Whether you’re having an intimate cocktail party with close friends or a raging block party for the entire neighborhood, ice is a must! While you could head to the local convenience store to grab a few bags of ice to hold you over, that’s far too much of a hassle when big get-togethers are the norm at your house. The same goes for relying on your freezer and a stack of ice trays!
Dedicated ice makers are a far better option. They can continually produce a lot of ice, ensuring that you always have a supply on hand. Plus, these large-capacity machines can keep your supply cool, saving you the trouble of dealing with melted ice!
All that said, there is one downside to standard ice machines. They tend to produce a lot of noise! Poorly made models can produce a ton of racket, rivaling any other appliance in your home.
Luckily, there are quieter alternatives out there. The Best quiet ice makers can provide you with the ice cubes you need without the extraneous noise. If the aim is to have access to quantities of ice, but maintain a quiet kitchen, then this is where you need to be looking. There’s no point investing in that quiet microwave or quiet fridge just to counter their noise reduction with a loud ice maker!
So if you’re looking to invest in the ultimate party appliance, check out our top picks of the quietest ice makers on the market. Make sure to read our buying guide below for some crucial decision-making information!
Top Rated Quiet Ice Makers – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ADT Ice Makers Countertop Ice Machine | Quiet operation Quick cooling Three sizes of bullet ice 36 pounds of ice per day | 3.7 out of 5 |
 | ROVSUN Built-in Stainless Steel Freestanding Ice Maker | Stainless steel construction Up to 100 lbs of ice per day 33 lbs of storage Water supply inlet | 4 out of 5 |
 | EdgeStar IB120SS Built-In Ice Maker | 12 lbs of ice per day Versatile installation Removable ice bin Stainless steel door | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop | 26 lbs of ice per day 1.5 lbs of ice storage 2-liter water reservoir Automatic shutoff | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker | Makes less than 38 decibels of noise 26 lbs of ice per day Two ice nugget sizes Compact design | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | Stainless steel construction Produces small nugget ice 26 lbs of ice per day 3 lbs of storage | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | Vremi Countertop Ice Maker | 26 lbs of ice per day 2.2-liter reservoir Automatic shutoff Fast cycles | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker | Makes less than 35 decibels of noise 26 lbs of ice per day Corrosion-resistant condenser Makes bullet-shaped ice | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | VEVOR 110V Commercial Flake Ice Machine | 132 lbs of ice per day 66 lbs of ice storage Food-grade materials Front-facing indicator lights | 4 out of 5 |
 | Whynter IMC-490SS Portable Ice Maker | 49 lbs of ice per day Three cube sizes 5-liter water reservoir Self-cleaning feature | 3.9 out of 5 |
 | Manitowoc UR 0140A Ice Maker | 122 lbs of ice per day Stores 90 pounds in bin Simple electronic controls Stainless steel housing | 5 out of 5 |
 | Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker | 65 lbs of ice per day 26 lbs of storage Energy Star certified Makes gourmet ice nuggets | 4.4 out of 5 |
The Quietest Ice Makers Reviewed
ADT Ice Makers Countertop Ice Machine
The ADT icemaker offers quick cooling and impressive energy efficiency. When you turn this unit on, it can produce your first batch of ice in as little as seven to 15 minutes! The production rate is 36 pounds in 24 hours, which is nothing to turn your nose up at!
The machine gets to work fast. But, it’s relatively quiet thanks to the high-quality aluminum fin condenser. This unit can make three different sizes of bullet-style ice, which it stores in the removable plastic ice basket.
Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- Quick cooling
- Three sizes of bullet ice
- 36 pounds of ice per day
- LCD display
ROVSUN Built-in Stainless Steel Freestanding Ice Maker
Here’s a freestanding machine that can provide you with tons of restaurant-quality ice. With every cycle, it produces 45 cubes. The unique thing about this ice maker is that you can choose how thick the cubes are. Thinner walls will result in a faster production rate.
