Midea MERI26B1AGY Countertop Ice Maker Review

Intro

The Midea MERI26B1AGY is a compact countertop bullet-ice maker designed for home, office, dorms, and RVs. The listing highlights fast batches of ice bullets (eight pieces in six minutes), two size settings, a removable 0.9 lb ice bucket, and an auto-clean feature — plus a stated daily capacity of up to 26 pounds. Owner feedback praises the convenience and ice quality but repeatedly flags noise, a small reservoir, and a few reliability hiccups. This review walks through how that translates to real-world use, build details straight from the listing, safety considerations based on owner reports, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy one.

What it is / first look

At face value the MERI26B1AGY is a no-frills, portable ice maker intended to sit on a counter or tuck into a compact space. The product dimensions in the listing are 11.6" deep x 8.4" wide x 11.6" high, and the material type is listed as metal and plastic. The model name and number appear as Midea MERI26B1AGY (part number MERI26B1AGY), and the refrigerant called out in the official specs is R600a. The listing also notes the unit includes an ice scoop and an ice basket, and that the removable ice bucket holds about 0.9 lb of ice.

Primary selling points from the manufacturer copy are straightforward: bullet-ice in two sizes, fast ice cycles (8 bullets per batch in roughly 6 minutes), compact portability for kitchens, offices or RVs, an auto-clean function, and a stated maximum daily output of 26 lb of ice. Colors shown in the listing are Grey and Green, so you can expect the unit to appear in at least those two finishes.

In daily use

Owners consistently report that the MERI26B1AGY does what it promises: it makes solid bullet-shaped ice and dispenses batches on a cycle measured in minutes. Multiple buyers say the ice quality is good for chilling drinks and that the unit is easy to set up and use right out of the box. The included scoop and removable basket make moving ice to cups or coolers convenient for small gatherings.

Small apartment, dorm, or RV

The compact footprint and the listing’s emphasis on portability make this ice maker an obvious fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RV counters. Owners buying for dorm use report it’s easy to set up and appreciated in situations where a full freezer-equipped refrigerator isn’t available. Because the ice bucket is removable (listed capacity 0.9 lb), you can transfer ice to another container if you need more storage space.

Office use

Several buyers mention adding this to an office kitchen or breakroom. The machine’s ability to produce up to 26 lb of ice per day, according to the listing, is useful in small shared spaces. That said, owner feedback indicates the water tank is not plumbed in — users add water manually — so someone will need to refill the reservoir periodically.

Entertaining and parties

For casual parties the MERI26B1AGY can be a convenience booster: eight ice bullets every six minutes adds up. Owners who used it for small gatherings found it useful, but a common theme is the ice reservoir’s limited holding capacity. If you’re planning back-to-back rounds of drinks for more than a few guests, expect to ferry ice to a cooler or refill the bucket multiple times rather than rely on one continuous run without intervention.

Performance notes from owners

• Batch timing: The listing states 8 ice bullets ready in 6 minutes, and owners generally report cycle times in that ballpark.
• Daily capacity: The product is listed to produce up to 26 lb of ice in 24 hours; owners cite that output as a reasonable maximum under typical use.
• Noise: A repeated owner complaint is the machine is noticeably noisy while running. Several buyers described it as louder than expected for a countertop unit.
• Reservoir size: Multiple buyers call the reservoir/ice bucket small, which means frequent refilling or transferring ice to another container during heavier use.
• Reliability: While many owners report trouble-free use, there are reports of at least one machine developing a fault after about a month — display lights flashing and the unit freezing solid — that required power cycling to resume operation.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the material type as metal and plastic; it does not offer a detailed bill of materials, nor does it provide certification information for food-contact surfaces in the product copy. The unit ships with a removable 0.9 lb ice bucket, an ice basket, and an ice scoop included in the box.

Feature highlights in the listing that relate to build and function:

• Two-size bullet ice options for quicker cooling (smaller bullets) or slower-melting cocktail-style ice (larger bullets).
• Auto-clean: the listing describes a one-touch auto-clean function intended to make upkeep easier.
• Portable footprint: 11.6"D x 8.4"W x 11.6"H, making it a compact countertop appliance.
• Refrigerant: listed as R600a, which is the refrigerant specified in the product specs.

