An ice machine can quickly make ice for your drinks and keep them chilled and enjoyable. And you can make as much ice as you want and serve people with perfectly chilled beverages. However, it all depends on which type of machine you are going to buy. Each ice machine has a different efficiency, capacity, and durability. Also, they differ according to the application, such as a restaurant, a home, or a hospital. Choosing the right machine depends on understanding the product knowledge and requirements. We will let you know all about ice makers in this article to clear your doubts. This will make it easier to select the right one to install at your place. Part 1: What are the Different Types of Ice Makers? 1. Countertop Ice Makers (Portable) Countertop ice makers are designed in a compact size for normal use cases. They are placed on a table or on a kitchen top that could be easily moved to another place. They have an internal water tank, which is manually filled and is responsible for making ice quickly. They don't require any complicated pipe connections. These ice makers are best for homes, RVs, small gatherings, and small restaurants. ✅ Pros: Produce ice within a few minutes Highly portable and can be placed anywhere Easy to install Takes less space Affordable compared to other ice makers ❌ Cons: Limited ice production due to a small water tank Not made for commercial usage Manual refilling is required 2. Undercounter Ice Makers (Built-in) Undercounter ice makers are usually built in a shape to fit perfectly beneath the kitchen counter. They are equipped with a complete water supply piping for automatic refilling. These types of ice makers are placed beneath the kitchen counter and offer higher capacity than countertop ice makers. They are considered best for kitchens, large gatherings, and small bars. ✅ Pros: Continuous ice supply due to automatic refilling Can be used for small commercial spaces Production capacity is higher Easily fitted beneath the cabinet ❌ Cons: They require professional and careful pipe installation Higher upfront cost Not easy to move due to fixed installation 3. Freestanding Ice Makers A freestanding ice maker is also an advanced version, but in a bulkier shape. They can be placed anywhere but require significant space. However, their production capacity is higher and can fulfill the commercial needs. Freestanding machines are best for offices, small restaurants, cafés, and family gatherings. ✅ Pros: Higher production capacity High-quality ice with multiple shape options Easy installation without any cabinet mounting Easy to move anywhere ❌ Cons: Bulkier and takes up greater space Generally expensive A greater amount of electricity and water is required May require at least weekly maintenance 4. Commercial Ice Machines Commercial ice machines are introduced to fulfill higher volumes in restaurants and cafés. They are capable of producing almost a thousand pounds of ice per day. They are specifically designed for continuous usage and for producing ice quickly. The ideal places for commercial ice machines are Offices, Restaurants, Cafés, healthcare facilities, and event venues. You will find massive options for ice, such as flakes, cubes, and others. ✅ Pros: Greater production Multiple ice shape options Greater Efficiency Can fulfill greater requirements ❌ Cons: Professional maintenance is required Higher upfront cost Electricity consumption is higher Expertise required for electrical and plumbing fitting 5. Outdoor Ice Makers Outdoor ice makers are usually made of high-quality insulation material to withstand environmental conditions. They are often used near pools, outdoor restaurants, and outdoor event venues. The ice production could be similar to indoor, but they differ in build quality. They can withstand the worst scenarios, such as dust storms, heat, and rain. ✅Pros: Provides ice availability at outdoor venues Corrosion resistant Provide high-quality ice even in warm weather ❌ Cons: Much higher cost due to insulation High-quality weather-proofing is required Performance may degrade earlier Part 2: Types of Ice From Ice Makers 1. Nugget Ice Nugget ice is small in shape and has pores, which make it chewable. The pores can hold the flavor of the beverage, giving a strong taste. It contains tiny air pockets between each particle. The melt rate of the nugget ice is rapid but less than that of flake ice. These types of ice are generally used in restaurants where beverages are specifically served. Their cooling efficiency is greater because of even melting. The texture is smooth and soft, which can be easily chewed. The popular applications include cocktails, iced coffee, soda, lemonade, and smoothies. 2. Bullet Ice The bullet ice is shaped as a cylinder with one end a little smaller in size. Moreover, it has a hollow section, which helps in the rapid cooling of the beverages. Due to the hollow shape, the surface area is increased, resulting in a higher melting rate. The texture is cloudy from the top, which might be hard to chew. These types of ice are commonly used in daily beverages such as soda and juices, where aesthetics doesn't matter a lot. 3. Clear Cube / Gourmet Ice Clear cube ice falls in the premium category and is well known for its high aesthetics. The ice is clear and has sharp edges. They dilute a little and perform for an extended period due to their massive size and greater density. It cools down the beverage quickly and has a lower melting rate. They are commonly used for premium drinks such as scotch, wine, and whiskey. This gives a premium feel to the drinker and also upsets the bar quality. 