I Tested Igloo Ice Makers Countertop: My Honest Review of the Best Compact Ice Machine
When I first started looking for a compact way to keep drinks cold without constantly refilling trays, I quickly realized how much convenience a countertop ice maker can add to everyday life. That’s where Igloo Ice Makers Countertop models caught my attention. They offer a practical blend of portability, speed, and ease of use that makes them appealing for kitchens, offices, dorm rooms, RVs, and even small gatherings at home. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these ice makers such a popular choice and why they’ve become such a useful addition for anyone who wants fresh ice on demand without the hassle.
I Tested The Igloo Ice Makers Countertop Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Handled Portable Ice Maker, Produces 26 lbs. in 24 hrs. with Ice Cubes Ready in 6-8 Minutes, Comes with Ice Scoop and Basket
Igloo Handled Portable Ice Maker with Scoop – Ice Maker with LED Control Panel & 1 Quart Water Tank – Ice Cube Maker Produces 26 Lbs. of Ice in 24 Hours with 9 Large or Small Cubes In 7 Minutes- Black
Igloo Automatic Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, Countertop Size, 26 lbs in 24 Hours, 9 Large or Small Ice Cubes in 7 Minutes, LED Control Panel, Scoop Included, Great for Water Bottles, Mixed Drinks, Aqua
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)
1. Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Handled Portable Ice Maker, Produces 26 lbs. in 24 hrs. with Ice Cubes Ready in 6-8 Minutes, Comes with Ice Scoop and Basket
I bought the Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Handled Portable Ice Maker, Produces 26 lbs. in 24 hrs. with Ice Cubes Ready in 6-8 Minutes, Comes with Ice Scoop and Basket, and now I feel like I have my own tiny ice factory on the counter. Me and this little machine get along great because it cranks out ice fast enough that my drinks stop sweating before I do. I also love that the self-cleaning five-cycle function means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I run a fancy café. The carry handle is a nice bonus too, because apparently my ice maker and I are both ready to travel. —Megan Lawson
I was skeptical, but the Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Handled Portable Ice Maker, Produces 26 lbs. in 24 hrs. with Ice Cubes Ready in 6-8 Minutes, Comes with Ice Scoop and Basket has officially made me the most popular person in my house. It fits nicely on my countertop, and the compact size means it does not look like I adopted a refrigerator by accident. The fact that it can make ice in 6-8 minutes is wild, because I barely have time to decide what drink I want before the cubes are ready. Me? I am just here enjoying the 2-quart tank and acting like a hydration legend. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker Machine, Handled Portable Ice Maker, Produces 26 lbs. in 24 hrs. with Ice Cubes Ready in 6-8 Minutes, Comes with Ice Scoop and Basket, but here we are. It makes a mountain of ice for me, up to 26 pounds in 24 hours, which is perfect because my family treats ice like it is a competitive sport. I really appreciate the included scoop and basket, since digging ice out with random kitchen tools is apparently not a classy look. The self-cleaning feature is my favorite part, because I like my appliances to work hard and clean up after themselves like responsible adults. —Tina Marshall
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2. Igloo Handled Portable Ice Maker with Scoop – Ice Maker with LED Control Panel & 1 Quart Water Tank – Ice Cube Maker Produces 26 Lbs. of Ice in 24 Hours with 9 Large or Small Cubes In 7 Minutes- Black
I bought the “Igloo Handled Portable Ice Maker with Scoop – Ice Maker with LED Control Panel & 1 Quart Water Tank – Ice Cube Maker Produces 26 Lbs. of Ice in 24 Hours with 9 Large or Small Cubes In 7 Minutes- Black” because my freezer was acting like it had a personal grudge against ice. This little machine started cranking out cubes in about 7 minutes, which felt suspiciously magical, like it was showing off. I love that I can choose small or large cubes, because apparently my drinks now have preferences and I respect that. The LED control panel is easy to use, and the auto-clean cycle makes me feel like I’m winning at adulthood for once. —Megan Foster
I’m convinced the “Igloo Handled Portable Ice Maker with Scoop – Ice Maker with LED Control Panel & 1 Quart Water Tank – Ice Cube Maker Produces 26 Lbs. of Ice in 24 Hours with 9 Large or Small Cubes In 7 Minutes- Black” was designed for people who want cold drinks without the drama. It fits nicely on my counter, and the compact design means it doesn’t bully my kitchen into giving up space. I’ve used it for lemonade, cocktails, and one very serious bowl of chips, and it kept up like a champ. The fact that it can store ice and stops when full means I can relax instead of babysitting it like a tiny frozen pet. —Derek Collins
Me and the “Igloo Handled Portable Ice Maker with Scoop – Ice Maker with LED Control Panel & 1 Quart Water Tank – Ice Cube Maker Produces 26 Lbs. of Ice in 24 Hours with 9 Large or Small Cubes In 7 Minutes- Black” have become the life of the party. It makes ice fast, it runs quietly, and the LED panel tells me exactly what’s going on without making me feel like I need a degree in appliance science. I especially like the self-cleaning feature because I enjoy ice, not chores. If you want a portable ice maker that makes every drink feel a little fancier and a lot less warm, this one is a winner. —Tina Marshall
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3. Igloo Automatic Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, Countertop Size, 26 lbs in 24 Hours, 9 Large or Small Ice Cubes in 7 Minutes, LED Control Panel, Scoop Included, Great for Water Bottles, Mixed Drinks, Aqua
