Nothing kills the vibe like running out of ice mid-dinner or refilling trays all day. A good countertop ice maker fixes that fast—especially if it’s easy to clean and doesn’t turn your kitchen into a puddle zone.
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This guide focuses on two things that actually matter at home: fast ice and low-mess cleaning (self-clean cycles, easy draining, and parts that don’t feel gross after a week).
Quick picks at a glance
- Want that chewy “nugget/pebble” ice for soda + cocktails? Look at the VIVIDMOO or WIE.
- Want fast, classic bullet/cube-style ice (first batch in minutes)? The EUHOMY models are the speed champs.
- If you hate mess: prioritize self-clean + easy drain + removable basket (all picks below lean that way).
What to know before you buy (so you don’t get disappointed)
- Countertop ice makers aren’t freezers. They make ice, but most don’t keep it fully frozen long-term. Ice can melt and recycle into the water tank—great for convenience, but for parties you’ll still want to transfer ice to a freezer bag.
- “Lbs per day” is best-case. Room temperature, water temp, and how often you open the lid can change real output.
- Nugget ice is amazing for drinks… but nugget machines are often bigger, a bit louder, and need more regular cleaning than basic bullet-ice machines.
Top countertop ice maker picks
1) VIVIDMOO Nugget Ice Maker (Pebble Ice) — Best for Chewy Nugget Ice at Home
What it is
A countertop nugget/pebble ice machine rated for up to ~34 lbs/24 hours, with a self-cleaning function, plus basket + scoop. Nugget ice is softer and chewable—awesome for sodas, iced coffee, and cocktails.
Why it’s a great home pick
If you’re specifically chasing that “Sonic-style” nugget ice texture, this style of machine is the way to get it at home. The built-in cleaning cycle is a big plus because nugget machines can get funky faster than you’d expect.
Standout features
- Nugget/pebble ice texture (chewy, drink-friendly)
- Self-cleaning cycle for easier maintenance
- Includes basket + scoop for less mess transferring ice
Pros
- Nugget ice elevates basically every cold drink
- Great for families who go through lots of ice daily
- Self-clean function helps reduce the “slimy machine” problem
Cons
- Nugget machines typically need more frequent cleaning than basic ice makers
- Not ideal if you want “hard cube” ice that melts slower
- Output and noise can vary depending on room temp and placement
Best for
Nugget-ice lovers who want a dedicated machine for everyday drinks.
2) WIE Nugget Ice Maker (Pebble Ice) — Best High-Capacity Nugget Option
What it is
Another countertop nugget ice machine rated for up to ~44 lbs in 24 hours, with self-cleaning, a 0.75-gallon tank, and a scoop included.
Why it stands out
If you love nugget ice and you’re using it constantly (big household, entertaining, home office, etc.), the higher daily output and decent tank size can mean fewer refills and less babysitting.
Standout features
- Higher stated daily capacity (great for heavy use)
- Self-cleaning for easier upkeep
- Larger tank helps reduce refill frequency
Pros
- Better fit for high-ice households (iced coffees, kids, parties)
- Nugget texture is great for chewing + fast drink chilling
- Fewer refills can mean a cleaner, less annoying daily routine
Cons
- Nugget style can melt faster than hard cubes
- Self-clean helps, but you still need a real clean schedule
- If you only need occasional ice, it may be more machine than you need
Best for
Homes that go through a lot of ice daily and want nugget texture without constant refilling.
3) EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker (26 lbs/day) with Carry Handle — Best Fast Ice for Everyday Use
What it is
A countertop bullet/cube-style ice maker rated for ~26 lbs/24 hours, advertising 9 cubes ready in about 6 minutes, with auto-cleaning, plus basket + scoop and a carry handle.
Why it’s a great home pick
If your main goal is fast ice, this category is hard to beat. Bullet/cube machines are usually simpler than nugget machines and tend to feel more “low-maintenance” day to day.
Standout features
- Fast first batch (great for last-minute drinks)
- Auto-cleaning cycle helps reduce hassle
- Carry handle is genuinely useful (RV, camping, moving room-to-room)
Pros
- Quick ice for daily needs—water bottles, cocktails, kids’ cups
- Usually easier cleanup than nugget machines
- Handle makes it more portable than most
Cons
- Bullet ice can be more “hollow” and may melt faster than solid cubes
- Like most countertop machines, it’s not a freezer—ice can melt if you don’t use it
- You’ll still need occasional descaling depending on water hardness
Best for
Most households that want fast ice with minimal mess and minimal learning curve.
4) EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker (Portable) — Best Alternative Fast-Ice Pick (Similar Performance)
What it is
A second EUHOMY portable countertop model rated around ~26.5 lbs/day, also advertising 9 cubes in about 6 minutes, with auto-cleaning, basket + scoop, and a portable design.
Why it’s here
If you want the same “fast ice” lifestyle but prefer a different finish/design—or you want a backup option if the first EUHOMY isn’t available—this is a very similar category pick that hits the same core needs.
Standout features
- Fast cycle time for quick ice
- Auto-cleaning to keep maintenance simple
- Portable form factor for kitchens, offices, RV/camping
Pros
- Fast ice is perfect for normal daily use
- Easy to operate (fill water, press start, dump basket)
- Auto-clean helps keep things from getting gross
Cons
- Still requires routine upkeep (wipe + descale)
- Not ideal if you specifically want nugget/pebble ice
- Melt-and-recycle behavior is normal for this type of machine
Best for
Anyone who wants simple fast ice and values portability.
Which one is the best overall?
Best overall for most homes (fast ice + low mess): EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker (fast bullet ice category)
Reason: for typical households, fast first batch + simpler maintenance usually wins. It’s the kind of machine you’ll actually use daily without feeling like you adopted another pet to care for.
Best if you specifically want chewy nugget ice: WIE Nugget Ice Maker
Reason: higher stated capacity and a larger tank can be a big quality-of-life upgrade if you’re constantly making iced drinks.
Honest comparison (real-life differences)
Nugget ice makers (VIVIDMOO, WIE)
- Best for: sodas, iced coffee, cocktails, “chewable” ice people
- Trade-off: typically needs more frequent cleaning and may take more counter space
- Ice style: softer, chewable, chills drinks fast
Bullet/cube-style ice makers (EUHOMY models)
- Best for: speed, simplicity, everyday home use
- Trade-off: ice shape can melt faster than solid freezer cubes
- Ice style: classic “bullet” cubes, fast output, easy routine
Low-mess cleaning tips (this matters more than people think)
If you want your machine to stay clean and not smell weird:
- Daily (30 seconds): empty the basket + leave the lid open for a bit to dry out.
- Weekly: run the self-clean cycle (or a water-only rinse cycle if that’s what the manual recommends).
- Monthly (or sooner with hard water): descale. Many brands suggest citric acid or a specific cleaner—follow the manual.
- Use filtered water if possible: fewer mineral deposits = less cleaning + better taste.
- For parties: make ice ahead, then store in freezer bags. You’ll avoid the melt/recycle loop and keep output steady.
Bottom line
- Want fast ice + easiest maintenance? Pick the EUHOMY fast-ice model that matches your preferred design.
- Want chewy nugget ice and don’t mind slightly more upkeep? Go WIE (or VIVIDMOO if you like its feature set).
