Best Hamilton Beach Ice Maker? Bullet Model vs Frigidaire and Rivals

If you are searching for the best Hamilton Beach ice maker, here is the short answer: the brand’s current countertop Bullet Ice Maker (model 86152) is the one worth looking at, and it is a solid, no-fuss 26-pound-a-day machine. The honest catch is that Hamilton Beach does not sell a nugget or chewable-ice countertop model that we could find, so if soft pellet ice is what you want, a Silonn or EUHOMY nugget maker is the better choice. The rest of this guide puts the Hamilton Beach head-to-head with six real, currently sold alternatives so you can decide whether the name on the front is worth sticking with.

Countertop ice makers all look alike at first glance: a small box with a water tank, a basket and a handful of buttons. The differences are in the size of the ice, how quickly the first batch arrives, how loud the machine is, how it cleans itself and how much work it is to keep it running. This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products, so we compared manufacturer pages, listing details and independent reviews, and we write not listed when a spec could not be confirmed.

Our top picks

Top pickHamilton Beach Bullet Countertop Ice Maker Machine

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Also greatHamilton Beach Bullet Countertop Ice Maker Machine

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Also greatFrigidaire Countertop Portable

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Also greatFrigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Hamilton Beach Pick: Hamilton Beach Bullet Ice Maker 86152
• Best Brand-Name Alternative: Frigidaire 26 lb stainless bullet ice maker
• Best Value Bullet: EUHOMY countertop ice maker with handle
• Best Compact: Frigidaire EFIC128 compact ice maker
• Best Nugget Ice: Silonn nugget ice maker, 36 lb
• Best Nugget for Big Households: EUHOMY nugget ice maker, 34 lb
• Best Budget: Antarctic Star countertop ice maker

1. Hamilton Beach Bullet Ice Maker (86152): Best Hamilton Beach Pick

• Up to about 26 lb of ice per 24 hours
• Makes 9 cubes about every 6 minutes
• Two cube sizes
• Self-clean function
• Water reservoir about 1.2 L; about 11.6 x 9 x 11.3 inches and roughly 13 lb (sources vary)

Best for: people who trust the Hamilton Beach name and want a straightforward countertop ice maker for drinks, parties and the office.

Skip if: you want chewable nugget ice, silent operation or a large storage bin.

The Hamilton Beach Bullet is a typical, well-sized countertop bullet maker. Its main strength is that it does the basics without fuss: fill the tank, press the button, and a first batch arrives in around six minutes. The two cube sizes let you choose between small bullets that cool a drink quickly and larger ones that melt a little more slowly in a pitcher.

The 26-pound figure is a 24-hour production rate, not storage. The basket holds only a small amount at a time, because a countertop machine does not freeze the ice in a big bin the way a built-in does. In practice, expect to scoop ice into a freezer bag or cooler if you are hosting. The reservoir is about 1.2 liters according to the sources we found, so a busy afternoon means refilling the tank several times.

Hamilton Beach also lists related ice makers under similar names, with different tank and basket sizes, so double-check the model number (86152) before you order. The self-clean function is useful, but do not skip regular wipe-downs: mineral scale builds up in any ice maker, and it is the most common cause of poor ice.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Quick first batch
• Two sizes
• Self-clean cycle

Cons

• No nugget ice
• Small tank and basket

2. Frigidaire 26 lb Stainless Bullet Ice Maker: Best Brand-Name Alternative

• 26 lb per day countertop bullet maker
• Two ice sizes
• Stainless steel finish
• Digital interface mentioned in the listing; details: not listed
• Dimensions and tank size: not listed in the store title

Best for: anyone who wants a recognizable appliance brand and a stainless finish that matches a modern kitchen.

Skip if: you want to save money, since cheaper brands offer the same output.

Frigidaire sells several countertop bullet makers that look and perform similarly. Output is listed at 26 pounds per day, matching the Hamilton Beach, and two ice sizes. If the name on the box matters to you, this is the most direct competitor.

The stainless body is a visual upgrade over plastic units and tends to hide fingerprints less than people expect, so wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Always confirm the exact model, since Frigidaire has used similar names for multiple variants with different colors.