The stainless steel ice maker is easy to control. It features an LCD panel with button controls. This unit also has a water supply inlet and drain hose, so it can work around the clock without issues.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel construction
- Up to 100 lbs of ice per day
- 33 lbs of storage
- Water supply inlet
- Simple push-button controls
EdgeStar IB120SS Built-In Ice Maker
Thanks to its unique design, this ice maker from EdgeStar is very flexible! You can use it as a freestanding model or a built-in one under a counter. The machine looks like a mini-fridge and even comes with a reversible stainless steel door.
Inside, the ice maker has a well-insulated interior with a removable ice bin. There are no complicated settings or options. Just plug it in, flip the switch, and let it run. When the storage bin fills, the ice will push the flip up to turn off the automatic cycling.
Key Features:
- 12 lbs of ice per day
- Versatile installation
- Removable ice bin
- Stainless steel door
- No-frills operation
hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
Looking for a portable ice maker that fits anywhere? Check out this model from hOmeLabs. It’s impressively small, but can produce a lot of ice over a 24-hour period. The removable basket inside holds about 1.5 lbs at once. Thanks to the automatic shutoff system and warning lights, you don’t have to worry about the basket overfilling.
The machine has a water recycling system. As the ice melts, it collects in a pan at the bottom before flowing back into the water reservoir.
Key Features:
- 26 lbs of ice per day
- 1.5 lbs of ice storage
- 2-liter water reservoir
- Automatic shutoff
- Only 9.5 inches wide
Frigidaire EFIC101-BLACK Portable Compact Maker
Get gourmet ice without wasting space on your counters! This compact unit doesn’t require any intense installation. Just plug it in, fill the reservoir, and enjoy your ice! An integrated drain removes excess water while making the machine easy to clean.
This particular model doesn’t use chemical refrigerants. It relies on a compressor alone to freeze water quickly. As a result, it’s noticeably quieter than other machines on the market.
Key Features:
- Makes less than 38 decibels of noise
- 26 lbs of ice per day
- Two ice nugget sizes
- Compact design
- 3-quart reservoir
GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Here’s an ice maker you’ll want to show off! It’s a beautifully designed unit with a clear window and visible water reservoir. On the front, there’s a single button to turn the machine on. That’s because you can use your smartphone to fine-tune settings!
The system connects via Bluetooth and communicates with the proprietary app. There, you can schedule ice-making cycles, complete diagnostics tests, and even turn on the built-in night light.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel construction
- Produces small nugget ice
- 26 lbs of ice per day
- 3 lbs of storage
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 1-year limited warranty
Vremi Countertop Ice Maker
The Vremi countertop ice maker is a sleek machine with simple controls and fast performance. Despite its low noise output, the ice maker can complete your first batch of ice in as little as eight to 10 minutes!
We also like the safety features. On the front, you’ll notice a couple of LED lights. One will alert you of when ice is ready. The others notify you when it’s full and when the reservoir needs refilling. If you don’t address those issues, the machine will turn off automatically to avoid overfill!
Key Features:
- 26 lbs of ice per day
- 2.2-liter reservoir
- Automatic shutoff
- Fast cycles
- Stainless steel housing
COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker
It doesn’t take long for this ice maker to freeze your first batch! Once you fill the reservoir, it only takes nine to 13 minutes! The exact processing time will depend on the ice size you choose. This model makes bullet-style ice nuggets in two sizes.
Powering this machine is some high-quality gear. It’s equipped with a premium condenser and a robust compressor. Both units work in tandem to freeze water quickly while keeping noise to a minimum!
Key Features:
- Makes less than 35 decibels of noise
- 26 lbs of ice per day
- Corrosion-resistant condenser
- Makes bullet-shaped ice
- Compact footprint
VEVOR 110V Commercial Flake Ice Machine
Perfect for commercial settings, this freestanding ice maker will cover all your ice-making needs! It produces a staggering 132 pounds of ice per day! About half of that production will fit into the storage bin.
