Countertop Ice Maker Reviews: A Comprehensive Analysis of Top Models

 Welcome back, everyone. Today, I’m excited to share my recent experience with a countertop ice maker. This review has been a long time coming, and I’m thrilled to finally discuss it. There are many models available, but I chose a popular brand with numerous reviews. Let’s dive into its features and performance.

I purchased this ice maker for $104.76. While there are many similar models online, I opted for this brand due to its popularity and high ratings—boasting a solid 4.5-star rating from over 5,000 reviews. It claims to produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, starting as quickly as six minutes after being turned on. It makes nine cubes every 7 to 15 minutes, can store up to 1.5 pounds of ice, and the water reservoir holds 2.3 quarts.

On Amazon, most users are pleased with its performance, noting that it produces a substantial amount of ice. However, there are a few common complaints: some find it too slow, others feel it doesn't hold enough ice, and some are disappointed that it isn’t refrigerated. To clarify, this model doesn’t keep the ice frozen; if left inside, the ice will begin to melt. The melted ice water returns to the reservoir and is reused. Refrigerated models do exist, but they are usually in a higher price range. I wanted to stick with a popular and affordable option.

The ice maker is straightforward in design. On top, there's a control panel with indicators for adding water, ice full, power, and small or large ice cube selection. Inside, it includes an ice scoop and basket. When you remove these, you’ll see the water reservoir with a maximum fill line, and behind that is where the ice-making process occurs.

To start using it, first ensure the drain plug is in place, then plug in the ice maker. A green light should flash every five seconds. Next, open the cover, remove the basket, and fill the reservoir with water up to the max fill line (avoid using distilled water). Replace the basket, close the cover, and press the on/off button. I selected the large ice cube setting. I noticed a slight noise, like a small waterfall, which was quite pleasant. If the ice maker didn’t work, it could double as a white noise machine!

At 8.5 minutes, the fan turned off, indicating the first batch of ice was ready. The first batch took just over eight minutes. The ice cubes looked decent, though users mentioned that the first batch might be thinner than subsequent ones. The initial batch of ice did start to melt as we waited for the second batch, which is expected.

Throughout the process, the ice maker wasn't very loud, comparable to a food dehydrator. By the 60-minute mark, the second batch was nearly done, and I noted that the small cubes didn't look much different from the large ones. The second batch's cubes were slightly bigger than the first.

I continued timing each batch. It took about an hour and a half to fill the basket, producing around one pound of ice. The machine claims to make up to 26 pounds per day, and while it might not hit exactly 26 pounds, it’s close. Each batch used about half the water in the reservoir, so I had to refill it periodically.

Over seven hours, I made six batches, totaling about six pounds of ice. The time varied: large cubes took 88, 73, and 57 minutes, while small cubes took around 59, 58, and 63 minutes per batch. The first batch took longer, possibly due to the initial water temperature or first-time use.

In summary, the pros of this ice maker include its simplicity, consistency, and decent ice production. The main drawback is the need to check on it every hour, which might be inconvenient if you're hosting a party or need large quantities of ice. An alarm feature for a full tray would be helpful. Additionally, since it's not refrigerated, the ice will melt if not removed promptly. Refrigerated models are available but cost more. This model, priced around $100, is a good choice for those seeking affordability and functionality.

If you’ve tried a similar ice maker, share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!