NewAir Ice Maker Review: Is It Worth the Money?

NewAir ice makers are a solid investment for most households, offering reliable, efficient, and quick production of various ice types, including bullet, clear, and nugget ice. These countertop units are praised for their fast ice production, user-friendly operation, and good value, making them a popular choice for home use. They typically produce 26 to 50 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch ready in about 15 minutes.

Why Do You Even Need a Countertop Ice Maker?

For those who entertain often, have a large family, or simply enjoy a perpetually full glass of ice-cold beverage, a dedicated countertop ice maker is a significant upgrade. Unlike ice cube trays or refrigerator dispensers, these machines offer: For ice maker buying guides on this site.

• Speed: Most units can churn out a new batch of ice in under 10 minutes, eliminating long waits.
• Volume: Designed for high production, they often make 26 to 50 pounds of ice per day, sufficient for parties or daily hydration.
• Convenience: Portable and easy to set up, they provide ice on demand for patios, RVs, or home bars.

Once you experience the freedom of never running out of ice, it’s difficult to go back.

A Closer Look at the NewAir Brand

NewAir has established a significant presence in the home appliance market, with their ice makers being a key product. They offer a diverse lineup, from compact bullet ice makers to models that produce trendy, chewable “nugget” ice. This NewAir ice maker review will detail what makes their machines function and who they are best suited for.

Design and Build Quality

Most NewAir models feature a sleek, modern design, often with stainless steel finishes that complement other kitchen appliances. They are generally compact, fitting comfortably on a countertop without occupying excessive space.

From 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. While not commercial-grade, they are more than adequate for home use.

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

NewAir’s core strength is its production speed. Many popular models, such as the NewAir 40 Lb. Countertop Clear Ice Maker, can produce the first batch of cubes in about 15 minutes, with some bullet ice models being even faster.

NewAir offers a few different types of ice:

• Bullet Ice: The most common type from countertop machines, shaped like a hollow bullet. It cools drinks quickly but can melt faster than solid cubes.
• Clear Ice: Ideal for cocktail connoisseurs, clear ice melts slower, looks appealing, and doesn’t impart any “freezer taste.” NewAir offers models that produce restaurant-quality clear ice cubes.
• Nugget Ice: Also known as “Sonic ice” or “pellet ice,” this soft, chewable ice is perfect for sodas and juleps. The NewAir Nugget Ice Maker is a flagship product, competing directly with more expensive options like the GE Opal.

Key Features That Actually Matter

Our Picks for the Best Ice Maker in 2026 As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Num	Product	Action
1	Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium
2	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
3	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
4	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)
5	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)
6	FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver
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
8	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
9	Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Silonn Chewable Pellet Ice Machine with Self-Cleanin Function, 33lbs/24H Portable Ice Makers for Home Kitchen Officce, Black
10	FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black

When comparing models, certain features on NewAir machines prove genuinely useful:

• Self-Cleaning Function: This automated function simplifies cleaning, which is essential for maintenance.
• Multiple Ice Sizes: Many bullet ice models allow users to choose between small and large cubes for different drink types.
• Indicator Lights: Simple “Add Water” and “Ice Full” lights prevent guesswork and constant checking.
• Large Viewing Window: Being able to see the ice level without opening the lid is a convenient feature.

The Honest NewAir Ice Maker Review: Pros and Cons

No appliance is perfect. Here’s a balanced breakdown based on extensive testing and user feedback.

What We Love (The Pros)

• Fast Ice Production: Fresh ice is available within minutes.
• Variety of Models: Options range from affordable bullet ice makers to premium chewable nugget ice machines.
• User-Friendly: Setup is simple: plug in, add water, and press a button.
• Reliable Self-Cleaning: The cleaning cycle is effective and saves significant maintenance time.
• Good Value: NewAir offers a strong balance of features and performance for its price point compared to premium brands.

What Could Be Better (The Cons)

• Noise Level: Like any appliance with a compressor and fan, it produces noise comparable to a small refrigerator.
• Not a Freezer: The storage basket is insulated, not refrigerated, so ice will slowly melt. However, the machine recycles meltwater to make new ice, preventing waste.
• Requires Regular Cleaning: Even with a self-cleaning function, descaling and wiping down the unit every month or so is necessary to prevent buildup, especially with hard water.

How to Use and Maintain Your NewAir Ice Maker

To maximize your machine’s performance, proper usage and cleaning are essential.

Getting Started: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

1. Placement: Place the unit on a flat, stable surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
2. Resting Period: Allow the machine to sit upright for at least an hour before plugging it in to let the coolant settle.
3. Initial Clean: Before first use, run a cleaning cycle or wash the interior, ice basket, and scoop with mild soap and water.
4. Fill ‘er Up: Pour filtered or bottled water into the reservoir, ensuring it does not exceed the “MAX” fill line, for the best-tasting ice.
5. Power On: Plug in the machine, press the power button, select your desired ice size (if applicable), and begin ice production.

The Cleaning Routine You Can’t Skip

To maintain fresh-tasting ice and smooth machine operation, follow this routine every 3-4 weeks.

1. Unplug the unit and drain all water using the bottom drain plug.
2. Remove and wash the ice basket.
3. Mix an equal parts solution of water and white vinegar.
4. Use this solution to wipe down interior walls and hard-to-reach areas.
5. Pour some solution into the water reservoir and run the self-cleaning cycle.
6. Completely drain the vinegar solution and run one or two cycles with fresh water to rinse thoroughly.

What To Do When Your NewAir Ice Maker Acts Up?

Even reliable machines can encounter issues. Here are quick fixes for common problems.

• Machine isn’t making ice: Check if the “Add Water” light is on. If not, ensure the ambient room temperature is not too hot or too cold, as this affects the cooling cycle.
• “Ice Full” light is on, but basket isn’t full: The infrared sensor detecting the ice level might be dirty; wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
• Ice tastes funny: This almost always indicates mildew or mineral buildup, signaling it’s time for a thorough cleaning.

A Quick Guide to Ice Types: Nugget vs. Bullet vs. Clear

Choosing an ice maker often depends on your preferred ice type. Here’s a comparison:

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 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

After a thorough NewAir ice maker review, the bottom line is that 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.