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You step out of a freezing tub, shivering and proud of yourself, and then you realize the freezer is empty. Again. If you plunge regularly, you know the routine: a tub full of cold water, a stack of grocery-store ice bags, and a bill that keeps growing. Choosing the best ice maker for ice baths fixes that problem for good, as long as you pick the right size.
That last part is where most buyers go wrong. A small nugget machine is great for iced coffee but slow for a full tub. A 700 lb commercial unit is overkill for one person in an apartment. In this guide we compare seven ice makers by daily output, bin size, ice type, setup and noise, then match each one to a real ice bath routine.
In a hurry? Quick answer:
Our recommended pick for most home plungers: #3 EUHOMY 100 lbs/day with a 33 lb bin. It has enough output for a full tub and a bin big enough to hold a batch.
Smaller tub or occasional use: #2 ROVSUN 70 lbs/day
Daily plunger or shared tub: #4 under-counter 150 lbs/day
Studio, gym or clinic: #5 EUHOMY 400 lbs/day or #6 Mojgar 700 lbs/day
No outlet nearby: #7 cordless battery model
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
Here is every machine at a glance. Scroll sideways on a phone if the table is wider than your screen.
| Product | Key Features | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. AGLUCKY Nugget countertop ice maker | 35 lbs/day • first batch in 5 min • 2.2 lb basket • 43dB • self-cleaning • portable handle | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2. ROVSUN 70 lb commercial countertop | 70 lbs/day • 11 lb bin • 2 water inlets • adjustable ice thickness • under 40dB • 24-hour timer | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3. EUHOMY 100 lb freestanding / under-counter | 100 lbs/day • 33 lb bin • ETL certified • LCD panel • ambient temperature display • auto-clean | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4. Commercial 150 lb Stainless under-counter | 150 lbs/day • 55 cubes per batch • 45 lb bin • 3 ice thicknesses • faucet or bucket water supply | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5. EUHOMY 400 lb commercial | 400 lbs/day • 250 lb bin • ETL and NSF • 11 to 20 min cycles • 3 ice thicknesses • LCD timer | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6. Mojgar 700 lb commercial | 700 lbs/day • 500 lb bin • ETL certified • under 38dB • 10 to 15 min cycles • unit and compressor warranty | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7. Cordless 2-in-1 Battery and plug-in portable | 40 lbs/day • 6-minute ice • 2 ice sizes • 2 × 7.8Ah batteries • 40dB • self-cleaning | Check Price on Amazon |
How Much Ice Do You Actually Need for an Ice Bath?
Before you compare machines, do a little math. Ice bath guides commonly suggest roughly 20 to 40 pounds of ice for one full tub, though the real number depends on four things: your tub size, your starting water temperature, how cold you want the water, and how warm the room is. Tap water that is already cool needs less ice. A hot garage in July needs more.
Cleveland Clinic experts explain that a basic home ice bath can be made by filling a tub partway with cold water and adding bags of commercial ice. That works, but it is the exact routine an ice maker replaces.
Daily output is only half the story. A machine that makes 35 lbs in 24 hours does not hand you 35 lbs on demand. Ice builds up slowly in the bin, so the storage bin size decides how much ice is ready when you want it. Use this table as a starting point:
| Your Routine | Daily Output to Look For | Matching Picks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 plunges a week, small tub | 35 to 70 lbs | #1, #2, #7 |
| 3 to 5 plunges a week | 70 to 100 lbs | #2, #3 |
| Daily plunges or two people sharing | 100 to 150 lbs | #3, #4 |
| Gym, studio, clinic or sports team | 400 lbs or more | #5, #6 |
What to Look for in an Ice Maker for Ice Baths
Most buying guides stop at “bigger is better.” These are the details that actually change your experience:
- Ice type. Nugget ice is soft and chewable, which is great for drinks. For a plunge, solid cubes usually last longer because dense ice melts more slowly. Machines with an adjustable thickness setting let you make thicker cubes for warmer days. For more on this, see our guide on nugget ice vs cube ice.
- Bin size and insulation. A bigger bin means a bigger batch ready at once. Insulation matters too, because ice that sits in a poorly insulated bin melts before you use it.
- Water supply and drain. Some machines need a water line and a drain. Others accept a bucket or reservoir. Check where you will put the machine before you buy. See our ice maker buying guide for installation basics.
- Certifications. ETL and NSF marks mean the machine was tested to recognized safety or sanitation standards. Read about the ETL mark from Intertek and NSF International if you plan to use a machine in a business.
- Noise. If the machine sits in your home gym or near your bedroom, check the decibel rating. Anything around 40dB is comparable to a quiet room.
- Energy use. A machine that runs all day adds up on your electric bill. ENERGY STAR publishes information on efficient appliances. We also explain how much electricity an ice maker uses.
