Space. If you’ve got a family that goes through a lot of ice and have plenty of space, there are plenty of countertop ice makers that will keep your beverages cool. But if you only entertain occasionally and are reluctant to lose counter space to a new appliance, consider a high-quality portable ice maker that you can easily stow away when you’re not using it. Shape. A good ice maker will give you plenty of options to customize your cubes, from shaved ice for frozen desserts to substantial cubes for serious cocktails. Great ice should be smooth and go easy on your hands or lips. Look for a machine that produces bullet or nugget shapes and gives you size options.Technology. As with most appliances, you can now purchase an ice maker with smart options. Take convenience to the next level and control the ice-making from an app on your phone via Bluetooth.