Clear ice keeps beverages carbonated longer than bullet ice does. In a side-by-side test, a soda with clear cubes from the Luma Comfort IM200 fizzed much less in a glass and tasted bubbly and sharp, while a soda with cloudy cubes quickly tasted flat. Countertop ice makers are also a good option for use in RVs, campers, boats, or even food trucks. They are, however, meant to be used in a temperature-controlled environment (around 70 °F). So if you have dreams of putting this ice machine outside near a pool, you should invest in a cooler instead.
After that was done, we set this Frigidaire to start making ice. We found that the EFIC255 produces about 24 ounces of ice in an hour, roughly on par with other ice makers in its price range. Though many of the ice makers we tested showed streaks on their stainless-steel finishes, this model showed them more prominently.
The clever shape melts slowly, keeps drinks cold, and is fun to chew on afterward. But anyone who has lamented the rapid melting of ice — with nothing to show for the crystalline cubes other than a diluted drink — can understand the importance of shape and quantity. Too much ice and there’s not enough room for the intended beverage; too little, and we’re left with a watered-down tipple.
EdgeStar built-in ice makers give you a dedicated appliance for ice production, providing larger output and storage capacity than your full size refrigerator. The compact design fits in most under-counter applications using minimal installation space. With indoor and outdoor models available ranging from 6 to 65 pound capacity, EdgeStar has the perfect model to support all your ice entertaining needs. For the size of the machine, this Insignia ice maker produces a decent amount of evenly sized bullet cubes. However, water and storage capacity are smaller, which resulted in more water refills and less ice production over time.
This bullet-ice maker is compact and has a self-cleaning mode. But because of its slightly smaller size, you need to refill it a bit more frequently. We tested the blue version and it has just the right pop of color without being loud on your countertop. The front also has a Frigidaire Gallery stainless steel-colored faceplate. When it’s kept stain-free, it gives the icemaker a clean look. When you first unbox the EFIC255, the manual recommends you run a cleaning cycle.
Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). If the NewAir NIM045SS00 Portable Countertop Clear Ice Machine or the Frigidaire EFIC452 are the only clear-ice makers you can find, they are fine options. They made clear ice very well and lost points primarily for their frigidaire freezer less-intuitive controls and because we had to wait a minute or two for their ice to be soft enough to break apart. The Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27 is a variant of the classic bullet-ice machine, but it has some functional details we appreciate and tends to be widely available and easier to return. Staff writer Andrea Barnes covers large cleaning appliances, including dishwashers, and also provides tips on how to get the most out of your dishwasher and laundry appliances.
It also has wifi and voice control capabilities, which don’t necessarily seem like things you’d need in an ice maker — but as the old saying goes, go big or go home. Finally, there’s a professional-grade ice maker that looks sharp enough for home kitchens. Versatile controls put you in charge of everything about your ice, including cycle timing and ice thickness. The stainless steel door is fingerprint-resistant, so this clear ice maker is ready for duty in your home bar.
This makes it convenient for use in various locations, such as kitchens, bars, offices or outdoor spaces. It’s also just much more convenient to have a constant fresh stash of nugget ice all ready for my next drink. Overall, the Luma made the most ice in an hour during our tests. 10 cups of water resulted in 24 perfectly shaped cubes or just about 1 pound and 4.5 ounces of ice in just under 24 minutes. Given the product’s high water capacity, we estimate that this ice maker can produce at least two dozen pounds of ice daily.