Best Countertop Ice Makers Under $100 (2026)

You don't need to spend a fortune to have fresh ice at home. Several reliable portable ice makers are available under $100, and they deliver surprisingly good performance for the price. Here are our top picks for budget-conscious buyers.

Quick Comparison

Model	Ice/Day	First Batch	Weight	Price
Igloo ICEB26RR	26 lbs	~7 min	15.8 lbs	~$99
hOmeLabs Portable	26 lbs	~8 min	14.7 lbs	~$89
Costway Ice Maker	26 lbs	~6 min	13.2 lbs	~$79

1. Igloo ICEB26RR — Best Under $100

The Igloo ICEB26RR is our top recommendation for budget buyers. It produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes, totaling about 26 pounds per day—matching the output of models costing twice as much. The retro red design adds a fun aesthetic touch to any kitchen or bar area.

The 2.2-quart water reservoir fills easily, and the see-through lid lets you monitor ice production without opening the machine. The LED control panel is simple with just two buttons: power and ice size selection. When the 1.25-pound ice basket fills up, the machine pauses automatically.

Two ice sizes (small and large) provide some flexibility. The small cubes are perfect for filling water bottles, while the large cubes work well in glasses and coolers. Neither size is particularly slow to produce, making the Igloo efficient for its price class.

2. hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker — Most Compact

The hOmeLabs portable ice maker is perfect for tight spaces. At just 9.5 x 12 x 13 inches, it fits in small kitchens, dorm rooms, and RVs where counter space is precious. Despite its compact size, it still produces 26 pounds of bullet ice per day.

Operation is quieter than most budget ice makers, making it suitable for use near sleeping areas. The 1.5-pound ice basket and 1.8-quart water reservoir are smaller than the Igloo, requiring more frequent refills and emptying. However, the trade-off is a significantly smaller footprint.

3. Costway Ice Maker — Cheapest Option

At approximately $79, the Costway ice maker is the cheapest reliable option we can recommend. It matches the 26-pound daily output of more expensive models and produces ice in about 6 minutes—faster than some pricier alternatives.

The build quality reflects the price: thinner plastic housing, a smaller water reservoir, and a basic control panel. There's no self-cleaning function, so you'll need to manually clean the interior periodically. For occasional use at parties or in an RV, this represents excellent value.

What to Expect from Budget Ice Makers

Ice makers under $100 share some common characteristics that are important to understand before buying:

• They're not freezers: Ice in the basket will slowly melt. The meltwater drains back into the reservoir for reuse, which is efficient but means you can't store ice long-term in the machine.
• Bullet ice only: Nugget ice makers start around $300+. Budget models produce bullet-shaped ice cubes that are perfectly functional but not as soft or chewable.
• Manual operation: You fill the water reservoir manually—no water line connection. This is actually a feature for most people since it means zero installation.
• Lifespan: Budget models typically last 2-4 years with proper care. Descaling regularly and keeping the interior clean significantly extends their life.

FAQ

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