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How Did the Countertop Ice Maker Become So Popular?

Posted on July 13, 2026 By Alison P.
A countertop ice maker on a kitchen counter

“What's wrong with good old-fashioned plastic ice trays?”

“I've already got a refrigerator with ice maker. I think I'm set with ice.”

“Who needs an ice machine when I can just grab a bag at the convenience store?”

If any (or all!) of these phrases sound familiar, adding an ice maker to your kitchen may seem excessive at first. However, more and more households are adding this handy-dandy appliance to their kitchen equipment with good reason - actually, several good reasons! Here are some ways that a dedicated ice maker can add a little extra convenience, and even a little extra joy, to your life.

Different Types of Ice

Some models of ice machines give you the ability to switch between types of ice, allowing you to change up your ice shapes with a push of a button. You'll be able to customize ice shapes to suit your beverage needs, your culinary presentations, or just your own personal preference. Hey, life's too short to only use cubes!

Entertaining is Simplified

If you host large family gatherings, high-volume dinner parties or all-day barbecues, having an icemaker on hand instantly simplifies any entertainment endeavor. Ice becomes an item you can permanently cross off your shopping list for every party, and something you'll never have to ask a guest to stop and pick up on their way over at the last minute. Less time planning means more time having fun!

Greater Ice Quantities

Relying on a standard refrigerator with water and ice dispenser is fine for the ice needs of one or two people. However, if you frequently have a houseful on your hands, you're going to need an ice resource that actually keeps up with demand. Some under counter ice maker models can keep up to 26 pounds of ice at the ready for your entertaining needs, ensuring a ready supply of ice for everyone.

No Freezer Odor

Somewhere between wilted spinach and an everything bagel with freezer burn lies the dreaded “freezer smell.” We've all recoiled in disgust after tasting it in beverages by way of the ice cubes therein. It doesn't seem like a big deal in the grand scheme, but wouldn't it be nice to never have to deal with it again? When you've got a freestanding ice maker, freezer smell becomes a non-issue! You'll have cascades of pure, clean, unsullied ice maker ice at the ready, guaranteeing preservation of any beverage's flavor integrity.

Ready to set your sights on your very own ice maker? There are plenty of options available to allow you to find the best countertop ice maker to suit your needs. If you're a budget-conscious shopper, browsing ice makers on sale might just surprise you at how affordable an ice maker can be. Make your social gatherings, and your day-to-day life, a real cool time!