- Easy cleaning. Ice touches your skin and your water, so cleanliness matters. A self-clean mode saves time. You can also follow our steps to clean an ice maker.
- Water quality. Your tap water affects how clear and good-tasting the ice is. The EPA’s drinking water resources explain what is in your supply, and a filter can help.
The 7 Best Ice Makers for Ice Baths
Each review below covers who the machine suits, what it does well, and where it falls short. Product numbers and names match the listings.
1. AGLUCKY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 35lbs/Day, Crushed Ice Machine
Best for: occasional plungers, small tubs, and people who also want great drink ice.
The AGLUCKY is the smallest, quietest option in this guide, so it suits someone who plunges once or twice a week and also enjoys iced drinks. Its listing says the first batch is ready in about 5 minutes and that it can make up to 35 lbs of ice a day. It has a 1.2L water tank and a removable 2.2 lb ice basket, so it can keep making ice while you do something else.
The ice is soft, chewable nugget ice. That is a treat in a soda or a smoothie, but it is not the best choice for a large tub because softer ice tends to melt faster than solid cubes. If you use it for baths, think of it as a helper that gets you started, not a full solution. Cleaning is simple: the listing describes a 5-minute self-cleaning cycle started by a 3-second press of the power key. It runs at about 43dB, measures 12.68 × 11.26 × 8.50 inches, and has a carry handle, which makes it easy to move between the kitchen, garage and RV.
- Output: up to 35 lbs per day
- Storage: 2.2 lb removable basket
- Noise: about 43dB
- Extras: self-cleaning, handle, transparent window, scoop included
Pros
- Compact, portable and quiet
- First ice in about 5 minutes
- Easy one-click control and 5-minute self-clean
- Nugget ice is excellent for drinks
Cons
- Small basket, so filling a tub takes time
- Soft nugget ice melts faster than dense cubes
- Lowest output of the plug-in models
2. ROVSUN Commercial Ice Maker 70LBS/24H with 2 Water Inlets, Stainless Steel Ice Machine
Best for: regular plungers who want a step up from a small countertop unit without a big space or budget jump.
The ROVSUN is a practical middle ground. It makes up to 70 lbs a day, and each batch takes about 11 to 20 minutes, so it can stock your supply while you work. The 11 lb bin is not huge, but it is a meaningful buffer. Two water inlets let you fill it from a tap or from bottled water, which is handy if your plunge spot is a garage or patio without a nearby water line.
The control panel lets you adjust ice-making time and cube thickness with plus and minus buttons, and there is a 24-hour timer, so you can schedule it to run overnight and have ice ready in the morning. Its advanced water filter is meant to turn tap water into clearer, harder, chewable ice. The listing puts noise under 40dB. It stands 27.1 inches tall (13.4 × 13.6 inches footprint) and weighs about 63 lbs, and the listing says to let it stand upright for 24 hours before first use, then clean it. It comes with a scoop, water inlet hose, drain hose and two connectors.
- Output: up to 70 lbs per day
- Storage: 11 lb bin
- Power: 495W
- Extras: 24-hour timer, filter, scoop and hoses included
Pros
- Strong 70 lb daily output
- Two water inlets give flexible setup
- Adjustable ice thickness and 24-hour timer
- Accessories included
Cons
- 11 lb bin means several rounds to fill a big tub
- Tall and heavy, so it needs a sturdy spot
- Must rest upright for 24 hours before first use
3. EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine – 100lbs Daily Production, 33lbs Ice Storage
OUR RECOMMENDED PICK
Best for: most home ice bath users, from regular plungers to couples who share a tub.
If we had to recommend one machine for most readers, this is it. The numbers line up well with a real ice bath routine: up to 100 lbs of ice per day and a 33 lb storage bin. That bin size alone could be close to a full tub’s worth, depending on your tub, so you are not standing around waiting for the next small batch. It also has built-in overflow protection, so the machine does not keep producing once the bin is full.
The EUHOMY is ETL certified and approved for both home and commercial use, so it works in an indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen, garage or small studio. The LCD panel shows the surrounding temperature, which is useful because a warm room slows ice production. You can change cube size by adjusting ice-making time, and a Clean button starts the cleaning program. Note the setup: it needs a water supply and a gravity drain, you should drain the water once a day, keep it upright for at least 24 hours before first use, and run the clean cycle twice before the first batch. That is a little more setup than the countertop models, but it is the price of a bigger bin and higher output.
