Best for this need

Frigidaire EFIC189 uses space especially well

Our pick

Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker

Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker

EFIC189 pairs a very small footprint with a fast batch. Chefman Compact is lighter. NewAir NIM026SSN0 is the compact choice for nugget ice.

Why it fits this need

  • Counter footprint
  • Ventilation
Main trade-off
The two bullet sizes are close in practice according to independent testing.
Choose Iceman by Chefman Compact Dual-Size Ice Maker instead when
The smallest counter and light personal demand
More reasons behind this pick
  • First batch
  • Usable output

Measure width, depth, lid clearance and ventilation before choosing a compact machine.

Analysis updated , Catalog updated , Amazon.com / United States

What the facts say

What the comparison shows

Useful conclusions from the current countertop ice makers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.

Compared set

11 of 23 models checked match every need here: “My counter space is tight”, “I want the first ice quickly”, and “I prefer simple buttons over an app”.

11 matching models from 23 checked
See the checked facts and calculation notes
Compared set
23 models
Source records
6 for the products shown
Catalog updated

Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “My counter space is tight”, “I want the first ice quickly”, and “I prefer simple buttons over an app”. A need with no documented match does not count.

Facts and source records used for the products in this recommendation
ProductNeeds matchedChecked factsSource records
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
  • Compact footprint
  • Fast first batch
  • Simple controls
  • Frigidaire rates the machine for 26 pounds of ice per day.
  • Popular Mechanics measured first ice in under seven minutes.
  • The tested machine weighed 13.37 pounds and measured 8.7 by 11.4 by 11.6 inches.
Iceman by Chefman Compact Dual-Size Ice Maker
  • Compact footprint
  • Fast first batch
  • Simple controls
  • Food Network measured the machine at 13 pounds 7 ounces.
  • Chefman identifies the exact model as RJ56-BUL-12.
  • Product documentation lists two sizes, a seven-minute cycle and 22 pounds per day.
NewAir 26 lb Nugget Ice Maker
  • Compact footprint
  • Fast first batch
  • Simple controls
  • NewAir rates production at 26 pounds per day with ice in about ten minutes.
  • The stainless model is 11.3 inches wide, 8.7 inches deep and 12.7 inches high.
  • A self-cleaning mode and removable ice basket are standard.

3 options

Our pick and alternatives

01
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker

Frigidaire, EFIC189-Silver

Compact Ice Maker

A proven 26-pound bullet maker with simple controls, two sizes and one of the smallest footprints in the set.

Winner whenFast, uncomplicated everyday ice at a modest cost

Decisive facts

  • Frigidaire rates the machine for 26 pounds of ice per day.
  • Popular Mechanics measured first ice in under seven minutes.

Trade-off

The two bullet sizes are close in practice according to independent testing.

02
Iceman by Chefman Compact Dual-Size Ice Maker

Iceman by Chefman, RJ56-BUL-12

Compact Dual-Size Ice Maker

A very small 22-pound bullet maker with two size settings, a viewing window and self-clean cycle.

Best forThe smallest counter and light personal demand

Decisive facts

  • Food Network measured the machine at 13 pounds 7 ounces.
  • Chefman identifies the exact model as RJ56-BUL-12.

Trade-off

The 22-pound daily rating and small tank are the lowest capacities in this set.

03
NewAir 26 lb Nugget Ice Maker

NewAir, NIM026SSN0

26 lb Nugget Ice Maker

A narrow stainless nugget machine with a simple one-button interface and self-cleaning cycle.

Best forDaily nugget ice on a narrow counter

Decisive facts

  • NewAir rates production at 26 pounds per day with ice in about ten minutes.
  • The stainless model is 11.3 inches wide, 8.7 inches deep and 12.7 inches high.

Trade-off

The 26-pound rating and small bin are better for one or two users than sustained entertaining.

Ready to choose?

Check the price. Read the owner reviews.