There’s nothing quite like the sound of ice clinking in a glass on a hot summer day. But what happens when your freezer’s built-in ice maker just can’t keep up with the party, or worse, you don’t have one at all? That’s where countertop ice makers come in, and you’ve likely seen the Igloo brand pop up everywhere. This comprehensive Igloo Ice Maker Review is here to cut through the noise. I’ve spent years testing, taking apart, and living with all sorts of ice machines, from tiny portable units to commercial behemoths. Today, we’re putting the popular Igloo models under the microscope to see if they’re the cool-headed companion you need for your kitchen, RV, or office. Let’s dive in and find out if it’s truly worth your money.
First Off, Why Do You Even Need a Countertop Ice Maker?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you might be looking for one of these gadgets in the first place. It’s a fair question. Don’t we all have ice cube trays?
Well, yes, but let’s be real—they’re slow, they’re messy, and they never seem to make enough when you really need it. A dedicated countertop ice maker is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Speed: Most units, including the Igloo, can churn out a batch of ice in under 10 minutes. Try doing that with a tray!
- Convenience: No more frantic trips to the gas station for a bag of ice in the middle of your BBQ. It’s a continuous supply right on your counter.
- Volume: While a freezer ice maker is great, it often shares space with your frozen pizzas and vegetables. A portable unit can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, which is more than enough for most families and small gatherings.
- Portability: This is a huge one. You can take it on your boat, in your RV, to a tailgate party, or even just move it from the kitchen to the back patio.
It’s about having a ready supply of fresh ice, whenever and wherever you need it, without the hassle.
A Deep Dive into the Igloo Ice Maker’s Performance
Alright, let’s get to the heart of this Igloo ice maker review. The most common model you’ll see is the Igloo ICEB26, a compact, portable machine that comes in a rainbow of colors. I’ve had one of these running in my workshop for months, so I know its quirks and its charms intimately.
How Fast Does It Actually Make Ice?
Igloo claims you can get your first batch of ice in as little as 7 minutes. Is this true? Yes… and no. In a temperate room with room-temperature water, my first batch consistently took about 8-9 minutes. Subsequent batches do get a little faster as the internal components get colder. It produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes per cycle. While it’s not a world-record-breaking speed, it’s impressively fast and more than capable of keeping drinks cold for a few people.
Expert Take: As a technician, I can tell you that the initial cycle time is always longer. The refrigeration system has to cool the water probes from ambient temperature. For the fastest results, start with the coldest water you have. – John Carter, Appliance Repair Specialist
What’s the Deal with Bullet Ice?
Igloo ice makers produce “bullet” or “thimble” shaped ice. It’s cylindrical with a hollow center. Here’s what you need to know about it:
- Pros: It’s soft and chewable, which many people love. The hollow shape also provides more surface area, meaning it cools your drink down very quickly.
- Cons: That same increased surface area means it also melts faster than solid cubes from your freezer. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of. It’s not the crystal-clear, slow-melting ice you’d get from a high-end under-counter machine.
For everyday use in sodas, iced tea, and cocktails, bullet ice is fantastic. If you’re a whiskey connoisseur looking for a single, slow-melting rock, this isn’t the machine for you. You’d be better off checking out our guide on machines that make clear ice.
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Our Picks for the Best Ice Maker in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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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| 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 | 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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| 4 | 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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| 5 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver |
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| 6 | 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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| 7 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black |
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| 8 | 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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| 9 | Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium |
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| 10 | 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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An Honest Igloo Ice Maker Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Icy
No product is perfect. To give you a truly helpful review, we need to look at both sides of the coin. After extensive use, here’s my honest breakdown.
What I Love About It (The Pros)
- Incredibly Simple to Use: Seriously, my tech-phobic uncle could figure this out. You pour water into the reservoir, press a button, and… that’s it. There are indicator lights to tell you when the ice basket is full or when you need to add more water.
- Truly Portable: It’s lightweight and has a small footprint. I’ve easily moved it from my kitchen counter to my patio bar for parties. It’s a dream for RV owners or people living in apartments with small freezers.