Where it comes out slightly ahead of many budget units is the sense of familiarity: parts, manuals and warranty information are easy to find. Where it falls behind is the price, which tends to be higher than lesser-known brands.

Pros

• Recognized brand
• Stainless look
• Same output as the Hamilton Beach

Cons

• Costs more than generic units
• Some specs not listed

3. EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker with Handle: Best Value Bullet

• 26.5 lb of ice per 24 hours
• 9 cubes ready in 6 minutes
• Auto-cleaning function
• Carry handle for portability
• Self-contained portable design

Best for: budget-minded households, RV trips and offices.

Skip if: you need long-term brand service or a nugget machine.

For people who just want ice, this EUHOMY gives roughly the same output as the Hamilton Beach for less. A built-in carry handle is a small but useful feature, because countertop ice makers are awkward to move when full of water.

The auto-cleaning feature is common on this class, but it is not a replacement for descaling. In hard-water areas, use filtered or softened water, which also makes clearer ice. Because the unit is portable and needs no plumbing, it is a good fit for a dorm, camper or garage fridge area.

The main risk is support. A lesser-known brand may have shorter warranty terms and fewer replacement parts, so check the warranty terms when you buy.

Pros

• Low cost
• Carry handle
• Same output as pricier models

Cons

• Less established brand
• Basic basket size

4. Frigidaire EFIC128 Compact Ice Maker: Best Compact

• 26 lb per day
• Compact countertop size
• Black finish
• Two ice sizes: not listed
• Tank size: not listed

Best for: small kitchens, dorms and offices where space is limited.

Skip if: you need a big tank or fast refills.

Where counter space is scarce, the compact shape of this Frigidaire model makes sense. It matches the 26 pound daily figure of its larger siblings, so the output is not sacrificed.

The trade-off is simple: small machines have small reservoirs and baskets, so a party means frequent refilling. It is better as a daily drinks machine than as a hosting tool.

For a first ice maker, it has a sensible price tier and a recognizable brand.

Pros

• Space saving
• Recognized brand
• Low price tier

Cons

• Small capacity
• Few extras

5. Silonn Nugget Ice Maker (36 lb): Best Nugget Ice

• About 36 lb per 24 hours (listing)
• Chewable pellet ice
• Self-cleaning function
• Compact home size
• Noise level: not listed

Best for: people who love soft, chewable pellet ice in drinks, similar to what fast-food and hospital machines make.

Skip if: you want the cheapest possible bullet ice.

Nugget ice is the main reason many shoppers go beyond Hamilton Beach. It is softer, absorbs flavor and is easy to chew. A countertop nugget machine is more complex because it must compress flaked ice into pellets, so units are heavier and cost more.

The listing mentions a self-cleaning function and about 36 pounds of daily output, which is higher than most bullet units. Nugget makers do not produce ice as quickly in the first minutes, so plan on a wait before the first scoops.

Expect more weight and a larger footprint than a bullet maker. They can also be louder, so check owner comments on noise before placing one in an open kitchen.

Pros

• Soft chewable ice
• Higher daily output
• Self-cleaning

Cons

• Heavier
• Higher price tier
• Slower start

6. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker (34 lb): Best Nugget for Big Households

• 34 lb per day
• Ready in about 6 minutes (listing)
• Handle for carrying
• Removable top cover
• Auto-cleaning

Best for: larger households that want chewable ice and a design that is easier to clean.

Skip if: you are limited on counter space.

This EUHOMY nugget model stands out for the removable top cover, which makes wiping the inside much easier than a sealed lid. Cleaning is the biggest ongoing chore with any ice maker, and a design that gives you room to reach inside helps.

The handle is a nice touch for a machine of this size. A 34-pound daily output is comfortably above the Hamilton Beach and suits a family that drinks a lot of iced beverages.

It is pricier than its bullet cousin, and as with any nugget machine, expect some noise as the ice is compressed.

