Best Ice Cube Makers For Fast Drinks And Easy Entertaining
Countertop ice machines for quick drinks, garden parties, crushed ice, camping trips and keeping the freezer free.
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Before you buy
Product details, prices and availability can change. Always check the retailer's page before buying, especially dimensions, compatibility, delivery terms and warranty cover.
The best ice cube makers give you fresh ice in minutes without filling freezer trays or buying bags before every barbecue. Most countertop machines make bullet-shaped ice rather than solid freezer cubes, but the convenience is hard to beat for cocktails, soft drinks, cool boxes and frequent entertaining.
For most homes, a compact bullet-ice machine with two sizes, clear controls and a removable basket is enough. Spend more if you need higher daily output, a larger tank, crushed ice or a cold-water dispenser.
Quick picks
Start with the shortlist
Compare the main picks, then jump to specs, offers and verdicts.
Best Overall Ice Cube Maker
CASO Design IceChef Ice Cube Maker
1L tank, 12kg/24h, 2 sizes
Guide price: about £74
A compact, good-looking all-rounder that balances speed, output and portability better than most home ice makers.
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- 6-8 min
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- Not stated
Top offers
Best Budget Ice Cube Maker
ICEMAN Dual-Size Ice Maker
9 cubes in 7 minutes, 10kg/24h
Guide price: about £75
An easy budget pick that keeps the core ice-making experience simple and approachable.
- Daily output
- Up to 10kg
- Batch time
- Seven minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- Not stated
Top offers
Best Party Ice Cube Maker
Klarstein Small Ice Maker Machine
2L, 12kg/24h, cold water dispenser
Guide price: about £181
A party-friendly countertop machine with more controls and a larger tank than many compact rivals.
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- Around 10 minutes
- Ice type
- Two ice sizes
- Water tank
- 2L
Top offers
Best Large-Capacity Ice Cube Maker
Gastroback 61143 Ice Cube Maker Pro
Stainless Steel, 145W
Guide price: about £190
A bigger, heavier machine for frequent entertaining rather than a casual small-kitchen gadget.
- Daily output
- Up to 15kg
- Batch time
- 7-15 minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- 2.8L
Top offers
Best Crushed-Ice Ice Cube Maker
electriQ Countertop Ice Maker
Ice crusher and water dispenser, Stainless Steel/Black
Guide price: about £229
A more versatile option for buyers who want crushed ice and chilled water as well as cubes.
- Daily output
- Not stated
- Batch time
- 10-12 minutes
- Ice type
- Crushed + cubed
- Water tank
- 1.8L tray
Top offers
Best Portable Ice Cube Maker
Andrew James Ice Maker Machine
2.2L, 12kg/24h
Guide price: about £90
A practical portable pick for parties, caravans and camping trips where mains power is available.
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- Under 10 minutes
- Ice type
- Two sizes
- Water tank
- 2.2L
Top offers
Best Self-Cleaning Ice Cube Maker
FOOING Countertop Ice Maker
6-minute cycle, 33lb/24h, Black
Guide price: about £69
A lower-priced countertop machine with useful alerts and a self-cleaning mode for easier upkeep.
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- Around 10 minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- 2.2L
Top offers
Best Compact Ice Cube Maker
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker
9 cubes in 6 minutes, 12kg/24h
Guide price: about £104
A compact fast-batch machine for smaller kitchens and regular drinks, with self-cleaning included.
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- As little as six minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- 1.2L
Top offers
How to choose an ice cube maker
Check daily output against real use
A 10-12kg daily output is enough for most households and small gatherings, but the storage basket is much smaller than the 24-hour figure. For large parties, look for a bigger tank and faster repeated batches.
Know what kind of ice it makes
Most compact machines make hollow bullet ice, which is quick and useful for drinks but melts faster than dense freezer cubes. If you want crushed ice or shaved ice, choose a machine designed for that job rather than assuming every ice maker can do it.
Measure the worktop space
Ice makers need room for filling, ventilation and scooping ice out. Larger party machines can be awkward in a small kitchen, so check dimensions and weight before buying.
Look for easy emptying and cleaning
A removable basket, scoop, drain plug and self-cleaning cycle all make regular use easier. Ice machines still need cleaning, especially if they sit unused between parties.
Remember they do not freeze-store ice
Countertop machines make ice, but most do not keep it frozen indefinitely. Move finished ice to a freezer or use it promptly if you need it to stay solid for hours.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- 6-8 min
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- Not stated
CASO Design IceChef Ice Cube Maker
1L tank, 12kg/24h, 2 sizes
The Caso IceChef Compact is the strongest all-round choice if you want quick bullet ice without giving up too much counter space. It has the output for parties, but it is still light and tidy enough for a kitchen worktop.
Guide price: about £74
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Makes both small and large bullet ice neatly.
- Slim enough for normal worktops.
- Carry handle makes it easier to move for parties.
Cons
- Not the quietest option.
- Costs more than some basic compact machines.
Verdict
It makes the most sense for buyers who want a reliable everyday ice maker that can still cope with summer hosting. Look elsewhere only if price or ultra-quiet running matters more than the overall balance.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 10kg
- Batch time
- Seven minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- Not stated
ICEMAN Dual-Size Ice Maker
9 cubes in 7 minutes, 10kg/24h
The Iceman Ice Maker is a sensible cheaper alternative to the Caso. It still gives you two ice sizes, a clear display and a cleaning cycle, so the lower price does not feel too stripped back.
Guide price: about £75
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Good value for a tested machine.
- Controls are easy to understand.
- Dedicated cleaning button is useful.
Cons
- Lower daily output than the top pick.
- Fastest batch time is slightly slower than the Caso.
