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Best Countertop Ice Makers UK 2026: Fast Ice for Iced Coffee, Cocktails and Summer Hosting

The best countertop ice makers for UK homes in 2026, chosen from real owner reviews. From budget picks under £60 to a premium clear ice ball maker for home bars.

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Best Countertop Ice Makers UK 2026: Fast Ice for Iced Coffee, Cocktails and Summer Hosting
TL;DR: Quick Answer Our Top Pick
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EUHOMY Ice Maker Machine Countertop Best for most homes
Check price on Amazon ↗ Prices correct at time of publishing

In a hurry? The EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker is our top pick for most UK homes. Nine cubes in six minutes, self-cleaning, scoop and basket included. Check the current price on Amazon.

Best countertop ice makers UK: the honest guide

Most people do not think they need an ice maker until they host people once in summer. The average freezer tray lasts about fourteen minutes once friends start making iced drinks. After that you are apologetically chipping at half-frozen blocks and hoping nobody notices.

Iced coffee has become a daily habit for a large number of UK households, cocktail culture has moved firmly into the home, and the summers, when they arrive, are genuinely hot enough to make ice a real priority rather than an afterthought. Countertop ice makers became popular because they solve an obvious problem simply: plug it in, fill it with water, and have fresh ice in six to ten minutes without waiting for a freezer tray to catch up.

This guide covers six countertop ice makers for everyday UK use, plus a premium clear ice ball maker for anyone building a proper home bar, and a budget silicone tray alternative for cocktail fans who do not want to spend a lot on a sphere. Every pick is chosen on real ownership feedback with honest notes on noise, reliability, and what to expect in actual use.

Prices are pulled live from Amazon and update automatically.

Building out a full coffee setup at home? See our guides to the best coffee machines UK and bean to cup coffee machines UK for the rest of the equipment.

Best countertop ice makers UK 2026 – comparison table

Ice Maker Best for Speed Daily capacity Standout feature Price range
EUHOMY Countertop Best overall 6 mins ~12kg Self-cleaning, scoop included Mid-range
EUHOMY Portable Affordable all-rounder 6 mins 12kg 2 ice sizes, portable handle Budget
ecozy Countertop Entertaining and parties 6 mins 12kg Ice bags included Mid-range
WIE Stainless Steel Kitchen aesthetics 6 mins 12kg Stainless steel finish Budget
FOHERE Ice Maker Budget pick 5 mins 14kg 2 cube sizes, compact Budget
Silonn Portable Camping and caravans 5-6 mins ~12kg Portable, self-cleaning Budget
ecozy Clear Ice Ball Maker Home bar, whisky and bourbon 40 mins per sphere Up to 32 spheres Crystal-clear 60mm spheres Premium

Prices vary and can change frequently. Current prices are shown automatically in each product section below.

See today’s price on the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker – our top pick for most UK homes.