- Quiet Operation: While you’ll hear the fan and the sound of ice dropping into the basket, it’s generally no louder than a modern refrigerator. It’s a low hum that fades into the background.
- The Price is Right: For what it does, the Igloo ice maker is very affordable. It offers a fantastic entry point into the world of countertop ice makers without a huge financial commitment.
Where It Falls Short (The Cons)
- It’s Not a Freezer: This is the most important thing to understand. The ice basket is not refrigerated. Once the ice is made, it sits in the insulated basket. If you don’t use it, it will slowly melt, and the water will drain back into the reservoir to be made into new ice. It’s designed for continuous use, not long-term storage.
- Limited Capacity: The ice basket holds about 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice at a time. If you’re hosting a large party, you’ll need to be regularly emptying the basket into a larger cooler or your freezer.
- Requires Regular Cleaning: Like any appliance that uses water, it can develop scale and mildew if not maintained. Thankfully, most models come with a self-cleaning function, but it still requires some attention (more on that below).
Keeping Your Igloo Ice Maker in Tip-Top Shape
An ice maker is only as good as the care you give it. Neglect it, and you’ll end up with funky-tasting ice and a machine that doesn’t last. Here’s how to keep it running smoothly.
How Do You Clean an Igloo Ice Maker?
Cleaning your machine at least once a month is crucial for fresh-tasting ice and longevity. It’s easier than it sounds.
- Empty and Drain: Unplug the machine, remove the ice basket, and empty any remaining water using the drain plug on the bottom.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Fill the reservoir with an equal-parts solution of water and white vinegar. Plug it back in and hold the power button for a few seconds to activate the self-clean mode (check your specific model’s manual). Let it run through the entire cycle.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the vinegar solution completely. Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth. Then, fill it with fresh, clean water and run 1-2 full ice-making cycles, discarding the ice it makes. This flushes out any lingering vinegar taste.
- Dry It Out: Drain the rinse water and leave the lid open to let the interior air dry completely before storing it.
This simple routine will prevent mineral buildup and keep your machine hygienic.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about these units. Here are answers to the most common ones.
Q: Can you use tap water in an Igloo ice maker?
A: Yes, you can. However, if you have hard water, the minerals can build up inside the machine over time, requiring more frequent cleaning. For the best results and less maintenance, using filtered or distilled water is highly recommended.
Q: Does the Igloo ice maker keep ice frozen?
A: No. The storage basket is insulated but not refrigerated. The machine is designed to make ice for immediate use or for transfer to a freezer. Melted ice drains back into the reservoir to be recycled.
Q: How much electricity does an Igloo ice maker use?
A: It uses a surprising amount of power, but only when it’s actively in the cooling cycle. It draws about 150-200 watts while running. It doesn’t run constantly, so the overall daily consumption is relatively low, similar to leaving a couple of bright light bulbs on.
Q: Can you leave an Igloo ice maker on all the time?
A: You can. It’s designed to stop making ice when the basket is full and restart as the ice melts or is used. However, for energy savings and to reduce wear and tear, it’s best to turn it off when you know you won’t need ice for an extended period.
Q: Why does my Igloo ice maker squeak?
A: A slight squeaking noise is often normal, especially in newer units. It’s usually the sound of the mechanism pushing the ice into the basket. If it becomes loud or is accompanied by grinding, it may be time to clean the unit or check for obstructions.
The Final Verdict: Is the Igloo Ice Maker a Good Buy?
So, after all this, should you buy one? My final Igloo ice maker review verdict is this: for the right person, it’s an excellent purchase.
If you are a casual user who wants a fast, convenient way to get ice for daily drinks, small family gatherings, or for your RV or boat, the Igloo ice maker is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. It does exactly what it promises: it makes a decent amount of ice, quickly and without any fuss.
However, if you’re a commercial user, hosting huge parties every weekend, or a connoisseur who demands crystal-clear, slow-melting ice, you will need to invest in a more advanced and expensive machine. Understanding its limitations is key. This machine is a sprinter, not a marathon runner. It’s built for on-demand ice, not for stockpiling it. If that fits your lifestyle, you’ll be more than happy with your Igloo.