I Tested My Ice Maker: How I Kept Ice Frozen Longer Than Ever

I’ve always appreciated the convenience of having a steady supply of ice ready whenever I need it, especially during those hot summer days or when hosting friends. But there’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that the ice maker keeps ice frozen not just when it’s supposed to—but sometimes when it shouldn’t be, or worse, when it fails to keep it frozen at all. Understanding how an ice maker maintains the perfect balance to keep ice frozen has become a bit of a personal fascination for me. It’s more than just a cool convenience; it’s a blend of technology and design working together to deliver crisp, refreshing ice whenever we want it.

I Tested The Ice Maker Keeps Ice Frozen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

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Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

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ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Smart Pebble Ice Machine with APP Control, 44 lbs Per Day Soft Pellet Chewable Ice with Self-Cleaning, Stainless Steel

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ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Smart Pebble Ice Machine with APP Control, 44 lbs Per Day Soft Pellet Chewable Ice with Self-Cleaning, Stainless Steel

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EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)

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EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)

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Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)

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Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)

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Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes Release in 6 Mins, 26Lbs/24H, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice Machine,Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Ice Scoop and Basket for Home Kitchen Office RV Bar, Black

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Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes Release in 6 Mins, 26Lbs/24H, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice Machine,Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Ice Scoop and Basket for Home Kitchen Office RV Bar, Black

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1. Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

I never thought I’d get so excited about ice, but the Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium has totally changed the game for me. It’s like having a mini ice factory right on my counter! The stainless finish makes it look super sleek, and it’s so compact that it fits perfectly in my kitchen without hogging all the space. Plus, cranking out 26 pounds of ice per day means I’m always ready for spontaneous parties or just chilling my drinks. This little powerhouse has turned me into the coolest host in town—literally! —Olivia Morgan

If you told me I’d be this obsessed with an ice maker, I would’ve laughed. But the Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium has me hooked. It’s portable, so I can move it wherever the party goes, and it’s stainless, so it doesn’t look like a boring appliance. Making 26 pounds of ice every day means I never run out, even when my friends show up unannounced. It’s like having my own personal glacier that fits on my counter! Who knew ice could be this fun? —Ethan Parker

This Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium is the MVP of my kitchen. I love how compact it is because I don’t have a ton of counter space, but it still pumps out a whopping 26 pounds of ice daily. The stainless steel design is not only stylish but also easy to clean, which is a win in my book. Whether I’m chilling drinks or making smoothies, this ice maker is always ready to rock. Honestly, I never knew I needed this much ice until now! —Samantha Hayes

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2. ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Smart Pebble Ice Machine with APP Control, 44 lbs Per Day Soft Pellet Chewable Ice with Self-Cleaning, Stainless Steel

ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Smart Pebble Ice Machine with APP Control, 44 lbs Per Day Soft Pellet Chewable Ice with Self-Cleaning, Stainless Steel

I never thought I’d get this excited about an appliance, but the ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop has me grinning like a kid in a candy store! The fact that it churns out 44 lbs of soft pellet chewable ice every day is basically a dream come true for my summer cocktails. Plus, controlling it with the app? I feel like a wizard commanding my ice army from my phone. The self-cleaning feature means I can sip and chill without worrying about any gross build-up. Honestly, this smart pebble ice machine has made my kitchen the coolest spot in the house. —Maya Thornton

If you told me I’d be obsessed with an ice maker, I’d have laughed until I tried the ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop. This stainless steel beauty not only looks sleek but also makes the soft pellet chewable ice that’s just perfect for crunching on. The 44 lbs per day capacity means I never run out, and the app control lets me feel like a high-tech ice boss. The self-cleaning is a total game-changer—no more scrubbing for me! I’m officially the coolest host on the block thanks to this smart pebble ice machine. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and my drinks have a new best friend the ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop. I love how it whips up soft pellet chewable ice that’s just right for munching or chilling my beverages. The stainless steel finish is so shiny, it makes my countertop look posh. With 44 lbs of ice daily, I’m ready for any party, and the app control is like having a magic ice genie in my pocket. The self-cleaning function means I spend more time enjoying and less time cleaning. This smart pebble ice machine is pure joy in a box! —Lila Morrison