Best overall ice makers

1. EUHOMY Ice Maker Machine Countertop – Best overall ice maker UK

EUHOMY Ice Maker Machine Countertop Ice Cube Maker, Self-Cleaning Function,9 Cubes in 6 Mins,Portable Ice Cube Maker Machines with Ice Scoop & Basket for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar, Black BLACK-12Kg
  • 【Upgraded Ice Maker】: Customize Your Ice Size! Enjoy the freedom to choose the size of ice you need! Simply press the "Select" Button to effortlessly create two types of bullet ice. Smaller ice cubes are crystal clear, while larger ice cubes melt more slowly. Small Ice SIZE: 22*24mm, Large Ice SIZE: 25*26mm.
  • 【Fast Ice Making in 6 Mins】: Our ice machine with handle can make 9 ice cubes in 6 minutes, so you and your family will enjoy fresh bullet ice cubes fast. With a 1.2L water tank and powerful compressor, this portable ice maker machine can make up to 12kg ice per 24 hours. Holds up to 0.6kg ice in ice basket at a time, and you can remove them with the ice scoop when the "Ice Full" indicator lights up.
  • 【Self-Cleaning & Transparent Icemaker Machine】: Press the "ON/OFF/CLEAN" button for 5s, this ice making machine will enter the self-cleaning program for 30 minutes to keep it clean, so that you can save a lot of time and energy. The outside of the small ice maker can be cleaned with a mild detergent solution and warm water. Also, through the transparent window you can observe ice cubes and the condition in the ice cube maker.
  • 【Super Quiet & Portable Ice Maker】: With a compact size (22.2W x 29.4D x 29H cm), the weight of only 6.3kg and a sturdy handle, this ice machines for home takes up no space and is easy to carry. You can use it in many places and scenarios, such as kitchen, bar, party, etc. You don't have to worry about the noise, this compact ice maker is not only good at making ice, but also at less than 45db noise.
  • 【Easy to Operate Ice Machine Maker】: With an advanced infrared sensor this ice cube machine for home has 2 indicators ("ICE FULL" and "ADD WATER") that could remind you to remove ice and add more water. The operation of this countertop ice machine is very easy, you just need to add water and press the "ON/OFF/CLEAN" button and the ice cube maker machine will start making ice.
⭐ 4.2 stars from 22,000 owner reviews on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Anyone who wants a reliable, straightforward countertop ice maker for everyday kitchen use, iced coffees, and keeping up with guests without constantly running out.

The EUHOMY Countertop is the pick most UK households should start with. At 4.2 stars from 22,000 owner reviews it has the largest review base of any ice maker in this guide by a considerable margin. Owners describe it as a wonderful kitchen gadget that produces ice quickly and consistently, with one owner specifically noting half a kilogram of ice per hour and nine cubes ready every six minutes. The self-cleaning function keeps maintenance simple, the scoop and basket are included so you are ready to go straight out of the box, and the operation is described across reviews as genuinely easy. The honest trade-offs worth knowing: reliability feedback is mixed, with some owners reporting issues after extended use, and the bullet-shaped cubes divide opinion on size. For most homes using it regularly through summer and for parties, it delivers well.

✓ Pros
  • Nine cubes in six minutes
  • Self-cleaning function
  • Scoop and basket included
  • Easy to operate
  • Half a kg of ice per hour
✗ Cons
  • Reliability mixed in long-term owner feedback
  • Bullet-shaped cubes feel small to some owners
  • Noise level varies, some find it noticeable

Check the current price on Amazon

2. EUHOMY Ice Maker Machine Portable – Best affordable all-rounder UK

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⭐ 4.4 stars from 1,600 owner reviews on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Anyone who wants the EUHOMY reliability at a lower price point, or a portable unit that can be moved between the kitchen and garden room depending on where it is needed.

The portable version sits below the top pick on price but delivers comparable speed. At 4.4 stars from 1,600 owner reviews it carries a stronger rating than the top pick, with owners describing it as a reliable workhorse that means never running out of ice. The portable handle makes it genuinely easy to move between rooms, which is useful for garden parties or home bar setups in a separate space. Cube size draws some comments from owners, which appears to be a common theme across budget ice makers rather than a specific fault. A solid second option if the top pick feels like more than you need.

✓ Pros
  • Two ice sizes
  • Portable handle for moving between rooms
  • 12kg daily capacity
  • Reliable ice production praised by owners
  • Lower price than the top pick
✗ Cons
  • Ice cubes noted as small by some owners
  • Noise feedback mixed
  • Smaller owner review base than the top pick

