Let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than reaching for ice on a hot day, or in the middle of a party, only to find an empty tray. That frantic dash to the store is a buzzkill. If you’re tired of that routine, you’ve probably started searching for a cheap ice maker on Amazon, and you’ve landed in the right place. As the lead expert at Ice Maker Best, I’ve seen it all, from high-end commercial units to the budget-friendly powerhouses you’re looking for. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable machine that churns out ice on demand. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect, affordable ice-making sidekick for your home.
Why Do You Absolutely Need an Ice Maker Anyway?
You might be thinking, “My freezer has an ice tray, isn’t that enough?” For some, maybe. But for most of us, it’s a game-changer. Think about it:
- Entertaining Guests: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or just a spontaneous get-together, you’ll never run out of ice for cocktails, sodas, and iced tea again. No more lukewarm drinks!
- Daily Convenience: Are you a fan of iced coffee, smoothies, or just ice-cold water throughout the day? A countertop ice maker provides a constant, fresh supply without the hassle of refilling trays.
- Specialty Ice: Many affordable models produce “bullet” or “nugget” ice, which is often softer and more chewable than the rock-hard cubes from your freezer. It’s the kind of ice you get at your favorite restaurants.
- Beyond the Kitchen: These portable units are perfect for RVs, boats, dorm rooms, home bars, or even your office. Anywhere you have a standard outlet, you can have fresh ice.
What Kinds of Ice Makers Can You Find on a Budget?
When you’re scrolling through options for a cheap ice maker on Amazon, you’ll mostly encounter one main category: the countertop model. It’s the king of convenience and affordability.
Countertop Portable Ice Makers
This is the sweet spot. These are compact, standalone units that sit on your counter, just like a coffee maker. You simply pour water into a reservoir, plug it in, and it starts making ice within minutes. They are incredibly popular because they require no plumbing, are easy to move, and offer fantastic value for the price. They’re the machines we’ll be focusing on in this guide.
Undercounter Ice Makers
These are built-in units that fit under your kitchen counter, similar to a dishwasher. They’re more powerful, hold more ice, and require a dedicated water line and drain. While they are fantastic, they are a significant step up in price and installation complexity, so you typically won’t find them in the “cheap” category.
What Key Features Matter Most in a Cheap Ice Maker on Amazon?
Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. You’re on Amazon, you see a dozen different models that look almost identical, and the prices are all in the same ballpark. How do you choose? I’ve tested hundreds of these things, and here’s what you really need to pay attention to.
How Much Ice Can It Make? (Production Capacity)
This is usually measured in pounds of ice per 24 hours. Most budget countertop models produce between 26 and 33 pounds of ice per day. For an average family or for hosting small parties, 26 pounds is more than enough. It might sound like a lot, but it just means the machine is capable of consistently producing ice throughout the day. Don’t get too hung up on getting the absolute highest number; focus on what you’ll realistically use.
How Fast Will I Get Ice? (Cycle Time)
This is the spec that delivers that instant gratification. Most countertop ice makers can produce their first batch of ice in 6 to 10 minutes. This usually gets you 9 small or large “bullet” shaped cubes. This speed is what makes them so much better than waiting hours for a freezer tray.
What Kind of Ice Will I Get? (Ice Shape)
This is a surprisingly important—and often overlooked—feature. The shape of the ice affects how quickly it melts and the overall “mouthfeel” of your drink.
- Bullet Ice: This is the most common type from affordable countertop machines. It’s shaped like a little hollow bullet or thimble. It has a cloudy appearance and a softer chew than freezer cubes. It’s a great all-purpose ice.
- Nugget Ice: Also known as “Sonic ice” or “chewable ice,” this is the holy grail for many. It’s made from compacted ice flakes, making it soft, airy, and incredibly satisfying to chew on. Machines that make true nugget ice are often a bit more expensive, but some budget-friendly “pebble ice” makers are starting to hit the market. If you see one in your price range, it’s worth a serious look. You can learn more in our complete guide to nugget ice makers.
Where Does the Water Come From? (Water Source)
Virtually every cheap ice maker on Amazon uses a manual-fill reservoir. This is part of what makes them so convenient. You just pour water into the machine up to the fill line. There’s no need for a water hookup. The downside? You have to remember to refill it. Most models have an indicator light to tell you when it’s time to add more water.
