Countertop Ice Maker vs Fridge Ice Maker: Which Do You Need?
A countertop ice maker makes ice fast but doesn't keep it frozen. A fridge ice maker is slow but always stocked. Here's how they compare and who should buy which.
If your freezer can’t keep up with summer drinks, a countertop ice maker looks like an easy fix. It often is, but it works very differently from the ice maker built into a fridge, and that difference catches a lot of people out.
The short version: a countertop ice maker makes ice quickly but doesn’t keep it frozen. A fridge ice maker is slower but keeps a frozen supply ready all the time.
At a glance
| Countertop ice maker | Fridge ice maker | |
|---|---|---|
| How it gets water | You fill a reservoir by hand | Plumbed into your water line |
| Speed | First ice in about 6 to 15 minutes | Hours for a fresh batch |
| Keeps ice frozen? | No, the bin is insulated but not chilled | Yes, ice sits in the freezer |
| Daily output | Often 20 to 45 lb (bullet), less for nugget | Usually a few pounds a day |
| Ice type | Bullet, nugget or clear cubes | Crescent or cube |
| Counter space | Needs a spot near an outlet | None |
| Cost | About $100 to $150 (bullet), $300 to $600 (nugget) | Built in, or a kit for some fridges |
| Upkeep | Regular draining and cleaning | Filter changes, occasional cleaning |
Output and prices vary by model. Figures are typical ranges for popular models.
How a countertop ice maker works
You pour water into a reservoir, plug it in and turn it on. Small metal prongs chill quickly, water freezes around them, and within about 6 to 15 minutes the first batch drops into a basket. It keeps cycling until the basket is full or the reservoir runs dry.
The catch: the storage basket isn’t a freezer. Ice slowly melts, the meltwater drains back into the reservoir, and the machine turns it into new ice. That’s efficient while the machine is running, but if you turn it off, the ice melts. Most people move a batch into the freezer if they want to store it.
Where countertop ice makers shine
- Parties, summer and entertaining, when you need a lot of ice fast
- Fridges without an ice maker, or apartments where you can’t run a water line
- RVs, offices, bars and garages
- Nugget ice fans. Soft, chewable “Sonic-style” ice is mostly made by countertop machines
Downsides
- Takes up counter space and makes some noise while running
- Ice melts if the machine is off
- Needs regular cleaning, because standing water can grow mold or slime (here’s how to clean one)
- You have to refill the water
How a fridge ice maker works
A small valve lets water from your home’s supply into a tray inside the freezer. Once it freezes, the tray releases the cubes into a bin, and the cycle repeats until the bin is full. A sensor arm or a light stops it when there’s enough.
Where fridge ice makers shine
- Always stocked, with no effort
- No counter space used
- Ice stays frozen until you need it
Downsides
- Slow. Output is usually a few pounds a day, which runs out quickly at a party
- Needs a water line, and a filter that should be changed regularly
- When it stops working, the fix can be anything from a kinked line to a faulty valve (see why your ice maker isn’t making ice)
Which should you buy?
Get a countertop ice maker if:
- Your fridge doesn’t have an ice maker and you use a lot of ice
- You entertain often or need large batches in summer
- You love nugget ice
Stick with your fridge’s ice maker if:
- You just need a steady supply for everyday drinks
- Counter space is tight
- You don’t want another appliance to clean
Many households use both: the fridge for everyday ice and a countertop machine that comes out for parties and hot months.
If a countertop machine sounds right, our guide to the best countertop ice makers breaks down the best options by budget and ice type.
Still wondering?
Can I leave a countertop ice maker on all the time? You can, but most people run it when they need ice and store extra in the freezer. Leaving water sitting in it for days encourages buildup, so drain it if you won’t use it for a while.
Does a countertop ice maker need a water line? Most don’t. You fill them by hand. A few higher-end models can connect to a water line.
Is nugget ice worth the extra cost? If you love chewable ice, yes. Nugget machines cost more and need more frequent descaling, so if you’re happy with regular ice, a bullet ice maker is much cheaper.