How to Choose the Best Ice Maker for Your Home
An ice machine is a convenient addition to any kitchen, giving you fresh ice on demand without filling freezer trays or buying bags of ice. Perfect for entertaining, making cocktails or keeping drinks chilled, a countertop ice maker provides a steady supply of ice with minimal effort.
At Cooks Professional, our ice machine collection includes compact and larger-capacity models designed for quick, everyday ice production. Our range is also expanding to include premium clear ice machines, specially designed to produce large, crystal-clear ice balls and cubes for drinks. This buying guide explains how ice machines work, compares our different models and helps you choose the best ice maker for your home.
Why Buy an Ice Machine?
An ice machine removes the need to plan ahead when you want ice for drinks. Instead of waiting for ice cube trays to freeze, countertop ice makers produce fresh batches automatically, making them particularly useful for households that regularly entertain or enjoy chilled drinks.
There are several benefits to having your own ice machine:
- Convenient ice on demand: Produce fresh ice whenever you need it without relying on freezer trays or supermarket bags.
- Fast ice production: Our existing countertop ice makers can produce their first batch in as little as six minutes.
- Ideal for entertaining: Keep a steady supply of ice available for parties, barbecues and family gatherings.
- No plumbing required: Simply fill the water tank, plug the machine into a mains socket and start making ice.
- Choice of ice sizes: Our 1.3L and 2.2L ice makers offer small and large ice settings for different drinks.
- Saves freezer space: Make ice when you need it rather than permanently filling your freezer with ice cube trays.
A countertop ice maker is particularly useful during warmer months, but it can also make a practical year-round addition to your kitchen.
How Does a Countertop Ice Machine Work?
A countertop ice machine automatically freezes water into individual pieces of ice using an internal cooling system. Once the water tank has been filled, water is circulated through the freezing mechanism. The machine produces a batch of ice, which is then released into a collection basket ready for use. This process repeats as required, allowing you to produce multiple batches without manually refilling individual ice cube trays.
Unlike a freezer, most countertop ice machines are designed to make ice rather than store it indefinitely. Any unused ice should be transferred to your freezer if you want to keep it frozen for later. Our Cooks Professional ice makers have removable ice baskets and include an ice scoop, making it easy to serve freshly made ice.
Cooks Professional 1.3L Ice Maker: Best for Everyday Use
The Cooks Professional 1.3L Ice Maker is a compact countertop machine designed to provide fresh ice quickly and conveniently. With a 1.3-litre water tank, this model can produce its first batch in approximately 6–13 minutes, depending on the selected settings and operating conditions. It can make up to 12kg of ice over a 24-hour period, providing plenty of capacity for regular household use.
Two selectable ice sizes allow you to choose between smaller and larger pieces. The machine also features a viewing window, so you can check the ice-making progress without opening the lid. Its compact design makes it a practical choice for kitchens where worktop space is limited. With a stainless steel housing and a choice of black, copper and silver finishes, it complements a range of kitchen styles.
The key features include:
- 1.3L water tank: A convenient capacity for everyday ice making.
- Up to 12kg daily production: Produces a substantial quantity of ice through repeated cycles.
- Ice in 6–13 minutes: Quick production for drinks and entertaining.
- Two ice sizes: Choose small or large ice to suit your requirements.
- Compact dimensions: Measures 29cm high, 22cm wide and 29cm long.
- Three colour choices: Available in black, copper and silver.
The 1.3L ice maker is an excellent choice for smaller households, occasional entertaining and anyone looking for a compact machine that produces ice quickly.
Cooks Professional 2.2L Ice Maker: Best for Larger Quantities of Ice
For households that regularly entertain or need larger quantities of ice, the Cooks Professional 2.2L Ice Maker offers a generous water tank and higher daily production capacity. This model features a 2.2-litre water tank, reducing the frequency of refilling during extended use. It can produce up to 14kg of ice in 24 hours, making it particularly useful for parties, celebrations and busy households.
Like the smaller model, it can begin producing ice in as little as six minutes. Two selectable ice sizes provide flexibility for different drinks, while the transparent viewing window makes it easy to monitor production. The machine features a durable stainless steel housing and is available in black, copper and silver.
The key features include:
- 2.2L water tank: Larger capacity for extended ice production.
- Up to 14kg daily production: Suitable for households requiring more ice throughout the day.
- Fast ice making: Produces ice in as little as six minutes.
- Two ice sizes: Small and large settings for everyday drinks.
- Stainless steel design: A durable finish suited to contemporary kitchens.
- Generous dimensions: Measures 33cm high, 34cm wide and 25cm deep.
The 2.2L ice maker is a good choice for frequent entertaining, particularly when you want to make ice throughout the day without refilling the water tank as often.
