Hey there, ice enthusiasts! Welcome to Ice Maker Best, your go-to spot for everything cool. If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a summer BBQ, frantically rationing the last few cubes from your freezer’s built-in tray, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into a comprehensive NewAir Ice Maker Review. I’ve spent years tinkering with, testing, and taking apart these machines, and NewAir is a brand that constantly pops up on the radar. So, the big question is: does it live up to the hype, or is it just another appliance destined to collect dust? Let’s find out together.
Why Do You Even Need a Countertop Ice Maker?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of NewAir, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why not just use ice cube trays or your refrigerator’s dispenser? For some, that’s perfectly fine. But if you entertain often, have a large family, or simply love a perpetually full glass of ice-cold beverage, you’ve probably felt the pain of running out.
A dedicated countertop ice maker is a game-changer. Think about it:
- Speed: Most units can churn out a new batch of ice in under 10 minutes. No more waiting hours for trays to freeze.
- Volume: These machines are built to produce, often making 26 to 50 pounds of ice per day. That’s more than enough for a party, a fishing trip, or just keeping the whole family hydrated.
- Convenience: It’s portable. You can take it to the patio, on your RV, or set it up in your home bar. It’s ice on demand, wherever you need it.
Honestly, once you experience the freedom of never running out of ice again, it’s tough to go back.
A Closer Look at the NewAir Brand
NewAir has carved out a significant space in the home appliance market, and their ice makers are a big part of that. They offer a pretty diverse lineup, from compact bullet ice makers to models that produce that trendy, chewable “nugget” ice. This NewAir ice maker review will focus on what makes their machines tick and who they’re best for.
Design and Build Quality
First impressions matter. Most NewAir models sport a sleek, modern look, often featuring stainless steel finishes that blend well with other kitchen appliances. They are generally compact, designed to fit comfortably on a countertop without hogging all the space.
From my hands-on experience, the build quality is solid for the price point. The plastics used for the lid and interior are durable, and the overall construction feels sturdy. They’re not commercial-grade tanks, but for home use, they are more than adequate.
As our lead appliance technician, David Chen, often points out, “A lot of countertop ice makers feel flimsy. NewAir generally uses better-grade components, especially in their cooling systems, which contributes to their reliability.”
Ice Production: Speed and Quality
This is where the magic happens. A core strength of NewAir is its production speed. Many of their popular models, like the NewAir 40 Lb. Countertop Clear Ice Maker, can have the first batch of cubes ready in about 15 minutes, with some bullet ice models being even faster.
But what about the ice itself? NewAir offers a few different types:
- Bullet Ice: This is the most common type from countertop machines. It’s shaped like a little bullet with a hollow center. It’s great for cooling drinks quickly, though it can melt a bit faster than solid cubes.
- Clear Ice: For the cocktail connoisseur, clear ice is the holy grail. It melts slower, looks fantastic, and doesn’t impart any “freezer taste” to your drink. NewAir has some excellent models that produce restaurant-quality clear ice cubes.
- Nugget Ice: Also known as “Sonic ice” or “pellet ice,” this is the soft, chewable stuff people go crazy for. It’s perfect for sodas and juleps. The NewAir Nugget Ice Maker is one of their flagship products and a direct competitor to the more expensive GE Opal.
Key Features That Actually Matter
When you’re comparing models, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of specs. Here are the features on NewAir machines that I find genuinely useful:
- Self-Cleaning Function: This is a must-have. Cleaning an ice maker can be a pain, and this automated function simplifies the process immensely.
- Multiple Ice Sizes: Many of their bullet ice models let you choose between small and large cubes, which is a nice touch for different types of drinks.
- Indicator Lights: Simple “Add Water” and “Ice Full” lights prevent you from having to guess or constantly check on the machine.
- Large Viewing Window: It’s a small thing, but being able to see how much ice you have without opening the lid is surprisingly convenient.
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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 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver |
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| 3 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, 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 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium |
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| 6 | 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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| 7 | 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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| 8 | 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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| 9 | 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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| 10 | 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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The Honest NewAir Ice Maker Review: Pros and Cons
No appliance is perfect. To give you a balanced view, here’s my breakdown of the good and the not-so-good based on extensive testing and user feedback.
What We Love (The Pros)
- Fast Ice Production: You’re never more than a few minutes away from fresh ice.
- Variety of Models: Whether you want cheap and cheerful bullet ice or premium chewable nugget ice, they have an option.
- User-Friendly: The setup is incredibly simple. Just plug it in, add water, and press a button.
