Best Countertop Ice Makers Under $300 (2026) — 5 Min Review
We compared countertop ice makers under $300 for 2026—ice shape, output, cycle time & cleaning. Real review themes, pros/cons, and a quick comparison table.
Price Note: Prices shown are from our review date (June 4, 2026). Amazon prices change frequently. Click through to see current prices and any available deals.
Our Top Picks
Frigidaire EFIC128 Compact Countertop Ice Maker
$68.32
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- 16,000+ reviews—strong proof at under $70
- First batch in ~8 minutes; 9 cubes per 5–6 minute cycle
- Hollow bullet ice many reviewers call chewable for iced tea
- Status lights instead of loud beeps when basket is full or water is low
- Compact 12" × 11" × 14.5" footprint fits most counters
✗Cons
- Not a freezer—ice melts in the basket unless you move it to the freezer
- No self-cleaning cycle; vinegar flushes and microfiber dry-out are manual
- Drain plug underneath is awkward without sliding the unit toward the sink
- Some long-term owners report sensor failures or metal debris in the reservoir
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Bullet (small/large selectable)
- Daily output
- 26 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- 5–6 min (9 cubes per batch)
- Reservoir
- See listing (~standard countertop tank)
- Self-cleaning
- No
- Dimensions
- 12" D × 11" W × 14.5" H
- Noise
- Medium—like a background fan (reviews)
Who It's For
Households replacing a dead fridge ice maker who want a proven bullet-ice machine without nugget-machine money.
Why We Recommend It
It anchors our lineup on review volume and price: buyers repeatedly praise fast first batches, light-based alerts, and summer durability themes—our default best countertop ice maker under $300 when you want standard cubes.
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker with Carry Handle
$69.95
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Under $70 with self-cleaning—rare at this tier
- 9 bullet cubes in 6 minutes; 26 lbs/day listed capacity
- 1.2 L tank and 1.3 lbs basket—typical bullet-maker specs
- Sturdy handle and 13.7 lb weight for RV, dorm, or kitchen island
- Small/large cube selector on a simple two-step panel
✗Cons
- Wet ice clumps in the freezer unless you shake bags between batches
- Not a freezer—plan to transfer ice for parties or hot afternoons
- Some units fail to produce ice or arrive damaged—check return window
- Noise and reliability more mixed than Frigidaire at similar price
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Bullet (small/large)
- Daily output
- 26 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- 6 min (9 cubes)
- Reservoir
- 1.2 L
- Self-cleaning
- Yes (one-touch)
- Dimensions
- 11.57" D × 11.42" W × 8.74" H
- Noise
- See listing
Who It's For
Budget buyers, dorm rooms, and campers who want bullet ice plus a self-clean cycle without crossing $100.
Why We Recommend It
It matches Frigidaire’s 26 lb/day class but adds auto-clean and a carry handle at the same price band—our pick when every dollar counts.
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (35 lbs, Stainless)
$179.99
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Chewable pebble/nugget ice—Opal-adjacent texture under $300
- 35 lbs/day listed output; first nuggets in ~7 minutes
- 1.1 L tank; removable top cover for easier deep cleaning
- Built-in self-cleaning (hold CLEAN ~5 seconds)
- Stainless housing suits home bars and modern kitchens
✗Cons
- Not commercial Sonic ice—texture is an approximation per reviews
- Small basket fills quickly; batch-and-freeze workflow for parties
- Ice full sensor can pause early when the chute dams up
- Premium price versus bullet makers that cost half as much
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Nugget / pebble (sonic-style)
- Daily output
- 35 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- ~7 min first batch
- Reservoir
- 1.1 L
- Self-cleaning
- Yes (automatic)
- Dimensions
- 11" D × 9.1" W × 12.6" H
- Noise
- Under 50 dB (listed)
Who It's For
Iced-coffee fans, chewable-ice lovers, and entertainers who want nugget ice without a $500+ Opal.
Why We Recommend It
It is our top nugget ice maker under $300 on output (35 lbs/day), cleanability (lift-off top), and 4.4★ review themes—best when chewable ice matters more than the lowest price.