Check the current price on Amazon

3. ecozy Ice Maker Machine Countertop – Best for entertaining and parties UK

ecozy Ice Maker Machine Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Mins, 12KG in 24Hrs, 2 Sizes of Ice, Self-Cleaning with Ice Bags, Scoop, and Basket for Kitchen, Office, Bar, Party Black
  • Two Ice Size Available: ecozy ice machine offers two ice sizes to choose from. Small cubes for chilling seafood or beer, large cubes for any beverage. Bullet ice has a hollow core and a slender shape, which creates a larger surface area and allows the drink to cool down quickly
  • Rapid 6-Min Ice: Enjoy perfect ice in a flash with ecozy countertop ice maker. With 6-minute cycles, get nine bullet-shaped ice cubes at a time and produce up to 12 Kg of ice per day. Feel free to grab a cold drink or host a party for friends and family. you can quickly and easily get fresh, clean ice cubes from your ice maker now
  • User-Friendly & Quiet: Infrared sensors stop ice production when it’s full, and a low water reminder makes it stress-free. Children and the elderly can also operate with one click. Experience ice-making tranquility with this whisper-quiet machine, under 35dB. And the transparent cover allows you to see the amount of ice at a glance
  • Effortless Self-cleaning: The Self-cleaning feature thoroughly cleans every nook and cranny of the ice maker with circulating water. The ice machine for home is easy to operate and frees your hands. Simply press the ON/OFF button for 5 seconds until the L/S flashes, and the ice maker will begin a 30 minute self-cleaning process
  • Portable & Multi-Scenario: The ice maker has a compact size and can be placed anywhere there is free countertop space, such as kitchen, office, bar, boat, RV. Lightweight and reliable handle makes it easy to carry, perfect for parties, camping, tailgating, barbecue. Enjoy ice cubes at any time
⭐ 4.5 stars from 5,000 owner reviews on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Anyone who hosts regularly and wants an ice maker that comes ready for party use, with ice bags included so you can prepare in advance and transfer ice to a cooler or bowl rather than running the machine during the event.

The ecozy stands out for the practical detail of including ice bags, which matters more than it sounds. Running an ice maker during a party is noisy and requires someone to monitor it. The more useful approach is making ice in advance and storing it. The bags make that workflow easier without needing to buy anything separately. At 4.5 stars from 5,000 owner reviews it has the highest rating in this section, with owners describing it as quick, simple to set up, and good value. Nine cubes in six minutes matches the EUHOMY picks on speed. Durability draws some concern, with a proportion of owners mentioning reliability issues over time, which is worth factoring in if you plan to use it heavily year-round rather than seasonally.

✓ Pros
  • Ice bags included for advance prep and storage
  • Self-cleaning
  • 12kg daily capacity
  • Quick ice production
  • Practical for party hosting
✗ Cons
  • Some owner reviews mention reliability issues over time
  • Noise level mixed across reviews
  • Ice cubes described as small by some owners

