The Silonn SLIM21 has another task, to destroy the low-end ice maker competition. In some ways, it is as cheap as a no-name countertop ice maker that you can find randomly on Amazon, and it still has self-cleaning feature, handle and good ice production like its brothers – the Silonn SLIM09 and Silonn SLIM01. Time for my Silonn SLIM21 review.
In Ice Artisan, I only review the ice makers that I had used or repaired. So I can guarantee that:
- I give you honest review (both pros and cons) of an ice maker. No hidden deal behind the website.
- I share my technician’s point of view, so I focus not only on the performance, but also the build of an ice maker.
- I compile an ice maker ranking list (coming soon) so you can compare all ice makers easily.
Jump to:
PROS
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Great pricing
- One-button operation
CONS
- Mixed durability
Silonn is a Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer that has steadily built its reputation in the home appliance space since entering the market. The company positions itself as an environmental protection brand, focusing primarily on ice makers and water-related products.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Costs $69 in the U.S market
The budget countertop ice maker market has exploded in recent years, with dozens of Chinese manufacturers flooding Amazon with near-identical bullet ice machines. Naturally, this got consumers wondering whether spending $400+ on premium models like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 was really necessary. But that never quite materialized into a clear answer.
After extensive testing (in a time when ice maker options have proliferated to confusing levels), I’ve finally put the Silonn SLIM21 through its paces. While it is part of the budget ice maker category, it actually marks a sensible approach for the brand – trying to beat even the no-name countertop bullet ice makers on market.
It starts with reliable bullet ice production powered by a capable compressor, which gives it adequate output for daily use. The Silonn SLIM21’s closest rivals won’t have the self-cleaning feature, once again reminding us that it aims to win the specs race.
Yes, at $69, the Silonn SLIM21 costs $20 cheaper than the Euhomy IM-06 and Frigidaire EFIC123-SS, while having the self-cleaning feature. I don’t believe in my eye until I have chance to try one Silonn countertop ice maker – and I immediately become a fan.
It would be cheaper even more than the Silonn SLIM09, and you really should take a look at the best deal for this countertop ice maker right now.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Durability
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Design
- Top control board
- Has a convenient handle
Silonn admits through their product lineup that cutting-edge design was never their primary focus, with earlier models sporting generic appearances. But they’ve clearly put thought into the Silonn SLIM21’s execution. For a budget ice maker, it’s done a fine job at creating a machine that is practical, portable, unobtrusive and thoughtful – all at once!
The body is predominantly ABS plastic with a transparent lid that allows you to monitor the ice-making process. What we didn’t like was the generic appearance that doesn’t do much to distinguish it from dozens of similar budget ice makers flooding the market.
The ice basket sits inside with a simple design. There’s no RGB lighting or flashy accents here — Silonn has played it safe with a purely functional approach. We’re fans of how the machine balances practicality without unnecessary gimmicks.
The best design choice is the integrated carry handle on top. Apparently one of the few portable ice makers to truly emphasize portability, the Silonn SLIM21 has a sturdy handle that makes single-handed transport genuinely comfortable. It might seem like a small touch but goes a long way in making it more practical for RV trips, outdoor events, or simply moving between rooms.
These convenience-driven elements are important as the machine weighs 13.67 pounds otherwise, which isn’t particularly heavy but benefits from the proper carrying solution. Thankfully, the weight is well distributed from the front to the back.
The Silonn SLIM21 is also reasonably compact at 8.7 x 11.4 x 11.6 inches, without sacrificing the water reservoir capacity or ice production capabilities. It is one of the more space-efficient designs in the budget segment.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Build
- Silonn has decent durability
In the past, Silonn has relied on basic plastic construction across their ice maker lineup. The Silonn SLIM21 continues this approach with ABS plastic housing that feels adequate but far from premium.
One of the most affordable ice makers with standard compressor technology, the machine uses air-cooling exclusively. It comes with ventilation that requires at least 3 inches of clearance on all sides, standard operating requirements for this category.
