If you’re wondering how long an ice maker takes to make ice, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s for a party, your office break room, or your daily cold brew, knowing the ice production time helps you plan better.
In this post, we break down the average ice cycle time for different types of ice makers, explain what affects ice-making speed, and help you pick the best option for your needs.
🎥 Watch: Best Ice Makers in Action
Prefer a visual overview?
Check out our video showcasing top ice makers and their performance
Average Ice Maker Cycle Time
Most countertop ice makers take 6 to 15 minutes to produce their first batch of ice.
However, this time varies depending on the brand, model, and type of ice it produces.
- Bullet ice makers like the AGLUCKY or Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker usually take 7-10 minutes per cycle.
- Nugget ice makers like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 may take 15-20 minutes to begin producing ice, with a continuous ice-making cycle.
- Commercial undercounter ice makers often have longer cycles but higher capacity, producing up to 50 lbs of ice per day.
- Freezer ice makers, the kind built into your fridge, can take 90–120 minutes per tray. Watch best freezers in action over here.
What Affects How Long Ice Makers Take?
Several factors can impact your ice maker’s speed and overall efficiency:
1. Room Temperature & Water Temperature
Warm rooms and hot water = longer ice-making cycles.
Most units perform best in ambient temps below 80°F.
2. Ice Type & Size
Larger ice cubes take longer to form.
Some machines allow you to choose between small, medium, or large cubes—larger ones may take up to 15 minutes.
3. Water Quality
Hard water or water with minerals can slow the process and even affect ice clarity. Using filtered water may slightly reduce cycle time.
4. Machine Size & Power
Compact models make smaller batches faster, while larger models are built for volume, not speed.
5. Ice Basket Full Sensor
Once the ice basket is full, some machines pause until you remove the ice. This doesn’t affect the initial time to make ice but does affect ongoing production.
How Many Ice Cubes Per Cycle?
Most compact ice makers produce 9 to 12 ice cubes per cycle.
Over 24 hours, that can translate to 26–33 lbs of ice, depending on how frequently you empty the basket and refill the water.
For instance:
- Silonn Ice Maker can make up to 26 lbs per day.
- EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker Machine typically produces 24 ice cubes every 13 minutes.
Is There a Way to Make Ice Faster?
Yes! Here are a few tips:
- Use Cold Water: Starting with cold water reduces freezing time.
- Keep the Unit Clean: Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can slow production.
- Optimal Placement: Place the ice maker in a cool area away from heat sources.
- Regular Maintenance: Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and filter changes.
🧪 Types of Ice Makers and Their Speeds
1. Portable Countertop Ice Makers
Ideal for small spaces and quick ice needs.
Top Pick: AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker
- Produces 9 ice cubes in 6–8 minutes.
- Up to 26 lbs of ice per day.
- Compact and efficient.
2. Built-in or Under-Counter Ice Makers
Designed for higher capacity and integrated use.
Top Pick: EUHOMY Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker – Heavy-Duty & Home-Friendly
- Produces up to 85 lbs of clear ice per day, with 40 cubes ready every 10–18 minutes—ideal for both home use and high-demand commercial settings.
- Equipped with an LCD panel that lets you adjust ice thickness, monitor ambient temperature, and set a 24-hour timer for automatic operation.
- Compact, under-counter friendly build with a reversible stainless steel door and 3-layer insulation to keep your ice frozen longer and the unit looking sleek.
3. Refrigerator Ice Makers
Top Pick: Kenmore 33 in. 20.4 cu. ft Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer
Common in many households but slower to start.
- Offers 20.4 cu. ft. of storage with a 33-inch wide footprint, ideal for kitchens that need full capacity without occupying extra space.
- Comes factory-installed and ENERGY STAR certified, producing up to 3 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice per day—no separate ice maker needed.
- Features adjustable full-width glass shelves, humidity-controlled crispers, and clear door bins that can hold gallon-sized containers for smart, flexible food storage.
Want to explore more refrigerators with built-in freezers?
🎥 Head over to my YouTube video where I walk you through the top picks in action—see their features, storage, and performance up close!
FAQs
It may take up to 24 hours for a brand-new freezer ice maker to cool down and begin making ice. Countertop models start in as little as 6–10 minutes.
Most compact machines take 1 to 2 hours to fill their bins, depending on bin size and how often you empty it.
Traditional freezer ice makers usually take 90 to 120 minutes per tray.
On average, 6 to 10 minutes per cycle.
Around 1.5 to 2 hours per batch.
If you need ice fast, here are some top-performing machines:
AGLUCKY Ice Makers – Fast, budget-friendly, and user-friendly.
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker – Produces ice in about 8 minutes.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 – Great for nugget ice lovers with smart features.
EUHOMY Ice Cube Maker – Offers consistent output with dual functionality.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take an ice maker to make ice?
It depends on the model and your environment, but the average is 6 to 15 minutes per cycle.
Want ice faster?
Keep it cool, clean, and use cold water.
Whether you’re buying for home, RV, or office use, there’s an ice maker out there that suits your timing and ice-type preferences.
📌Related Read
Best Countertop Ice Makers
Best Ice Cream Maker Machines
Best Slushie Machines To Beat The Heat
Best Compact Appliances For Kitchen Countertops