Check the current price on Amazon

Best budget ice makers

4. WIE Stainless Steel Ice Maker – Best value stainless steel ice maker UK

WIE Stainless Steel Ice Maker, Self-Cleaning Ice Maker Machine, 12kg/24H, 2 Sizes 9 Ice Cube Ready in 6 Mins Ice Machine with Handle, Scoop & Basket, 1.5L Ice Cube Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar
  • ❄️【Stainless Steel Portable Ice Maker】WIE portable ice machine is designed with stainless steel. Stainless steel material not only has high strength and hardness, but also is not easy to deform and damage even if dropped or hit; it also has excellent anti-oxidation and corrosion resistance, which can extend the service life of the ice maker. In addition, this ice machine maker is equipped with a sturdy handle and compact design for easy transportation and operation. It can be placed anywhere there is available countertop space, perfect for home, kitchen, office, bar or party, meeting your various needs.
  • ❄️【Fast Ice Making】The WIE ice maker produces 9 ice cubes in just 6 minutes and generates up to 12kg of ice daily, providing fresh, high-quality bullet-shaped ice cubes each day. Its unique, soft, and crunchy texture ensures that the ice won’t hurt your hands or mouth, while quickly cooling beverages and preserving their flavors, delivering an enjoyable ice experience. The food-grade inner tank of the ice machine is odor-free and safe for use. When the "Ice Full" indicator lights up, you can easily remove the ice using the included scoop.
  • ❄️【Intelligent Control LED Display】The ice maker features simple button operation, clear symbols and LED indicators for you to see at a glance. WIE ice maker is also equipped with functions such as automatic cleaning/water shortage alarm/infrared full ice alarm/ice cube size selection. A large and transparent viewing window allows you to monitor the ice making process. For added convenience, our ice maker comes with a removable ice container and a convenient shovel for easy transfer of ice to beverages or buckets.
  • ❄️【Large Capacity & Two Ice Size Ice Maker】This ice maker features a generous 1.5L water capacity and can produce up to 12kg of ice daily. The WIE ice maker offers two ice cube sizes to help you achieve perfectly chilled beverages with ease. The smaller ice cubes are ideal for cooling seafood or beer, keeping them fresh and chilled, while the larger cubes are better suited for beverages, allowing for rapid cooling. The bullet-shaped ice cubes have a hollow core and elongated shape, creating a larger surface area for quick beverage cooling.
  • ❄️【Intelligent Self-Cleaning Ice Maker】The WIE ice maker features a self-cleaning function,ensuring clear,odorless,and impurity-free ice cubes.Its water reservoir includes a filtration system for crystal-clear,clean ice.To activate cleaning, simply turn on the ice machine and hold the "CLEAN" button for over 5 seconds; the cleaning cycle lasts 20 minutes.Wastewater can be easily drained from the bottom outlet,simplifying maintenance. The ice basket of the ice maker can be easily removed for thorough cleaning.
⭐ 4.5 stars from 1,100 owner reviews on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Anyone who wants a budget ice maker that does not look like a budget ice maker, or whose kitchen aesthetic makes a plastic-bodied appliance feel out of place on the worktop.

Most countertop ice makers at this price look exactly like what they are. The WIE stainless steel finish changes that equation. At 4.5 stars from 1,100 owner reviews it matches the ecozy on rating at a lower price point. Owners describe it as a brilliant little machine that makes heaps of ice quickly and is easy to use, with a compact size that fits neatly on a kitchen counter without dominating it. The low noise level gets specific praise from owners, which is an advantage over several alternatives in this guide. Reliability feedback is mixed, with some owner reviews mentioning issues over time, which is worth knowing. For kitchens where appearance matters alongside function, it is the strongest budget option.

✓ Pros
  • Stainless steel finish looks more premium than the price
  • Compact footprint
  • Low noise level praised by owners
  • Easy to use
  • Good ice production speed
✗ Cons
  • Reliability concerns, some owners report early failure
  • Smaller review base than the EUHOMY picks
  • Not as feature-rich as the top picks

Check the current price on Amazon

5. FOHERE Ice Maker Machine – Best budget ice maker UK

Sale
FOHERE Ice Maker Machine Countertop, 14KG in 24H, Ice Ready in 5 Mins, 2 Bullet Sizes, Portable Ice Cube Maker with Handle, Self-Cleaning, Scoop&Basket, Home/Kitchen/Office/RV Black
  • 【Rapid Ice Freedom for Gatherings】 Stop waiting and start cooling. This high-efficiency ice maker produces the first batch of bullet ice in just 5-8 minutes, with a daily output of up to 13-14kg. Whether you are hosting a weekend party or need quick refreshment on a hot day, this machine ensures a continuous supply of fresh ice, keeping your drinks cold and your guests happy without the hassle of buying bagged ice.
  • 【Customizable Bullet Ice Experience】 Tailor your cooling experience with 2 selectable ice sizes. Choose small bullets to perfectly chill seafood or beer bottles, or opt for large bullets for a longer-lasting cool effect in cocktails and iced coffee. The smooth, bullet-shaped design prevents ice from sticking together and is gentle on the mouth, making it the ideal choice for families with kids and daily hydration.
  • 【Hassle-Free Smart Self-Cleaning】 Hygiene meets convenience. Say goodbye to manual scrubbing with the one-touch self-cleaning function—simply hold the power button for 3 seconds to activate the automatic wash cycle. Combined with the large see-through window, you can monitor the ice-making process and ensure the internal hygiene of your machine effortlessly, guaranteeing healthy ice for every glass.
  • 【Ultimate Portability for Anywhere】 Designed for life on the go. Measuring just 28*22*27cm, this compact ice maker fits perfectly on crowded countertops or RV desks. The integrated sturdy handle makes it easy to carry from the kitchen to the living room, or pack for camping trips and outdoor events. It’s not just an appliance; it’s your portable ice station for home, office, or travel.
  • 【Quiet Operation】 Enjoy ice without the noise or high bills. Equipped with an upgraded 120W compressor and high-quality insulation foam, this machine operates efficiently to save on electricity costs while keeping ice fresh longer. Its low-noise performance ensures it won't disturb your sleep or conversation, making it perfect for bedroom use or quiet office environments.
⭐ 4.4 stars from 1,400 owner reviews on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Anyone who wants to try a countertop ice maker without a big spend, or a secondary unit for a garden room or garage setup.

