Ever find yourself staring at a nearly empty ice tray, wishing for a quicker solution? You’re not alone. Having a dedicated ice maker under 100 can be a total game-changer for small spaces, parties, or just your daily iced coffee ritual. It’s surprising how much convenience a compact, affordable machine adds without breaking the bank. Forget the constant refilling and waiting; these little units promise frosty cubes on demand, and we’re here to see if they really deliver.
In this review, we tested several popular models to cut through the hype. We’ll look at how fast they make ice, how noisy they get, and if they can keep up with your actual needs. Let’s find out which one is worth your counter space and your hard-earned cash.
Product Comparison Table: 8 Best Ice Maker Under 100
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ICEMAN Dual-Size Ice Maker Countertop – Portable Ice Machine,…
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9.9 |
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ecozy Ice Makers Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry…
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9.6 |
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WETIE Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Bullet Ice Cubes in…
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9.3 |
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Countertop Ice Maker with Handle, 26.5lbs in 24Hrs with…
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9.0 |
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Totnz Boost Ice Maker with 2.5L Expanding Ice Basket…
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8.7 |
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Midea MERI26B1AGN Countertop Bullet-Ice Maker, 8 Ice Bullets Ready…
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8.4 |
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Hamilton Beach Portable Bullet Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Makes…
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8.1 |
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Frigidaire EFIC118-SILVER-KL Ice Maker Machine, Compact Countertop, Silver
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 8 Ice Maker Under 100
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 designed to solve a common household problem: running out of ice. If you’ve ever hosted a gathering, mixed a drink after a long day, or simply wanted a cold beverage without dealing with clunky trays, this portable machine offers a straightforward solution.
Its primary advantage is speed.
The unit can produce up to nine pieces of round, bullet-style ice in just seven minutes, which is significantly faster than waiting for a standard freezer tray to freeze. This means you can have ice on demand, whether you’re preparing for guests or just need a glass of water. Over a full day, it can make up to 22 pounds of ice, keeping a steady supply ready.
You also get to choose between two ice sizes—large or small—so you can select the right cube for your glass, whether it’s for a tall glass of iced tea or a shorter cocktail.
Operation is kept simple with an intuitive LED display. This panel clearly shows you the status of the machine at a glance, letting you know when the ice basket is full, if the water level is getting low, or which size cube you’ve selected. It takes the guesswork out of using it.
Maintenance is also streamlined thanks to a self-cleaning function. With the press of a button, the machine cleans itself, helping to ensure the ice it produces stays fresh and the system runs efficiently without requiring much effort from you.
The compact, countertop-friendly design is a key feature. It fits easily on a kitchen counter, bar cart, or in an office breakroom without taking up to much space.
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 eCozy Ice Makers Countertop is a portable ice machine designed to put a steady supply of ice right at your fingertips, wherever you need it. It’s built for convenience, offering a practical solution for homes, small kitchens, RVs, or even camping trips. The core promise is simple: fast ice, on demand, without the hassle. One of the standout aspects of this machine is its speed and capacity.
It can produce up to 26 pounds of ice over a 24-hour period, which is a substantial amount for a compact unit. More immediatly, you can have a first batch of nine bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in about six minutes. This means you don’t have to plan far ahead for gatherings; you can start the machine when guests arrive and have ice ready before the first round of drinks is finished.
It’s a reliable backup when your freezer’s ice bin runs low or a primary source for spaces without a built-in ice maker. Flexibility is another key feature. The eCozy offers a choice between two ice cube sizes. You can select smaller cubes that chill drinks rapidly, ideal for sodas, iced coffees, or smoothies. Or, you can opt for the larger size, which melts more slowly and is better suited for keeping spirits like whiskey or cocktails cool without over-diluting them.
This choice lets you tailor the ice to your specific beverage, which is a nice touch for such an accessible appliance. Maintenance is often a concern with appliances, but this model aims to simplify it. It includes a one-touch self-cleaning function. By initiating this cycle, the machine cleans its internal water lines and system, helping to prevent mineral buildup and ensuring the ice it produces taste fresh.
