Top Countertop Ice Maker Reviews: Find the Best Ice Makers for Your Kitchen!

This ice maker is elegantly positioned on my kitchen countertop, adjacent to the refrigerator. It was a recent purchase from Costco, priced at around $100, tax included. According to the manual, the machine requires an 8-inch clearance around it, although in reality, it sits only 5 to 6 inches away from the refrigerator.

On the right-hand side, there is an exhaust fan responsible for maintaining the temperature of the components and expelling the accumulated heat from the machine. Conversely, on the left side, there are multiple perforations to allow fresh air to enter; when the fan rotates, one can distinctly feel the air being drawn in through these perforations. The machine is already plugged in, and we can see the control panel on the top right. There, a simple interface provides a power switch and indicator lights prompting us to add water.

When the power is turned off, the power indicator light blinks. Upon reactivation and the addition of water, the machine operates normally. Nearby controls allow us to select between small and large ice cubes, with a press of the corresponding button. Upon opening the machine, we find an ice basket and a water reservoir waiting to be filled.

The reservoir has a maximum fill line just below the basket, equivalent to approximately 68-72 ounces, accommodating about four typical 17-ounce water bottles. Observing the ice maker in operation, it takes around 90 minutes to fill the basket, indicated by the "ice is full" light. However, a sensor, discernible by its color, halts production if obstructed by ice, resuming once the obstruction is removed.

The basket primarily produces large bullet-shaped ice cubes, denser than their smaller counterparts. One handful of ice is enough to fill a 32-ounce tumbler, with ample remaining to fill another. Notably, three baskets of ice from the maker fill a gallon-sized ziplock bag. My decision to purchase this ice maker stemmed from the necessity arising from a malfunctioning refrigerator ice maker, which had been dysfunctional for 17 years, and the absence of a water line in our new home. This ice maker's affordability and practicality align with our needs, allowing us to produce ice as needed and store it in either the refrigerator or garage freezer.

I extend my gratitude to all viewers and look forward to our next interaction. Until then, take care.