The FOHERE has the highest daily capacity in this guide at 14kg, two cube size options, and the fastest cycle time at five minutes. At 4.4 stars from 1,400 owner reviews and over 1,000 buyers a month it is the most-bought ice maker in this guide. Owners describe it as a fantastic countertop appliance that is well worth the price, with ice appearing around five minutes after filling and genuinely easy operation. The compact size gets specific praise. The reliability and noise caveats follow the same pattern as the rest of this category: some owner reviews mention reliability issues over time. For a first ice maker or a unit you want to run seasonally, the value is strong.

✓ Pros
  • 14kg daily capacity, highest in this guide
  • Two cube size options
  • Compact size praised by owners
  • Good value at the price
  • Easy to use
✗ Cons
  • Reliability concerns from some owners over time
  • Noise level mixed, some find it very noisy
  • Least premium finish in this guide

Check the current price on Amazon

6. Silonn Portable Ice Maker – Best portable ice maker for camping and caravans UK

Silonn Portable Ice Maker Countertop, Self-Cleaning Ice Machine Produces 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Minutes, 12KG Daily Capacity, Ideal for Home Camping and RVs Black-IM21B 1.2 L
  • Rapid Ice Production: Enjoy quick and efficient ice-making with the ability to produce bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 minutes! This powerful compressor generates up to 12 kg of ice daily, with a 0.6 kg storage capacity, ensuring you have plenty of ice on hand. The 1.2 L water tank keeps the ice machine ready for continuous use
  • Portable and User-Friendly: Designed for convenience, the Silonn ice maker countertop features a sturdy carry handle and a scoop that conveniently attaches to the basket for easy storage. Weighing only 6.24 kg, it’s perfect for moving from room to room or taking along to events
  • Simple Operation: Making fresh ice is a breeze with the intuitive control panel. Just fill the reservoir, turn on the ice cube maker, and choose between small or large ice cubes. An indicator light alerts you when it’s time to add water or when the ice is full, making it user-friendly for everyone
  • Effortless Self-Cleaning: Maintain fresh and clean ice effortlessly with the automatic self-cleaning function. Simply remove the basket, add water, and press the ON button for 5 seconds. In just 30 minutes, your portable ice maker will be ready to create a new batch of ice
  • Compact and Space-Saving Design: With dimensions of just 22.2 x 29.4 x 29 cm, the Silonn ice maker easily fits on countertops, kitchen islands, or desks without occupying too much space. Plus, its ultra-quiet 35dB operation ensures you can enjoy ice without disruptive noise
⭐ 4.3 stars from 1,700 owner reviews on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Caravan and camping regulars who want fresh ice on site, or garden room owners who want a unit that lives outside the main kitchen.