- Output: up to 100 lbs per day
- Storage: 33 lb bin with overflow protection
- Certification: ETL
- Install: freestanding or under-counter; needs water supply and gravity drain
Pros
- Large 33 lb bin for a full tub
- ETL certified for home and commercial use
- LCD shows room temperature and has auto-clean
- Adjustable cube size
Cons
- Needs a water supply and gravity drain
- Daily drain and 24-hour rest before first use
- Bigger footprint than countertop units
4. Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 150lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine
Best for: daily plungers, shared tubs, and garage or home-gym setups.
When one bath a day is the minimum, 150 lbs per day gives you breathing room. This under-counter machine makes 55 cubes per batch, with batches taking about 8 to 18 minutes after a first cycle of around 20 minutes while the compressor starts up. The 45 lb bin holds a lot of ice, and the listing says the thick insulation slows melting, which helps if you make ice ahead of time.
The biggest practical benefit is flexible water supply. You can connect a hose to a faucet or use the included self-priming hose with a water bucket, so no permanent plumbing is required. That makes it a good fit for a garage, a workshop or a backyard bar. You get three thickness levels (thin, medium, thick), a one-touch self-clean mode and overflow protection. The listing also mentions a built-in blue light that helps keep the storage area hygienic. The stainless steel body measures 18.90 × 16.14 × 31.42 inches, so measure your space first.
- Output: up to 150 lbs per day
- Storage: 45 lb insulated bin
- Batch: 55 cubes
- Water: faucet hose or self-priming bucket mode
Pros
- High output and a big 45 lb bin
- No permanent plumbing required
- Three ice thickness levels
- One-touch self-clean and overflow protection
Cons
- First cycle takes about 20 minutes
- Larger and heavier than countertop models
- More capacity than a single occasional plunger needs
5. EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine,400lbs/24H,250lbs Bin,Stainless Steel
Best for: cold therapy studios, gyms, sports teams and recovery centers.
This is a business-level machine. It makes up to 400 lbs a day, and its 250 lb insulated bin is meant to keep ice cold for about 7 hours. Cycles run about 11 to 20 minutes, so it keeps restocking throughout a busy day. The listing says that is enough for more than 2,050 drinks, but for plunge use it means you can fill several tubs without waiting.
The ETL and NSF certifications are a real advantage if you serve other people. The LCD controls handle a 24-hour timer, ice thickness (thin, medium or thick), and water and ice level monitoring, and the setup is described as three steps: connect water and power, then position the drain hose. For a single home user this is far more machine than you need, but for a facility it means fewer refills and less downtime.
- Output: up to 400 lbs per day
- Storage: 250 lb insulated bin
- Certification: ETL and NSF
- Controls: LCD, timer, 3 ice thickness settings
Pros
- Huge output and a 250 lb bin
- ETL and NSF certified
- Timer, thickness control and level monitoring
Cons
- Overkill and too large for most homes
- Needs water supply, drain, and plenty of space
- Higher cost to buy and run
6. Mojgar ETL Approval 700LBS/24H with 500LBS Ice Bin Commercial Ice Machine
Best for: large facilities and high-traffic recovery businesses that need the most ice possible.
The Mojgar is the biggest machine in this guide: up to 700 lbs of ice daily and a 500 lb storage bin. It is ETL certified, runs under 38dB according to the listing, and finishes a batch in about 10 to 15 minutes. The reinforced stainless steel body and thick cyclopentane insulation are meant to keep ice frozen for up to 12 hours, which is useful if you make ice overnight for a morning rush.
Smart features include a clear LCD, 24-hour programmable timing, low-water and ice-full alerts, and one-touch automatic cleaning. Parts that touch water and ice are food-grade, and the machine includes a 10-inch PP cotton filter to remove impurities. The seller states there is a warranty on both the unit and the compressor. One thing to plan for: the ice maker and the storage bin ship in two separate packages that may arrive on different days.
- Output: up to 700 lbs per day
- Storage: 500 lb bin, ice kept frozen up to 12 hours
- Noise: under 38dB
- Extras: alerts, auto-clean, 10-inch filter, unit and compressor warranty
Pros
- Highest output and largest bin here
- Quiet for its size and ETL certified
- Low-water and full-ice alerts
- Warranty on unit and compressor
Cons
- Far more capacity than a home needs
- Ships in two boxes that may arrive separately
- Requires a lot of floor space
7. 2 in 1 Cordless Countertop Ice Maker, Battery Powered Portable Countertop Ice Machine
Best for: outdoor plungers, campers, RV owners and anyone without an outlet near the tub.
Not every ice bath happens next to a kitchen. If your tub lives in a backyard, on a boat deck or at a campsite, this machine solves a problem the others cannot. It runs on two rechargeable 7.8Ah batteries or plugs into a regular outlet, so you can use it almost anywhere. The listing says it can make ice in about 6 minutes and up to 40 lbs per day, with small and large cube sizes. Large cubes are the better choice for a plunge, since bigger cubes melt more slowly.