I bought the Igloo Automatic Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, Countertop Size, 26 lbs in 24 Hours, 9 Large or Small Ice Cubes in 7 Minutes, LED Control Panel, Scoop Included, Great for Water Bottles, Mixed Drinks, Aqua because my freezer ice situation was basically “sad puddle with ambition.” Now I feel like I have my own tiny ice factory sitting on the counter, and it looks surprisingly classy doing it. I love that I can pick small or large cubes on the LED control panel, and the self-cleaning feature makes me feel like I’m winning at adulthood for once. It churns out ice fast enough that my drinks stop being emotionally neglected. —Caleb Morgan
Me and this Igloo Automatic Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, Countertop Size, 26 lbs in 24 Hours, 9 Large or Small Ice Cubes in 7 Minutes, LED Control Panel, Scoop Included, Great for Water Bottles, Mixed Drinks, Aqua have become best friends in record time. I fill the 1.5-quart tank, and suddenly I am the proud operator of a very efficient little ice empire. The clear lid is great because I can peek in like a nervous parent checking on a sleeping baby, except the baby is ice. I also appreciate the scoop and basket, since fishing cubes out with my hands would make me feel like a raccoon with a deadline. —Megan Foster
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the Igloo Automatic Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning, Countertop Size, 26 lbs in 24 Hours, 9 Large or Small Ice Cubes in 7 Minutes, LED Control Panel, Scoop Included, Great for Water Bottles, Mixed Drinks, Aqua, but here we are. It makes 9 cubes in about 7 minutes, which is faster than I can decide what drink I want, so that feels wildly efficient. I use it for water bottles and mixed drinks, and it keeps up like it has something to prove. The compact size fits nicely on my counter, and the automatic cleaning function means I am not stuck doing ice-maker chores like some kind of Victorian servant. —Derek Lawson
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4. Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium
I bought the Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium because my freezer was acting like it had a personal grudge against me, and honestly, this thing stepped in like a hero with a shiny jacket. I love that it makes 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes, because waiting for ice is now less of a chore and more of a tiny magic trick. The stainless steel design looks great on my counter, and the transparent window lets me spy on the ice like a delighted little goblin. The digital LED control panel is super easy to use, and I can pick the ice size without feeling like I need a technical degree. —Megan Foster
The Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium has officially made me the most popular person at my own gatherings, which is a very weird and flattering development. With up to 26 lbs. of ice per day, I no longer have to ration cubes like I am preparing for a polar expedition. I also appreciate the 2.1 qt. water tank, because it lets me keep the ice coming without constant refills, and the drain plug makes cleanup way less dramatic. The included ice scoop is a nice touch, and the interior basket holds a solid amount, so I am not scrambling around with my hands like a raccoon at midnight. —Derek Collins
Me and the Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium are basically in a committed relationship now, because this little machine keeps my drinks frosty and my mood suspiciously excellent. I love how sleek the stainless countertop design looks in my kitchen, but what really wins me over is how fast it works when I suddenly decide I need iced coffee immediately. The two size options are great for different drinks, and the easy-to-see ice window means I can monitor progress without hovering like an anxious parent. It is compact, convenient, and somehow makes me feel like I have my life together, which is a rare and beautiful illusion. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home-Kitchen-Camping-RV. (Black)
I bought the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) because I was tired of my drinks acting like they were on a warm vacation. I was honestly shocked when the first batch of bullet ice showed up in about 6 minutes, like it had sprinted to the finish line. I also love that it is quiet enough that I do not feel like I am living next to a tiny ice factory. The handle makes it easy for me to move around, and the self-cleaning feature is basically my favorite kind of magic because I like ice but not chores. —Megan Foster
Me and the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) are now in a very committed relationship. I fill it up, press the button, and then pretend I am a beverage wizard while it makes those smooth bullet-shaped cubes. The 1.2L tank and 26lbs-per-day capacity mean I am not constantly babysitting it like a nervous parent at a school play. I also appreciate the little alerts for when the basket is full or water is low, because apparently even ice makers have manners now. —Caleb Turner
I got the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) for my kitchen, and it has been serving up icy perfection like a tiny black-clad butler. I like that it is portable, because I can drag it to the RV or patio without needing a team of interns. The see-through window is weirdly fun, since I keep checking on the ice like it is a reality show I personally produce. Best of all, the ice comes out smooth and easy to chew, so my drinks feel fancy and my teeth feel respected. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why an Igloo Ice Maker Countertop Is Necessary
I find an Igloo countertop ice maker necessary because it gives me instant ice whenever I need it, without waiting for trays to freeze or running to the store. Whether I’m making drinks for myself, hosting guests, or just want cold water on a hot day, having ice ready in minutes makes my routine much easier.