The Silonn is the pick for anyone who needs ice somewhere other than the kitchen. At 4.3 stars from 1,700 owner reviews it has the lowest rating in this guide, which is worth noting, though the portable format and compact footprint make it the most practical option for outdoor and travel use. The six-minute cycle produces nine cubes, two cube sizes give flexibility, and owners describe some models as quieter than alternatives, which matters in a caravan or garden room. Reliability draws some mixed feedback, as with most products in this category. For portable use, it is the most practical pick in this guide.

✓ Pros
  • Compact and genuinely portable
  • Self-cleaning
  • 5-6 minute ice cycle
  • Two cube sizes
  • Some owners note quieter operation than alternatives
✗ Cons
  • Reliability mixed in a proportion of owner reviews
  • Not designed for heavy daily indoor use
  • Smaller review base than the EUHOMY picks

Check the current price on Amazon

Best premium ice option for whisky, whiskey and bourbon drinkers

ecozy Clear Ice Ball Maker – Best premium home bar ice maker UK

Sale
ecozy 2.4" / 60 mm Clear Ice Ball Maker, 8H Timer, LED Touch Screen, 40 Min Fast Making, CrystalFlux Technology, Compact Sphere Ice Machine, 32 pcs/Day, Self-Cleaning for Home Bar Whiskey & Bourbon Deep Black
  • 60mm Crystal Clear Ice Balls: A stark contrast to the foggy, opaque ones from standard molds, this ice ball maker creates 60mm perfectly clear ice spheres. Crafted with the whisky drinker in mind, Crystal-clear ice pucks made with CrystalFlux technology that melt slower, chill deeper, and preserve whiskey’s pure flavor. Precision-engineered for the ultimate pour
  • 40-Min Fast Ice Making: This ice sphere maker produces 1 crystal-clear ice sphere in just 40 minutes, 32 ice spheres can be produced in one day. A spacious ice storage basket that can hold approximately 9 spheres. It also comes with an ice box, so you can transfer the ice balls to the ice box and store them in the refrigerator
  • Game-Changing LED Touchscreen & 8 Hours Timer: Easily control your ice ball maker with the intuitive LED touchscreen. The 8-hour timer allows you to prepare spheres in advance, enjoy ice-cold whiskey as soon as you get home,making it ideal for homes and gatherings
  • Easy Water Fill & Double-Layer Insulation: Easily add water via the top cover to the 0.85L tank, with a bottom drain for quick, mess-free emptying. The non-transparent double-layer design reduces ice melt to 18% (vs 26% in clear-window models), keeping ice colder longer—ideal for smoother whiskey or transferring spheres to the freezer to preserve clarity and shape
  • Space-Saving Design: As the smallest spherical ice maker on the market, its compact footprint allows flexible placement on kitchen counters, office desks, or mini bars, ideal for home bars or intimate gatherings. Minimal footprint, premium clear ice on demand—perfect for spaces where every inch counts
⭐ Premium pick, see current rating on Amazon UK

Who this is for: For whisky, whiskey and bourbon drinkers who want the kind of slow-melting crystal-clear sphere ice you see in a proper cocktail bar, and are prepared to spend for it.

Most people do not need this machine. That is worth saying directly before anything else. If you want ice for a summer party or iced coffees, any of the picks above do the job at a fraction of the price. The ecozy Clear Ice Ball Maker is for a specific buyer: someone who takes home bar presentation seriously and wants ice that genuinely changes the experience of whisky or bourbon rather than just cooling it.

The 60mm spheres melt significantly slower than standard ice cubes, keeping a drink cold without diluting it quickly. The CrystalFlux technology creates genuinely clear spheres rather than the cloudy balls that come from standard silicone moulds. One sphere takes 40 minutes with up to 32 possible in a day, the LED touchscreen and 8-hour timer let you set it running in the afternoon and have spheres ready for the evening, and the compact footprint suits a home bar or kitchen counter without taking over the space. It also makes a strong gift for anyone serious about whisky and bourbon.