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 for your home, kitchen, or on-the-go activities. It’s core promise is straightforward: to provide fresh, bullet-shaped ice quickly and consistently, without taking up much space on your counter. When you need ice fast, this machine delivers. It can produce its first batch of 9 bullet ice cubes in about 6 minutes. Thanks to its upgraded compressor, it can make up to 26 pounds of ice over a 24-hour period.
This capacity means it can keep up with the demands of daily family use, a sudden gathering with friends, or even a weekend camping trip where a steady ice supply is crucial. You won’t have to worry about constantly refilling ice trays or running to the store for bags of ice. A particularly useful feature is the ability to choose between two ice cube sizes. The smaller cubes are perfect for quickly chilling a glass of water, juice, or soda.
The larger cubes are ideal for situations where slower melting is key, like keeping a cooler of drinks or seafood cold for longer durations, or for enjoying spirits without excessive dilution. This flexibility makes the machine adaptable for different beverages and cooling needs. Operation is intentionally simple. With one-touch functionality, smart indicator lights, and an infrared sensor that helps monitor the ice basket, it’s built for ease.
Maintenance is also made easier with a self-cleaning function—you simply hold the power button for a few seconds after adding water to initiate the cycle. The design includes a full-open flip-lid, which gives you clear access to the interior for a more thorough clean when needed. Its compact size, at under 13 pounds and with a small footprint, means it can tuck into many spaces, from a kitchen nook to an RV counter.
Countertop Ice Maker with Handle, 26.5lbs in 24Hrs with 2 Sizes, 8 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Small Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop for Home/Office/Kitchen/Camping/RV, Black
The Countertop Ice Maker with Handle is a compact appliance designed to provide a reliable and convenient source of ice for a wide variety of settings. Whether your at home, in a small office, enjoying the outdoors, or traveling in an RV, this machine focuses on delivering ice quickly, quietly, and efficiently. Its primary advantage is speed.
You can have a batch of 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in about 6 minutes, which is ideal for when you need ice fast without waiting for a traditional freezer tray. Over a full day, it can produce up to 26.5 pounds of ice, ensuring you have a steady supply for parties, daily drinks, or keeping a cooler chilled. The machine offers two cube sizes, letting you choose between smaller cubes for quicker cooling or larger ones that melt slower. Energy consumption is a thoughtful feature of this model.
It utilizes an upgraded motor that operates on 30% less power compared to many similar machines. This design helps reduce its impact on your electricity bill and is a more eco-conscious choice, all without sacrificing its ice-making performance. You can run it frequently with less concern about energy waste. Noise is often a concern with countertop appliances, but this ice maker operates at under 40 decibels.
That’s quieter than a typical library, meaning it won’t disrupt conversations, work, or relaxation. Its whisper-quiet performance makes it suitable for a home office, bedroom, or a small kitchen where constant noise would be a nuisance. Maintenance is simplified with a one-touch self-cleaning function. By holding a single button, the machine initiates an automatic cleaning cycle to help prevent mineral buildup and odors that can affect the taste of your ice.
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 core promise is simplicity and capacity, aiming to keep your drinks chilled and your gatherings flowing without constant attention.
Lets start with its standout feature: the expanding 2.5-liter ice basket.
This isn’t a standard static bin; it uses a spring-loaded design that holds roughly nine cups of ice, which is about double what many other portable units offer. This means the machine can run for much longer periods before you need to empty it. It’s built to maintain a ready supply, so whether your hosting a party or just have a busy household, you’re not constantly running to transfer ice to the freezer. The ice basket works in tandem with the sizable 1.8-liter water tank.
This larger reservoir is a practical upgrade, designed to require refills about 50% less often than models with smaller tanks. For settings like a home office, an RV, or a busy kitchen, this translates to more ice production and less time spent at the sink filling it up. You can simply top it off and let it run, producing bullet-shaped ice cubes for hours.
Operation is straightforward thanks to the LED touch control panel.
It uses a simple color-coded system to communicate the machine’s status at a glance. A white light indicates its actively making ice, red tells you the water tank needs a refill, green means the basket is full, and blue signifies its in self-cleaning mode. This clear visual feedback allows you to manage the unit from across the room—no need to hover over it. Speed is another key factor.