The entire unit is made out of food-safe materials, such as stainless steel and polypropylene plastic. This ice maker is also hiding a couple of other useful features. It’s sporting a water filter, allowing you to use it on a standard tap connection. There’s also a drain pump to get rid of any melted ice.
Key Features:
- 132 lbs of ice per day
- 66 lbs of ice storage
- Food-grade materials
- Front-facing indicator lights
- Built-in water filter
- Drainage pump
Whynter IMC-490SS Portable Ice Maker
This ice maker from Whynter is great for keeping large families during big get-togethers! It makes about 49 pounds of ice, providing a fresh batch every 10 to 15 minutes.
This is a portable ice maker, so you don’t have to worry about getting a permanent supply line. The water reservoir is quite large. Plus, it’s drain-free! Melted ice recycles back into the system. To top it all off, this machine has a self-cleaning feature that will get rid of any gunk from the internal components!
Key Features:
- 49 lbs of ice per day
- Three cube sizes
- 5-liter water reservoir
- Timer
- Self-cleaning feature
Manitowoc UR 0140A Ice Maker
Another good choice for commercial facilities and large-scale events, this ice maker has an impressive production capacity. In a 24-hour period, it will make 122 pounds of cubed ice. The unit has a very large storage bin as well, so you can let the machine run well in advance.
The exterior is clad in easy-to-clean stainless steel. Next to the plastic bin door, there’s a discreet control panel to turn it on. This is a free-standing ice maker that uses a supply line. However, the water filter inside allows you to use a standard tap.
Key Features:
- 122 lbs of ice per day
- Stores 90 pounds in bin
- Simple electronic controls
- Built-in filter
- Stainless steel housing
Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker
Check out this gorgeous appliance! It’s an undercounter model that will fit right into your kitchen or bar area. You can even install it outside. Not only is it approved for outdoor use, but the stainless steel body will resist corrosion.
You can expect to get about 65 lbs of ice every day. The system is self-contained, keeping existing ice cool while continually producing more. Thanks to the drain pump and water supply inlet, you can set it and forget it.
Key Features:
- 65 lbs of ice per day
- 26 lbs of storage
- Energy Star certified
- Drain pump
- Makes gourmet ice nuggets
Types of Ice Makers You Can Buy
Ice makers are nothing new. They are a frequent sight in restaurants, hotels, and bars across the world. Because these machines have such widespread uses, you’re going to come across many different types of ice makers on the market.
All ice makers are built for one purpose: To create ice! But, variations in design will affect how you use it. Here’s some brief information about different kinds of machines and who can benefit from them most.
Commercial Ice Makers
If a large amount of ice is what you’re after, commercial units are the way to go. These machines are usually freestanding and are best for restaurants, bars, and other commercial establishments. These freestanding ice makers offer impressive performance and round-the-clock operation.
Most require access to a water supply line that offers potable water. This can be a hassle for home installations. However, they can produce well over 150 pounds of ice every single day!
Countertop Ice Makers
Countertop units are usually a better bet for most homeowners. As you can probably guess, these ice machines sit on top of a counter or any other stable surface. Thus, they are very portable. With a portable ice maker, you can easily make ice outdoors. All you need is access to a power source!
These machines do not require a permanent water supply line. Instead, you fill the reservoir with clean water. The machine takes care of the rest.
The beauty of countertop machines is that you can bring it out whenever you need it and store it away when you don’t. It’s like other portable appliances.
Undercounter Ice Makers
If you prefer a more permanent installation, undercounter ice makers are a great option. The best undercounter ice makers will add a finished look to your kitchen or bar. They look very similar to dishwashers and trash compactors. The machines are discreet and stay out of the way at all times.
Undercounter ice machines offer tons of versatility as well. Many have detailed control panels with timers and several settings to choose from. Installation can vary from model to model as well. Some need access to water lines. Others require you to fill a reservoir. Either way, they offer great performance and plenty of ice on demand!
