I use the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Machine to make clear, chewable bullet-shaped ice. It’s probably the best affordable option you can get on Amazon right now to ensure you never run out of ice.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
Frigidaire - Best Compact Ice Maker for Countertops
Highlight: Bullet ice comes in two different sizes.
Helpful review: Have you ever found yourself running out of ice at the most inconvenient times? Yeah, that pretty much summarizes me everytime I host a party. Doesn’t matter if it's an outdoor barbecue or a movie night, but yeah, always running out of ice. The Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker might just be the lifesaver you've been looking for, because it definitely was for me. This handy gadget sits right on your countertop, offering the convenience of freshly made ice without taking up all the space in my freezer. I just can’t shout about this baby enough. You need it, trust me.
One of the favorite things about this ice maker is its ability to produce bullet shaped ice in two different sizes. Depending what you’re drinking, you might need a different type of ice. Smaller ice nuggets fit perfectly in your cocktail glass and larger ones are great for that big tumbler. Either one, this machine has got you covered. The variety adds a level of customization that not many ice makers offer.
The machine also never stops moving. Talk about a consistent performance. Imagine being able to produce up to twenty six pounds of ice per day! That’s enough to keep all your drinks chilled, even on the hottest days. Consider also that most gas stations sell ice in five pound bags, and you’ll realize quickly how much money you’re going to save on this.
Now, before you jump to conclusions, you need to realize first and foremost that this ice maker isn’t a storage freezer, but rather a continuous ice producer. There’s a big difference. It’ll keep your ice at around 27 degrees, similar to a cooler. This means the ice will slowly melt and be remade again. In other words, you’re always going to have fresh ice on hand.
Patience might be a virtue, but who has time to wait for ice? Not me, when I’m always forgetting to start things. With this ice maker, you can have your first batch ready in like 8 minutes, and if you ask me, that's practically no time at all. By the time you've mixed your drink, the ice is ready to go.
The ice maker is incredibly easy to use. It only has a few simple buttons and then the lights go off to notify you of the status of the system. It's so easy to operate even if you're not particularly tech-savvy like me. The lights are a great touch, too—they inform you when the ice bucket is full or when it’s time to add more water. No annoying beeps or complicated displays, just straightforward indicators that anyone can understand.
So how loud is it? Well, have you ever been in a quiet room and suddenly an appliance starts making a racket? Not with this ice maker. Nope. It operates quietly, so you won't even notice it's there. This is perfect for open-plan living spaces or if your party is getting going with the conversations.
Despite its impressive ice-making capabilities, the Frigidaire ice maker really doesn’t take up much space on your countertop, which I love, because my kitchen is on the smaller side. Its sleek design matches well with stainless steel appliances, so it won't stick out like a sore thumb in your kitchen. Plus, it comes with a handy ice scoop, which is great for parties.
For optimal results, I definitely recommend that you transfer the ice from the machine to your freezer if you’re not using it immediately. Since the ice maker keeps the ice at about 27 degrees, transferring it to a 0-degree freezer will ensure it lasts longer in your drinks. Remember, it’s not a storage thing, it just creates it. If you're planning an outdoor event, using an insulated cup will keep your ice from melting too quickly.
PROS:
- Quality built machine.
- Very easy to use.
- Light indicators are awesome.
- Produces twenty six pounds of ice per day.
- First ice batch in just eight minutes.
- Pauses automatically when the basket is full.
- Quiet when it’s on.
- Compact design that fits on small countertops.
- Has a long cord.
In terms of cons, my only thought is that draining the machine can be tricky. The drain plug is not the easiest to use as it’s located underneath it. However, a simple solution I found is to use a microfiber towel to soak up any remaining water. It’s pretty quick and keeps everything dry and ready for the next time you’re gonna use it. It’s really just a fantastic addition to my house and for all my parties. If you're tired of running out of ice like me, this might just be the perfect solution for you, and for that price, you can’t really say no! — Rick Roan
Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns
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