The main places to buy an ice maker

You can buy an ice maker at big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco; appliance stores like Best Buy and local appliance dealers; online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay; and secondhand from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift stores. Each option has different prices, selection, and return policies, so your choice depends on whether you want to see the unit in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a lower price on a used model.

The retailer you choose also affects what happens if something goes wrong. Big-box stores usually have straightforward return windows of 30 to 90 days. Appliance specialty stores often offer longer warranties and may deliver and install for you. Online sellers vary widely—Amazon has a standard return window, but third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay may have their own rules. Secondhand purchases are almost always final sales.

Key Takeaways

  • Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock portable and countertop ice makers in a range of prices, with return windows of 30 to 90 days.
  • Appliance specialty stores carry more models and often include delivery, installation, and longer warranties, but prices are usually higher.
  • Amazon and other online marketplaces offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the unit before purchase.
  • Secondhand ice makers from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or thrift stores cost less but come with no warranty and are usually sold as-is.
  • Check the return policy and warranty length before you buy, especially if you are purchasing online or from a third-party seller.

Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco

Walmart and Target stock portable and countertop ice makers year-round in their appliance sections, both in-store and online. Prices typically range from $100 to $400 depending on the model and capacity. Both stores allow returns within 30 to 90 days if the item is unused or in original condition. If you buy online and pick up in-store, you can inspect the box before you leave and return it the same day if there is a problem.

Costco carries a smaller selection but often at lower prices than other retailers. You need a membership to shop there, and the return window is generous—Costco allows returns on most appliances for up to two years. The downside is that Costco's inventory changes frequently, so an ice maker you see one week may be gone the next.

Appliance specialty stores and local dealers

Stores like Best Buy, local appliance dealers, and regional chains like Abt Electronics or P.C. Richard carry more ice maker models than big-box stores and often have staff who can answer technical questions. Prices are usually 10 to 20 percent higher than Walmart or Target, but these stores often include delivery and sometimes installation at no extra cost. Many also offer extended warranties that cover parts and labor for two to five years.

If you buy from a local dealer, ask whether they service what they sell. Some will send a technician if the ice maker breaks during the warranty period; others will only replace it. This matters if your ice maker stops working and you want it fixed rather than replaced. Return policies at specialty stores vary, so ask before you buy—some allow 30 days, others 60.

Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and others

Amazon stocks hundreds of ice maker models from dozens of brands, often at prices lower than in-store retailers. You can read customer reviews, compare specs side by side, and have the unit shipped to your door. Amazon's standard return window is 30 days, and if the ice maker arrives damaged, Amazon usually replaces it at no cost. However, some ice makers on Amazon are sold by third-party sellers, not Amazon itself—check the seller's return policy before you buy, because it may be shorter or more restrictive.

eBay has both new and used ice makers, often at steep discounts. New units sold by authorized sellers usually come with a return window, but used units are almost always sold as-is with no returns. Read the seller's feedback score and return policy carefully. Shipping costs for ice makers can be high because they are heavy, so factor that into the total price.

Walmart.com and Target.com also sell online and allow in-store pickup or home delivery. Prices are the same as in-store, and you get the same return policy. This is useful if you want to order online but do not want to wait for shipping.

Secondhand options: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist list used ice makers from private sellers, often at 40 to 60 percent below retail price. You can message the seller, ask questions, and usually see photos of the unit before you meet. The advantage is that you can inspect it in person and sometimes test it before you hand over money. The disadvantage is that secondhand sales are almost always final—if the ice maker breaks a week after you buy it, you have no recourse.

Before you meet a seller, ask how long they have owned the ice maker, whether it works, and why they are selling it. Ask for photos of the inside, the water line connections, and the ice bin. If possible, ask the seller to plug it in and run it for a few minutes while you are there. Never send money before you see the unit in person.

Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army sometimes stock small appliances, including ice makers, at very low prices. The selection is unpredictable, and most thrift stores do not test appliances before they sell them, so you are buying blind. Some thrift stores allow returns within a few days if the item does not work, but policies vary by location—ask before you buy.

Comparing price and convenience

The cheapest option is usually secondhand from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where you might pay $50 to $150 for a used portable ice maker. The most convenient is usually Amazon or Walmart.com, where you can order in the morning and have it delivered within days. The best warranty and service is usually a local appliance dealer, where you pay more upfront but get installation and repair service included.

If you are buying your first ice maker and are not sure what size or features you need, buying in-store at Walmart or Target lets you see the unit and read the box before you commit. If you know exactly what you want and are price-sensitive, Amazon or a secondhand marketplace is faster and cheaper. If you want peace of mind and do not want to deal with returns, a local appliance store is worth the extra cost.

What to check before you buy

Before you complete a purchase, confirm the ice maker's water line requirements. Some models need a connection to your home's water supply; others fill from a reservoir you refill by hand. If you do not have a water line near where you want to put the ice maker, a manual-fill model is easier to install. Check the ice production rate—most portable models make 26 to 35 pounds of ice per day, which is enough for a household but not for entertaining large groups.

Look at the warranty length and what it covers. Most ice makers come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in parts and labor. Some retailers add an extra year or two. Read whether the warranty covers shipping if you need to send the unit back for repair. Check the return policy: if you buy in-store, you usually have 30 to 90 days; if you buy online from a third-party seller, you may have only 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an ice maker if I change my mind?

Yes, if you buy from a big-box retailer or Amazon within their return window—usually 30 to 90 days. The ice maker must be unused or in original condition. Secondhand purchases from private sellers are almost always final sales. Check the specific return policy before you buy, especially if you are purchasing from a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay.

Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?

Online prices are usually lower, especially on Amazon and during sales at Walmart.com or Target.com. Secondhand ice makers are the cheapest option overall. In-store prices at big-box retailers are competitive with online, but appliance specialty stores charge more. Factor in shipping costs if you buy online—ice makers are heavy and shipping can add $30 to $80 to the total.

What should I ask a secondhand seller before I buy?

Ask how long they have owned it, whether it works, and why they are selling. Request photos of the inside, water connections, and ice bin. If possible, ask them to plug it in and run it while you are there. Never send money before you inspect the unit in person, and expect no refund if it breaks after you take it home.

Do I need to install an ice maker myself?

Portable and countertop ice makers do not require installation—you just plug them in and fill the water reservoir or connect a water line. Built-in models usually need professional installation. Ask the retailer whether installation is included in the price, especially if you buy from an appliance specialty store.

What is the difference between a portable and a built-in ice maker?

Portable ice makers sit on your counter and cost $100 to $400. Built-in models are installed inside your refrigerator or under your counter and cost $500 to $2,000 or more. Portable models are easier to buy and move, but built-in models produce more ice and look neater. Most people buying their first ice maker choose portable.