Ice makers are indeed angels in disguise, especially during summer months when the weather is hot and humid out there. Most of us wish to soothe our thirst with a glass of cold drinks, preferably with some freshly made ice. Our typical refrigerator freezer takes about 8 hours to form a sheet of ice and is not worth the wait, and we cannot afford to run to the shop to get a bag of ice when we are already sweating.
This is where the ice makers come to our rescue. These giants are capable of producing high-quality ice in just 8 minutes, which is good enough to chill 2-3 glasses of drinks at a time. They can be exceptional additions to your kitchen countertop and are available for less than $500. You can also use some of them in your bars, shops, and restaurants. Read through for the best quality ice makers here to base your purchase decision.
What to Look for When Buying Ice Maker Under $500?
Ice makers are growing very popular in modern times as they are capable of generating large volumes of ice for both residential and commercial use. They are capable of producing large volumes of ice to cater to your needs for the entire day and they are energy and cost-efficient as well. Here are a few important points that you need to look for in your ice maker machine.
1. Size of the ice maker
Ice makers can be placed either on top of the counter or under the counter depending on their size and dimensions. It also depends on the quantum of space that you have in your home. Some of the freestanding ice makers like the Euhomy commercial ice maker have to be kept standing as they are tall and high in dimensions. They are the perfect fit for restaurants and commercial units, as they can produce large volumes of ice for a larger audience. When you are deciding to place the ice maker under the counter, or as a free-standing unit, you may have to spend additional money on its installation.
2. Ice making capacity of the appliance
The capacity and volume of the ice produced by the maker depend on the model and its application. Almost all portable ice makers are capable of producing about 25 lbs. of ice. Commercial ice makers and under-counter ice makers can produce about 50 lbs. of ice, minimum. The storage of the appliance is also important as its quantum of production. Most portable ice makers can produce about 2.5 lbs. of ice cubes in storage and under-counter appliances are capable of producing about 20 lbs. in storage.
3. Shape and clarity of the ice cubes
Buy your ice maker based on the shape and clarity of the ice cubes. High-quality ice cubes should be crystal clear and should not have any cloudiness. Also make sure that the ice cubes are dense and hard, as they should not melt as soon as you drop them in a drink. As far as possible, choose ice makers that produce gourmet ice as they are clear and slow melting.
4. Cooling effect
The ice maker has to perform a lot of work while producing the ice cubes and consecutively generate a lot of heat. The air-cooling mechanism in the ice maker will ensure that the appliance operates at the right temperatures. Also, make sure that the vents of the ice maker have a clearance of at least 6 inches to prevent problems of overheating and damage.
5. User-friendly design
Most ice makers do not require prompt cleaning and maintenance as they reuse melted ice to form fresh ice. But it may be mandatory to clean them and maintain them occasionally to avoid the buildup of slime and mineral deposits. The best option is to choose an ice maker with an automatic function so that they are cost-effective. Make sure that the ice maker that you buy is easy to install and produces less noise while producing ice.
What Are The Best Ice Makers Under $500?
Also check out: Best Ice Makers For Home
Best Ice Makers Under $500
#1. Euhomy IM-02 Ice Maker – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.5 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 9.2 |
| Flavor | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
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The Euhomy Freestanding ice maker is the first and best choice among commercial ice makers as it is capable of producing ice in huge volumes. It is a versatile and reliable ice maker that is capable of producing at least 100 lbs. of ice a day. This ice maker machine comprises an LCD control panel which helps with easy operation. The control panel gives warning on power, cleaning functions, delays, etc. You can remove the ice from its 33 lbs. self-contained storage bin.
This commercial ice-making machine comes with a complete set of accessories to help with easy and hassle-free ice making. You will get a water supply pipe, drain pipe, ice shovel, etc. as accessories with this ice maker. It requires a gravity drain system to remove the user and the stale water from the unit.
This ice maker machine runs on a standard household current and requires a drain and water supply. Its exteriors are of the stainless steel body, and you can thus expect this ice maker to be extremely strong and durable.
Its cabinet has a sliding door that moves up and out of the way. It also runs slow at very low noise, making it comfortable to make ice cubes. As this commercial ice maker comes with an energy certificate, you can keep making ice at a reduced cost.
What do we like about the Euhomy IM-02 ice maker?
- Self-contained and compact design
- Upgraded ice window with a flip cover design
- A powerful compressor that is energy efficient and prepares ice with low noise.
What do we don’t like about the Euhomy IM-02 ice maker?
- Approved for commercial use and its functionality is limited for home use.