Premium Clear Ice Machines: Large Ice Balls and Cubes
Our ice machine collection is expanding with two premium models designed for a different style of ice making. Rather than prioritising rapid production, these new machines produce larger, crystal-clear pieces of ice. One model is designed to create large clear ice balls, while the other produces large clear ice cubes.
Clear ice has a distinctive transparent appearance that makes drinks look professionally presented. The larger pieces are particularly well suited to cocktails, spirits and drinks served over ice. These machines take longer to produce ice than our 1.3L and 2.2L models, but they offer a different benefit. Their focus is on producing large, attractive pieces of ice that are especially suited to enjoying drinks at home.
Clear Ice Ball Maker: Best for Spirits and Cocktails
Our upcoming clear ice ball machine is designed to produce large, transparent spheres of ice. Ice balls are particularly popular for whisky, bourbon, rum and other spirits served over ice. Their rounded shape gives drinks an elegant appearance, making them a popular choice for home bars and cocktail enthusiasts.
Large ice spheres also have a relatively low surface-area-to-volume ratio compared with smaller pieces of ice. This means they generally melt more slowly, helping chill drinks without diluting them as quickly.
The clear ice ball maker will be a premium option for anyone who enjoys taking a little extra care over their drinks. Although ice production takes longer than with our standard countertop models, the result is designed for occasions where the appearance, size and shape of the ice are more important than producing large quantities quickly.
Clear Ice Cube Maker: Best for Premium Drinks
Our upcoming clear ice cube machine is designed to produce large, transparent cubes with a clean, distinctive appearance. Large clear ice cubes are a popular choice for cocktails, whisky and other drinks served in short glasses. Their substantial size creates an attractive presentation and can help slow dilution compared with using several smaller pieces.
The clear ice cube maker is particularly suitable for people who enjoy preparing cocktails at home or want to recreate the presentation of drinks served in cocktail bars. Like our clear ice ball machine, this premium model will take longer to produce ice than our fast countertop ice makers. For customers who value larger, clearer ice and a more refined drinking experience, the additional production time may be worthwhile.
Clear Ice vs Regular Ice: What's the Difference?
The main differences between clear ice and regular ice are their appearance, structure and the way they are produced. Regular ice can appear cloudy because small air bubbles and dissolved substances become trapped as water freezes. Clear ice is produced using a controlled freezing process that reduces these trapped bubbles, resulting in a more transparent appearance.
Both types of ice are perfectly suitable for chilling drinks, but they offer different advantages:
- Regular ice: Ideal for quickly chilling everyday drinks, filling glasses and preparing larger quantities of ice.
- Clear ice: Offers a more transparent appearance, making it particularly attractive in cocktails and spirits.
- Smaller ice pieces: Provide more surface area relative to their volume, allowing drinks to chill quickly but often melting faster.
- Large clear ice balls: Their rounded shape and substantial size can slow melting and dilution.
- Large clear ice cubes: Offer a similar benefit, with a traditional square shape suited to premium drinks.
Clear ice isn't necessarily better for everything. For everyday use, speed and quantity may be more important. For cocktails and spirits, larger clear pieces can enhance the appearance of the drink and help control dilution.
Which Cooks Professional Ice Machine Should You Choose?
The best ice machine depends on how regularly you use ice, the amount you need and the type of drinks you enjoy. If you want fast, convenient ice for everyday drinks, our existing countertop models are a practical choice. For parties and larger households, the 2.2L model offers greater water capacity and daily ice production.
Our upcoming clear ice machines are designed for customers who prefer larger, premium ice and are happy to allow more time for production.
Here's a quick guide to choosing the right model:
- 1.3L Ice Maker: Best for compact kitchens, everyday drinks and quick ice production.
- 2.2L Ice Maker: Best for larger households, parties and making greater quantities of ice throughout the day.
- Clear Ice Ball Maker: Best for whisky, spirits and cocktails where slow dilution and presentation are important.
- Clear Ice Cube Maker: Best for large, transparent ice cubes and professionally presented drinks at home.
For everyday convenience, the 1.3L and 2.2L models are excellent options. For a more premium drinks experience, our new clear ice machines will provide an alternative.
How to Choose the Right Ice Machine for Your Kitchen
Before buying an ice machine, it's worth considering a few practical factors.
- Water tank capacity: A larger tank requires less frequent refilling, which is useful when making several batches of ice.
- Ice production speed: Look for a fast machine if you regularly need ice at short notice.
- Daily ice output: Higher production capacity is useful for parties and frequent entertaining.
- Ice shape and size: Smaller pieces are convenient for everyday drinks, while larger clear ice balls and cubes are particularly suited to cocktails and spirits.
- Worktop space: Check the machine's dimensions and allow room for ventilation and opening the lid.
