Each unit also comes with a high-quality ice scoop so you can fill glasses or hotel ice buckets in seconds. Because it’s rust-resistant, durable it even remains consistent in high moisture or high humidity areas. Each ice machine features a wide front lid that opens up and leans back against the machine to keep it up and out of the way when getting ice. When it’s closed it helps maintain the cool climate inside to help keep ice from melting over time. The removable air filter and stainless-steel frame make it more hygienic for everyday use.
The Luma Comfort ice maker usually took 20 to 25 minutes to complete each batch of ice at room temperature and more like 30 minutes in warmer environments. (Our bullet-ice-maker picks generate nine pieces in roughly eight minutes.) That said, it makes about three times as much ice per batch, so it works out to be roughly equivalent over time. If cloudy ice isn’t for you or if you want to keep fizzy drinks cold without them going flat, consider a clear-ice maker such as the Luma Comfort IM200.
But it’s smaller and lighter than our pick from Magic Chef, which you might appreciate if you have minimal counter space or plan to store it away. We like the black and stainless steel design of this machine, which lends a modern aesthetic to what can otherwise be a bulky contraption sitting on your countertop. We also appreciate the 12-month warranty and self-cleaning capabilities.
Featuring a built-in pump, the ice maker is easy to install in any kitchen or residential wet bar. If you find yourself fresh out of ice, this compact automatic ice machine can give you nine cubes in six to eight frigidaire freezer minutes. It produces small or large cubes relatively quickly, and although we wished each batch dropped a few more, compromising on capacity may be worth it if you’re looking for a tiny, efficient option.
Once you’ve settled on a fridge style and size, and the features you want, it’s time to start shopping. Read CR’s guide to the best refrigerators of the year, or try out our Find Your Perfect Fridge tool that automatically filters our refrigerator ratings based on your needs. French-door models are popular because of their high-end aesthetic. Bottom-freezers are less expensive and still put fresh food at eye level. Side-by-sides fit better in a smaller kitchen because of their narrow doors. See our full refrigerator ratings for how models in each category performed in our tests.