Key takeaways
- A countertop ice maker makes its first cubes in about 6 to 10 minutes, far faster than a freezer tray, but it does not keep ice frozen, so use it or transfer it.
- Budget models make hollow “bullet” cubes that melt quickly; crescent or nugget machines cost more but the ice lasts longer in a drink.
- Check the daily output (kg/24h) and the tank size, which sets how much you can make before refilling.
- For UK summers, pick one with a self-clean cycle: limescale and mould are the main things that kill these machines.
When a UK heatwave hits, ice runs out fast, and freezer trays cannot keep up with a garden full of people. A countertop ice maker fixes that: pour in water and you have a batch of cubes in under ten minutes, no plumbing required. They have become a summer staple, so here are five worth buying in 2026, with a clear pick for every need.
How we picked these
We judged these on the things that actually matter day to day: how fast the first batch arrives, daily output in kilograms, tank size before a refill, the type of ice (hollow bullet versus longer-lasting crescent), and whether there is a self-clean cycle, because limescale and mould are what finish these machines off. Prices were right when we checked and move around, especially during Amazon Prime Day.
At a glance
| Ice maker | Best for | Output | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ecozy Countertop | Overall | 12kg/day | ~£108 |
| EUHOMY Self-Cleaning | Value | bullet, fast | ~£70 |
| EUHOMY One-Touch | Compact | bullet, fast | ~£80 |
| EUHOMY LunaArc | Ice quality | crescent, 3 sizes | ~£225 |
| EUHOMY 24kg/day | Parties | 24kg/day | ~£170 |
The best countertop ice makers
ecozy Ice Maker Machine Countertop
Best overallQuietly the one most people should buy. It drops nine bullet cubes in about six minutes and up to 12kg a day, the tank is a sensible size, and it is reliable enough to hold a 4.5 rating. A good balance of price and output.
The catch: bullet cubes are hollow and melt faster than solid cubes, which is true of nearly every countertop maker at this price.
9 cubes in 6 min, 12kg/day · around £108
Check price on AmazonEUHOMY Self-Cleaning Ice Maker
Best valueThe cheapest way into countertop ice that is still worth owning. The same fast bullet cubes, a self-clean cycle to keep it fresh, and a price that makes it an easy summer buy.
The catch: a smaller tank, so at a barbecue you will be refilling it more often.
self-cleaning, budget · around £70
Check price on AmazonEUHOMY One-Touch Countertop Ice Maker
Best compactIf you just want ice at the press of one button without it taking over the worktop, this is it. Automatic operation, a clear viewing window, and a genuinely small footprint.
The catch: the slightly lower rating reflects the odd faulty unit, so buy from a seller with easy returns.
one-touch, compact · around £80
Check price on AmazonEUHOMY LunaArc Crescent Ice Maker
Best ice qualityThe upgrade pick. It makes crescent-shaped, more solid ice in three sizes rather than hollow bullets, so drinks stay cold longer and it feels closer to a fridge dispenser. Auto defrost and a bigger capacity too.
The catch: more than double the price of the budget models, and bigger on the worktop.
crescent ice, 3 sizes · around £225
Check price on AmazonEUHOMY 24kg/Day Ice Maker
Best for partiesBuilt for output. Up to 24kg of ice a day and two ways to add water, including a plumbed option, so it keeps up with a party or a busy kitchen.
The catch: the size and the 3.8 rating mean it is overkill unless you genuinely need that volume.
24kg/day, high output · around £170
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
How fast does a countertop ice maker work?
Most make their first batch of cubes in about 6 to 10 minutes, far quicker than waiting for a freezer tray. They are designed to make ice on demand, not to keep it frozen, so scoop it into the freezer or a cool box if you are not using it straight away.
What is the difference between bullet, crescent and nugget ice?
Budget machines make hollow “bullet” cubes that chill fast but melt fast. Crescent cubes are more solid and last longer in a drink. Nugget or “chewable” ice is softest but usually needs a pricier machine. For everyday use bullet ice is fine; for slow drinks, pay up for crescent.
Do ice makers use a lot of electricity?
A countertop model only runs while making ice, so the cost is modest for occasional summer use. Running one constantly all day will add up, so switch it off once your tray or cool box is full.
How do I stop it getting mouldy or scaly?
Limescale and mould are what kill these machines. Empty and dry it when not in use, run any self-clean cycle, and descale every few weeks in a hard-water area. Models with a self-clean function make this much easier.
Do I need to plumb it in?
No. Almost all countertop models are fill-by-hand: you pour water into a reservoir. A few higher-output machines, like the 24kg model here, also offer a plumbed connection for hands-off refilling.
Sources
- Food Standards Agency: food safety and hygiene (keeping ice equipment clean).
- See also our heatwave cooling guides.