Chill Out: Every Ice-Making Gadget You Need for a Refreshing Summer

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Putting ice tray into the freezer
Credit: Sarah Crowley

Having convenient access to ice has got to be one of the best modern luxuries. Ice cubes have the power to instantly transform any cool or lukewarm beverage into a super refreshing sip. And for drinks such as smoothies, daiquiris, and liquors being served on the rocks, ice is an essential ingredient (with no possible substitutes). So being able to grab a few cubes whenever you need them may seem simple and expected, but if you didn’t have that option, enjoying a cold beverage would become a real chore.

The Best Ice Makers

With summer still in effect, now is a smart time to upgrade your at-home ice options. You’ll get a ton of use out of them, and with kitchen tools that can produce ice cubes tailored to different applications — such as cocktails, water bottles, and on-the-go beverages — there are so many icy cold conveniences worth exploring. Check out our favorite ice makers — many of them tested and approved by our editors — to make the rest of your summer even more refreshing.

Do you have an ice maker you swear by? We want to hear all about it! Tell us about your favorite finds below.

1 / 11
W&P
$16.00

Adding ice to your water bottles will be so much easier when you have this silicone ice cube tray. It creates thin sticks of ice that easily fit into any water bottle and often stay intact for slightly longer than smaller ice cubes. This tray may quickly become the most popular ice-cube-making tool in your home, so do yourself a favor and pick up a two-pack so you never run out of ice.

2 / 11
Amazon
$22.99
was $35.99

This unassuming device may actually change the way you think about making ice at home. Instead of having a tray that you have to fill and carefully carry to the freezer, you can fill up this easy-to-use ice maker through a drip-free spout then put the plug in place and pop it in your freezer. When it comes time to use the cubes, just give the bottle a squeeze and pour out as much ice as you need (without even having to touch the cubes). Read our full review for more details.

3 / 11
QVC.com
$549.98
was $759.00

If there's one countertop ice maker you've likely seen before, it's the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker. The social media darling is beloved for many reasons, but perhaps the biggest being its restaurant-quality crunchy ice. We also love that it recirculates melted ice to make more and that it has Wi-Fi functionality so you can request fresh ice from your smartphone, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and have it ready in 20 minutes. Best of all, it comes with everything you need to get going, including a removable side tank, four filters, and a metal scoop.

4 / 11
Wayfair
$13.50
was $18.99

One of the best ways to spruce up your drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike) is with shaped ice cubes. This set of spherical ice molds makes two sizeable spheres of ice that look super chic in a cocktail or a casual glass of iced tea. If you're new to this kind of ice tool, don't worry: it's easy to use and will barely take up any room in your freezer. Plus, you can make these way in advance so you always have some ready when a special occasion arises.

5 / 11
Wayfair
$68.49
was $149.99

This budget-friendly automatic ice machine is one of the most convenient and user-friendly ice-making-tools you can buy. It's quiet and compact, and comes with a tiny shovel to help you scoop out all your cubes. If you've been wanting an ice machine but don't want to invest in a brand-new fridge just to get that function, this is a smart solution (that can also move with you to your next home if needed).

6 / 11
OXO
$11.99

Our senior commerce editor Ian said he was never going back to regular-sized ice cubes after trying this oversized ice cube mold. It makes extra-large and perfectly square ice cubes that elevate any drink (especially any liquor served on the rocks) and don't dilute your beverage because they melt so slowly. "The best part about this mold," Ian wrote, "is that the flexible silicone tray that lets you easily remove the cubes is encased by a rigid frame which allows you to store it in your freezer without having to handle it like a block of gelatin." An easy-to-use upgraded ice mold is a winner in our books.

7 / 11
Amazon
$109.99

Make your at-home ice setup more fun and chic with this retro automatic ice machine. It can make 26 pounds of ice in a day — in your choice of small or large bullet-shaped cubes — and is designed to not create too much noise when it's running. Cleaning this thing is easy, too, since all you have to do is empty it out, add in a little vinegar, and turn on the self-cleaning mode.

8 / 11
Best Buy
$89.99
was $125.99

One of the best things about automatic ice makers is that they have smart functions to make them super efficient. This tabletop ice machine doesn't take up too much room and still produces up to 26 pounds of ice a day. It lets you choose between two size options for cubes and has a water recycling system that collects melted water and filters it to be reused — which also eliminates the need for a drain.

9 / 11
W&P
$20.00

The problem with traditional ice cube trays is that you can't start making new ice in them until you've finished all the initial ice — which is super annoying when you grab it and realize it doesn't have enough ice for your needs. This clever ice-making device has a storage compartment below the tray so you can start freezing a new batch of ice after the first one is totally solid. Quite the game-changer if you ask us!

10 / 11
Amazon
$249.99
was $299.99

This full-size countertop ice machine makes 40 pounds of ice in a single day. Its design couldn't be any easier — simply turn the unit on and choose your ice size. Clear indicator lights let you know when the ice is ready and when you need to add water without any guesswork. With its extra-thick insulation, your ice stays colder longer, though when it does melt, it recycles the water for the next round to be more efficient.

11 / 11
Amazon
$319.99
was $449.99

Many people consider nugget ice to be the best kind of ice: It has a fun, crunchy texture, and it distributes evenly throughout any drink. Plus, you'll never accidentally take a swig and get hit in the face with a large cube. This automatic ice machine can make a small batch of nugget ice in as little as 15 minutes, and then go on to make a full 44 pounds of ice, which is perfect when you're entertaining. It also has a self-cleaning function for easy maintenance.