Verdict
This is the one to consider if you want dependable party ice without paying for a larger or more premium machine. Its 10kg daily output is lower, but still enough for many households.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- Around 10 minutes
- Ice type
- Two ice sizes
- Water tank
- 2L
Klarstein Small Ice Maker Machine
2L, 12kg/24h, cold water dispenser
Klarstein’s Ice Volcano 2G is built more obviously around entertaining, with a 2-litre tank, timer and clear status alerts. It is a better fit for planned parties than occasional single-drink use.
Guide price: about £181
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Timer and LED alerts help when hosting.
- Makes two ice sizes.
- Quiet-running design is a useful party detail.
Cons
- Usually pricier than simpler bullet-ice makers.
- The styling is less discreet than some compact options.
Verdict
It suits buyers who want a more feature-led machine for gatherings and home bars. If you only need quick ice for a couple of glasses, the Iceman or Fooing will be easier to justify.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 15kg
- Batch time
- 7-15 minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- 2.8L
Gastroback 61143 Ice Cube Maker Pro
Stainless Steel, 145W
The Gastroback Bartender Pro is the heavy-duty choice here. Its 15kg daily output and 2.8-litre tank make it useful when you need repeated rounds of ice rather than the occasional batch.
Guide price: about £190
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Highest daily output in the current tested group.
- Large tank means fewer refills.
- Quiet running and easy-clean exterior.
Cons
- Too bulky for many kitchens.
- More expensive than compact models.
Verdict
Choose this for regular parties, drinks buckets or a utility-room setup. It is deliberately large, so smaller households should think carefully before giving it permanent counter space.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Not stated
- Batch time
- 10-12 minutes
- Ice type
- Crushed + cubed
- Water tank
- 1.8L tray
electriQ Countertop Ice Maker
Ice crusher and water dispenser, Stainless Steel/Black
The electriQ countertop machine earns its place by doing more than basic bullet ice. It can crush ice, make two cube sizes and dispense cold water, which makes it a useful home-bar appliance.
Guide price: about £229
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Makes crushed ice as well as cube sizes.
- Built-in water dispenser adds flexibility.
- Sensors and auto shut-off simplify party use.
Cons
- More expensive than standard bullet-ice machines.
- Larger and heavier than simple countertop picks.
Verdict
It is best for mixed drinks and entertaining where crushed ice matters. If all you need is a basket of bullet ice, a simpler model will be cheaper and easier to store.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- Under 10 minutes
- Ice type
- Two sizes
- Water tank
- 2.2L
Andrew James Ice Maker Machine
2.2L, 12kg/24h
The Andrew James Ice Maker is a good fit if portability is part of the brief. It has a 2.2-litre tank, self-cleaning and a compact body that suits occasional trips as well as home entertaining.
Guide price: about £90
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Compact enough to move between uses.
- Self-cleaning helps maintenance.
- Two-year manufacturer guarantee was listed.
Cons
- Still needs mains power.
- Less compelling for heavy entertaining than larger machines.
Verdict
It works best for buyers who want a movable ice maker rather than a permanent home-bar machine. Just remember it is portable, not cordless.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- Around 10 minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- 2.2L
FOOING Countertop Ice Maker
6-minute cycle, 33lb/24h, Black
The Fooing countertop model is a strong value option if you want the convenience of self-cleaning without paying premium-machine prices. Its alerts and 2.2-litre tank make it more practical than a very basic budget unit.
Guide price: about £69
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Self-cleaning mode is useful at this price.
- Alerts for water refill and finished ice.
- 2.2-litre tank is generous for a compact model.
Cons
- Noise and footprint details are less clear than on some rivals.
- Similar-looking Fooing models can make comparisons confusing.
Verdict
This is a good middle ground for buyers who want simple maintenance and quick party ice. It is not as well tested as the Caso or Iceman, so it sits below them despite the attractive price.
Key specs
- Daily output
- Up to 12kg
- Batch time
- As little as six minutes
- Ice type
- Bullet ice
- Water tank
- 1.2L
EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker
9 cubes in 6 minutes, 12kg/24h
The EUHOMY Ice Maker is worth considering when speed and compactness matter more than tank size. It can make a small batch quickly and includes self-cleaning, but the 1.2-litre tank is modest.
Guide price: about £104
Where to buy
Prices and availability can change.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 19 May 2026
Pros
- Fast six-minute batch claim.
- Self-cleaning and viewing window are useful daily details.
- Handled design is easy to reposition.
Cons
- Smaller 1.2-litre tank than several rivals.
- Not the strongest pick for larger gatherings.
Verdict
It suits kitchens where space is tight and ice is needed little and often. For heavier entertaining, the Klarstein or Gastroback gives you more headroom.
Ice cube maker questions
Are countertop ice cube makers worth it?
They are worth it if you host regularly, make cocktails, run out of freezer space or want ice quickly on warm days. If you only need the occasional glass of ice, freezer trays are cheaper and quieter.
How quickly do ice cube makers work?
Many compact machines produce their first small batch in around six to ten minutes. Output slows or varies with room temperature, water temperature and how often you empty the basket.
Do ice cube makers need plumbing?
Most home countertop models do not need plumbing. You fill the water tank manually, empty the basket when full and drain or clean the machine as instructed.
Why does bullet ice melt quickly?
Bullet ice is usually hollow or less dense than freezer-made cubes, which helps it form quickly but means it can melt faster in drinks. For longer chilling, transfer batches into a freezer before serving.
Can I use an ice maker outdoors?
Only use it outdoors if the manufacturer allows it and you have safe mains power. Many machines are portable for parties or caravans, but they still need ventilation, a stable surface and protection from weather.