Pros

• Larger daily output
• Removable top cover
• Handle for moving

Cons

• Higher price tier
• Noise: check reviews

7. Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker: Best Budget

• 26 lb per day
• 8 bullet ice cubes in about 6 minutes (listing)
• Two ice sizes
• Energy-saving design (listing wording)
• Tank size: not listed

Best for: anyone who wants a no-frills ice maker at the lowest practical cost.

Skip if: you want a long track record or nugget ice.

If cost is the main concern, the Antarctic Star offers the same headline figures as bigger brands: 26 pounds a day and a first batch in about six minutes. Two sizes give a bit of flexibility.

The savings come with fewer guarantees. Check how the manufacturer handles warranty claims, and read about noise and reliability in owner comments. Compared with the Hamilton Beach, the main differences are the badge and support.

It is a sensible second ice maker for a garage or patio, where the stakes are lower.

Pros

• Lowest price tier
• Same headline output
• Two sizes

Cons

• Less established brand
• Specs partly not listed

Also Consider

Silonn Countertop Ice Maker with expandable basket: a bullet maker listed with a 2.5 L expandable basket and 1.8 L water tank, useful if capacity matters.

ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker: a nugget maker listed at up to 35 lb a day with a removable basket and scoop.

SenCre Nugget Ice Maker: a bigger nugget machine listed at 40 lb a day for heavy users.

Crzoe Countertop Ice Maker: a very low-cost 26 lb bullet unit for occasional use.

Bullet Ice vs Nugget Ice: Which Type Do You Need?

Hamilton Beach’s countertop line is bullet ice: small hollow cylinders that form on metal prongs dipped in water. The process is fast, which is why the first batch appears in about six minutes. Bullet ice is best for general drinks, cocktails and coolers. It melts a bit quickly in a warm room, and the cubes are not chewable.

Nugget ice is soft, porous and made by scraping thin layers of ice and compressing them. People who love it tend to love it for chewing and for how well it soaks up flavors. It costs more and weighs more, and cleaning matters even more because there are more internal parts. If you chew ice or drink a lot of iced coffee, a nugget machine is worth the step up. If you mostly need ice for guests, a bullet maker is cheaper and quicker.

Getting the Best Results From Any Countertop Ice Maker

Water quality is the single biggest factor in ice quality. Tap water with a lot of minerals leaves white scale on the metal prongs and in the reservoir, and the resulting ice can look cloudy or taste flat. Filtered water, or water from a pitcher filter, noticeably reduces that. Always use cold water at the start, because warm water takes longer to freeze and reduces the number of batches you get in an hour.

Placement matters too. A countertop ice maker is a small refrigeration system, and it rejects heat out of its sides and back. Leave a few inches of open space around the unit, and keep it away from ovens, toasters and sunny windows. In a very warm garage or a hot room, output can drop well below the listed figure, which is measured in mild conditions.

If you are using the machine for an event, start it early and move finished ice into an insulated cooler or freezer bags, so that the basket is always empty and the machine keeps producing. Many people are surprised that a unit that makes 26 pounds a day does not hold 26 pounds at once. A rough plan is to start six to eight hours before guests arrive, which can give you around eight to ten pounds of ice if you keep the cycle going.

Troubleshooting the Most Common Problems

• Ice cubes are small or hollow: this is normal for bullet ice, but very small or incomplete cubes often point to low water or a warm room.
• No ice is produced: check that the tank is filled to the line, the basket is seated and the unit has had a few minutes to start. Reset by switching it off and on again.
• Cloudy or bad-tasting ice: descale the machine, replace the water and consider filtered water.
• Ice melts quickly in the basket: this is expected, as the basket is not a freezer. Move ice to a cooler.
• Machine is loud: make sure it is on a level surface and not touching a wall or cabinet that can amplify vibration.

If a problem persists after cleaning and checking the basics, contact the manufacturer with your model number and purchase information. This is another reason to choose a brand with clear warranty terms, and to keep your receipt.

Is a Countertop Ice Maker Worth It?

For households without an ice dispenser in the refrigerator, a countertop machine is a convenient upgrade. It makes ice faster than a freezer tray, saves you from buying bags, and gives you a fresh supply on demand. The price of a Hamilton Beach or similar machine is usually lower than the cost of a few years of bagged ice for a busy household. On the other hand, if you rarely use ice, a freezer tray will do. If you run a home bar, entertain often or drink iced beverages daily, it is easy to justify.