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
$149.97
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- 35 lbs/day and 1.1 L tank—same output class as pricier nugget units
- First batch in ~7 minutes; one-click operation praised in reviews
- Self-cleaning in ~15 minutes after a 5-second button hold
- ~43 dB listed—quieter than many bullet makers
- Transparent window to monitor ice level at a glance
✗Cons
- Compact basket means frequent transfers for big gatherings
- Countertop makers do not store ice frozen—freezer workflow required
- Some buyers expect restaurant Sonic ice—manage texture expectations
- Occasional noise or reliability complaints at this price tier
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Nugget / crushed pebble
- Daily output
- 35 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- ~7 min first batch
- Reservoir
- 1.1 L
- Self-cleaning
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 12.6" D × 8.66" W × 11.02" H
- Noise
- ~43 dB (listed)
Who It's For
Nugget-ice shoppers who want 35 lb/day output and self-cleaning under $150—our Opal-alternative value pick.
Why We Recommend It
It undercuts the EUHOMY stainless nugget model by ~$30 while matching daily output and cleaning features—strong value for chewable ice without touching $300.
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Handle
$89.99
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- #1 bestseller in ice makers—12,000+ reviews at research time
- Sturdy handle and 13 lb weight—easy RV, dorm, and patio moves
- 9 bullet cubes in 6 minutes; 26 lbs/day; holds ~1.3 lbs at a time
- Under 45 dB listed—quieter than many competitors
- Self-cleaning cycle and infrared full/empty alerts
✗Cons
- After water runs out you may need power-cycle and re-select cube size
- Ice melts in the basket—transfer to freezer for coolers or long drinks
- Not nugget ice—bullet only
- 12-month warranty is standard; lifetime support is marketing, not magic
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Bullet
- Daily output
- 26 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- 6 min (9 cubes)
- Reservoir
- 1.2 L
- Self-cleaning
- Yes (~30 min cycle)
- Dimensions
- 11.42" D × 8.74" W × 11.57" H
- Noise
- <45 dB (listed)
Who It's For
RV owners, campers, and renters who need portable bullet ice with a handle and auto-clean at under $100.
Why We Recommend It
EUHOMY’s bullet model is the category’s volume leader for a reason: portable footprint, quiet rating, and camping/RV keywords match how buyers actually use countertop ice makers.
Frigidaire 26 lb Portable Ice Maker (Stainless)
$92.94
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- 2.1 qt water tank—fewer refills during entertaining
- 9 bullet cubes every 7 minutes; two size options
- 1.5 lb basket capacity listed—more on-hand ice between scoops
- Stainless finish fits bars, offices, and modern kitchens
- Consumer Reports–recommended model cited in buyer reviews
✗Cons
- Wet ice freezes into clumps in the freezer—break up with a scoop or knife
- No self-cleaning—drain plug and upright storage between sessions
- Not a freezer; ice quality drops if left in the basket hours
- Medium fan-level noise—expected for compressors
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Bullet (two sizes)
- Daily output
- 26 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- ~7 min (9 cubes)
- Reservoir
- 2.1 qt
- Self-cleaning
- No (drain plug)
- Dimensions
- 9" D × 13" W × 13" H
- Noise
- Moderate (reviews)
Who It's For
Home bars and hosts who batch ice into the freezer and want the largest reservoir in our Frigidaire picks.
Why We Recommend It
When entertaining is the job, the 2.1 qt tank beats standard 1.2 L bullet makers—pair it with our coffee and mixer guides for a full drink station.
GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Countertop
$124.99
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- App scheduling plus Alexa/Google voice—start ice before guests arrive
- 2 L tank; 26 lbs/day; 9 cubes in 6 minutes; three bullet sizes
- 10-minute self-cleaning with customizable intervals in the app
- RGB basket lighting and full/empty alerts (beeps can mute in app)
- Filtered water reduces scale and sticking per manufacturer guidance
✗Cons
- Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only—5 GHz home networks need a compatible band
- App setup frustrates some buyers when pairing fails
- Wet bullet ice—same freezer-transfer workflow as other countertop units
- Heavier (~16.8 lb) than budget portable models
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Bullet (S/M/L)
- Daily output
- 26 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- 6 min (9 cubes)
- Reservoir
- 2 L
- Self-cleaning
- Yes (app-scheduled)
- Dimensions
- 12.52" D × 9.45" W × 13.11" H
- Noise
- Quiet (reviews); not a freezer
Who It's For
Smart-home fans who want scheduled ice runs, voice control, and three cube sizes without leaving the $300 cap.