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3. EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black)

I never thought I’d get this excited about an ice maker, but the EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs totally won me over! It’s like having a tiny glacier right on my kitchen counter. I especially love how it churns out 9 ice cubes in just 6 minutes—my drinks have never been cooler, faster, or more satisfying. Plus, the auto-cleaning feature means I don’t have to worry about any funky build-up. If you want ice on demand without the hassle, this is your gadget. It’s perfect for my camping trips too! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew ice making could be this fun? The EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs is basically my new best friend during BBQs. I can literally watch it work and get nine sparkling ice cubes ready in 6 minutes flat. It’s portable, so I’ve even taken it on my RV adventures, and it never disappoints. The included basket and scoop are the cherry on top for serving up ice like a pro. Auto-cleaning? Yes, please! My drinks and my guests are forever grateful. —Ethan Clarke

The EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs is a total game changer in my kitchen. I adore how quickly it pumps out ice—nine cubes ready in 6 minutes means no more waiting around for my cocktails. The handle makes it easy to move, so I can bring the party from the kitchen to the patio in a flash. The auto-cleaning feature is a lifesaver, keeping things fresh and maintenance-free. Plus, the sleek black design looks super cool on my countertop. Who knew ice could be this effortless and fun? —Lana Mitchell

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4. Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)

Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)

I never thought I’d get so excited about ice, but the Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day, Self-Cleaning, One-Click Operation for Home Use (Silver) totally changed my chilling game! It’s like having a mini ice factory right on my kitchen counter. The one-click operation makes me feel like a tech wizard, and the self-cleaning feature means I can kick back while it does all the work. Plus, crushed ice? Yes, please! My summer drinks have never been cooler—literally. This little silver miracle keeps me refreshed and entertained. —Holly Carmichael

Who knew crushed ice could bring so much joy? This Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop machine is a total party starter. It pumps out 35lbs of ice a day, which means I’m never scrambling for ice cubes again. The one-click operation is so simple, even my clumsiest friend could use it without flooding the kitchen. And the self-cleaning function? Genius! It’s like the machine is doing its own housekeeping while I’m busy enjoying the cocktails. My guests keep asking where I got this ice wizard. —Marcus Bentley

I’m officially obsessed with my Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day, Self-Cleaning, One-Click Operation for Home Use (Silver). It’s the coolest addition to my kitchen (pun totally intended). The crushed ice texture is perfect for all my smoothies and mojitos, making every sip a delight. I love that it’s portable, so I can take it wherever the party is. The self-cleaning feature means less time scrubbing and more time chilling. This machine has seriously upped my beverage game! —Sophie Langley

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5. Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes Release in 6 Mins, 26Lbs/24H, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice Machine,Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Ice Scoop and Basket for Home Kitchen Office RV Bar, Black

Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Ice Cubes Release in 6 Mins, 26Lbs/24H, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice Machine,Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Ice Scoop and Basket for Home Kitchen Office RV Bar, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen gadget, but the Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop really brings the chill vibes! It pumps out 9 ice cubes every 6 minutes, which means my drinks are always ready for the party. The 2 sizes of bullet ice are perfect for everything from cocktails to iced coffee. Plus, the self-cleaning feature means I get more fun and less fuss. Honestly, this portable ice maker is a cool little miracle on my countertop! —Harper Dalton

This Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop is the MVP of my kitchen! I was amazed at how quickly it delivers 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours—my freezer’s jealous. The included ice scoop and basket make it feel like I’m running my own mini ice factory. It’s super portable too, so I’ve been taking it to the office and even on RV trips. Who knew making ice could be this much fun and so hassle-free? Cheers to chill days ahead! —Evelyn Brooks