4. Crescent Ice Crescent ice is a curved shape cube, but sectioned in half. It looks more like a half moon, and some of its types are made partially hollow to cool down the drink rapidly. Its melt rate is moderate and provides efficient cooling for beverages that is slower than bullet but higher than gourmet ice. The common applications include restaurants, cafeterias, homes, offices, and small gatherings where decent cooling is required. 5. Full Cube & Half Cube Full cube and half cube ice have been traditionally used for several years. They are often used for residential and commercial sectors. They have a dense structure with clouds all over their shape. They have a very low melting rate, but frequent stirring may result in rapid melting. Small cubes provide faster cooling compared to full cubes but have a high melting rate. Common applications include homes, offices, and also restaurants where extended cooling is required. 6. Flake Ice Flake ice is thin and shredded pieces with an irregular shape. It provides instant cooling due to a greater surface area. It is produced in a drum by scraping it out from the cylindrical layer. The flakes have a very high melting rate and are not recommended for drinks, as they could change the taste. The popular applications include seafood stalls, ice boxes, injury treatment, and any other cold storage requirements. Part 3. What Key Features Should You Look for Before Buying an Ice Maker? There are a few factors that you must consider before buying an ice maker. Initially, you should know the size and the type of ice maker that suits your place. The 2nd, you should check the production capacity of the maker and see if it matches your needs. After that, you should check its storage capacity, which shows how much ice it can hold at a time. A proper check for the drain line and water supply should also be made before installation. A critical factor includes energy efficiency that must be addressed. You should also check the ease of maintenance and its build quality. The ice maker should have a specified warranty for the critical parts. Also, check the noise level and give an overall check for its reliability to withstand longer. Part 4. Best Ice Maker Recommendation GoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker 1s is one of the advanced ice makers in the market. It gives you remote access through the Govee app and voice control. It has a 2L water tank and a production capacity of 26 pounds per day. Every 6 minutes, it will give you nine nugget-style ice cubes. It allows you to easily change the size of the bullet cube. With a Wi-Fi connection and a voice assistant, you can control the ice maker without any trouble. It also gives a scheduled ice production feature, which you can use to get fresh ice for your guests before the time. However, the aesthetics are also cool due to the RGB lighting. You can trust the product confidently as it is certified by ETL. If you love nugget ice, you won’t want to miss Govee’s new Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro at CES 2026. Powered by a 96W high-efficiency compressor, a DC motor, and an enlarged condenser and fan, it starts to produce ice in as little as six minutes and delivers up to 60 pounds of ice per day. A stainless steel evaporator forms denser and rounder chewable ice with improved texture, while a thickened ice bucket holds up to 3.5 pounds of ice and keeps it fresh and frozen for up to 60% of ice for six hours. The dual-tank configuration, featuring a 2.2L built-in tank and a 4.9L detachable tank, supports continuous production of up to 15.6 pounds in a single session, enough for roughly 60 iced drinks, perfect for a family gathering or party. FAQs about Ice Machine Types Is bullet or nugget ice better? Both the ice is better and serves its purpose. However, a bullet ice has a hollow shape that rapidly cools the drink. On the other hand, nugget ice is soft, chewable, and absorbs the drink flavor for a better taste. Which ice maker is best? For home use, the countertop or under-counter ice maker would be better. For small restaurants or house gatherings, a freestanding ice maker would be the best. Similarly, if the requirement is higher, it could be fulfilled by a commercial or outdoor icemaker. Is it worth buying an ice maker machine? Yes, it's worth buying an ice maker if you usually host parties or have small gatherings with your friends and family. It will save your time and provide high-quality ice within minutes. What are the different ice types? There are various ice types, but the common ones include Nugget ice, Bullet ice, Clear Cube / Gourmet Ice, Crescent Ice, Full Cube & Half Cube, and Flake ice. They each have distinct characteristics and serve a different purpose. Conclusion Choosing the type of ice maker would be really hectic if you don't have prior knowledge. However, careful attention will help you choose the right one to install at your place. This saves your time as well as money and lets you enjoy the gatherings without any hassle. We have explained different types of ice makers along with their pros and cons to make your selection easier.