Owner feedback suggests the build is functional and generally meets expectations for an entry-level countertop ice maker. Buyers who emphasize value say the unit delivers usable, solid ice and is easy to place on a counter. However, the repeated mention of noise and the relatively small internal bucket are real-world confirmations that the design prioritizes compact convenience over quiet operation or large storage capacity.

Safety considerations

Safety-first is a practical lens when buying any countertop appliance. From the listing we can point to a couple of facts: the product runs on 115 volts (listed voltage) and uses refrigerant R600a (listed). The listing also states the unit includes a one-touch auto-clean function, which the manufacturer positions as a way to keep the unit clean and running efficiently.

Owner feedback contributes important real-world safety signals:

• Noise: It's repeatedly described as "noticeably noisy." While noise itself isn't a direct safety hazard, loud mechanical noise can indicate vibration or a stressed compressor in some cases. Follow manufacturer instructions if you hear unusual sounds, and power-cycle if the machine behaves strangely.
• Malfunction reports: At least one owner reported a malfunction where the control/display flashed and the tray froze solid after a month of use. That report suggests checking the unit regularly for fault indicators and being prepared to power-cycle or contact the manufacturer if lights flash or production stops.
• Refill method: Owner notes indicate the unit is not plumbed — you add water manually. That reduces plumbing risks but increases the chance of spills. Place the unit on a level, water-resistant surface and keep the power cord and plug dry.

What the listing does not specify: there is no explicit mention of third-party safety certifications, NSF/FDA food-contact claims, or explicit flame/heat protections in the product copy. The refrigerant type is listed, but the listing does not expand on regulatory or certification details. For any safety or food-contact concerns, verify current listing/manufacturer documentation and follow the included instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use case guidance based strictly on the listing and owner patterns:

Good fit

• Small kitchens, dorm rooms, and RVs where countertop space is limited — the compact dimensions make it easy to tuck away.
• Offices and breakrooms that need a modest steady supply of bullet ice (remembering the reservoir is small and you refill manually).
• Casual entertaining for small groups where you’ll move ice to a cooler or serve in short bursts rather than relying on one continuous large storage capacity.
• Buyers who want two bullet-ice sizes and a quick cycle — the listing’s claimed 6-minute batch time and two-size option speak to versatility for drinks and cocktails.

Skip this one if

• You need a quiet appliance for night use or a shared office where noise is a concern — multiple owners note that it can be noticeably loud.
• You regularly host larger parties and want an integrated or plumbed unit with a larger internal storage capacity; the listing’s removable 0.9 lb bucket and owner feedback on a small reservoir mean frequent refills for heavier demand.
• Reliable, long-term heavy duty use is critical — while many owners report solid performance, there are mixed reliability signals including at least one early malfunction report.

Verdict

The Midea MERI26B1AGY is a compact, affordable countertop ice maker that delivers on its central promise: quick batches of bullet ice with two size settings and a removable bucket for easy transfer. The product listing lists key specs that help set expectations — 8 ice bullets in ~6 minutes, up to 26 pounds of ice per day, 11.6" x 8.4" x 11.6" dimensions, and included accessories (ice scoop and basket). Owners generally like the ice quality and the unit’s portability.

Real-world buyer feedback tempers enthusiasm with practical caveats. Noise is a common complaint, and the small internal bucket means active maintenance (refilling water and emptying/transfer of ice) during heavier use. There are a few reliability notes — one owner reported a display fault and a frozen tray after about a month — so expect mixed long-term outcomes. For dorms, RVs, or small offices looking for a budget-friendly, space-saving solution, the MERI26B1AGY is a sensible pick. For larger households or for buyers who need whisper-quiet operation or large, continuous ice storage, look for a different model with bigger capacity and quieter operation.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the listed dimensions (11.6"D x 8.4"W x 11.6"H) will fit your intended counter space and that you have room to refill the water reservoir.
• Decide whether a 0.9 lb removable ice bucket and manual water refill match your usage pattern — owner feedback points to frequent refills for heavier use.
• Be prepared for noticeable operating noise according to several owners; if noise is a dealbreaker, consider a quieter alternative.
• Verify current manufacturer documentation for cleaning instructions and any safety/certification information you need; the listing mentions a one-touch auto-clean function but does not list third-party certifications.
• Expect to transfer ice to a cooler or container for larger gatherings — the machine’s compact bucket is not meant for long-term bulk storage.

FAQ

See the FAQ section below for quick answers to common shopper questions. Each response is grounded in the official listing and patterns in owner feedback.