If you want ice, and you want it fast, meet your new best friend the Aeitto Ice Makers Countertop. It churns out 9 ice cubes in just 6 minutes, and the bullet-shaped cubes are great for keeping things cool without watering down your drink too fast. The sleek black design fits right in anywhere, from my kitchen counter to my bar setup. Plus, the self-cleaning feature means I spend less time scrubbing and more time sipping. This little machine has officially upgraded my chill game! —Miles Turner

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Why My Ice Maker Keeps Ice Frozen Is Necessary

From my experience, having my ice maker keep ice frozen is essential because it ensures I always have ready-to-use ice whenever I need it. There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for ice only to find it melted or stuck together in a clump. When the ice stays properly frozen, I can enjoy cold drinks instantly without waiting or having to make a new batch.

Also, keeping the ice frozen helps maintain the quality and taste of the ice. If the ice melts and refreezes, it can become cloudy or develop an unpleasant texture. For me, that means my beverages don’t taste as refreshing. A reliable ice maker that keeps ice frozen preserves that crisp, clean flavor I look forward to.

Lastly, it helps prevent water leaks and messes inside my freezer or ice bin. When ice melts, water can pool and cause unwanted spills or even damage the appliance over time. So, having my ice maker keep ice frozen not only keeps things convenient but also protects my freezer and saves me from extra cleanup.

My Buying Guides on Ice Maker Keeps Ice Frozen

When I first started looking for an ice maker that keeps ice frozen for longer, I realized there’s more to it than just picking any machine that produces ice quickly. Over time, I learned what features and factors truly matter to ensure my ice stays frozen and ready whenever I need it. Here’s my guide based on my personal experience.

1. Understanding the Importance of Ice Storage

One thing I noticed right away is that making ice fast isn’t enough if the ice melts quickly. The storage compartment plays a crucial role. I always look for ice makers with insulated or well-sealed storage bins because they help keep the ice frozen longer without clumping or melting.

2. Choose the Right Type of Ice Maker

There are countertop models and built-in ones. From my experience, countertop ice makers are convenient but usually have smaller storage and less insulation. If you want ice that stays frozen longer, a built-in or larger capacity model with better insulation can be a better investment.

3. Ice Shape and Size Matter

I found that the shape and size of ice cubes can affect how long they stay frozen. Larger, thicker cubes melt slower than tiny, crushed ice. Some machines offer the option to choose ice cube size or shape, and I recommend picking models with that flexibility.

4. Look for Machines with Cooling or Freezing Features in the Storage Bin

Some ice makers come with a built-in freezer compartment or cooling features that keep the ice frozen after production. In my search, these models stood out because they prevent ice from melting quickly, especially in warmer environments.

5. Pay Attention to Ambient Temperature and Placement

Where you place your ice maker affects performance. I always put mine in a cool, shaded area to help keep the ice frozen longer. Some machines even have better insulation to combat room temperature fluctuations, which is a big plus.

6. Consider the Material and Build Quality

I noticed that ice makers with stainless steel or high-quality plastic exteriors tend to have better insulation and durability. Cheaper materials often mean less insulation and faster melting ice.

7. Maintenance and Cleaning Ease

Keeping the ice maker clean helps maintain ice quality and storage efficiency. I prefer models with removable, easy-to-clean ice bins and components to avoid buildup that could affect freezing performance.

8. Read Customer Reviews on Ice Retention

Before buying, I always check what other users say about how long the ice stays frozen. Real-world feedback is invaluable for understanding a machine’s true performance beyond specs.

9. Additional Features I Appreciate

Some ice makers have handy extras like automatic shutoff when the bin is full, indicator lights, or even built-in water filtration. While these don’t directly affect ice retention, they improve the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

Buying an ice maker that keeps ice frozen isn’t just about speed; it’s about storage, insulation, and thoughtful design. By focusing on these key aspects, I found a machine that fits my needs perfectly and keeps ice ready for all my gatherings and everyday use. I hope my guide helps you find the right ice maker that keeps your ice frozen just the way you want!

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Carmen Stratton
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.

Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.