Midea MERI26B1AGN 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 MERI26B1AGN Countertop Bullet-Ice Maker is designed for anyone who needs a reliable supply of ice without the hassle of a traditional freezer tray. It’s core function is straightforward: it produces unique, cylindrical “ice bullets” quickly and efficiently, freeing up space in your main freezer and providing ice on demand.
One of the key decisions this ice maker puts in your hands is size. It offers two distinct bullet sizes.
The smaller bullets are perfect for rapidly cooling down a glass of water, soda, or iced tea without over-diluting the drink. The larger bullets are ideal for spirits and cocktails, where you want a slower melt to keep your drink cold without becoming watered down to quickly. This flexibility means it can adapt to different occasions, from a quick hydraton break to a relaxed evening.
Speed is a major advantage here.
The unit can produce its first batch of 8 ice bullets in approximately 6 minutes. Over a full day, it can generate up to 26 pounds of ice. This capacity makes it well-suited not just for daily family use, but also for home gatherings, a busy office breakroom, or life on the road in an RV where freezer space is premium.
Its compact and portable design means it tucks neatly onto a countertop without dominating it, and it’s light enough to move where you need it.
Maintenance is simplified with the integrated self-cleaning function. Over time, mineral buildup can affect performance and taste. The one-touch auto-clean cycle helps you maintain the machine’s hygiene and efficiency with minimal effort, promoting better-tasting ice and longer appliance life.
Hamilton Beach Portable Bullet Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Makes 26 Lbs/Day, 9 Cubes Every 6 Minutes, Self-Clean Function, for RV, Office, Kitchen, Dorm, Makes 2 Sizes, Black (86151)
The Hamilton Beach Portable Bullet Countertop Ice Maker Machine (86151) is designed for anyone who needs a reliable and independant source of ice, fast. If your refrigerator’s ice maker can’t keep up, or you simply don’t have one, this compact unit takes the guesswork out of having ice on hand. It’s particularly well-suited for spaces where a traditional ice maker isn’t an option, like a dorm room, office, RV, or a small apartment kitchen.
Its portable nature means you can move it to wherever the party is, whether that’s on the patio during a barbecue or tucked into a corner of your home bar. One of the standout aspects of this machine is its speed. You won’t be waiting long for your first batch of ice—it can produce up to nine bullet-shaped cubes in as little as six minutes. That means from the moment you plug it in and add water, you’re only a few minutes away from cooling down your drink.
Over the course of a full day, it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice, which is enough to keep a steady supply for a gathering or to meet the daily needs of a household. It’s important to note that this is a countertop ice maker, not a freezer; the ice it produces is best used soon after its made or transfered to a freezer for longer storage. You have control over the size of the ice cubes, which is a nice touch.
The machine offers a choice between larger cubes, which melt slower and are great for keeping drinks cold without quick dilution, and smaller cubes that are perfect for blended drinks or simply fitting more into a standard water bottle. Operation is straightforward, with intuitive controls that make starting a batch as simple as pressing a button for your preferred size.
Frigidaire EFIC118-SILVER-KL Ice Maker Machine, Compact Countertop, Silver
The Frigidaire EFIC118-SILVER-KL Ice Maker Machine is a compact countertop appliance designed for one primary job: making a lot of ice, and making it fast. If you find your household or small office constantly running out of ice, especially during gatherings or hot weather, this silver unit aims to solve that problem efficiently without taking up much space.
Its core performance is centered on speed and volume.
The machine can produce its first batch of ice in approximately 6 minutes from a cold start, which is a significant advantage when you need ice on short notice. Over a full 24-hour period, it has the capacity to generate up to 26 pounds of ice. This output makes it suitable for parties, backyard barbecues, or simply supporting a family with a high demand for cold drinks.
It’s important to note that the ice is made in one standard bullet shape, which is a versatile size that works well in a variety of glasses and coolers without taking up to much room.
A crucial aspect to understand about this model is its operational design. The Frigidaire EFIC118 is engineered specifically for production, not for storage. The unit itself does not have a freezing function to keep the ice it makes from melting.