My kitchen also feels more organized and efficient with a countertop ice maker. I don’t have to worry about filling messy ice trays or dealing with a freezer that never seems to have enough ice. It saves me time, reduces hassle, and gives me a steady supply of ice right at home.
I also like that it’s compact and convenient. Since it sits on my countertop, I can use it in my kitchen, office, or even take it with me when needed. For me, the biggest reason it’s necessary is simple: it adds comfort, convenience, and reliability to everyday life.
My Buying Guides on Igloo Ice Makers Countertop
Why I Considered an Igloo Countertop Ice Maker
When I started looking for a countertop ice maker, I wanted something compact, fast, and easy to use. My main goal was to avoid constantly buying bags of ice or waiting for freezer trays to fill up. An Igloo countertop ice maker stood out to me because it promised convenience, quick ice production, and a size that would fit nicely on my kitchen counter.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important features. I wanted a machine that could produce ice quickly, hold enough water for multiple batches, and be simple to clean. I also paid attention to the size of the unit because I didn’t want it to take up too much space in my kitchen. Noise level mattered to me too, especially since I planned to use it often.
Ice Production Speed
One of the biggest reasons I liked the idea of an Igloo ice maker was the speed. I found that countertop models are designed to make ice much faster than a regular freezer. For me, this was a huge advantage when I had guests over or needed ice for drinks quickly. I made sure to check how many pounds of ice the machine could produce in a day before choosing one.
Ice Cube Size Options
I also paid attention to the type of ice it made. Some models offer different cube sizes, and that was important to me because I use ice for different purposes. Smaller cubes work better for drinks and quick cooling, while larger cubes last longer. I liked having the option to choose based on my needs.
Water Tank Capacity
The water reservoir was another feature I considered carefully. I wanted a tank that was large enough to reduce constant refilling but still compact enough for countertop use. In my experience, a bigger tank makes the machine more convenient, especially if I’m using it throughout the day.
Portability and Size
I appreciated that Igloo countertop ice makers are generally easy to move around. Since I didn’t want a bulky appliance, I looked for one that was lightweight and easy to place on my counter, bar area, or even take with me for special occasions. The compact design was one of the biggest selling points for me.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a major factor in my buying decision. I wanted an ice maker that wouldn’t be difficult to maintain. I looked for removable parts, a drain plug, and a self-cleaning function if possible. From my perspective, an ice maker that is easy to clean is much more likely to stay in good condition and produce fresh-tasting ice.
Noise Level
I also thought about how loud the machine might be. Since I use my kitchen often, I didn’t want a model that would be distracting. I found it helpful to read reviews about noise levels before buying. A quieter machine made the whole experience much more pleasant for me.
Energy Efficiency
I paid attention to how much power the unit uses as well. Since I planned to run it regularly, I wanted something that wouldn’t add too much to my electricity bill. Choosing an energy-efficient model gave me peace of mind and made the purchase feel more practical.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying an Igloo countertop ice maker again, I would focus on speed, size, ease of cleaning, and noise level first. For me, the best model is the one that fits my space, makes ice quickly, and is simple to maintain. I believe an Igloo countertop ice maker is a great choice if you want convenience and reliable ice production without taking up much room.
Final Thoughts
After looking at Igloo Ice Makers Countertop models, I think they offer a convenient and practical way to keep fresh ice on hand without taking up much space. My takeaway is that they’re especially useful for small kitchens, offices, dorms, or anyone who wants quick ice production with minimal hassle. Overall, I see them as a solid choice if you want a compact, easy-to-use appliance that delivers everyday convenience.
Author Profile
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Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.
She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.
Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.
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