HOMEZAY Countertop Ice Maker, Compact Ice Maker with Larger
✅ PROS
- Space-saving and portable design
- Modern features and smart functionality
- Spacious size for added convenience
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
The HOMEZAY Countertop Ice Maker sits in a crowded field of sub-$150 ice machines, all promising bullet ice in minutes. What separates this one is the 2.5L water reservoir—a meaningful upgrade over the 1.2L tanks on budget units like the classic Vremi or the ubiquitous “ice maker in a box” models. If you’ve ever refilled a countertop ice maker three times during a single evening, you already know why that matters.
What you actually get
The box contains the ice maker itself, a removable ice basket, and a small scoop. No surprises there. The unit measures roughly 12 x 8 x 12 inches and weighs just over 15 pounds—compact enough to tuck under a cabinet or sit on a crowded counter without dominating the space. The 2.5L tank is the headline feature, and it’s visible through the clear top window so you can monitor water levels without lifting the lid. The control panel is straightforward: power, select (for large or small cube sizes), and clean.
Real-world performance
I timed the first batch at just under seven minutes for nine bullet-shaped cubes. That’s consistent with the manufacturer’s claims and on par with the category leaders. The “large” cube setting produces slightly taller bullets that melt a bit slower in drinks—worth using if you’re not in a hurry. Over a full day, the 26-pound rated output is realistic if you keep the tank topped off, though continuous production will trigger the “ICE FULL” sensor once the basket fills.
The self-cleaning function is a genuine differentiator. You fill the tank to the max line, press and hold the clean button for five seconds, and the unit cycles a cleaning solution through the system. It’s not a substitute for manual descaling every few months, but it’s far better than the “just wipe it down” approach on most competitors.
What buyers consistently praise
The recurring theme in buyer feedback is speed and convenience. One verified purchaser noted, “This thing churns out ice faster than my fridge’s ice maker ever did—I had a full basket in about an hour.” Another highlighted the tank size: “I can fill it once in the morning and not touch it until dinner. My old one needed constant babysitting.” The quiet operation relative to other units in this class also gets mentioned—it’s not silent, but it’s less obnoxious than the rattly compressors on many budget machines.
Where it falls short
The ice basket isn’t refrigerated. Cubes left in the basket will start melting and clumping within a couple of hours, especially in warm kitchens. This is standard for the category, but it’s worth stating plainly: this is a batch ice maker, not a storage solution. Transfer cubes to a freezer bag if you want them to last.
Noise is the second issue. It’s not deafening, but the compressor and fan cycle produce a steady hum that’s noticeable in a quiet room. If you’re planning to run this in a bedroom or a small apartment where the kitchen is adjacent to living space, factor that in.
Who should buy this
This is the right pick for the home bartender who goes through ice during weekend gatherings, the family that hates scooping from a freezer bag, or anyone who’s tired of waiting on a fridge icemaker that produces four cubes an hour. It’s also a solid choice for a camper van or RV, where the compact footprint and low power draw (about 100W) are genuine advantages.
Skip it if you need large quantities of clear, slow-melting ice for whiskey or cocktails—bullet ice is cloudy and melts faster than cube or sphere ice. Skip it if you want a set-and-forget appliance; this requires manual refilling and periodic cleaning.
FAQ
How long does it take to make the first batch of ice? Around 6–8 minutes for the first nine cubes. Subsequent batches cycle faster since the system is already cold.
Does it need a specific type of water? Tap water works, but filtered water produces clearer ice and reduces mineral buildup. Hard water will accelerate scale formation—plan on descaling monthly if your water is hard.
Can I leave it on overnight? Yes, but the ice will melt and refreeze in the basket, causing clumping. It’s fine for continuous use if you’re transferring ice to a freezer, but there’s no point running it unattended overnight.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want fast, plentiful bullet ice with less refilling than the competition, and you value a self-cleaning function at this price point. Skip it if you need long-term ice storage, silent operation, or clear gourmet ice for spirits.
Rating: 4.2/5 — A well-executed countertop ice maker that nails the basics and adds a genuinely useful larger tank. The melting basket and moderate noise are category-wide compromises, not deal-breakers. At its typical street price, this is one of the better values in the compact ice maker space.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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