Best Top Commercial Ice Makers & Countertop Ice Makers of 2025: Tested & Reviewed for Efficiency, Durability, and Performance
When it comes to choosing the best ice maker, whether for commercial or personal use, selecting the right one is essential to ensure high-quality, efficient ice production. With so many models on the market today, making an informed decision can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ve tested and reviewed the best commercial ice makers and countertop ice makers of 2025 to help you make the best choice based on real-world performance.
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Our reviews focus on key factors like ice production speed, capacity, maintenance ease, energy efficiency, and durability, ensuring you find the perfect ice machine for your needs.
1. Top Commercial Ice Makers – Tested & Reviewed
Commercial ice makers are built to handle high-volume demands, making them ideal for restaurants, bars, and healthcare facilities. Here are the top-rated models we’ve tested for reliable performance and energy efficiency.
Manitowoc Indigo NXT Series
The Manitowoc Indigo NXT series is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and energy-efficient ice makers on the market. Designed for heavy-duty use, this model produces up to 1,000 lbs of ice per day, making it perfect for busy restaurants and hotels.
- Test Results:
- Ice Production: Excellent, producing high-quality cubed ice with a consistent texture.
- Ease of Use: The Touch-Screen Control Panel allows for easy operation and maintenance settings.
- Maintenance: Self-cleaning capabilities and advanced diagnostics make it simple to keep the machine in top condition.
- Energy Efficiency: It’s ENERGY STAR certified, reducing operational costs.
- Key Features:
- High production capacity (up to 1,000 lbs per day).
- Modular design for flexibility.
- Advanced filtration system to ensure clean, high-quality ice.
- Space-saving and durable construction.
Scotsman Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine
Scotsman’s Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine is a favorite among commercial establishments due to its nugget ice, which is soft, chewable, and melts slowly. It’s perfect for high-demand environments like healthcare and foodservice.
- Test Results:
- Ice Production: Produces approximately 350 lbs of nugget ice per day, ideal for businesses needing soft, chewable ice.
- Ease of Use: Features a simple user interface and intuitive controls for easy operation.
- Maintenance: Equipped with a self-diagnosis system, the machine is easy to maintain with minimal downtime.
- Energy Efficiency: Very energy-efficient, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
- Key Features:
- Nugget ice production for a unique, chewable ice experience.
- Compact design, ideal for small-to-medium businesses.
- Quiet operation suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Hoshizaki DCM-500BAH Ice Maker
The Hoshizaki DCM-500BAH is a modular ice maker that can produce 500 lbs of ice per day. It’s an excellent choice for busy establishments that require a steady supply of ice and reliability.
- Test Results:
- Ice Production: Consistently produces clean, clear cubed ice.
- Ease of Use: Features easy-to-use controls with an intuitive interface for managing ice production.
- Maintenance: Self-cleaning cycle makes maintenance simple, though the filtration system requires regular replacement.
- Energy Efficiency: This model is both energy-efficient and water-efficient, lowering operating costs.
- Key Features:
- 500 lbs of ice per day production capacity.
- Clear, hard cubed ice that’s perfect for high-end drinks and cocktails.
- Self-cleaning and energy-efficient.
2. Best Countertop Ice Makers – Tested & Reviewed
For personal use, small businesses, or low-volume environments, countertop ice makers are perfect for easy, quick access to ice without taking up too much space. Here are our top tested picks for compact, high-quality ice makers.
Countertop Ice Maker – 9 Cubes in 6 Minutes
This compact countertop ice maker can produce 9 cubes in just 6 minutes, offering quick and efficient ice production. Perfect for home use or small offices, this model also comes with two sizes of bullet ice.
- Test Results:
- Ice Production: Produces 26 lbs of ice per day in two sizes of bullet ice, ideal for casual use.
- Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface and self-cleaning feature make it incredibly simple to operate.
- Maintenance: The self-cleaning feature ensures hassle-free maintenance.
- Energy Efficiency: Performs well in terms of energy usage, making it an eco-friendly option for home users.
- Key Features:
- Produces 9 cubes in 6 minutes.
- Self-cleaning function.
- Comes with an ice scoop and basket.
- Compact size that fits comfortably on any countertop.
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
The Frigidaire countertop ice maker is perfect for home use or small businesses. It produces 26 lbs of ice per day and offers two sizes of bullet ice—small and large.
- Test Results:
- Ice Production: Produces 26 lbs of ice per day, suitable for casual use or small gatherings.
- Ease of Use: The digital controls and compact design make it very easy to operate.
- Maintenance: Self-cleaning system keeps maintenance to a minimum.
- Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient model that works quietly and efficiently.
- Key Features:
- Two sizes of bullet ice.
- Compact and portable design.
- Self-cleaning function.
- Ideal for home and small businesses.
Igloo Countertop Ice Maker
The Igloo countertop ice maker is an affordable and efficient option for consumers needing a quick ice solution. It’s perfect for both personal use and small commercial settings.
- Test Results:
- Ice Production: Capable of producing 26 lbs of ice per day, ideal for home bars or offices.
- Ease of Use: Simple operation with a user-friendly control panel.
- Maintenance: No significant maintenance issues reported, and self-cleaning is easy to initiate.
- Energy Efficiency: Works quietly and has a low energy consumption.
- Key Features:
- Portable and lightweight design.
- Compact and space-saving.
- Quiet operation for low-noise environments.
3. Conclusion
Choosing the best ice maker depends on your specific needs, whether you’re looking for a high-capacity commercial unit or a compact countertop model. Our top-tested picks like the Manitowoc Indigo NXT, Scotsman Nugget Ice Maker, and Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker provide reliable performance, quick ice production, and easy maintenance.
- For high-volume commercial use, go for models like the Manitowoc or Scotsman, which provide high production rates and energy-efficient operation.
- For personal or low-volume use, models like the Frigidaire and Igloo countertop ice makers are compact, efficient, and ideal for small spaces.
By investing in any of these tested and reviewed ice makers, you’ll have a reliable and high-performing ice machine that meets your needs.