First ice in 10 minutes, but don't plan a party around it

Most countertop ice makers drop the first batch in 6 to 15 minutes, but that first batch is small — maybe 8 to 10 cubes.

That first batch is slower because the machine has to chill the water and the whole system from scratch. If you start with warm tap water or the room is hot, it’ll lean toward the 15-minute end. The first batch is also usually thinner or smaller than the ones that follow.

Once it’s running, the cycle speeds up. Many machines make a full tray (1.5 to 2 pounds) in about an hour, depending on the model. So the real number to care about isn’t the first batch — it’s how many pounds per day the machine claims. Those claims are often optimistic, though, so treat them as a rough guide.

If you need ice for a party, start it an hour ahead. But for a drink or two, 10 minutes is genuinely fine.

Use it as an appetizer, not the main course.