- Ease of maintenance: Regular cleaning helps keep the machine hygienic and operating effectively.
Consider how you intend to use the machine most often. An ice maker designed for speed and quantity may be more practical for everyday family use, while a premium clear ice machine may be preferable for a home bar.
How to Clean and Maintain an Ice Machine
Regular cleaning helps keep your ice machine hygienic, prevents mineral build-up and ensures your ice tastes fresh. Always follow the cleaning instructions supplied with your particular model.
For everyday maintenance, the following habits are useful:
- Use fresh drinking water: Fill the tank with clean, potable water and follow the manufacturer's water recommendations.
- Empty unused water: Avoid leaving stagnant water in the tank for extended periods.
- Clean the ice basket: Remove any remaining ice and wash the basket according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wipe down the interior: Keep internal surfaces clean using the recommended cleaning method.
- Descale when necessary: Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up over time.
- Allow the machine to dry: After cleaning, let removable components dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Good maintenance is particularly important if you use your ice maker frequently or live in an area with hard water.
Batch Making Ice for Parties and Entertaining
If you're hosting a party or planning a cocktail evening, making ice in advance is a great way to ensure you have plenty ready when guests arrive. This is particularly useful with our premium clear ice machines, which take longer to produce their larger ice balls and cubes than our standard countertop models.
Rather than making all your ice on the day, you can prepare several batches ahead of time. Once the first batch is ready, transfer the ice balls or cubes into a freezer-safe container and place them in your freezer while the machine produces the next batch. Repeat the process until you have enough ice for your gathering.
Storing finished ice in the freezer also frees up the machine to continue production, allowing you to build up a generous supply without needing to make everything at once. For the best results, store your ice in a clean, sealed freezer-safe container to help prevent it absorbing unwanted odours. If you're making large clear ice balls or cubes, freezing them separately at first can help prevent them sticking together.
With a little preparation, you'll have a ready supply of impressive, crystal-clear ice to serve throughout your event, leaving you more time to enjoy the occasion.
Ice Machine FAQs
Are countertop ice machines worth buying?
Yes, particularly if you regularly use ice for drinks or entertaining. Countertop ice makers provide convenient ice production without filling freezer trays or buying bags of ice.
How long does an ice machine take to make ice?
The Cooks Professional 1.3L and 2.2L ice makers can produce ice in as little as six minutes, although the exact production time depends on the model and operating conditions. Our upcoming premium clear ice machines take longer because they are designed to produce larger, clearer pieces of ice.
What is the difference between a 1.3L and 2.2L ice machine?
The main differences are water tank capacity, machine size and daily ice production. Our 1.3L model produces up to 12kg of ice in 24 hours, while the 2.2L model produces up to 14kg. Both offer fast ice production and two ice size settings.
Do countertop ice makers need plumbing?
No. Our existing countertop ice makers have refillable water tanks, so no permanent plumbing connection is required. Simply fill the tank with water and connect the machine to a suitable mains socket.
Do ice machines keep ice frozen?
Most countertop ice makers are designed to produce ice rather than store it at freezing temperatures. For longer storage, transfer the finished ice into a suitable container in your freezer.
What is clear ice?
Clear ice is ice with a transparent appearance, produced by reducing the air bubbles and other substances that can become trapped during freezing. It is particularly popular for cocktails and spirits.
Does clear ice melt more slowly than regular ice?
Large clear ice cubes and balls often melt more slowly than smaller pieces of regular ice. Size, shape, surface area and the temperature of the drink all affect melting speed, so clarity alone does not determine how quickly ice melts.
Are ice balls better than ice cubes?
Ice balls and ice cubes are both suitable for chilling drinks. Large ice balls have a rounded shape that can reduce the rate of dilution, while large cubes offer a classic presentation. The choice largely comes down to personal preference and the type of glass being used.
Which ice machine is best for cocktails?
For making cocktails quickly or serving several guests, a 1.3L or 2.2L countertop ice maker is a practical choice. For more elaborate drinks, large clear ice balls or cubes provide an attractive presentation and can help slow dilution.
Can you leave an ice machine running all day?
Our existing Cooks Professional ice makers have daily production capacities of up to 12kg and 14kg, respectively. Always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions, including guidance on water levels, cleaning, ventilation and continuous use.
Shop Cooks Professional Ice Machines
A countertop ice maker makes it easy to enjoy freshly made ice at home, with options to suit everyday drinks and entertaining. Our 1.3L and 2.2L machines provide fast, convenient ice production, while our expanding range of premium clear ice makers offers something special for cocktail enthusiasts and home bars. Explore our Cooks Professional Ice Machine Collection to compare models, discover the available colour options and find the right ice maker for your kitchen.