Must Check: Best Euhomy Ice Makers
#2. hOmeLabs 521JS-58 Ice Maker – Runner Up
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.7 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.9 |
| Noise level | 8.9 |
| Flavor | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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This is an excellent commercial ice maker machine with a huge capacity and comes with all essential accessories. Since it is a freestanding unit, you are free to install it anywhere in your home, restaurant, pantry, and even in your outdoor kitchen. But you have to make sure that there is a water outlet near the unit.
This ice-making machine is capable of producing up to 99 pounds of ice in 24 hours and it can make about 45 pieces of clear ice in one cycle, which spans just 11 minutes. Its exterior design comprises stainless steel and is extremely durable and rust-resistant.
Its 1.2L water tank hook can connect directly with a water supply, preferably a potable water supply. Thus, you need not worry about filling the unit with water, you can simply connect the appliance with a potable water supply and leave the rest with the unit. The intuitive control panels and indicators of this ice making machine help with different sizes of ice cubes, to chill different types of food items. You will also benefit from its automatic cleaning function.
What do we like about the hOmeLabs 521JS-58 ice maker?
- The product has a year warranty and free return and exchange for up to 30 days.
- Excellent ice maker for home and business
- An economical ice maker that is available for less than $500.
What do we don’t like about the hOmeLabs 521JS-58 ice maker?
- You will have to leave the ice maker undisturbed for 24 hours before starting to use it.
Check out: Best Commercial Ice Makers
#3. AGLUCKY Ice Maker – Best Countertop Option Under $500
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.8 |
| Easy to clean | 9.5 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.9 |
| Noise level | 9.1 |
| Flavor | 9.3 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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This appliance yields our attention in the first place with its slim and sleek design, This is a compact and automatic ice maker that is capable of making about 26.5 lbs. of ice in a day when we run the appliance continuously. Though it is compact, this appliance is truly an ice giant and apart from residential uses, it can be considered for use in small juice shops, RVs, bars, offices, etc.
Its lightweight nature and carry angle make it easily portable and this appliance can make about 9 cubes of ice within 6 to 8 minutes. This is comparatively the same amount of ice that the other countertop ice makers also form, but they take more than 10 minutes. The appliance saves energy and operates very loud, as it features an efficient compressor and an environment-friendly cooling system.
At the sides of the appliance, there is a high-speed exhaust fan that helps in fast and efficient cooling and at the rear of the appliance, there is a drain plug to drain wastewater while cooling. Its ice-making prongs are made of pure copper, and thus the quality of the ice cubes is ensured.
The ice bullets it forms are round and airy and float nicely on the drinks. And we can have ice bullets in two shapes by toggling the control panel to select the size of the ice cubes from S to L. The indicators also light up when the ice basket is full, and when it is time to add water to the ice maker. There is also an ice sensor in the bin that prevents ice from overflowing by stopping the ice-making process when the bin is full.
What do we like about AGLUCKY ice maker?
- Forms soft and chewable ice bullets that don’t harm the gums
- Large transparent top cover to have a watch on the ice bin
- Highly efficient exhaust cooling function.
What do we don’t like about AGLUCKY ice maker?
- The ice cubes are very small, about half an inch long, and could melt quickly.
Check out: Best Budget Ice Makers Under $100
#4. KBice FDFM1JA01 – Best Ice Dispenser Under $500
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.4 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 8.5 |
| Flavor | 9.3 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
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This is perhaps the only self ice dispensing appliance that we can get for a cost under $500. This is not just an ice maker but is also a dispenser, something we find in double-door refrigerators and stand-alone ice makers. The option of having such high-end convenience in a portable ice maker is perhaps the first time and getting it at this cost can be highly advantageous for small eatery businesses and homes with a large requirement of ice as well.
This personal ice dispenser is made of BPA-free parts and comprises an environment-friendly R600 refrigerant, thus we need not worry about the quality and hygiene of the ice cubes that this ice maker machine forms. Also, as it possesses a built-in self-cleaning function, it helps in keeping the unit clean and also helps it to run efficiently. This appliance dispenses ice nuggets that are great to be transferred into the drinks directly, and the ice nuggets can also be used to chill and preserve fish and other delicate food items.
But the manufacturer says to add only distilled water or purified water to the appliance, but we can also consider it, as we can have good quality and clear ice bullets at the end.
What do we like about the KBice FDFM1JA01 ice dispenser?
- No water hook-up required
- Dispenses ice directly in the container
- Forms soft and crunchy, restaurant-quality nuggets.
What do we don’t like about the KBice FDFM1JA01 ice dispenser?
