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Running out of ice during a party or finding an empty tray in the freezer is a minor domestic tragedy. We live in an age of instant gratification, so waiting three hours for a plastic tray to freeze feels archaic.
The Silonn Countertop Ice Maker promises to solve this problem by churning out fresh ice in just 6 minutes. It’s compact, portable, and claims to produce 26 pounds of ice a day—enough to keep a small gathering’s drinks cold. But does it really work that fast, and is the ice actually good? I plugged one in to find out if it’s a kitchen essential or just another noisy appliance.
What is a Bullet Ice Maker?
Before diving into performance, it’s important to know what this machine makes. It produces “bullet ice”—cylindrical pieces of ice with a hollow center. They are white and cloudy (due to fast freezing), not clear like bar ice.
- Speed: The hollow center allows the ice to freeze from the inside and outside simultaneously, drastically cutting down freeze time.
- Texture: Bullet ice is softer than solid cubes. It won’t break your blender, and it’s easier to chew if that’s your thing.
- Two Sizes: You can choose “Small” (great for smoothies or water bottles with narrow necks) or “Large” (better for sodas and cocktails to minimize melting).
- Portability: At roughly the size of a toaster, you can easily move it to a home bar, RV, or campsite (as long as you have power).
Hands-On Experience: The Speed Test
I filled the 2-liter reservoir with water and hit the “ON” button. I selected “Large” ice. The machine hummed to life.
The First Batch
Exactly 6 minutes and 45 seconds later, I heard the clatter of ice dropping into the basket. The first batch was admittedly a bit thin and wet—this is normal as the machine cools down. By the third cycle (about 20 minutes in), the bullets were solid, thick, and freezing cold.
Noise Level
Ice makers are essentially mini freezers with a fan. The Silonn isn’t silent, but it’s not obnoxious. It hums at about the volume of a microwave running. The loudest part is the satisfying “clack-clack” of the ice dropping into the plastic basket.
The “Keeper” Issue
Crucial Note: This is an ice maker, not an ice freezer. The basket is insulated, but not refrigerated. If you leave the ice sitting there for hours, it will melt. The good news? The melted water drips back into the reservoir and gets recycled into new ice. It’s a continuous cycle, but you need to move the ice to your freezer if you want to store it long-term.
Pros and Cons
It’s fast and convenient, but it has limitations. Here is the honest breakdown.
| What I Loved (Pros) | What Could Be Better (Cons) |
|---|---|
| Speed: 6-7 minutes per batch is incredibly fast. You get ice almost on demand. | Melting: Ice melts in the basket over time; you must transfer it to a freezer. |
| Size: Compact footprint fits easily under standard cabinets. | Clumping: If you transfer wet ice to a freezer bag, it tends to freeze into a block. |
| Ease of Use: Just add water and press one button. The sensors handle the rest. | Cleaning: The drain plug is on the bottom, which can be awkward to empty over a sink. |
| Quiet Operation: The fan noise is unobtrusive for a kitchen environment. | Capacity: The basket fills up in about an hour (approx 1.5 lbs), requiring frequent emptying. |
Comparison: Is It Worth It?
Here is how the Silonn compares to a premium nugget ice maker and a traditional freezer tray.
| Feature | Silonn Bullet Maker (This Review) | GE Opal (Nugget Ice) | Freezer Tray |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Type 🧊 | Bullet (Hollow) | Nugget (Chewable) | Solid Cube |
| Time to Ice ⏱️ | 6-8 Minutes | 15-20 Minutes | 3-4 Hours |
| Daily Output ⚡ | 26 lbs | 24 lbs | ~2 lbs |
| Price 💰 | Affordable | Expensive ($500+) | Free |
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Silonn Countertop Ice Maker is a fantastic solution for households that constantly run out of ice. If you entertain often, have an RV, or just hate refilling plastic trays, this machine pays for itself in convenience alone.
While it doesn’t make the fancy “sonic ice” (nugget ice) that costs hundreds of dollars more, it delivers a reliable, endless stream of cold bullets for a fraction of the price. Just remember to empty the basket into your freezer regularly, and you’ll never drink a warm soda again.