Once the ice basket is full, or if the ice sits in the machine at room temperature for to long, it will begin to melt. Therefore, for best results, you should plan to transfer the ice to your main freezer for long-term storage.
Ice Maker Under 100 Buying Guide
An ice maker under 100 is a compact, countertop appliance that makes fresh ice at home without a freezer connection. It’s perfect for small kitchens, home offices, or when you need extra ice for a gathering. For this price, you’ll find models that prioritize speed and simplicity over high-end features.
Ice Production Speed
How fast do you need ice? Some units can produce a batch in as little as 6-8 minutes, while others might take 15-20. If you’re hosting friends or just want ice for a drink quickly, a faster cycle is a huge plus. Check teh spec for “first batch” time to know what to expect when you turn it on.
Daily Output Capacity
This tells you how much ice it can make in 24 hours, usually in pounds. A smaller capacity around 26 lbs is common in this range. Think about your typical use. Is it for a couple daily drinks, or do you need enough for a small party? Matching this to your habits prevents you from constantly waiting for more ice.
Ice Cube Shape and Size
Not all ice is created equal! Most budget models make bullet-shaped or small cylindrical cubes. They’re great for chilling drinks but melt faster than large cubes. A few might offer a choice between two sizes, which is a nice bonus if you prefer different ice for soda versus a water glass.
Water Reservoir Size
You’ll be filling this by hand. A larger reservoir means less frequent refills, but it also makes the machine bigger. A 2-liter tank is a good middle ground. Remember, you need to pour water in, so consider the weight when full—it shouldn’t be to heavy for you to handle comfortably.
Ease of Cleaning
Mineral buildup from water can slow down your ice maker. Look for a design with a removable water reservoir and an accessible ice basket. Some include a simple cleaning brush. A model that’s easy to wipe down inside will last longer and make better tasting ice, which is something we all want.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Maker Under 100
What can I realistically expect from an ice maker under $100?
You can expect a compact, portable machine. It will make a batch of ice fairly quickly, usually in under 10 minutes. These are great for small spaces, like a dorm room, office, or camper. They’re perfect for topping off a drink when you need just a bit more ice.
How much ice do these machines actually make?
Most models under $100 produce between 20 to 30 pounds of ice every 24 hours. They don’t store a huge amount at once, though. The basket usually holds 1 to 2 pounds. You’ll need to empty it regularly to keep teh ice from melting together.
What type of ice do they make?
They typically make bullet-shaped or small cylindrical ice. This ice is great for drinks becuase it chills quickly. You won’t find large cubes or gourmet ice shapes in this price range, but it gets the job done well.
Are they difficult to setup and use?
Not at all. Setup is very simple. You just plug it in, add water to the reservoir, and press a button. Most have an automatic shut-off when the basket is full. Cleaning is the main task you’ll need to remember to do.
Do I need to hook it up to a water line?
No, you don’t. These are almost always manual-fill machines. You pour water into a built-in tank. This makes them super portable. The downside is you have to refill the tank yourself to make more ice.
How noisy are budget ice makers?
They do make some noise when running, similar to a small fan or a quiet countertop appliance. It’s not usually disruptive, but you might not want it right next to where you’re trying to have a conversation.
Is the ice good quality?
The ice is perfectly fine for everyday drinks. It’s clear and solid. Some users note it can be a bit softer than freezer ice, so it might melt a touch faster in your soda or iced tea. For the price, its a reliable option.
What should I look for when buying one?
Look at the ice production per day, the basket size, and how fast it makes the first batch. Check reviews for comments on durability and noise. Also, see how easy it is to clean the water tank and interior—that’s key for long-term use.
One Last Look
So, there you have it. Finding a good ice maker doesn’t have to be a big project or a huge expense. The best choice really comes down to what you need most day-to-day. Think about how much ice you actually use and where you want to keep teh machine. A compact one is great for a personal space, while a larger bin is better for a family or small get-togethers.
We hope this rundown helps you see your options clearly. With a reliable ice maker under 100, you can stop worrying about running out of ice for your drinks or a small party. It’s a simple way to add a bit of everyday convenience, and that’s always a nice thing to have. Just remember to give it a quick clean now and then so it keeps running smooth.