- Takes 30 minutes to dispense ice
Check out: Best Ice Dispensers 2022
#5. Euhomy IM-F Ice Maker – Editor’s Choice for Small Business
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.4 |
| Easy to clean | 9.2 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 9.1 |
| Flavor | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
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The Euhomy countertop ice maker is an efficient and cost-effective ice maker for a kitchen countertop that is available for less than $500. In every ice-making cycle, you get about 24 ice cubes and this machine is capable of producing about 40 lbs. of ice in a day.
You are also free to adjust the thickness of the ice to chill your foods differently. Its LCD panel with digital controls helps in choosing each of the functions in the ice maker effectively.
It also comprises a timer with an 8 hours delay. The indicator warns when the unit runs out of water and when the bin is full of ice, ready to get emptied.
This ice maker requires about 2.2 liters of water to produce about 5 cycles of ice. It also recycles melted water to form fresh ice. It comprises efficient compressors to ensure that the appliance produces the highest quality of ice cubes with minimal noise. Its quick cooling system ensures it saves energy and costs as well.
Being a free-standing stainless steel body compact countertop ice maker, this appliance finds extensive use in the office, home, bar, kitchen, shops, etc.
What do we like about the Euhomy IM-F ice maker?
- An energy-efficient compressor that forms efficient ice with low noise
- Very short ice producing cycle with variant thickness ice cubes.
What do we don’t like about the Euhomy IM-F ice maker?
- Ice forms in sheets and drops as a batch in the bin.
- Ice seems to melt pretty quick
Check out: Best Countertop Ice Makers
#6. Whynter UIM-155 – Built-in Ice Maker Under $500
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.1 |
| Easy to clean | 8.7 |
| Performance | 8.9 |
| Build quality | 8.7 |
| Noise level | 8.1 |
| Flavor | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.6 |
| Value for money | 8.5 |
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Though this is a commercial-grade ice maker, it has a compact structure and can get into tight spaces under the counter. The measurements of the appliance given by the manufacturer are 18 x 15 x 25 inches, but we recommend an additional 2” clearance at the left and right sides and the back as well.
This appliance has a front-breathing ventilation system and a reversible door, so you can have it under any kitchen countertop or the dining unit as well. It doesn’t require a drain, so we don’t have to worry much about its plumbing requirements as well.
We cannot expect large ice production in this appliance and it is of making only about 12 lbs. of crescent ice cubes in 24 hours. So if you have a huge requirement for ice on the day of your house party, we recommend you store ice beforehand in the freezer.
The bin of this ice maker is capable of storing about 6 lbs. of ice and if the bin is full, its auto-shut-off feature will stop the ice-making process. But one good feature of this appliance is that you can scoop out that 6lbs. of ice anytime, as the ice formed will not melt.
The appliance has the best layers of insulation, that maintain the ice in its frozen state until you scoop them out.
What do we like about the Whynter UIM-155 ice maker?
- The appliance comes with a 25 foot ¼ inch food-grade water line connection.
- An insulated ice maker that maintains the ice frozen
- Stylish stainless steel door with sleek black cabinet.
What do we don’t like about the Whynter UIM-155 ice maker?
- The appliance forms only 12 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice in 24 hours.
#7. Vevor 110V Ice Maker – Good Choice for Big Offices
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.3 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.1 |
| Build quality | 8.7 |
| Noise level | 8.9 |
| Flavor | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.7 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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This is an excellent commercial grade ice maker that can be considered for commercial installation in restaurants, bars, hotel industries, and also in residences that have a huge requirement for ice cubes. We loved the advanced LCD panel of this ice maker that helps us on monitoring the ice-making process, for reliable ice-making.
The control panel has an auto-clean function that helps in keeping the pipe and trays of the appliance clean, to ensure that the ice cubes are free of odor and are clean. We tried adjusting the thickness of the ice cubes on the control panel and by increasing the ice cycle to 11-15 minutes we were able to get super thick ice cubes. Similarly, we can make thin ice cubes by adjusting the ice cycle to 5-8 minutes and medium ice cubes by adjusting it to 8-11 minutes respectively.
This appliance features a heavy-duty stainless steel body, that contributes to its durability and longevity and its interiors have a PP injection liner, thus making sure that we yield high quality and hygienic ice cubes from this appliance. Its exteriors are made of ABS engineered plastic with a sleek finish, and thus we can keep it clean even if it is installed in the pantry.
This installs to permanent water hook up to have an uninterrupted ice-making process and its high-end water pump helps with smooth pumping of the water and smooth operation. Similarly, its electric drain pump seems to discharge water from the melted ice efficiently.
What do we like about the Vevor 110V ice maker?
