Countertop Ice Maker Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Capacity (Less than 20 lbs/day, 20-50 lbs/day, More than 50 lbs/day), By Application (Residential, Commercial), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Countertop Ice Maker Market Size & Trends

The global countertop ice maker market size was estimated at USD 2.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2030. The use of countertop ice machines is becoming increasingly popular in office settings to meet the needs of both staff and customers. Businesses are seeking a convenient way to provide ice for break rooms and beverages, making these machines an attractive solution. Additionally, countertop ice machines appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, such as campers and RV owners, who need a practical solution for their travels and excursions.

The pandemic led to disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the production and distribution of appliances, including countertop ice makers. Factory closures, movement restrictions, and labor shortages impacted manufacturing and logistics. As consumers turned to online shopping during the pandemic, the market saw an increase in online sales channels. This trend is likely to continue as e-commerce becomes a preferred shopping method.

One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for convenience among consumers. In today's fast-paced lifestyles, where efficiency is key, countertop ice makers offer a quick and hassle-free solution to produce ice. Unlike traditional methods that rely on ice trays or built-in refrigerator ice makers, these portable devices can produce ice in as little as 6-15 minutes, making them ideal for households, offices, RVs, and outdoor gatherings. Their portability adds another layer of convenience, allowing users to move them around effortlessly to suit different settings and events.

Another key factor contributing to the popularity of countertop ice makers is the rise in home entertainment. With more people hosting gatherings and parties at home, there's a growing need for reliable ice production. Countertop ice makers ensure a continuous supply of ice for drinks, enhancing the overall hosting experience. This trend extends to outdoor activities like picnics, barbecues, and camping, where portable ice makers prove invaluable for keeping beverages cold and food fresh, further driving their adoption.

Technological advancements play a crucial role in the appeal of modern countertop ice makers. Improved efficiency and energy consumption, along with enhanced features such as self-cleaning functions and multiple ice cube sizes, make these devices more attractive to consumers seeking convenient and reliable solutions. Moreover, there's a growing emphasis on health and safety, with users appreciating the ability to produce ice using filtered water, ensuring better hygiene compared to store-bought or unknown sources of ice.

Affordability and accessibility are also significant factors fueling the market growth of countertop ice makers. They are generally more affordable than built-in or commercial ice machines, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers. Available through various retail channels, both online and in physical stores, countertop ice makers are easy to purchase, contributing to their widespread adoption.

Furthermore, the integration of smart technology into appliances is gaining traction. Countertop ice makers with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and app controls appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking to enhance their kitchen experience. Additionally, the rise of small-scale food and beverage businesses, such as cafes, food trucks, and home-based catering services, drives demand for compact and efficient ice-making solutions that fit their operational needs.

Type Insights

Countertop cube ice makers accounted for a share of 38.2% in 2023. Cube ice is suitable for a variety of uses, including beverages, food preservation, and cooling needs. Its universal appeal makes cube ice makers a versatile choice for both residential and commercial settings. Many restaurants, bars, and cafes prefer cube ice for its consistency and standard size, which fits well in drinks and blends easily.

Countertop nugget ice maker is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2030. Nugget ice, often referred to as "chewable ice" or "Sonic ice," has a soft, chewable texture that many consumers find appealing. This unique texture makes it a favorite for beverages and snacks, particularly in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. Nugget ice absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for a variety of drinks, from sodas to cocktails. This enhances the overall drinking experience, driving demand in both residential and commercial settings.

Capacity Insights

More than 50 lbs/day countertop ice maker accounted for a revenue share of 45.4% in 2023. High-capacity ice makers are essential for restaurants, bars, and cafes that require a large amount of ice to meet customer demands throughout the day. These establishments need a reliable and continuous supply of ice for drinks, food preparation, and cooling. Additionally, caterers and event planners frequently use high-capacity ice makers to provide sufficient ice for large gatherings, parties, weddings, and corporate events. The ability to produce over 50 lbs of ice per day ensures they can keep up with the high demand without interruptions.

20-50 lbs/day countertop ice maker are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. These ice makers are generally more affordable than larger commercial units, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers, including small business owners and homeowners looking for efficient ice production without a high investment. The relatively compact design of these ice makers allows them to fit on countertops without taking up too much space, making them convenient for kitchens, break rooms, and small commercial spaces where space is at a premium.

Application Insights

Commercial accounted for a revenue share of 68.6% in 2023. Commercial countertop ice makers offer a space-saving solution for businesses with limited space. Their compact design allows them to fit easily on countertops, freeing up valuable floor space in busy kitchens, bars, and cafes. These ice makers do not require extensive installation procedures or additional infrastructure, making them convenient for businesses that need quick and easy setup.

Residential is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030. With the growing trend of home entertaining, more people are hosting parties, barbecues, and social gatherings at home. A countertop ice maker ensures a steady supply of ice for drinks and snacks, enhancing the hosting experience. These ice makers are perfect for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, and RV trips, providing a reliable source of ice without relying on store-bought bags.

