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.
It is often preferred for drinks like cocktails, smoothies and sodas due to its ability to absorb flavors. Of the machines we tested, ice ranged from small to large, clear to cloudy, and in shapes like cube, bullet, or pellet. Of course, one shape or size is no better than the other, so this comes down to preference on behalf of the user. In terms of clear or cloudy, so long as you are using filtered water, your ice should taste fresh and not affect the flavor of your drink.
The nugget ice makers we’ve featured here — and indeed most you’ll find that are specifically geared toward the production of nugget ice — do not require a water connection. Simply fill a tank or reservoir as needed, so these machines are pretty much plug-and-play. In terms of actually using your ice, the KBice maker has the nugget ice market cornered on built-in dispensing. That said, a few models do require a water line, so be sure to check what’s required before purchasing. Widely considered to be the gold standard among at-home nugget ice makers, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 can produce an impressive 24 pounds of ice per day.
The machine runs constantly, but you can set a timer if you only want it to be on and produce new ice for a certain period. During our testing, we found that what one ice maker offers with capacity frigidaire freezer and speed, it lacks in style and size. Our pick for the best ice maker overall — the Luma Comfort Clear Ice Maker — offers a practically silent motor and exceptional water capacity.
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 frigidaire freezer 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 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.