The Appliance That More Homeowners Are Making Space For In The Kitchen In 2026

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In 2026, there's one simple ingredient that's helping people elevate everything from their morning brew to their weekend hangs. The best part? It's not a speciality item you have to source at your local farmer's market or import from across the globe — it's just the humble ice cube.

Of course, ice cubes aren't exactly a new phenomenon. But if you take a scroll around social media, you'll find that people are finding all kinds of new ways to innovate with the little hunks of ice. With entertaining at home being as popular as ever, hosts want to make sure they've got enough ice on hand to whip up a cool cocktail or fresh fruit smoothie for the crowd. 

So how are these ice lovers ensuring they're never low on cubes? They're making room for one extra appliance in the kitchen — the ice maker. If your freezer already has an ice maker, you may be wondering how a stand alone ice machine compares. These gadgets can churn out pounds of ice in a variety of shapes in a matter of minutes. According to appliance manufacturer Kismile, "Ice makers are poised to become increasingly commonplace by 2026, ultimately evolving into essential household appliances for every family." Thanks to making everyday hydration more fun and hosting duties much easier, it's turning into one of those must-have appliances that add a touch of luxury to your home.

If you're ready to hop on the ice maker trend, shop around to see which model would work for you. Some of Costco's most popular ice makers are ones that create "Sonic" style nugget ice cubes, which people love for everything from their home coffee bar to their personal hydration stations. If you have limited countertop space, you might want to look into compact versions like the EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker — many of these are roughly a foot high and less than a foot wide. These compact versions are also nice for hosting, since many have a handle and are easy to carry from room to room or out to the backyard. If you're working with a little more kitchen space, the GE Profile Opal Countertop Ice Maker gets tons of love from professional reviewers and the comment section alike.

Can't figure out where to place your own ice maker? Many people squeeze it in some unused space near the fridge, making it convenient when you're mixing up drinks. It's also becoming more popular to set up a beverage station area in or around the kitchen — maybe at a bar cart, in one corner of the pantry, or in a recessed shelf. Here, you can place your ice maker next to drink accoutrement like fresh citrus, sweeteners, or mixers, along with your favorite glassware or straws.