Distribution Channel Insights

Sales through offline stores accounted for a revenue share of 73.6% in 2023. Offline stores provide customers with the opportunity to physically inspect the ice makers, assess their build quality, and see the features up close. This hands-on experience can help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions. Many offline stores offer live demonstrations of the product, allowing customers to see how the ice maker works and evaluate its performance before buying.

Sales through online stores is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2024 to 2030. Online stores provide extensive product descriptions, specifications, and user reviews that help consumers make informed decisions. Detailed information and customer feedback can offer insights into product performance and reliability. Consumers can easily compare different models, prices, and features on e-commerce platforms, which helps them find the best option that meets their needs and budget.

Regional Insights

The countertop ice maker market in North America accounted for a revenue share of 45.6% in 2023 of the global market. North Americans are engaging more in outdoor activities like camping, RV trips, and backyard events. Countertop ice makers offer a portable solution for these activities, allowing users to have access to ice wherever they go. The ability to produce high-quality ice quickly enhances the overall beverage experience, which is appealing to health-conscious consumers who want to enjoy chilled drinks without diluting their flavors.

U.S. Countertop Ice Maker Market Trends

The U.S. countertop ice maker market is facing intense competition due to massive type innovation in countertop ice maker. The market for party and event planners in the U.S. has been steadily growing, driven by the need to cater to various food and beverage needs. This growing need presents a significant opportunity for countertop ice maker manufacturers to supply their products to meet the demands of these large-scale gatherings. Modern countertop ice makers come with advanced features such as faster ice production, various ice sizes, and self-cleaning functions. These improvements enhance their appeal and functionality for consumers.

Europe Countertop Ice Maker Market Trends

The countertop ice maker market in Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. As urban living spaces in European cities become smaller, there is a growing need for compact and space-efficient appliances. Countertop ice makers are ideal for these smaller kitchens and living areas due to their compact design. Their small footprint makes them suitable for apartments, smaller homes, and vacation rentals where space is limited but ice production is still desired.

Asia Pacific Countertop Ice Maker Market Trends

Asia Pacific countertop ice maker market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2030. Rapid urbanization in major cities across the Asia-Pacific region has led to smaller living spaces and high-density housing. Countertop ice makers are ideal for these compact environments, offering a space-efficient solution for ice production. In many urban areas, kitchens are smaller, making compact appliances like countertop icemakers a practical choice for residents who still want access to ice.

Key Countertop Ice Maker Company Insights

The market is characterized by dynamic competitive dynamics shaped by a combination of factors including product innovation, regional production capabilities, and evolving consumer preferences. Leading manufacturers invest in R&D and technological advancements to provide cost-effective and quality product.

Market players are entering into joint ventures, partnerships, mergers, agreements, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their geographical reach. Companies are also focusing on raising consumer awareness of the ambiguity of the ingredients used while strictly adhering to international regulatory standards.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, Ecozy, a globally leading home appliance brand, introduced the most compact and powerful nugget ice maker, delivering a unique ice experience with chewy and crunchy ice cubes for all ice enthusiasts this summer. Nugget ice has soared in popularity due to its distinctive chewy and crunchy texture that cools beverages quickly without diluting the original flavor. As a result, the food service, beverage, and hotel industries have seen a significant surge in demand for nugget ice machines.

• In March 2023, Icetic launched an innovative ice cube maker on Indiegogo that produces color-changing round and square ice cubes designed to enhance the drinking experience. This unique product features dual designs, allowing users to create both round and square ice cubes to suit different preferences. One of its standout features is the color-changing technology, which causes the ice cubes to change color when they come into contact with cold liquids, adding a fun visual element to beverages. The ice maker is user-friendly, making it suitable for various occasions, including parties and gatherings.

• In March 2023, Wintersmiths, a Vermont-based barware company, launched its fourth Kickstarter campaign on February 28, 2023, to fund the production of its latest innovation, the Juniper. This automatic countertop ice maker is designed to produce clear, cocktail-quality ice at home. The campaign aimed to raise $150,000 and reached its goal within just 60 minutes of launch. The Juniper features a modern, durable design and can create 12 large clear spheres, 12 large clear cubes, or 96 small clear cubes every 24 hours using any water source.

Countertop Ice Maker Market Report Scope

Global Countertop Ice Maker Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global countertop ice maker market report based on type, capacity, application, distribution channel, and region.

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cube Ice Maker

  • Half Cube Ice Maker

  • Nugget Ice Maker

  • Flake Ice Maker

• Capacity Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Less than 20 lbs/day

  • 20-50 lbs/day

  • More than 50 lbs/day

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Residential

  • Commercial

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

    • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets

    • Electronic Stores

    • Specialty Stores

    • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • Spain

    • Italy

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia & New Zealand

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa