If you’re searching for the best countertop ice maker with a built-in freezer, there’s an important distinction to know: none of the five machines below has a true freezer compartment. They make ice and hold it in an insulated or unpowered basket, where it can eventually melt. For ice you need to keep frozen, you’ll need to transfer it to your freezer. If fast, convenient ice is the main goal, these countertop options offer different trade-offs in ice style, output, size, and features.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Ice style | Listed daily output | Standout feature | Freezer built in? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker | Bullet ice, two sizes | Up to 26 lb | Self-cleaning cycle and portable design | No |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Portable Ice Maker | Bullet ice, two sizes | Up to 26 lb | 2.1-quart water tank | No |
| ecozy Frispo Core Ice Maker | Bullet ice, two sizes | Up to 26 lb | Full-color panel and timer | No |
| SenCre 60 lb Nugget Ice Maker | Chewable nugget ice | Up to 60 lb | Large basket and dual water tanks | No |
| SenCre 40 lb Nugget Ice Maker | Chewable nugget ice | Up to 40 lb | Compact design and self-cleaning | No |
Keep in mind: Daily production capacity is not the same as frozen storage capacity. These machines make ice, but their baskets are not built-in freezers. Move ice you want to keep to a separate freezer.
Our Picks: Best Countertop Ice Maker With Built In Freezer reviews
1. Antarctic Star: A Compact Bullet-Ice Maker for Everyday Use
The Antarctic Star is a portable bullet-ice maker for households that want ice without relying on a refrigerator’s ice dispenser. It makes two sizes of bullet-shaped ice, with the first batch advertised in about six minutes and daily production listed at up to 26 pounds. A basket and scoop are included.
Its compact footprint and carry handle make it a practical option for a kitchen counter, RV, or party setup. The machine also has a one-touch cleaning cycle. Antarctic Star describes its operation as quieter than 40 dB, though sound can still be noticeable when a compressor is running. The supplied owner experiences include both praise for quiet operation and mentions of compressor noise, so it may not be silent in every setting.
This is a good fit if you want a straightforward supply of bullet ice and value portability and easy maintenance. It does not have a freezer, so ice left in the basket can melt; transfer extra ice to your freezer if you want to store it. Compared with the Frigidaire, it emphasizes portability and self-cleaning, while the Frigidaire lists a larger water tank.
Pros:
- Produces two sizes of bullet ice
- Up to 26 pounds of listed daily production
- One-touch self-cleaning cycle
- Portable design with a handle, basket, and scoop
Cons:
- No freezer to keep made ice frozen
- Compressor noise may be noticeable to some users
Verdict: Choose the Antarctic Star if you want a portable, easy-to-clean bullet-ice maker, but plan to move surplus ice to a separate freezer.
2. Frigidaire EFIC117-SS: A Larger Water Tank for Bullet Ice
This Frigidaire countertop machine makes bullet-shaped ice in two sizes, with up to 26 pounds of production listed per day. Its stated cycle makes nine cubes in about seven minutes. A transparent window lets you see the basket, and the digital LED panel controls the settings.
The 2.1-quart water tank is a useful distinction: it may mean fewer refills than a smaller-tank model, depending on how often you make ice. The basket holds up to 1.5 pounds at a time, so that is the amount on hand before you need to remove ice or let the machine pause when full. A drain plug helps with emptying and cleaning, and the scoop is included.
The stainless-steel look can suit a kitchen, office, or dorm, but this is still a countertop ice maker—not a freezer. Its larger water reservoir is appealing for regular use, while the Antarctic Star adds a self-cleaning cycle and a carry handle in its listed features. Consider the Frigidaire if its tank size and simple controls matter more to you than those extras.
Pros:
- 2.1-quart water tank
- Two bullet-ice sizes and a digital control panel
- Transparent viewing window
- Drain plug and included scoop
Cons:
- Basket holds 1.5 pounds, not a large frozen reserve
- No built-in freezer or listed self-cleaning cycle
Verdict: The Frigidaire is a sensible pick if you want a familiar countertop design and a relatively large water tank, as long as you don’t expect it to store ice frozen.
3. ecozy Frispo Core: Timed Ice Making with a Full-Color Panel
The ecozy Frispo Core is a compact bullet-ice maker with a full-color control panel, timer function, and two ice-size options. It is listed to make eight cubes in as little as six minutes and produce up to 26 pounds per day. Its panel displays ambient temperature, while interior illumination helps you see the ice-making process.
An ice-level sensor is designed to pause production when the basket is full or the water is low. The product also lists automatic shut-off, an anti-overflow design for refilling, and a one-touch cleaning cycle. These features make it one of the more control-focused options in this group, though the supplied details do not give a basket capacity or full dimensions for a direct size comparison.
The key limitation is stated plainly in the product information: the machine does not keep ice frozen for extended periods. It recommends putting fresh bullet ice in the included ice bag and storing it in a freezer. That makes this model a better match for people who like scheduling ice production than for shoppers who need an all-in-one ice maker and freezer.
Pros:
- Timer and full-color control panel
- Two ice sizes and up to 26 pounds of daily production
- Ice-level and low-water sensors
- One-touch cleaning and anti-overflow refill design
Cons:
- Does not keep ice frozen for extended periods
- Basket capacity and full dimensions are not specified in the supplied details
Verdict: Pick the ecozy if you value scheduling, visibility, and automatic status controls, and have a separate freezer for storing extra ice.
4. SenCre 60 lb Nugget Ice Maker: High Output for Gatherings
Unlike the bullet-ice machines above, this SenCre model makes chewable nugget ice. Its listed output is up to 60 pounds per day, and its 4.84-pound basket gives it more holding capacity than the other models in this roundup. It also has a dual-tank system: a 3-liter internal tank and a 3.8-liter external tank.
The machine is designed for heavier use, such as family gatherings or parties, where a steady supply of nugget ice may be more important than a small footprint. It includes a sediment filter and is described as having insulated basket construction intended to slow melting. That insulation is not the same as active freezing, however, and the product is not a built-in freezer. For longer storage, move the ice to a freezer.
The larger output and tanks make this a less basic choice than the compact bullet-ice machines, but they may be more than you need for occasional drinks. The product title mentions UV-C purification, while the supplied feature details describe a sediment filter; check the current listing for the exact purification features before buying if that is a priority.
Pros:
- Produces chewable nugget ice
- Up to 60 pounds of listed daily production
- 4.84-pound basket and dual-tank water system
- Insulation is designed to slow melting
Cons:
- Insulated storage is not a freezer and cannot keep ice frozen indefinitely
- Its higher capacity may be unnecessary for light, occasional use
Verdict: Choose this SenCre if you prefer nugget ice and need a higher-output machine for frequent use, but don’t treat its insulated basket as frozen storage.
5. SenCre 40 lb Nugget Ice Maker: A Smaller Option for Chewable Ice
This SenCre model offers chewable nugget ice in a more compact listed footprint than the 60-pound model. It is described as producing up to 40 pounds of ice per day, with an initial batch in about five minutes. The 1-liter water tank and 2-pound basket make it better suited to smaller batches than the larger SenCre machine.
One-touch operation and a self-cleaning function help keep the controls and upkeep simple. The included set lists a scoop, drip tray, and drain hose, which can make serving and draining more convenient. Its stated dimensions are 7.28 by 13 by 12.68 inches, so check your available counter space before ordering.
This is a practical choice if nugget ice is your priority but you do not need the larger model’s 60-pound daily capacity or dual tanks. The smaller basket also means it is not designed to hold a large supply at once. As with the other countertop machines here, it makes ice but does not freeze stored ice.
Pros:
- Chewable nugget ice with a first batch listed in about five minutes
- Up to 40 pounds of listed daily production
- Self-cleaning function and simple one-touch operation
- Includes a scoop, drip tray, and drain hose
Cons:
- 1-liter tank and 2-pound basket are smaller than the 60-pound SenCre model’s
- No built-in freezer for long-term ice storage
Verdict: Select this model if you want chewable nugget ice in a smaller machine and do not need the largest output or basket in the group.
How to Choose a Countertop Ice Maker
Check whether you need a true freezer
A countertop ice maker can produce ice quickly, but its basket is generally a place to collect freshly made ice—not a freezer compartment. In this selection, none of the machines has a built-in freezer. Even the SenCre 60-pound model’s insulation is described as slowing melting, not stopping it. If you want to store ice for later, make room in a separate freezer and transfer the ice there.
Pick the ice style you actually use
The Antarctic Star, Frigidaire, and ecozy make bullet-shaped ice in two sizes. The two SenCre models make chewable nugget ice. Consider how you use ice day to day: nugget ice has a different texture from bullet ice, and a higher daily production number does not matter much if you prefer another style.
Match daily output and basket size to your needs
Daily production figures describe how much a machine may make over time; they do not tell you how much ice it can hold at once. The listed basket sizes range from 1.5 pounds on the Frigidaire to 4.84 pounds on the larger SenCre. If you need to serve a crowd, basket size and the ability to keep cycling through batches may matter as much as the daily output claim.
Consider how often you want to refill the water
Tank size affects how much water the machine can use before you need to refill it. The Frigidaire lists a 2.1-quart tank, the smaller SenCre lists 1 liter, and the larger SenCre has internal and external tanks. Compare these capacities with your expected use, and remember that actual refill frequency depends on how much ice you make.
Measure your counter and check ventilation needs
Countertop machines still need room for their footprint and access for filling, scooping, and draining. The compact SenCre model lists dimensions of 7.28 by 13 by 12.68 inches; other models also list compact designs, but their dimensions differ. Check the product listing and the machine’s setup instructions before placing it in a tight space.
Look at cleaning and drainage features
Regular cleaning helps keep an ice maker ready for use. The Antarctic Star, ecozy, and both SenCre models list self-cleaning features. The Frigidaire lists a drain plug to help with emptying and cleaning. Consider which maintenance steps are included and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if the machine will sit unused for a while.
Think about sound and where the machine will sit
Ice makers use a compressor, so their sound may be noticeable in a quiet room. Antarctic Star and the larger SenCre model provide noise figures in their descriptions, but actual sound can vary with placement and operation. If you plan to use one near a work area or living space, think about when it will run and whether compressor noise would bother you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does any countertop ice maker in this list have a built-in freezer?
No. All five are ice makers with collection baskets, not machines with a freezer compartment. The SenCre 60-pound model lists insulation intended to slow melting, but that does not make it a freezer.
Will ice stay frozen in a countertop ice maker’s basket?
Do not count on it. Ice can melt in the basket over time. Transfer ice you want to keep to a separate freezer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining or reusing meltwater.
Which machine makes the most ice per day?
The SenCre nugget ice maker with dual tanks lists the highest daily output in this group, at up to 60 pounds. That figure is not the same as the amount its basket can store at once; its listed basket capacity is 4.84 pounds.
Which options make nugget ice?
The two SenCre machines make chewable nugget ice. The Antarctic Star, Frigidaire, and ecozy machines make bullet-shaped ice.
Which countertop ice maker has the largest listed water tank?
The Frigidaire lists a 2.1-quart water tank. The larger SenCre model uses a dual-tank system with a 3-liter internal tank and a 3.8-liter external tank, so it is another option for shoppers who want more water capacity.
Do these ice makers need a water line?
The supplied product details describe water tanks that you fill, rather than a required water-line connection. Check the manufacturer’s setup instructions for the exact model before using it.
Which one should I choose for a small kitchen?
Compare the machine’s listed dimensions with your available counter space. The 40-pound SenCre lists a compact footprint, while the Antarctic Star also emphasizes portability. If stored ice is your main concern, though, you will still need space in a separate freezer.
Final Recommendation
For straightforward bullet ice and portability, the Antarctic Star is a well-rounded choice with two ice sizes and a self-cleaning cycle. Choose the Frigidaire if its 2.1-quart water tank and simple controls are more important to you. If you prefer chewable nugget ice, the smaller SenCre suits more modest needs, while the 60-pound SenCre offers higher listed output and a larger basket for heavier use. None of these machines has a built-in freezer, so if keeping ice frozen is essential, plan to pair your pick with a separate freezer—or look for a different type of appliance specifically designed for frozen storage.