✓ Pros
  • 60mm crystal-clear ice spheres
  • Slower melt preserves whisky and bourbon flavour and appearance
  • LED touchscreen and 8-hour timer
  • Self-cleaning
  • Compact footprint for home bars
  • Strong gift option for whisky and bourbon drinkers
✗ Cons
  • Premium price, significant spend for ice
  • One sphere per 40 minutes is slow for large groups
  • Overkill for everyday cooling needs
  • Smaller review base than the everyday picks

Check the current price on Amazon

Cheaper alternative for cocktail fans

Samuelworld Premium Silicone Ice Cube Tray Set – Best budget cocktail ice UK

Samuelworld Premium Silicone Ice Cube Tray with Lid, Set of 2-Large Ice Cube Molds Set Square & Sphere Round Ice Ball Maker Mold, Whiskey Ice Trays Freezer, Cocktail Kit, Bartesian, Reusable BPA Free Grey 4 Sphere/6 Cube
  • PROFESSIONALS' PREFERED CHOICE: Enjoy the simplicity of creating awesome 2-inch large ice cubes today, just like the professionals. Samuelworld's premium range of giant ice cube trays are designed to consistently craft perfect large ice cubes everytime, proven to melt slower, slows down the dilution process, so that you and your guests enjoy the true flavours of your favourite beverage for longer.
  • THE PERFECT NOVELTY GIFT: Looking for timeless novelty gifts Samuelworld's Ice Trays are used by professional bartenders all around the world, and hands-down the perfect addition to any home bars, birthdays, housewarmings, and even door gifts at events. Your family, friends, and guests will definitely love these amazing ice trays!
  • International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
⭐ Budget pick, see current rating on Amazon UK

Who this is for: Anyone who wants the large-format cocktail ice look for whisky, bourbon, gin, or iced coffee without spending a lot on a machine.

The honest truth is that the large sphere and square ice cube aesthetic that looks impressive in a home bar does not require a specialist machine for most people. Oversized silicone moulds produce sphere and cube ice in the same freezer you already own. Owners describe the Samuelworld set as better quality than expensive models, with great ice quality and the right sizing for wide-rim glasses and cocktail use. The main caveats are getting the spheres out cleanly, which some owners find easier than others, and occasional leakage from the moulds before freezing.

The spheres will not be the optically clear result of the ecozy machine above. But for most cocktail nights, a large, slow-melting sphere of regular ice looks considerably better than a standard freezer cube and costs very little to achieve. Worth trying before committing to a premium machine.

✓ Pros
  • Budget-friendly, fraction of the machine price
  • Square and sphere moulds included
  • Owners rate quality above standard trays
  • Good size for cocktail glasses and wide-rim tumblers
  • Simple freezer solution
✗ Cons
  • Ice will not be optically clear like a specialist machine
  • Leakage reported by some owners before freezing
  • Getting spheres out cleanly takes practice

Check the current price on Amazon

Things people do not realise before buying a countertop ice maker

Run them before guests arrive, not during. A machine running mid-party is noisy and needs monitoring. The better approach is running it for a few hours beforehand, transferring the ice to a cool box or bowl, and having it ready before anyone arrives.

They are noisier than freezer trays. Countertop ice makers produce a noticeable hum and mechanical sound during the ice cycle. In a busy kitchen it sits in the background. In a quiet room in the evening it is more obvious. Worth factoring in if you plan to run it continuously.

Most do not store ice long-term. Countertop ice makers are not freezers. Ice will slowly melt inside the machine if left sitting. Transfer ice to a freezer bag or container if you are making it in advance. This is the most common thing owners wish someone had told them before buying.

Which ice maker should you buy?

If your freezer tray situation currently involves cracking plastic at midnight for one sad iced coffee, a countertop ice maker starts making a lot more sense surprisingly quickly.

For everything else worth adding to a home bar setup, our full buying guides cover the rest of the kitchen and entertaining essentials.

See the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker on Amazon UK

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Last updated: . Prices correct at time of publishing and subject to change.