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Our Picks for the Best Ice Maker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black) |
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| 2 | Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click Operation Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, 33lbs/24H for Home,Kitchen,Office |
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| 3 | EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker Machine with 35lbs/24H Soft Ice, Self-Cleaning Sonic Ice Maker with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office(Stainless Steels) |
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| 4 | Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium |
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| 5 | Silonn Countertop Ice Maker, 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 Lbs in 24 Hrs, Compact Ice Machine with Ice Basket & Scoop, 2 Ice Sizes, Self-Cleaning Ice Maker for Home/Party/Office/Bar/Dorm, Black |
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| 6 | Silonn Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26lbs in 24Hrs, Self-Cleaning Ice Machine with Ice Scoop and Basket, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party, Sliver |
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| 7 | Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes and Self-Cleaning, Portable Ice Maker with Handle for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV, Office, Black |
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| 8 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver |
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| 9 | Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Silonn Chewable Pellet Ice Machine with Self-Cleanin Function, 33lbs/24H Portable Ice Makers for Home Kitchen Officce, Black |
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| 10 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black |
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Will It Be Loud? (Noise Level)
An ice maker is essentially a mini-refrigerator. It has a compressor and a fan, so it’s not going to be silent. However, a good one should be no louder than a modern fridge—just a low hum. You’ll also hear the sound of the ice dropping into the basket every few minutes. If a product page has lots of reviews complaining about loud, grinding noises, it’s a red flag.
As a veteran appliance technician, here’s my top tip: “Always use filtered or distilled water in your countertop ice maker. Tap water is full of minerals that build up over time, causing the machine to work harder, make more noise, and eventually fail. It’s the single best thing you can do to extend its life.”
— David Chen, Certified Appliance Technician
How Do I Keep My Budget Ice Maker Running Smoothly?
A little bit of maintenance goes a long way. If you take care of your machine, it’ll take care of you. It’s not complicated, I promise.
- Drain It: If you’re not going to use it for more than a day, unplug it and drain all the water out using the drain plug on the bottom. This prevents mold and mildew from growing.
- Wipe It Down: Once a week, wipe the inside of the machine with a soft cloth, warm water, and a little bit of vinegar or mild dish soap. Rinse it thoroughly by wiping with a cloth dampened with clean water.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Most machines have a self-cleaning function. Run this every few weeks. If your machine doesn’t have one, you can run a cycle with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to descale it and kill bacteria.
- Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: After using any cleaning solution, run 2-3 cycles with fresh, clean water and discard the ice to flush everything out. You don’t want your next drink tasting like vinegar!
For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our deep dive into descaling your ice machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a cheap ice maker on Amazon?
A: You can find many excellent, reliable countertop ice makers in the $90 to $150 range. Be wary of anything significantly cheaper, as build quality and reliability can drop off sharply. In this price range, you’ll get great features and solid performance.
Q: Do countertop ice makers keep the ice frozen?
A: This is a common misconception. No, countertop ice makers are not freezers. The ice basket is insulated but not actively refrigerated. The ice will slowly melt over time. However, the melted water simply drips back into the reservoir to be made into new ice, so no water is wasted.
Q: Can I leave my portable ice maker on all the time?
A: Yes, you can. They are designed for continuous operation. The machine will automatically stop making ice when the basket is full and will restart as the ice melts or is used. For energy savings and longevity, it’s a good idea to turn it off if you know you won’t be using it for a day or two.
Q: What’s the best water to use in my ice maker?
A: Filtered or bottled distilled water is best. It produces clearer ice and, more importantly, prevents mineral scale buildup (limescale) inside the machine. Hard tap water is the number one enemy of ice makers and can lead to clogs and malfunctions.
Q: Is it hard to set up a new ice maker?
A: Not at all! It’s incredibly simple. Just take it out of the box, let it sit upright for at least an hour to allow the coolant to settle, wipe it down, fill it with water, and plug it in. You’ll have your first batch of ice in minutes.
The Final Scoop
Finding a great cheap ice maker on Amazon is entirely achievable. You don’t have to settle for a subpar product just because you’re on a budget. By focusing on the key features—production capacity, speed, ice shape, and user reviews regarding noise—you can easily find a machine that will become an indispensable part of your kitchen. Say goodbye to empty ice trays and hello to an endless supply of fresh, clean ice for every occasion. Now go make an informed choice and enjoy that perfectly chilled drink you deserve.