How to Choose the Best Quiet Ice Maker For You
Once you figure out the kind of ice maker you need, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty! While ice makers are one-purpose machines, they are just as complex as any other kitchen appliance. You should treat them as such and do your homework to figure out what features matter most. Here are some important considerations to make while you’re choosing the best quiet ice makers for you.
Noise Levels
First things first, how loud is the machine going to be while it makes a batch of ice? As mentioned earlier, ice makers can be very loud. They can produce a constant hum, jarring knocks, and a host of other unwanted sounds.
Generally, you can attribute most of the noise to the machine’s compressor and condenser. The compressor is responsible for building up pressure that delivers refrigerant throughout the cooling system. Meanwhile, the condenser cools down the refrigerant by removing heat.
There’s no such thing as a silent ice maker. But, modern ice machines are fully capable of producing less noise than models from the past. It all comes down to the quality of the components and the design of the machine.
High-quality components run efficiently, reducing vibrations and noise. Manufacturers can also insulate those noisy components to keep the peace! Check to see if the manufacturers provide noise ratings. If so, choose the best quiet ice makers with a lower decibel rating.
Filling Method
Next, pay attention to the filling method. Some ice makers can connect to existing water lines in the same way as your dishwasher or refrigerator. Those units typically have high production capacity, as they don’t require filling.
However, countertop and portable ice makers will require filling. They come with a water reservoir that you have to fill with water bottles or a potable supply. With the limited supply of water, these machines can only produce so much ice. But, they do have the added benefit of portability.
Filtration Features
Want to get high-quality ice cubes? Look for a machine that has an integrated water filter. These systems can remove impurities and improve overall water quality.
It might not seem like a huge deal, but water filters can impact the finished product. With fewer impurities, you can produce clear ice cubes for fancy cocktails!
Capacity
The capacity refers to how much the machine can produce and hold. Ice production capacity and storage capacity are two entirely different specifications.
Production capacity is measured in pounds. Generally, manufacturers will provide information about how much ice the machine can make in a single day. It’s important to remember that this figure doesn’t represent a single batch. Match the production capacity to your needs to ensure that you have enough ice to get you through your even.
For storage capacity, you’re looking at how many lbs of ice the unit can keep cool after it’s frozen. Most machines come with an ice basket and ice scoop, allowing you to take what you need and save the rest!
Ice Forms
Ice comes in many different shapes and forms. Most of us are used to traditional cubes, which many ice makers will pop out of their dispensers! The ice size can vary quite a bit, so choose an option that’s right for you.
You can also find machines that create shaved ice, ice nuggets, and ice pellets. The latter two forms are great if you want chewable ice. Plus, the smaller shape takes up less room, allowing you to fill the ice bin up without wasting space.
Size
We’re not talking about cube sizes here! The size of the machine itself is an important thing to consider. More compact machines are easy enough to stick anywhere. You can also store them in standard kitchen cabinets when not in use! But, there is one tradeoff: production and ice storage capacity.
The opposite applies to larger units. Bigger ice machines can produce a lot of ice for your event, but they can be an eyesore and take up a ton of room.
Installation Method
Ice makers come in portable and permanent-installation varieties. Keep this in mind before you commit to a machine. Large free-standing units are going to take some manpower to get into place. Meanwhile, you might have to contact a plumber for those that require access to a water supply line.
Drainage
With ice comes water! While ice makers do a lot to keep ice cool, it’s still going to melt a bit in the storage bin. Thus, your machine needs some kind of drainage to manage the water.
Portable machines typically have a simple plug drain. Like a cooler, all you have to do is remove the plug to get rid of any pooled water.
Some units have integrated drain pumps, which is a handy feature to have! Rather than wasting that melted ice water, the machine collects it and feeds it back to the water reservoir to make ice again!
Conclusion
There’s nothing better than having access to fresh ice at all times. Whether you’re relaxing with your family or having a fancy shindig, it pays to have a quiet ice maker. These best quiet ice makers will run efficiently in the background while you enjoy your drinks!
