When you’re outfitting your kitchen with the perfect suite of appliances, it can be easy to forget it’s often the smaller ones that really add to your quality of life. After all, you’ll always have an oven and fridge, but a specialty appliance can take an additional task off your hands and inject a big dose of convenience into your life.

A countertop ice maker is just such an appliance. The best portable ice maker has just one job to do, and you might be surprised at just how much you need one — even if you’ve never thought of owning one before.

Think it’s not for you? Think again. Here’s how a dedicated ice maker can change your life.

Nobody wants to run to the convenience store during a party because they’ve run out of ice. With an ice maker, you’ll never run out of cubes for guests’ drinks again. Choose a countertop ice maker that comes with an ice scoop and makes several pounds of ice for house parties and other gatherings.

Learn More: NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 33 lbs. with 2 ice sizes

NewAir Bullet Ice Countertop Ice Maker

Whether you live in a house, condo or an apartment with a galley kitchen, a small kitchen means a smaller fridge — and ultimately, less space in your freezer for ice storage. A small, countertop ice maker can solve your problem with ease, especially since a good one has a compact design that will take up only a bit more than a square foot of counter space.

Learn More: White NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 33 lbs. with 2 ice sizes

NewAir Bullet Ice Countertop Ice Maker

If you don’t have a freezer with an ice maker, you probably spend a fair amount of time refilling ice cube trays — and replacing them when they inevitably crack. A compact ice maker with a large water reservoir eliminates this chore so you can have ice when you need it most.

Learn More: Black NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 33 lbs. with 2 ice sizes

NewAir Bullet Ice Countertop Ice Maker

If you’re an aspiring mixologist, ice is an important part of every recipe. Just as important as the right ratio is making sure you have the right ice cube sizes and ice that is crystal clear, so you don’t mess with the final taste of the drink. Whether you are mixing up a craft cocktail or just want to highlight that awesome aged Scotch, you can opt for a professional-grade clear ice maker that creates the right ice size and eliminates cloudiness for the ultimate drink.

Learn More: NewAir Clear Ice Countertop Ice Maker, 40 lbs. of ice a day

NewAir Bullet Ice Countertop Ice Maker. Photo taken by @stirandstrain

Outdoor kitchen and bar setups are all the rage these days, and you can get a lot more enjoyment out of your patio space with a tabletop ice maker that creates ice on the daily, keeping you well stocked for refreshments while enjoying an ice cold drink under the summer heat.

Learn More: NewAir Clear Ice Countertop Ice Maker, 40 lbs. of ice a day

NewAir Bullet Ice Countertop Ice Maker

If you’re living the dorm life, you probably have to get by without a kitchen — but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Go halfsies with your roommate for a compact ice maker in addition to that mini fridge, and you’ll be able to enjoy cold bottled water whenever you want, without heading all the way to campus cafeteria water dispenser just for a cold drink.

Learn More: NewAir Portable Countertop Ice Maker, 33 lbs. with 2 ice sizes

If you’re bringing home food after a hunting expedition or fishing trip in the hot summer, you’ll almost certainly need an ice bucket or two to keep your meat fresh. Whether you need ice for your fresh catch or your cooler of drinks, a portable ice cube maker will make it easy to do both—especially if you’re hunkering down at a remote cabin where resources are tight.

Learn More: NewAir Countertop Ice Maker, 50 lbs. of ice a day and 3 ice sizes

While full kitchens are all the rage in new office spaces, your company might not have one. You can outfit your break room with a tabletop ice maker for extra convenience for you and your coworkers. With everything you need at hand, you’ll be more productive than ever before.

Learn More: NewAir Countertop Ice Maker, 50 lbs. of ice a day and 3 ice sizes

A portable ice maker is small enough to fit anywhere, but its impact on your life can be enormous. No matter what size your house, how big your parties or which hobbies you enjoy most, there’s certainly a place in your life — and your kitchen or home bar — for a countertop ice maker.