Keeping a spare battery ready means you can swap one in while the other recharges. It runs at about 40dB, has a one-touch self-cleaning function, and comes in a stainless steel finish. The listing does not give a bin size or battery runtime, so check the full product page before buying if you plan to rely on it off-grid.
- Output: up to 40 lbs per day
- Power: two 7.8Ah rechargeable batteries or plug-in
- Ice sizes: small and large
- Noise: about 40dB
Pros
- Works with or without an outlet
- Two ice sizes and a spare battery
- Quiet and self-cleaning
Cons
- Output is modest for full tubs
- Bin size and battery runtime are not clearly listed
- Best as a top-up source, not your only ice supply
Get Colder Water With Less Ice: Simple Tips
- Make ice ahead of time. Ice that has sat in a cold bin for a day or more tends to be colder than ice that just formed, so it cools your water faster. Start the machine the day before.
- Use the thickest setting. Thicker cubes melt more slowly. Browse our best commercial ice makers for more thick-cube machines.
- Chill the water first. If your tap water is warm, running it cold in the tub for a while before adding ice saves a lot of ice.
- Cover the tub. A lid slows melting between sessions.
- Keep the machine cool. A hot room slows production. Give it good airflow and keep it out of direct sun.
- Clean on schedule. A dirty machine can make bad-tasting ice and run less efficiently. If yours stops producing, our guide on an ice maker not making ice can help.
Ice Maker vs Buying Bagged Ice vs Using a Chiller
| Option | Good For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker | Regular plunges, no store trips, ice on demand | Upfront cost, space, electricity and cleaning |
| Bagged ice | Trying ice baths before you commit | Repeat trips, storage and cost over time |
| Water chiller | Precise, steady temperature without ice | Higher upfront price and setup |
An ice maker is the middle road: it costs more than a few bags but less than a full chiller setup, and you keep the feel of real ice in the water.
Safety first. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Cold water can be risky, especially for people with heart or circulation problems. Mayo Clinic Health System says that beginners usually start with short sessions and build up slowly. The CDC lists uncontrollable shivering, confusion and loss of coordination as warning signs of hypothermia. For a plain-language overview of benefits and risks, see Cleveland Clinic’s ice bath guide and this AARP explainer on ice baths and cold water swimming. Talk to your doctor before you start, and never plunge alone. The CDC also publishes cold stress safety information that explains when to get emergency help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ice maker for ice baths?
For most home users, the EUHOMY 100 lb machine (#3) is our recommended pick because its 33 lb bin and 100 lb daily output match what a full tub needs. If you plunge only occasionally, the ROVSUN 70 lb (#2) is a good, smaller choice. Explore more options in our best countertop ice makers guide.
How much ice do I need for an ice bath?
Many guides suggest about 20 to 40 pounds for one tub, but it depends on tub size, water temperature and room temperature. Start with less, measure with a thermometer, and add more as needed.
Is nugget ice good for ice baths?
It works, but it is not ideal. Nugget ice is soft and melts faster than solid cubes. It is better for drinks. For plunges, thicker cubes from machines like #2 through #6 usually last longer.
Do I need a water line for an ice bath ice maker?
Not always. The ROVSUN (#2) accepts tap or bottled water, and the 150 lb under-counter model (#4) can use a faucet hose or a bucket. Larger commercial machines usually need a water supply and a drain, so check each listing.
Can I use a portable ice maker for ice baths?
Yes, for small tubs or as a top-up source. Portable machines make less ice per day, so plan ahead and store ice in advance. The cordless model (#7) is the best fit when no outlet is nearby. For more portable picks, see our best portable ice makers.
Is it cheaper to buy an ice maker or buy bagged ice?
If you plunge several times a week, bagged ice adds up quickly in both money and trips. A machine costs more upfront, but you stop buying bags. Work out your weekly ice use and compare. Remember to include electricity and cleaning supplies.
How often should I clean the machine?
Follow the manufacturer’s schedule. Several of these machines have a one-touch cleaning cycle. Clean more often if you use hard tap water or notice odor or cloudy ice.
Final Verdict
The right ice maker for your ice baths comes down to how often you plunge and how big your tub is. For most home users, our recommended pick is the EUHOMY 100 lbs/day with a 33 lb bin (#3). If you need a smaller or cheaper starting point, choose the ROVSUN 70 lbs/day (#2). Daily plungers and shared tubs will like the 150 lb under-counter machine (#4), and businesses should look at #5 or #6. For off-grid ice, the cordless model (#7) is the one to beat.
Match the machine to your routine, check the water and drain setup, and always put safety first. Looking for more help? Browse all our guides at Ice Maker Reviews.
