresher with less effort on your part.
Typhur Fast Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Self-Cleaning Pump, 35lbs/24H Crushed Pebble Ice Machine with Pellet Ice, 8 Packs Cleaner, Dual Ice Scoops for Home, Kitchen, Party, RV, Stainless Steel
The Typhur Fast Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is designed for anyone who appreciates the unique texture of soft, chewable ice. This isn’t your standard hard cube; it produces that sought-after pebble or pellet ice known for its airy, crunchy consistency that chills drinks quickly without watering them down to fast. It’s perfect for sodas, iced coffee, cocktails, or just enjoying by the handful. A key advantage of this machine is its speed and capacity.
It can produce up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice in a 24-hour period, making it ready for parties, family gatherings, or daily use. The integrated 1.5-liter water tank and a removable ice basket that holds 2.6 pounds of ice means you spend less time refilling and more time enjoying your chilled beverages. Its compact footprint, at roughly 12 inches wide by 9 inches deep, allows it to tuck neatly onto a kitchen counter, in an RV, or in a apartment without dominating the space.
Plus, it operates at a quiet 50 dB, so it won’t disrupt your conversations or movie nights. Maintenance is simplified with the one-touch self-cleaning function. By pressing the “Clean” button, the machine initiates a 7-minute automatic cycle where a high-pressure pump flushes the ice-making path to help ensure your ice stays fresh and the system runs smoothly. The package includes 8 packs of dedicated cleaner and descaler, giving you a long-term supply for easy, worry-free upkeep.
An intuitive LED display clearly communicates the machine’s status, letting you know when to add water, when it’s making ice, or when the basket is full. The design features a brushed stainless-steel finish that offers a modern, durable look for your kitchen. It also comes with dual ice scoops for convenience. It’s important to note that for the best ice quality, using filtered or distilled water is recommended, as water with high mineral content or impurities can affect the ice’s texture.
ecozy Ice Makers Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV
The ecosy Ice Makers Countertop is a portable ice machine designed to put a steady supply of ice at your fingertips, wherever you need it. It’s built for convenience, starting with its impressive speed. You can have a batch of nine bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in just six minutes, which is perfect for when guests arrive unexpectedly or you simply want a cold drink without the wait.
Over a full day, it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice, ensuring you have enough for a gathering or just to keep your cooler stocked for the week.
Flexibility is a key part of its design. The machine offers two different ice cube sizes. You can choose the smaller size for faster cooling in sodas, smoothies, or iced coffee, where quick chilling is the priority.
The larger size is ideal for drinks where you want the ice to melt slowly, like in a glass of whiskey or iced tea, keeping your beverage cold without becoming diluted too quickly. This simple choice lets you customize your ice based on what your drinking.
Maintenance is often the biggest hassle with any appliance, but ecosy aims to simplify it. The unit features a one-touch self-cleaning function.
This means you can help keep the internal components free of mineral buildup and ensure your ice tastes fresh with minimal effort on your part. When combined with the easy-drain plug and the included ice scoop and basket, the overall upkeep is straightforward, letting you spend less time on chores and more time enjoying your cold drinks.
We know noisy appliances can be disruptive, so this ice maker operates with a whisper-quiet compressor.
WETIE Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Bullet Ice Cubes in 6 Minutes, 26lbs/24Hrs with 2 Sizes, Portable Ice Machine with Basket, Scoop and Ice Pack, Compact ice Maker for Home, Kitchen, Camping, Party
The WETIE Ice Maker Countertop is designed to be a reliable source of ice right at your fingertips. If you find yourself constantly needing ice for drinks, parties, or keeping things chilled, this compact machine aims to simplify that process. It’s built for speed and convenience, producing its first batch of 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in about 6 minutes.
With a daily output of up to 26 pounds, it can keep up with the demands of a busy kitchen, a weekend gathering, or even a camping trip, ensuring you’re rarely without ice.
One of the key features of this model is its ability to make two different sizes of ice. You can choose small cubes for quickly cooling down a glass of soda or juice, or opt for larger cubes that melt slower, which are perfect for chilling a bucket of beers or keeping seafood fresh on ice.
This flexibility means you can tailor the ice to your specific need, whether your hosting a party or just want a cold drink after work. The machine stores the ice it makes in a built-in basket, and the package includes a scoop and ice packs for added convenience.
Maintenance is straightforward, which is a big plus for any appliance. The unit has a self-cleaning function; you simply press and hold the power button for a few seconds after adding water to initiate the cycle.
This helps keep the interior clean and ensures the ice taste fresh. An upgraded flip-lid design opens fully, giving you easy access to the evaporator for a more thorough wipe-down when needed. Remember, using purer water can improve ice quality and reduce mineral buildup over time.
Portability and ease of use are central to its design. It operates with a simple one-touch button to start the ice-making cycle.
Totnz Boost Ice Maker with 2.5L Expanding Ice Basket & 1.8L Water Tank, 9 Bullet Ice Cubes in 6 Mins, Ice Maker Countertop with LED Touch Control Self-Cleaning, Ice Machine 2 Ice Sizes
The Totnz Boost Ice Maker is designed for anyone who needs a reliable, high-volume supply of ice without the hassle of a traditional freezer tray or a bulky, installed machine. It’s a compact countertop unit that prioritizes speed, capacity, and convenience, making it a practical solution for home kitchens, small offices, RVs, or entertaining.
At its core, this machine is about saving you time and effort.
It produces its first batch of 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes, which is notably faster than many comparable models. Over a full day, it can generate up to 26 pounds of ice, ensuring you’re rarely caught short. You have a choice between two ice cube sizes—a smaller option for keeping drinks cold without over-diluting and a larger size for slower melting in mixed drinks or water glasses.
This flexibility means it adapts to whether your hosting a party or just need ice for your daily hydration.
Where the Totnz Boost really stands out is in its thoughtful design for continuous use. It features a large 1.8-liter water tank. This size means you’ll be refilling it about half as often as you would with many other portable ice makers, which is a significant convenience when you have guests or are using it in a busy setting. Even more impressive is the expanding ice basket.
Unlike fixed baskets that force you to empty the ice to continue production, this spring-loaded basket holds up to 2.5 liters (about 9 cups) of ice—effectively double the capacity of many standard machines. The unit intelligently pauses ice production when the basket is full and automatically resumes when space is available, maintaining a ready supply around the clock without constant monitoring.
Operation is straightforward thanks to a clear LED touch control panel.
NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker | Portable Bullet Ice Machine | 12 Cubes in 7 Minutes, 3 Ice Sizes | Stainless Steel, Self-Cleaning, BPA-Free
The NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker is a powerful portable appliance designed to put you in control of your ice supply. Forget running to the store for bags or waiting hours for a traditional freezer tray. This compact stainless steel unit sits neatly on your kitchen counter, office breakroom cart, or RV galley, producing a substantial amount of ice quickly and efficiently.
It’s built for situations where you need reliable ice on demand, whether for daily hydration, a busy shift, or hosting friends. One of it’s standout features is its impressive speed. You can have your first batch of 12 bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in about 7 minutes. Over a full day, it can produce up to 50 pounds of ice, ensuring you’re well-stocked for parties, sports coolers, or just a household that goes through a lot of cold drinks.
The machine doesn’t just make ice fast; it lets you customize it. With three simple size settings—small, medium, and large—you can select the perfect cube for your beverage. Small ice is great for smoothies and packed drinks, while large, solid bullet cubes melt slower, ideal for cocktails and sodas. Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward thanks to the self-cleaning function. Over time, mineral buildup can affect taste and performance, but this machine simplifies upkeep.
By running a cleaning cycle with water and vinegar, it flushes the internal system, helping to ensure your ice always tastes fresh and clean. All components that contact water and ice are BPA-free, which is a important detail for health-conscious users. The unit also features an easy-drain plug for when you need to empty the water reservoir completely. Operation is managed through a clear digital control panel.
Midea MERI26B1AGY Countertop Bullet-Ice Maker, 8 Ice Bullets Ready in 6 Minutes, 26lbs/24H, Self-Cleaning Function with Ice Scoop and Basket for Home/Office/RV
The Midea MERI26B1AGY Countertop Bullet-Ice Maker is designed for anyone who needs a reliable, dedicated source of ice without the hassle of traditional ice trays or a full-sized freezer unit. This compact appliance focuses on producing a specific, versatile type of ice—bullet-shaped nuggets—quickly and efficiently, making it a practical addition to various settings. At its core, this machine is about speed and volume.
It can produce eight ice bullets in just six minutes, which is ideal when you suddenly have guests or realize your drink stash is low on ice. Over a full day, it can generate up to 26 pounds of ice, ensuring you’re rarely, if ever, caught short. The ice it produces isn’t just one-size-fits-all.
You have the option to choose between two sizes: small bullets that cool down a soda or glass of water rapidly without over-diluting it, and larger bullets that are perfect for spirits and cocktails, where a slower melt is desirable to enjoy the drink’s flavor without it becoming watered down to quickly. One of the standout conveniences is its self-contained design.
The unit has a small footprint, meaning it won’t dominate your kitchen counter, and its portability allows you to easily move it to your home office, patio during a gathering, or even take it along in your RV for trips. It includes a removable ice bucket that holds about 0.9 pounds of ice. This basket is simple to lift out, letting you pour ice directly into a cooler, pitcher, or serving bowl before starting a fresh batch—no need to scoop frantically while the machine is running.
Self Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Buying Guide
Ever wish you had a constant supply of ice without teh hassle of refilling trays? A self cleaning countertop ice maker is a compact appliance that does just that, producing ice quickly and handling the messy cleanup for you. The main things to look at are how fast it makes ice, the type of ice it produces, and how easy it is to maintain.
Ice Production Speed
How long are you willing to wait? Some models can produce a batch of ice in as little as 6-8 minutes. If you host often or have a big family, a faster cycle is a huge plus. Check the “first batch” time and the daily output capacity to see if it matches your needs.
Ice Shape and Size
Not all ice is created equal. Do you prefer classic bullet-shaped cubes, chewy nugget ice, or maybe even clear cubes? The shape affects texture and how quickly it melts. Think about what you’ll use it for most—soft nugget ice is great for drinks, while harder cubes last longer.
Cleaning Cycle Ease
The “self-cleaning” label can vary. Some units have a simple one-touch function, while others require you to add a cleaning solution manually. Look for a model with a straightforward cycle; it’s the feature that’ll save you the most time and keep your ice tasting fresh. You don’t want to be scrubbing mineral buildup yourself.
Size and Storage
Measure your counter space! These machines need to fit where you’ll use them. Also, check the internal basket size—a larger basket holds more ice but means a bigger footprint. If you have limited space, a smaller, sleeker model might be the better fit for your kitchen.
Water Reservoir Type
Consider how you’ll fill it. A removable reservoir is super convienient for refilling at the sink. Built-in reservoirs mean you need to bring the whole machine or use a pitcher. Removable ones are generally easier to handle and keep clean, which is a nice bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker
How does the self-cleaning feature work?
It’s usually a simple cycle you start with a button. The machine uses water, and sometimes a bit of vinegar, to rinse its inner parts. This helps remove mineral buildup and keeps your ice tasting fresh. You don’t have to take it apart to clean it manually every time.
Is it really hands-off cleaning?
Mostly, yes! The self-clean cycle handles the interior. But you’ll still need to occasionally wipe the outside and empty the water reservoir. It’s much easier than scrubbing a full ice maker, but it’s not 100% maintenance-free.
How fast does it make ice?
Pretty fast! Many models make their first batch of ice in under 10 minutes. A full bin might take around 15 to 20 minutes. It’s way quicker than a traditional freezer tray.
What type of ice does it make?
Most make bullet-shaped or cylindrical ice nuggets. These are great for drinks because thay melt slower than thin cubes. Some models offer different size settings, but you usually don’t get full cubes like from a fridge.
Where do I pour the water?
You fill a built-in reservoir on top or at the back. Just use a pitcher. Some machines can also connect directly to a water line, but that’s less common for countertop units.
How loud are these ice makers?
They make some noise when running, similar to a small kitchen appliance. It’s not usually disruptive, but you might notice the hum if your kitchen is very quiet. The noise level varies between brands.
Do they use a lot of electricity?
Not typically. They are designed for home use and are generally efficient. But like any appliance, it’s good to unplug it if you won’t be using it for a long time to save a little energy.
Can I leave it on all the time?
You can, but you don’t have to. It will stop making ice once the bin is full. Many people turn it on when they need ice and off when they’re done. Leaving it on is fine, but it will cycle on and off to maintain the ice supply.
The Final Call
So, is a machine like this right for you? Think about your daily routine. If you find yourself constantly refilling trays or running out of ice for guests, it probably is. The convenience is real. You get ice on demand without any hassle. It saves you time and a bit of space in your freezer too. For small gatherings or just your family, it makes a noticeable difference.
When you start looking, keep your needs in mind. Consider how much ice you use and how fast you need it. Look at the bin size and how simple the controls are. A self cleaning countertop ice maker adds a nice layer of easy maintenance, which is a huge plus for busy homes. It’s one less thing for you to worry about. Ultimately, it’s about getting a reliable helper for your kitchen that fits how you live. Take a look at a few models and see which one feels right for you.