I’m satisfied with the build quality for the price point, with reasonable material choices and solid assembly. The plastic doesn’t feel flimsy, though it certainly won’t match the robustness of commercial-grade stainless steel units. The transparent lid is average quality that tends to smudge easily.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Performance
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 1.2 lbs
There is nothing to expect from a typical countertop bullet ice maker, and the Silonn SLIM21 does it as usual. It produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day. It is standard for this category, though real-world performance varies significantly from marketing claims.
In my testing, the machine produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 6-8 minutes under normal room temperature (72°F). The daily production capacity realistically reaches 14-18 pounds rather than the advertised 26 pounds – a gap that’s common across the industry when accounting for cycling time, user intervention, and melting.
Expectedly, it performs adequately for most household ice needs. Things get more challenging when you need continuous production for large gatherings. The 1.3-pound storage basket fills quickly, triggering the “ice full” sensor every 90-120 minutes during active use. This means frequent emptying compared to larger models.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- A bit softer, cloudy
The Silonn SLIM21 has a single ice type – hollow bullet ice with two size options. Again, it is the same thing you can expect from other countertop ice makers at its price range.
Each bullet measures approximately 1 inch long and 0.6 inches in diameter (large), with small bullets running 20% smaller. The ice emerges slightly cloudy rather than crystal clear, which is standard for recirculating systems. The hollow center allows for fast freezing but compromises on longevity once added to drinks. The Silonn countertop ice maker produces bullet ices that are a bit softer than normal.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Energy and Water Consumption
- Normal water and energy consumption
I wrote an article of “How much electricity does an ice maker use?” to give you a free calculator to find out whether you are spending more on your ice maker or not. The Silonn SLIM21 runs off a 160-watt compressor, which provides adequate power for ice production. I was able to measure energy consumption consistently, finding it uses approximately 0.38-0.48 kWh per day with 8 hours of operation. With moderate use, $1.50-2.00 monthly electricity costs are realistic at average.
The water consumption is straightforward with the recirculating system. The machine uses approximately 12 gallons per 100 pounds of ice produced, accounting for evaporation and the initial reservoir fill.
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Silonn SLIM21 Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
The Silonn SLIM21 operates at approximately 40 decibels during the ice-making cycle, which is quieter than most refrigerators (42dB). The noise profile is gentle and unobtrusive – a soft compressor hum accompanied by occasional water circulation sounds.
The loudest moment occurs during ice release when cubes drop into the basket, producing a brief clatter around 45-50dB. This lasts only 2-3 seconds and sounds similar to ice dropping from a refrigerator dispenser. Compared to background noise in a typical home (40-50dB), the machine blends in well.
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Features
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
The Silonn SLIM21 runs with a minimal feature set, which is both a limitation and a strength depending on your perspective. The control panel offers three buttons: power on/off, small ice selection, and large ice selection. It is certainly a typical countertop ice maker under $100.
The self-cleaning function activates by holding the power button for 5 seconds. The machine then circulates water through the system for 5-10 minutes, helping remove mineral buildup. It’s a basic implementation without the dedicated cleaning cycles of premium models, but it functions adequately for routine maintenance.
Via the LED indicators, you monitor three status conditions: power on, water low, and ice full. These work reliably without complicated menus or touchscreens that can malfunction. The system uses basic sensors that have proven dependable across thousands of units.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
After the Silonn SLIM01 and Silonn SLIM09, the Silonn SLIM21 continues the best of countertop ice makers at a much cheaper price.
Silonn SLIM21 Review: Trusted Review in 2025
The Silonn SLIM21 has another task, to destroy the low-end ice maker competition. In some ways, it is as cheap as a no-name countertop ice maker that you can find randomly on Amazon, and it still has self-cleaning feature, handle and good ice production like its brothers - the Silonn SLIM09 and Silonn SLIM01. Time for my Silonn SLIM21 review.
Product Brand: Silonn
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 69
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.9