- Reliable Self-Cleaning: The cleaning cycle works well and is a huge time-saver for maintenance.
- Good Value: Compared to some premium brands, NewAir offers a great balance of features and performance for the price.
What Could Be Better (The Cons)
- Noise Level: Like any appliance with a compressor and fan, it makes noise. It’s not deafening, but you’ll notice it running in a quiet room. It’s comparable to a small refrigerator.
- Not a Freezer: This is a common misconception. The storage basket is insulated, not refrigerated. The ice will slowly melt over time. However, the machine cleverly recycles the meltwater to make new ice, so nothing is wasted.
- Requires Regular Cleaning: Even with a self-cleaning function, you’ll need to descale and wipe it down every month or so to prevent buildup, especially if you have hard water.
How to Use and Maintain Your NewAir Ice Maker
Getting the most out of your machine means using it correctly and keeping it clean. It’s super simple.
Getting Started: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Placement: Find a flat, stable surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Resting Period: Let the machine sit upright for at least an hour before plugging it in. This allows the coolant in the compressor to settle.
- Initial Clean: Before your first use, run a cleaning cycle or wash the interior, ice basket, and scoop with mild soap and water.
- Fill ‘er Up: Pour water into the reservoir, being careful not to exceed the “MAX” fill line. I recommend using filtered or bottled water for the best-tasting, clearest ice.
- Power On: Plug it in, press the power button, select your ice size (if applicable), and you’re off to the races!
The Cleaning Routine You Can’t Skip
To keep your ice tasting fresh and your machine running smoothly, follow this simple routine every 3-4 weeks.
- Unplug the unit and drain all the water using the drain plug on the bottom.
- Remove the ice basket and wash it.
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Use this solution to wipe down the interior walls and hard-to-reach places.
- Pour some of the solution into the water reservoir and run the self-cleaning cycle.
- Drain the vinegar solution completely and run one or two cycles with fresh water to rinse everything out.
What To Do When Your NewAir Ice Maker Acts Up?
Even the best machines can have hiccups. Here are quick fixes for common issues.
- My machine isn’t making ice: First, check if the “Add Water” light is on. If not, ensure the ambient room temperature isn’t too hot or too cold, as this can affect the cooling cycle.
- The “Ice Full” light is on, but the basket isn’t full: The infrared sensor that detects the ice level might be dirty. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
- The ice tastes funny: It’s time for a cleaning! A funny taste is almost always a sign of mildew or mineral buildup.
A Quick Guide to Ice Types: Nugget vs. Bullet vs. Clear
Choosing an ice maker often comes down to the type of ice you prefer. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Ice Type | Best For | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Ice | Everyday drinks, coolers, blended drinks | Soft, hollow, cools drinks quickly |
| Clear Ice | High-end cocktails (whiskey, old fashioned), spirits | Hard, dense, melts very slowly, pure taste |
| Nugget Ice | Sodas, iced tea, mint juleps, for chewing | Soft, chewable, absorbs drink flavor |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does ice last in a NewAir ice maker?
A: Because the bin is insulated but not refrigerated, the ice will start to melt within a few hours. However, the machine will automatically recycle the meltwater to make new ice, so you’ll always have a fresh supply as long as it’s running.
Q: Does a NewAir ice maker keep ice frozen?
A: No, it does not function as a freezer. It’s designed for continuous production and immediate use. For long-term storage, you should transfer the ice to your freezer.
Q: Can I use tap water in my NewAir ice maker?
A: Yes, you can use tap water. However, for the best-tasting ice and to minimize mineral buildup (which requires more frequent cleaning), using filtered or distilled water is highly recommended.
Q: How often should I clean my NewAir ice maker?
A: A good rule of thumb is to run the self-cleaning cycle and wipe it down every 3 to 4 weeks. If you have very hard water or use the machine daily, you might want to do it more often.
Q: Is NewAir a good brand for ice makers?
A: Absolutely. In the world of countertop home appliances, NewAir offers a fantastic combination of performance, features, and value. They are a reliable choice for anyone looking to upgrade their ice game without breaking the bank.
The Final Verdict
So, after a thorough NewAir ice maker review, what’s the bottom line? NewAir ice makers are a solid investment for the vast majority of households. They are reliable, efficient, and produce great-quality ice quickly. Whether you’re a casual user who just wants a convenient supply for summer drinks or a connoisseur seeking perfect clear cubes for your cocktails, NewAir likely has a model that fits your needs and budget. It successfully bridges the gap between basic, cheap machines and ultra-premium models, making it one of the best all-around choices on the market today.