How many fit
Only 2 of the 23 models checked meet every need here: “Cocktails and spirit-forward drinks are what I make”, “Ice for a busy household or a gathering is what I need”, and “I want to pick the ice size”.
2 models fit, out of 23 checkedPicked for one job
NewAir ClearIce40 specializes in cocktail ice
Top pick
NewAir ClearIce40
Thickness control and denser, clearer cubes come with ClearIce40. GE Opal Ultra is the better match for crushed-style and highball drinks. Whynter brings volume and three bullet sizes.
Why it suits this job
- Dilution
- Cube density
- The catch
- When checked, there was no direct stock, and with marketplace sellers the condition and warranty coverage can differ.
- Go with GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra if
- Everyday premium nugget ice with less refilling and guided upkeep
More reasons we picked it
- Yield per batch
- Control of thickness
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Put dense ice, usable output and cube control ahead of headline speed alone.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the countertop ice makers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Why it helps
NewAir ClearIce40 lists 40 lb/day for listed daily ice output, 54% above the 26 lb/day median.
- NewAir ClearIce40
- 40 lb/day
- Typical (median)
- 26 lb/day
- Models with this figure
- 19 of 23
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Cocktails and spirit-forward drinks are what I make”, “Ice for a busy household or a gathering is what I need”, and “I want to pick the ice size”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
How we calculatedDaily output is the maximum the maker publishes. Room temperature, water temperature and the size of the storage bin can all lower what you get in practice. The median draws on the 19 of 23 models that publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewAir ClearIce40 |
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| |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra |
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| Whynter 49 lb Portable Ice Maker |
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3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
NewAir, ClearIce40
ClearIce40
This specialist clear-cube machine has a 40-pound daily rating and a control for adjusting cube thickness.
Top pick ifCocktails that benefit from harder, clearer cubes that dilute slowly
Key facts
- Production is rated at 40 pounds per day by NewAir.
- About seven minutes is listed for the first clear cube batch.
The catch
When checked, there was no direct stock, and with marketplace sellers the condition and warranty coverage can differ.
GE Profile, XPIO13SWSS
Opal 2.0 Ultra
App control, a scale-inhibiting filter and a 0.75-gallon side tank come with this premium nugget machine, along with a large three-pound drawer.
Best forEveryday premium nugget ice with less refilling and guided upkeep
Key facts
- GE's production rating is 38 pounds per day and 1.6 pounds per hour.
- Up to three pounds fit in the removable drawer, and the included side tank holds 0.75 gallon.
The catch
Add the required rear clearance to its 17.5-inch depth and it takes up far more counter than compact machines do.
Whynter, IMC-491DC
49 lb Portable Ice Maker
The highest daily rating in the set belongs to this large bullet machine, which also has a five-liter tank, three sizes and an optional direct water connection.
Best forBullet ice at high output over long stretches, with less refilling
Key facts
- Whynter's production rating is 49 pounds per day, with storage of 2.7 pounds.
- You can fill the five-liter tank by hand or through the included 12-foot direct-water hose.
The catch
Side handles notwithstanding, a 32-pound body and 17-inch depth mean it is going to stay on the counter.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
NewAir ClearIce40
Dilution
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Everyday premium nugget ice with less refilling and guided upkeep
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money