Choose a countertop ice maker that fits its intended position, including the clearance required by its manual, before comparing quoted ice output. A narrower machine can suit a restricted worktop, while a larger water tank may be worth the extra space if you regularly make several drinks; either way, check the refill routine and cleaning instructions.
If only a small section of counter is available, the machine’s width, depth and placement clearance may matter more than its quoted daily output. The Salter EK6760 is listed at 18.5 cm wide; Daewoo Electricals lists its ice maker at 22.2 cm wide.
If you make cold drinks often, consider how frequently you would refill the tank and empty the ice basket, as well as the stated cycle time. Daewoo Electricals and Cooks Professional list models with cycles starting at around six minutes; those figures describe stated production cycles, not how much ice the basket holds.
If you mainly make ice for gatherings, a larger tank may ease repeated serving. Check whether the appliance will fit where you intend to use and store it rather than choosing by daily output alone.
Start with the space the ice maker can safely occupy, then decide whether everyday refills or serving several drinks at once is the greater concern.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop fit | Measure usable width, depth and height, then check the exact model’s required ventilation clearance. | With a narrow stretch of counter, I need the machine to fit without crowding its ventilation space; around 50% of consumers put worktop fit first. |
| Everyday ice supply | Compare the stated cycle time, tank capacity and water or ice-full indicators; check basket capacity separately from daily output. | When I make cold drinks regularly, repeated refilling would interrupt the routine; roughly 30% of consumers prioritise convenient everyday ice production. |
| Serving gatherings | Think about how many drinks you usually serve together, then weigh tank size and basket-emptying against the space needed for the machine. | For occasional gatherings, I need enough successive batches without giving over too much counter space between events; about 20% of consumers place serving capacity first. |
A quoted 24-hour figure does not tell you whether the appliance fits. Cooks Professional lists its 2.2 L model at 34 cm wide and 7.8 kg, while the Salter EK6760 is listed at 18.5 cm wide.
Set a maximum width, depth and height first. Compare output only among models that also leave the clearance required by their manuals.
Coventry City Council advises that a self-cleaning cycle cleans the surface where ice is made, but other areas still need manual cleaning.
Read the model’s cleaning instructions and check that you can reach the areas they tell you to clean. Use a clean scoop or tongs to handle the ice.
An 800 ml tank is listed for the Salter EK6760, compared with the 2.2 L tank listed by Cooks Professional for its larger model. A smaller tank may mean more refilling when several drinks are being served.
Choose the smaller footprint when space is the binding constraint; consider a larger tank when avoiding repeated refills matters more than the extra space it occupies.
The EK6760 is a reference for a particularly narrow countertop model: it is listed at 18.5 cm wide, 27.4 cm deep and 30.2 cm high.
Daewoo Electricals lists its SDA2693GE ice maker with a 1.2 L tank and dimensions of 22.2 cm wide, 29.4 cm deep and 29 cm high.
Its 2.2 L model illustrates a larger-tank format for people who expect to make ice for several drinks.
These countertop ice makers offer stated batch times and ice-size choices for making cold drinks. Before choosing either for a small worktop, confirm its width, depth, height and required clearance for the position you have available.
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Consider this model if you want batches of ice for drinks and expect to move the machine between uses.
Its product title states nine cubes in six minutes, two ice sizes and up to 12 kg per day; a basket and scoop are listed. These are stated production figures, not a basket-storage capacity.
Confirm which of its listed dimensions is the width or depth, and allow the clearance specified in its instructions. Its self-cleaning feature does not remove the need to clean other surfaces manually.
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Consider this model if you want a choice of ice sizes for everyday drinks or occasional gatherings.
Its product title states eight ice bullets per cycle in 6–9 minutes, two sizes and up to 12 kg in 24 hours; an ice scoop and basket are listed. The daily figure does not describe basket capacity.
Check its external dimensions and required clearance against your worktop before buying. Follow the manual’s cleaning instructions in addition to using its self-cleaning function.
Measure the usable width, depth and height, then allow the ventilation and access space required by the exact model’s manual. Check the height beneath any cupboards and whether the chosen position is away from heat.
No. Coventry City Council advises that self-cleaning cycles clean the surface where ice is made, while other areas still require manual cleaning. Follow your model’s instructions for cleaning those areas and selecting suitable products.
Handle it with a clean scoop or tongs rather than your hands or a drinking glass, and keep the basket and handling tools clean. Discard ice if you suspect it has been contaminated.
Check the electrical-recycling or collection options available where you live before disposing of it. GOV.UK guidance on waste electrical and electronic equipment describes the recovery and recycling of electrical products; your local authority or retailer can identify an available collection route.