- Enhancements in programmability
- The appliance comes with an exceptional warranty and lifetime technical service support
- Nano blue light makes this appliance a value-added addition to commercial businesses
- Intelligent control panel.
What do we don’t like about the Vevor 110V ice maker?
- Requires a water drain near the appliance
Read the complete review here: VEVOR 110V Commercial Ice Maker
#8. Northair HZB-45 – Great Alternative for Commercial Establishments
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 8.7 |
| Easy to clean | 8.8 |
| Performance | 9.1 |
| Build quality | 8.7 |
| Noise level | 9.2 |
| Flavor | 8.8 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.7 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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Though this is a gigantic commercial ice maker, we can still manage to buy this at a cost of less than $500. The weight of this commercial-grade ice maker is about 60 pounds thus make sure you have assistance to lift and install it. But it has an impressive ice-making capacity and is capable of making about 100 pounds of ice in a day. And this ice maker is also capable of storing about 33 lbs. of ice and we loved its freestanding design and its large look-through window, which showed the quantum of ice in the bin that can be scooped on demand.
The appliance has a powerful compressor, and thus it is capable of extreme cooling function instantly and can chunk out 45 cubes of ice in only 18 minutes at the max. Its nickel-coated ice plate has a configuration of 5 x 9 squares and thus it forms 45 cubes of ice straight in one ice cycle. The dimensions of the cubes of ice are about 0.8”, which is great to be dispensed directly into water bottles that have small openings as well.
This ice maker was tested to store about 15 kg. of ice at any time and its stainless steel design and a sleek finish give an impression that the ice cubes are stored in this appliance fresh and hygienic. Its leveling legs are about 2-inches in length, which makes it great to keep the appliance free from the moisture of the ground. Its intuitive control panel indicates the functions of the ice maker from time to time. There are no complicated menus and its innovative built-in blue light seems to keep the ice fresh for long.
What do we like about the Northair HZB-45 ice maker?
- Freestanding design makes it easy to install in any part of the restaurant, home, or even pantry
- Works in water in-line connection or bottled water
- The appliance is shipped with the complete set of accessories.
What do we don’t like about the Northair HZB-45 ice maker?
- The ice comes in sheets and it is hard to split them with a plastic scoop.
Read the complete review here: Northair HZB-45
#9. Vremi Very Nice Ice Maker – Good Countertop Alternative
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.3 |
| Easy to clean | 9.4 |
| Performance | 9.4 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Noise level | 8.2 |
| Flavor | 9.4 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
It is quick enough to produce 9 chewable delicious ice cubes in less than 10 minutes. It can produce about 26 lbs. of ice cubes in 24 hours, each weighing 8 grams. This portable small stainless steel ice maker with an ice basket and scoop is perfect for making high-speed ice for drinks, and water bottles. The machine can chunk out nine chewable bullet shape ice cubes in one cycle that lasts between 8-10 minutes. It does not require a water hookup and is thus perfect for outdoor parties, barbeques, basement bars, etc.
Its intuitive controls have an automatic shut off feature when the ice basket gets full. It also intimates when the unit runs out of water. This ice maker carries several intelligent features. It prevents overflowing and indicates the same with the help of warning lights. There is also an automatic shut off feature when the unit runs out of water. The machine is simple to install and use and does not require any complex installation process. It possesses two 2-liter water reservoir that sits below the ice basket. The machine is extremely energy efficient as it reuses melted ice to make new ice.
What do we like about the Vremi Very Nice ice maker?
- Reuses melted ice to make fresh ice bullets
- Offers a one-year warranty with 30 days’ money-back guarantee.
- Chunks out 9 bullets of 8 grams’ ice in less than 10 minutes
What do we don’t like about the Vremi Very Nice ice maker?
- The machine is not cold enough to keep the ice frozen. The ice starts melting from the time it has been made.
- It is important to change water frequently as it gets stale.
Check out: List of Best Ice Makers in the Market
Concluding Contemplation
There are many excellent ice makers available from different reputed brands of the world for under $500. Our personal choice is the Euhomy portable ice maker that is available at a cheaper cost and is capable of producing a large volume of ice which is good enough to yield to the needs of residential and commercial uses.
But in the end, you have to pick according to your choice, although you should pick one machine from this list of Best Ice Makers Under $500 because these are really the best models available in the market under this price range.
Are there any portable countertop nugget ice makers for under $500 that are made in the USA? And by that, I mean are the factories here in the US where they are designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled by Americans using American sourced materials?
Hey Steven,
Manitowoc and Ice-O-Matic are two brands that come to my mind instantly when we think about brands that manufacture ice makers in the USA. Although these brands primarily focus on commercial ice makers.