How We Chose

We searched a large retail catalog for current countertop ice makers, including every Hamilton Beach ice maker we could find, and compared them with similar machines from other brands. We looked at daily output, first-batch time, ice size, tank and basket size, cleaning functions and portability. We read manufacturer pages and independent appliance reviews, including coverage of Hamilton Beach models on refrigerator and appliance review sites. This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. Where listings conflict, we say so, and where a spec was missing we wrote not listed. We avoid quoting prices and show tiers instead.

Buying Guide

Daily output is not storage

The 26-pound figure appears on almost every bullet maker. It means the machine can produce that amount over 24 hours if you keep emptying the basket. The basket itself holds roughly 1 to 2 pounds, so for a party you need to move ice into a freezer bag as it is made. If you need a lot at once, start the machine several hours early.

Water tank size and refilling

A tank of about 1.2 liters means refilling every few batches. Larger tanks, such as 1.8 liters, reduce the work. Look for a clear window or a water-level indicator so you do not run the pump dry.

Cleaning and maintenance

Self-clean cycles flush the system with water, but scale and slime still build up. Plan to descale with a manufacturer-approved cleaner every month or two, and wipe the interior. Always empty the tank if you will not use the machine for days. Use filtered water in hard-water areas to improve taste and reduce scale.

Noise and placement

Every ice maker makes noise from the compressor and the falling ice. Put it on a stable, level surface with a few inches of clearance for ventilation. Avoid placing it next to the stove or in direct sunlight, which reduces output.

Warranty and support

A well-known brand usually offers clearer warranty terms and easier access to parts. Cheaper brands can be good value, but read the warranty length and the return policy before you buy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming 26 pounds a day means 26 pounds on demand.
• Buying a bullet maker when you really want nugget ice.
• Skipping descaling, which leads to cloudy or bad-tasting ice.
• Confusing similar Hamilton Beach model numbers and ordering the wrong tank size.
• Placing the machine in a cramped cabinet with no airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a best Hamilton Beach ice maker?

The Hamilton Beach Bullet Countertop Ice Maker (86152) is the model most shoppers will find. It makes about 26 pounds of bullet ice a day in two sizes, but the brand does not offer a nugget model that we could find.

Does Hamilton Beach make a nugget ice maker?

We did not find a Hamilton Beach countertop nugget ice maker in the catalog. For soft chewable ice, look at Silonn, EUHOMY, ZAFRO or SenCre nugget machines.

How long does a Hamilton Beach ice maker take to make ice?

The Bullet model is listed with a first batch of nine cubes in about six minutes. Real-world speed depends on room temperature and water temperature.

How much ice does a countertop ice maker hold?

The basket usually holds only a pound or two. The daily output figure refers to how much it can make over 24 hours if you keep removing the ice.

Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?

Most do not. They keep ice cold briefly, but it melts and drains into the tank. For storage, move ice into the freezer.

How often should I clean an ice maker?

Run the self-clean function regularly, wipe the interior weekly and descale every month or two with a cleaner recommended by the maker, especially if you have hard water.

Is bullet ice or nugget ice better?

Bullet ice is faster and cheaper to make, while nugget ice is softer and chewable. Choose based on how you drink and how much you want to spend.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want a Hamilton Beach, the Bullet 86152 is the one to choose, and it is a reasonable all-rounder. If you want the same style for less, the EUHOMY with handle or the Antarctic Star match its output. If you prefer a recognized appliance name with a stainless finish, take the Frigidaire models. And if you want chewable ice, skip bullet makers entirely and look at the Silonn or EUHOMY nugget machines.

Sources

• Hamilton Beach manufacturer product pages (Bullet Countertop Ice Maker)
• Frigidaire manufacturer product pages
• Refrigerators Reviewed (Hamilton Beach ice maker review)
• EUHOMY and Silonn manufacturer pages
• Consumer appliance buying guides

Last updated: October 2026