Why We Recommend It
It is the only connected pick in our lineup—ideal if you already use Govee lights or hate walking to the kitchen to start a batch before morning coffee.
Crzoe Countertop Portable Ice Maker with Handle
$69.99
As of June 4, 2026
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- 4.6★ rating—highest in our researched set
- 8 bullet cubes in 6 minutes; 26 lbs/day listed
- Self-cleaning, handle, basket, and scoop included
- Compact footprint for apartments and galley kitchens
- Under $70 with strong recent review sentiment
✗Cons
- Fewer total reviews than Frigidaire or EUHOMY bullet models
- Generic branding—long-term parts support less proven
- Same melt-and-refreeze behavior as all countertop ice makers
- Not nugget ice—bullet only
Key Specs
- Ice type
- Bullet (8 per batch)
- Daily output
- 26 lbs (listed)
- Cycle time
- 6 min
- Reservoir
- See listing (~1.2 L class)
- Self-cleaning
- Yes
- Dimensions
- See listing (compact countertop)
- Noise
- See listing
Who It's For
Small-kitchen and apartment buyers who want the top star rating in our research band with self-cleaning under $70.
Why We Recommend It
When footprint and review score matter more than brand name, Crzoe’s 4.6★ average beats every other discovery SKU while staying in the bullet-ice value lane.
Complete Product Comparison
Prices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
| Product | Best For | Our pick | Ice type | Daily output | Cycle time | Reservoir | Self-cleaning | Dimensions | Noise | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frigidaire EFIC128 Ice Maker | Best Overall | Best Overall | Bullet | 26 lbs | 5–6 min | Standard tank | No | 12"×11"×14.5" | Medium (fan-like) | 4.4⭐ (17K reviews) | $68.32 See Price |
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker | Best Budget | Best Budget | Bullet | 26 lbs | 6 min | 1.2 L | Yes | 11.57"×11.42"×8.74" | See listing | 4.4⭐ (7K reviews) | $69.95 See Price |
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker (35 lb) | Best Nugget Ice Maker | Best Nugget | Nugget / pebble | 35 lbs | ~7 min | 1.1 L | Yes | 11"×9.1"×12.6" | <50 dB | 4.4⭐ (5K reviews) | $179.99 See Price |
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker | Best Nugget Value | Best Nugget Value | Nugget | 35 lbs | ~7 min | 1.1 L | Yes | 12.6"×8.66"×11" | ~43 dB | 4.3⭐ (6K reviews) | $149.97 See Price |
EUHOMY Portable Bullet Ice Maker | Best for RV & Camping | Best RV / Camping | Bullet | 26 lbs | 6 min | 1.2 L | Yes | 11.42"×8.74"×11.57" | <45 dB | 4.3⭐ (12K reviews) | $89.99 See Price |
Frigidaire Stainless Ice Maker | Best for Home Bar | Best Home Bar | Bullet | 26 lbs | ~7 min | 2.1 qt | No | 9"×13"×13" | Moderate | 4.3⭐ (11K reviews) | $92.94 See Price |
GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker | Best Smart Ice Maker | Best Smart | Bullet (3 sizes) | 26 lbs | 6 min | 2 L | Yes | 12.52"×9.45"×13.11" | Quiet (reviews) | 4.3⭐ (2K reviews) | $124.99 See Price |
Crzoe Portable Ice Maker | Best for Small Kitchens | Small Kitchens | Bullet | 26 lbs | 6 min | ~1.2 L class | Yes | Compact | See listing | 4.6⭐ (4K reviews) | $69.99 See Price |
Frigidaire EFIC128 Ice Maker
Best OverallSilonn Countertop Ice Maker
Best BudgetEUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker (35 lb)
Best Nugget Ice MakerKismile Nugget Ice Maker
Best Nugget ValueEUHOMY Portable Bullet Ice Maker
Best for RV & CampingFrigidaire Stainless Ice Maker
Best for Home BarGoveeLife Smart Ice Maker
Best Smart Ice MakerCrzoe Portable Ice Maker
Best for Small KitchensPrices as of June 4, 2026. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.