A countertop bullet-ice maker is one of the cheaper appliances that can change how a kitchen runs in summer. It makes soft, hollow-bottomed cubes in minutes, with no water line, so a cooler of drinks or a pitcher of iced tea is never waiting on the freezer trays.
The machines in our main countertop guide are the stronger performers. This guide looks at the entry tier instead: the simplest bullet machine from each of eight makers, Igloo, Hamilton Beach, NewAir, Koolatron, Magic Chef, Frigidaire, Midea and hOmeLabs, with a clear account of what a cheaper machine leaves out.
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Quick verdict: the cheap ice maker worth buying
The best countertop ice maker cheap enough for most kitchens is the Igloo 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker: up to 26 pounds a day, two cube sizes and an automatic self-clean cycle, from the brand whose handled model America’s Test Kitchen picked as best for most people. For a cleaning routine you can follow without the manual, choose the Hamilton Beach Bullet Ice Maker; for three cube sizes, the NewAir 28 lb. machine.
For the higher-output machines, including the 50-pound NewAir and Silonn’s square-cube model, see our guide to the best countertop ice maker. If you prefer soft, chewable pellets, our guide to the best nugget ice maker covers those.
Five budget ice makers compared
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of kitchen, with the output and features each maker states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Ice maker | Best for | Output and cycle | Water and extras | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Igloo 26 lb. Countertop Ice MakerBest value overall
|
Self-cleaning on a small budget | Up to 26 lb; 9 cubes in 7 min | 1.5 qt tank; auto-clean | View on Amazon |
Hamilton Beach Bullet Ice MakerEasiest to clean
|
Simple cleaning, known brand | Up to 26 lb; 9 cubes per batch | Clean button; 2 sizes | View on Amazon |
NewAir 28 lb. Countertop Ice MakerMost cube sizes
|
Choosing your cube size | Up to 28 lb a day | 3 sizes; insulated bin | View on Amazon |
Koolatron 26 lb. Ice Maker with HandleBest portable
|
Patio and RV use | Up to 26 lb; 8 cubes in 7 min | 1.85 L tank; handle | View on Amazon |
Magic Chef 27 lb. Portable Ice MakerBest basic machine
|
No-frills basics | Up to 27 lb; up to 9 cubes | Drain cap; 1-year warranty | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Output is each maker’s stated maximum and drops in a warm room. Check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best countertop ice maker cheap enough for any kitchen
Every machine here makes bullet ice, the soft cubes America’s Test Kitchen describes as quick to melt, and drops it into a basket. The basket is not a freezer. As America’s Test Kitchen points out, unused ice slowly melts and the water returns to the tank to be frozen again, so bag the ice and freeze it if you want to keep it.
1. Igloo 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker – Self-Cleaning at the Entry Price
Igloo’s basic bullet machine (model IGLICEBSC26BK) is a step below the handled Igloo that America’s Test Kitchen picked as best for most people, and that our main guide recommends. This one has no carry handle, but the essentials are similar: up to 26 pounds of ice a day, nine cubes in about 7 minutes, and a choice of small or large cubes.
The 1.5-quart tank feeds the machine, and it stores about 1.5 pounds of ice before it stops itself when full. An LED panel tells you when to add water or empty the basket and lets you pick the cube size. Igloo lists a 120-watt motor and an automatic self-clean cycle, which America’s Test Kitchen singled out on the handled model as unusual among compact machines.
The listing does not state a warranty, so check it with the seller. Igloo’s recalls on the CPSC database are for coolers and bottles; we found none for its ice makers.
Why we like it
- Auto-clean cycle
- Two cube sizes
- Stops when the basket is full
- LED add-water and basket-full alerts
Key specifications
| Model | Igloo IGLICEBSC26BK |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | 9 in about 7 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small or large |
| Water tank | 1.5 qt |
| Basket | Stores about 1.5 lb |
| Self-clean | Yes, automatic |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the cheapest route to a self-cleaning machine from a brand reviewers trust.
Skip it if you want to carry it to the patio; this version has no handle.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-cleaning
- Simple LED controls
- Known brand
Cons
- No handle
- Small basket
- Warranty not stated
2. Hamilton Beach Bullet Ice Maker – A Clean Button and Clear Instructions
Hamilton Beach is a household name in small appliances, and its bullet machine (model 86152) follows the brand’s usual approach: simple, plainly explained controls. The listing gives up to 26 pounds of ice a day, a batch of nine cubes every 6 to 8.5 minutes and a choice of large or small cubes.
Cleaning is spelled out on the listing: drain the machine, refill it with fresh water and press the clean symbol. A removable basket and scoop are included, and Hamilton Beach says the daily output fills up to 96 ten-ounce glasses. The brushed stainless finish suits a kitchen counter.
One small inconsistency: the listing’s size field says 27 pounds a day while the description says 26, so plan on 26. Tank size and warranty are not stated on the listing.
Why we like it
- One-touch clean function
- Two cube sizes
- Batch every 6 to 8.5 minutes
- Basket and scoop included
Key specifications
| Model | Hamilton Beach 86152 |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb (size field says 27) |
| Cubes per cycle | 9 every 6 to 8.5 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small or large |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Basket | Removable; size not stated |
| Self-clean | Yes, clean button |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a familiar small-appliance brand with a cleaning routine you can follow without the manual.
Skip it if you need warranty terms on the listing; they are not stated.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clean function
- Clear controls
- Widely known brand
Cons
- Tank size not stated
- Warranty not stated
3. NewAir 28 lb. Countertop Ice Maker – Three Cube Sizes and an Insulated Bin
NewAir’s AI-100SS is the compact model below the 50-pound NewAir that America’s Test Kitchen rated for output and that our main guide recommends for parties. It makes up to 28 pounds of bullet ice a day, with fresh ice in as little as 10 minutes, and it is one of the few small machines with three cube sizes.
A SELECT button switches between small, medium and large cubes, and indicator lights show when to add water or empty the basket. NewAir says the storage area is insulated to slow melting and the parts are BPA-free, and there is a drain plug for emptying the tank after use. A removable basket and scoop are included.
NewAir offers a one-year warranty, but its listing says the warranty is void if you buy from any seller other than Amazon Retail or Air & Water Inc., the company named on the listing. Check who is selling before you order. The listing does not mention a self-clean cycle.
Why we like it
- Small, medium or large cubes
- Insulated storage area, per NewAir
- Drain plug for emptying
- 1-year warranty from approved sellers
Key specifications
| Model | NewAir AI-100SS |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 28 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | Ice in as little as 10 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small, medium or large |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Basket | Removable; size not stated |
| Self-clean | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 1 year (Amazon Retail or Air & Water only) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if cube size matters, small for quick chilling and large for a cooler.
Skip it if you buy from a third-party seller; the warranty would not apply.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three cube sizes
- Insulated storage
- Drain plug
Cons
- No self-clean stated
- Warranty tied to the seller
4. Koolatron 26 lb. Ice Maker with Handle – Biggest Tank and a Carry Handle
Koolatron’s handled machine (model KIM26B AZ2) has the largest stated tank on this page at 1.85 liters. It makes up to 26 pounds of bullet ice a day, with eight cubes in about 7 minutes, in small or large sizes.
The carry handle makes it easy to take to a patio, RV or campsite. Push-button controls with LED lights show when the basket is full or the reservoir needs water, and there is an automatic cleaning cycle followed by a drain for the used water. Koolatron is careful to note that 26 pounds is daily production, not what the basket holds.
The listing gives a one-year warranty. Basket capacity is not stated.
Why we like it
- 1.85-liter tank
- Carry handle
- Self-clean cycle and drain
- 1-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Koolatron KIM26B AZ2 |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | 8 in about 7 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small or large |
| Water tank | 1.85 L |
| Basket | Removable; size not stated |
| Self-clean | Yes, automatic |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want fewer refills and a machine you can carry outside.
Skip it if you want to know basket capacity before buying; it is not stated.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest tank here
- Portable
- Warranty stated
Cons
- Basket size not stated
- Fewer cubes per cycle than some
5. Magic Chef 27 lb. Portable Ice Maker – Simple Controls and a Drain Cap
Magic Chef’s portable ice maker (model MCIM22SV) is about as plain as these machines get. The listing gives up to 27 pounds of ice a day, ice in as little as 7 minutes and up to nine cubes per cycle in small or large sizes.
Electronic controls with indicator lights show the water and ice levels, a viewing window lets you watch the cubes form, and a built-in drain cap makes emptying the tank straightforward, which helps when you clean it or put it away. The listing gives a one-year warranty.
There is no self-clean cycle mentioned, so cleaning is by hand following the manual. For a basement bar or a dorm where you want cubes without features you won’t use, that simplicity is the point.
Why we like it
- Up to 27 pounds a day
- Built-in drain cap
- Viewing window
- 1-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Magic Chef MCIM22SV |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 27 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | Up to 9; ice in about 7 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small or large |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Basket | Not stated |
| Self-clean | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a straightforward cube maker with an easy drain.
Skip it if you want a cleaning cycle; the listing doesn’t mention one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple to use
- Easy drain
- Warranty stated
Cons
- No self-clean stated
- Tank and basket not stated
6. Frigidaire Compact Countertop Ice Maker – Fast Cycles in a Small Footprint
Frigidaire’s compact black machine (model EFIC128AMZBLK) is one of its simplest bullet makers and a different model from the Frigidaire in our main guide. The listing gives nine cubes every 5 to 6 minutes and up to 26 pounds a day, from a body measuring 13 by 11 by 12.5 inches.
A large window shows the ice level, and indicators tell you when the basket is full or the water is low. Melt water recycles back into new ice, and Frigidaire notes that the machine makes ice but does not store it, so move it to the freezer if you want to keep it. The listing gives 105 watts and R600a refrigerant.
America’s Test Kitchen reviewed a different compact Frigidaire, the EFIC189, and liked its large, fast ice and small footprint but marked it down for having no automatic cleaning and a drain plug that was hard to remove. This listing doesn’t state a cleaning cycle or warranty either, so check the manual.
Why we like it
- Nine cubes every 5 to 6 minutes
- Dimensions stated: 13 x 11 x 12.5 in
- Large viewing window
- Full and low-water indicators
Key specifications
| Model | Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | 9 every 5 to 6 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Not stated |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Basket | Not stated |
| Self-clean | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want quick cubes from a mainstream brand and know exactly how much counter it needs.
Skip it if you want a self-clean cycle; the listing doesn’t mention one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast cycles
- Clear dimensions
- Known brand
Cons
- No self-clean stated
- Warranty not stated
- Few specs on the listing
7. Midea 26 lb. Countertop Bullet Ice Maker – Auto-Clean in a Compact Body
Midea’s countertop bullet machine (model MERI26B1AGN, in green) is a compact entry model. The listing gives eight bullets in about 6 minutes and up to 26 pounds a day, in small or large sizes.
It has a one-touch auto-clean function and a removable 0.9-pound ice bucket that lifts out so you can tip the ice into a cooler or container and keep the machine making more. The footprint is small enough for an office or RV.
The 0.9-pound bucket is the smallest on this page, so it suits steady use through the day rather than filling a cooler in one go. Tank size and warranty are not stated on the listing.
Why we like it
- One-touch auto-clean
- Eight cubes in about 6 minutes
- Two cube sizes
- Compact footprint
Key specifications
| Model | Midea MERI26B1AGN |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | 8 in about 6 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small or large |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Basket | 0.9 lb, removable |
| Self-clean | Yes, one touch |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a self-cleaning machine for a small space.
Skip it if you need a lot of ice at once; the bucket is small.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-cleaning
- Compact
- Two cube sizes
Cons
- Smallest bucket here
- Warranty not stated
8. hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker – Reusable Ice Bags in the Box
hOmeLabs is the only Amazon-first brand on this page. The listing gives nine cubes in as little as 6 minutes and up to 26 pounds a day, in small or large bullet sizes.
What sets it apart is the box: along with the scoop, hOmeLabs includes five reusable ice bags, which makes it easy to move ice to the freezer before it melts in the basket. Controls show ice-full and water-low alerts, and there is an automatic self-cleaning mode at the press of a button. The listing gives 11.5 inches deep by 9 wide and 17 tall with the lid open.
Tank size, basket size and warranty are not stated on the listing. hOmeLabs also says the small cubes are soft and easy to chew, which is a feature of bullet ice in general.
Why we like it
- Five reusable ice bags included
- Self-cleaning at one button
- Nine cubes in about 6 minutes
- Slim 9-inch width
Key specifications
| Model | hOmeLabs HZB-12/G |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb |
| Cubes per cycle | 9 in about 6 minutes |
| Ice sizes | Small or large |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Basket | Not stated |
| Self-clean | Yes, one button |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you plan to bag and freeze ice ahead of a gathering.
Skip it if you prefer a long-established appliance brand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ice bags included
- Self-cleaning
- Narrow body
Cons
- Warranty not stated
- Tank and basket not stated
- Amazon-first brand
What a cheaper ice maker gives up
The machines in this guide all make bullet ice, all hold their water in a tank you fill by hand, and almost all make about 26 pounds a day. The differences that matter are smaller and easy to miss on a listing.
1. Output and speed
The NewAir in our main guide is rated for up to 50 pounds a day, and America’s Test Kitchen measured it as the fastest machine it reviewed. Entry machines usually make 26 to 28 pounds, which is fine for daily drinks but slow for a party. Make ice ahead and freeze it in bags if you are hosting.
2. A cleaning cycle
Any appliance with standing water needs regular cleaning to stop mold and scale. America’s Test Kitchen suggests about once a month, more often with hard water, and it counted the lack of a self-clean cycle against otherwise good machines. Three of our picks don’t mention one on their listings, so expect to clean those by hand.
3. The drain
You will drain the tank when you clean the machine and when you put it away. America’s Test Kitchen preferred drains that are easy to reach and found some plugs hard to remove. A built-in drain cap or plug, as the Magic Chef, NewAir and Koolatron listings describe, saves tipping the machine over the sink; check where it sits before you buy.
4. Warranty and parts
A one-year warranty is the norm when one is stated at all, and several listings here don’t state one. NewAir’s warranty only applies if you buy from Amazon Retail or Air & Water Inc. Long-established appliance brands, such as Frigidaire, Hamilton Beach and Igloo, are easier to reach for service and replacement parts.
5. Recalls
We searched the full CPSC recall listing for each brand. The only countertop ice maker recall it holds is a Gevi nugget machine from 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; the other ice-related recalls are for refrigerator ice makers. We found no recall for any of these eight machines. It is still worth searching cpsc.gov for the exact model before you buy.
How we chose eight cheap ice makers
We looked at each maker’s range and chose its simplest bullet machine that was in stock on Amazon, then read every listing in full for output, cycle time, cube sizes, tank, basket, cleaning and warranty. Where a listing leaves something out, we say “Not stated” rather than guess. We used America’s Test Kitchen’s review of countertop ice makers for its buying advice and its notes on the Igloo, Frigidaire and NewAir models it reviewed, and we say where our pick is a different model from the one it reviewed.
We limited Amazon-first brands to one, skipped near-identical listings and left out every machine already in our main countertop and nugget guides. We have not used these machines ourselves.
Cheap countertop ice maker questions, answered
What is the best value countertop ice maker?
The Igloo 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker, because it combines two cube sizes, a basket-full shutoff and an automatic self-clean cycle in a basic machine.
Is a cheap countertop ice maker worth it?
For daily drinks, yes. A 26-pound machine makes far more ice than a set of trays. It is less suited to big parties unless you make ice ahead and freeze it.
What should I look for in an inexpensive countertop ice maker?
A self-clean cycle, a drain that is easy to reach, a stated warranty and a brand you can contact for parts. Those matter more than a few extra pounds of daily output.
Do budget ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. No countertop machine does; the ice slowly melts and the water is reused. Move ice to the freezer, or keep it in an insulated ice bucket for serving.
Can a cheap ice maker keep up with a party?
Not on its own. At about 26 pounds a day, plan to start a day ahead and bag ice in the freezer, or use a cooler for drinks. Our guide to coolers covers those.
Our final pick for cheap bullet ice
Buy the Igloo 26 lb. Countertop Ice Maker for self-cleaning at the entry level. Choose the Hamilton Beach for the simplest cleaning routine, the NewAir 28 lb. for three cube sizes, or the Koolatron if you want to carry ice outside.
A machine full of cubes is ready for a pitcher of agua fresca or a round of margaritas on the rocks. When you would rather someone else made them, see our drinks or call to order.