If you go through ice fast, get the built-in

A built-in ice maker is better than a countertop model if you actually use ice every day. But if you just want a bag of cubes for the weekend, don’t bother with the plumbing.

The whole point of a built-in is that it’s always on. It ties into your water line, makes ice automatically, and fills a bin until it’s full. You never think about it. That’s worth it if you have kids, entertain a lot, or just hate waiting for trays.

Countertop models with a water tank are fine for lighter use, but they’re not set-and-forget. You have to fill them, you get less ice, and if you forget to refill, you’re back to no ice. They’re also slower and take up counter space. The only real advantages are price and the fact that you don’t need a plumber to install one.

So the real question is how much ice you burn through. Daily heavy use? Built-in, no contest. Occasional mixed drinks and coolers? Save the money and the installation headache.

Your countertop space and your patience will tell you the answer.